Some would argue that fall is the most wonderful time of the year; the true “new year”. Kids are back in school, parents are back on routine and the outside world explodes in colour. Of all the seasons, we crush on autumn the hardest around here, so we’ve put together a list of fives things you absolutely, positively, need to do this Fall, and one thing you don’t.
Go For A Sunday Drive
Grab the ones you love the most, an old school map, a great cup of coffee and hit the road. Fall is the best time to get out exploring when the leaves are changing and it’s neither too hot or too cold to get out and explore. For some road trip inspiration, check out these top destinations for admiring Mother Nature’s fall showing.
Put Your Slow Cooker in Regular Rotation
Nothing and I mean nothing, can make you feel more accomplished than getting a meal in the slow cooker before your work day starts. As an added bonus they are like the sacred guardians of comfort foods, which we’re all seeking now that crisper temps and shorter days are here. So embrace the bolognese, prepare the pot roast and start that chili, slow cookers are your BFF this fall. Added bonus: they can do double duty if you use them for breakfast!
Shop the Summer Clearance Section
Wait, wait!! Hear me out. I know you just want to feel the warm hug of a big chunky sweater and a great infinity scarf, but come December you are going to be thinking about getting the hell out of Dodge. Now is the time to assess what your kids will need should you book that last-minute, because come January you are either going to be paying full price online, or totally out of luck. A little planning can go a long way right now.
Get Prepared for Virus Season
As soon as the kids are back in school, it’s like a countdown clock is set in motion for the first bug of the season to come home. Inevitably, the first illness will strike when a) you have the most important work meeting of your life coming up and b) you are woefully unprepared. Now is the time stock up on facial tissue, hand sanitizer, latex gloves, fever, and cold medication. It’s also a great time to ensure that humidifiers are in working order. If you need a refresher on how to tell the difference between a cold and flu, we can help with that. Finally, here’s a pro tip: Keep a large hand sanitizer in the car to clean hands after leaving public places!
Get Your Self-Care Plan in Place
Sure, January 1st might be the start of the calendar new year, but we all know the real new year is when the kids go back to school. I’m not going to preach what self-care for you should look like because it’s going to be different for all of us. For me, it’s going to mean yoga classes and daily walks with a favourite podcast. For you it might mean coming up with a meal plan you can stick to, or setting aside alone time to binge watch a show on Netflix. Whatever is going to save your sanity, is what you need to chase. Just make sure you do it.
One Thing You Don’t Need to Do – Eat Pumpkin Spice Anything
Despite what you’ll likely see all over the internet this fall, you are not required to like Pumpkin Spice or lose your composure when you see. It’s Pumpkin spice people, not peace in the Middle East. Our ancestors made it through countless fall seasons without sprinkling that shit everywhere. Feel free to do the same. Order a coffee black, have a plain old bran muffin, and just step away from Pumpkin Spice Oreos, ok?
good idea about the vacation and also take advantage of end of summer sales [if they haven’t moved onto the Christmas stuff] so you can get that snorkel gear and swimsuit at 70 per cent off! Pumpkin Spice? *guffaw*