Hey There!

I saw this Cozy Autumn Tag going around the Blogger scene, and I thought it would be fun to fill it out.. since it’s almost officially Fall, aka the BEST time of the year.

1: What is your favourite ‘ber’ month Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec)?

October. I love everything about October. Not only is it my Birthday… but it’s also My Sister’s & My Fiance’s Birthday’s too! It’s also Halloween. Enough said.

2: What is your favourite autumn leaf?

Red Maple

3: What did you dress as for Halloween last year?

Little Red Hiding Hood, with a Giant Wolf Scratch on my Face. Loved this costume. The facial “scratch” was just a temporary tattoo, from the costume shop.. but it looked SO real.

4: What is your favourite fall food?

Fall always makes me crave warm comfort foods, and delicious hot drinks. Hot Chocolates, Pumpkin Spice Latte’s, Apple Cider, Pie’s, Grilled Cheese, Hearty Soups… etc etc. One of our favourite places to go for Brunch, is Honeysalt! We went the other day, and I took so many photos, because it’s the most adorable chic restaurant.

5: Do you have any fall traditions?

Not officially, but every Fall I always go to Michael’s Craft Store, with my Best Friend Tina.. and we go wild. I love decorating for Fall. Early Fall, I go for a more cozy Autumn vibe.. candles, blankets, acorns, fairy lights, throw pillows etc… Then as soon as it’s closer to Halloween, I go full-blown Spooky Fall. We have a Halloween Box in our hall closet, and it’s bursting. It’s actually scary how much space it’s taking up, haha.

6: Do you have any Halloween traditions?

So many. Certain decorations, certain events, specific movies, special recipes, and more. I love Halloween more than anything.. even more than Christmas! Ever since I was a little kid, it’s always been one of the most anticipated day/night of my year. I remember the days of Trick or Treating, while it’s just getting dark.. running around with a pillow case full of candy. I would go home, and dump all the candy into a pile on the floor, and sit in it. I would separate all the candy, and share some with my parents. The SMELL of that pile of candy, is in-describable, but I feel like you guys know the smell. It’s one of the most nostalgic things in the world for me. Also just the memory of Halloween as a kid, is so crisp in my memory.

As an Adult, we have some pretty solid Traditions by now. We always go to Tina’s house for a Pumpkin Carving night. Also usually on actual Halloween, Paige and Luke will come over for a Halloween Scary Movie Marathon. (Highly Recommend “Trick r Treat”. It’s a seriously dark and twisted horror movie). I always eat way too many little mini chocolate bars. They are so small, you can convince yourself you have only had a few.. only to realize you had more like 20 of them.

7: What music do you like to listen to during fall?

Bon Iver, City and Color, Alt J, Keaton Henson, Ruelle, James Arthur, Lord Huron, and Billie Eilish.. to name a few.

8: What is your favourite fall outfit?

Black Tights, Black Ankle Boots, Plaid Skirt, Peter Pan Collared Top.. some type of hat? Also with one of my cute Fall Mini-Backpacks. Pretty much my uniform.

9: Favourite spooky movie?

I have so many. I’ll go with Halloween/ Fall/ Gothic Spooky ones for this question. Trick r Treat, The Shining, Rob Zombie’s Halloween, What We Do In The Shadows (HILARIOUS movie), The Babadook, Shutter Island, It Follows.

10: S’mores or pumpkin pie?

100% Pumpkin Pie, with some type of Whipping Cream. I’m not really a fan of Graham Crackers, so with S’mores, I usually just eat the chocolate haha. It’s the best part.

11: Hot chocolate or warm apple cider?

Hot Chocolate! I have so many Fall memories, of playing outside as a kid.. and my Mom bringing out a thermos of Hot Chocolate.

12: Do you like Pumpkin Spice Lattes?

I always get one, every year around this time.. but they aren’t my FAV. They are pretty good, but I find the aftertaste a bit off-putting. I really like the other Fall Starbucks Drinks a lot more… like the Salted Caramel Mocha, and Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. Oh God typing this is making me want to go to Starbucks’s so badly. Be right back.

13: What is your favourite day of the year?

It’s a 3 way tie between my Birthday (which seems so boring and obvious.. but it’s always extra special because my Sister’s Birthday is literally the day before, so we always have a big celebration together, with the whole family). Other than my Birthday, I obviously love Halloween evening. The last Day I love, is one of those few days in the stretch between Christmas Day and New Years Eve. It’s always the coziest time of year. Christmas is over, and everyone is just relaxing at home with Family, checking out all your Christmas Presents.. and nobody has to go back to work for a few more days. It’s the laziest, most relaxing time of the year. I really love that mini stretch of days.

14: What would your familiar be, if you had one?

I have no idea what a “familiar” is.. but this is what the Internet says it is. (Source: “Witches of the Craft”.

So after reading this, I’m still confused.. but I guess I would want a really cool little mouse or something. Maybe an Owl, a la Harry Potter? I don’t know, I’m not a big animal person, haha. I quite like a tiny cute mouse. I am worried this “familiar” business would make me sacrifice the mouse or something.. which I would never do. I’m not wild enough to be a real witch.

{Many Witches choose to have a familiar— a spiritually attuned creature (who lives with or nearby the Witch) who offers the Witch insights into nature, and for help in magic. If a Witch wishes to put out a call for a familiar, he usually does so through a spell or ritual. This ritual typically takes place outdoors, near the home. The Witch begins by creating sacred space, and then he meditates, prays, and places the request in the hands of nature. During the meditation the Witch visualizes the living space so the right creature can easily find its way to the door.}

15: What is your favourite part about fall blogging?

The stunning scenery all over the city. The changing leaves, the trees, the sunsets.. it all leads to the most stunning backdrops for my Blogging photos. Also there are so many fun Fall events to attend, and tons of stuff to Blog about. Also, I get to bust out all my new Peter-Pan collared dresses, and tights!

16: What is the story behind your URL?

Well it’s “Carly Loves Books”, so I think it’s pretty obvious haha.

17: What is the best thing about your town during fall?

Fright Nights at Playland! I’m going here for my Bachelorette Party next month haha. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate. Also there are tons of fun Haunted Hayrides, and creepy corn mazes.. just a little outside the city.

18: What is your favourite fall Decor?

Pumpkins! Also candles, sunflowers.. pretty much anything from Michael’s Craft Store. I went CRAZY there the other day. It’s like a trance takes over, and I just fill my basket with so many random things. Fake flowers, lights, stickers, day-planners.. I want it all.  I’m really living on the edge here, haha.

19: Tea or coffee?

Coffee!

20: Halloween or Christmas?

Clearly Halloween.. but I do have more of a soft-spot for Christmas Eve now, because that’s when we got Engaged last year <3

21: Cats or bats?

Bats! I’m allergic to Cats. Bats seem cool. I like how they hang upside down too. Although I love my Best Friend’s cat Scout very much. I’m sure if a bat were in front of me right now, I would be terrified. I need a baby bat, with like no fangs! Do bats have fangs?!

22: Do you enjoy carving jack-o-lanterns?

 No, haha! I love pumpkins, and I love how they look when they are carved.. but I HATE gutting them. The texture and the smell makes me sick. I always trick Ryan into doing it for me, haha. At last year’s Pumpkin Carving Party, Ryan was a hero, and gutted like 5 people’s pumpkin’s for them. Love him. What a guy.

23: What is your favourite fall colour?

Burnt Orange, or Burgundy. Also Navy? These are all my Wedding Colors too!

24: Why did you start your blog?

I’ve been Blogging in some form, for the better part of the last 10 years. As a Photographer, I have always taken so many photos.. of clients, of family and friends, of my City, and of myself. I wanted a way to share all my adventures, and more importantly to discuss one of my biggest loves.. Reading. I love taking about books, reviewing books, and giving people some Reading Inspiration. I can’t explain the thrill I get, when I tell a friend to read a book I’ve loved.. and they read & love it too… and we can just discuss the shit out of it.

25: Do you have a ‘main blog’. Link them!

Just this one right now 🙂 I’m very active on Instagram too, check me out @ carlyingramphotography & carlyingramphotographypro

26: Spooky or sweet?

Spooky! Although anything Halloween-Fall-Themed Spooky, is still sweet. Speaking of Spooky/Sweet.. I don’t know if you guys have heard about the “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” re-boot coming to NETFLIX, but I can’t wait. It looks amazing, and much darker than the original.

27: Trick or treat?

Defiantly all the treats. I’m not very good at any tricks, and I used to HATE when some weird person answering their door for “Trick or Treat” would ask for a “trick”, while Trick or Treating.. most awkward moment haha. Like what do they think I have up my sleeve? I’ve got nothing, haha.

28: Do you enjoy visiting graveyards?

Not particularly. The only Graveyard I would have any interest in checking out, is the famous one in Paris, where Oscar Wilde is buried.. or Jim Morrison. Seems a bit morbid though. Going to the Paris Catacombs, when we were there in 2015… was a very cool experience, but also horrifying. Being so deep underground, surrounded by so many bones, was interesting.. but overall quite chilling. I don’t know if I’ve told you guys this story before (I’m sure I have), but I need to tell it again. We toured the Paris Catacombs, on the night before Halloween, and our guide was telling us about a “special” Air B&B Contest going on. Basically if you WON, you got to spend a night… ALONE.. INSIDE THE TUNNELS IN THE CATACOMBS.. on a TINY MATRESS.. while a Violin player plays for you, and then you just SLEEP ALONE DOWN THERE. Horrifying. Seriously, WHO would do this?! I will attach some photos here of the Catacombs, so you can appreciate my All-Caps Terror.

29: What is your favourite fall memory?

Being up at our cabin on Gambier Island for Thanksgiving. It’s stunning there in the Fall. The trees are all golden and red.. and it’s just so beautiful and peaceful up there. A few years ago Paige, Luke, Ryan and I all went up for Thanksgiving, and that trip is probably my favorite Fall Memory. We had the most fun ever, and it was SO hilarious watching Paige try to fit the turkey in our tiny fridge. So many laughs, so many memories made that trip. I’m so lucky.

Also being in Paris in the Fall of 2015 is right up there at the top of the list. Ryan and I sat under the Eiffel Tower, Halloween 2015.. sharing a little ghost cake, and watching the Eiffel Tower light up and sparkle. It was fucking magical. Halloween doesn’t seem to be a big thing in France, and hardly anyone was dressed up.. but there was a spark in the air. Also all the little bakeries had cute pumpkin and ghost treats! What a night.

30: What was your best fall ever?

Paris, Fall 2015. Just perfection. You don’t even understand. It was one of those moments, where I just stood there staring, trying to mentally memorize every detail. Honestly, just a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me.

31: Gloves or mittens?

Mittens? Whichever ones have the thumbs you can use your phone with, so you don’t have to take them on and off. I don’t even think I own a pair of either though, haha. It never really gets that cold in Vancouver.

32: Do you enjoy ice skating?

Love Ice Skating. I hope to get up to the top of Grouse Mountain, and Ice Skate during their Christmas Event. They have Beaver Tails, Crepes, Reindeer, and just so many Christmas-y things. I’m pretty decent at Ice Skating, but I have never really mastered how to “stop” while skating.. so I always just smash my body into the side of the rink. Very slick.

33: If you could spend fall anywhere, where would you choose?

I think next up on my Fall List, would have to be Ireland/Scotland. It seems like it would be a beautiful place to be in the Fall time.

34: What’s your dream Halloween outfit?

Daenerys Targaryen. I have been trying to get this costume happening for the last 5 years, but I always end up waiting too long to order it in time.. or I’m put off by the cost. Also if I’m going to do this costume, I never wanted to half-ass it.. I need it to be epic. You guys, I think THIS is my year. It’s “Game of Throne’s” final season this year, and it’s the perfect time for my costume moment, haha.

35: Be honest… are you already stocking up for fall?

Oh I’m 100% already on board. I changed out my closet today, from Summer to Fall. I’ve got all my cozy knits hung up, and all my jean shorts tucked away. Also may have two or three Bath and Body Work’s Fall Candles, burning away right now. Also don’t underestimate the thrill of portable fairy-lights, inside an old mason jar.

36: Do you enjoy the other seasons?

In Vancouver Summer and Fall are the most beautiful Seasons. The Winter here isn’t great, and it rains almost every day. It’s still a beautiful city, but the best times to come visit are for sure Fall or Summer (May-September)/(September-December).

37: How do you plan to spend this Halloween?

I’m not sure.. but if I’m going all out on my Daenerys Targaryen costume, I better find somewhere good to go show it off. Every year the Vancouver Aquarium hosts a crazy Halloween Party, and I always miss it. I think this year I should check it out.

38: In ONE sentence… WHY do you love fall so much?

Just the crisp, fresh, new feeling in the air.

39: What is your favourite fall makeup look?

Simple makeup, with a Matte Red Lip. Maybe a hint of liquid liner on the top lid.

40: What is your favourite fall candle scent?

100% the Crackling Firewood Ember Candle, sold at Chapters (made by Mini Tin Candle).

41: Do you enjoy Christmas?

Yes! I find it a bit stressful, but I love it. Does anyone NOT like Christmas?! I think I go way too above and beyond trying to re-create childhood traditions, and give everyone something perfect. I love to give gifts, way more than receiving them. In fact, opening a gift someone has given me.. in FRONT of them…. I find so painfully awkward. I always worry I don’t look excited enough, and I don’t know what to do.. or how many hugs to give. God I’m awkward.

42: What is your favourite store during fall?

Aritzia, Zara, J Crew, Noul, Brandy Mellville & of course Anthropologie.

43: Do you enjoy cold weather?

Yes. I prefer cold to warm sometimes, especially in my daily life. I love to wear little coats, and layer with sweaters. In the Summer sometimes it’s so hot, you just feel like your makeup is melting off, and it’s the most uncomfortable feeling. Especially on Public Transit. Also having full bangs, they just end up sticking to your forehead, and it’s not hot.

44: What is your least favourite thing about fall?

When the fallen leaves have been trampled on, and rained on so much.. that they become a kind of street sludge. Also that point where it’s not quite cold enough for the pea-coats I desperately want to wear, and not warm enough for just a Grandpa cardigan. Lastly, I love little toques, and I just can’t manage to figure out the bangs to hat ratio? I’m a mess.

45: What is your favourite Halloween candy?

Ohhh. Mini Aero’s, Mini Kit-Kats, Mini Snickers. I think the Mini Snickers are my fav. When I was a kid, if you happened to come across a house that was handing out FULL SIZE chocolate bars.. that was like an earth-shattering big deal. As an adult though? Love a mini. It’s a real thrill.

46: What is one thing you’d love to try during fall, but haven’t yet?

Going on a Fall Camping Trip. Maybe somewhere like Whistler? Also Zip-Lining through all the Fall-Colored trees, would be stunning.

47: What do your friends and family think of your fall obsession?

My friends are just as obsessed as me, and my family doesn’t bat an eyelash. My Sister is obsessed with Christmas.. so much so that she’s already listening to Christmas Music, with her TV Fireplace going full blast. She’s basically Will Ferrell in “Elf”, but much cuter.

48: Be honest… are you already planning your fall-themed wedding?

Why yes, in fact it’s happening in TEN weeks! I’m equal parts thrilled & terrified. I feel like I have SO much to do still. Who knew Flowers were such an intense thing?

49: Do you have fall/Halloween boards on Pinterest. Link them!

No I don’t. I’m really bad at Pinterest. I love it, and I love to lurk around on there.. but I just can’t keep it up. It’s such a beautiful space though, and every time I scroll around on there, I feel so inspired.

50: Do you enjoy rain?

I don’t like being caught un-prepared in the rain.. or how it destroys all my cute little ballet flats… but I do love the rain. Living in Vancouver, I should really just buy rain-boots, but for some reason I just keep destroying all my cute Fall flats haha.

I love the smell right before it rains, and I love the cozy feeling of listening to the rain on the windows, or the roof. I live in a city where it rains 70% of the year, so I’ve learned to love it. It has a very romantic and eerie feel. Big fan.

What do you guys love the most about Fall?

Thanks so much for Reading all my little Fall Answers,

See you all very soon,

xo

Carly

Happy Fall!