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Autumn, the most beautiful of all seasons. Sweater weather is here, and with it? The crunch of fallen leaves (under a great pair of boots), all things cozy, and pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins.
It may be our first fall in the midst of a pandemic, but we’re here to help you make the best of it as we navigate the second wave. Are you ready for all the amazing things October (and our favourite season) can bring?
To take advantage of all this month has to offer (and not miss a single spooky thing) we’ve compiled a list of our “best of” seasonal essentials from last year’s bucket lists, as the ultimate guide to your best ever fall.
Stay safe and healthy, and make the most of this month.
Happy October!
PUMPKIN SPICE EVERYTHING
Let’s face it, we’ve already been enjoying pumpkin spice lattes for a month. Take full advantage of everything pumpkin spice while it’s still here (and in full force). Everything’s better with a PSL in hand (it’s just not fall without one).
ALL. THE. COFFEE.
Pumpkin spice lattes not your thing? Coffee is your new best friend on crisp mornings and brisk afternoons (or anytime, let’s be real). Everything’s better with coffee (grab that to-go cup)! Consider supporting small/local cafes.
It’s Pickin’ Time
Apples and pumpkins are ripe for the pickin’. Visit your local farm, orchard, or patch for the perfect (socially distanced) family or couple’s activity this month (with sky high photo op potential). It’s a great way to support local (wear a mask).
BAKE A PIE
What to do with all those apples/pumpkins? Bake a pie! Pick up a pre-made pie crust, find a simple recipe online for filling, and pop it in the oven. Your house will smell amazing (don’t forget the whip cream). Don’t feel like carving? Grab a can of pumpkin puree instead. Pie not your thing? Try a crisp.
TAKE IN THE COLOURS
Go for a walk, hike, or drive to take in all the beautiful autumn foliage before the leaves fall. Don’t miss your chance! Find out when colours are at their peak in your area.
FALL WARDROBE ESSENTIALS (GET CRAFTY)
Sweater weather (nothing better). Update your fall wardrobe with a new seasonal essential – a sweater, hoodie, great pair of boots, or scarf. Better yet, knit one yourself! It’s the perfect month to cozy up and get crafty (then perfect your craft over the next few weeks to give as holiday gifts).
NEW SHADES (OF MAKEUP)
It’s time to make the switch to fall makeup, which means slightly darker shades and richer tones (particularly for lips and nails). Pick up a new item or two.
GET CARVIN’ (OR CRAFTY)
Carve those pumpkins. Or paint them. Or drill them. Or decorate them. Or stitch them (yes, you can cross-stitch a pumpkin). Or make a pumpkin derby race car. The options are endless. It’s time to get your hands dirty and get crafty!
ROAST THOSE SEEDS
And while you’re at it, rinse and clean those pumpkin seeds for the perfect, healthy (and delicious) snack. Roast clean pumpkin seeds on parchment paper in the oven, with a touch of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Nothing better.
GIVE THANKS
Get grateful. Thanksgiving is this month in Canada, and just around the corner for our American friends. Start planning your ultimate thanksgiving meal and this year, virtual family gatherings to keep loved ones healthy. Other ideas? Start a gratitude journal.
FRONT PORCH DECOR
There is nothing prettier than a fall front porch. Beautiful mums, dried florals, pumpkins, straw wreaths, and other seasonal (or Halloween) decor will do the trick. Cozy harvest displays don’t have to be pricey (make the dollar store your first stop). Or make your own, with painted farmhouse-style wooden signs and porch leaners.
READ, READ, READ
It’s the perfect way to spend those longer, cooler October evenings. Cozy up with a coffee, tea or glass of wine by the fire and lose yourself in a great (or scary), new novel.
Better yet, make it a date night with the King. Stephen King, the king of horror. Need some ideas? Here are a few classics.
Get your copy of It.
Get your copy of Pet Sematary.
Get your copy of The Stand.
Get your copy of The Shining.
Scary books not for you? Pack your fall book bag with some of the latest picks from Reese’s book club.
MAKE IT A (HORROR) MOVIE NIGHT
Not a reader? Host a virtual (and terrifying) watch party for family and friends this October. Netflix and other streaming services have options for virtual watch parties, so you can safely get spooky with your favourite people (even when apart). Where’s the popcorn?!
HALLOWEEN FUN
It’s going to be a little different this year. But, you can still have some safe (and spooky) Halloween fun. Get/make a costume, decorate your house, carve a jack-o-lantern, and plan some tricks (and treats) for your immediate household. Check with local health authorities before trick-or-treating.
VOTE
It’s election time for our American friends. Make sure you are registered and ready for election day. Please vote.
HOLIDAY FINANCIAL PREP
It’s that (expensive) time of year, the holiday season is getting closer. Now is the time to be thinking ahead, budgeting, and planning your finances for upcoming holiday gifts, decorations, and extra food that will soon be on your shopping list (don’t forget charitable donations). Ordering gifts this year instead of shopping in-store? It’s time to start thinking about delivery time frames and placing orders (everyone else will be too). Support local.
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