September is a great month for a re-boot. Here are a few ideas for September.
Set goals for the month or for the fall. I like making a list of fall recipes reflecting the change in season and the harvest bounty.
My favorite fresh marinara sauce makes good use of ripe tomatoes.
Consider signing up for a fall class to learn something new - photography, yoga, cooking, dancing, using essential oils, swimming, knitting, or mastering a lifelong goal.
Discover a new exercise routine. This fall I am focusing on yoga! I've been aspiring to do this for so long. I know my body will thank me later.
Return someone's cart at the grocery store.
Prepare two weeks of dinners and put them in the freezer. I love having dinners prepped and in the freezer during the busy fall months of soccer and football games. This lovely cookbook transformed my Freezer Cooking with not only wonderful recipes but also plans that specify how to complete multiple recipes specified time allotments. I love this cookbook - Not Your Mother's Make-Ahead Freezer Cookbook by Jessica Fisher.
Give yourself a breast self-exam (visit komen.org for a refresher of what to look and feel for). Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women ages 40-55 but many women before that age range as well. This is a great resource for noticing warning signs and detecting Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Self Exam Detection.
Hold an emergency evacuation or fire drill in your home. While you are at it, test those smoke alarms!
Make a new friend. I encourage my kids to keep their eyes out for kids who may not be included at lunch or in social settings and to reach out and include them, especially at the beginning of the school year. This can be a stretch, but what a friendly conversation can lead to a new connection. At the very least, spread cheer by smiling and making eye contact with those you meet.
Check out Cozi - a great free tool for keeping an entire family connected via scheduling and calendar reminders and updates utilizing an app and online calendar.
Clean your microwave. For a great, fresh scent microwave a cut lemon in a little water, then use the lemon to help cut grease.
Brainstorm a list of favorite dinners and plan a month's worth of menus. I recently made a list of "Better Than Takeout" meals using items I have on hand. These quick, throw-down meals come from items I routinely keep on hand in the pantry, freezer or fridge. Yes, they can be as basic as chicken quesadillas!
Schedule a family photo. It's been two years since we have all been in a "real" photo together. Too long.
Take a little time to schedule time for yourself for a little self-care. Maybe that means carving out an hour to read a book, go on a hike, or to spend doing what you love. Summer can take a toll on me, even though I love the hustle and bustle. It's important to take a little pause every now and then.
Update calendars with school closures, early release dates, conferences, vacations, graduations and field trips. My oldest graduates in June and I am dreading putting that date on my own calendar.
Make a few handmade gifts for the holidays.
