While summer isn't officially over, it sure feels like it is. Temperatures in the low to mid sixties have blanketed New Haven and I feel as though I have had chronic goose bumps for the last 48 hours. I could frown at this change, put away my shorts and sundresses for the winter and think about how many times I didn't go to the beach this summer. Instead, I am embracing fall with open arms.

I am ready for the smell of cinnamon, the taste of pumpkin and long hikes in woods that are rife with yellow and red leaves. To prepare for this, I am offering a list of my 10 fall favorites. Some of which are trends, some of which are just things I like to do that you should try too if you have the end-of-summer blues.

FYI: This list is in no particular order of favorites.

1) Scarves - these are actually very trendy, if you haven't noticed. Knit, silk or cotton, these accessories are crucial for fall style. Oh, and they keep your neck warm so they are actually practical.

2) Hot cocoa/hot cider - perfect when you come in from a nice, long walk outside and those are a nice change from summer drinks like seltzer and lemonade

3) Aforementioned hikes in the woods on a crisp day - once summer starts to dwindle, so does exercise. Hiking is a great way to stay in shape in the colder season while enjoying the change around you. Picnics in the woods and camping should also be added to this list. They also let you play outside in weather that isn't sweltering.

4) Baking - where do I start? Pumpkin squares, pumpkin bars, pumpkin pie, apple pie, cornbread ... OK, I'll stop. The point is, baking is the ideal fall activity. You fill your house/apartment with great smells and usually, baking involves brightening peoples' days.

5) Carving pumpkins - this may be the messiest favorite on the list. I would look forward to this every October since childhood and I still enjoy it. It is a time for families to get together and enjoy each others' company ... maybe even have some friendly competition.

6) Dressing up for Halloween - I will never stop dressing up in costume on Halloween no matter how old I am and I don't think you should either. It gives you a chance to be someone or something entirely different for a day. Who doesn't love that idea?

7) Apple picking (which brings with it apple cider and of course, apple cider doughnuts) - this is another childhood favorite and it forces me to cook or bake something with apples, which makes fall all the more enjoyable, as I mentioned before.

8) Corn mazes - I guess I enjoy getting lost ... I can't really explain why I like this other than I have no sense of direction and enjoy a challenge. I also like the mazes that incorporate another interest of mine: trivia.

9) Reading/ writing - fall is a time for reflection and I think reading and writing is a perfect way to soak up the season and just think. In the summer I am distracted by sunshine, in the winter by snow and in the spring by counting the days until summer. Whether you're a writer, painter, thinker or something else entirely, it is a good time for reflection.

10) Cooking new things - my college roommates would be shocked by this seeing as I could barely fry an egg by senior year. But recently, I have found that I have more time to cook in the fall and the food in that season has the best flavor. You can put cinnamon on anything. Trust me.

11) Can I add my birthday to this list? It's a fall fave but I have a feeling the majority of people aren't going to get excited about this...

Those 10 things (OK, OK you can forget number 11) should get you through the end of October at least. There will be more blog posts about actual trends before then and I can almost guarantee that there will be a similar list like this about Thanksgiving.

Now go grab some hot cocoa and start crossing things off of the list!