Is it Fall Yet? September…The kiddos are back in school, and the days are growing shorter. Here in the South, a few mornings greet us with cooler air, and the first hints of color begin to brush the trees. Nature slows its pace—plants and animals preparing to rest—while we humans savor this brief pause, the calm before the joyful chaos of the holiday season.


But really—is it fall yet? The outside temperature can’t seem to make up its mind. It’s still hot enough that I’m swatting at mosquitoes, yet pumpkin spice has suddenly appeared in everything from lattes to candles. My porch mums are blooming beautifully, even if the weather hasn’t quite caught up with the calendar. So I’ve decided—I’m choosing to lean into fall early, whether the weather agrees or not.
After all, the best parts of fall are worth celebrating: football games and Friday night lights, pumpkins on doorsteps, mums in full color, and the rustle of leaves as they begin their glorious transformation. There’s the faintest hint of coolness in the evening air, just enough to dream of comfy sweaters and cozy nights ahead. Fall may be tiptoeing in slowly, but my heart is already there—ready to savor every moment of the season. What parts of the season do you enjoy most… something to contemplate over a Vanilla Maple Carmel Iced Coffee.

Vanilla Maple Carmel Iced Coffee

Ingredients

8 oz of your favorite brewed bold coffee – COLD
2 T of Half and Half
2 T of the NEW Coffeemate Vanilla + Caramel DUO
2 T of Maple Syrup

Directions

Mix all ingredients in a shakable container (I used a Mason Jar with a lid) filled 3/4 full of ice.

Shake vigorously. Enjoy!