I think there are good things about every
season, but autumn has to be my particular favourite. So, I thought I would
share with you some of my favourite things about the autumnal period!
Leaves changing colour
One of the best things about autumn is when
everything around us starts changing colour. It’s one of the first signs that
summer is over, but as the sun streams through the trees and light dances on
the leaves, it really does feel quite magical. I just think the world looks so
beautiful in every possible shade of red, orange, yellow and brown you can
think of.
Jumping in leaves
Something I have loved to do since childhood is
to jump in big piles of crispy leaves. There’s nothing more fun than popping
your wellies and a big cosy coat on, then crunching through piles of jewel
coloured leaves. Our house backs onto woodland, so we get a lot of leaves in
the back garden. Every year, for as long ago as I can remember, my Dad has gone
out in the garden with a wheelbarrow to collect leaves and put them back out in
the woods. This would always mean lots of huge piles of leaves, and some of my
fondest memories are of leaping into piles taller than myself with my siblings.
Carving pumpkins
We’ve never been very big on Halloween in our
house, but one thing I do enjoy doing is carving pumpkins with cute pictures.
I’m not really into all the scary stuff, but there are so many amazing stencils
out there now that you can pretty much carve whatever you fancy. My particular
favourite is always going to be a Disney picture – I mean, who doesn’t love a
bit of Disney?!
Munchkins
Now, I didn’t think pumpkins could get any better,
but last year I was proved wrong when I discovered the ‘munchkin.’ There’s
nothing better than something in miniature form, and these tiny pumpkins are
just the absolute cutest things I’ve ever seen! We’ve popped a few on our
mantelpiece this year, and they just bring a bit of autumnal fun into the room
without taking up too much space.
Great TV
There’s something about autumn and winter that
seems to bring out all the great TV. Literally, as soon as the first of
September hits, our screens are jam-packed with exciting shows. OK, so you get
the usual reality programmes like X Factor, Strictly and I’m a Celebrity
(which, by the way, are my total guilty pleasure!) but there also seem to be so
many amazing dramas, films and comedy shows too. Which is just as well really,
when all you feel like doing is hibernating away from the cold and rain.
Log burning stoves
Log burning stoves are something I have always
associated with autumn, but they’re not something I’ve ever really been able to
benefit from. That is until now. This summer we had one installed in our
lounge, and oh my goodness it’s just amazing! Our heating broke recently, so we
popped the fire on and the heat spread through the whole downstairs. I also
love just watching the flames dancing behind the glass screen – it’s so
mesmerising and relaxing, and perfect for snuggling up in front of.
A new wardrobe
As soon as that first cold snap hits, I see it
as a perfect excuse to invest in a new wardrobe. Think cosy knitted jumpers,
tights, fleece-lined leggings, fluffy socks and gloves, hats and scarves. I
find it so much easier to dress during the colder months, and quite literally
have drawers full of warm jumpers in a whole rainbow of colours. I mean, if
it’s going to be dark and cold outside, then we need to brighten up our days
with something right?!
Comfort food
We’ve spent the last six months attempting to
eat a healthy diet and feel good in our summer clothes, but when autumn strikes
the comfort food comes out. When it’s chilly and damp, the best thing you can
do is treat yourself to something warm and hearty. Soups, stews, jacket
potatoes, hot chocolate, roast dinners – my mouth is watering just thinking
about it all!
Bonfire Night
The first time I really start to feel like
winter is coming is on the 5th of November; Bonfire Night. Every
year, we wrap up warm in hats, gloves, scarves, coats and boots, trek to our
nearest display, huddle round the bonfire and watch the fireworks. No matter
how old I get, I still feel that sense of magic and excitement when the first
firework goes off. Plus, after that, the next exciting event is Christmas!
Cosy blankets and box sets
What better way to relax on an autumnal weekend
than to snuggle under a big fluffy blanket in front of the fire and sit through
a box set of your favourite series? In the summer, I never feel that I can just
sit and watch DVDs as I should be enjoying the weather outside. But when it gets
to autumn, it seems like you suddenly have permission to stay in and hibernate.
One of my favourite places for blankets is Dunelm, who do the softest and most
snuggly teddy bear blankets in a range of colours. I received one for Christmas last year, and am so
tempted to buy more (especially as my dog seems to hog my one!) And when it
comes to DVDs, you can’t beat a bit of Miranda or Friends.
Crisp sunny mornings
Autumn can have a bit of a reputation for being
cold, wet and dreary. And it is like that a lot of the time. But there are also
those days when you wake up to the autumn sun streaming through your window.
Then when you go outside, there’s a crisp frost on the ground and a chill in
the air, but it just feels magical. Everything looks so pretty and perfect, and
everyone seems so happy with their cold hands wrapped round a hot cup of
coffee. Perfect.
Candles and fairy lights
I’m a big fan of candles and fairy lights at
the best of times, but as soon as autumn hits I tend to go a bit mad! I just
love the warmth and cosiness they bring to a room, and I really find they help
to lift my mood when it’s dark and gloomy outside. I’m always on the look out
for autumn and winter scents, and wish so much that we had a Bath and Bodyworks
over here – they have so many amazing options! Yankee Candle is my
go-to brand, although I am investigating what else is out there. You can never
have too many candles!
Festive Drinks
One of my absolute favourite things about
autumn is that the festive drinks start to make an appearance. It starts with
the Pumpkin Spice Latte in Starbucks and soon follows the red cups and character mugs from Costa Coffee. They really do
brighten up a cold day, and I’m particularly in love with this year’s cups from
Costa. I mean, how cute are they?! I’m still trying to find out whether they’re
doing ceramic ones again this year, although it’s probably better for my bank
account if they don’t!
Countdown to Christmas!
And, quite possibly the best thing about
autumn, is the fact it means it’s the countdown to Christmas! Now, I do feel
that the stores drag Christmas out a bit too much these days, but that doesn’t
stop me getting overly excited. My inner child seems to escape and I get into
full on festive planning mode! Christmas cards, presents, decorations, baking…I
could go on forever. But most of all, I love being able to spend more time with
family and friends.
What are your favourite things about autumn? Do
you share any of my favourites, or are there other things you particularly love
about it?
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