Enjoy the Simple Pleasures of Autumn

I love Autumn. As much as I love warm weather and sunshine, there is something refreshing about the cool, crisp air and falling leaves. It revives that urge to nest and prepare a cozy place to ride out the cold winter (even when living someplace mild like Texas!) Here are some simple ways to enjoy the Autumn:

• Head to the pumpkin patch. This time of year, most communities have pumpkin patches around, usually as fundraisers. Many also have carnival-type activities for the kids. We started a tradition when our first son was born of taking him in his Halloween costume to the pumpkin patch every year for pictures and playtime. Sometimes we even take a picnic lunch for an added treat. The pictures are great for comparing year after year (I keep mine in a special Halloween photo album), and the cost is usually very low, often only the price of any pumpkins you buy while you're there!
• Make some tea, or coffee, or cider. Nothing says Fall like a hot cup of steaming cider or chai tea. Stock up on your favorite warm beverages now, so you have something cozy to drink when the nights are chilly.
• Clean out and inspect your chimney. If you've got a fireplace, get that chimney sweep out before it's really cold (and before their prices skyrocket). Cleaning your chimney will not only improve the efficiency of your fireplace, but it could save your life! Each year, there are hundreds of house fires nationwide and more than 1,000 people die each year due to dirty flumes. There's also indoor air pollution to consider. Inspecting and cleaning your chimney should be an annual task on your Autumn to-do list.
• Taste what's in season. Fall is the perfect time to snack on apples and pears or add leeks to your potato soup. Also look for plums, sweet corn, squash, blackberries, figs, grapes and eggplant.
• Become a master of the one-pot meal. Crockpots make easy work of dinner -- just toss in your soup or roast ingredients in the morning, and by dinner you'll have a yummy meal waiting for you. Also find some new soup, chili or stew recipes to try out for a hearty, warm meal. Be sure to check out my online recipe blog Delicious In Season – I’ll be updating it with new cool-weather recipes all season long!
• Add a few throws, blankets or sweaters to your living areas -- your living room, den, bedroom, etc. Instead of turning up the heat if you feel cold, grab your blanket or sweater and snuggle up.
• Clean out your car of any summer gear and get the oil changed. Also go ahead and stock your car with a warm blanket and an ice scraper for winter weather.
• One or two nights a week, turn off the TV and have family night. Play board games, sip cocoa by the fire, or just read a book. It may sound a little old-fashioned, but it's a simple way to make the evening cozy and memorable.