9 ‘Just Because’ Reasons To Love September
As one of those in-between months, September can often pass by in a blur. At times it doesn’t quite feel like fall, but it’s not summer either. The leaves are just starting to turn their bright fall hues, with green still mixed in. Depending on your area of the country, some September days might still have that summer heat, while others hint at the crisp coolness to come. September is a month to say goodbye to summer and look forward to autumn. Don’t forget to enjoy it before it’s gone! Here are nine reasons to remind you to love September.
1. Farmers market wares
You can still spot tasty summer produce like berries and tomatoes at farmers markets across the country. At the same time, fall favorites like apples and squash are also starting to pop up on farmers’ tables. It makes you start dreaming about those tasty autumn recipes you can make with apples, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and pumpkin!
2. Time to start canning
As a transition time between summer and fall, September is THE month to start canning. Revive this lost art in your home and you’ll thank yourself come winter. Everyone else will be buying over-priced fruits and veggies from the supermarket, and you’ll have cans of preserved heirloom tomatoes, green beans, carrots, fresh jams, homemade pickles and more to choose from. Want to make the job even more special? Ask a relative familiar with canning for a little advice, and do it together!
3. Pumpkins!
Does anything more really need to be said with this one? September marks the season where pumpkin can officially go into anything and everything you eat and drink for the next couple months. Where to start, you pumpkin fanatic? There’s breakfast: pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin oatmeal, pumpkin bread and pumpkin-spiced coffee. For lunch, maybe, pumpkin chili or pumpkin soup? And dinner? How about pumpkin ravioli, or really, any pasta with cooked pumpkin, and wash it all down with a pumpkin beer. And that’s even without mentioning dessert!
4. Get ready for Halloween
Once September arrives you can start planning ahead for Halloween, without looking too excited. If you start thinking about Halloween now, you can save yourself or the little ones from a last-minute costume scramble. And, it will give you more time to enjoy the fun of All Hallows Eve before it comes and goes.
5. Plant a fall garden
Did your summer garden not turn out as planned? You don’t have to give up your outdoor pursuit until next spring. With the right crops, you can keep growing throughout the fall and into the winter season. Greens, like spinach, kale and lettuces do well in cold weather. Cool temps can even make them taste better! Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beets, garlic and Brussels sprouts are just a few other veggies that do well in a fall garden. Get started now!
6. Reflect on the year
The New Year isn’t the only time for fresh starts. For many, back to school season signals a time of new beginnings. Even if you’re no longer a student, you likely still remember the “fresh start” feeling of a new school year. Take this time in September to reassess, maybe check back on those New Years resolutions, set a few new goals and just reevaluate. Maybe you’ll gain some fresh insight into your life at this time of year!
7. Perfect weather
The days are still long in September, but they’ll only get shorter. Get outside after school or work and take a walk or ride your bike in the evenings before the time comes when you just want to hibernate for winter.
8. Fun fall decorating
In September, you can start decorating your home for fall. Yay! Bring those rich browns, burnt oranges and golden yellow colors into your home with a display of natural elements like pumpkins, gourds, and leaves. Seasonal fruits and veggies also make fun table centerpieces. Let nature guide your decorating this time of year.
9. Quiet moments
Whether you love mornings or fit in with the night owl crowd, take some time to just have a quiet moment and enjoy this month. Sit on your porch with a hot beverage and watch the leaves turn. Enjoy the just-turning-cool weather while it’s still here. Fall always seems to pass far too quickly.
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image: thisreidwrites
