Falling for Nature's Nectar & Other Sweet Things

 Hello Autumn…I’ve Been Expecting You

By Cal Orey, M.A.

When the morning air is crisp enough to make your teeth chatter, my front yard morphs into a furry, feathered circus—busy squirrels, gossiping birds, Mr. Raccoon clocking in for early patrol and a feral cat fleeing down the street. Transitioning into fall at Lake Tahoe is my annual cue to say goodbye to summer and kick my mind and body into gear before winter hits. Here’s my down-to-earth organic hacks to keep you warm and fuzzy as the seasons shift.

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1. Grounding Mind & Space: Amber and Orange LED Lighting: Replace harsh overhead white lighting with warm-hued LED lighting like pumpkin candles to outdoor golden solar lights.  How it works: Warm hues mimic the setting sun and flickering campfires. This visual change calms the nervous system by lowering cortisol levels and gives off a cozy vibe as the mountain evenings grow darker earlier.

2. Nourishing the Body: Autumn Seasonings:  Freshen up your old spices and herbs with new ones like cinnamon, ginger, thyme, and parsley. Add to cereals, soups, fish, and poultry. How it works: Warming herbs and spices have anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial perks. As the alpine air cools, these seasonings support immune health and help stave off seasonal viruses.

3. Restoring the Body: Crisp Comforter & Fresh Duvet: Upgrade your sleep sanctuary with a new or cleaned comforter encased in a new duvet featuring grounding fall colors (forest green or warm taupe). How it works: Deep sleep is the ticket to good health. Research reveals that sleeping in a cooler comfy environment under a warm layer promotes ideal core body temperature essential for deep sleep. Plus, waking up surrounded by soft textures and earth tones reinforces a comforting happy place.

4. Tasting Nature’s Nectar: Infused Honeys: Local raw autumn-harvested honeys (such as buckwheat, wildflower, or orange blossom cinnamon-infused artisan varieties) are a wholesome natural sweetener. How it works: Raw honey contains trace local pollens and antioxidants that support respiratory health and soothe dry throats brought on by the dry Tahoe mountain air. Less is more so you’ll savor the sweet and savory goodness of the golden gift in coffee and tea.

5. Boosting the Spirit: No Maintenance Faux Mums for the Yard and Deck: Arrange weather-resistant, vibrant faux autumn orange mums in rustic containers on your deck or entryway porch. How it works: Living spaces influence emotional well-being. Faux autumn florals provide a visual anchor of energy and warmth without the frustration of upkeep. Don’t forget a maple leaf and pumpkin wreath for your front door to welcome the Tahoe season.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist. She holds a master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from SFSU. She will be signing books at Reno Barnes and Noble bookstore on September 19. Her website is www.calorey.com