Unveiling the Secrets Behind Its Magic Transformation

A Journey Into Its Captivating Beauty

If you read nothing else on this blog, you must read our “harvest tips” at the end for inspiration and gratitude.

With summer in the rear-view mirror and winter around the corner, the equinox kicks off the fall season officially, and this Friday is just that, the Autumnal Equinox at 11:50 pm PDT.  It’s that time of year when the lengths of day and night are equal. 

Fall, with its enchanting hues and crisp breezes, has captivated our hearts for centuries.  This season, rich in splendor and beauty and cozy comforts, possesses an undeniable magic that embraces all who experience it.  Let’s explore the reason why fall holds such a unique allure, and several things you should be doing to get ready for fall.

Here’s what to celebrate:

A KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLORS.  As summer fades, nature unfolds a breathtaking spectacle of colors, with vibrant reds, oranges, yellows and browns that adorn the trees create a mesmerizing tapestry that seems almost unreal.

A SYMPHONY OF SCENTS.  The crisp scent of fallen leaves, the earthy aroma of damp soil, and the comforting fragrance of pumpkin spice, and the smoky essence of potpourri transport us back to our childhood memories with a sense of warmth and belonging.

THE HARVET’S BOUNTY.  Fall is the culmination of nature’s generosity, with farmer’s markets and grocery stores overflowing with an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, pumpkins and gourds galore.  

A TRANQUIL AMBIANCE.  The busyness of summer subsides, and a sense of peace and tranquility settles in, providing a perfect backdrop for reflection, introspection and finding inner peace.

All of that sets the stage for the fun part, get your fall groove on.  

Here’s what to do to get ready.

WARDROBE TRANSITION.  It’s time to move from the light and breezy to more suitable attire for the cooler temperatures.  Bring out your sweaters, cardigans, jackets, cozy scarves and boots.  And don’t forget to suitably store all your summer wear for next year.

PREPARE YOUR OUTDOOR AREA.  Not only should you be raking all those nasty leaves and getting blisters in the process, but you need to prepare your garden.  It’s time to harvest all your flowers and vegetables and prepare the soil for the spring season.  Anything that might still be blooming should be covered on those frosty, rainy nights.  And don’t forget to bring in or cover your any delicate outdoor furniture and garden decorations.

PREPARE YOUR HOME.  As we switch from air conditioning to the furnace, it’s probably wise to inspect and test your heating system along with replacing filters.  Then take a look around your windows and doors for any cracks or gaps that can be sealed with weather stripping.  Make sure your fireplace is in good working order.  The big one is making sure your gutter are free of leaves and debris.  

PLAN FALL ACTIVITIES.  The big one is Halloween (see below).  Research local apple orchards, lavender fields, pumpkin patches and be sure to locate nearby hiking trails showing off splendid fall foliage in addition to enjoying an outdoor picnic in a scenic park.  Round out your calendar with fall festivals or markets that offer seasonal treats and crafts.  

GET READY FOR HALLOWEEN.  It’s not too early.  Only a little more than a month away, the air begins to fill with excitement and wonder as people of all ages embrace the spirit of Halloween, donning costumes, carving pumpkins, and indulging in sweet treats of all kinds.  It ignites our imagination and reminds us of the magic that lies within us all.

NOW FOR THE BEST PART…IT’S TIME TO DECORATE!!!  Yes, it takes some time to change your décor, inside and out.  But it’s so worth it.  Let’s celebrate the season and all the rich beautiful warm colors that abound.  Here are some easy fall decorating ideas and items to make you feel festive.  September through November is the prime fall decorating season.

How about a wreath, if you pull one out of your storage stash be sure to fluff it up.  Spruce up any old ribbons or acorns or leaves, etc. that need to be replaced.

So many of my favorite places have such beautiful wreaths this year.  Oh my which way to go…maybe you just need to go out and browse and see what’s current, and who doesn’t like that kind of shopping trip.  For me, I’m sticking to my older ones, so well-made and will just tweak a few things here and there.  

However, when I do head out the door, my favorite places to look for items are Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, and Michaels. They have the larger selections.  Also, Home Depot, www.homedepot.com,  Lowes, www.lowes.com, Walmart, www.walmart.com,  and shopping online with sources such as Wayfair, www.wayfair.com,  Ballards, www.ballarddesigns.com,  Horchow, www.horchow.com, Grandin Road, www.grandinroad.com,  Kirkland’s, www.kirklands.com,  and of course Amazon, www.amazon.com.   And be sure to shop your local boutiques and support your local community.

Mums, pumpkins, baskets of pinecones, and fall flowers will dress up any corner of your house for the season.  So many colors, shapes and sizes of pumpkins, even Trader Joe’s, www.traderjoes.com,  has bins of them.  My BoomerGuy purchased the sweetest little white one on one of our shopping trips knowing I love white pumpkins.  He surprised me and gave it to me when we got back in the car, so I placed it on the dash and rode with it the rest of the day.  I just hauled a rather large pumpkin (a real one) from Aldi’s, the best price ever.  Please note:  a mix of real and faux pumpkins are just great—I use them like this all the time.  

While you’re decorating pull out your baskets, urns or silver bowls to make wonderful floral arrangements whether real or not.  These will make a great statement in your home. 

Fall pillows and throws, also so many colors and choices out there.  Or pull your favorite out of the closet.  We all have a few.  Make your outside and inside as cozy as you can for the upcoming season.

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; 

they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

Marcel Proust

Set your table inside or out just for you and your partner or surround yourself with friends and family.  Be sure to set the mood with candles in fall hues.  Bring out your casual dishes or your formal ones—use all that you have in those cupboards, and it’s OK to mix and match.

Now that you’re finished decorating, set up a charcuterie board and serve drinks and have some friends in to enjoy your fall décor.  Charcuterie boards are the rage for entertaining.  Pull out your favorite serving board or platter and add an array of cheeses, meats, fruits, pickles and a variety of olives.  We enjoy sliced radishes with a little bit of sea salt and don’t forget to add an assortment of mustards.

And be sure to serve your guests their favorite drinks.  Maybe a Moscow Mule (made with vodka, spicy ginger beer and lime juice, then garnish with a slice of lime).  Go with your favorite ales or beers—so many choices.  Please put out your favorite dishes, cocktail glasses and some wonderful napkins for the season.

2023 has been challenging for so many of us.  We’ve made it through this far, so let’s give thanks where we can.  My BoomerGuy and I try to give our best every day, no matter what difficulties may lie ahead.  This is the time of harvest, to reap all the good benefits that you’ve sewn and planted throughout the year, because you are a good person.  At BoomerGal, we are all about positivity and inspiration, so my message to you is simple:

• harvest good feelings and understanding, don’t dwell on the negatives,
• harvest quality time spent with family and friends even if you can’t directly touch them, 
• harvest something meaningful for someone other than yourself, 
• harvest a new diet and exercise program to keep you in life’s good graces, 
• harvest memories of days past when things were different, 
• harvest by reaching out to someone with whom you haven’t spoken to in some time,
• harvest your wellspring of hope, there is nothing stronger than the human spirit,
• harvest your inner-self to do better every single day, and when you’ve done that, do even better the next day, and
• harvest your own definition of the “new normal” and make it work for you.

I’m Connie, your BoomerGal, helping you explore and achieve Your Ultimate Lifestyle.  Please enjoy all the elements of the fall season and be certain to remain RELEVANT in all you do.