Small Autumn Delights: 7 Simple Ideas for Moments of Pure Relaxation
The mountains are already ablaze with vibrant colours: it’s the perfect season to snuggle under a cozy blanket, unwind, and sip hot chocolate.
Autumn is a wonderful time to focus on self-care and sprinkle little pleasures into your routine. It’s a chance to regain the balance and comfort that may have been lost in the busy days of summer, and to rediscover the soothing benefits of gentle serenity.
You may have noticed… our La Belle Excuse team loves autumn! Especially Michèle, our resident cozy expert.
We’re delighted to share 7 simple ideas to boost your well-being this season.
Creating a Cozy Vibe at Home
There’s nothing better than a cozy atmosphere after a long walk outdoors. Warming up by the fire with a hot beverage—whether it’s a latte, hot chocolate, herbal tea, green tea—sets the perfect mood for relaxation.
Candles and Candleholders for a Warm Ambiance
No fireplace to watch the flames flicker? No worries! Candles can bring a comforting glow to your home. Whether they’re scented or unscented, their soft light can instantly transform a room’s atmosphere.
Perfect for quiet reading sessions or sharing secrets with a loved one.
Pillows and Throws: the Perfect Duo for Total Relaxation!
Who doesn’t love lounging on a soft couch after a long day at work? But a bare sofa is like hot chocolate without marshmallows—there’s room for improvement!
Add pillows of every colour for a livelier mood or choose ones that match your room’s decor: you can never have too many! Missing a few chairs? Pillows are perfect for making the floor more comfortable, especially for restless littles ones.
Throws become a must as soon as the cooler weather sets in. Their softness and warmth will keep you snug, making them ideal for a well-deserved afternoon nap.
If you love the fresh air, why not sit out on the porch with a beautiful blanket to keep you warm? Or better yet, cozy up by an outdoor fire with a blanket wrapped around your shoulders.
Mom Hack: Warm blankets are the ultimate luxury item as soccer season winds down and the fields get chilly. They’re also perfect for keeping cozy at ice-cold arenas during hockey games or figure skating competitions.
Drawing Inspiration from Nature to Decorate Your Space
There is a reason we love autumn walks. The air smells incredible and the colours are breathtaking. So why not bring some of nature’s treasures back home?
A few lovely branches in a vase, some pretty pinecones for the table, a tree trunk as a porch bench are all great ways to create a natural, autumn-scented decor.
Pretty Vases to Showcase Your Outdoor Finds
Brightly coloured leaves on branches in a beautiful vase can bring autumn’s splendor into your home.
But those are not the only natural elements you can use to decorate. While some flowers have faded, others are still blooming in autumn. Chrysanthemums, red rowan berries, asters—choose warm tones like orange or red for a seasonal touch.
Autumn-Scented Potpourri
Why not make your own potpourri to fill your home with the comforting scents of autumn?
Here is a simple recipe for autumn potpourri:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Pinecones
- Dried orange slices
- Dried flowers and leaves
Place your favourite scents in a pretty, open jar, and you’ll have lovely potpourri that will keep your home smelling like autumn for days, even weeks.
Taking Time for Yourself in the Great Outdoors
Photo credits: parcdeschutes.com (for both images)
The temperature may have dropped a few degrees, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on outdoor activities. In fact, it’s the perfect time for mountain walks, apple picking, pumpkins harvesting and gathering nuts.
If you are from the Lanaudière region as we are, here are two suggestions for outdoor activities that will make you want to soak up the sun even longer.
A Rejuvenating Hike at Parc des Chutes Monte-à-Peine
Parc des Chutes Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles is a true natural gem in the heart of Lanaudière. With 23 kilometers of forest trails along the L’Assomption River, the park offers easy access to hikes and breathtaking scenery.
For more information, visit their official website: Parc des Chutes Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles
Nut Picking, Workshops and Shows at Au Jardin des Noix
Here’s an original activity you may not have tried before: nut picking. Black walnuts and hazelnuts are the stars here, but a wide variety of hickory, oak and chestnut trees are also in production.
What are black walnuts?
This little-known Northern nut has a distinctive flavour, somewhere between aged cheese and mushrooms. It’s the perfect addition to a cheese platter or a creamy gorgonzola pasta dish. Give it a try!
For more information, visit their official website: Au Jardin des Noix
Relaxing by Creating a Wellness Moment at Home
Getting fresh air is fantastic. But after all that activity, relaxing in the comfort of your home is a must.
Why is a Hot Bubble Bath so Relaxing?
Several effects come into play. A hot bath naturally calms the nervous system, while the steam you inhale benefits your lungs. That same steam also opens up your pores, helping to remove impurities.
So, not only is a hot bubble bath relaxing, but it also boosts your immune system and helps release toxins from your skin. Just talking about it makes us want to soak in a tub! How about you?
For bubbles, choose a gentle bubble bath that’s kind to your skin. It will help moisturize and re-oxygenate your skin, preventing the dryness that often comes with the change of seasons.
Take a break from the back-to-school rush. Allow yourself to relax. You’ll feel more energized afterwards and your patience will thank you for it.
Want to find out about our favourite autumn products? Check out our Art of living section or visit us at our charming country store in Saint-Liguori.
For more articles about cooking and decorating, go to our Blog section.
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