It’s Not Autumn Without These (From a Boston Girl Down Under)

The rituals, cravings, and comforts I carry with me across the globe

It’s no secret that I’m actually obsessed with Autumn.

Or, as I grew up calling it…Fall.

But to be fair, I really don’t think I had a choice.

I grew up in New England where Autumn isn’t just a season…It’s a freaking personality trait.

And before those of you who have no idea what i’m talking about jump onto google…

Let me paint a picture for you. Now someone else might explain New England simply as a region of the northeastern part of the US.

But me? Well, picture a cluster of 5 states north of New York (because does Rhode Island REALLY count? IYKYK)

Okay, okay…six states.

Six states who are all obsessed with the same sports teams and swear by Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee even in a blizzard.

A region that gets a shit ton of snow in the Winter that lasts for what seems like 8 months of the year, but Summer?

Oh you better be prepared for humidity up the wazoo.

Home of Ben & Jerry’s, Hocus Pocus, Lobster Rolls, Plymouth Rock & you can’t forget the New England Clam Chowder.

New Englander’s (and Bostonians more specifically) are known for talking like a knock off Mark Whalberg leaving everyone to think we’re angry but the truth?

We’re just very passionate.

But, if you had to ask me what was my favorite part of growing up in New England?

It would easily be the Autumn Season.

It truly is magical. People come from all over the state (& world) to see the changing colors of the leaves in New England. (So, yeah…we’re kind of a big deal)

And when I made the decision to move to the other side of the world at 25 all those many moons ago, I just didn’t realize how much I would miss it, crave it, so deeply in my soul.

Because the truth? Autumn just isn’t the same in Australia. But I do my best to make it feel special.

2025 Autumn Vibes

There are some beautiful areas outside of the city of Melbourne that truly feel like a little sliver of New England (like Daylesford, Marysville or the beautiful Walhalla) but it’s without the hayrides, cider donuts and apple picking.

So, in my opinion it will always fall flat in comparison.

But, that is never going to stop me from creating moments of Autumn vibes while living here because like I said…it’s part of who I am.

This year I decided to create a list specifically for Autumn. It’s a list i’ve always had in my head but, I wanted to make it a little more official.

So, this year I’m introducing my…

“It’s Not Autumn without These Things” List

(I’m still working on a final name, suggestions are welcome but we just might keep this because its just real)

And, if you’re looking for some ways to be intentional about bringing some Autumn vibes into your life…maybe this list (that I am always adding to) will give you some inspiration.

(Especially if you live here in Melbourne i’ll include some of my personal favorites go to’s.)

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It’s Not Autumn without These Things:

• a cozy warm drink (for me it’s a hot chocolate, pumpkin spiced latte or matcha)

• a cinnamon based treat (apple cider donuts aren’t really a thing here but…the american doughnut kitchen’s donuts - without the jam - are a close replacement)

• autumn scenery (carlton gardens is hit or miss, but daylesford or walhalla will always hit)

• cozy comfort food (think slow cooker meals, or a delicious bowl of Pho)

• oversized sweaters that feel like a warm hug

• a heatpad that lives in your bed

• fuzzy socks & cute boots

• fireplace vibes with a glass of red wine or whiskey

• scones with jam (i’ve adopted this since moving to aus, they scream autumn to me)

• cozy baking session at home (cinnamon rolls or banana bread are some of my faves)

• a cozy autumn movie - please drop me your reccommendations!! ( i recently watched a hallmark movie called ‘sweet autumn’ it was the cheesiest thing I’ve watched in a while and I loved every minute of it.

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Now, I’m still working on getting this list out of my head and onto (virtual) paper. But, this is what I’ve got for now.

Is there anything you would add to it? let me know in the comments - I’d love to expand it!

I am very intentional with making space for a few of these things throughout the season. because if I don’t I’ll get even more homesick and that’s when you’ll find me randomly crying on a train because something reminded me of home. (it’s not pretty)

this year I spent a little day in the city ticking off a few of these things — if you feel like tagging along and spending it with me, I have a full video dropping on my youtube channel soon so keep your eyes out :)

i’ll update this with the link once it’s live but feel free to go follow me over there to catch my solo adventures & real talk.

I’m still not sure what it is about Autumn that feels so magical to me in so many ways

maybe it’s the fact that it’s a season that just changes so quickly before winter arrives.

it’s like a physical representation of change as we watch the trees evolve, the weather bringing a swift chill after getting so used to the warm sun on our face.

I really can’t put my finger on one thing to sum up it’s magic but, I’m just glad that we live in a world where we get to experience it.

and, I dare you to go google “New England Foliage” and tell me it doesn’t look like absolute magic.

Whatever season you’re reading this in…I hope you get intentional and do something that brings a little magic to the season. It’s so easy to go through the motions in life, but how beautiful is it when we make space for the little moments of joy?

until next time,

J xo