After a scorching end of summer, a change of the seasons is welcome. The leaves change, the apples ripen, and the pumpkins get picked. Autumn has finally arrived! Or, maybe you call it fall. For me, I have used fall and Autumn interchangeably my whole life. 

The two names do raise a question: what’s the difference between Autumn and fall? One hypothesis is that Americans say fall because it’s simpler, and the British say Autumn because it’s more regal. Americans have been known to claim the season as fall due to the leaves falling. Both names have taken their turns being popular. Fall, originally referred to as harvest, is the time of year when farmers gather their crops before the next season changes. 

A season is a piece of time in a year sectioned off by unique climate conditions. The seasons follow one another routinely: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each one is packed with its own light, weather patterns, and average temperatures that repeat year after year. On December 21 or 22, winter begins in the Northern Hemisphere. 

An old Germanic word meaning, time of water, reference the rain and snow in the middle and higher latitudes. Spring can be traced back to the 14th century, originally called Lent. Eventually, the season was changed to spring-time to represent the plants springing up from the ground. While summer is a favorite of young children, its history is quite old. It has been recorded back to the year 900. Derived from an Old English word, sumor, summer begins predictably on the summer solstice.  June 20th or 21st for the Northern Hemisphere and December 20th or 21st for the Southern Hemisphere. 

Every season brings with it pros and cons, depending on each individual. Some seasons are welcomed, while others exist. We all know someone who counts down the days until Christmas, starting in July. While some people wish for snow, others pray for rain. When the heat waves come, we want the fall breeze. Regardless of the season you’re in, embrace the changes. 

Our lives walk through seasonal changes as well. Take them in stride. Simmer the soup, bake the cookies, roll out the Play-dough. Don’t rush from one season to the next. Sit in the presence of each one. 

Contact Ashley at ashley@tippgazette.com.

 

Fall Scented Homemade Playdough 

They’re all non-toxic and taste-safe and they all smell amazing! 

 

Apple Scented Playdough Recipe

·         1 cup flour

·         1/2 cup salt*

·         ⅔ cup water

·         ⅓ cup apple sauce

·         ½ teaspoon apple pie spice

·         2 TB cream of tartar

·         2 TB oil

·         red food coloring

 

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Cinnamon Scented Playdough Recipe

·         1 cup flour

·         1 cup water

·         1/2 cup salt*

·         2 Tablespoons cream of tartar

·         2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

·         1 Tablespoons cornstarch

·         2 teaspoons cinnamon

·         brown food coloring as needed

 

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Pumpkin Scented Playdough Recipe

·         1 cup flour

·         ⅔ cup water

·         1/2 cup salt*

·         ⅓ cup pumpkin puree canned pumpkin

·         ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

·         2 TB cream of tartar

·         2 TB oil

·         orange food coloring

 

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Directions

Add all ingredients (except food coloring) to a microwave safe mixing bowl. Stir well to combine.

You may not need any food coloring, as the pumpkin puree is a dark orange. You can use a couple drops of orange food coloring to brighten things up if you like.

When I make my basic microwave playdough recipe, I usually don’t need to keep it in the fridge. I simply store in an airtight container.