I love how the fall season finds its way into my soul every year - it feels like the world starts over again with the crisp in the air. J.K. Rowling wrote, "Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year, the morning of 1st September was as crisp and golden as an apple". You will find me pulling out my winter storage box and digging deep into it for my perfect toque, and the coziest scarf. There are a plethora of colored cabernet reds and pumpkin orange leaves around us - whether it be a car ride or a stroll, and we are sure never to miss a moment of it.
Autumn to me, is jumping into a fresh pile of leaves, getting an after-dinner walk in - cause gosh it's so nice outside, and simmering a pot of orange peels, apples, and cloves.
Here are some essential fall activities, decor, and food that I love - to make Autumn your best season yet.
There's so much beauty out there, go and capture it. Put on your best plaids, grab your dog, hiking sticks, and hit the trails. Don't forget your camera, as you will be sure to find some amazing moments to take a snap of. We are so fortunate to have these walking trails around us, you just have to get out and give them a try.
Don't ya just love lazy Sunday afternoons, with nowhere to be, cuddled up in your favorite blanket - with smells drifting in and out of the kitchen from your homemade crockpot chili. Just a bit of a spicy bite, but not too much (I'm a bit of a wimp with strong spices). The coziness of this space will allow you to feel guiltfree as you finish number 9 of that 11 episode Netflix series. There is something so exclusive to the fall season that teaches us to slow down and recharge.
Here's The Struthers Chili Recipe:
You will need:
2 pounds of ground turkey
1 can of white kidney beans
1 can of red kidney beans
1 can of black kidney beans
2 cans of diced tomatoes
1/2 cup of salsa
1 can of tomato paste
1 box of chicken broth
1 package of taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1/2 tablespoon of chili powder
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
Instructions:
Cook the turkey in a cast iron pan (or pan of your choice). Fry the turkey until it is cooked through, add taco seasoning to the pan - mix well. Combine all the ingredients to crockpot, and let it simmer.
Warm colors with a variety of textures are the key to easy, but effective fall decorating. Anything in copper, with complimentary birch decor, is a major weakness for me. Fall styling could not be possible for me, without it.
Oversized taffy-colored candle pillars displayed here in trough sized barn board boxes is a brilliant way to create a stunning centerpiece for your fall dining table display.
Wheat wreaths and beige gingham ribbon is an admirable choice if you prefer a more subtle decor palette. Adding a wreath to your front door along with some galvanized steel pots filled with fall moms, tall grasses, blue and purple kale are stunning ways to add a warm and inviting entrance to your home. You could also add accents like berries, cattails, or pumpkins with your planters to give it some extra fall decor punch.
I don't think I have ever met a person who didn't love a cup of hot chocolate. I like to get my milk as frothy as possible, add a heap of white mini marshmallows (or go for the multi-colored ones), and fill my favorite mugs up with this chocolatey goodness. I love the white mustache I get every time I sip. There is something about the fall season and gives us a reason to sip a cup. Easy to make, and loved by all.
Complete confession time. I look forward to the fall - so I can wear my turtleneck sweaters. I am not sure if its because they look great with a pair of jeans - or if its because my hair always looks good when I have one on. Whatever the case, I love them. Perhaps you are not in favor of the turtleneck, but you have that one favorite sweater you pull out of your winter box - and you cannot wait to wear it again. Fall is about being cozy after all.
The beauty that comes in this time of year, comes in fast and leaves us faster. Embrace this time, because the W-word, is just around the corner. So light up those apple scented candles, drink your pumpkin spiced latte, get your home all cozy and decorated, and enjoy.
Fall La La!
Happy Autumn everyone.
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