Fall Bucket List: 30 blissful things to do this Fall

Are you ready for Fall? This post will inspire you to be more mindful this season with 30 fall activities that will nourish your soul.

Well friends, Fall is officially here.

Absolutely nothing makes me happier.

I don’t know what it is about Fall but this is the season where I always feel like I am falling in love. I can remember my first Fall in New York, it was the most magical time of my life. I will never forget the smell of the air, the slowing down and the joy of finally being able to make the switch from shorts and sandals to dressing in hats and boots.

Fall is also the time where I have a long list of the some of my most favorite traditions and fun group outings to do that just make you feel so good. I am also obsessed with Fall fashion and coming up with chic Fall outfit ideas, the boots, the sweaters, the handbags. I absolutely love it. So, I pulled together a list of my favorite things to do for Fall that make this my favorite season of all.

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Related Reading:

💛 15 Fall reset rituals according to Martha Stewart

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💛 How to set your Fall intentions

30 blissful things to do for Fall:

01| Declutter the clothes in your closet.

The first thing you will want to do is prepare your closet for the outfits you are going to want to wear. I like to go through and get rid of anything worn, torn or too dirty/damaged to clean. I’ve learned to live with the motto ‘quality over quantity’ and I like for this to specifically apply to my closet. You can do my very specific closet cleansing ritual that I swear by.

02 | Pick out a new perfume.

One of my girlfriends told me that she just purchased Tom Ford Lost Cherry and its a perfectly warm Fall scent. I am currently wearing Kay Ali Vanilla 28 and loving every minute of it. Whatever feels warm and sexy, its time to start wearing it.

03 | Transition your breakfast to Fall.

There is nothing I love more than iced coffee on a cold day but Ayurveda teaches us that as the temperatures drop, it is important for us to move to grounding and comforting foods. Think pumpkin flavored warm drinks and soup with root veggies.

04 | Try adding cinnamon to your morning coffee.

The benefits of cinnamon are numerous and adding a touch of the spice to your coffee enhances the entire experience. This is the perfect signal to the body that you can slow down and prepare for Fall.

05 | Start a weekly walking date.

I absolutely love going for long walks but the heat has kept me mostly at the gym. Now that the weather is cooling off, heading to the park for a walk is the best way to meet up and get good soul chats in with your girlfriends.

Get yourself some new walking shoes and a new belt bag.

06 | Get yourself some new Fall candles.

Something funny about me is that I can’t stand pumpkin spice coffee but I am in love with any pumpkin spiced candle. They are my absolute favorite. Here are a few Fall candles I love:

07 | Hit up a local farmers market and cook a new meal

There is nothing more fun than going to a farmer’s market on the weekend and making a meal with the local fresh ingredients. I am seriously craving all of the ones from this list, 31 soups to make in October.

08 | Rewatch your favorite cozy Fall shows.

I like to make my home feel more cozy so that I can opt for nights in versus heading out to eat with friends. Invite them over to watch feel good shows while everyone else is watching football. Top of my list is Gilmore Girls and the movie Autumn in New York.

09 | Plan a charcuterie picnic.

The thought of grabbing a picnic basket and filling it with my favorite hand grab foods and new dips just sounds divine. You could invite some of your friends to join and bring some cheese, wine and crackers to sit and enjoy the beautiful Fall afternoon.

10 | Start a book club with your friends.

Make a list of 5-10 books that you want to read in the Fall and see if any of your friends may want to join you. To treat yourself, grab the lightweight kindle so you can read without filling up your home with a bunch of new books. Check out my book recommendations here:

💛 12 of the best business inspiration books for women entreprenuers

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11 | Treat yourself to a few new cozy throws for your sofa.

My cozy Barefoot Dreams blanket has become the all time favorite of anyone and everyone who comes to visit my home. So, this Fall, I plan on adding several of them to add to my collection for friends and family to enjoy as well.

12 | Start a new journal.

If you haven’t read my guided journal, The Daily Bliss, this may be the perfect time for you to start. It has 111 journal prompts and affirmations for you to use every day as an act of self care and self love.

13 | Update your phone and computer screensavers.

I love to create mood boards and vision boards for every season. I am currently in love with this one and I’m sure you can see why I love to display them on my tech. Check out my pinterest board of affirmations that I absolutely love and you can choose one or more to update your tech with.

14 | Deck out your front door with Halloween decor

The very first thing I do when Fall hits, is start shopping for Halloween decor. You can get some inspiration from my list of favorite Halloween front porch decorating ideas.

15 | Go antique shopping.

Every Fall I get together some friends and plan a trip to our local Texas antique show, Round Top. Fall is my favorite time to do it. It’s a whole vibe, from the outfits to the gorgeous antique shopping and fun food. It wouldn’t be Fall without it.

16 | Do a Fall beauty ritual reset.

Head to your local Whole Foods and grab this pumpkin face mask ( I am obsessed ). Then, treat yourself to a steamer and create a whole beauty ritual as a form of self care. It’s a perfect idea to keep your skin moisturized as the weather gets cooler and dryer.

17 | Make a Fall scented simmer pot.

Want to make your home smell absolutely divine, a simmer pot will completely change your life. I love to make my home smell like a big cinnamon stick. Pick your favorite from these fall scented simmer pot recipes. You’ll have to get yourself a new Dutch oven if you don’t already have one.

18 | Visit a pumpkin patch & host a pumpkin decorating party.

Whether you want to have a pumpkin carving party or a no carve pumpkin painting party, early October is the perfect time to get your creativity going. You can get inspired by my pumpkin painting party ideas.

19 | Treat yourself to a flannel shirt/jacket.

Fall wouldn’t be complete without a flannel to carry around with you everywhere. You want to choose one that goes with almost anything, it is one of those things that makes you feel cuddly and cozy. why not wear a chic hat to make the look really pop.

Related: 22 effortless Fall fashion outfit ideas

20 | Attend a food / wine festival.

Fall is festival season and I absolutely love attending the events with music, good food, wine and family fun. It’s the perfect way to spend a weekend with friends. Google local festivals in your town and plan to make a day of it. Also, treat yourself to something special that is unique to the festival.

20 | DIY or purchase a new Halloween costume

If you aren’t the type who enjoys purchasing a ready made Halloween costume, make sure to plan ahead and create a really fabulous DIY Halloween costume. Pick a theme that you can coordinate with kids, friends, family, etc. Here’s a list that may have some helpful costume ideas for you.

21 | Plan to send out hand written Thank you notes for Thanksgiving.

Writing thank you notes is a form of self care as it gets you to take a quiet moment to yourself in the energy of gratitude. This year, why not send out hand written thank you notes to the people in your life that you really appreciate.

22 | Get yourself a Fall manicure

Fall is the time when brown and neutral manicures come on to the scene. There are so many gorgeous Fall manicure ideas that you will love and will make every single Fall photo you take look chic. Loving Dior Dansante 449.

23 | Have a Harry Potter themed movie night.

Nothing screams Fall like Hogwart’s so Fall is the perfect time to have friends over, make some hot cocoa and binge watch the Harry Potter movie collection.

24 | Hang some floating candles in your hallway.

and put up some Halloween decor all over the home. From ghosts to spiders, get inspired by these classic DIY Halloween decorating ideas.

25 | Plan a walk in nature with a friend

There is nothing more calming than a good walk in nature as you gaze at the changing color of the leaves. Bring some coffees, treats and a cozy blanket so you can bask in the beauty of nature and have a meaningful conversation.

26 | Cook a bowl of chili

The most memorable dish that you can make during Fall is a good bowl of chili. I have had my eye on this turkey sweet potato chili recipe. Another reason to break out your new gorgeous dutch oven.

27 | Host a friends-giving soiree

Gather inspiring ideas for pulling together a beautiful fall dining room centerpiece and get ready to wow your friends. Plan out a menu and activity list for a Fall friendsgiving party.

28 | Attend a local weekend festival.

Fall is festival season and the perfect time to get some friends together and visit a market or festival. Whether its food and wine, art, holiday themed, markets and festivals are a great way to really embrace the beauty of Fall. If you are located in Houston, Tx, this is my favorite list for local festivals.

29 | Turn your bathroom into a zen like spa.

…and take a couple really long bubble baths. Be sure to bring a book to read, grab a glass of wine or warm cup of tea to enjoy while you relax and listen to calming music. Add in some aromatherapy and bath bombs. Perhaps you may want to treat yourself to a towel warmer or a bamboo bath caddy tray to make the experience that much more cozy.

Related Reading: 16 cozy bathroom decor ideas

30 | Try a new homebody challenge.

Fall is the time when you want to get your home organized, feeling cozy and clean. Especially because over the holidays we typically have guests visiting. Why not try my 30-day Blissful Living Life Decluttering challenge. We will clean and clear out all areas of life, including the home with simple daily tips to try.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

How to Plan an Affordable Wellness Retreat at Home Step-By-Step

One of the things I’ve noticed about being an entrepreneur is that stress, worry and exhaustion can easily creep into our lives like a cozy pair of jeans, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and out of sync. When life starts to feel like one big jumble, taking a day away—even if it’s just at home—can be the ideal remedy. Creating your own wellness retreat at home offers a personal escape, a chance to reset, and a gentle reminder to prioritize self-care.

With a little planning and structure, a DIY retreat can help you find that sweet balance between relaxation, mindfulness, and self-reflection. By carving out time for self-care and intentional moments, you can shift your perspective, quiet the noise, and reconnect with your creativity.

Planning a wellness retreat doesn’t have to mean traveling to an expensive resort or spending hundreds on spa services. You can experience the same rejuvenating benefits right in the comfort of your home.

With a little preparation, some self-care essentials, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create a sanctuary that allows you to relax, recharge, and reconnect—all without breaking the bank.

Related Reading: 8 self care habits to adopt before the holidays

Why Women Need This More Than Ever

Let's be honest about what's actually going on when you land on a post like this one. It's usually not "I have too much free time and I'm bored." It's one of these:

• You're burned out from being the default parent/partner/employee — the one everyone calls first, and no one checks on.

• You're in a hormonal crash week — the days before your period or during a stressful cycle when your body is quite literally asking you to slow down, and you're ignoring it.

• You feel guilty resting — like taking two hours for yourself is selfish unless you've "earned" it.

• You're touched-out and overstimulated — from kids, notifications, noise, and never having a closed door.

• You've lost your own rhythm — you can plan everyone else's day but haven't thought about what you actually need in weeks.

A DIY wellness retreat at home isn't about bath bombs and candles (though we'll have those too). It's a structured way to hand yourself back a few hours of nervous-system recovery, mental clarity, and permission to just... be. If any of the above hit close to home, keep reading.

Step-By-Step: How I Plan My At-Home Wellness Retreat

Here's exactly how I structure mine, from the night before through wrap-up. Steal the whole thing or just pull the pieces that fit your day.

Step 1: Set the Intention (the night before)

I do this the night before, not the morning of — because if I wait until the day itself, life finds a way to fill the space. Before bed, I grab my journal and answer one question: what do I actually need right now — rest, clarity, or a reset? That one answer shapes everything else. If it's rest, I plan less. If it's clarity, I add more journaling. If it's a reset, I lean into the full spa-day version.

Realistic tip: If you skip every other step in this post, do this one. Ninety seconds of writing down your intention is the difference between a retreat that actually restores you and a day that just quietly disappears.

Step 2: Clear the Space the Night Before, Not the Day Of

I learned this the hard way — starting my "relaxing" day by cleaning for two hours is not relaxing. Instead, the night before, I do a 15-minute reset: dishes done, laundry started, surfaces cleared in my bedroom, bathroom, and living room, since that's where I'll actually spend my retreat. In the morning, my space is already calm, so I can walk straight into it.

Your home environment really does set the emotional tone for the day. I add soft blankets, light a candle, and run my essential oil diffuser with lavender or vanilla — something warm and grounding, not energizing.

Related Reading: How to set up your bathroom for a spa day

Consider lowering the lights, playing gentle music, or adding white noise to enhance the serene vibe. Remember, the goal is to create a space that invites you to slow down and breathe deeply.

Step 3: My Actual Hour-By-Hour Retreat Schedule

This is the part people ask me about most, so here's my real routine, almost exactly as I do it:

Morning (grounding):

• 8:00–8:15am — Wake without your phone. This is non-negotiable for me. I leave my phone in another room overnight so I'm not reaching for it first thing.

• 8:15–8:35am — Meditation or breathwork. Nothing fancy, just 10-15 minutes of quiet or a guided session.

• 8:35–9:15am — Gentle movement. I roll out my yoga mat and follow a free flow online — slow, not a workout. The goal is releasing tension, not burning calories.

• 9:15–9:45am — Journaling. I use prompts, not a blank page, because a blank page is intimidating. "What am I holding onto that isn't mine to carry?" is one I come back to often.

Midday (nourishing):

• 9:45–10:30am — A slow, simple breakfast. No scrolling while eating. I actually taste my food, which sounds small but rarely happens on a normal day.

• 10:30am–12:00pm — DIY spa block. This is the fun part — see the full spa menu below.

• 12:00–1:00pm — Mindful lunch + rest. A homemade tea blend and something I don't have to think hard to make.

Afternoon/Evening (integrating):

• 1:00–2:00pm — Free, unstructured time. Read, nap, sit outside, do absolutely nothing. This block is intentionally unplanned.

• 2:00–2:30pm — Reflection and closing. Back to the journal — what shifted today, and what's one thing I want to carry into next week?

Realistic tip: You do not need six hours to do this. If you only have 90 minutes, take Steps 1, one item from the spa menu, and the closing reflection. A shortened version done consistently beats a "perfect" retreat you never have time for.

Step 4: The DIY Spa Menu (Pick 2-3, Not All)

You don't need a cabinet full of products for this to feel like a real spa day. Here's what I actually use:

• Face Masks: Try a simple honey and yogurt mask for moisturizing or a clay mask if you’re looking to purify your skin.

• Body Scrubs: Mix brown sugar and olive oil for a natural exfoliating scrub. You can add a drop or two of essential oil for a luxurious feel.

• Aromatherapy Bath: If you have a bathtub, create a bath with Epsom salts, a few drops of lavender oil, and some rose petals for a spa-like experience.

• Foot Soak: For a relaxing foot soak, mix warm water with Epsom salts and a few drops of peppermint oil. You’ll feel the stress melt away in no time!

• Hair mask: I always regret skipping this one because it makes the whole day feel more "spa," not just "bath." I put this castor oil hair mask on and leave it in overnight for fuller, thicker and shinier hair.

Step 5: Disconnect and Stay Present

This is the step people skip and then wonder why the day didn't feel restorative. Phone on Do Not Disturb, notifications off, no "just checking real quick." I tell the people in my life ahead of time that I'm unreachable for a few hours — that alone removes so much of the guilt.

Whatever you're doing — a bath, a cup of tea, a meal — try to actually be in it instead of doing it while thinking about your to-do list.

Related Reading: How to do a proper tea ceremony

Step 6: Wrap Up with Reflection

As your retreat comes to an end, take some time to reflect. Grab your journal and write down any insights, feelings, or new intentions that came to light. Think about how you can carry some of this calmness back into your daily life. This could mean incorporating daily meditation, a weekly “spa night,” or simply taking more mindful moments throughout the day.

Realistic Versions for Every Kind of Week

Not every week gives you a free morning. Here's how I adapt:

• The "I have 90 minutes" version: Set intention → one spa item → closing journal entry.

• The "kids are home" version: Do your spa block after bedtime instead of during the day, and swap the yoga flow for 10 minutes of stretching in your room with the door closed.

• The "I'm on a budget" version: Skip anything you'd need to buy. Kitchen-ingredient masks and scrubs, a bath, and your journal cost you almost nothing.

• The "I have zero energy" version: Skip movement entirely. Rest is the retreat that day. Don't let the routine become another thing you have to perform perfectly.

Affordable Wellness Retreat Essentials Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist of items you might want for your retreat:

• Candles or Essential Oils for ambiance

• Soft Blankets and Pillows for cozy comfort

• Yoga Mat or a comfortable space for stretching

• Face Mask Ingredients like honey, yogurt, and clay

• Bath Supplies like Epsom salts and essential oils

• Journal and Pen for reflection

• Healthy Snacks like fruit, nuts, or herbal teas

Creating a wellness retreat at home can be a wonderfully nurturing experience, and the best part? It’s entirely customizable to your needs.

Bringing the Lessons of the Retreat into Your Daily Life

A wellness retreat at home can be a transformative experience, but the benefits don’t have to end when it’s over. Integrating small wellness practices into your daily routine helps keep the calm, mindfulness, and renewed energy going long after your retreat day.

Here are 15 suggestions to help you bring the lessons of your retreat into everyday life:

1. Morning Meditation: Start each day with just 5-10 minutes of meditation to set a calm, centered tone. Morning rituals are the perfect way to start every day.

2. Gratitude Journaling: Every evening, jot down three things you’re grateful for. It’s a powerful way to end the day on a positive note.

3. Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor your meals without distractions to stay connected with your body and reduce stress.

4. Nature Walks: Try to spend a few minutes outdoors daily, even if it’s just a short walk. Fresh air and a change of scenery work wonders.

5. Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing when you feel stressed or overwhelmed to quickly restore calm.

6. Digital Detox Time: Designate screen-free times each day, especially in the morning and evening, to reduce overstimulation. Read: 5 things to do with your hands during a digital detox.

7. Self-Compassion Breaks: Take moments during the day to check in with yourself, show kindness to yourself, and let go of harsh self-criticism.

8. Hydration Reminder: Keep a water bottle by your side as a gentle reminder to stay hydrated. Add a squeeze of lemon or cucumber for a spa-like touch.

9. Mini Stretching Sessions: Schedule brief stretching breaks throughout the day to release tension in your body.

10. Creative Journaling or Art Therapy: Set aside time to express yourself creatively, whether through journaling, drawing, or another art form you enjoy.

11. Weekly Spa Night: Treat yourself to a spa night each week, complete with a face mask, a warm bath, and your favorite soothing music.

12. Intentional Breathers: Schedule a few minutes each afternoon to pause, breathe deeply, and bring yourself back to the present moment.

13. Limit Multi-Tasking: Practice focusing on one task at a time to enhance your productivity and reduce feelings of chaos.

14. Daily Affirmations: Use positive affirmations each morning to set the tone for the day. Simple phrases like “I am calm and capable” can be grounding. An affirmation card deck is really helpful for these experiences.

15. Personal Check-Ins: End each week with a quick check-in to see how you’re feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically, and adjust as needed.

Incorporating these simple practices can help you carry the sense of peace and renewal from your retreat into each day, keeping the experience alive and allowing it to support your well-being long-term.

If you are looking to visit an in person yoga retreat, check out the top 15 yoga retreats in the US.

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