By Carolyn Kylstra
Crisp Weather
Yeah, hot, sweaty sex sounds fun in theory...but playing naked slip-n-slide in bedrooms sans AC gets old fast (same goes for those other summer staples: BO, dripping makeup, lower-back swampiness). That's why we're excited for slightly cooler temps—it means brisk air, frizz-free hair, and cozy nights spent warming up under a blanket with your guy.
Football
Nothing gets us in the mood for fall like hot dudes with tight butts tackling each other. Seeing a game live is way more exhilarating than sitting in a sports bar, but since NFL tix can set you back at least $200 for two seats, go see a college game with your guy instead—it's often even more raucous than a pro show-down and much cheaper. Wear your local college team colors, grab a commemorative pom pom, and get there early so you can tailgate. Or, simply head to a local high school on Friday night to cheer on the home team (and make out in the bleachers).
Hiking
We always talk about how important it is to try new activities with your guy to keep your bond tight, and hiking is a great idea for a fall date. Pack a blanket, snacks, and a few bottles of water, and you can add a picnic to the mix. Not only is it romantic to be alone in such a gorgeous setting, but physical activity releases endorphins and adrenaline, which make you both feel happy, excited...and frisky—we definitely endorse getting wild out there in the woods.
Pumpkin Carving
If you haven't carved a pumpkin since you played with My Little Ponies and thought boys had cooties, it's about time you showed off your improved handiwork. Head to a pumpkin patch (or, whatever, just the grocery store) with your man, pick out two pumpkins, and bring them home to have a carving competition. Post pictures of each of your finished products on Facebook and ask people to vote on their favorite. The person with the best carving gets a reward (and it doesn't have to be so PG). While you're at it, roast some pumpkin seeds for a tasty snack. Separate the seeds from the stringy flesh, rinse them in cold water, dry with a paper towel, toss with a little salt and olive oil, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
If you haven't carved a pumpkin since you played with My Little Ponies and thought boys had cooties, it's about time you showed off your improved handiwork. Head to a pumpkin patch (or, whatever, just the grocery store) with your man, pick out two pumpkins, and bring them home to have a carving competition. Post pictures of each of your finished products on Facebook and ask people to vote on their favorite. The person with the best carving gets a reward (and it doesn't have to be so PG). While you're at it, roast some pumpkin seeds for a tasty snack. Separate the seeds from the stringy flesh, rinse them in cold water, dry with a paper towel, toss with a little salt and olive oil, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
Oktoberfest
This German-import holiday, which runs from late September through the first week of October, is the perfect excuse to swill brewskies and eat too much kraut with your friends and your guy. Google Oktoberfest + [your state] to find a celebration around you. Nothing nearby? Book a hotel room at the closest place hosting a fun event and make a weekend trip out of it. Or throw your own sausage party: Break out the Beck’s and brats, and invite friends over.
This German-import holiday, which runs from late September through the first week of October, is the perfect excuse to swill brewskies and eat too much kraut with your friends and your guy. Google Oktoberfest + [your state] to find a celebration around you. Nothing nearby? Book a hotel room at the closest place hosting a fun event and make a weekend trip out of it. Or throw your own sausage party: Break out the Beck’s and brats, and invite friends over.
Halloween Costumes
Okay, let's be honest—we all know the real reason people look forward to Halloween (once you're old enough to buy your own candy, that is): It's the only day of the year where it's not only socially acceptable to prance around in next to nothing, it's downright encouraged. And you know what's even hotter than a jaw-droppingly sexy costume? A sexy costume that's also badass. Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing:
The Black Swan, a la Natalie Portman
Assassin Cataleya, as played by Zoe Saldana in Colombiana
Vampire Pam on True Blood
Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games
Okay, let's be honest—we all know the real reason people look forward to Halloween (once you're old enough to buy your own candy, that is): It's the only day of the year where it's not only socially acceptable to prance around in next to nothing, it's downright encouraged. And you know what's even hotter than a jaw-droppingly sexy costume? A sexy costume that's also badass. Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing:
The Black Swan, a la Natalie Portman
Assassin Cataleya, as played by Zoe Saldana in Colombiana
Vampire Pam on True Blood
Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games
Good TV
Reruns are finally over! We've been waiting all summer for Glee (the premiere is September 20th); and on September 19th, Dancing With the Stars comes back with an awesome lineup (David Arquette, Kristen Cavallari, Chaz Bono, and Nancy Grace? Amazing). There are also a bunch of new shows you'll want to program into your DVR: 2 Broke Girls (September 19) looks hilarious; the new Sarah Michelle Gellar thriller Ringer (September 13) has us definitely intrigued; and Charlie's Angels (September 22), starring October Cosmo covergirl Minka Kelly, proves our above point that bad girls rule.
Reruns are finally over! We've been waiting all summer for Glee (the premiere is September 20th); and on September 19th, Dancing With the Stars comes back with an awesome lineup (David Arquette, Kristen Cavallari, Chaz Bono, and Nancy Grace? Amazing). There are also a bunch of new shows you'll want to program into your DVR: 2 Broke Girls (September 19) looks hilarious; the new Sarah Michelle Gellar thriller Ringer (September 13) has us definitely intrigued; and Charlie's Angels (September 22), starring October Cosmo covergirl Minka Kelly, proves our above point that bad girls rule.
Apple Picking
Another awesome outdoor date: apple-picking. Google apple picking + [your town] to find orchards near you, and make a day out of it. Then whip up this sweet-salty-spicy dessert together.
1. Preheat over to 350 degrees.
2. Peel 4-6 apples and slice into 1" pieces. Toss with 1 T. sugar, 1 T. flour, 1/2 t. cinnamon, and 1/4 t. nutmeg.
3. Spread jalapeno jelly (available at specialty grocery stores like Wegman's and Whole Foods, or online) across the bottom of a 9" pie crust—use enough to coat the entire shell.
4. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, and scatter a few tablespoons of sliced, seeded jalapenos on top (use more if you like it spicy).
5. Combine 1/2 c. sugar, 1/2 c. flour, 3/4 c. grated monterey jack cheese, and half a stick of butter (softened and cut into small pieces). Use your hands to work the ingredients together until it forms a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle on top of the apples and jalepenos, so that it covers them completely.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, until golden brown on top. Let it cool for half an hour before serving.
Another awesome outdoor date: apple-picking. Google apple picking + [your town] to find orchards near you, and make a day out of it. Then whip up this sweet-salty-spicy dessert together.
1. Preheat over to 350 degrees.
2. Peel 4-6 apples and slice into 1" pieces. Toss with 1 T. sugar, 1 T. flour, 1/2 t. cinnamon, and 1/4 t. nutmeg.
3. Spread jalapeno jelly (available at specialty grocery stores like Wegman's and Whole Foods, or online) across the bottom of a 9" pie crust—use enough to coat the entire shell.
4. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, and scatter a few tablespoons of sliced, seeded jalapenos on top (use more if you like it spicy).
5. Combine 1/2 c. sugar, 1/2 c. flour, 3/4 c. grated monterey jack cheese, and half a stick of butter (softened and cut into small pieces). Use your hands to work the ingredients together until it forms a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle on top of the apples and jalepenos, so that it covers them completely.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, until golden brown on top. Let it cool for half an hour before serving.
Crunchy Leaves
The Facebook group "I Will Go Slightly Out of My Way To Step on a Crunchy Looking Leaf" has over 2.3 million "likes"—there's just something so satisfying about the crackling sound of walking on crispy leaves.
The Facebook group "I Will Go Slightly Out of My Way To Step on a Crunchy Looking Leaf" has over 2.3 million "likes"—there's just something so satisfying about the crackling sound of walking on crispy leaves.
Fall Clothes
We've worn the hell out of every sundress in our closet and are getting the itch to revamp our wardrobe. This season, there are a bunch of new trends we're super psyched about. Check out 10 fall fashion must-haves for under $100 (omg lace-up booties).
We've worn the hell out of every sundress in our closet and are getting the itch to revamp our wardrobe. This season, there are a bunch of new trends we're super psyched about. Check out 10 fall fashion must-haves for under $100 (omg lace-up booties).
Thanksgiving
Turkey! Mashed potatoes! Stuffing! Two extra days off work! What's not to love? Aside from the feast, here's another benefit of our favorite holiday: According to research from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, people with sunny outlooks tend to live longer. Thanksgiving gives us a kick in the butt to coax out our optimistic sides.
Source: scientificamerican.com
Turkey! Mashed potatoes! Stuffing! Two extra days off work! What's not to love? Aside from the feast, here's another benefit of our favorite holiday: According to research from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, people with sunny outlooks tend to live longer. Thanksgiving gives us a kick in the butt to coax out our optimistic sides.
Source: scientificamerican.com
Pumpkin Pie
Speaking of Thanksgiving, this year we plan to give thanks for pumpkin pie. Probably multiple times, with vanilla ice cream on top. What's more, a study from the Smell and Taste Research Foundation in Chicago found that men find the scent of pumpkin arousing. Take advantage of this little factoid and ask him to keep you company while you bake.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, this year we plan to give thanks for pumpkin pie. Probably multiple times, with vanilla ice cream on top. What's more, a study from the Smell and Taste Research Foundation in Chicago found that men find the scent of pumpkin arousing. Take advantage of this little factoid and ask him to keep you company while you bake.
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