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Summer has been all about embracing spontaneity and making the most of the long, sun-soaked days. It was filled with unforgettable family trips, time spent at our Malibu house, and diving deep into projects and passions of all sorts. As these summer days come to an end, there’s a certain bittersweet feeling that sweeps in with the cooler temps. On one hand, I’m saying goodbye to carefree afternoons by the pool. On the other, there’s something so satisfying about getting back into a routine. Autumn is a natural refresh, and it’s one of my favorite times of year to recommit to healthy habits, rituals, and fall routines that help me thrive.
Back to school (work, social obligations, and the need for structure … ) marks the transition from summer’s ease to a busy season. My answer? I prioritize simplicity. Instead of saying yes to everything, paring back is my secret to success. And though it’s been a while since I’ve graduated, I love leaning hard into the back-to-school vibes. To share my inspiration—and exactly how I’m approaching this busy but vibrant season—I teamed up with my friends at Target. Because where else would I go for all the essentials to keep me focused and feeling my best this fall?
Fall Routines to Inspire a Seasonal Refresh
I know you can relate when I say I’m craving a reset. Let’s be real: for those of us juggling work, family, and personal aspirations, the lazy days of summer have their charm, but there’s a certain satisfaction in reclaiming our schedules and getting things done.
That’s where my fall routines come in—and my favorite Target products that inspire every area of my life. Across work, family, the home, and my personal time, there are endless opportunities to incorporate beautiful, productivity-boosting essentials into my every day. And because I like to pair my favorite products with intention, I’m going to show you how to reap the stress-free, joy-sparking benefits of a total fall refresh. Let’s dive in.
Getting Organized at Work
With the start of fall comes the official goodbye to summer Fridays and an easing back into a more structured work routine. But if you’re like me, the shift from beach vibes to business mode can feel a bit jarring. However, as with all of my fall routines, I like to see this as an opportunity to reset and refocus. Discover my fall routines for work that keep me focused and on-task.
Start with a fresh to-do list.
One of my favorite strategies for boosting productivity is to start with a fresh to-do list, prioritizing tasks that will have the most impact. Think of it as your personal game plan for making the most of your day. And while you’re at it, carve out dedicated blocks of time for deep work, free from the ping of notifications. This has been game-changing for my workflow—your future self will thank you when you’re breezing through projects instead of scrambling at the last minute.
Prioritize a clean space.
Messy space, chaotic mind—or however the saying goes. It’s so true though: how many times have you tried to step into productivity mode only to be distracted by the clutter all around you? While I like to do a deep clean of my office every few weeks, there are days when I just don’t have the time. When that’s the case, prioritize getting rid of visual clutter. All those sticky notes with outdated info? Recycle ’em. Is your pen holder filled with useless writing utensils? Get rid of them. Pro tip: I also like to use pretty storage boxes to contain the clutter. From there, keep out only what you need, with one or two beautiful and inspiring things thrown into the mix. (A vision board and vase with fresh blooms are my go-to’s.)
Style your office for aesthetic and functional comfort.
One of the most overlooked keys to boosting productivity is creating a workspace you want to spend time in. This transition to fall is the perfect time to style your office for the visual vibes and to feel good in your space. Infuse your office with elements that inspire you. Think: a cozy throw for your chair and some greenery to keep things fresh. Good lighting is essential, so swap out harsh fluorescents for a stylish desk lamp that gives off a warm, inviting glow.
Getting Our Family Organized
I like to think of September as a mini-New Year. The kids are back in school and I’m ready to tackle my to-do lists with renewed energy (and fewer distractions). But the transition isn’t always seamless as we shift gears into the fast lane of fall activities. And sometimes, it can feel like we’re playing catch-up before we’ve even started.
The fall routines that keep my family life aligned are those that prioritize both organization and communication. As much as we can, I like to ensure we’re all on the same page—for schedules, meals, pick-ups, etc. These are the rituals (and Target essentials) that are helping my family do exactly that.
Keep a schedule that everyone can see.
Because I live and die by my personal planner (and my Google calendar, for that matter), I’ve implemented the same strategy with my family. Before the week begins, we discuss our individual schedules—after-school events, practices and games, meetings, dinners with friends—and everything goes on the calendar. That way, when we can’t remember where someone is (or where they’re supposed to be), I always have the calendar handy to refer to.
Hold Sunday planning sessions.
I like to call this embracing the power of planning. Similar to a marriage meeting, I’ll gather the family for a Sunday planning session. We use this time to go over everyone’s schedules, set goals, and plan meals together. Each person can share what’s on their plate for the week—whether it’s school projects, work deadlines, or extracurricular activities. We can identify and discuss potential conflicts and feel good about going into the week ahead. As the temps drop, I like to make it a cozy ritual with hot chocolate or tea. Incorporating this as a fall routine into our weekly rituals creates a sense of teamwork and reduces the chaos hat can come with juggling multiple schedules.
Make your fridge your happy place.
I can’t be the only one obsessed with fridge-stocking Reels. You know the ones: the creator comes home with a bunch of grocery bags, pulls everything out of the fridge, wipes it down, and restocks everything just so. I’m calling that #fallsgoals and my favorite Target storage bins and organizers are helping make it happen. I like buying several of each size and shape. That way, I can separate like goods—fruits from veggies, different snacks in different containers, etc.—for a cohesive, satisfying result.
Have a lunch-packing strategy.
My kids are a little older, so they’re pretty autonomous when it comes to packing their lunches. But for those of you with youngsters, I recommend making the lunch-packing a collaborative effort. Of course, it’s important to pack a balanced meal complete with the nutrients they need to make it through the day feeling their best. However, how many times have your kids come home with a full lunch box of healthy snacks and meals they didn’t like? To combat this, involve them in the packing process. Chat with them about what they’d prefer to eat from several different categories: main, fruit, veggie, crunchy snack, sweet snack, etc. That way, they have a sense of ownership over the meal, and they’re more likely to eat and enjoy it.
Transitioning My Home for Fall
As the crisp fall air starts to replace the summer heat, it’s the perfect time to give your home a seasonal refresh that feels both cozy and stylish. Fall is one of my favorite times to style my home because the season’s neutral color palette is so aligned with my go-to hues. (Think: taupe, creamy whites, and natural shades.) Steal these fall routines for bringing warmth and depth to any room this season.
Focus on texture.
The fall is all about creating the inviting, cozy atmosphere we all crave this time of year. One of the easiest ways to evoke that emotional quality in your space is by varying the textures present in your home. I love natural wood accents as they soften up any space. (Take one look at that gorgeous arm chair and tell me you don’t want to immediately cozy up.) I also recommend swapping out lighter fabrics for richer, more textured materials—think velvet throw pillows, chunky knit blankets, and woven baskets that add major cozy factor to any room.
Add a rug.
A rug instantly connotes comfort, particularly a new area rug in autumnal hues like burnt orange, deep plum, or forest green. Opting for a color palette that matches the season can instantly transform your living space into a fall haven. I love the lived-in look of a vintage floral rug. There’s something that feels so academic-chic about it.
Create vignettes.
When I design a space, I look for opportunities to create little “moments”—those corners and nooks that make you pause and consider their composition. The easiest way to do this is by styling an accent table. Layer a tray, candle, found objects, design books, etc.—anything that pairs aesthetic beauty with a sentimental quality.
Don’t forget about lighting.
As they say: we never, ever use the big light. Focus on layering your lighting, incorporating different sources throughout the space. Candles go a long way, too. Adding a few strategically placed candles or a lantern with a soft, flickering glow can create that sense of warmth that’s so quintessentially fall.
Personal
Out of all your fall routines, your personal rhythms and rituals might be the most important. Why? Because everything you do in life stems from the energy you bring to each day. It’s clichéd but 100% true—you can’t pour from an empty cup. And while summer was all about connecting with people, places, and moments outside of yourself, fall is the perfect time to go inward. I hope these fall routines inspire you to do exactly that.
Start with your morning routine.
How you start your day inevitably impacts how the daytime hours unfold. That’s why I’m so intentional about my morning routine. It allows me to check in with my larger vision, review my goals, and evaluate whether or not my calendar—how I actually spend my time—aligns with this bigger picture. With that said, I think of my morning routine as an opportunity to check in, but I also use this time to prioritize what’s important to me. I like to journal, doing a brain dump of everything that’s on my mind. I make sure to light my favorite candle and brew a cup of coffee beforehand—allowing me to lean into the cozy vibes.
Make your wellness goals easy.
And aesthetic. I’ve recently started keeping a clear tumbler on my desk filled with infused water. It’s a simple way to ensure I meet my hydration goals while also being so pretty to look at. Seriously—within an hour, I’ve somehow finished the entire thing!
Surround yourself with beauty.
This is true for every area of your life, every time of the year. We spend so much of our lives on autopilot—so focused and intent on the task at hand—that we rarely look up to take in the everyday magic all around us. That’s why it’s so important to me to fill my days with fall routines and visual reminders of all the beauty that’s ours to take in (and that’s available to us at every moment). So whether that’s lighting a candle, writing in your favorite notebook with your favorite pen, or taking a few sips of your favorite bevvy before diving into your to-do list—pause, reflect, and remember: this season is yours to cherish.
Target is making it even easier for us to lean into your fall routines. Get all the best back-to-school deals AND same-day delivery with a Target Circle 360 membership. I love that it streamlines my shopping process—so I can spend more time focused on what helps me feel my best.
For more of my entertaining, food, decor, and fashion faves, explore and shop my Target storefront.
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