Fall is Finally Here! Learn what I do to welcome in the new season.
The brisk breeze in the mornings with the leaves falling, a Pumpkin Spiced Latté warm in my hand, homemade pumpkin bread baking in the oven, beautiful pumpkins ready to be picked from my garden, decorative holiday pumpkins lining my doorstep, the quilt of warm-colored trees cascading down Napa Valley, and ripe grapes in our vineyard. Yes, Autumn Harvest season is here, and it is my favorite time of year.
I look forward to decorating the house with fresh fall flowers and wreaths. If I find the time, I might just try a new DIY craft from my favorite holiday magazine, Martha Stewart Living. It is also time to change out the summer hand soap with a new seasonal scent and brew up some hot cinnamon cider while decorating and entertaining guests who seek out the Napa Valley during harvest time.
I love supporting the local Future Farmers of America as well. The kids are so friendly and I look forward to buying their freshly picked pumpkins at the student market every year. I'll line some pumpkins up along my doorstep and spare the remaining for cooking and baking.
Fall is also a fabulous reason to experiment in the kitchen with all those copper-colored fruits! You don't just have to settle for the delicious but well-worn pumpkin pie recipe. You can branch out and try some fun new fall recipes that will whet your appetite for the season. Here's a favorite easy pumpkin protein shake recipe that I like to have after a breezy morning run.
Fall is a time to rebalance our lives, relish the change in weather, and enjoy our friends and family. Embrace the season!