Monthly Guide: October To-Do's

Happy October! It's the beginning of a new month; my favorite month! Birthday month. But my birthday alone isn't the only reason I love October. The change of weather from summer to fall comes with a grand sense of renewal. It provides an opportunity reevaluate your day-to-day and change your routine to welcome in a new season. Small changes in your daily life can have huge benefits on your mood and outlook. So refresh your desire to learn and grow by taking a step back and appreciating what the new season has to offer with some of these simple October To Do's:

1. Enjoy the Crisp Fall Weather.

Talking about the weather is the simplest way to connect with new acquaintances because everyone can relate to a rainy day or perfect weekend forecast. However, we rarely take the time to appreciate the weather just for ourselves. The reason why a new seasons brings so much excitement is because it is a diversion from the mundane. In fall, when you're leaving the house for work and you take that first breath of cool air, it hits you like a ton of bricks. It stimulates a new feeling inside you that's different from the fragrant, warm air of summer. Take advantage of this! Try taking a simple morning walk (Tip: park a bit farther from the office, or walk to a metro station that isn't the closest), this can change your outlook for the whole day. Not a morning person? Don't be afraid of the shortened days. Grab a hot cup of tea or cider and do an evening walk around the neighborhood and appreciate all the cute houses decorated for fall.

2. Redecorate.

Decorating for fall means more than just adding a pumpkin to the doorstep (although this is a very important step that should not be overlooked!) But take it a step further. Rearrange your bar cart to hold some fall spirits. Cinnamon Appletini anyone? Switch out your beach day photos with photos from last year's pumpkin patch trip. (Tip: make it easy to switch back by just keeping the summer/winter/spring photos behind it in the frame.) Another easy change is to switch out your drapes (and how domestic)! I learned this trick from my mom, who got it from her mom. I have light, white chiffon curtains hanging in my bedroom that blow beautifully in the summer breeze. But in the dark and damp days of fall, I would rather cozy up in my bed while looking out of my windows framed in rich, chocolate velvet or taffeta.

3. Learn Something New. 'Tis the season for politics, so stop rolling your eyes at the TV ads and get to know some of the policies these candidates stand for. It's easy to say that you like someone's demeanor or their relatability, but it's time to go beyond that. What do you care about most? Start researching where your presidential candidates and local candidates stand on the issues that matter to you. After formal schooling ends, we seem to do such little learning and forget the great enlightening feeling that comes with knowledge. Let's remember what that feels like this season. Plus, once you are well-informed, you'll be the hit of the holiday parties with your insightful cocktail-talk.

4. Register to Vote.

It's easy. It's important. Do it now. www.usa.gov/register-to-vote.

5. Get Crafty.

Fall is the perfect time to learn to knit or crochet so that you can make something warm in time for winter. If you're just beginning to learn to knit, start with a scarf as it's the simplest. If your want to crochet, bennie hats are a cinch! Even if you've done it before, mastering a new pattern can be just as fun. I knitted felted stockings for Christmas a few years ago and a braided headband. Youtube is a great teacher!

7. "Spring" Cleaning.

In our busy lives, cleaning often gets pushed to the side. While dishes and laundry are constant from season-to-season, it's important to do a deep clean a few times a year. So set a weekend aside and mark it in your calendar so you don't push it off or make other plans! To make it more fun, throw on some HGTV in the background, or listen to a podcast while putting all those clothes you no longer wear into a donation bag. It's time to get down and dirty: wash those baseboards; sweep the porch; empty the fridge and clean the shelves; store the flipflops and beach towels; and make sure both you and your house are ready to welcome in the new season.

8. Do Something that is Purely Fall.

Go apple picking. Carve a pumpkin. Cook with seasonal squashes (click for the recipe for the photo above!). Wear boots. Take a drive down a scenic road with changing leaves. Whatever it is that make you think fall, do it!