Ditch the rake and discover the benefits of leaving fallen leaves in your yard
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The annual ritual of raking and disposing of fallen leaves has been engraved into the autumn dance for generations. But, in reality, those vivid plant layers offer more than just a gorgeous backdrop. They are an important part of nature's cycle, providing Read More...
Getting ready for autumn: 5 ways to celebrate the autumnal equinox
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Autumn, the season of abundance, arrives with the Autumn Equinox on the 22nd of September. This a period when the lengths of day and night are about equal. It's a season of changing leaves, brisk air, and plentiful harvests of pumpkins, cranberries, brussels Read More...
The power of pumpkin: Nutritional benefits and delicious ways to enjoy
As the autumn leaves turn gold and crimson, pumpkin season approaches, which means it's time to indulge in all things pumpkin spice. Pumpkin takes center stage in everything from lattes to desserts. But did you know that, aside from its delicious taste, pumpkin has a slew of wonderful health Read More...
Nutritious and cozy: In-season superfoods to fuel you through the coldest months
"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home." - Edith Sitwell It’s important to eat a well-balanced diet all year, but as we head into the coldest months of the year, eating well is even Read More...
This stovetop potpourri will make your home smell deliciously festive
If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, fall is in full swing and you’re likely looking for ways to make your home feel more comforting as the days get shorter. Conventional air fresheners can contain irritating chemicals, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your home smell deliciously cozy. Read More...
Why do leaves change color in the fall?
The vibrant colors of autumn leaves is one of the best parts of the fall season, but why exactly do trees put on this colorful display each year? Today we’re exploring the scientific reasons behind one of nature’s most gorgeous phenomena. Preparing for winter As the weather slowly starts to Read More...
The science behind the pumpkin spice latte
It’s pumpkin spice latte season, and whether you love or hate this classic festive beverage, you can’t deny that there is a nostalgic power to its sweet brew. To explore why exactly we love pumpkin spice so much, a pair of perception researchers from John Hopkins University decided to look at Read More...
Got leaves? 3 Eco-friendly ways to put them to good use
Beautiful changing leaves are one of autumn’s greatest gifts, but raking those leaves up once they hit the ground is not as fun. However, these raked leaves hold underappreciated benefits. Rather than sending them to the green waste can this year, put them to good use with these three strategies Read More...
4 Essential fall projects for a healthy garden
We recently shared a story on how to prep your garden soil for winter, but soil health isn’t the only concern for home gardeners as we head into cooler weather. A few simple autumn projects will help build strong foundations for your garden so it’s ready for another productive year come Read More...
6 In-season superfoods to add to your grocery list this fall
As we head into the fall season, many of us are looking forward to changing leaves and cooler weather, but one of the most exciting parts of autumn is a whole new range of superfoods coming back into season. Just as we anxiously awaited the arrival of strawberries and summer squash back in May, Read More...