Love this time of year when it gets just a bit cooler, but for the most part you can still keep the windows open, but have a blanket at hand. The crunching of leaves underfoot (although the crunchies started earlier this year).
As it gets cooler it is time to break out the heartier drinks – hot cocoa, flavoured coffee – yes pumpkin spice is nice, I like a little more cinnamon, and apple cider. Homemade anything is best, the cocoa from scratch made with real cream. We get ours local from Express Ridge Dairy in St. Jacobs (across from the market, just of Hwy. 86 at the lights), or from Eby Manor just down Sawmill Rd. outside the village of St. Jacobs.
I also like checking out new flavours of granola. Experimenting with all the different types of nuts, seeds, fruit and seasonings. I never make the same kind twice, although I should write down what I put in and how much. It will be that one time that it turns out so amazing and I haven’t written it down. But so far they have all been pretty yummy, so all is good. I find granola is great in the morning as it fills me up and I last until lunchtime before I feel hungry. Sumac and pine tea are going to be ones I experiment with this year. Do you have a favourite recipe you can share that I could pass along to others?
Hiking The Neighbourhood
As the season gets underway, I have made a great effort to get up early, even though it is getting darker. We have built a new covered deck at the far end of our property that I have dubbed ‘The Sanctuary’. A friend built it for us with hubby’s help. I am there as I am typing this post, and it is so peaceful out here. We are very lucky that our neighbours rarely use their backyards at all. We get to enjoy the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and bees that we share the backyard space with. We also inherited a fire table that is close by. It is a great space away from the house where we aren’t sidetracked by the phone, dishes, household chores (that’s for later in the evening once the moquitos come out). Hoping to use the space in the winter too, those perfect winter days where it’s actually kinda gorgeous out, mild, no wind, and sun. We’ll see how that goes.
After breakfast we try to go for a hike if I don’t have any clients in the morning. Discovering new local trails and some a little farther out. Found one in New Hamburg the other day, Mike Schout Wetlands Preserve. A nice easy boardwalk, and there are herons, turtles, butterflies, ducks and when we were there lots of grasshoppers. Plus it’s free to park and walk around.
The Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail is another easy hike, it’s also used by bikes and runs along the Grand River. If you go early, you may spot some deer along the path.
I find going for a hike in the morning gives me a sense of accomplishment for the day even if I don’t do much of anything else for the day.
A Great Time To Reset
Fall is a great time to take a moment for yourself after all the hustle and bustle of getting the kiddo’s back to school and getting back into the swing of things after vacation mode. You did take vacation, right? Even if you didn’t necessarily go anywhere, just to get a bit of downtime for yourself is so important for your mental health.
As the weather cools, especially in the evening, take a moment and sip a hot tea while curled up with a cozy blanket, or even break out a good book that got put on the backburner of all that was summer (especially if you didn’t really get a chance to unwind, you know, beaches, picnics, family time, games, sightseeing).
I plan on making an apple cider punch without the cider part (I find it just a little too sweet for my liking). A friend made this punch with apple juice and fresh spices and mulled it on the stove for the afternoon. It is amazing! At our local apple farm just outside St. George we picked up a huge bag of Honeycrisp ‘seconds’ for a good discount. Found out the hard way Honeycrisp isn’t great for baking, but it might work nicely in the apple cider. Fingers crossed!
October Specials
A great time to take care of your feet. I’ve got you! Pedicure specials are here! Don’t forget to check out my October promos for the month! Some great ‘take homes’ when you book.
See you soon! Sandra
