Slowing Down This October: Cozy Fall Ideas and Simple Moments at Home
I've been trying to be more intentional about slowing down this month, even when life feels anything but slow. Mornings are now darker, routines are busier and there is always something that needs to be done. But in between all of our busy schedules, I've been noticing that slowing down doesn't have to be about doing nothing, sometimes it's just choosing to notice those sweet simple moments that are right in front of you.
Most mornings, I've been lighting a candle before anyone else is awake. It's a small thing, but it helps me start the day calmly instead of rushing into it. My coffee stays warm (most days) and my kitchen smells like our Honeycrisp Cider Candle in the best way.
Here are some cozy fall ideas and simple ways you can slow down this season.
A Trip to the Pumpkin Patch
Nothing says fall quite like the first trip of the year to the pumpkin patch. Every year, we head out to find the perfect pumpkins and it seems we come home with more than we need. But there is something about those simple family outings that remind me to slow down - enjoy the time with my family with no phone (expect for photo ops!), no schedule and just being together.
Bake Something Cozy
When the weather cools down, I always find myself craving cozy baking days. Lately, that's been my kid friendly pumpkin zucchini muffins. It's simple and I can sneak those vegetables in without them noticing, plus it smells amazing! If you'd like to try it, you can find the recipe here.
Decorating for Fall/Halloween
I've been slowing adding fall touches around the house - such as small pumpkins on the table, a cozy throw on the couch and a garland the girls and I made together.
We used air-dry clay to make pumpkin, ghosts and a moon. Once they dried, we painted them and strung them on twine. It's simple and a fun fall themed kid friendly activity.
Enjoy Candlelight Evenings
After our evenings start to wind down, I've been making it a point to slow down at night too. I'll light a few of our hand poured candles and watch a movie or read under a blanket and turn down the bright lights. It's such a small thing, but really helps to make the night calm. Sometimes it's just about creating softer moments within the busy ones.
Embracing the Messy, Cozy Parts of Fall
Not every day looks picture perfect. There are still dishes in the sink and a never ending to do list on the counter, but I'm learning that slow living doesn't mean perfect living. It's about finding contentment in the middle of all of it.
A Cozy Reminder
This season, I hope you give yourself permission to slow down too. You don't need a whole day to reset, sometimes a few moments are enough.
Light the candle. Bake something simple. Make a mess with your kids. Watch a movie in candlelight. Hang that garland you made together.
Because those are the moments that remind us that life doesn't have to be perfect to be noticed.
Cheering you on to create cozy moments at home,
Mary