What do you think of when you think of fall? I think of changing colours, cozy textures and longer hours stargazing. If you love fall, and love doing things alone, then here’s 14 ideas for you.
1. Walk under a confetti of leaves
Autumn leaves are ethereal and beautiful. When you notice the wind blowing slightly, why not wrap up warm and stroll down a tree-lined avenue? There isn’t a more mindful exercise I can think of as walking through a confetti of golden and red leaves, feeling them brush past your skin, whilst hearing your feet crunch down the carpet of fallen leaves.
2. Mull your own (fermented) juice
Fall is all about warm spicy drinks. Where ginger, cinnamon and star aniseed infuse into wine, cider or juice and dance on your tastebuds. Throw in some demarara sugar, orange and lemon peel into a pot on low heat and you’re all set. Or, you can always buy a pre-made mulled spice mix.
3. Cozy-fy your house and your body
What are your favourite textures when it gets cold? Cotton, wool, angora or a custom blend? Do you start to think of chunky knits too? Why not break out your collection of sweaters and coats to adorn your body? Then, get those blankets and winter cushions out of storage. Assemble your favourite candles and lamps, and turn your home into a vision of what Fall Coziness looks like.
4. Make a pinecone bird feeder
If you love wildlife, then this is for you. Mix 0.5 cup of shortening or peanut butter with 2.5 cups of raw oats, chopped up dried fruits, nuts and seeds. Cover a pinecone with the mixture, then tie it to a string, before suspending it from a tree branch. There, you have an autumn-worthy bird feeder.
5. Set your goals for the end of the year
As the end of the year draws near, sometimes we have goals that we’ve yet to start on. If so, ask yourself what you’d like to have achieved as 2015 closes, and then take steps to work towards that. Feeling unmotivated or procrastinating too much? Perhaps this guide on creating momentum and slaying procrastination may be of use.
6. Bike to the woods
The energy of the woods changes with the seasons. In autumn, everything feels like they are in a state of transition, as though they are preparing for hibernation. Why not bike through the woods, or stroll leisurely. Take in your surroundings and see what animals you can spot. Bonus: Pick the berries and apples that you spot, to make a hearty pie with.
7. Eat your way through everything pumpkin and squash
Farmers’ markets in the fall are full of everything pumpkin and squash. It feels as though there are endless recipes available for these versatile fruits. Pumpkin and almond waffles. Squash and bacon risotto. Mauritian pumpkin curry. Why not visit a few farmers’ markets and open your tastebuds to the infinite world of pumpkin and squash?
8. Explore a nearby town or village
Is there any place nearby you’ve been wanting to explore? Fall is as great as any time to do so. Make a list of things you want to do in this place, decide on how you’ll get there, and off you go. May you have a beautiful fall-scented adventure there.
9. Go apple picking
Did you know that there are more than 7,500 apple species in the world? Like grapes, cocoa and coffee, the different apple species are favoured for their taste, acidity and uses. If you love cider or apple-rich desserts, then a visit to an apple farm may be in store.
10. Visit a castle in the afternoon
Castles are full of history and mystery. You can spend hours exploring it, dining in it or taking part in the activities organised by the owners. In fall, visiting a castle in the afternoon means that the sun would have set by the time you’re finished. If you have a vivid imagination, it’s like stepping out into another world, possibly making your visit even more memorable.
11. Stock up on your cold weather reading
Where do you get your books from? Kindle? Second-hand bookstores? Libraries? Independent shops? If you like to read, snuggling under a blanket in fall by the fire and getting immersed in your book can be one of the best experiences ever. Especially if it’s raining outside and you’d love to stay in, sipping your drink-of-choice whilst soft jazz plays in the background.
12. Roast pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are extremely nutritious and high in energy. What’s more, they taste fantastic. For every pumpkin you cook, you’ll find hundreds of seeds. Why not roast them at 350F for 15 minutes, letting the beautiful aromas waft through your house. Great flavours include chilli oil, paprika and sea salt; fennel and garlic oil; and salted caramel and ginger.
13. Go on a Ghost Walk in your town
Think you know your town really well and are bored of it? Well, think again. It probably has a fascinating (dark) history that only those who dig deep enough will know. How do you learn about it whilst having fun? Ghost Walk tours may be your answer. Find one, wear good walking shoes, and prepare to be spooked.
14. Curate your fall scents
What smells remind you of fall? For me, it’s baked pies, hearty stews and spiced drinks, as I move away from the crisp-er summer scents. Can you translate any of these smells into perfumes and essential oils? If yes, why not assemble a Fall Scent Collection. Burn them in the form of incense, pour a few drops onto your candles, and mix some into your body lotion to live and breathe your signature fall smell.
Featured photo credit: Single Apple Hanging from Tree/Ed Gregory via stokpic.com
