Pumpkins have been carved, haunted houses have been visited, “Hocus Pocus” has been watched — but, here in Baton Rouge, it’s still 85 degrees outside. Based on the number of Nike shorts and flip flops making their way across campus, one would assume it’s still summer, though the fall season is well underway.
The Daily Reveille is here with advice on how to beat the heat without giving up on your fall festivities.
1. Admire the scenery
The leaves may not be orange, red and yellow yet, but that doesn’t make the trees any less beautiful. Take a stroll around campus and admire your surroundings, with the knowledge that sooner or later, the leaves will change color.
2. Deck the halls (in fall)
Deck out your dorm or apartment in fall gear. Bring on the pumpkins, hay, cornucopias and everything autumnal.
Crank down your air conditioning, throw on a comfy sweater and convince yourself it’s 60 degrees outside. Munch on some candy corn or sip on some hot cider. Before you know it, you’ll be in full-time fall mode.
Lighting a scented candle — whether it’s pumpkin pie, autumn woods or warm spice — can fool your senses into thinking it’s a cool autumn day. Candles can be picked up almost anywhere, including Bath & Body Works, Dollar Tree and even craft stores.
3. Bring fall into your menu
Throw on that apron and start baking. Pumpkin, apple and pecan pies are all smells of fall, but if you’re looking for something simpler, pick up some oven-ready turkey or pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies from Pillsbury.
Head to a nearby coffee shop for an iced version of the pumpkin spice latte. Highland Coffees and Starbucks carry the fall-time favorite, and CC’s Coffee House offers a Pumpkin Pie Latte, which puts a small spin on the familiar drink.
4. Get marshmallows roasting on an open fire
Build a bonfire. It might be a little toasty, but with some good friends, it can quickly become a night to remember. Roast some marshmallows, play some music and enjoy the mosquito free environment — the flames will definitely keep the flying fiends at bay.
5. Watch a movie that exploits the season
Curl up on the couch with a warm blanket and a fall-themed movie. “You’ve Got Mail” features the fall festival scene, scenic shots of New York City and a cozy bookstore. “Practical Magic” gets viewers in the mood for cooler temperatures, and “The Blind Side,” is packed with football, Thanksgiving scenes and a feel-good storyline that ties into the feelings of fall.
6. Dress in your fall best
While it may be a little too warm to break out the boots and sweaters, wearing warm colors is a nice alternative. Incorporate tans, burgundies and mustard colors into your wardrobe. Tying a flannel around your waist is another option and can be thrown on in class or within the brisk rooms of Middleton Library for a true November look.