Fall is often considered the coziest of seasons. Not too hot, but not too cold, there is something about the vibrant colors of leaves and crisp air that make you want to pull on a sweater and take in all this season has to offer.
Celebrate all the scents and sounds of the fall with a few tips to make the most of this beautiful season:
*Reread a classic. Cozy up with a classic book. A few of the most anticipated upcoming feature films are adaptations of classic novels. Take some time away from your busy schedule to revisit some of these books before they hit the big screen. Throw a few logs into the fireplace, put on your warmest sweater and relax with a good story, whether you're reading it for the first or 20th time.
*Take a walk. There's no better way to take in the sights, smells and sounds of fall than being surrounded by the season. Enjoy the vibrant colors of leaves changing, the familiar smell of smoky bonfires and children jumping into massive leaf piles. It is the perfect time for long walks because temperatures aren't overbearingly hot and the humidity levels are much more tolerable. Dress appropriately for the cooler weather and see what fun you can have outside.
*Help others. Fall is an excellent time to direct your energies and donations toward nonprofit organizations. For example, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and you can participate in a fundraiser for any breast cancer organization or donate funds during this special month.
*Harvest fall fun. Visit a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch. Apple trees are heavily laden with crisp and delicious apples this time of year. Head out to an orchard to pluck the perfectly grown fruits off trees bearing your favorite variety of apples. Or take children on a ride at a pumpkin farm. Let them run through the patch, inspecting every pumpkin for their perfect carving creation.
*Feed your autumnal appetite. All of fall's exciting activities will leave members of your family feeling voracious. Warm them up - and create a delicious smell in your house - with a bowl of homemade soup. This simple recipe for Chicken Soup and Crackers is destined to become a fall staple.
Chicken Soup and Crackers
Ingredients:
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or homemade chicken stock
1 (3-pound) chicken, cooked and de-boned, then skinned and pulled
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into large chunks
2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
2 stalks celery, cut into large chunks
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 box of frozen okra
Directions:
Place broth in a 3 quart sauce pan. Add the onion, carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, turmeric, salt, and pepper and simmer until vegetables are very tender.
Add chicken pieces and frozen okra, and boil for 5 minutes.
The fall months are a perfect time to enjoy spending time with family and getting outside to enjoy the final warm days of the year. (ARA)
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