Happy Fall Y'All!

Fall is officially here. There’s a brisk chill in the air, I have my first cold, the leaves have all begun to fall, porches are delightfully decorated with corn stalks and pumpkins in celebration of the season and, of course, the approaching holiday, Halloween. I feel like once Halloween comes and goes, its all down-hill after that. Not in a bad way, but what I mean is, the holidays just start coming, one after the next until, before you know it, you’re broke, tired, probably fat from all the yummy food that you ate and packing away your winter clothes preparing for another summer. It all just happens so quickly and costs so much money!

With the economy being in such a slump this holiday season (and oh boy, I can’t believe I’m saying those words…) and everyone pinching their pennies, the thought of shopping for gifts for loved ones this year and finding ways to entertain without burning a hole in your pocket are pretty scary. Well, thankfully, with a little bit of thought and craftiness, there are plenty of alternative options to keep things going this year and still be able to afford your rent!
If you think about it, what can you really buy someone that they can’t buy for themselves? If it’s something they really need, don’t you think they’d just go out and get it? So, instead of picking up that sweater or bottle of perfume or new tool kit or pair of shoes, how about putting together a basket of thoughtful trinkets and goodies that you made yourself instead of some mass produced, store bought generic gift? I think that will have a much larger impact and personal appeal and, best of all, keep your money where it belongs-in your pocket!

A great idea for anyone, man or woman, son or daughter, brother, sister-you get the idea-is to go to your local arts and crafts store and pick up some baskets to fill with lots of homemade items. What sort of items, you ask? The possibilities are endless, but some of my favorite ideas are as follows: Handcrafted soaps, lotions and candles are incredibly easy to make and smell so good, they’re perfectly fitting for a holiday gift basket. Also, you may want to think about including some homemade treats like cookies, spices, oils, fudge, jam, etc. Anything that you’re exceptionally talented in baking or cooking will do and let’s face it, who doesn’t love homemade, yummy treats? I know I do! However, if you’re really not a great cook, that’s okay too. I recently attended the Fall Fine Art And Craft Fair in Brookdale Park that I previewed a few weeks ago and I picked up some great items that would be perfect for a gift basket like this and aren’t too pricey. There was a great vendor selling wonderfully delicious homemade dips and basically, what you do is buy the packet of flavored powder and mix with either cream cheese or sour cream and viola, you’ve instantly made a great bagel spread or chip dip. A great way to present this gift is to put it in a decorated holiday gift bag and include the mix, the cream cheese or sour cream and the chips, pretzels or bagels to go with it! Didn’t you ever hear that saying that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? Well, I happen to think that’s true of all genders so cook away, holiday gift-givers!

But what if you’re okay on gift-giving? Maybe instead you’re looking for something for you and your friends to do on a beautifully crisp fall weekend that won’t cost you a bundle? Please, this is so simple. Those cute porches up and down the street with pumpkins and corn stalks and such as decorations? That could be your home, too, you know! Why not have the girls over for a pumpkin carving party? It may sound juvenile, but it serves as a great way to just gather around the table and do something while you sip on something cozy and chat the day away. Everyone can bring their own pumpkin and carving tools, maybe a dish each, as well, and you provide the drinks and the place to meet and there you have it, an instant social success!
There’s really so much that you can do to pass the time during this time of year. I don’t know about most of you, but I just love to be outside, see the changing leaves, breathe in the fresh air, and I absolutely love the smell of leaves burning as you pass by your neighbors’ houses. I’ll do anything, really, just to be outside and enjoy it! I actually don’t mind working in the yard, raking the leaves, pulling the weeds, it’s entirely different experience when the weather is like this-bearable; summer yard work? No thanks.

Its hard for all of us this year, I think. Maybe you’re used to heading out for a little fall getaway each year, but it’s just not possible now with prices on, well, everything, being so high! Don’t fret, because although it may not be ideal, the idea of a “staycation,” at least it’s time off to spend with your loved ones and try something new. Honestly, if you’re really not into any of this, then forget giving gifts, forget getting together to really do something-instead, go down to the liquor store, spend eight or nine bucks on a decent six-pack, light up the chiminea or fire pit and chill out in the back yard on a lazy Saturday afternoon. If that’s not the life, then I don’t know what it is.