​The gardening season may be shifting, but spending time outside never goes out of style. Whether you’re tidying up beds for winter, refreshing the patio, or getting inspired for spring, a few thoughtful tools and cozy touches can make it feel extra joyful.

Here are some garden goodies I personally use and love — simple favorites that help keep my outdoor space magical, practical, and peaceful. 💚

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✂️ Cordless Hedge Trimmer

My favorite helper for fall clean-up. This cordless trimmer has made shaping shrubs and trimming edges so much easier — no outlets, no cords, just grab-and-go gardening.

Great for quick yard touch-ups, fall pruning, and keeping things tidy before winter.

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🌱 Raised Garden Bed

One of my favorite additions to the yard. Raised beds look beautiful, they’re easier on the body, and they help plants thrive with the right soil mix.

Perfect for herbs, greens, kids’ nature planting projects, and pollinator-friendly native gardens.

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🌤️ Patio Umbrella

A cozy outdoor space makes me so happy. A good umbrella creates shade for morning coffee, afternoon relaxing, or keeping tender plants out of harsh sun.

It’s one of those small touches that makes your backyard feel like a retreat.

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✨ Solar Lanterns

Mood-boosting magic! I love warm solar lanterns glowing around the patio in the evening — especially during crisp fall nights.

They make outdoor time feel whimsical and cozy, and they recharge themselves. Win-win.

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🌼 A Little Joyful Tip

Treat your outdoor space like a sanctuary. Even small upgrades — a lantern, a raised bed, a comfy corner chair — can spark so much peace and daily joy.

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Fall has always been my favorite season. The air feels crisper, the light turns golden, and everything slows down just enough to savor the little things — like wrapping your hands around a warm mug or hearing the leaves crunch under your boots.

Even as the evenings get cooler, I love spending time outside. There’s something grounding about watching the sky change color and breathing in that woodsy autumn air. With just a few cozy touches, it’s easy to make your outdoor space feel inviting well into the season.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy those fall nights outdoors — simple comforts that make all the difference.

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🔥 1. Gather Around the Fire

A little warmth goes a long way on cool evenings, and my Solo Stove fire pit is the centerpiece of my fall nights. It gives off great heat, doesn’t smoke up your clothes, and creates the most peaceful glow. There’s nothing like sitting beside the flames, talking with friends, or just listening to the fire crackle under the stars.

👉 Shop Here

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💡 2. Light Up the Night

Soft lighting can completely change the feel of your backyard or porch. I love using solar-powered lanterns and string lights to create that gentle golden glow — just enough to make everything feel cozy without being bright. They turn on automatically at dusk, which makes it easy to keep the magic going night after night.

👉 Shop Here

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🕯️ 3. Scents of the Season

Nothing says fall quite like the smell of a spiced candle. I rotate through a few favorites — apple, cedar, pumpkin, and amber — depending on my mood. A simple candle on the patio table or porch steps makes everything feel like an instant retreat.

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☕ 4. Warm Hands, Happy Heart

I always bring something warm to sip — a cinnamon tea, or maybe hot cider in my Stanley mug (it keeps drinks hot for hours!). Add a cozy throw blanket, and you’ll have everything you need to unwind after a long day.

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🍂 5. Slow Down and Savor It

That’s really what this season is about — slowing down and appreciating the simple moments. Whether you’re by a fire with friends, sitting quietly under the lights, or just enjoying the scent of a candle by the window, autumn has a way of reminding us how beautiful the small things can be.

Here’s to warm nights, soft light, and a cozy fall that fills your heart as much as your cup. 🤎

There’s something special about Boot Camp mornings. The sun isn’t even up yet, the air feels fresh, and a group of us gathers — sleepy but smiling — ready to move. Whether it’s on the field in Melrose or in your own backyard, there’s a shared energy that comes from starting your day with intention and movement.

Over the years, I’ve learned that you don’t need a fancy gym or expensive equipment to get strong, feel confident, and stay consistent. What really matters is showing up, listening to your body, and having a few reliable tools to make each workout smoother and more enjoyable.

Here are a few of my tried-and-true favorites that I keep nearby every Boot Camp session — and why I love them.

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🏋️‍♀️ 1. Resistance Bands

These are small but mighty! I use them for everything — warm-ups, glute activation, and even upper-body strengthening. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and surprisingly versatile. If you’re building a home workout space or like to take your fitness outdoors, resistance bands are a must-have.
👉 Shop Here

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💧 2. Electrolyte Drink Mix

Hydration is key, especially during high-intensity workouts. I always bring a packet of electrolyte mix to add to my water. It helps me recover faster, stay energized, and avoid that mid-class fatigue. Look for one with clean ingredients — no artificial dyes or sugar overloads — just what your body needs to replenish.
👉 Shop Here

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🥤 3. Stanley Quencher

You’ve probably seen these everywhere — and yes, they’re worth the hype! The large size keeps me hydrated all morning, and the sturdy handle makes it easy to grab between sets. Plus, it keeps my water cold even on the hottest mornings at Fred Green Field. I have a couple of them now and can’t imagine Boot Camp without one.
👉 Shop Here

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🌿 A Few Final Tips
    •    Show up for yourself — even on days when you’re tired. That’s when you build real strength.
    •    Celebrate small wins — maybe it’s running a little farther, holding a plank a little longer, or simply showing up with a good attitude.
    •    Keep it fun — music, friends, and laughter make all the difference.

Whether you’re joining us at Melrose Boot Camp or creating your own workout routine at home, I hope these ideas help you stay motivated and energized. Here’s to strong bodies, happy mornings, and a life that feels full of movement and joy. 🌞

​Autumn is the perfect time to slow down, get outside, and let kids explore with all their senses. The air is crisp, the leaves are colorful, and nature is full of treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or nature-loving family, here are ten fun, screen-free ideas to spark curiosity and connection outdoors this fall.
    1.    Go on a Leaf Color Hunt
Bring a small basket or bag and search for as many different leaf colors as possible — reds, yellows, oranges, and deep purples. Sort and compare them when you get home.
    2.    Make Nature Art
Gather leaves, acorns, pinecones, and sticks to create a nature collage or mandala. Kids love arranging natural materials into patterns and shapes.
    3.    Try a Fall Scavenger Hunt
Print out a fun scavenger hunt and head outdoors to see how many items you can find. It’s an easy way to blend play and learning.
    4.    Create a Nature Journal
Encourage kids to sketch, write, or tape small nature finds into a simple journal. They’ll love documenting what they discover each week.
    5.    Collect and Compare Seeds
Fall is full of seeds — milkweed pods, maple helicopters, and acorns. Let kids compare sizes and shapes, or even plant a few to see what happens.
    6.    Play Nature Bingo
Turn outdoor exploration into a family challenge. Who can find five in a row first?
    7.    Go on a Sensory Walk
Walk slowly and quietly, noticing sounds, textures, and scents. What does the air smell like today? What do the leaves sound like under your feet?
    8.    Build a Tiny Habitat
Use sticks, moss, and leaves to create a small “fairy house” or animal shelter. This activity invites creativity and empathy for wildlife.
    9.    Make Leaf Rubbings
Place leaves under a sheet of paper and rub gently with crayons to reveal their beautiful patterns.
    10.    End with Gratitude
Ask each child to share one thing in nature they’re grateful for today. It’s a beautiful way to close your adventure.

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Keep Exploring
If you love hands-on nature learning, explore more printable activity bundles and nature games in my Etsy shop at .joyhealthycreates.etsy.com

Fall is one of the most magical times to get outside with kids — the air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and nature is full of discoveries waiting to happen. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or outdoor enthusiast, these easy fall nature activities are perfect for helping children slow down, explore, and connect with the world around them.

​Here are five of my favorite ways to enjoy the season together:

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🍂 1. Go on a Woodland Explorer Scavenger Hunt

Give kids a reason to look closely at nature with a Woodland Explorer Scavenger Hunt. From pinecones to mushrooms, birds, and animal tracks, this printable makes every walk feel like an adventure. Simply print it out and take it on your next trail, park, or backyard visit.

➡️ Find it in my Etsy shop: JoyHealthyCreates on Etsy


🦋 2. Play a Round of Forest & Pond Bingo

Turn your outdoor time into a fun game with Forest & Pond Bingo! Kids love spotting butterflies, frogs, and flowers while learning about the world around them. It’s a screen-free, easy way to keep them engaged and curious about nature.

➡️ Download the printable game here: JoyHealthyCreates on Etsy

🌻 3. Create a Fall Nature Journal

After a day outdoors, invite kids to reflect on what they’ve seen. The Fall Nature Journal Bundle makes it easy — with prompts for drawing, gratitude, and observation. It’s a peaceful way to end the day and encourages mindfulness, creativity, and connection with the natural world.

➡️ See the full journal bundle in my shop: JoyHealthyCreates on Etsy



🌾 4. Collect and Craft

Bring home a few small treasures — acorns, leaves, seed pods — and make simple crafts. Try leaf rubbings, nature collages, or pressed leaf bookmarks. Add these creations to your journal or display them to celebrate the season.

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🌳 5. Take a “Color Walk”

Pick a color (or a few!) and look for them in nature. Kids can record what they find, snap photos, or draw their discoveries later. It’s amazing how much beauty they notice once they start looking closely.

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💛 Wrapping Up

Fall is the perfect time to slow down and reconnect with the natural world. Each of these simple ideas helps spark curiosity, creativity, and joy outdoors.

If you’d like to explore more printable activities for kids, you can find all of my nature-themed resources and downloads at JoyHealthyCreates on Etsy.

Happy exploring! 🍁

— Joy Fay
Outdoor educator & creator at JoyHealthyLife.com