7 Ways to Make the Most of the Coming Fall Weekend
As you plan for Halloween and winter travels, remember to savor today’s pleasures before they flit by
Laura Gaskill
October 11, 2017
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
We’re thick into fall now — it’s a good weekend to rake leaves, and then curl up with an engrossing book and a mug of something warm to drink. Here are seven weekend could-dos, including watching monarch butterflies and getting ready for trick-or-treaters.
1. Put fall leaves to good use. Spy some beautiful fall foliage outside your door? Before you rake and bag it, consider other uses for the leaves. They would make good mulch for your lawn or garden. Or, if the leaves are still more on the trees than on the ground, cut a bundle and bring it inside for a long-lasting display.
5 Ways to Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Garden
5 Ways to Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Garden
2. Plan a winter trip. Let the chill in the air be a reminder to book that winter getaway you’ve been thinking of. Lodging in popular destinations fills up early for holiday travel, so it pays to book early.
Not planning any big trips? Make a date with your calendar and a mug of hot cider to plan some fun weekend jaunts instead.
Not planning any big trips? Make a date with your calendar and a mug of hot cider to plan some fun weekend jaunts instead.
3. Get inspired with a new design book. Peruse the shelves of your local bookstore and bring home a new tome for your coffee table. Looking for a recommendation? Just released on Oct. 10, The New Bohemians Handbook: Come Home to Good Vibes, by designer and blogger Justina Blakeney (Blakeney’s bathroom is shown here), sounds like just the thing to curl up with on a chilly fall afternoon.
15 Cozy Book Nooks and What They Want You to Read
15 Cozy Book Nooks and What They Want You to Read
4. Add warm, cozy layers and flickering light. Bring autumnal warmth and coziness to your living room with candlelight, extra-soft blankets and cushy pillows galore. Layer beds with thicker quilts, turn on the twinkle lights, and set out bowls of apples and nuts in the shell. It doesn’t take much effort, and your home will instantly feel more fall-like.
Simple Pleasures: A Cozy Home for Fall
Simple Pleasures: A Cozy Home for Fall
Photo by Luis Rivera for The American Red Cross
5. Help storm victims in the Caribbean. Hearing news reports of natural disasters can leave those not in harm’s way feeling powerless to help. But the truth is, even small amounts of aid are very much needed and appreciated. If you decide to donate money, just be sure you are giving to a legitimate relief organization — sites like Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau’s Give.org can help.
Hurricane Maria: How You Can Help the People of Puerto Rico
5. Help storm victims in the Caribbean. Hearing news reports of natural disasters can leave those not in harm’s way feeling powerless to help. But the truth is, even small amounts of aid are very much needed and appreciated. If you decide to donate money, just be sure you are giving to a legitimate relief organization — sites like Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau’s Give.org can help.
Hurricane Maria: How You Can Help the People of Puerto Rico
6. Say hello to migrating monarchs. Every fall, monarch butterflies make their way back to the same overwintering grounds — monarchs from the eastern coast of the United States migrate to Mexico, and butterflies from west of the Rocky Mountains return to coastal California. This month, those along the migratory paths may be able to spot monarchs on their way to warmer climates.
And if you’re lucky enough to live within driving distance of Santa Cruz, California, you can visit the monarchs at Natural Bridges State Beach. Guided tours of the habitat are available on weekends starting in mid-October.
Be a Butterfly Savior — Garden for the Monarchs
And if you’re lucky enough to live within driving distance of Santa Cruz, California, you can visit the monarchs at Natural Bridges State Beach. Guided tours of the habitat are available on weekends starting in mid-October.
Be a Butterfly Savior — Garden for the Monarchs
7. Prep for Halloween. Candy corn? Fake spiderwebs? Check and check. If you plan to pass out candy or host a party on Halloween night, this weekend is a good time to stock up on supplies.
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Please let us know in the Comments.
More
Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Browse Halloween decorating ideas
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Please let us know in the Comments.
More
Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Browse Halloween decorating ideas
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Thanks, Woogies3! I love the early morning light in October.
HAH! "thick into Fall' It is 10/22 and we've still got 80 degree weather in New Orleans. I can only imagine what a real fall is like