Awesome Autumn... A Time to Stay Warm and Fuzzy

 Falling for Nature: 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 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.

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 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 air cools, these seasonings support immune health and help stave off seasonal viruses.

3. Restoring the Haven: 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 indoor 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 autumn season.

…And Going Indoors for Cozy Comfort

During a past time or two, when I have traveled faraway and faced earthquakes to poor air quality, I later thought, “Should I have stayed home?” No location is immune to Mother Nature’s challenges, and I found myself longing for the familiar comforts of early autumn at home.

So, I’ve been creating a cozy vibe in my home. Here are four autumn-healthy foods and why they can dish a healing vibe—with promise of well-being and relaxation.

Kitchen: Pumpkins. How they are healthy: While not consumed in a decorative context, pumpkins are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber when eaten. Their presence in the kitchen can inspire healthy cooking with pumpkin-based dishes. Healing Vibe: Their vibrant orange or white hue, and autumn shape give feelings of warmth, harvest, and coziness, making the kitchen feel inviting and ready for seasonal cooking. They symbolize abundance and the bounty of the season. Placement: On a kitchen island or countertop.

Living Room: Acorn Squash. How they are healthy. Acorn squash is a good source of vitamin C, warding off fall colds and flu. Healing Vibe: Its shape and dark green and orange skin with ribbed textures are pleasing and autumn-ish. Placing it in the living room adds a natural element that grounds the space and connects it to the outdoors, providing a sense of calm. Placement: On a coffee table, next to flameless LED candles or a cozy brown or gold colored throw is a super decorative touch.

Dining Room: Gourds: How they are healthy: Like pumpkins, gourds are decorative. Their health benefits inspire an organic link to natural foods. Healing Vibe: Gourds come in many shapes and colors, showing the beauty of the autumn harvest, encouraging warmth. Placement: On a dining table for an earthy effect.

Bathroom: Cinnamon Sticks: How they are healthy: Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties when eaten. Healing Vibe: The spicy aroma of cinnamon provides a serene spa-like atmosphere. Placement: Put in a decorate dish or tied with twine on a shelf. The bottom line: This is how you can roll this coming autumn to savor your haven.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series. Currently, her new release The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised is available. Her website is http://www.calorey.com

Fall into Seattle, WA Author Event with Bestselling Healing Series Author!

  B&N University District, Seattle, WA Author Event

By Cal Orey, M.A.

Cal Orey signs THE HEALING POWERS OF HONEY, Revised

Wednesday, November 11 1:00 PM PT

*Can't go? Pick up a copy at the University District Barnes & Noble bookstore

(or online/at your physical local Barnes & Noble bookstore; 80% carry the new release!).

 Books & Literature

Cal Orey Wins 2026 Hollywood Book Awards Best Health & Wellness Honor for The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised & Updated

20 Oct, 2026, 11:37 AM (EDT)

The revised and updated edition earns recognition for its exploration of honey's nutritional properties, culinary traditions, scientific research and new data about vanishing honeybees linked to extreme weather events and viruses.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (PinionNewswire)

Bestselling author and journalist Cal Orey has won the Best Health & Wellness category at the 2026 Hollywood Book Awards for The Healing Powers of Honey. The recognition is confirmed by the awards program’s official 2026 Winners & Finalists listing, which identifies Orey’s book as the category winner.

 

 

The award follows the Aug. 25, 2026, publication of The Healing Powers of Honey: Revised and Updated, released by Citadel, an imprint of Kensington Publishing Corp. The 352-page revised edition expands upon Orey’s earlier work with updated research, additional recipes and discussions about honeybee conservation, nutrition and environmental sustainability.

The recognition marks a new milestone in Orey’s publishing career and brings renewed attention to her established Healing Powers series, which examines the history, nutritional characteristics and traditional uses of familiar foods.

Hollywood Book Awards Recognizes the Healing Powers of Honey

The 2026 Hollywood Book Awards recognized The Healing Powers of Honey as the winner in the Best Health & Wellness category. The official winners listing features the book alongside other recognized publications, confirming its selection in the category. The recognition also reflects the continued public interest in nonfiction books examining familiar ingredients through scientific and historical perspectives.

Readers can view the award results on the official Hollywood Book Awards 2026 Winners & Finalists page.

 

 

Guard Against Cold & Virus Season for Just 3.99!

The award announcement comes as consumers prepare for winter, when conversations about nutrition, food preparation and everyday wellness routines often receive renewed attention.

“You don’t have to let holiday travel and stress derail your health,” Orey said. “This book encourages readers to explore honey, nutrition and everyday habits as part of a thoughtful approach to seasonal well-being.”

The publication discusses scientific research concerning honey while distinguishing traditional practices from established medical evidence.

Rather than suggesting honey can prevent seasonal illnesses or replace medical treatment, the book presents its nutritional characteristics within the broader context of food and dietary education.

Beyond nutrition and cooking, the revised edition examines the relationship between honeybees, climate change and extreme weather affecting both humans and honeybees.

Prepare yourself with antioxidant-rich honey varietals and Mediterranean foods and new recipes to boost your immune system before the superbugs hit and during an El Niño event when seasonal respiratory illnesses spread more easily.

Both 2026 paperback and ebook new editions are official Amazon Bestsellers  in the Antioxidant category.

All through October, grab the bestselling The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised & Updated ebook on special sale. Prepare yourself with antioxidant-rich honey varietals and Mediterranean foods and new recipes to boost your immune system before the superbugs hit.

The Healing Powers of Honey: Revised and Updated is available through Amazon and participating booksellers.

https://www.hollywoodbookreviews.com/winners-finalists-2026/

Official Publisher Listing:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/468068/the-healing-powers-of-honey-revised-and-updated-by-cal-orey/

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9780806545721

About Cal Orey

Cal Orey, M.A., is a dynamic bestselling author-journalist with over 40 captivating books to her name. With a sharp focus on health, nutrition, and science and a deep love for pets, she is a gifted, versatile storyteller. Best known for her popular Healing Powers series, she has also written numerous other nonfiction book as well as novels. Her work has resonated with readers worldwide and appears on national and international bestseller lists. A native Californian, she lives in South Lake Tahoe, California.

Bestselling Healing Powers Series Author at B&N University District, Seattle, WA

 B&N University District, Seattle, WA Author Event

By Cal Orey, M.A.

Cal Orey signs THE HEALING POWERS OF #HONEY

Wednesday, November 11 1:00 PM PT

*Can't go? Pick up a copy at your Barnes & Noble bookstore

(or online at all bookstores).

2026 Hollywood Book Awards winner for “The Healing Powers of Honey,” won Best Health & Wellness

 

Cal Orey is a 2026 Hollywood Book Awards winner for “The Healing Powers of Honey,” which won Best Health & Wellness.

Award Details

• Award: 2026 Hollywood Book Awards
• Category: Best Health & Wellness
• Winning Title: The Healing Powers of Honey
• Author: Cal Orey
• This book was recognized as the category winner among other finalists in the health and wellness field.
  hollywoodbookreviews.com

Pumpkin Treats Get a Healthy Makeover This Autumn

 

Why Pumpkin is Getting a Health Upgrade This Autumn

News| Oct 17, 2026 Tahoe Daily Tribune

Cal Orey, M.A.

Psst! I don’t bother with sugary, high-fat pumpkin fudge or fake-flavored lattes anymore like I used to. Nowadays, I’d much rather snack on crunchy pumpkin seeds mixed with heart-healthy nuts or grab a simple slice of whole grain pumpkin bread. Fall is still a huge pumpkin celebration, but the best part is that it actually makes you feel good and healthy!

Recent published findings in 2026 by food and nutrition researchers reveal that every part of the pumpkin (flesh, seeds, and peel) contains valuable nutrients such as beta carotene, fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats, magnesium, and zinc. These compounds have health perks, which make pumpkin the new versatile superfood….

Forget the sugary pumpkin treats. It’s the season to change it up with whole-food pumpkin to maintain a strong immune system while the air is cooler and we gather indoors more. As the author of The Healing Powers of Superfoods (Kensington), I did include pumpkin! Here’s a new list of pumpkin favorites with a unique Tahoe Edge. 

*Chunky Warm Pumpkin Soup: Real pumpkins are loaded with Vitamin A and essential for keeping your respiratory and intestinal linings healthy–—which serve as the body’s defense against airborne germs and cold-weather viruses. The Tahoe Edge: Savor a warm bowl of spiced pumpkin ginger soup helps guard your respiratory system against the elements. (Find it at a local restaurant or Google a DIY recipe online.)

*Cold & Creamy Pumpkin Smoothie: Pumpkin flesh contains vitamin C, a disease-fighting antioxidant that stimulates the production of white blood cells to help guard against cold and flu season. The Tahoe Edge: In the morning or afternoon, enjoy a smoothie made with organic canned or puréed pumpkin. (Google a recipe that is healthful and yummy.) 

*Savory & Sweet Pumpkin Pie: When crafted with antioxidant-rich pumpkin spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger) and topped with roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), scones deliver vitamin E and healthy minerals that quell a sweet tooth without too many calories. The Tahoe Edge: Enjoy a slice of pie–storebought or homemade with less sugar. (Buy a slice at Safeway bakery.)

*Hot Pumpkin Spiced Tea/Coffee: Sipping black or herbal teas with real pumpkin spices (cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom) provides polyphenols and anti-inflammatory compounds that enhance your immune and heart health. The Tahoe Edge: Brew a cup of pumpkin spiced tea with a drizzle of honey to warm your body and spirit. (Forage online or local grocery store.) 

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Currently, her new release The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised is available at all bookstores.

NEW HONEY BOOK Author Reveals Pumpkin Gets a Health Upgrade

 Why Pumpkin is Getting a Health Upgrade This Autumn

Psst! I don't bother with sugary, high-fat pumpkin fudge or fake-flavored lattes anymore like I used to. Nowadays, I'd much rather snack on crunchy pumpkin seeds mixed with heart-healthy nuts or grab a simple slice of whole grain pumpkin bread. Fall is still a huge pumpkin celebration, but the best part is that it actually makes you feel good and healthy!

Recent published findings in 2026 by food and nutrition researchers reveal that every part of the pumpkin (flesh, seeds, and peel) contains valuable nutrients such as beta carotene, fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats, magnesium, and zinc. These compounds have health perks, which make pumpkin the new versatile superfood….

Forget the sugary pumpkin fudge and pumpkin cookies. It’s the season to change it up with whole-food pumpkin to maintain a strong immune system while the air is cooler and we gather indoors more. As the author of The Healing Powers of Superfoods (Kensington), I did include pumpkin! Here’s a new list of pumpkin favorites with a unique Tahoe Edge.

*Chunky Warm Pumpkin Soup: Real pumpkins are loaded with Vitamin A and essential for keeping your respiratory and intestinal linings healthy--—which serve as the body's defense against airborne germs and cold-weather viruses. The Tahoe Edge: Savor a warm bowl of spiced pumpkin ginger soup helps guard your respiratory system against the elements. (Find it at a local restaurant or Google a DIY recipe online.)

*Cold & Creamy Pumpkin Smoothie: Pumpkin flesh contains vitamin C, a disease-fighting antioxidant that stimulates the production of white blood cells to help guard against cold and flu season. The Tahoe Edge: In the morning or afternoon, enjoy a smoothie made with organic canned or puréed pumpkin. (Google a recipe that is healthful and yummy.)

*Savory & Sweet Pumpkin Pie: When crafted with antioxidant-rich pumpkin spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger) and topped with roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), scones deliver vitamin E and healthy minerals that quell a sweet tooth without too many calories. The Tahoe Edge: Enjoy a slice of pie--storebought or homemade with less sugar. (Buy a slice at Safeway bakery.)

*Hot Pumpkin Spiced Tea/Coffee: Sipping black or herbal teas with real pumpkin spices (cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom) provides polyphenols and anti-inflammatory compounds that enhance your immune and heart health. The Tahoe Edge: Brew a cup of pumpkin spiced tea with a drizzle of honey to warm your body and spirit. (Forage online or local grocery store.)

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Currently, her new release The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised is available at all bookstores. Her website is http://www.calorey.com. 

2026 Hollywood Book Awards Winners & Finalists: Healing Powers Series Author Cal Orey WINNER

 BEST HEALTH & WELLNESS

WINNER

The Healing Powers of Honey

By:  Cal Orey

Sweet Price Drop for October: The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised Ebook is 3.99! LOOK INSIDE

It has finally landed. The new buzzworthy edition is ready (and formatted like the paperback new edition 2026) for your eyes during the new fall season... It is the book for autumn-winter-holiday wellness with new stories, data, remedies, and recipes to guard against colds, flu, and COVID variants.

 Amazon.com: The Healing Powers of Honey (Healing Powers Series) eBook : Orey, Cal: Kindle Store

or

The Healing Powers of Honey: The Healthy & Green Choice to Sweeten Packed with Immune-Boosting Antioxidants | Barnes & Noble®

Savory Scones, Soup, and Tea for Autumn Wellness

 Pumpkin Scones and Soup for the Pumpkin Season

By Cal Orey

The autumn season is here. I feel it in the air, in my neighborhood, on the streets, and in my heart and spirit. We're welcoming a new season.

'Tis the season to brew a nice cup of black flavored tea and bake a batch of pumpkin scones. It's a nice way to ease me and you into the chill of fall. The scone is a popular British bread that is quick to make, served with tea, and also enjoyed in other countries around the world. A dropped scone is easier to make than other varieties and it tastes just as good. And the European touch I like to use comes from using European Style butter (creamy and rich), Mediterranean Sea Salt, dark chocolate, olive oil--and keeping the portion smaller than larger.

European-Style Pumpkin Scones

3 1/2 cups 100% all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar (I did use granulated; you can use 1/4 cup honey)

2 teaspoons allspice

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

a dash of Mediterranean Sea Salt
1/4 cup European Style butter 

1 cup pumpkin puree

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 brown egg

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt, and spice. Add chunks of butter (sliced in small squares). In another bowl combine pumpkin, milk, and egg and stir till a dough-like mixture forms. (I used my hands.) Drop large spoonfuls onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar or Mediterranean Sea Salt or both (optional). Bake till brown and crusty, about 12 to 14 minutes. Makes 12.

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe in the NEW
The Healing Powers of Vinegar, 3rd edition
wherever books/ebooks are sold

The first scone I tasted was plain, warm, and had a refreshing texture--a change of flavor from all those sweets. To enhance a warm scone for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, try herb butter (just a small amount). Mix a teaspoon with a dash of fresh basil and parsley. Or try drizzling the scone with a bit of oil--garlic or rosemary.

For more recipes to pair with scones or scone recipes--turn to the Healing Powers Series (click and find all the bookstores where you can get these in ebook/paperback/mass market formats).

* The Healing Powers of Honey is the #1 Highest Rating honey and health book on walmart.com !

Super El Nino Fury: West Coast...Falling into the Sea

 

Bracing for the 2026-27 Super El Niño Wrath

Cal Orey, M.A.

(Published in Oracle Visionary October)

There is a buzz about super El Niño coming to us this fall and winter. The word is, it will be super catastrophic like a Noah’s Ark sequel in many regions. So, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into what may happen in the United States…

What El Niño Means for Winter 2026–2027

Researchers note the October–December anomaly are the criteria for a “strong” to potentially “super” El Niño event. El Niño’s strongest winter effects typically peak January through March 2027. 

Simply put, El Ninio is a naturally occurring climate pattern known for its unusually warm ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, caused by weakening trade winds. It affects weather around the globe, not just the West Coast. South or Northeast. Indeed, it can trigger severe droughts, floods, and agricultural disruptions worldwide. Think severe droughts in parts of Australia, Indonesia, and heavy flooding and rain in parts of the southern United States, notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). And it is starting now…

Get a Canoe or ARK for the U.S.

Here are the major El Niño weather events and impacts for the United States, that may or may not happen:

U.S. Gulf Coast and Southeast: Look forward to a wetter winter, which brings a higher risk of heavy rainfall and severe flooding.

Southern California and the Southwest: These regions may be challenged by storm activity, extreme rainfall during the winter months, which can alleviate long-term drought but also trigger coastal erosion, mudslides, and high surf in the Gulf.

Northern U.S. and Canada: The odds are these regions are not immune and may experience warmer and drier than average winter conditions, leading to reduced snowpacks in certain regions. There’s more.

Thanks to global climate warming, El Niño creates higher temperatures, leading to risks of prolonged heatwaves. Recently, people are noting the SoCal ocean is “hot” and fear more sharks like Hawaii…Top of Form

And note, during strong El Niño years, the U.S. South experiences a stormier winter climate, driven by a shifted and highly active southern jet stream that directs heavy rainfall and frequent storms across the region. Meanwhile, the Sierra Nevada mountain range often experiences a mixture of heavy winter precipitation. Think “SNAIN” or a mix of slushy rain and snow at lower lake level, thanks to warm atmospheric rivers that drop rain rather than snow at higher elevations. Perhaps the higher elevations will get good snowfall but it may battle slush, too as the season will be warmer.

Here Comes the Rain!

So, yes, the fall-winter of 2026–2027 may deliver sharp contrasts across the country. Some regions could face repeated storms, raw rain, and heavy, wet snow, while others experience milder stretches interrupted by quick cold snaps.

West Coast:  The Pacific Northwest may experience a more changeable and somewhat less dependable snow season.

South:  An active storm track may extend from Southern California and the Desert Southwest through Texas, the Gulf Coast, and the Southeast. These areas should watch for frequent storm systems, muddy fields, and surges of cold snaps.

Midwest:  When that colder air meets abundant moisture, some storms could produce sleet, freezing rain, or heavy, wet snow. The Rockies may get mountain snowfall.

Northeast: The Northeast may face one of the season’s most complicated winter patterns. Coastal communities could receive more rain or mixed precipitation, while inland areas may be hit by several rounds of heavy, wet snow—particularly during January and February. Last year extreme flooding hit the Pacific Northwest—it’s possible both the East and West may be under water causing mega trouble to the infrastructure, environment, and travel. And that’s not all!

 

So, Where Exactly Will the Most Precipitation Fall?

An active southern storm track is expected to bring heavier-than-normal precipitation from the Pacific including Hawaii (they have recently been getting hit with hurricanes, flooding, flash floods). California (during the Harvest Moon and King Tides) has experienced huge waves, coastal erosion, flooding), and the Southwest eastward through Texas, the Gulf Coast, and the Southeast will likely experience nature’s wrath, too. A second storm path may guide weather systems along the Eastern Seaboard, bringing additional opportunities for rain, wintry mixes, and snow from the mid-Atlantic into New England. Note: The cold rain may morph into a slushy snowfall into a significant winter storm or more.

The Bottom Line: Winter 2026–2027 may be defined by contrasts: an active and wet southern storm track, quick bursts of snow and cold across the North, and a particularly unpredictable mix of precipitation in the Northeast.  Best advice: Prepare now with food, water, pet food, and medicines. Keep the snow shovel, rain boots, and ice scraper close at hand. This winter, you may need all three.

 

Bottom of Form

California Nightmare: Sliding into the Sea

News Flash:  The Golden State announced a state of emergency for El Niño. Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to trigger resources, stage flood-fighting equipment, and prepare infrastructure for a potentially historic El Niño storm season… As a native Californian I survived El Niño episodes, bringing memories of extreme weather, heavy rainfall, severe coastal erosion, and widespread flooding to the state.

·       1982–1983 El Niño: Triggered torrential downpours and severe winter storms across California and Santa Cruz Mountains; residents had to travel in canoes! Caused massive coastal erosion, destroying numerous beachfront homes. piers, and highway sections (notably along the Pacific Coast Highway). Brought heavy mountain snowpacks that later triggered massive spring snowmelt flooding in valleys.

·       1997–1998 El Niño (often grouped around the late 1990s): Reno, Nevada was underwater! Recognized as one of the strongest El Niño events of the 20th century, rivaling the 1982-1983 season. It dumped record-breaking rainfall, causing mudslides, landslides, and

 

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series. Currently, her new release The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised is available at all bookstores. Her website is http://www.calorey.com.