When you eat fruits and vegetables that are in season they tend to be fresh and local. Because they are fresh and local, buying seasonal produce can offer a ton of  benefits, including better flavor, more nutrients, reduced cost and less environmental burden. Apple picking and pumpkin farm hay rides can be more than just a fun thing to do with friends and family… bring home the goods and start eating with the season!

Apples (approx. 80 calories)- Nutrients found in apples can help prevent spikes in blood sugar and reduce risk of a variety of chronic diseases. Apples also contain flavonoids and enzymes, which aid in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars. Your blood sugar level is likely to be more stable after eating when these enzymes are inhibited. The fibers and antioxidants in apples also reduce inflammation related to cardiovascular disease, asthma, and cancer.

Pumpkin, butternut and acorn squash (90-130 calories per serving) – rich in beta-carotene and potassium, as well as fiber, niacin, and iron.

Parsnips (102 calories per serving) – Parsnips are fat-free, cholesterol-free, very low in sodium, and a good source of vitamin C, folate, and fiber.

Cranberries (51 calories per serving)- Fresh cranberries are at their peak from October through December. Cranberries are full of antioxidants, which protects cells from damage by unstable molecules called free radicals. and are a great source of vitamin C.

Cauliflower (30 calories per serving) – Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It is a very good source of vitamin B5, potassium, dietary fiber, manganese, and molybdenum, as well as a good source of protein, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, and iron.

Brussels Sprouts (38  calories per serving): Brussels contain high levels of Vitamin K, folate and iron. They are a good choice for an alkaline diet, as a food that decreases the amount of acid in the body.

OTHER FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:

artichoke, almonds, bell peppers, beet, beet greens, broccolini, carrots, chestnuts, chard, corn, eggplant, fennel, garlic, leeks, limes, pears, plums, pomegranate, parsnip, potatoes (maincrop), radishes, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and wild mushrooms.

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It’s hard to believe that fall is less than a week away… on September 22nd it will be “officially” fall! There are so many ways to spend your weekend, there are the things you HAVE to do and then there are the things you WANT to do.  So why not do both? Start your morning off with some household chores and then head out to spend some time with your family or friends.  Now that’s what I call making the most out of your day.  Below is a list of household chores that might need to be taken care of and then some fun activities that you can reward yourself with once the work is done.

HOUSEHOLD CHORES FOR THE FALL

1. Clean out gutters

2. Rake laves

3. Replace batteries in smoke detectors

4. Replace summer bedding with winter quilts and comforters

5.  Pack up summer clothes and bring out the fall/winter colors and warm sweaters

6.  Get chimney and fireplace professionally cleaned and inspected

7.  Close up pool, put patio furniture away

8. Trim back bushes

9. Put away lawn mower and start up snow blower

10. Install storm doors and windows or install heavy curtains over large glass doors and windows to keep the heat in

FUN FALL ACTIVITIES!

1. Enjoy the not so chilly weather while you can by your favorite lake, ocean or river, with long walks and camp fires.

2. Go apple picking, not only is apple picking a nice way to enjoy time with family and friends but you get fresh air and even fresher fruit out of the deal!

3. Take a hike – you’ve probably heard this over and over every fall but do it for real this time! Not only does a good hike up a mountain provide you with fresh air and exercise but you can turn it into a science class for the kids or even better yourself.

4. Hit up some of your local fairs, festivals and farmers markets one last time.

5.  Take a bike ride – just saying that I can feel the cool breeze hitting my face, the sun glistening and my blood flowing.

6.  Make fall crafts or cook some fall treats!

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The colder weather of the autumn can leave your locks looking as dry as those leaves falling from the trees. With just a few subtle changes to your beauty routine, you can keep your hair looking beautiful in the fall weather.

Just as trees lose their leaves in the fall, you shed more hair during this season. Conditioning your hair is important, and don’t forget your scalp! Even if you don’t normally have a problem with a dry scalp, you can develop it in the colder months. The colder air can dry out your scalp as well as your hair, leaving you with annoying flakes and itchy skin. Use a deep conditioner on your hair once a week to help replenish any lost moisture and keep your hair resilient and shiny. This will moisturize your scalp at the same time. Regular conditioning will not only ensure that your hair is healthy, it will keep your scalp moisturized and flake free at the same time.

If you have a problem with frizz, the often-wet weather during this season can make your hair go wild. Use a leave in conditioner that tames frizz and leaves your hair silky smooth and frizz free all day. If you have fine hair, be careful not too use too much – it can leave you looking greasy. Experiment with the amount, starting with a dime sized amount in the palm of your hand until you get the magic amount that leaves your hair smooth and frizz-free, not limp and dull.

Add a shine spray to your daily routine to keep your hair shiny – and even healthier. Shine sprays help to repair split ends and eliminates more frizz and flyaways. They also provide protection against heat damage and protect your hair against environmental damage. So regardless of what the weather is like, your hair will look shiny, healthy, and smooth.

I’m fond of Chi products, in any season. There’s someone else who likes them, too. Watch this video for a Chi review. After she bought these products somewhere, she found them cheaper on our website.

Let me know what you think about Chi products on twitter, Facebook, or leave me a comment here on the blog.

With autumn’s cooler temperatures, damp weather, and windy gusts, your skin can take a beating. Unlike warmer summer weather when your skin can be oilier, in the fall you really need to concentrate on moisturizing your skin. The following tips will keep your skin smooth, soft, and supple, even during the harshest weather.

A daily moisturizer is a must, even if you have oily skin. If you have problems with your face becoming oily during the day, it doesn’t mean that your skin is adequately hydrated. You want to use a light moisturizer that will keep your skin in good condition, not skip the moisturizer altogether. Instead of skipping it, use blotting papers to remove oil without destroying your makeup.

Moisturize your skin right from the start. Use a moisturizing soap or bodywash to keep your skin smooth, soft, and supple.

Use a lotion, all over your body. Directly after your shower or bath, slather on the lotion. It will hydrate your skin better that way because you are already warm and moist, and do a better job of keeping you from drying out during the day. Use an ultra healing lotion on dry spots like elbows and knees, or if you have patches of dry or scaly skin. You’ll be happy you did so when the weather turns even cooler.

Don’t forget to moisturize your hair, as well. Using a leave in conditioner will keep the cooler weather from drying out your hair. Use a good one, especially if you use heat styling products. I am particularly fond of Chi Silk Infusion. It’s made by the same company that sells flat irons, and it does a great job of leaving your hair smooth and hydrated, with no flyaways and no visible split ends. It also strengthens your hair, always a plus.

Do you pay special attention to moisturizing and conditioning in the fall? Let me know on twitter, Facebook, or leave me a comment here on the blog.