Online Only: The Urge to splurge

'Tis the season.\nMarked by falling leaves, crisp air and flocks of scantily clad freshman women in huddled masses walking toward frat houses, fall is in full swing. As someone with impeccable taste, let me say that, though the cash reserve accumulated by a summer's hard work is dwindling fast, there are some things this season worth the splurge.\n• Seasonal beverages. Treats like the Pumpkin Spice Crème latte at Starbucks or the Fireside Cocoa at the Copper Cup are a delight. They are also temporary, so let them help you get in the spirit of the season. If you are looking to entertain or want DIY fall libation, pick up some cider, and heat it on the stove top. Add a little ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon. Yum. That's fall.\n• Scarves and hats. These are the gifts that keep on giving. Nothing adds more style, color and texture to a boring jeans-and-coat combo like a great scarf and hat, not to mention the warmth they provide when you're making the trek from Teter to Swain West. \n• A pair of boots. Nothing will make a person grouchier than cold, wet feet, so boots are a must. You will be happier, which will make you nicer, and nothing makes other people happier than people who are nice to them -- except maybe cash or free stuff. But there's only so much we can do.\n• A good thermos. If you are indeed looking to save money, and you drink half as much coffee as I do, a thermos is a must. In this cold weather -- and at this time in the school year when the workload can seem insurmountable -- coffee is necessary in large quantities and served hot. I recommend the cup-as-lid, pop-and-pour variety. It makes for very hot coffee, pleasant drinking and something to keep you occupied if a lecture gets boring. As in every season, quality coffee is a must. That means no Folgers, not even that shoddy excuse for "gourmet" it's put out. I recommend, for fall, Starbucks' Caffè Verona or the perennially delicious Blackbeard's from Soma.\n• Dinner for your friends. This can get pricey (especially depending on the size of the invite list), but I have always found it to be a worthwhile experience. The cold weather lends itself to warm get-togethers with delicious food and a few big bottles of Pinot. Cooking is a skill that can only be achieved by practicing, so why not let everybody win? You learn, they eat free, and everyone has a fine time. Plus, it can be done in an affordable fashion. Keep it intimate, and check out what deals are happening at the grocery store. There is always a meat on sale, and vegetables aren't too expensive. Food, drink, friends and good conversation -- these are the fine things in life, and fall just isn't fall without them. If you want to survive the chill of the season, let these things keep you warm inside and out, and have a classy fall.