October 2020 American Lifestyle Magazine
In a year full of uncertainty, it’s hard to know what fall may bring. Typically, fall welcomes the kickoff of a new school year, and, for many, a time to start anew. This issue of American Lifestyle encourages you to keep a positive mindset going into this new season, with ideas for getting your garden in tip-top shape, pizza recipes full of fall flavor, frighteningly fun Halloween activities, and solutions for achieving better sleep.
October is here, so naturally our thoughts turn to pumpkins, apple cider, candy, and … flowers?
That’s right. Spring may be on the opposite end of the calendar, but now is the time to get your flower garden ready for spring. Use these suggestions to help ensure that, once winter is over, your spring blooms are as bright and brilliant as ever.
In many parts of the country, people are already enjoying the seasonal explosion of colors found in nature. Use that fall inspiration to help you choose which flowers (and colors) to plant!
Much like the combination of red, orange, and yellow leaves creates a uniquely autumnal color symphony, the whites, yellows, blues, pinks, and purples of spring blooms can shout to the world that spring has arrived.
Here are just a few types of bulbs to consider planting now for your spring garden.
Choosing the flowers for your garden is fun and exciting, but now comes the work. After you have chosen your spring flowers, plan your planting strategy by asking yourself basic questions, such as When? Where? and How much?
Since there are different planting zones throughout the country (eleven, to be exact), your location will determine when to plant. A good rule of thumb is to track nighttime temperatures. When the lows get to around 40 to 50 degrees, that’s the ideal time to plant your bulbs. If you live in a warmer climate, you should wait until November or December. Wherever you call home, though, make sure to keep your bulbs cool in a fridge until it’s time to plant them. (But keep your bulbs away from produce, which can rot them.)
There are a few things you can count on that will affect the health of your garden, such as the weather and the soil, as just discussed. But another one is animals.
Much like longshoremen do with sea life, many gardeners can readily share tales of their battles with critters over their gardens—and they often don’t have a happy ending. But take heart in knowing that there are several methods you can use to stave off your flowers’ foes. (Note: if you try any of these methods, keep your pet away from your garden to avoid potentially irritating his eyes, nose, or throat.)
Forget about hot dogs, burgers, and apple pie. Nothing says American food quite like pizza. What’s not to love? It’s bursting with flavor, it’s usually topped with gooey cheese, and it’s got seemingly endless varieties—there’s something for just about everyone’s tastes. It’s so beloved, over three billion pizzas are sold in the United States each year.
So, in honor of October being National Pizza Month, let’s celebrate this pie that fills our hearts and satisfies our taste buds.
Pizza is great anytime of year—and some would say anytime of day—but once the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, it seems to hit the spot even more. So to honor the dish and celebrate the season, here’s a trio of tasty autumn-inspired pizza recipes that you’ll surely fall for.
More than anything, pizza is a fun dish. It’s piping hot with a heavenly blend of sauce and cheese, you use your hands to eat it, and it can be a glorious mess. Plus, it creates endless, good-natured debates about eating etiquette: fold it or not? Eat the crust or leave it behind? Use a fork and knife? What other meal can offer all that?
There are pumpkins for picking, apples for baking, and spooky movies on TV—that’s right, Halloween season is back.
And whether or not you’re planning to celebrate in traditional fashion, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy some good Halloween fun from the comfort of your home—just look at the ideas below for inspiration!
One of the best parts of living in a community is the ability to celebrate special occasions together. And while Halloween may not be the first big holiday that comes to mind, it certainly has a place in neighborhoods across America—with trick-or-treating, parades, and parties being popular ways to celebrate.
If there’s one thing that’s certain about Halloween season, it’s the mess that always seems to come with carving pumpkins. As fun as the activity can be, it’s almost guaranteed to leave a sticky trail of seeds and gourd guts in its wake.
Luckily, there’s a decorative alternative that not only looks great but also won’t leave your kitchen looking like a crime scene—painting your pumpkins!
From the minute the first leaf hits the ground, there are some people who can’t wait to have that first sip of traditional fall-flavored drinks. Among the most popular, of course, is the pumpkin-spiced latte. But if you’ve ever wondered how to make this fan favorite yourself, now you can.
From the minute the first leaf hits the ground, there are some people who can’t wait to have that first sip of traditional fall-flavored drinks. Among the most popular, of course, is the pumpkin-spiced latte. But if you’ve ever wondered how to make this fan favorite yourself, now you can.
Believe it or not, research estimates that the average American will spend almost half their lifetime in bed. Once you know this startling statistic, it’s hard to not take a closer look at the environment you’re sleeping (or lounging) in. You may reevaluate the lighting in your room, invest in cozier accessories, or, most likely, reconsider whether your current mattress is right for you. With daylight saving time right around the corner, now is the perfect time to assess your sleeping environment.
Choosing a mattress is a lot like choosing a paint color—you’re presented with so many options, and it can be an overwhelming decision to make without a lot of guidance. If your sleeping patterns are unstable or you’re waking up with various pains, it may be time to invest in a new mattress. This guide will help answer common questions you may have.
With daylight saving time quickly approaching, it’s time to consider everything about your sleeping situation. Is the lighting too harsh? Has the throw blanket on your bed lost its fluff? There are elements you can add or adjust that will result in an idyllic atmosphere for the months ahead.
