Halloween Candy

Ways to tell autumn is near....the arrival of Halloween candy to the grocery stores. Each year is just as exciting and tempting as the next when witnessing the laying out of the Halloween candy. While walking through WalMart, I spoted Milky Way Caramel Apple candy (YUM!) and more. Even though, fall is not officially here, Halloween Super Stores are popping up, the weather has began to cool down, leaves have already started to change and fall, Halloween magazines are coming into the stores, and it's not even Labor Day weekend! Even so, it's safe to say, autumn is on its way.

Fall Decorating Ideas

Decorating for autumn is as simple as changing the pillows on the sofa. Here are a few decorating ideas that are easy and inexpensive.

• Change the pillows and curtains to autumn colors. Add an autumn throw to a chair or sofa in the room and enjoy the colors.
• Autumn colored flowers and leaves add fall color and accent to any room.
• Autumn scented candles.
• Hurricane jars filled with leaves, gourds, or Halloween candy.
• Go to discount stores or local artists to find autumn pictures and hang them throwout the house.
• Place pumpkins at entry ways, hallowed out, filled with candy, flowers, or leaves.
• Use scarecrows and pumpkins at entry ways, on shelves, or on fireplaces.
• Place baskets with Indian corn, gourds, and sunflowers (or autumn colored flowers) on the fireplace or at an entry way or even on a table.

These are just simple ideas to bring a little fall indoors.

Disney Store 2012 Halloween

It is official, the Disney Store has it's Halloween items out for all to see. Making it another sign that Autumn is just around the corner. The best part about Disney's Halloween shop opening is, online shipping is free thru Thursday with any purchase of a Halloween item.

On top of the excitement of Halloween items, backpacks and back to school items have been reduced! Which makes it a great time to buy more school items.

Autumn 2012 Countdown

32 days till autumn and leaves are already blowing off the trees in some areas. A cold front has come through and temperatures went from 90s to 80s and now low 70s, mid August. It is pretty nuts, but an honest relief after so much hot weather, and now that football season is close to being underway, many are ready for fall to officially start.

Halloween stores are beginning to pop up, summer fashions are going on sale to make room for fall fashions (after labor day), and autumn decor is starting to come out in many stores (Target, K-Mart, Hallmark, Dollar General, Kohls, and more). It is certainly drawing near.

Countdown To Autumn

It is 34 days until the official start of fall. However, signs of the highly anticipated season is everywhere. Football is getting ready to kick-off with many preseason games, there is an autumn like breeze and chill in the evenings, autumn home decor and candles are coming out in stores, and in some places leaves are starting to blow off of trees. Fall is definitely around the corner, along with the excitement of the upcoming holiday season.

For those who cannot wait for the season to start, go on out and start decorating for the season. After all, the earlier one starts, the more one can decorate. If it's autumn food one is craving, go ahead and bake some apple, pumpkin, or pear bread or make a pumpkin spice cappuccino. No matter what, enjoy the anticipation of fall, along with some football.

Fall Sugar Cookies

Autumn Sugar Cookies

While preparing a recipe for peach bread (that is also good in autumn), I realized I could change the bread dough and create a drop sugar cookie dough that would be perfect in the autumn and for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1-2 tablespoons cinnamon (depending on ones preference)
• 1/2 teapsoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• about 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger (optional)
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• 1 egg

Directions:

1. Prehat oven to 350.
2. Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, ginger, and salt in a medium bowl, set aside.
3. Place the white sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, and egg in a mixing bowl and mix on medium for about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the remaining ingredients and mix on medium for 1 minute till combined.
5. Form teaspoon size balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Let cool for 2 minutes before placing on a cookie rack.

These would be great with some hot tea or apple cider on a lovely fall day.

Autumn is Near

Autumn seems to be in the air in the mountains of North Carolina. The past few days have featured cool breezes, cool evenings, blowing leaves, and cooler nights. Coul this be the sign of an early fall and cold winter? For those of us who love the autumn and winter seasons, lets hope.

For those longing for autumn early, check out some delicious recipes. In fact, grocery stores have began putting some fall magazines on the shelf. With autumn only a few weeks away, soon signs of change will begin and before long Halloween and Thanksgiving will appear. For those looking to see some fall color, try taking a trip to Historic New England or plan on taking a drive in mid to late October along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Smokey Mountains.

Overall, lets prepare to celebrate autumn.