Simple pleasures for Fall.

I hold a great appreciation for each of the seasons in their own right. Throughout most of my life, I had always loved Summer because of the longer days, the warmer temperatures, the changing opportunities for camping, all of the outdoor activities, and spending time at the beach with the kids. Though every year towards the end of Summer I would realize that I had a very fickle relationship with it, after I’d had my fill of the sun and the heat, I would always find myself longing for the signs of Autumn. I feel, in my heart, Autumn has always been my favorite season. I get a greater sense of renewal in the Fall than I do in the Springtime, because to me there is nothing like that first morning when the air gets crisp. It is the epitome of “change is in the air”.

I believe that Fall brings about change in preparation for the new year that’s awaiting us. Even though life tends to get busier at the end of the year, we are also winding down in a sense. The upcoming holidays and being around friends and family more often, usually encourages the feelings of enjoyment, gratitude, and asylum. (I’m meaning asylum as synonymous with refuge, though some of our families, like mine, can feel more like a mental asylum when we get together. Ha Ha Ha!) I find that there are so many aspects to the Fall that inspire warm feelings in me and give me comfort and joy. I wonder if others feel this way too.

image1 (28) — Taking time to allow yourself some peace is more valuable than you could imagine.

Let me just start with, I absolutely love wearing sweaters! All kinds of sweaters… from big fluffy ones that swallow me up in softness, to sleek sexy sweaters that softly hug my body. And while we are on the subject of clothing, I love wearing knit beanies, boots (ALL the boots!), well-worn jeans, comfy leggings, and cozy pajamas on nice relaxed evenings. Those are THE best, right? The Fall also brings about a new level of satisfaction to sipping your favorite hot drinks. Hot cocoa, coffee, tea, apple cider, or the ever popular pumpkin spiced drinks, all taste richer and more elevating in the Fall. The foods we eat greet us with more comfort, we crave simmering pots of hearty soup, and we bake our hearts out with all kinds of goodies to share. Having the house lit by candlelight for the evening adds romance to life in general. And along with that, there is no greater coziness than the first fire lit in the fireplace for the season. Now, is the occasion when all of our senses awaken.

image1 (29) — My daughter and I, feelin’ that cozy thing.

As I mentioned, this is a time that we feel the draw towards the people in our lives. Coming together with friends, family, and loved ones, seems more special because we are drawn to share our experiences and celebrate our accomplishments. This is a space for creating, maintaining, strengthening, and promoting the human connection. Reaching out to new or distant people, reassuring those who are unsure, or showing appreciation for those in our daily lives is essential to this calling. Our friends desire a confirmation of loyalty. Our children need to hear that we are proud of their accomplishments. Our significant others deserve a reminder of our respect and admiration, showing them appreciation and encouragement. Our family members long to feel that they are an important part of our lives. Let’s use actions to make these things known to them through connection. Call, write, visit, meet-up, message, drop-by, leave a note, grab a hug, kiss a cheek, bake a treat, cook a meal, have some alone time… just take the time and do whatever you can. One of the more intimate and cherished methods to connect is with snuggling/cuddling. This is the perfect time for cuddling. Having major cuddling sessions benefits your mind, body, and soul, by releasing good hormones into your body that boosts your immune system, decreases fatigue, lowers your blood pressure and heart rate, and lessens stress. It greatly decreases the production of bad hormones thus creating well being for you in many ways. Helping you sleep more peacefully, deal with daily stresses more effectively, and preventing depression. I highly recommend cuddling! Reap the benefits with your significant other, your dog or cat, your child or children, your best friend, or even a close family member. (If no one is available… then surrounding yourself with a bunch of fluffy pillows will suffice.) So, grab someone (or some pillows) and cuddle away!

Campfire couple — Take some time to appreciate the gifts that being outside provides.

Being in the outdoors in Autumn is remarkable. You can still participate in all of your favorite summer activities, with a couple of additional ones, and all you need to do is add a layer or two of clothing. While you are out there, seeing the leaves change to their vibrant colors and begin to fall to the ground is a wondrous experience, no one can deny that. The landscape around you changing daily is ethereal, and can only be that of pure magic. We are touched by it all. Feeling that crisp breeze whisper at your neck, gives you a sense of longing.

Apparently, there are too many things that I love about the Fall to list in just one post, I could just go on and on. So to celebrate the season of Autumn and share the joy of its best qualities, I have created my 🍁Fall Simple Pleasures Challenge🍂. The challenge is easy… for each day of the season I will suggest an idea for you to try something new in your daily life. Don’t worry, none of the ideas will be a big life change or anything of that sort, they are all small things to incorporate, and my wish is for you to allow yourself the freedom in your day to give attention, and invest in your own well being. So please take these ideas and give each a try. If one of them is something that you already do then celebrate the fact that you make time for something positive and thank yourself for that. If a suggestion is something that you are hesitant to try, please give it a chance just once, and see how it makes you feel. The purpose of my challenge is for you to allow yourself some moments for positivity, self-care, and gratitude in each day.

I would really love to know what you find most pleasant about Autumn, and also I’d be so happy to hear if any of my ideas made a difference in your life.🧡 Here’s to a beautiful season filled with appreciation, kindness, and sharing coziness. Love & wellness, Heidi XOXO

🍁Fall Simple Pleasures Challenge Schedule🍂

Day 1 – Head out for a drive to an area that is brand new to you, exploring a few unknown roads, and along the way take photos of 10 things that you find extraordinary. Not for posting on social media, but just for yourself to admire. 🧡
Day 2 – Step outside this evening, take a little time to find some calmness underneath the full moon. Just gaze at it, allowing its serenity to flow through you. Simply be at peace for that moment. 🧡
Day 3 – Write out a handwritten note or card for someone in your life, telling them why they are special and unique in this world. Let them know how they’ve made a difference in your life. Leave it out somewhere for them to find it unexpectedly. (The note can be for anyone in your life; a friend, a co-worker, a child, a significant other, a family member, a mentor. Just someone whom you admire that has a role in your life.)🧡
Coffee while the world awakes around you.
Day 4 – Because most mornings we are on auto-pilot while getting ready for the day, today I’d like you to be mindful while you prepare your coffee (or other morning drink). Take a bit of extra time with it, go out to your yard or deck, and ease into your day. Drink your morning coffee while sitting outside watching the world wake up around you. Pay attention to how the sky changes colors and listen for the unique sounds of a day beginning.
🧡
Day 5 – Today might just be an ordinary day, but in keeping with celebrating this beautiful season, we are turning the ordinary into memorable. One of the best ways to closeout the day is by sitting down to a meal. Tonight make dinnertime feel like a joyous occasion, set the dining table with all of the elements including cloth napkins. It doesn’t matter what the food is, what matters is that you are making dinnertime special. I love doing this with take out food, grilled cheese sandwiches & soup, and even with mac & cheese for the kids, besides the more elaborate feasts. (And by the way, no one ever needs a 7 course meal.😉) Go ahead… light some candles, relax, and savor every bite!
🧡
Day 6 – The weekend is here and Friday night is great for having a movie night. My idea for making it a special occasion is to pick a movie that you have not seen, off of the AFI’s 100 Greatest American Films list. 🎦🎞
Make some popcorn (never microwaveable popcorn), grab a cozy blanket, put away the cell phone, and immerse yourself in one of cinema’s best.
🧡
Day 7 – This is an easy one!
Fill someone else’s heart with joy today.
Send a message, or better yet call a person whom you miss, and tell them about how they have been on your mind lately.
🧡
Day 8 – Have yourself a good old fashioned fun game night.
Put away the electronics and get out your favorite board game to play with some of your most cherished people. The winner gets to pick a treat to share.
🧡
Day 9 – Okay… so this may not be a fun one, but once you have completed it you will feel a sense of accomplishment and relief. I promise.
So here it is… dedicate some time today for decluttering and reorganizing your work-space. Create designated areas for things that don’t have a home yet and find possibilities for a more efficient work-space.
(I actually really like having a good reorganizing session each Fall and Spring.)
Now feel good about what you have done for yourself today.
🧡
Day 10 – Think of 3 people in your life of whom you truly value their opinions. Ask these 3 people to give you positive feedback on what they like and appreciate about you. Fall is a time for positivity and self-care, as well as kindness towards others.
Don’t feel that this request is self-indulgent. 🧡
Day 11 – It is quite remarkable, the way music holds this power over our moods and our sense of self. The right music evokes strong emotions and can transport us through time, and sometimes it has the ability to set the tone for the day or even turn things around for us.
For today’s idea, I am sending you on a quest to create or download a playlist of your favorite feel-good music, gather the songs that really elevate your mood.
Once you’ve assembled it,
play it… Loudly! 🧡

Child’s Pose
Day 12 – Recently there has been a great deal of action from people making positive changes to their morning routine. It is such a great thing! I love seeing everyone make an effort to improve their wellness and live a healthful lifestyle.
Here is something that I do first thing in the morning:
Upon first rising out of bed, I move my body into the yoga pose Child’s Pose. I rest there for 10 slow deep breaths, allowing my body to ease into being awake. I feel my circulation warming up, and my mind sharpening.
I slowly unfold myself, and then go about my daily activities. (I usually go through 5 different yoga poses in total, as part of my morning ritual.)
If you give this one a try keep in mind any spinal or knee injuries, as you can always modify the pose to feel good for you.
Day 13 – Today, share some of your awesome love.
Bake a treat or cook a dish and take it over to a friend who needs some cheering up, or who is not feeling well.
Let them know you care without needing words to say it.

Love Hot Apple Cider!
Day 14 – I think that it is time for a homemade batch of Hot Apple Cider🍎. The recipe is simple (see below), so grab some mulling spices and fresh-pressed unfiltered apple juice and simmer away. The house will smell devine, while drinking it brings comfort and warmth to your heart. Hot Spiced Apple Cider Recipe