To me, this is the most beautiful and comforting season of all. Just picture yourself–in your house–and it’s fall. The leaves have started to change; it’s in the fifty-degree temperature range, and you’ve got the fire going as you sit on the couch underneath a chunky blanket watching your designated “cold weather” movie. Now, pause yourself in this scene. Is one of the things completing this picture a scent? Perhaps cinnamon, chai, vanilla, pumpkin spice, or whatever makes your house smell like a home. Now is the time to start the preparations!
So, begin with a good fall cleaning. Complete home maintenance projects before the colder weather set in. You may not realize it, but now is the time to start preparing for things like fertilizing your grass, cleaning your gutters, cutting back trees, getting the HVAC tested, changing the air filters, cleaning the carpets, checking the seal of your windows, and having your roof, chimney, and plumbing inspected. Check out this edition of the Monthly and our six others at acimonthly.com for the best places and prices to get that much-needed maintenance done before it’s too late.
With all the work done, you are ready to complete the picture. Get your home smelling like the season with candles, essential oils, cinnamon sticks, or anything else you have. Here’s a simple tip: Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil onto a new air filter. It’s long-lasting and will quickly infuse the whole house with that cozy fall aroma.
Don’t forget the cosmetic touches to bring this autumn ascetic together. Keep your hot teas and favorite mugs out, along with stacked books and cute fall coasters on the coffee table. Chunky blankets can be draped casually over the back of the couch to stifle the fall chill. Twinkle lights over the mantle and candles complete the homey feeling. If you don’t have a fireplace, no problem; you can always keep the fire burning through a YouTube video playing on the TV. It may not warm your body, but it will warm your heart and bring this fall picture to a completion. Now you have an inviting place for family and friends to snuggle up and relax, and you’re sure to have a cozy, enjoyable autumn!