Autumn Obsessions: New Twists on Classic Favorites (or, Dreaming of the Nineties)
Everything old is new again. Of course, classics never really die, as is the case with one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, or quirky, ugly-cute German footwear. This season, I’m getting super nostalgic with all the ways to enjoy what was once, uh, classic. Yeah, not old. Classic.
25 years of Friends
I love that 25 years after it aired, Friends is still going strong as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. It’s definitely one of my favorites. Friends is one of those shows that no matter when or where it’s on, or what mood I’m in, I’ll enjoy watching it. I find myself quoting various characters on a regular basis. You invariably have at least one friend that is a real-life version of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Ross, or Joey. And you definitely know which one you are.
I especially love the Thanksgiving episodes. I recall one particularly lonely Thanksgiving as a single mom when my son was super little, I spent the whole day watching each of them in chronological order. Imagine how excited I was when I heard Fathom Events is doing a two-day Friendsgiving event later this month!
Celebrating the Friends 25th anniversary this year has me wishing for some cool show-themed goodies like this version of Monopoly (and my family can tell you, I don’t even like playing this game) and the Central Perk LEGO set, which got turned into this incredible life-size LEGO version of the famous coffee house!
Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Brew
Speaking of coffee, I may be a societal sheep when it comes to my next obsession, but I’ve totally fallen in love with this amazing drink. I’m not a huge Starbucks fan, and have always hated their pumpkin spice flavor. But my son (a former employee) convinced me they were awesome, and he wasn’t lying. There is something about the nitro that really does make this drink velvety smooth, and by cutting down the sweetener, I was able to enjoy the flavor of fall in a particularly handy lidded cup (which I also thought I’d hate but found quite enjoyable to drink from)… plus the grande is the perfect size for the MINI cupholders!
Birkenstock Boston
And as if I couldn’t get VSCO-girl enough for you, I’ve rediscovered another 25-year-old favorite: the Birkenstock Boston slip-on. Ah yes, the clog: shoe of the 90s. With all the 90s nostalgia in my life, as well as being told I need to wear orthopedic shoes, I revisited my high school days and ordered myself these super awesome Birks in Iron Oiled Leather and fell in love all over again. Two different materials (hello, wool felt) and color ways are now on my Christmas wish list.
Snow Patrol - Reworked
The band from Ireland made famous by Grey’s Anatomy is celebrating 25 years of music this month with their recently released album Reworked, taking a bunch of favorite tunes and well, reworking them. Like the pumpkin cold brew, it’s a surprising spin on a classic flavor. All I can say about the first listen-through is UH-MAZING. Chills for classics like “Run” and “Take Back the City.” Snow Patrol is one of those bands that is often underrated but always a good listen— their music, lyrics, and album art incredibly inspiring, especially in these months leading up to winter. They are Snow Patrol after all.
So what are you enjoying this season? Tell me about your favorite Friends episode, fall drink, or comfy clothing making your Autumn a little bit cozier!