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:

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• 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.