Check the entire “5 things that bring me joy this week” weekly series here.

We’re getting a preview of real fall here today — though it only applies to temperatures, no changing leaves here… It inevitably makes me feel nostalgic and leaves me longing for coziness.

If you live in an area that’s experiencing this incredible gift from nature, make sure to pause for a moment to smell the leaves and take in the views. After all, this only happens once a year!

Here are the 5 things that are bringing me joy this week.

• the breathtaking fall foliage photos I’ve been seeing all over Instagram and the web. If you need ideas for leaf peeping next year, check this article. The photo I’m featuring above is, of course, taken by me in a place very dear to my heart. I would move there immediately if it wasn’t so cold and secluded (meaning, it’s lacking things that we’re used to and can’t give up on… yet…).

• Baking season! I mean, I use my oven year-round, but definitely more (and guilt-free) once the weather cools down as it also helps heat the place. In fact, one of the items on my “to-do” list today includes baking as it’s shockingly cold for us, considering the time of year!

• this face serum I’ve been using as of late. Skincare that makes a difference always brings joy!

• new Sarah Flint shoes en route to me! I am utterly in love with this brand, and everything they do! Their products are on the expensive side (which is justifiable), and with a limited budget these days, I have to keep biting my lip at the stunning designs… But finally, I made it happen, and one of my top favorite Sarah Flint shoes are on their way to me! The joy is indescribable! *Note that you can save $60 on your 1st purchase when you use code SARAHFLINT-BABLOOMINGMAGNOLIAS — wouldn’t that be a great holiday gift for yourself or a loved one?

• dress up season! You know I love dressing up — it brings me joy — and with the upcoming holiday season, I won’t be looking out of place anymore, haha! Really though, let’s normalize looking nice, even if it’s only for running errands.

What’s bringing YOU joy this week?

xo,

Em