These Cozy Joys Make Life Happier In The Fall

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When you feel that first cool morning breeze and watch orange leaves blow across your yard, you might rush to pull out your favorite sweaters and boots from storage. People wait all year for their favorite autumnal activities and the chance to wave goodbye to summer heatwaves.

Now it’s finally time to indulge in the spirit of the season. Check out these cozy joys that make life happier in the fall. They’ll treat you to all the best parts of autumn so you don’t miss out on any fun before winter settles in.

1. Colorful Fall Blooms

Although summer gardens have begun to wilt, the fall growing season has just started. Anyone with a green thumb or the desire to learn about gardening can plant colorful autumn blooms this year.

Look for flower varieties that thrive in the crisp weather, like:

• Goldenrods

• Chrysanthemums

• Pansies

• Dahlias

• Cornflowers

Pay attention to how much sun and water they require so you can watch your flowers bloom beneath the trees changing color in your yard.

2. Chunky Knit Scarves

Scarves are the ultimate fall accessory, but you don’t need to go shopping to find something you love. Search for yarn in your favorite color and knit a chunky scarf for every outfit. The thick yarn will keep you warm and match the trendy style so many people love. Knit one with only your hands or use needles to create fancy stitches.

3. Creative Pumpkin Carvings

What’s fall without carved pumpkins? Drive your family to a pumpkin patch and pick out a few that catch your eye. When you get back home, listen to a Halloween playlist and sketch your carving designs. Don’t forget about serving a few snacks so your afternoon turns into a party.

4. Campfire Ghost Stories

Even if you don’t enjoy camping, you can roast s’mores over a campfire in your yard. As you hear the embers crackle, try to outdo your loved ones by telling ghost stories. There’s no better way to get in the mood for fall than tasty treats in the chilly outdoor air.

5. Homemade Apple Crisp

Autumn is also known as apple season. When you want to make a delicious dessert, bake a homemade apple crisp with fresh apples from local farms. The tart apple flavor perfectly balances the sweet topping. Serve alongside vanilla ice cream with a little whipped cream on top to treat yourself to a decadent fall indulgence.

6. DIY Fall Candles

Make any room cozy with the help of a few candles. The fall aromas create a relaxing atmosphere that’s better for your health than candles with chemical ingredients.

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Think about which autumn scents are your favorites and make a few DIY candles to enjoy them all season long. Light them while you sip on your morning coffee, warm up in an evening bath or relax on your front porch while the sun sets on another perfect day.

7. Hearty Squash Soups

Warm meals are another way to celebrate the season, so brush up on squash soup recipes. They’re a fall and winter vegetable that’s often on sale at the end of the year. Check out squash varieties such as:

• Butternut squash

• Spaghetti squash

• Acorn squash

• Sweet dumpling squashes

• Pumpkins

Try different recipes to find your newest favorite creamy, hearty soup.

8. Oktoberfest Fun at Home

Sometimes people miss Oktoberfest fun because they have a busy schedule. If you think you’ll miss the fall festival again this year, celebrate it at home. It’s a food-focused holiday, so read about your menu options and look forward to a fun afternoon.

Support local breweries by buying new varieties to try with dinner. Roast a few brats and make homemade pretzels. After a trip to the grocery store, everyone will feel like they’re at a downtown festival and get into the spirit of this German holiday.

9. Apple Cider and Novels

Fall wouldn’t be complete without apple cider. If you have apples, oranges and a slow cooker, you have everything you need to make a homemade batch and sip it all day long. Play up the sweetness with a little sugar and honey or revel in some extra cinnamon.

Leave your ingredients in the crockpot for at least six hours and you’ll have a family-sized serving to strain through a mesh sieve. It’s the perfect drink to pair with the latest novels when you spend the afternoon under your favorite knit blanket.

10. Old and New Sweaters

Could fall even exist without a closet full of sweaters? Go through last year’s wardrobe to donate or throw out anything you’ve outgrown or dislike. Find replacements at homey thrift stores or go bargain hunting at the mall. There’s no better feeling than falling in love with a new sweater that fits like a glove.

Create a Bucket List

Now that you’ve daydreamed about cozy joys that make life happier in the fall, make a bucket list. Write down everything you want to do this season so you don’t forget any exciting details. Whether you start by baking an apple crisp or knitting a scarf, this is going to be your most enjoyable autumn yet.

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