My Fall Favorites: Simple Things Making Our Home Feel Cozy, Calm, and Well

Something about fall makes me want to slow down, nourish more deeply, and settle into steadier rhythms. Cooler mornings, earlier sunsets, routines—it’s the perfect time to support our bodies and our nervous systems without overcomplicating anything.

Here are the simple, real-life things we’re loving in our home right now...food, rhythms, and little comforts that actually get used.

Cozy Home & Simple Comforts

Fall candle: The Wild Capri- Georgia Leaves

Warm, clean/non-toxic, and not overpowering. I light it during dinner prep or after the kids are down. A tiny ritual that tells my body, you can slow down now.

Cozy drink: Pumpkin Latte

Still obsessed with this cozy drink I shared recently. It’s creamy, gently sweet, and doesn’t leave me jittery. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or slow weekend morning.

Favorite book: The Body Keeps the Score

A beautifully honest reminder that our bodies are always keeping score...and that gentler rhythms, nourishment, and rest truly matter.

Favorite nervous system reset:

Evening walk, phones away. Three slow breaths before meals. Magnesium before bed. None of it is flashy...and all of it works.

Breakfast and Snack Staples

Sunday Pancakes: Pumpkin Spice Pancakes using Simple Mills Muffin & Bread Mix

I stir in pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice to the mix and cook as pancakes. Weekly favorite. Batch them and freeze for quick breakfasts or snacks during the week. Huge time saver!

Quick method: Mix package as directed, then add ½ cup pumpkin purée + 1–2 tsp pumpkin spice. Thin with a splash of almond milk if needed. Cook on medium heat until golden.

Granola: Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Granola

Crunchy, not too sweet, and perfect over yogurt or chia pudding. A simple way to add fiber and texture to breakfast.

Favorite dessert or breakfast “treats” from recent blogs:

Two on repeat:

• Pumpkin Protein Overnight Oats (fiber + protein, make-ahead, cozy)
• Cinnamon Apple Bake (warm, nourishing, and tastes like dessert) You can find this one in my Gut Friendly Family Meals edition of the Microbiome Memo!

Lunchboxes & Little Wins

Candy for school/community events: YumEarth

Dye-free, corn-syrup-free candy I feel good about tossing in treat bags or keeping on hand for class parties and trunk or treats. Fun without the artificial stuff.

Stainless steel lunch boxes: Lunchbots Stainless Steel Lunchboxes

Still my go-to. They make it easy to pack balanced meals (protein, fat, fiber, color) without overthinking.

Dinners That Actually Happen

Favorite cozy dinner: Fall Chili

A one-pot wonder I can stretch for two nights.

Quick method: Sauté onion + garlic in olive oil. Add ground beef or turkey with chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, and a mix of your favorite beans. (I used kidney, black, and pinto) Simmer 25–30 minutes. Serve with avocado, cilantro, and a dollop of yogurt/sour cream. Protein + fiber + warm spices = steady energy, calmer blood sugar, and happy bellies.

Why These Simple Things Help

• Protein keeps energy steady and supports growth and repair.
• Fiber (oats, apples, beans, chia) feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
• Healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocado) support hormones and brain health.
• Warming spices (cinnamon, ginger, chili) promote healthy digestion.
• Gentle rhythms (walks, early lights-out, reading) bring your body back to rest-and-digest, where healing happens.

You don’t need a new routine for every season...just a few small shifts you’ll actually keep.

Up next...

I have a big announcement coming in the next few weeks that will impact how I serve this community in the coming months. Lots of goodness ahead!

My FREE 5-Day Gut Rescue Plan gives you easy, family-friendly steps to support digestion this week — meals, snacks, and small rhythms that bring peace instead of pressure.

Grab it here!

Here’s to a fall that feels grounded. Join me in simplicity and slowing down, friend!

xo,

MaryRose

The Microbiome Mom

Want to keep up with the adventures of The Microbiome Mom?

Follow my adventures of gut wisdom on my socials below!

Instagram.com/rosenutritionandwellness/

Facebook.com/rosenutritionandwellness

Linkedin.com/in/RoseNutrition

Pinterest.com/rosenutritionandwellnes

Need Supplements You Can Trust?

As a Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I’ve curated a Fullscript Dispensary with trusted, professional-grade supplements so you can support your gut, energy, and hormones with confidence.

✅ Practitioner-vetted brands
✅ Personalized recs (if you need them)
✅ Delivered straight to your door

Start here
View My Dispensary 👉 Fullscript

_{Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is intended for inspirational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Nothing in this blog is intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary, lifestyle, or supplement changes, and do not forego or delay seeking medical attention based on the information shared in this blog. Please always consider your personal situation and do your own research.}