Happy Fall! Have a Ball!

Hi, it’s Julie, from redheadcandecorate.com! You know, as a little girl growing up in New York State, Fall was all about Halloween. I remember tons of curled leaves on the sidewalks as I scooted through the neighborhood in my cat costume collecting candy in my pillowcase. I’m not even sure if I noticed the colorful foliage before the leaves shed, but I do remember having a plan to rake the entire yard by myself. I remember raking so long that blisters developed on my little hands, and my dreams of mile high piles to jump in quickly turned to thoughts of, “Maybe I should go watch the Brady Bunch and try again later” thoughts.

Ah well…at least I went after my dream and had fun even when it didn’t turn out the way I expected.
That’s my hope for all of us this Fall. To have some good ole fashioned fun. Before you know it, the snow will be flying so there is no time to waste.
Here is my list of favorite fun things to do this Autumn season that don’t require a lot of money, or a lot of effort.

Go Apple Picking

Every year, right around the end of September we head out to our local apple orchards. Last year was a hoot because it was quite chili. We acted like crazy apple thieves running in there for our “pecks” of apples. We did it in record time because of the temps. Hopefully, this year it will be warmer and slower. We enjoy Empire apples the best…they are crisp, sour, and sweet all at once. Granny Smith make the best pies though. What are your favorite apples?

Make a Homemade Apple Pie

I think my husband wanted to marry me all over again when I began to bake my own apple pies about 10 years ago. There is nothing like the smell of fresh sweet tangy apples baking with the sugar and spices. I think I may have to make one this weekend after seeing this photo. The young folks like to bake too, so this would be a great time to encourage them to help.

Take a Fall Foliage Scenic Drive

I remember when we moved down South I wondered if the leaves would change. I asked our realtor and he laughed at me. UH! So rude, I thought. Well…maybe it was kind of a funny question, but when you’re from the North you don’t know these things. We lived in NE Florida and the leaves did change color, however it just wasn’t as colorful. The air still becomes clearer though, so that would make for a great time to go for a drive. Better yet…

Have A Soup Picnic

Heat up your favorite soup and pack the pot up in a few towels and a cooler. Coolers can keep things hot too! Or light a grill at a park with coals and put the pot there to heat it up. All you would need is some large coffee mugs to serve it in, a loaf of crusty Italian bread to break apart, and something cold to drink. Don’t forget the blanket and pillow.
Did someone say blanket?

Visit Your Local Thrift Store

Wait, if you do this before the Soup Picnic, you would have a blanket to sit on. Can you believe I found this beautiful crochet blanket at Goodwill? Such gorgeous colors and perfect for those Fall naps. If you find one, just wash it in hot water a couple times because you never know.

Decorate With Scarves

With what? Yes…I am obsessed with scarves, flannels, and boots. So much so, that I am beginning to incorporate them into my home decor. I can’t keep buying things at stores because the house is getting too full. Time to use what I have, and hey…it looks and feels great. Just wrap your favorite scarf down your bannister, and secure with thumb tacks. The remaining supplies are mostly dollar store buys. The candles are thrift store glasses with t-lights.

Try Indoor Gardening

There is no doubt that gardening is relaxing and good for the soul. Did you know that Impatiens can survive indoors, too? You just need an indirect sun window like I have at my kitchen sink. They need to be kept moist, too. I just grab my dish sprayer and spray them once a day when I’m doing the dishes.

Build A Campfire

We have campfires all Summer long, but it might be too hot for some of you. We also have to be careful of the dry regions. Be sure to call your local fire company to check if conditions are appropriate to enjoy a fire with the kiddos, or your neighbors. If you don’t have a fire pit, light some candles and relax. Don’t forget the S’mores Dip.

Happy Fall…have a ball!

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