Show your neighbor some love

When was the last time you chatted with your neighbors? According to SafeHome.org, only 43% of Americans speak to their next-door neighbors frequently and about 25% do not bother learning their names.

To celebrate National Good Neighbor Day on September 28, do your part to reverse this trend by showing acts of kindness toward your neighbors throughout the month. Here are a few options to consider:

• Hold a block party. Give your neighbors the opportunity to relax, play games and get to know each other better.
• Bake something. Whether it's a home-cooked meal or a plateful of cookies, nearly everyone appreciates the gift of food.
• Wash their cars. Offer a free car wash for everyone on your street.
• Donate to their garden. Bedding plants or tulip bulbs are thoughtful gifts for your nature-loving neighbors.
• Offer to babysit. Volunteering to watch your neighbors' kids could open their evening up for a much needed date night.
• Give out gift cards. A free coffee drink or movie ticket is a great way to brighten their day.
• Take care of their trash. Helping a neighbor haul trash and recycling bins to the curb is a simple way to make their life just a little bit easier.
• Hand out firewood. When the weather gets cool, you can go door to door handing out kindling or wood bundles for your neighbors' indoor fireplaces or outdoor fire pits.
• Talk to them and listen to them. If you haven't already, try your hand at building relationships with the people who live just a few feet away.

You never know, one of these small, but heartfelt, gestures could be the first step in a long-lasting friendship. Whether you live next to a rambunctious family or a reclusive senior, don't ignore the opportunity to be a light in their life.

A fresh take on apples

While cider and pie often take center stage this time of year, apples are actually very versatile. Try some of these nontraditional uses.

Create art. Cut an apple in half, dip it in paint and use as a stamp.

Keep baked goods moist. Store your baked goods in an airtight container with a large apple wedge.

Create a refreshing face mask. Grate half an apple and mix with 1 tablespoon rolled oats, 1 teaspoon yogurt and 1 teaspoon honey. Apply to your face for 10 minutes, and rinse off with warm water.

Make tealight holders. Simply core an apple and insert a tealight. Place candles around a table or float them in a large vase of water for a festive fall decoration.

Dare to be curious

The last school day in September is traditionally Ask a Stupid Question Day. Asking questions can strengthen your mindset in multiple ways.

• Asking questions is an excellent way to spark creativity. Simply questioning why something is done a certain way allows you to constructively look at a process and potentially find a better solution.
• Curiosity encourages your brain to continue absorbing new information. This helps combat dementia and other health issues associated with cognitive ability.
• A 2017 study from Harvard Business School found that employees who ask follow-up questions are perceived as more responsive, likable and competent than those who don't. Asking for help or clarification builds trust with supervisors and coworkers and shows that you value their input.
• If you want to improve your leadership skills, asking questions is vital. Instead of simply assigning tasks, try asking other people what they see as the best approach to a problem. This allows individuals to feel heard, which encourages them to be more engaged in the project at hand.

German Cabbage and Apples

Ingredients
2 red apples
2 Tbsp. butter
1 red onion, finely diced
2 lbs. red cabbage, thinly sliced
3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 cup apple cider
2 cloves
1 bay leaf
1 Tbsp. sugar
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper

Directions
Core, peel and dice apples. In a large pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Cook apples and onion for 2-3 minutes.

Add red cabbage and vinegar. Stir until combined. Then, add apple cider, cloves, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir together.

Reduce temperature to medium and cover pot. Simmer for 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage is soft but not mushy. Remove bay leaf. Add more apple cider if mixture is dry.

Serve hot with apple chicken sausages.

Serves 6