Amazing Autumn

It finally happened, I was walking to work this weekend, it was hot, the sun was still beating down, and then a cool breeze blew.  It was not a warm, summer, breeze rather it was a crisp, cool autumn wind.  I want to say it smelled like leaves, apples, cinnamon, pumpkin, and a bonfire.  In truth it did not carry any scent, but rather it evoked a feeling I wait for every year around now.  It made me feel like it was finally Autumn.  I love Autumn.  It is my favorite season.  It is such a cozy time, the beginning of the holidays, family coming together, and no longer hot enough to bake cookies on the sidewalk. Instead now you can bake cookies inside.  Today I made oatmeal cinnamon chip cookies YUM!!!

the cookies we made

They were dessert for after we had the Autumn Chopped Salad we had for lunch.  Both super tasty, and the salad was even healthy.  Staci gave it her seal of approval.  So now my place smells like Autumn.  If you want your home to smell warm, inviting, and autumny without all the calories of cookies then you can try this recipe: in a small pot, in no particular amount, add fresh water, a few cinnamon sticks, some cloves, orange slices, apple slices, star anise, ginger, and cardamom pods. Let the mixture simmer on the stove, wrap yourself in a comfy blanket, with a hot toddy of choice, and enjoy the fragrance filling your home. When the water gets low, just add a bit more.

simmer on low

 Now for ways to enjoy Autumn I recommend going on a foliage walk.  You and your family can take a walk through a park or around the neighborhood, enjoying the changing colors of nature, and looking for pine cones, acorns, fallen leaves, and odd twigs.  All of which can be used to make Autumn crafts come alive. With Autumn comes football, I know everybody around me is all excited about the games.  Unfortunately, I have no understanding of football, but I do understand football food LOL I love making a rich, spicy chili with jalapeno pepper laden cornbread alongside it. Also a good idea would be to host a healthy potluck where recipes that emphasize healthy alternatives are shared between friends.  I don’t mean just salads LOL plenty of recipes out there that celebrate the holidays, while still being healthy.  I like the One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner One of the recipes you find might inspire you to break out your crockpot.  You also might want to hit your local grocery store and stock up on spices for the season such as: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, sage, bay leaves, and cloves.

 Another way to have a healthier Autumn is to trade white breads and pastas for their whole grain versions.  Whole grains are so much better: they are full of protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You need to keep yourself healthy for the holidays.  They are stressful.  When the stress starts to get to you, just breath. Focus your mind on something positive, and try to banish all negative thoughts.  Perhaps go for a walk. Splurge and buy yourself some vibrant, cozy, and comfy workout wear to sweat in.  Remember it is SWEATer weather.  Above all else reconnect with your family.  With school, work, and numerous other functions, life can get hectic.  Take time out to have fun with your family. 

I want to go here

Go for a walk and have a picnic, enjoy a bonfire while sipping on cocoa and gazing at the stars, go cheer on your team at a football game, do yard work together raking leaves to jump in, or just cook dinner together and then have a movie or game night.  Autumn is an amazing season.  I do so love throwing splashes of Autumn colors all over my home.  I hope all who read this enjoy this time as much as I do.