October's to-do list

It's official -- summer's over. The leaves on the trees have started to turn a brilliant array of colours and soon they'll be drifting silently onto the sidewalk. As we usher in autumn, find some time to savour this month with our roundup of the best ways to get the most out of October.

1. Take a hike
Fill your lungs with fresh air by hiking. Canada is full of breathtaking locations, perfect for an outdoor adventure. Whether you prefer walking, cycling or mountain biking, this beautiful country is filled with trails you'll want to explore. To find out more about the trails in your area, visit www.canadatrails.ca.

2. Be grateful
Thanksgiving arrives this month and there's no better time than right now to reflect on all of the things you're thankful for. If you're celebrating Thanksgiving with a sit-down dinner, go around the table and have everyone express one thing they're grateful for. If you don't celebrate the holiday, it's still important to remember the good things in your life. Write them down as reminders to yourself -- and if you're grateful for the wonderful people in your life, tell them so. Everyone loves to hear that they're special.

3. Go for a long drive
Get in the car and go for an afternoon drive this month. If you live in the city, get out to the countryside to see the changing colours of the fall leaves. Make a day trip of it by packing a basket of food and enjoying a picnic in a park. Visit the Parks Canada website to find a park near you.

4. Volunteer your time
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Show your support by giving in whatever way that you can. You can volunteer, donate or participate in breast cancer prevention programs. Whatever help you can give will make a difference in your life and in the lives of others. Visit www.cbcf.org for more information about how you can contribute.

5. Bake an apple pie
October is apple-picking season. Whether you venture out to an orchard to pick your own or haul a bag home from the grocery store, enjoy the fresh taste of apples in a delicious homemade pie. If you're feeling ambitious, make several pies and freeze them so you can satisfy future cravings or offer up a delicious dessert the next time you visit a friend for dinner.

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6. Get up to date on your appointments
Busy schedules mean it's tough to find the time to stay on top of appointments. This month, make appointments with your doctor, dentist, optometrist -- it's time to make those visits you've been delaying. Checking those checkups off your list feels like a weight lifting off your shoulders.

7. Make preserves
Some of our favourite fruits are out of season in the autumn, but that doesn't mean you have to go without. Stock your pantry with homemade preserves and jams that you can enjoy throughout the long winter months ahead.

8. Have an at-home movie marathon
Hit the video store and rent a handful of your favourite flicks. Invite friends over and enjoy a cosy evening indoors on a cool night. (Psst…don't forget the snacks!)

9. Clean up the garden
October doesn't mean that gardening season is completely over. There are still things you can (and should) do. For example, October is an important time of year for fertilizing your lawn, to give it the stamina it needs to survive the harsh winter. The cooler weather also means it's the ideal time to plant cool-season vegetables (beets, carrots, collards, lettuce) and annual flowers that thrive in cooler temperatures (petunias, pansies and calendula).

10. Give in to your inner child
October wraps up with Halloween, and it's the perfect time to let your inner child loose and have a little fun. Spook up your house for Halloween with creepy decorations or wear a scary costume (not too scary!) and have fun with the little ones who come trick-or-treating.

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