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September is a month that can be wonderfully predictable in terms of weather, In the northern hemisphere at least! It's a time of year that we like to make the most of before the onset of the winter months and colder weather. In Scandinavia it's a month to get outside and really enjoy what early autumn has to offer us.
There is a something of a trend at the moment for activities that are free to do, and although I don't normally follow trends, I certainly embrace the simple and intentional as much as I possibly can. And I know you love to do the same.
So I wanted to share some ideas to get you inspired to spend less this September and make the most what you have around you. Maybe you'll rediscover an old favourite activity, or maybe you'll discover something new.
Take a picnic outside
The weather is still warm enough to enjoy a picnic on the grass, and if it's a bit chilly why not put on a sweater. What could be cosier than a picnic amongst the golden hues of fallen leaves with the smell of autumn in the air.
Go for a walk somewhere new
Take a different direction, walk a little further, or be adventurous and try a new location altogether.
Camp for the night
September is the perfect time for this with nights that are still warm and less chance of rain.
Go on a photo safari
Autumn is the perfect time to practice some photography. The colours, light and beauty of nature are at their peak and nature is a great palette.
Go for a scavenger hunt
This is a great activity for children and an easy way to get them outside if they are feeling reluctant. There are some super scavenger hunts online for downloading, or make up your own with a piece of paper and either some items to find, or pictures of the items. A nature themed scavenger hunt helps little ones love the outdoors even more.
Do some autumn crafting projects
Nature is the ideal place to find inspiration and materials for crafts. Go all Victorian and make some crafts from shells, pressed flowers or leaves.
Prepare for Christmas
This might seem a bit early, but why not take a few hours and check through your Christmas decorations or plan some handmade gifts. The longer evenings and shorter days are lovely for crafting inside with a hot cup of our favourite drink
Start a Christmas card list
I make this vow every year and always leave it too late. But this year I've been inspired by my friend Corina who is so intentional with her card giving and never misses any special day.
Sort out things you can donate
Clothes, shoes and toys are all things we tend to hoard a little, even if we try not to. If you haven't used them in a year do you really need them? Someone else could benefit from them far more and you will be clearing some space in the process.
Start a free book library in your local area
It can be as simple a pile of books on a table with a note for people to help themselves. if you want to make it a project, then a little unit with a glass door will keep the books clean and dry and encourage other people to join in.
Pick up litter
Always a nice community spirited thing to do, litter picking makes our local spaces look beautiful once more. Every year all over Norway have something called a dugnad. It's a community clean up event that can take place at sorts of clubs, schools, public areas, in fact anywhere that we all use. It's a chance to everyone to get together and share in the job of sprucing up a shared space.
Have a morning at the library
When it's a rainy day my kids always want to go to the library. My eldest daughter rarely takes books out, but simply likes to sit in the library and write letters to her penfriends. She says has it has just the right atmosphere for letter writing.
Sort out seeds for next year
Autumn is a time when many gardeners start to think ahead for the spring. We like to clean up our tools, tidy our posts and check on the seed stash. Make a list of the seeds you need buy and get in there early whilst there is availability.
Plan some autumn themed menus
I try to plan my menus weekly and autumn is particularly inspirational with the possibility of hearty soups, fresh bread and warming stews. I like to use a pretty weekly menu planner which I pin on the fridge for the family to see. It saves all the endless "what's for dinner" questions! You can download my menu planner here.
Learn a new language (just for the fun of it!)
Duolingo is the place to go for a new language. It's fun and feels more like a game than learning. Who knows by the winter you could speaking a new language! Just think of that.
Learn a new skill
Any skill! Go crazy! what have you been wanting to learn and have been putting off?
Find a new and inspiring podcast to listen to
Imagine an evening crafting or doing a new skill, a cup of something warm and decadent to enjoy a new favourite podcast in the background. Perfect! If you haven't listened to the Living a Nordic Life podcast yet, you can find it here.
Are you ready for some simple autumn activities? What would you add to the list?
Come and join the Living a Nordic Life community on Facebook where autumn is a favorite subject of our's. We'd love to see you there!
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