by: Aniruddh Nambudiri, Anastasia Thacker, Emily Collins(Blog Club)

(CAJC: in the PNW, flickr, Creative Commons)

For the return of Blog Club, we decided to come together and curate a perfect fall evening with media, food and activities that are close to the heart at this time of the year. When the leaves continue browning, this is what WSUM is doing. Enjoy!

Best Movies

Ani – Portrait of a Lady on Fire 

It might be a little out there to not pick a horror movie for the fall, with the whole halloween of it all, but I can’t help it. When I watched this movie for the first time this year, I was kind of hoping my next watch would be by the fire whilst being cozy with a hot drink. Nowhere close to freezing, obviously, but just making the whole feeling better. This is a perfect movie with a romance at the center that is so warm yet leaves you so cold by the end. In a way, what is more fall weather than something that truly cannot be predicted? I am waiting for the leaves to go a bit browner before doing so, but this will absolutely be on my screen when the fall fully kicks in. 

Anastasia – Scream

Perhaps a little mainstream, but Scream is always a go to movie for me the second the breeze starts to have a slight chill. The vibes of this movie are unmatched. Despite the gore, it is always what I think of when I am looking for a cozy, fun, slightly camp movie to get me into the fall vibe. Honestly the Scream trilogy, though it may not be a collection of cinematic masterpieces, it definitely encapsulates a fun spooky season feeling that cannot be beat. 

Emily- Twilight (all of them)

These movies may be considered… subpar, but for some reason when the weather gets colder I am drawn to the sparkly depiction of Halloween’s favorite mythical creature. Nobody can complain about seeing Robert Pattinson sparkly, though. I enjoy putting myself through the mild agony of enjoying the first two movies, and slowly watching it become more and more ridiculous for the last three. Despite this, I feel an obligation to watch all of them. Maybe it’s the visual chill of forks, or the 

Best Music/Albums 

Ani – #1 Record – Big Star

I fear I am getting old. My entire summer was consumed by listening to artists from the 1960s and 1970s and you know what? It was great. I had obviously listened to some of the bigger songs by Big Star, but truly listening to their albums is a completely different thing. Alex Chilton is one of my favorite songwriters of all time. When he has an acoustic, it brings out a certain closeness with the singer I have never fully experienced before. On top of all of that, this album has two drop dead incredible songs that are so simple on the surface level in “The Ballad of El Goodo” and “Thirteen”. Two smooth voices and a warm underbelly to back them up is the formula for a perfect fall album. 

Anastasia – Floral Green – Title Fight

This was almost an impossible pick, but ultimately this album has been on repeat for me more than any other. Midwest emo as a genre might be the ultimate fall soundtrack, and this album specifically really brings forward all of the vibes of walking alone, wearing your favorite sweater, and watching the leaves change colors. There is something about the dreamy, almost vacuum-esc guitar sounds combined with the hard hitting lyrics that really fosters an atmosphere for reminiscing, and taking in where you are in the present moment. My personal favorite tracks are, “Head in the Ceiling Fan” (obviously) and “Secret Society.”

Emily –Codyby Joyce Manor

As the weather gets colder, my music taste usually gets grittier and sadder, and Joyce Manor is a good bridge between my summer and winter music. Upbeat enough to sing along while walking to class, but distorted enough to wallow in just a little sadness. 

Best Fall Food

Ani – Rajma Curry (Kidney beans)

A massive bowl of hot stuff. What else could you ask for? You get a good amount of vegetarian and vegan friendly protein and a lot of spice to clear everything. I also feel like I need to include the jeera rice that usually comes with it, along with the heavy helping of ghee or clarified butter in the rice itself. It all adds to it. Just a massive bowl of rice and curry along with a blanket and football sounds like a perfect combination (even though I have never tried it)

Anastasia – Chilli

At first thought, it seems that there is nothing conceivably better when the weather starts to change, than a warm bowl of soup. However, this first thought omits soup’s way cooler, more interesting cousin: a good bowl of home cooked chilli. I spend all year waiting for the return of soup/chilli season. There is nothing more comforting than warm chilli after a long day of work, classes, or errands. Not to mention the potential for fantastic leftovers for many days after. Another fantastic thing about chilli(because really I could go on forever) is how every single person prepares it differently. A person’s chilli recipe and toppings are as unique to them as their DNA sequence. Nothing is more beautiful than getting to try a new chilli recipe from someone you care about. 

Emily – Pumpkin Pie

At first glance, pumpkin pie might be a stereotypical fall food pick, but it is shockingly disliked! Nonetheless, it’s my favorite fall food. I have fond memories of late fall, usually post thanksgiving, warming up a large slice in the microwave and eating it for breakfast. However you enjoy it, find a recipe on the side of a pumpkin puree can. Homemade crust is good, but a frozen crust will do the job if you’re not into pastry making.

Best Fall Activities 

Ani – A long walk 

Sometimes simplicity is what works. A good pair of headphones, a great album or playlist (maybe even one from this article??????) and your thoughts on a long walk. That is kind of what the fall is for. Being in the weather that is kind of perfect when it isn’t raining. The sun is out, but you are not sweating. The temperature is low, but you do not need a heavy jacket or gloves. Just enjoying the weather and walking everywhere is always the energy I like with the fall. 

Anastasia – Going to a pumpkin patch

This might be a little cliche, but honestly what is more fall than a pumpkin patch? I don’t feel the need to elaborate a bunch on this one, but I will say that some of my best core memories are related to pumpkin patch/scarecrow/corn maze activities. Whether with family or friends, I highly recommend taking advantage of your local pumpkin patch while it is in season. For the most epic day possible, a combination of all of the items in each category of this post + a pumpkin patch. I don’t think anything could beat that.