Make the Most of Fall

Fall is my favorite season. I love the changing leaves, the crisp breezes and fires in the fireplace. Fall signals the end of summer - and outdoor living. That is why it's always a good idea to do a bit of fall freshening inside your home so that you truly enjoy your time indoors this season.

Bring the outdoors in. Add fresh fall-colored flowers, branches of autumn leaves or even small pumpkins or gourds to your indoor space to brighten it up. Natural elements bring life into rooms.

Add lighting. With the daylight hours diminishing, be certain that you have adequate lighting for all your daily activities. Relying too much on overhead lighting can make a room cold and impersonal. To really cozy-up your space, bring in lamps with 40-60 watt bulbs - perfect for fireside reading...

Dress your windows. With the weather turning colder, think about bringing in some longer, heavier drapes to replace summery curtains or to cover "naked" windows. Not only will drapes add drama and personality to your space, they also serve to insulate and keep cold drafts at bay.

Organize and de-clutter. In fall and winter we spend much more time indoors so it's really important to keep your home organized and running smoothly to prevent unnecessary stress on you and your loved ones. Take a weekend to tackle some small organizational projects (the junk drawer, closet or desk). I guarantee you'll feel much more relaxed afterwards!

Add new accessories. Try switching around some of your artwork, buy new throw pillows or put a favorite collection on display in a new location. Small changes can make a space feel new again, so you won't mind spending more time indoors!

I hope these suggestions have inspired you to look at your home and make some fun changes this season!

Happy Fall : )

For more information about Cailen Ascher Design or my book, Well-Designed Living, visit http://www.cailenascher.bravehost.com/ or email CailenAscher@gmail.com.

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By Cailen Ascher Poles

Order your copy of Well-Designed Living today!!!

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Lifestyle Classes - Home Session

The 2nd Session of Lifestyle Class begins on October 6th, 2009 and runs through November 10th. Classes are held every Tuesday morning from 10am-11am and cost $25/class. Drop-ins are always welcome!

Classes will cover aligning your home & lifestyle, simplifying your environment, finding your unique design style, creating a nurturing environment and balancing beauty & function.

For more information call 908-581-8191, email CailenAscher@gmail.com or visit www.CailenAscher.bravehost.com/lifestyle.html.

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The Best Tastes-Like-Mom-Made-It Breakfast

For the absolute best home-style breakfast, head down to Meil's (pronounced "Meals") in Stockton, NJ. Situated on the corner of Bridge Street and Main Street in this quaint river town, Meil's has been keeping patrons full and happy with their delicious baked goods, hearty egg dishes, fresh-squeezed orange juice and to-die-for potato pancakes for 18 years. They offer generous portions of mouth-watering favorites as well as some welcome twists. Croissant French toast, anyone? Whatever you order, be sure to save room for one of their delectable, buttery biscuits topped with their homemade raspberry jam. There's nothing better!

The décor harkens back to a 1950s Mom and Pop diner. The mismatched fiesta ware and eclectic art set a comfortable, homey tone for this charming, family restaurant. If you have children in tow, order them Meil's "famous" hot chocolate topped with homemade marshmallows – it's sure to please adult taste buds as well! Though I prefer their scrumptious breakfasts above all else, Meil's also offers tasty lunch options and delicious dinners. All meals at Meil's are reasonably priced and big enough for two! So bring your appetite and enjoy!

Oh, and if you're hoping to enjoy a breakfast there on the weekends, be forewarned, they do not accept reservations and get very busy! So, head there ahead of time, give your name to the hostess and enjoy wandering around adorable Stockton. Trust me; your breakfast will be well worth the wait.

Main & Bridge Streets, Stockton, NJ 08559, 609-397-8033, www.MeilsRestaurant.com

For more information about Cailen Ascher Design or my book, Well-Designed Living, visit http://www.cailenascher.bravehost.com/ or email CailenAscher@gmail.com.

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