With fall upon us, now is the time to get your auto in shape for the up-coming colder months. Here are a few helpful tips that everyone should do: Have your oil changed Rotate your tires; check for the correct air pressure for fall and winter driving and double check your tire tread depth. Check your “under-hood” fluids and top them off. Have your brakes checked, as well as all the belts and hoses. Check to be sure all of your lights are operating and no bulbs are burned out. Replace windshield wiper blades if they are worn. Check your battery and if needed, replace. Now that your car is in shape, time to do the same for your home. Here are some home care tips: ​ Trim tree limbs away from roof and home. Fix walkways and entry areas to eliminate any tripping hazards. Check your windows and doors for drafts and weather-strip. Store your seasonal outdoor furniture. Store your outdoor lawn equipment and get out your shovels and ice-melt supplies. Clean your gutters of any leaves. While checking that, be sure to check your roof as well for any loose shingles. Check and service your furnace before the cold weather arrives.

Slow Cooker Hot Spiced Apple Cider With just four ingredients – okay, five if you spike it with your favorite rum – this Crock Pot hot spiced apple cider couldn’t be any easier to make. It’s the perfect excuse to get out there and rake the leaves. Yield: 8 cups Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 4 hours Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes Ingredients: 2 quarts (64 ounces or 8 cups) apple cider six 3-inch cinnamon sticks, plus more for serving if desired 1 medium orange 2 tablespoons whole cloves Rum of your choice (optional) Additional cinnamon sticks for serving (optional) Directions: Pour apple cider into a 2.5-quart or larger Crock Pot or other slow cooker. Add cinnamon sticks to cider. With a toothpick, poke holes all around the orange, about 1/2 inch to 1 inch apart. Carefully poke the cloves into the toothpick holes in the orange. Place orange into the cider in the slow cooker. Cook on low until hot and spiced through, about 4 hours. Ladle into mugs along with an ounce or so of rum if using. Place a cinnamon stick in each glass if desired and serve.