Fall 2015 To-Do List

The beautiful golden leaves and blue skies of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Can you believe it’s Fall again? I really can’t. But I’m pumped mainly because that means the Florida heat will ease up a bit this season…well, towards the end…and I’ll actually get to wear sleeves and maybe, just maybe, a jacket. But, I’m also excited about the lead up to the holidays. It’s actually Fall that’s my favorite season (despite the evergreen leaves in SoFla), because of the anticipation of the joy of the holiday season, the change in fashion trends, and (in case I didn’t mention) it gets a little cooler here in Miami. Phew. I’m ready. I’m running out of Evian spritz.

What do you have planned for the season? Here’s my Fall 2015 To-Do List and I can’t wait to dig in:

Paint Pumpkins

With sunny days still steaming along in Miami in late October, carved pumpkins don’t last longer than a few hours outside. Last year, after a few too many shriveled jackolanterns on our front step, we opted to paint our pumpkins instead. Genius for Floridians. Last year, my two boys chose the Mickey Mouse & Angry Birds kits. We’ll see what we end up with this Halloween.

Weekend Escape Without Kids

Much of the next 3 months are spent festively at holiday activities for the kids or preparing for major entire family holiday get-togethers. So, it’s important for us to book a staycation one weekend (without the rugrats) to remain sane through the fun but crazy holiday season ahead and keep that spark alive. We’re thinking 2 nights at Marenas Beach Resort in Sunny Isles will do the trick…and then some.

Go SUP

The stand up paddleboard (SUP) outing I booked for my husband’s birthday last month was cancelled due to tropical storm like winds (thanks, Erika). So, we’re determined to get out there before the water gets a bit chilly…because we know, at some point, we’re gonna fall off that board. Looking to rent here in Miami? I’d suggest South Beach Kayak, a small family owned (and friendly) biz on South Beach.

Thanks to Tropical Storm Erika, our last attempt at SUP ended up like this. Not so bad.

Commit to our Halloween Costumes

As all parents know, you’ve got to commit to a Halloween costume early in order to get the exact model desired, in the right size, and shipped home in time for the spooktacular evening on the 31st. So far, my 3 year old is leaning toward Mario of Mario Brothers and my 5 year old wants to be Darth Maul. Seriously? How about Luigi?? Clearly he takes after his father in wanting to be the scariest thing possible. Last year, he was Darth Vader. And my husband has previously been Larry David of Curb Your Enthusiasm, the hitman from No Country For Old Men, Jimmy MacElroy from Blades of Glory, and long bearded Brian Wilson of the SF Giants. Creative? Yes. Attractive? Hell no. Last year, he finally agreed to dress in a couple’s costume with me when I said we HAD to be Teresa and Juicy Joe of RHONJ. Thank god so we weren’t in Party City on October 30th.

Finally, my husand agreed to a couple’s costume with me. Happy Halloween (last year) from Juicy Joe & Teresa from RHONJ.

Just Keep Swimming

Since we don’t have a heated swimming pool (yes, you actually need that in Miami), our swimming days are numbered. So we plan on cannonballing in as much as possible before it gets a wee too cool for our warm FL bods. The good news, though, is that as soon as we “close” the pool for the season, we spark up the jacuzzi. That hot tub has been calling my name for months…along with the champagne in the fridge.

The reflection of two palms in my pool…which I will be cannonballing into and ruining soon.

Schedule Holiday Card Photo Shoot

I’m determined this year to schedule our holiday card family photo shoot (yup, I’m so that mom) for LATEST early November. This way, they arrive in friends and family mailboxes the first week of December. I’m dreaming of a Vaccarino family shot in front of the Wynwood Walls printed on a foiled card from Minted. Ugh, can you just imagine coordinating outfits in front of those colorful walls? Not to mention, then I’ve got to get them to stop looking at the walls and look at the camera. I’m crazy and I know it. But it may be our only family photo of the year. Wish me luck.

Explore A New City

We are hoping to explore a new city this Fall and we have Austin and Atlanta on our minds. I was dreaming of getting to Austin for Austin City Limits next weekend to see the Foo Fighters (among a zillion other fun bands) but we couldn’t make it happen. Atlanta just seems like a fun, quick escape too from Florida. Luckily, from Miami, our flights are frequent and often reasonably priced especially if you’re searching Google Flights, my fave lately. Plus, Starwood Points always make hotel choices a lot easier! So, if we could just squeeze it into the calendar somewhere (is anyone else already scheduling 3 months of holiday events?) then we’re going to head on an adventure…maybe with maybe without kids. Gotta love Grandparents!

Tackle Holiday Wish Lists Early

Again, I’m determined to be the early bird this year and tackle holiday wish lists early. This way, I’ll avoid the mall crowds, I’m not stressing right up to Christmas Eve about what to get people, and I don’t completely obliterate our December budget. I’ve already spotted holiday presents at Costco last weekend and have discovered a few new, fun toys on my list for the boys this season: Spooner Boards, Tiki Toss, Laser Pegs Lego Light Up Cars, & Strato-Slam Rocket. Not to mention, what’s always on the list (but never seems to get crossed off), Disney Annual Passes or a Disney Cruise.

Try to Master a Thanksgiving Dish

Ha! I can’t even write about trying to master a Thanksgiving dish without laughing. I’m terrible in the kitchen. The worst. Seriously, I’ve messed up boxed brownies before. But maybe, I’ll attempt this jalepeño cheddar corn casserole again for my in-laws. Or, I’ll spare them and just bring a festive Thanksgiving plate with one of those cute turkey-decorated Nothing Bundt Cakes on it.

Buckle Down on P90x3 Diet & Exercise

Now that I have bundt cakes on my mind, this buckling down on P90x3 diet & exercise thing doesn’t seem like such a good idea. But, I know it’s necessary. Sigh. It really does make my whole body feel better and my clothes fit better too. But, yeah, zero fun. At least it’s an excuse for cute new sneakers? I’ll take these.

I’ll be buckling down on diet & exercise this season…just so I can blow it all next season.

Finish My 2016 Destination Wishlist

I like to finish my destination wish list for the following year before it actually starts so there’s more of a chance of actually making it on any of the trips! Here’s what I’m hoping is on my itinerary for 2016: NYC, Colorado, Marco Island, North Carolina, Austin (for Austin City Limits!), Amelia Island, Dallas (family visit), Virginia (more family visiting), Sedona, and a Disney World weekend. Hmm, better start racking up some travel points!

Decide NYE Plans & Secure Sitter

Does everyone else wait until the umpteeth hour to decide their New Years Eve Plans? Again, I’m hoping to be better on that this year. Step one, secure sitter. Step two, corner friends and family until they can commit to plans. They’re no better than we are. Step three? Shop and schedule a blow out! I mean, really, isn’t that the best part? Honestly, I don’t care where I celebrate NYE, couch or blow out party. As long as I’m with the ones I love, it’s party enough for me. Besides, I can’t remember when this mama was up past 12:30 a.m. Okay, maybe it was last New Year’s Eve.

Last year’s NYE celebration with friends…clearly, we didn’t have any fun.

Score 12 Holiday Giveaways for YOU

It’s my goal, this December, to score 12 Arrive Chic holiday giveaways for you! I’m working on it, but hopefully, every day from December 1st to December 12th, I’ll have a new giveaway up for you all to enter to win! Whether you give them as holiday gifts or keep them for yourselves, I wanted to do a little something extra for my readers! Wish me luck and let me know what you’d love to see as a giveaway and I’ll try and make it happen!

What’s on your Fall 2015 To-Do List? Hopefully you get to escape too before the holiday rush! Leave a comment below on what you’d love to see as part of the 12 holiday giveaways this December!

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