Some may say September is too early to get in the fall spirit, but I don’t listen to those people. As soon as I cross off Aug. 31 on my calendar fall is in full swing, you can’t convince me otherwise. On the other hand, I can convince you otherwise. Get ready, because once you’re done reading this top 10 list of ways to embrace fall, you’ll be sipping on a pumpkin spice latte watching “Halloweentown” not knowing what hit you.

10. Embrace the end of summer
Don’t listen to those summer-loving pool-goers and embrace fall, if those leaves have even a hint of orange, you know it’s time to enter your fall era. Summer is great, don’t get me wrong, no school, lake house visits and all the time in the world to hang out with friends, but it just gets so hot, and the pool really stops looking fun after five visits. Besides, you have three whole months, fall is so short-lived in comparison, especially in Illinois.

School helps too. I can’t speak for everyone, but once school starts, all thoughts of summer leave my mind, it’s the perfect way to get in that fall mindset. Some may say that summer doesn’t technically end until Sept. 22, but there is no way you can be in school and live that summer life at the same time. Think about all those late nights you spend doing homework in your room with the lights a little dim, twilight outside your window.

Does that feel like summer to you? Didn’t think so.

9. The Fall Calm
The fall calm. August and September are tough, maybe not for freshmen, but when you’re a sophomore, junior and senior, teachers have no shame starting the year off at full speed. I always get stressed out at the start of the year because I hate not knowing my teachers well enough to anticipate what class is like. Once, late September or early October hits though, I get more comfortable and can actually understand what’s going on with my schedule.

Fall provides comfort in more ways than physical, so getting cozy with your classes is an added bonus to the fall life.

8. Best fall foods and drinks
Pumpkin everything starts right when Starbucks releases its fall menu. The first week of the release this year I went to Starbucks for five days straight, if you didn’t know any better you would think I was a pumpkin. Now Starbucks isn’t the end all be all of fall food and drinks.

Anything with cinnamon and apple is always the way to go. Head to the local farmers market or pumpkin patch and pick up those warm apple cider donuts and warm apple cider.

Honorable mention, make your own fall treats. If you’re like me and stress-bake, fall is the best time to get those creative baking juices flowing. Pies are always a hit.

7. Everyone’s an autumn
Everyone’s an autumn in my heart. All I hear about recently is finding out your color palette, and what colors you wear best. That scares me, what if they tell me I’m a silver girl and not a gold girl. So my motto is that everyone’s an autumn.

Starting in September, your color palette should be jewel-toned oranges, yellows, greens, browns and golds of course. I promise you will look stunning, everyone looks good in the fall.

6. Essential fall scents
In order to create the warmest and coziest environment, you need to have that warm and cozy smell. Bath and Body Works is expensive, but they do have some great fall finds. However, my favorite place is Home Goods.

It’s the wonderland of home stores with everything from questionable snacks to the most decadent fall candles. Don’t fret if you aren’t a candle person because essential oils are my night time favorite. I got my diffuser for $10 at Marshall’s, and you can find the oils for just as cheap there too. Whether you’re using candles or essential oils your environment will be feeling like a pumpkin patch.

5. Decorating your dream fall environment
Going off of the candles and essential oils, you have to deck your space out with fall decorations. This could be as simple as changing your phone or computer wallpaper to an aesthetic fall photo, or you could be like me and by the entirety of the Magnolia Home section at Target. If you’re balling on a budget I will once again refer you to the Home Goods and Marshalls franchise because the clearance section there never fails.

Quick public service announcement: fall and Halloween can be the same for decorations. If you’re feeling spooky, switch up the decor for some ghosts and witches. Otherwise, keep the cozy fall vibe until Thanksgiving.

4. The rise of Uggs
UGGs have made a comeback and taken the world by storm. If you are looking for a fall shoe staple, Uggs are the way to go. Not only are they incredibly comfortable, but I think they are super cute, don’t fight me on that. I live for my Ugg Tasman’s, and while they may make my feet look like horse hooves, you could never make me hate them.

If the slipper look isn’t for you, Ugg has so many options to up the style of the boots. Mini and Ultra Mini Uggs are a fan favorite and look absolutely incredible with a cute fall outfit. Also, a good dupe never hurt anyone, head to Target or TjMaxx and find an Ugg lookalike for half the cost.

3. Get cozy for bedtime
Getting curled up in bed on a chilly autumn night while the rain trickles outside your window might be the best feeling in the world. Now getting that level of experience isn’t as easy as you may think. I take my sleep very seriously and think of my bed set up as an art form.

A quality fall evening can be achieved with a surplus of fluffy blankets and the maximum amount of pillows your bed can hold. If I am lying in bed during the fall no one should be able to see my body buried under all of the comforters. Fall sleep is the best sleep.

2. The famous fall holidays
Fall is typically recognized for its amazing holidays, I mean who doesn’t love Halloween and Thanksgiving? Halloween is the time of year when anyone can be truly themself without the fear of being viewed differently. Whether you’re partying with friends or handing out candy with the family, Halloween is a great way to end October.

Thanksgiving holds a special place in my heart. With the best foods, and supreme family bonding, Thanksgiving takes the cake on my second favorite holiday. Maybe I’m biased because my birthday lands on the holiday every couple of years, but who cares?

1. Sweater weather
“Saturday Night Live’s” famous sweater weather wins for the top reason to get cozy and warm for fall. If your favorite article of clothing is a sweater like mine, let’s be best friends because sweaters are the best. Dressed up or down a sweater can always elevate a look. A chunky cable knit sweater looks great on anyone, and a super comfy sweater will always make you feel a little more cozy.

Fall isn’t just about spending money on good food and decor, but the feeling you get when the leaves turn. It’s okay if I haven’t convinced you, but I will leave you with one last reason to embrace fall with open arms – it’s my birthday season so you better get excited.