Clutter Free Fall Activities
Clutter Free Fall Activities
Fall is a time of change: a metamorphosis from care-free summer to a time of reflection and effort brought on by the holidays. This fall transition is a time to think about others and show the ones you love that you care. I know as well as anyone, just how stressful the holidays can be. We’re focused on hosting, gifting, and entertaining the kids when they are off from school. But, the holidays should also be a time for YOU to relax, sit by the fire with a warm drink and a book in hand, and have some fun. As we head into the remaining months of 2021, you may be looking for some activities to do with the kids, and for yourself to have a moment of self-care. Sustainability is important to us here at Composed Living, so let’s keep that in mind too when choosing activities!
1) Leaf and Twig Art
Arts and crafts is an area we can all learn to practice better conscious consumerism. There are so many fall themed crafts to do with your kids made from materials you already have at home. One of the easiest is Leaf Animals - simply using leaves and markers. Jazz up the art by adding some twigs you find outside to the mix. The Leaf Animals shown on Handmade Charlotte are so cute and they’ll show you how to step up your leaf art game even more by stitching the leaves!
Kramer, Natalie. “DIY Leaf Animals.” Handmade Charlotte, 15 Oct. 2013, https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/diy-fall-leaf-animals/. Accessed 10 September 2021.
2) Pine Cone Creations
Another at home art activity to try is creating with pine cones - the possibilities are truly endless. Felt Magnet has an incredible and extensive list. My favorites are: Pine Cone Candle Holder, Pine Cone Picture Frames, Hanging Succulent Planter, and Pine Cone Topiary.
3) Mulled Wine and Spiced Cider
Sipping on a hot drink curled up in a blanket while looking up at the night sky is one of my favorite fall activities. I’ll be whipping out these recipes for mulled wine and spiced cider frequently.
4) Quilting a Blanket
Pick up a new skill or an old hobby: quilting. Make it eco-friendly by quilting together materials from old t-shirts or other clothing you no longer wear. Then cozy up under your new blanket with the mulled wine you’ve made!
5) Visit Your Local Farm
Local farms give us the absolute best produce. Give one a visit with the whole family for pumpkin picking, fruit picking, and produce stands. In SoCal, I love Tanaka Farms in Irvine. They have a variety of programming including corn mazes, wagon rides, and earlier in the year from March-June, they have strawberry picking! Something to keep in mind for next Spring. A bit further outside of L.A. is Stone Soup Farm in Oak Glen - great for apple and berry picking. Their apple fair is happening now and includes access to “diverse gardens, outdoor activities, artisan crafts, organic marketplace, and harvest themed festivities” (Stone Soup Farm Apple Fair). Others to check out are Underwood Family Farms, in Moorpark, and the corn maze at Foneris Farms in Mission Hills.
6) Farmers Market
Continuing with the trend of buying local: try getting all of your produce from your neighborhood farmers market. There’s amazing ones scattered all over L.A. giving you access to farms from all over the state. You can get awesome ingredients for fall themed soups, pies, or whatever your heart desires!
7) Immersive Experiences
If you are in L.A., Head to Calabasas for a family friendly event: Nights of the Jack, a light up, pumpkin filled walking trail with tons of food options. Or, get tickets for Los Angeles Haunted Hayride (recommended for children 12 and up).
8) Carving Pumpkins
A fall time favorite and awesome activity for the whole family. Avoid crafting the pumpkin and stick to carving - paint and glue make the pumpkin no longer compostable since they shouldn’t be in your soil.
9) Nature Decor
Dry flowers or grasses and use them to make Halloween or Fall decor. Add them to your carved pumpkins or use them to make a wreath. Consider spraying them burgundy or black to add a mood. Pro Flowers’ guide is very helpful in drying and preserving flowers!
10) Garden Work
Maybe you’ve been putting off focusing on your garden. This is a sign to start! Clean up your plant beds and plan next season’s plants. October is a great time to harvest your cool weather crops such as lettuce, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cherries, and strawberries. Here is a great guide with gardening tips for each month in Los Angeles.
11) Compost
Now is a great time to start composting if you don’t already! Read through Spring-Green’s tips for autumn composting.
12) Pumpkin Spice Latte
Save yourself the trip to Starbucks and get in on the PSL craze by trying this easy 6 ingredient DIY hack. I know I’ll be trying this one for sure! While you’re at it, check out the same website’s other pumpkin themed recipes! I’m looking at the Pumpkin Mac n’ Cheese and the Pumpkin Pancakes! They’re super easy and the kids could help out too.
13) Make Candles
I’ve done this before and it’s not only super easy, but fun once you get the hang of it, and makes for great gifts. Check out Better Homes & Gardens’ Tutorial.
14) Thrifting
Thrifting is always the most eco-friendly way to acquire new clothing items, and it’s especially great to find some comfy, oversized items to relax in during the holidays. Consider thrifting your kids’ holiday costumes as well. It will be better for the environment and you’ll be sure no one else will have the same costume! But, remember, if you’re going to go shopping, consider decluttering some items that you no longer use first to make room for the new items without overcrowding your closet.
