The Elf Blog

Fall Flavors

Today, I've been thinking about how much I love the flavors of fall.  Traditional fall foods are among my favorite comfort foods.

Think rich and creamy squash soup, topped with bleu cheese and toasted nuts, mixtures of cranberry and citrus, apples, slow roasted meats with rich sauces.

These foods also have the colors of the season: oranges and golds and reds and browns -- deep and rich.

As you make the final decisions for your Thanksgiving menu, think about this flavor and color palate.  Let's celebrate the beauty of autumn with all our senses.

Dark and Light

When we turned our clocks back last weekend, we did more than gain an hour of sleep (welcome though that was!)  We also shifted the pattern of light and dark.  Now, the sun rises and sets earlier each day. When I wake up in the morning, the sun is already up.  By the time I get home from work, darkness has fallen. 

Depending on how you deal with light and dark, you may need to rearrange your basic schedule.  With the sun up so early, I find it easier to get out of bed and start my day.  I find that I can actually get a few tasks accomplished before I leave for work.  On the other hand, I am far more hesitant to run extra errands in the early evening darkness.

That means I try to make stops on the way to work or I do outdoor tasks in the morning.  On the way home, I make a maximum of one stop.  I'll have to use my weekend daylight hours more efficiently as well.  In the evenings, I can clean the house, do laundry, cook, craft, and take care of other indoor tasks.

Whenever possible, try to schedule your tasks to take best advantage of both the daylight and your energy!

Dia de los Muertos

In many Latin countries, today is Dia de los Muertos -- the Day of Dead.  It's not a day of ghosts and ghouls and things that go bump in the night, but a day to remember those who have passed from our midst.  In countries that celebrate, you'll see sugary treats shaped like skulls and people wearing death masks and skeleton costumes.  But you'll also see families visiting the graves of loved ones, prayers before home altars, and the sharing of family stories.

So today, take some time to remember those you love who have passed away.  And resolve to spend more time with t6hose you love who are still with us.

Fall Back

At 2:00 a.m. on November 1st, Daylight Savings Time ends.  So, before you go to bed tonight, turn your clocks back an hour.

It's also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detector and the box of baking soda in your fridge.  The really ambitious among you can rotate your mattresses.

But most of all, enjoy the extra hour.  Sleep late, read a book, spend time with a loved one, savor a cup of tea.  Enjoy.

Deep Breath Weekend

This is the last weekend before the holiday season begins in earnest.  Next Saturday is Halloween and then Thansgiving, Christmas, and New Years day follow in a rush.

So take this weekend to enjoy.  Rest.  Refresh,  Experience autumn.

Find the balance between work and play that will hold you through the craziness ahead.

Rainy Weekend

It's going to be a rainy weekend here in the Northeast.  That makes it a great weekend to work on indoor projects.

I'll be crunching to finish the bulk of a work-related project before I leave for my next business trip.  If you don't have a work project to finish, here are some things you might choose to do:

• Read that stack of magazines you've been meaning to get to (best accompanied by a cup of tea).
• Clean out a closet or drawer.
• Make a pot of homemade soup, low in sodium and full of lovely veggies.
• Work on a craft project.
• Update a perpetual computer calendar with birthdays and anniversaries.
• Tackle the mending or hand laundry pile.
• Make a lasagna or stewand freeze in single meal containers for quick weeknight meals.
• Write a letter.
• Snuggle your dog or cat (not recommended for pet goldfish).
• Finish a photo album.
• Cheer for the Yankees (OK, that's what I'll be doing).
• Bake cookies.

What do you do on rainy weekends?

Holiday Weekend

For some folks, this is a three day weekend.  (I'm making it a 5-day weeekend with a little voyage to New England.)  Use the time well:

• Decorate for Halloween.
• Make Halloween costumes or crafts.
• Get outside and enjoy the autumn air.
• Go apple or pumpkin picking.
• Hit Columbus Day sales to get a jump on your Christmas shopping.
• Bake an apple crisp or make a hearty stew.

Enjoy this fabulous fall weekend.  I'll see you again on Tuesday!

Fall Health

On the East Coast, Fall is finally here.  The days are brisk and the nights are growing cold.

It's important to take extra care of yourself during this time of year. 

• If you're sick, stay home and get well.  I'm all for sharing, but not your germs.
• Keep tissues with you so you can practice good coughing and sneezing etiuette.
• Get enough rest and exercise and try to eat properly.  The healthier you are to start, the better you'll be able to fight the germs.
• Fall winds and heat from the furnace can dry your skin.  Make moisturizing part of your daily routine.
• Just because the days are colder doesn't mean you can abandon your sunscreen.  The sun shines in the fall and winter and, in the winter, it reflects off the snow.  Moisturizer and lip balm with at least SPF 15 should be part of your daily routine.

Take good care of yourself so you can get outside to enjoy the beautiful autumn days.

Fall Food

As I've said before, I love autuamn.  It's my very favorite season.  One of the best things about fall is the food.

Apples are in season, so fresh apple cider is available.  Plus, what's better than a cold crisp apple  Baked apples, apple pie, and apple crisp are yummy as well. Squash is in season too and roasted squash is a favorite of mine.  Plus, there are wonderful fall vegetables like turnips, parsnips, and brussel sprouts.

Long fall evenings also lend themselves to hearty soups and stews. There's nothing like tucking into chili or beef stew or corn chowder or squash soup on a chilly night.  Accompanied by fresh-baked bread, it's even better.

Fall foods even make your house smell wonderful.  To me, fall food is the essence of comfort.

What food says fall to you?

Outside the Box (or at Least the House)

It's fall.  Even if it hasn't gotten chilly yet, it's time to accept that.

The next good weather weekend, it's time to prepare the outside of your house for the coming winter:

Clean and store or cover the lawn furniture.

Bring in hammocks, small grills, etc.

Place bird feeders so that the little creatures won't starve.

Replace screens with storm windows.

Check outdoor lighting since it gets dark early.  (If bushes block the light, trim them back.)

Clear debris and tidy plant beds so that you are ready for any holiday decorating.