FALL INTO SIMPLE HEALTHY HABITS FOR BODY AND HOME

Just as spring is a time for rebirth, autumn is also considered a transitional season. The weather turns brisk, the leaves on the trees change from dull brown to a firestorm of color,  and darkness settles in a little earlier. For many, it is a favorite time of year, but for others, it can be a trigger to falling off the health and fitness wagon. After all, how can you be expected to ignore pumpkin spice lattes? The key is to set goals BEFORE the new year, not over a drink as the clock strikes midnight.
“Fall … is a great time to start a (health and) fitness program because you’re going to create good habits for the holiday season and the upcoming winter months,” says Justin Price, owner of Biomechanics a personal training and wellness facility in San Diego.
Not only is Fall a good time to plan a strategic exercise regime, but also to change your summer skin care, eating habits, and stress management. Take a look at our four most important “wellness” points you can focus on this Season to help keep you energized, healthy, and happy.

TASTY & TRIM

It’s so hard to resist those spicy pumpkin lattes or warm delicious hot cocoas. Well, you can still enjoy your favorite cold weather beverage. Our helpful tips when you are out:
(1) Use milk (3% milk fat) rather than the heftier half-and-half (18% milk fat)
(2) Opt for the “skinny” version, made with skim milk rather than whole
(3) Forgo the calorie rich whipped cream
(4) Order a small, rather than large

Or, make your own at home with our favorite low-cal pumpkin spice latte recipe:
You need:
1½ cups unsweetened cashew milk or other non-dairy milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup
3 teaspoons regular vanilla
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons pureed pumpkin
1 pack Starbucks VIA instant coffee (or favorite brand)

Directions:
(1) Place cashew milk, maple syrup, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin a small saucepan and bring to a simmer
(2) Stir in instant coffee
(3) Transfer to a mug and sprinkle cinnamon on top. Enjoy!

CLEAN HEALTHY MEALS

While we all look forward to Halloween’s scrumptious candies and the holidays’ luscious turkey, ham, and pumpkin pie, there is a way you can still indulge yet stay trim throughout the entire Season. The key is to not deprive yourself so much that you overcompensate later. We like model Gigi Hadid’s motto: “Eat clean to stay fit, eat a burger to stay sane.”
On your regular days, start with a small healthy breakfast like whole grain oatmeal, fruit, eggs, or cereal to kick start your metabolism. Curb your mid-day slump with a healthy salad of greens and protein. Finish the day off with a light dinner of chicken or fish, and vegetables. Maintain this daily routine on normal days.

When you are out on the town, no need to sacrifice your regime. You can still order your favorites, just order dressings on the side, limit heavy breads, opt for lean meats or salads, and stay hydrated with water. Spending a little extra time on what you eat throughout your normal routine, means you can indulge a little on the special days without “falling off the bandwagon.”

KEEPING SKIN CLEAN

As the warmth of summer’s sun fades and we go into the “hibernation” Season, sometimes our skin takes a backseat to the busy-ness of Fall’s activities. With the crisp cool air, skin can easily lose moisture so it is vital to change your daily skin care regime. Take a look at some of our favorite tips from top designers and dermatologists.

AT HOME EYE REMEDIES

The simplest way to look energetic throughout this busy time of year is to keep your peeps bright and alert. While a comforting facial is always beneficial, we don’t always have the time in our busy schedules. The easiest way to stay fresh is with a quick at-home eye treatment right before you go to bed, or just when you wake up. In addition to reducing salt, hydrating with water, and preventing allergens, these are our favorite “quick tips:”

(1)  CUCUMBERS (containing antioxidants and flavonoids): Place a cool slice on each eye and take a rest for 30 minutes. Afterward you’ll feel nice and refreshed.
(2) RAW POTATO SLICES: They stay cool longer and contain an astringent that helps remove the water from under the eyes. Lay over the eyes and reap the benefits.
(3) WITCH HAZEL: Chill witch hazel (a well-known astringent to reduce swelling and redness) and apply a bit to cotton pad; let sit on closed eyes for 5 minutes.
(4) COLD WATER: Refresh your face with a cool water wash first thing in the morning. If your eyes feel extra puffy, dip a washcloth in cold water, squeeze out excess and lay over eyes.

NEW SKIN CARE REGIME

With the fluctuating weather, it is extra important to slough off dead cells and keep skin hydrated against the Season’s uneven temperatures. Make sure you lather up with an additional amount of non-comedogenic hydration. Instead of relying on chemical ridden products, why not make your own easy nourishing face and body scrub at home to use throughout the Fall months ahead:
DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl mix: One tablespoon of brown sugar
A generous squeeze of honey
A teaspoon of olive oil
Mix until one paste. After removing any makeup, massage this concoction all over your face for a minute or so and then rinse with warm water. (Make a larger quantity for full body exfoliation).

SIMPLIFIED FALL MAKE-UP IDEAS

With the new Season comes new beauty trends. Even though the leaves turn darker and the nights come sooner, that doesn’t mean that make-up must follow. This year, counterbalance warmer colors with a fresh-faced, simple make-up care routine you’ll sure to appreciate, especially on those busy days.

Click her to check out this quick “how to” on daily make-up you can start today:
Fresh Face Look

And when you DO feel like dressing up a bit, just swipe on this Season’s most glamorous lip colors in power reds, 90’s browns, or liquid berry.

BE CALM AND REJUVENATE

During the hectic Season, take a little time to calm, cleanse, and rejuvenate. Our favorite way is through aromatherapy, the most natural way to release stress. The methods of use are what makes aromatherapy one of the most beautiful and indulgent of all the complementary therapies. From vaporizing, to massage, to bathing, to foot baths, there are so many ways to enjoy the captivating aromas of our pure essential oils.

Our favorite way to relax is vaporisation, the most popular and versatile method of use in Aromatherapy. Once the particles are inhaled, the essential oil vapors may alter moods and balance emotions within seconds.

How to:
Fill your vaporiser with water to the level indicated. Add 6-9 drops in total of pure essential oils to the water and light the candle at the base of a Ceramic Vaporiser or switch on your Electric or Ultra Sonic Vaporiser.

Don’t stop with just your home. You can stay calm throughout the day in your car with lemon infused oils to reduce anxiety and stress or revive during the mid-afternoon  slump with coffee or cinnamon reviving scents.

And finally, end the day in peace with a indulgent warm bath. Bathing is the most beautiful and nurturing method of use in the practice of Aromatherapy. All the senses are engaged in this practice and the mind and body are totally relaxed as the pure essential oils enter the body.

How to:
Add 3 drops in total of chosen oils like Rose or Lavender to one teaspoon of Sweet Almond Massage Base Oil and disperse into bath water. Agitate the surface of the bath and then immerse body and relax for 10 minutes.

SIMPLE CELEBRATIONS CREATE LIFETIME MEMORIES

The year would not be complete without the celebrations that fill the Season, creating pockets of joy to last a lifetime. No need for extravagance; let nature take over and provide the perfect backdrop for your Fall party. Whether you are planning a Halloween masquerade, gearing up for Thanksgiving, or hosting a casual get-together, go simple this Season.

Fill a glass urn with pine cones and colorful leaves from the back yard or make a centerpiece with pumpkins from your local pumpkin patch. Enhance your house with cinnamon essential oils for a calm environment, and add a couple of plaid throw blankets over chairs. If the weather permits, end your party with an old fashioned marshmallow roasting and snuggle into your warm blankets for an entertaining evening of fun, food, and fellowship.

Added bonus, hosting your own gathering means you get to pull out your favorite party wear, and stay cozy and warm without having to step foot out of the door. Make it easy on yourself by having guests bring their favorite Fall goodies, and stir together a simple apple cider that young and old alike can enjoy.

Check out our favorite Fall party wear to try:
“Sparkling” Black Sequin Pullover Sweater
“Pullover” Pale Blue Knit Sweater
“Miranda” Novelty Floral Lace Crochet Sweater

In this hectic time year, you can find ways to detox and decompress throughout your daily activities. Whether you opt for a “skinny” latte, relax with a natural scrub, overhaul your makeup routine, or calm with essential oils, enter the Season refreshed and revived rather than tired and stressed. Look for ways to get out and enjoy the fresh crisp air and the colorful changes in nature, inspiring you to try a few new things this Fall. Comment below and let us know which refreshing ideas appeal to you!

Remember no matter what we here at Posh at Play always encourage you to
BE YOU, BE FABULOUS, AND ALWAYS BE FEMININE.

HOW TO STAY COOL IN SUMMER’S HEAT

With Monday being the official first day of Summer, it’s time to start preparing for the hot weather ahead. No matter which region you live in, there are bound to be some hot times ahead. But don’t fret! We’ve gathered together our favorite “chill” Summer tips that’ll keep you refreshed and revived all Season long. From fashion to food to drinks to fragrances, take a look and start feeling cooler already.

HOST A POOL PARTY

On the hottest of Summer’s days, why not take the opportunity to host your own pool party. Not only will everyone cool off, but it’s a good time to catch up with your best friends and have a little fun as well. Be sure to include lots of floats for young and old alike, and stay cool and fresh in your favorite patterned print romper paired over your favorite Summer swimsuit.

Our favorite Summer Party wear to try:
 “Aliza” Printed Rayon Romper
“Iara” Handkerchief Shorts Set
“Cabana” Teal Bikini

STAY HYDRATED

Whether hosting a party, having a friend over, or indulging yourself, be sure to stay hydrated with cold, refreshing beverages throughout the Season’s hottest days. While we all know that nature’s chilled water is always best, dare to have a little fun now and again with some tasty alternatives. And why not dazzle in style as well in your favorite cool cotton tank sundress.

Additional  cool “hostess” Sundress options to try:
“Adelaide” Pink Jersey Dress
“Romantic” Ruffled Floral Sundress

Our favorite unique Summer “adult” beverage is Captain Morgan’s Guava Nectar drink:

Recipe: 1.5oz grapefruit rum
1.5oz Goya guava nectar
2oz club soda
0.5oz lime juice

Throwback to Summer fun as a kid at your favorite amusement park with homemade frozen lemonades or spice things up with a “Blue Hawaii” direct from the Hilton Hawaii Village. Click below to get the recipes:

Frozen Lemonade
Blue Hawaii

You are sure to be the “hostess with the mostess” in a cool, flowy maxi this Summer. Look for dresses made with sheer silk or soft cotton to stay cool thought the day as you entertain your guests.

Our other favorite Maxi Dress options to choose from:
“Brea” Yellow Silk Chiffon High Low Dress
“Billie” Coral Pink Satin Maxi
“Sonnie” Pastel Pink Strapless Twill Dress

GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN

On a hot summer day, the last thing you want to do is heat up the kitchen. We suggest making cold salads and dishes throughout the Season to keep the house cool. Start with personalized seven layer dip and chip cup appetizers, layering refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, and freshly diced tomatoes on top. Take advantage of Seasonal fruit at your local market, and fill ice cream waffle cones with freshly cut melons, berries, kiwi, apples, and whatever else appeals to you.

Next, serve a luscious cold Mexican chopped salad tossed in a light vinaigrette and packed with nutritious  iron, vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Not only will your taste buds have a party, but also you won’t have to work twice as hard for that perfect “bikini” ready body.

Click here for the full recipe
Summer Mexican Chopped Salad

CREATE SUMMER SCENTS

Make your living space fresh and cool with sunny scents of Summer paired with romantic floral arrangements. Fill a simple mason jar or vase with water and freshly cut lemons, adding your favorite Summer posies for fun yet easy DIY interior decor.

Not only can you keep your home smelling fresh, but you can also refresh yourself 0n the hottest of Summer’s days. Create your own cool mist spritzers, perfect for everyday or when you are hosting an outdoor Summer party. Simply fill a spray bottle with water and julienned cucumber or a few sprigs of mint and lavender. Bonus: cucumber is known for its hydrating properties, and lavender and mint are reputed insect repellents.

HEAD TO THE BEACH

When you feel like getting out of the house, pack up some sunscreen, a good read, a  floppy hat, sunglasses, and a cooler filled with plenty of cold beverages to stay hydrated against the Summer sun. Now is the perfect time to show a little skin and bring out that Summer body you’ve been working on in a chic ivory lace crochet swimsuit.

Want a little color? Try these other swimsuit options:
“Flight of Fancy” Purple Ruffle Bikini
“Guilty Pleasures” Teal Crochet Swimsuit

Bring a touch of romance to your Summer beach look and pair your lace bikini with a cool off the shoulder romper or lace tunic.

Other favorite “lacy” cover up options:
“Prisca” Ivory White Lace Chiffon Dress
“Naomh” Strapless Maxi Dress
“Azaria” Lace Trimmed Kimono

COOL OFF AT THE LAKE

If your region doesn’t offer a sandy beach, another alternative  is a visit to your local lake. Whether you decide to bunk overnight in one of the lake houses, tootle around in your own canoe, or enjoy a good read while soaking your feet, you’ll bask in the beauty of nature while cooling off against Summer’s hot sun.

Stay cool while chillin’ in a casual “Cabana” drop waist dress or flowy blouse over your swimsuit, just in case you decide to go for a dip.

Other “lake view” Summer options? Try a chic shirtdress, cool, stylish, and free.
“Femi” Flutter Crepe Navy Dress
“Cabana” Silk Cotton Shirt Dress
“Eda” Lace Trimmed Tunic Dress

THERAPY SHOP

Finally, at the hottest part of the day when the heat becomes unbearable, head to your local indoor mall to cool off and do a little retail therapy. Give your air conditioning at home a break while you enjoy the cool open air at the mall. Grab an ice cold tea and take advantage of the Summer sales.

Don’t go at it alone. Don your favorite “boyfriend” jeans and take your best girlfriends with you.

Consider these other cool denim options as well:
Citizen’s of Humanity’s “Gibson” loose fit shorts
Joe’s Jeans’ Floral Denim
J Brand’s Cut Off Tangerine Shorts

On Summer’s hottest days, stay cool while shopping the sales in a pretty cotton floral sundress or breezy silky shorts.

Consider these fun options as well:
“Time to Turn Heads” Coral Cotton Sundress
“Denise” Sleeveless Printed Tank Dress
“Livia” Printed Crepe de Chine Shorts

Whatever you have planned as the temps rise, we hope you follow our easy breezy ways to stay cool this Summer. Don’t let the heat get you down. Kick back, stay cool, and be fashionable this Season, and let the good times role.

And remember we here at Posh at Play always want you remember that no matter what
Be You, Be Fabulous, and ALWAYS Be Feminine.

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS OLD AND NEW

  

With the Holidays right around the corner, we here at Posh at Play are getting into the Holiday Traditions, both old and new. The Holidays are great time to reflex and reflect on not only the past year, but also the new year to come. It’s a time of giving and sharing, and a time to reflect on how and why we do the things we do. What are the Holiday Traditions that bring us “home” every year, and what are the new Traditions to investigate to make each holiday season special and unique? We want to hear from you our readers. What are some of your favorite “must-have” Holiday Traditions and what are some new Traditions you would like to try this Season? To give you a head start, we’ve gathered a list of Old and New Holiday Traditions we love. Take a look and let us know what you think.

     

ADVENT OR ELF ON THE SHELF?

A much loved Holiday Tradition for young and old alike is counting down the days until Christmas Day. A favorite is the Advent calendar, tracing back to19th Century Britian, with the first known published Advent calendar produced in 1851. One door, featuring a Christmas image or small present, is opened per day starting December 1st, and continuing  through the 24 days of December, building anticipation and excitement for Christmas Day. We love the beautiful selection of Advent calendars found at Byers’ Choice Lmt. A newer Holiday Tradition many are embracing is the “Elf on the Shelf,” a tiny Elf doll who is sent from Santa starting December 1st to monitor good behavior each day of the month. Each night, the Elf flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa all he has seen and heard and “reappears” in a new hiding place each day. The fun is to find where the Elf may be hiding each new day. Which countdown to Christmas do you prefer?

REAL OR ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREE?

A winter tradition going all the way back to the Egyptian times, decorating with a tree during winter symbolizes the hope for Spring ahead. Right after the Pumpkin Patches start disappearing after Halloween night, the stands start stocking up their lots with a variety of real Christmas pine trees. A much loved Holiday Tradition is to pack into the car and shop for a Christmas Tree at the local stand a few days before Christmas. With the fresh smell of pine, a real Christmas Tree warms the home instantly. Some, however, prefer the easy-does-it set up of a pre-lit artificial Tree, for easy set up and take down. Artificial Trees are also suitable for those allergic to pine trees or those who love to decorate early for the holiday. We love the beautifully realistic artificial Christmas trees at Balsam Hill in a variety of sizes and styles. Which do you prefer? Real or artificial?

       

TRADITIONAL OR THEMED HOLIDAY COLORS?

Red and green, the traditional colors of the Holidays, harken back to the Roman times when wreaths made of holly and ivy were given as gifts, looking forward to the promise of Spring ahead. Today, many still decorate homes, offices, and buildings with the traditional colors of Christmas from wreaths, to Christmas trees, to table settings. However, a current trend is to decorate around a Winter Theme, from “Frozen,” to Candy Cane Lane, to Winter Wonderland, complete with ornaments and decorations surrounding each specific theme. What is your favorite decorating Holiday theme?

  TRADITIONAL OR MODERN CHRISTMAS TREE?

A favorite Holiday Tradition is the the iconic Christmas tree. Decorated with ornaments and lights, the real or artificial pine Christmas tree is seen all over the cities from homes to offices to schools to stores. Many love to host a “Christmas Decorating” party in which guests help decorate the pine tree  over socializing and snacks. A newer modern Holiday Tradition is using tree branches, lights, or other creative ideas to form a “Christmas tree” shape made out of other materials. Some even use the “Charlie Brown Christmas tree” with one lone red ornament and a tree branch as the centerpiece of the Holiday Tree. Do you decorate with a Christmas tree or go the modern route?

 

CHRISTMAS DINNER OR CHRISTMAS MOVIE ON CHRISTMAS DAY?

On Christmas Day, a favorite Holiday Tradition is to wake up early, open Christmas presents, and then prepare for a big Holiday Christmas dinner with family and friends, enjoying spending time with loved ones over a feast of wonderfully prepared food and drinks. Check out the delicious and easy Christmas meal ideas at Food & Wine. In recent years, “family” has come to not only include relatives but friends, extended family, or those with no family to go to over the holidays lending to new Christmas Day traditions including going to see a movie on Christmas Day, as well as other festive activities like shopping, going out to a restaurant, or site seeing. Film companies often release their year’s top hits into theaters on Christmas Day. Check out IMDB’s film releases for Christmas Day and choose which flick you will want to enjoy.  How will you celebrate this year, with a big home cooked meal or try something new and unique, but just as festive?

  

BING CROSBY OR IDINA MENZEL?

A great Holiday Tradition is holiday music blasting through the home and car all Season long, making things merry and bright. There are so many wonderful Christmas and Holiday albums worth enjoying throughout the Holidays. Enjoy old classics like Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” for a good old fashioned Christmas season, or go modern and pick up Broadway star Idina Menzel’s “Holiday Wishes” filled with updated versions of all the holiday classics. Which one will most likely be filling your home this Season?

  

HOMEMADE GIFTS OR STORE BOUGHT GIFTS?

Traditionally, all presents used to be handmade toys, cookies, soaps, and woodcrafts that friends and family would spend time working on and keeping a secret from their loved ones until Christmas Day dawned. The holidays have since turned into a haze of shopping madness with stores pushing to buy more, more, more. This season, consider crafting your own homemade lotion, soap, cookie recipe, or other creative ideas found at Buy Nothing Christmas. If you do decide to buy your gifts at the store, thinking creatively, not expensively. Think from the heart and choose a gift that will mean something from you to them. Whichever way you choose to give gifts this year, remember the reason for the season.

      

OLD FASHIONED SLEIGH RIDE OR ICE SKATING?

For a festive winter out, couples used to wrap in a cozy wool blanket, cuddle together, and take a ride in the sleigh, enjoying each other and the crisp winter weather. Some climates still allow for an “old fashioned” sleigh ride through the wintery white snow just like days of old. Instead of complaining about the frosty winter weather, consider enjoying a ride through the snow. A more modern twist is enjoying a skate for two, or gather the entire gang for a glide around the rink. Many cities today set up outdoor skating rinks during the winter season in the downtown areas. Check your local city for details and enjoy some fresh Winter Wonderland. Which festive Winter activity do you find most appealing?

Holiday Traditions old and new are always a fun, festive part of the Holidays. Traditions warm our hearts and bring joy and cheer to end the year on a happy and thoughtful note as excitement builds for a fresh, new year to come. Whether you prefer old traditions like Christmas trees and handmade gifts, or new traditions like seeing a movie on Christmas or listening to Idina Menzel, make traditions a part of your festive holidays. We’d love to hear YOUR ideas on what the holidays mean to YOU. What are YOUR favorite Holiday Traditions from the ones we’ve listed? What Holiday Traditions do YOU love best?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM POSH AT PLAY.

FALL HOME FASHION

 Crisp air. Cozy fires. Warm sweaters. Hot Cocoa. Spicy pumpkins. Falling leaves. The Fall season is in the air and it’s time to start feeling the season. Cooler temperatures call for warmer palettes and cozier fabrics. Take a hint from the Fall Fashion runway trends and start filling your home with the richness of the Fall Season. Try one of my suggestions this Fall and fill your home with warmth, coziness, and comfort.

Cable Knit isn’t just for sweaters this Fall. I’m loving the coziness of Soft Surroundings’ Cable Knit Boudoir pillows, as soft and touchable as your favorite Cable Knit sweater. Available in the colors Spa, White, and Mushroom, these cozy pillows will help you easily segue into the Fall season. Just throw them over your couch or chair and you are ready for the Fall Season ahead, or pair with Soft Surroundings’ other sumptuous pieces from the Basics Bedding Collection.  

A great way to segue into the Fall Season is to change up your bedding colors and fabric. Trade in the cool cotton sheets and lighter colors for warmer down comforters and browns, oranges and rusts. Try Kohls’ luscious Micro Flannel deep pocket sheets  in a variety of Fall colors and one of Ralph Lauren’s comfy Fall down comforters. Add a touch of warmth to your bedroom with World Market’s soft sheepskin rug, Pier 1’s Spiced Cake column candles, and Pottery Barn’s throw pillows  in a variety of Fall colors. 

 Fall decorating doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. For a quick and easy Fall centerpiece for your dining table, grab a chicken wire basket and fill with moss, grass, and leaves from your backyard, pumpkins and gourds from the market, and intersperse with tall and column candles from Yankee Candles in new Fall fragrances. Other creative organic ways to decorate for Fall this season:

Make a “Leaf Wreath.” Take a walk and gather Fall leaves, sticks, branches, acorns and pinecones. Using twine, string your sticks and branches together into a “wreath.” Taking your hot glue gun, glue leaves on the wreath and fill in open spots with acorns and pinecones.

Gather colorful Fall leaves and branches from your yard and place them in contrasting glass vases, mason jars, and containers.

 

Make “Pumpkin Luminarias.” Gather mini pumpkins, cut out 1-inch-wide circles, scoop out the centers with a tablespoon, and insert votive candles.

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For a fun Fall entertaining idea for your guests, offer a “make-your-own” Candy Apple table. Start with hot, boiling fudge and caramel pots. Insert popsicle sticks into luscious organic apples, and let guests dip them into the fudge or caramel, and then sprinkle the toppings of their choice. Offer bowls of M&Ms, peanut butter chips, granola, white chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, raisins, butterscotch chips, cocoa crisps, Oreos, and fruity pebbles. Let guests place finished apples on waxpaper-lined trays to set and harden. Guests can enjoy or wrap in colorful plastic wrap for a take-home treat

 

Another fun Fall entertaining idea, buy organic Gala apples at the market and use them as serving “goblets” for your homemade apple cider. Cut off the tops, carve out the center leaving a 1-inch trim, and fill with hot, steaming cider, garnishing with a cinnamon stick for stirring. For the best Apple Cider recipe, try Spiced Apple Cider by A Beautiful Mess:

Needed: 4-5 cups Apple Juice,1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 3 ounces spiced rum (optional), cinnamon sticks

In a small pot heat the apple juice, spices and rum (if using) over low/medium heat. Stir often while the mixture is heating so the spices will blend into the juice (you don’t want any spice clumps). Once it’s hot pour into apple goblets and garnish with cinnamon sticks.

Or, try other Warm Cider recipes with a twist from Martha Stewart Living.

The appetizer tray never looked so festive. For your next Fall party or gathering, carve out the center of a medium-size pumpkin and fill with your favorite dipping sauce for your vegetable tray. For a sweet twist, fill pumpkin with Trader Joe’s cookie butter and serve with Honey Maid grahams, apple slices, bananas, doughnut holes, and honey wheat pretzels. Your guests will be delighted at your next Fall occasion.

For an easy Fall decorating idea, replace candles with mini pumpkins on your candlesticks and stands throughout the house. Support your local Farmers Markets and spend a weekend at the Pumpkin Patch gathering all sizes, colors, and shapes. Bring them home a scatter throughout the home for a perfectly festive Fall Season.

Another low maintenance but festive Fall decorating tip, gather pumpkins from your Pumpkin Patch trip and scatter across your front and back porch, layering and overlapping with no particular pattern, creating your very own “mini” Pumpkin Patch. Take one of the biggest pumpkins and etch your home address for your front porch. For nighttime shimmer, carve a couple of pumpkins and insert glowing candles (either Pottery Barn’s flickering flameless or  Pier 1 Imports’ unscented candles) for a glimmering Fall night.

Take a tip from Michael Kors, and personalize your home space this Fall by grouping family and friend pictures together with sleek silver photo frames. “Everybody has a story, and the most effective way to tell it is in a series of silver frames.” (Michael Kors) Shop silver photo frames at Shopstyle or visit your local Flea Market for vintage finds. Group photos on the mantel, entry table, coffee table, bedside table, or even the bathroom.

A fur throw, a roaring fire, and cashmere-covered walls are all Tommy Hilfiger needs to segue into the Fall Season at his Connecticut home. While we all may not be able to cover our walls in cashmere, shop for faux furs from Restoration Hardware and cashmere throws from Williams-Sonoma to add to living rooms and bedrooms for a cozy Fall feel. Add Ikea Candles and Lanterns around the room and toss Kohls’ pillows in a variety of Fall colors on chairs and around the roaring fireplace. Warm some hot cocoa and snuggle in for a perfect Fall evening.

As the temperatures begin to drop, get into the festive Fall Season with little touches here and there around the home and garden. Fall Home Fashion can be as low key or elaborate as you want it to be. Fall Decorating can be as easy as adding a new throw, lighting pumpkin spice candles, or brewing hot apple cider to usher in the Fall season. Or plan a Fall Festival and serve fun, Fall, festive foods and use pumpkins, candles, and Fall decor from nature to decorate. As the Fall Season brings many wonderful holidays, stay focused on what makes you happy, cozy, and warm, and you will end up spreading the true meaning of the Fall Season to all those around you.

These are just some of my favorite Fall Home Fashion ideas, but I’d love to hear YOUR thought, ideas, and suggestions. Like our Blog and comment. I’d love to hear from you.