Shift Mode: On

From Halloween to Christmas (and everything in between), this cozy reindeer look has your pup covered.
See the latest holiday wear now in the Fido Fly Pup Shop!

Environment

Every fall, something subtle but powerful happens to you - no, I mean besides craving apple cider doughnuts. As the air turns crisp and humidity drops, your body starts rewriting the rules for how you experience flavor. The latte you loved in July might suddenly taste flat in October. That soup you swore was too salty in summer now tastes just right. It’s not in your head because autumn is literally changing how you taste the world. Maybe this is a get out of jail free card for my dad to use when he doesn’t like my mom’s cooking (hint: he doesn’t like anyone’s).

Here’s the science hiding under those falling leaves: most of what we think of as “taste” is actually smell. About 70–80% of flavor perception comes from odor molecules drifting up the back of your throat to receptors in your nose. Ewww… let’s read on. And those receptors? They thrive in warm, moist air. When cooler, drier air arrives in fall, they become less sensitive, meaning fewer scent molecules reach them and flavors register as weaker. Your favorite foods didn’t suddenly lose their punch — your nose just isn’t catching the same signals. Pizza - I beg you not to change.

Sneaky stuff now… that shift has ripple effects you’ve probably never noticed. Chefs often tweak menus with bolder spices and richer sauces this time of year, not just for seasonal vibes but to make up for your dulled senses. Even perfumers adjust formulations for autumn launches, knowing that the same scent can smell dramatically different depending on the weather. And wine experts? They know a cabernet that once smelled fruity in July might seem more tannic and earthy in October — same bottle, different nose.

There’s also an evolutionary layer to this. As early humans prepared for winter, their diets shifted toward heavier, higher-calorie foods — precisely the kind that benefit from deeper, more intense flavors. Our seasonal sensory adjustment might be an ancient survival feature still humming quietly in the background of modern life.

When you wonder why your pumpkin bread tastes just a little different — or why you suddenly want more cinnamon on everything — remember it’s not just the season outside changing. Autumn is rewiring your senses from the inside out. Load those spices on.

Fall guy: Police interviews can be sticky
Trash curb: This could save me from paying extra for more trash out
Laugh, eh: Cheesy jokes… why not

What’s Wrong With Your Dog?

If your dog’s swapped chase-the-ball energy for cozy naps (ok, more so than normal), there’s science behind it. Shorter days reset their internal clock, shifting hormones, sleep cycles, and mood. That’s why they might sleep more, cling closer, or eat differently. It’s not laziness, it’s biology.

Listen to this though: A few small changes make a big difference. Start with light: get them into morning sun or feed near a bright window to help reset their rhythm. Use warmer indoor light early in the day and softer light at night to mimic natural cues.

Time walks earlier — dogs’ energy peaks sooner in fall. Make one of those outings a sniff walk, where they lead with their nose. It’s more rewarding for their brain and boosts mood better than high-intensity play.

Support their body from the inside out with omega-3s (like salmon oil) for mood and brain balance, and watch hydration— cooler weather often means they drink less. A splash of low-sodium broth in their bowl helps (if their doggie doctor allows these things).

When weather ruins outdoor plans, swap exercise for micro enrichment: hide treats, scatter kibble in a snuffle mat, or rotate toys and scents indoors. Pro tip: My dog thinks the snuffle mat is beneath him, no pun. What he demands each evening is scavenger hunt where I had his food. Give it a whirl.

Is Last Year’s Sun Damage Showing Up As This Year’s Dark Spots?

You can’t go back in time and prevent sun damage from last year, but you can do something about it this year.

Chuckle

The fib is A. Before the PSL, seasonal menu items were rare in coffee shops. Its wild success sparked today’s seasonal marketing calendar — everything from peppermint mochas to cold-foam sugar cookie lattes owes its existence to PSL’s dominance.

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