Falling for Fall

Thinking about Fall elicits very ephemeral memories for me: I can close my eyes yet see in vivid technicolor the quintessential colors that define autumn. I hear the distinct crackle of desiccated leaves beneath my feet.

The warmth of summer begins to wane as the cool winds of harvest season seep in. Crisp clean air refreshes my very soul with every breath I take. Ahhh.

For me, Fall is synonymous with one word: cozy. Cozy weather. Cozy clothes. Cozy drinks (have you tried mulled wine?!). And where is the absolute best place to get cozy? At home, of course!

As a gay man and Realtor home really is my passion, in more ways than one. Cursed with a double dose of the decorator’s gene I find that the transformation of seasons is my perfect excuse to go carte blanche with the concept of getting cozy. My Amazon cart runneth over. 

But the truly discerning cognoscenti know that life’s not just all about the destination, getting there is half the fun! There’s a special kind of satisfaction derived from making your own homemade seasonal decor. In this regard I try to take a page from the holy grail herself: Martha Stewart.

This is the inaugural season for slowing down to spend time doing the things you adore with the people you cherish. This is the season that defines the very essence of home: cozy & crafts, food & love, safety & security. And setting down roots to establish community. Home is where the heart (and mortgage payment) is. 

Growing up I spent weekends and holidays on my grandparent’s farm where the reaping season was the most momentous time of the year. Much of the common conceptions of Fall ornamentation (bales of hay, stalks of corn, scarecrows, and an utter cornucopia of fruits & veg) are intrinsic vernacular to an agriculturalist living from the land; it is both literally and figuratively their bread and butter. Think global but shop local. 

This autumnal equinox I challenge you to cast a new spell on your hum-drum routine. Forego the plastic pumpkins and get your hands dirty carving one IRL (in real life). Dust off your cauldron and delight in the polychromatic phases of the moon. Throw some spice in your life and in your rum too. After all, ’tis the season to be Fall-y. 

P.S. If you don’t have time to churn your own butter,

store-bought is fine.

Kyle Brandon is a Staff Writer for the Freestyle Living Magazine. He is a Realtor in Central Ohio and can be reached through his website:

Kyle Brandon Realtor® (exprealty.com)

[email protected]

Take the Time This Fall to Love and Value You! 

As the leaves begin to change colors and the air becomes crisp, we welcome the enchanting season of Fall. It's a time of transition, and while many of us look forward to the upcoming holiday season, it can also bring chaos and stress.

Before the whirlwind of festivities begins, it's essential to take a moment to center yourself. In this article, we'll explore the importance of loving and valuing yourself before the holiday hecticness begins.

Love and Value Yourself. As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, Fall provides the perfect backdrop for introspection.

Find a quiet spot in nature and take time to reflect on your life. Several things can be part of your reflection, but for me, the most important question is this: Do you truly love and value yourself?

Different Than Self-Care. Loving and valuing yourself is different from self-care. Yes, self-care is important–nourishing your body, consistent exercise, reducing stress and so much more.

Loving and valuing yourself is loving the real you. It is telling yourself consistently that you love YOU. It is realizing that you have value for WHO you are, not for anything you have done or will do in the future.

By the way, self-care will organically become a part as you focus on WHO you are.

Isn’t This Selfish? Most of us have been taught to put others before ourselves. I know I was. How about you? I was taught it was selfish. It can be selfish to act like you are more important than someone else.

The important thing to remember is both you and others are important and have value. There should not be a comparison of who is more important. You are both important. You both have value.

As we prepare for the whirlwind of the holiday season, remember to love and value yourself for WHO you are. This is the foundational Principle for the 5 Principles of Thriving Relationships. The more you authentically love and value yourself, it will naturally overflow to others.

Guess what? Those holiday get-togethers will be much more enjoyable as the authentic love and value you have for yourself spill out to others. Then everyone wins!

Ruth Pierce is a Staff Writer for the Freestyle Living magazine. She is a Relationship Maximizer, using relationship insights from almost 50 years of marriage and over 10 years in Human Resource Management. You can connect with her through her Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/ruthpiercetimetofly.

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: The Sweet Art of Fall Sugar Taming

Ah, the glorious arrival of autumn is here! As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, there's one thing on everyone's mind – pumpkin-flavored treats! But wait, you're also watching your blood sugar? Fear not, my friends, for I'm here to spill the beans (or should I say, pumpkin seeds?) on how to savor these delectable fall delights without setting your glucose levels on a rollercoaster ride.

Portion Control: First things first, let's not kid ourselves, 16 oz. pumpkin spice latte has about 390 calories and 50 grams (12 teaspoons) of sugar which is enough to fuel your body for two whole days. Go for a smaller size and ask for only 1 flavor pump instead of the usual 3 they put. 

DIY Pumpkin Spice Mix: Make your own pumpkin spice mix to control the sugar. Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of ginger for that magical fall flavor. Your taste buds won't know the difference!

Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Swap out sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia, allulose or monk fruit. They're like the invisible superheroes of the sugar world – sweet without the guilt.

Whipped Cream Trick: You can still enjoy that creamy topping! Opt for organic unsweetened coconut cream to add that extra oomph to your pumpkin latte.

The Quest for Unsweetened Pumpkin Puree: Check the labels, folks! You want pure pumpkin, not sugar-loaded imposters. Use it for baking, smoothies, or a cozy pumpkin soup.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Don't toss those pumpkin seeds! Roast them with a sprinkle of salt or cinnamon for a delightful and crunchy snack that won't spike your sugar.

Healthy Swaps in Baking: When whipping up pumpkin goodies, substitute sugar with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Your muffins won't know what hit them.

Mindful Pie Slicing: Pie is the quintessential fall treat. Try these delicious low-sugar pumpkin pie recipes from https://www.wholesomeyum.com/?s=pumpkin+pie

Go Nuts for Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a natural sweetness without the sugar. Grate it over your oatmeal or yogurt for a dash of autumnal charm.

Walk It Off: After indulging in your favorite pumpkin delight, take a stroll through the colorful leaves. Nature's way of saying, "It's all good, enjoy yourself!"

So, there you have it, folks – the pumpkin-flavored secret sauce to satisfy your fall cravings without sending your blood sugar levels into a frenzy. Embrace the season, savor the flavors, and remember that a little pumpkin spice goes a long way. Happy fall y'all!

Rita Brewer is a Staff Writer for the Freestyle Living Magazine. She coaches us how to live a healthy lifestyle and use food as medicine. It is Rita's honor and privilege to work with you on your journey to optimal health. You can connect with her through her website: https://ritabrewer.com

Whispers of Nature; Lessons from Fall

Whispers…Can you hear them? They are all around you. Nature has a way of teaching us if only we are open to her lessons. Nature doesn't yell out her lessons, she Whispers them to you. Every day, every season whispers to you, you just have to allow yourself to listen.

Embrace Change! What happens in the Fall? We lose our long warm days in the sunshine; we lose our abundance of warmth. We start to see change. As humans, our brains are hardwired to see change as bad. It's a throwback to our caveman days when something different could mean a threat to our survival. Luckily, we are also able to see, if we choose to, that change could mean something so much more. And this something else doesn't have to be bad.

In the fall, trees are the visible embodiment of change. Many trees have the green leaves of summer decay and fall off. As we see leaves falling, does that change indicate decay or preparation? The falling leaves are just preparing the way for the new leaves of spring. The challenge we face is patience for this change to come to fruition. The change will happen, and Spring will come but we must be patient throughout the change process.

However, many leaves change colors. Colors that are so bright and vibrant that we can't help but enjoy them. The fact that leaves can and do change to such bright and vibrant colors shows us there is beauty in change. The change of leaves from Summer to Fall doesn't indicate the end of something and the beginning of something else but it symbolizes a continuing and ongoing transition. It symbolizes a continuing cycle of change in our lives.

Control can be Illusionary! The Fall season reinforces the lesson that control can be illusionary by reminding us of the continuity of life. As one season will follow another, will follow another, and so on, seasons continue no matter what happens. Just as seasons of nature occur, so do the seasons in our lives. Regardless of what you may be experiencing, it is inevitable that things will keep progressing. 

Life, like nature, is cyclical and continuous. No matter how much we may want or think we can control something, control, in the big picture, is illusory. In the words of the stoic philosopher Epictetus, “Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle. Some things are within your control. And some things are not.”

Be Present and Notice the Details! Pay attention and don’t take Fall for granted. As we should all strive for on a daily basis, Be Present. Pause and notice what is being whispered all around you. The days get shorter, colors get brighter, the air gets crisper and hard work seems to suddenly come to fruition. What does that mean?

Days are shorter, so be present to notice this. Notice the changes around you. Watch as nature prepares for and undergoes her transition from the warm long days of Summer to the shorter, cooler days of Fall. Take time to experience the feeling of the crisp morning air on your face, and embrace the feeling as this cool, crisp air enters your lungs with each breath as you walk outside to start your day.

Take a moment to pause and look at all the amazing colors of Fall. Appreciate the magnitude of the Fall’s harvests. And most importantly, pause before the riptide of the holiday season tries to pull you under and forces you along at a pace you may not actually desire. 

Whispers… Can you hear them?

L. Mason VanDyke is a Staff Writer for the Freestyle Living Magazine. He is not just an author but a captivating storyteller, weaving narratives that transport readers into rich, immersive worlds of imagination. You can connect with L Mason VanDyke through his email at: [email protected]

Fall Adventures to IMPACT Success

Are you ready for an unforgettable fall season filled with creativity, bonding, and endless adventures? If you have the pleasure of spending time with 6-7-8-9-year-olds, you're in for a treat. This column is dedicated to you, the parent, the mentor, and the influencer. Autumn is here, and it's the perfect time to embark on a journey of freestyle living and education with your young ones. So, let's dive into the magical world of fall and discover the joy it holds for both children and adults alike.

Fall is a season that ignites our senses and sparks our curiosity. The cool breeze, the rustling leaves, the vibrant colors – it's a sensory playground for the young and the young at heart. As we venture into this enchanting time of year, let's explore some activities that will not only entertain but also stimulate the young minds in your care.

Interoception, the awareness of what's happening inside our bodies, is a fundamental skill. Why not make it an adventure? Take your little ones on a journey of sound and rhythm by indulging in a Fall Leaf activity. Let them listen to the unique sounds of leaves beneath their feet, whether they stomp on them or gently squeeze them. It's a symphony of nature waiting to be discovered.

Metacognition, or intentional thinking, is a skill we can nurture through creativity. Make leaf instruments and compose a dance-worthy leaf song with your kids. Encourage them to explore and learn about different leaf types using resources like Google. Weave these newfound nuggets of knowledge into the song, making learning a joyful and memorable experience.

Perseverance, often referred to as grit, is a trait we want our children to cultivate. Challenge them to create leaf imprints by placing paper over a cluster of leaves and coloring over it with a crayon or pencil. It may take a few tries, but the satisfaction of a beautifully detailed leaf imprint is worth it.

Action and consistency go hand in hand as we create a leaf-matching game. Trace leaves onto index cards, creating pairs for a memory game. Shuffle the cards, place them face down, and embark on a journey of discovery as you search for matching pairs. It's a fun and educational activity that builds cognitive skills.

Now, let's transcend ordinary play and dive into storytelling. Encourage your children to write a three-act play centered around the life of Mr. Leaf. Introduce captivating characters like Lucy Caterpillar and Singing Sparrow, and let their imaginations soar. This is their chance to embark on an uncharted adventure and discover the magic of storytelling.

Document your incredible leafy adventures and share them. Tag me on your favorite social media platform (@cheridotterer). Let's make this a family event and inspire others with our leafy creativity.

So, as the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, seize the opportunity to create lasting memories with your young ones. Fall is a season of wonder, bonding, and pure joy.

Embrace the magic, and let the adventures begin!

Cheri Dotterer is a Staff Writer for the Freestyle Living Magazine and is an IMPACT Success Blueprint Collaboration Coach. Author of "Handwriting Brain-Body DisConnect" and contributor to seminal works, she’s set to release "Math DYS-connected," co-authored with Jonily Zupancic. She owns Dotterer Educational Consulting and The Writing Glitch Podcast. You can connect with Cheri through her website at: cheridotterer.com/contact

Seasons of Caring: Nurturing Lives, Harvesting Hope

Happy Autumn!! Wow, can you believe it? We have finally reached the autumn season. If you live in Ohio or surrounding areas, it surely doesn’t feel like it. I am extremely happy because this is my favorite season. I am not quite sure what it is, however, there is something to be said about the fall /autumn season. It brings a big smile to my face.

What are some things that you like about this season or perhaps don’t like? I can say my favorite things about the autumn are the beautiful colors of the leaves changing, football games, sweaters and sweatshirts, bonfires, pumpkin spice anything and lastly going to and doing crafts with friends. To me, it is a calm season. Think of your favorite blanket wrapped around you just right and the comfort it brings you.

Well, enough about all that. I could go on and on. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Carmella Banks, and I live in Northwest Ohio with my amazing husband, Farley in a town called Lima Ohio. We have one adult daughter; her name is Jaede (pronounced Jade). Yes, I am that crazy lady who adds an extra letter to her child’s name to confuse everyone on how to pronounce it and how to spell it. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University and works in finance in the Dublin, Ohio area.

I am still patiently awaiting grandchildren so I can spoil them and love them. So, in the meantime, I will continue to adopt other children, whether it be a church or my neighbors to share all this love I have and spoil them. I really am not a crazy lady, but I love giving and doing for others.

I am currently a Wellness Advocate for doTERRA Essential Oils. I love, love, love sharing with others about more natural ways to support health and wellness. It gives me the opportunity to meet new people and I am so passionate about empowering others with a mindset to create healthy, vibrant, purpose-filled lives.

Secondly, I also work with my husband in his Law Office. My job is to answer phones, be pleasant, and keep him organized, on point, and on time for court. Basically, this is what my job description is as his wife, but in more detail and he is the boss!!!

To add to my list of many jobs, I am a caregiver for my wonderful and beautiful mother who is going through a battle with dementia. This is probably the toughest job, but I would not change it for anything. I feel so blessed to do this for her.

The remainder of my time is spent serving at church by volunteering. I love serving and helping others God first, my family, and then friends. I feel serving others is making space for their existence and seeing them as valuable and worthy to serve and to be served because God treasures and adores them beyond measure.

So, as we embark on this delightful autumn journey, may we find solace and inspiration in the changing seasons and, above all, in the joy of serving and sharing love with those we encounter along the way.

Carmella Banks is a Staff Writer for the Freestyle Living Magazine and is a Wellness Advocate for doTERRA Essential Oils. You can connect with Carmella through her linked-in profile at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmella-banks-1781a370/

Or on her Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/822573918497806