Autumn Favorites is something I’m so excited to talk about right now! Last season I did such a fun blog called “All things Fall” where I talked about our favorite fall traditions, my most loved fall decor, and why our kids consider if the best season ever! If you haven’t had a chance to check out that blog, definitely jump over there! It’s a favorite!
Today I’m excited to chat about some other secret Autumn Favorites. Everything from some Autumn hygge tips, to favorite recipes, and how we slow down and enjoy this cozy time of year!
I talked in my last blog about some of the reasons we love the season, but I want to talk about how we enjoy this season with the chaos of life. I often get people ask me, how? Because they know, we are all BUSY. Especially, when school and all the activities start back up in September. I’m not sure I have the perfect answer to that question or the perfect formula. I just know that my personality needs this time. These little glimmers are really important for my mental health. I need to slow down, or my mind and body will force me to. If work/life balance is a struggle for you. I hear you, I have some tips that have helped me tremendously here.
Slowing Down
So, how do we find time in Autumn to really capture the season and slow down? We simplify and don’t over commit to kids activities, they each choose one extra + piano lessons, trying our best to coordinate the days/times. We leave most Friday evenings free and at least one other weekday. So, I try to schedule sessions on days where we are dropping kids off at gymnastics/dance/sports/etc . . . Does it always work? No. Does it work most of the time? Yes. Is it occasionally chaotic and crazy? Sure. Is it worth it, to have a few slower days in the week, 100%.
One of my Autumn Favorites is to break out this fall sensory bin for my toddler. All the kids have LOVED this bin and its so easy to throw together. Popcorn kernals dumped into a large container and then add the fun we did: mini haystacks, fabric pumpkins, flowers, stuffed turkeys, etc . . .
Oh, and these butter dip biscuits, are our FAVE!
On the days we are home and all together, we make the time count. This is key. I plan dinners where I am not in the kitchen all day, but everyone will love. Soups, stews, homemade bread and rolls, dump and go slow cooker meals, sheet pan suppers, etc . . . Being able to prep it during the day or morning, and having it ready when we are ready to eat helps us enjoy the meal more, clean up less, and maximize time in the evening. This is a huge time saver and allows us to eat together every night.
Here are a couple of my favorite soups:
Sheet pan meals:
Hygge Tips:
I’m a big fan of the hygge concept. If you aren’t familiar, it’s a Danish way of living. Think warm, cozy, meaningful, relaxed, lots of soft lighting and candles. If you walked into my home right now, I think you would agree that this sums it up. I am all about the fall decor. I love my pumpkins, my clean candles- here are my favorites, my fairy lights, and my cozy fall mugs. Our thick chunky blankets warm us up when it’s chilly out, and we make sure our living room environment is picked up every night, so I’m not staring at a million hot wheels cars and dinosaurs when we sit down to relax.
We do our best to live intentionally, and this season helps us to do that. Using the the flavors of fall in our meals and treats helps bring this season to life. And, we love to use the more deeper colors this season brings around out home. All this combined with not over committing, helps us live out the season better, and actually enjoy it.
Again, this season is just different. It reminds me of home, it makes me love being a mom even more. And, helps me appreciate the simple and slow things in such a face paced world. Plus, it gives me an excuse to make everything cinnamon apple or pumpkin flavored for a few months!
Drop your favorite things about fall below!
Looking for some other fun blogs, check these out:
