Polka Spots and Freckle Dots: Autumn

Autumn Goals

I don't know what it is about autumn, but as soon as we reach September, I always feel motivated to start new projects, and get stuff done.

I find myself wanting to do all the craft projects, visit new places, have a big declutter, bake, and read lots of books. I'm guessing it's because autumn always signified the start of a new school year, and my brain still sees the change in seasons as a time to learn and get to work. Whatever the reason, autumn still feels like a new chapter in the year, and I've once again found myself with a big list of things I want to do before winter sets in. I thought I'd share some of them with you today to make myself accountable, and hopefully motivate myself in to achieving them, so let's go buy new school supplies, and get started.

Go For an Autumn Walk

I want to try to go on at least one autumn walk this year- preferably in the woods- so I can crunch through the fallen leaves, take in the colours of the foliage, and feel the cold air on my face. I love a good autumn walk.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

I've still never visited a pumpkin patch, so I'd really like to visit one this autumn, and pick out a pumpkin to carve.

Carve a Pumpkin

I like to carve a pumpkin every Halloween, but couldn't last year as I wasn't well enough on the day, so I'm looking forward to trying again this year. I don't do a lot for Halloween, but I always try to at least butcher a pumpkin.

Paint Some Pumpkins

I'd also really like to try painting some pumpkins, and see what fun designs I can come up with. It looks like fun.

Have a Halloween Movie Marathon

I'm looking forward to some good Halloween-themed movie marathons this October. My sister and I are already talking about having a movie night at her house, with a takeaway, and some good snacks to celebrate Halloween. I'm most looking forward to the classic that is Hocus Pocus.

Watch My Favourite Autumn Movies

I also want to watch lots of autumnal movies to get me in the mood for autumn. I'm particularly looking forward to rewatching You've Got Mail, Practical Magic, Little Women, Stepmom, War of the Worlds, The Village, and lots of other autumn favourites.

Read Lots

I want to read as much as possible this autumn, and try to fit in some reading time every day. I've only got four more books to finish before I hit my Goodreads reading goal of forty books, and I'm hoping to reach it before December, as I'm always too busy to read much over Christmas. Two months to read four books? Should be easy.

Go to the Bonfire and Watch the Fireworks

Our local RAF base has the best fireworks and a massive bonfire for Bonfire Night, and I used to love going every year. I haven't been in ten years because of chronic pain, Covid, or because my sister and brother-in-law (who I need to sign me on to camp) moved away for a while, and I miss it. I'd really like to go this year- and my sister isn't giving me a choice, anyway- so fingers crossed for a good chronic pain day that night so I can go.

Take an Autumn Drive Through the Cotswolds

I live on the edge of The Cotswolds, which is obviously famous for it's beautiful countryside, and picture perfect little villages. It's gorgeous all year round, but particularly during the autumn when everywhere is backdropped with a palette of fiery oranges, golden yellows, deep reds, and rich browns. I'm hoping to be able to take a drive about to take it all in once the leaves have changed, and maybe even stop to do a little exploring.

Visit the Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers Museums in Oxford

It's been years since I last visited Oxford's museums, but I always found the Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers museums fascinating, and am itching to pay them both a visit again. There's something about chilly autumn days that makes me want to wander around cold echo-y buildings, and learn about old stuff.

Make Pumpkin Dog Treats

I don't know why, but I'd really like to try to make pumpkin dog biscuits / treats for my dog, Rosie, and her cousin, Mia from scratch. I know it would be easier to just buy some, but where's the fun in that?

Fix My Erstwilder Brooches

The brooch backs on two of my Erstwilder brooches, a sunflower, and a Halloween dog leaning on a pumpkin, broke a while back from separate falls to the floor, so I need to contact the brand and find out the best way to repair them. I want to be able to wear them both again this autumn / Halloween.

Make My Animal Crossing Island Look Autumnal

I still play Animal Crossing New Horizons every day, and I'm currently aiming to make it look as autumnal as possible. I made a start last week, and am currently working on a Halloween area, and a crop farm for my pumpkins. I'm feeling more inspired with the game than I have done in ages.

Visit the Wildlife Park

My sister and I are hoping to pay another visit to The Cotswold Wildlife Park once the leaves have changed. We'll get to enjoy an autumn walk in a pretty setting with lots of trees and foliage, and see lots of cute exotic animals along the way. What's not to like?

Paint

It's been ages since I last did some watercolour painting, so I'd like to dig out my paints, and spend some time getting creative this fall. I'm not very good at it, but I find it so therapeutic.

Finish My Christmas Cross Stitch

I began a Christmas cross stitch wall hanging two years ago, and I still haven't finished it because I've needed to go out and get some more threads to finish it off, and couldn't decide which colours to use. I've got so little left to sew, and I'm determined to get it done before Christmas so I can move on to something new.

Blog More

I've been really bad at blogging this year because I've rarely felt up to it, but I've got so many posts I want to write and post, including some posts about my recent holiday to Cornwall, and of course, reviews of my latest brooch purchases. I'm going to do my best to blog more this autumn, and I also want to start preparing Christmas content to take some of the pressure off in December.

Fill Some Gaps in My Wardrobe

There's a few gaps in my wardrobe I would like to fill this season. I particularly need a new pair of black ankle boots, and some new pyjamas, and I'd love to get some new dresses for the colder months. I rarely have the money for new clothes these days, and my wardrobe really is lacking, so it's time I picked up a few things.

Actively Start Christmas Shopping

It's just over two and a half months 'til Christmas Day (how scary is that?!), so it's time to actively start shopping for Christmas presents! (I like to start early to spread the cost, and stay organised). I've already bought a few presents this month, and bought some earlier in the year, too, so I'd say I'm off to a good start.

Organise My Bookshelves

My bookshelf is in desperate need of a sort-out. It's been overflowing with books- with a few stacks not far off the ceiling- for years, and the mess is stressing me out. I think the solution is to move my DVDs off the shelf (since they're rarely watched these days), put the discs in to folders, and store the cases in the shed. It should open up more space for books, so I can keep them tidy and organised. I just need to find some time (and spoons) so I can get started on it, and I want to get it done this autumn. Enough is enough.

Have a Clear Out

I also want to declutter some of my stuff, especially my wardrobe, so I'm going to try to have a clear out (if my health allows it), and maybe sell some stuff on eBay to make a little extra cash. The extra pennies would definitely come in handy with the festive season coming up.

And those are some of my autumn goals.

There are more goals on my to-do-list, but I've already rambled on enough, so I'll stop there. You can wake up again now.

I don't know how much I'll be able to achieve, and doubt I'll tick everything off the list, but I'm going to give it my best shot. That's all anybody can do, right?

Wish me luck!

What's on your to-do-list this autumn?

25 Things I Want To Do This Autumn

The nights are drawing in, there's a crisp chill in the air, and my arthritic bones are complaining in a way they weren't a month ago. It can only mean one thing: autumn is on the way! I couldn't be happier. I love autumn, and I can't wait to enjoy all the awesome things the season has to offer.

I know it's not officially autumn until the end of the month, but September 1st has always felt like the start of autumn for me- I guess because the new school term has always signified the start of a new season. It's been seventeen years since I left college (that's a scary realisation!), but even now, September still feels like a change in seasons, and a time for new beginnings; a time to work on my goals, and get stuff done before the year comes to an end.

When September arrives, I like to make a list of all the things I want or need to do before the end of the year, and do my best to achieve as many of those goals as possible. This year has been no different, and I've come up with twenty-five things I'd like to do this autumn, which I/m going to share with you today to make myself accountable and hopefully encourage myself to start ticking off some goals.

So, here are twenty-five things I want to do this autumn:

1. Visit the Cotswold Wildlife Park

Taking a visit to my local zoo is definitely at the top of my list of fun things I want to do this autumn. I like to fit in at least one visit a year, and haven't been since last summer so a visit is definitely over due. It should be easy to social distance there on a weekday now kids are back at school and measures are in place, so hopefully I'll be able to fit in a visit this side of Halloween.

2. Take a Walk in the Woods

I love to take walks during the autumn. I love feeling the crisp air on my face, walking through paths of fallen leaves, and taking in all the pretty foliage. I'm hoping to find the strength to take some gentle walks in the countryside this autumn, and maybe even visit the woods with my camera when the leaves start to fall. I've spent so long indoors this year that I'm in need of a nature fix.

3. Take a Drive in the Countryside

I live on the edge of The Cotswolds, surrounded by miles of countryside, and pretty Cotswold villages. It really is as beautiful as people say, but particularly in autumn when all the leaves start to change, and there's a backdrop of oranges, yellows, and browns wherever you look. I'm itching to go out for a drive and take it all in once the leaves change. I miss the countryside.

4. Go to the Bonfire and Watch the Fireworks

The RAF base near my hometown has always hosted the best fireworks display around on Bonfire Night. I went religiously every year until I developed chronic pain, but I haven't been well enough to go these last few years. I really want to go this year if it goes ahead (in all likelihood it won't because of Covid), so I'm hoping to find a way to make it there if it does so I can watch the fireworks.

5. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

I've never visited a pumpkin patch in my life, but I'd love to visit one to pick out a pumpkin or two and take a few autumn photos.

6. Buy Some Little Pumpkins

I would also like to buy some little munchkin pumpkins to decorate my home with, and to use as photo props this autumn. They're just so cute!

7. Paint Pumpkins

I've seen so many awesome painted pumpkins on blogs, Pinterest, and Instagram over the last few years, and I really want to have a go at painting some myself this year. I love the idea of painting a bunch of them in pastel colours instead of traditional autumn / Halloween colours.

8. Carve a Pumpkin

I never do much for Halloween, but I try to at least carve a Jack o' lantern every year, and I hope to keep up the tradition this year. Is it even Halloween if you don't carve a pumpkin??

9. Repair My Erstwilder Halloween Brooch

I accidentally dropped one of my Halloween brooches on the floor last year and broke the brooch back, and completely forgot about it until I was organising my brooch collection the other day. I still love the brooch and want to wear it over Halloween, so I need to get in contact with the brand for some advice, and see if I can fix it.

10. Go Fruit Picking

It's been years since I last went fruit-picking. It was something we did most years when I was growing up, and I actually miss it. If pick-your-own farms are open this autumn, I'd really like to go apple or blackberry picking, and then bake them in to delicious pies.

11. Make an Apple Pie

I'm not sure if I've ever made an apple pie, but I'd love to attempt my Mum's recipe this autumn. Her apple pie (with lashings of custard, naturally) is the ultimate autumn / winter comfort food, and you just can't beat it.

12. Make French Onion Soup

I make a mean bowl of French onion soup, or I should say, I used to. It's been ages since I last made a batch, so I think it's about time I made some to enjoy this autumn. It's soooo good with a slice of baguette topped with melted cheese.

13. Make My Animal Crossing Island Look Autumnal
I'm still addicted to Animal Crossing New Horizons, and have played it every day since it came out. The seasons and weather change in the game just like in real life, and the leaves are already beginning to turn. I want to make my island look as autumnal as possible, by adding in lots of seasonal furniture, paths, and foliage, and wearing lots of autumnal outfits. I can't wait to get all the mushroom and Halloween furniture and add toadstools and creepy furniture everywhere!

14. Watch Lots of Autumn Movies
Is there anything better than curling up under a blanket on a chilly autumn day / evening, and having a movie marathon? Maybe there is, maybe there isn't, but either way, I want to do more of that this autumn. I want to watch all the seasonal films and pretend Covid doesn't exist.

15. Read More

I haven't read as many books this year as I would have liked because Animal Crossing keeps distracting me (it's seriously addictive), so I want to do my best to read more from now until the end of the year. I originally hoped to read 52 books this year but there's no chance of that happening since I've only read 20 so far, so I'm aiming to read at least 30 books by New Year's Eve.

16. Reorganise My Book Shelves
I've been meaning to reorganise my book shelves all year, but I just haven't found the strength to dive in and tackle the mess. The tops of the cubes are overflowing with stacks of books, and the mess is stressing me out, so I want to prioritise sorting it out this autumn. I need to take everything off the shelves, and play a game of real life Tetris and hopefully I'll be able to fit everything back on in a tidier fashion. Hopefully I can do it without having to let some of my books go.

17. Cross Stitch Regularly

I started a Christmas cross stitch last year that I still haven't finished, so I want to try to cross stitch regularly this autumn to get it finished in time for Christmas. I haven't got loads left to stitch, so it should be easy to finish in time as long as I put in the effort.

18. Paint More
I really enjoy water colour painting, but I haven't done any so far this year, so I want to try to break out the paint supplies more this fall. I'll just have to do this soon before my arthritis flares up for the winter and makes it too painful to paint 'til spring.

19. Blog More Often
2020 hasn't been the most productive year for me in terms of blogging. I've blogged less this year than any year since I started blogging in 2012. It's not for lack of trying, but between Covid and chronic illness, I've been finding it difficult to concentrate, get words out, and stand long enough to take photos, so I just haven't been able to blog as much as I'd like. I want to try to blog more often this season, so I'm going to do my best to post more content as the year winds down.

20. Schedule Christmas Blog Posts
I also want to start preparing some Christmas blog posts ahead of time, so that I'm better organised during the festive season, and can have more time to enjoy the festivities with my family.

21. Take Blog Photos
Any blogger can tell you the winter daylight is terrible in England, and since I don't have studio lights, I want to try to take some blog photos in bulk, ahead of time, before we lose the good summer light for another year. It would be a big help to have some generic photos saved for those weeks when the weather is so crap we don't see sunshine for a fortnight, and it's too bleak to take decent photos indoors.

22. Concentrate on Christmas Shopping

I've actually already started shopping for Christmas presents, as I like to spread the cost, but I want to actively concentrate on picking up presents from now on to try to get my shopping done early. It would be great not to be super stressed or skint come December.

23. Up My Survey-Answering Game to Pay for Christmas Presents

Over the last few months, I've only participated in online surveys now and then, but I want to try to get back in to them this autumn to earn some extra pennies for Christmas. You don't earn a fortune, but it's a helpful way to earn a little extra here and there to pay for presents or food for over the holidays. I was able to buy a Nintendo Switch Lite, Animal Crossing, and accessories with the earnings I made between January and March! If you'd like to know more about earning money from online surveys, I wrote a post about it here.

24. Have a Clear Out On eBay

I also want to have a good clear out to get rid of stuff I no longer need, and make some extra cash for Christmas. It's been a while since I last had a sort out and listed some stuff on eBay, so it's long over due.

25. Buy a New Pair of Ankle Boots

I really need to buy a new pair of flat black ankle boots to wear this autumn / winter. My last pair fell apart over a year ago, and left a big gap in my wardrobe. I wore them with everything. I haven't seen a pair I like yet, but hopefully the perfect pair will appear before too long.

And those are some of my goals for the upcoming months. I don't know if I'll be able to achieve them all, but I'm going to do my best to get through as many of them as possible.

Wish me luck!

What do you hope to achieve this autumn?

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25 Things I Want To Do This Autumn

Autumn has officially arrived here in the Northern Hemisphere.

The leaves are beginning to turn, the nights are drawing in, and the late summer sunshine we had last week has been replaced by heavy rain and a crisp chill. Aside from the dark evenings, I couldn't be happier. I love this time of year!

September has always felt like a new beginning to me, a brand new chapter in the year, and a time to knuckle down and get stuff done- probably because it's the start of the new school year, which always signified change and hard work. Even now that I've been out of formal education for sixteen years (that's a scary realisation!), as soon as September rolls around, I still find myself motivated to get to work on achieving my goals.

Each autumn, I like to make a list of all the things I need and want to do before the year is through, and then spend the final months of the year trying to achieve as many of them as possible. This year has been no different. I've come up with so many things I want to do before the end of the year, from carving a pumpkin on Halloween to working on making my Instagram grid look autumnal- and so much more. I thought it would be fun to share my autumn goals with you guys today, so here are 25 things I want to do this autumn.

1. Read Lots

I've made it my mission to read more this year, and I've more than smashed my expectations. I'm currently on my 39th book of the year so far, which is more than double what I read last year, and more books than I've read in a year since I was little! I'm making time to read every day and loving it, and I want to keep up the pace this autumn and read as much as I can. Considering my reading habits these past nine months, I don't think it will be a problem.

2. Organise My Files

Lately, I've been trying to get organised and have made a good start at organising my photos, videos, and bookmarks on my laptop. I still have so much to sort through, though, and I want to get it sorted this autumn. I don't need to keep 150+ near identical images from every blog post photo shoot or all those bookmarks I'm never going to get around to reading, so it's time to get rid and then keep on top of everything.

3. Get a Hair Cut

I must get myself a hair cut in the next few weeks. I've not been able to get out to the hair dressers in over two years, and my hair is now past my waist again and looking a bit sorry for itself. I don't think I'll go as short as a bob this time, but I definitely need to lose at least half a foot. I also need to do my roots ASAP.

4. Buy New Shoes

My favourite ankle boots and ballet pumps have worn out, so I really need to find the perfect new pairs for every day wear to see me through autumn and winter. I can't keep looking like a street urchin at my age.

5. Decide On New Bedroom Furniture

My parents have kindly offered to replace some of my bedroom furniture for me, as everything is old and falling apart, and I don't have the money to replace them. I just can't decide whether to go with the grey and oak set they suggested, or a white range, since I've been longing for white furniture for years. I need to make a decision ASAP.

6. Have An eBay Clear Out

I need to have a good clear out and sell some things on eBay over the next couple of weeks to make a little extra money for Christmas and my concert adventures next month. The extra pennies would be appreciated, and it would be great to lose some of the clutter that's closing in on me, too.

7. Get Stuck in to Surveys

I also want to get back in to answering online surveys regularly to help pay for Christmas presents. I haven't participated in as many as I used to this year as most of the time I just CBA, but I need to give myself a kick up the backside because the extra cash / gift cards would be really helpful this Christmas. If you want to know more about earnings money through online surveys, I wrote a post about it here.

8. Go See Boyzone Live For the Final Time

I'm going to see Boyzone live again on their final ever tour with both my best friend and my sister (separately) next month, and I can't wait. I've barely left the house or done anything exciting all year, so I'm really looking forward to getting out of the house, having a bit of fun seeing a band I've followed for twenty-six years, and spending some time with Marie and Angela. I just hope my health behaves itself so I can go.

(By the way, if anyone's interested, I'm selling 2 x ROW L stalls tickets for Boyzone at the London Palladium on Wednesday the 23rd of October, as I found better seats. £150 for the pair (which is less than I paid for them on Viagogo). Contact me by email or on social media if interested).

9. Be a Tourist in London

Marie and I will be seeing Boyzone in London, and I'm hoping we can experience a little more of the city than the theatre and the hotel room while we're there. We haven't made plans yet, but I'd love to take a tour bus around the city again, visit the London aquarium, and / or perhaps take a little visit to Covent Garden, Selfridges, Harrods, or Libertys.

10. Take an Autumn Walk

I'd love to find the strength to go on a walk this autumn- preferably in the woods or countryside where I can really appreciate the colours of the leaves, feel the cool air on my face, and crunch through paths of fallen leaves. It was always one of my favourite things to do during the autumn before chronic pain limited my mobility, and I can't tell you how much I'm craving the outdoors right now.

11. Carve a Pumpkin

I never do much for Halloween, but I would like to at least carve a pumpkin this year. I think I'll stay clear of intricate designs, like the sugar skull I attempted last year, and stick to a simple Jack o' lantern this year, and maybe even paint some pumpkins in bright colours as well.

12. Make pumpkin Dog Biscuits For Rosie

I would love to make my Tibetan terrier, Rosie, some homemade dog biscuits as a little Halloween treat. I've seen so many recipes for pumpkin dog biscuits on Pinterest, and I'm sure she'd love them.

13. Watch Some Fireworks

I really want to make it to my town's fireworks display on Bonfire Night. I used to go religiously every year, but I don't think I've managed it once since I've been ill. Realistically, I probably won't make it this year, either, and if that's the case, I hope I can at least spot some good fireworks from my bedroom window. I mean, is it even autumn if you don't watch a fireworks display??

14. Make an Autumn Wreath

I would really like to make some kind of autumn-themed wreath to hang on the door and decorate the house for autumn, either with felt or pom poms. I don't have a plan yet; I just know I'd like to make one.

15. Watch Lots of Autumnal Movies

Autumn has to be the best season for movie marathons, and I'm hoping to make time for many of them this year. I'm looking forward to watching lots of autumnal movies- not just creepy horror movies, but autumnal classics like Practical Magic, You've Got Mail, War of the Worlds, Harry Potter, and Hocus Pocus.

16. Make an Apple Pie

My Mum's apple pie (with lashings of custard, naturally) has always been my favourite autumn / winter comfort food. Growing up, she'd often make it for us for a Sunday tea time treat on a cold, dark Sunday afternoon, with the windows steamed up from the heat of the oven, and Luther Vandross blaring from the speakers. (Not much has changed, TBH). Those were the best autumn days. After all these years, I still haven't attempted the recipe myself, and I want to learn how to make it while my Mum's still around to teach me. I'm hoping to get her to pass on the knowledge this autumn, and finally make an apple pie myself.

17. Make French Onion Soup

My younger sister has requested I make some of my French onion soup for her this autumn, so hopefully I'll be able to oblige on a good pain day... if I'm lucky enough to get one, that is. I haven't made soup from scratch in years, and this one really is delicious- especially on a cold day.

18. Make My Animal Crossing Town Look Autumnal

I've been playing Animal Crossing New Leaf daily all year and I have to admit, I'm a little bit addicted to it. After nine months developing it, my town is finally coming together and looking really pretty. The scenery changes with the seasons, so the leaves are changing on the trees and bushes like in real life, and it's starting to look like autumn. I'm planning to make my town look as autumnal as possible, including finding some autumn paths to put down, creating a pumpkin patch, adding some Halloween decor to my house, and dressing my characters in cute autumn outfits. I'm going to have so much fun with this! Does anybody else still play this game?

19. Make My Instagram Feed Look Autumnal

I haven't managed to post much on my Instagram grid all year- mostly because I've not been anywhere, and haven't been well enough to take photos that often. I'm not happy about this, so I want to try to get back in to the swing of things this autumn, and fill my feed with pretty autumnal photos. And most likely, lots of brooches and books, too!

20. Take Autumn and Christmas Blog Photos

Every blogger in the UK (and probably the Northern Hemisphere) knows that autumn and winter daylight is far from ideal for capturing the perfect blog photos. It's so dark and dreary indoors, and the shorter hours of daylight makes it trickier to find the time to take all the photos we need. I don't have studio lights to help with those problems, so I'm going to do my best to take as many photos for autumn and winter blog posts before we lose the good daylight as I can. I've already taken a few Christmas ones this week, and I'm pleased to have some prepared for December.

21. Blog Lots

I've been a terrible blogger this year, and haven't blogged much at all- mostly because I've been too ill, and also had a broken laptop screen for a few months this summer. I'm hoping now it's fixed I can post more often again. I've got so many posts to finish in my drafts, and many more I want to write. It'll just depend on whether my health will cooperate and allow me.

22. Start Scheduling Christmas Blog Posts

I would also like to start scheduling some Christmas blog posts ahead of time, to take some of the pressure off myself, and give myself more time to enjoy the festivities with my family in December. It would be nice to have one less thing to worry about when I have 101 other festive things to tackle on my to-do-list, and the energy to do none of them.

23. Actively Work On Christmas Shopping

As soon as September arrives, I always start shopping for Christmas presents- if I haven't already. I actually have a few little things stowed away in the Christmas present stash already, but not as much as I would usually have by this point in the year. I have the concert trips to pay for first, but I'm hoping I can start Christmas shopping using vouchers earned from participating in surveys, and once the concerts are over at the end of October, I can then continue shopping for presents with cash.

24. Work On My Christmas Cross Stitch

I've just began a colourful Scandinavian-style Christmas cross stitch (this one from Satsuma Street, but on white aida). I don't know if there's enough time to get it stitched before Christmas, but I'm going to do my best to get it finished in time anyway. I want to make time to do some cross stitching every day, and just hope my arthritis behaves itself so I can.

25. Make Christmas Wreaths

Last autumn / Christmas, I was planning to make some felt floral Christmas wreaths, but had to abandon the project not long after I began due to a severe arthritis flare that lasted months. I still haven't made them yet, and I'd really like to make them in time for Christmas. I'm fed up of looking at all the unused supplies that are gathering dust!

I don't know if I'll be able to achieve all of my goals this autumn, but I'm determined to give everything my best shot. I guess I'd best get to work!

So, you've heard what on's my to do list this autumn... what's on the top of yours? What do you want to do this autumn?

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Currently | November 2018

It's been a few months since I last sat down and wrote a 'currently' post about what I've been doing and enjoying lately, so I think it's about time I rectified that with a fresh post.

Let's start with what I've been reading lately...

Reading

Over the last few months, I've really found my reading mojo again, and have been devouring books like there's no tomorrow. During September and October, I managed to read seven books, which may not seem like a lot to some people, but it was a lot for me; I can't even remember the last time I read so many books in that space of time- probably more than a decade! To compare, last year, I only managed to read that many books during the whole year! I've read some fantastic books this Autumn, including Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery, The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham, The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, The Light of the Fireflies by Paul Pen, and The Extinction Trials, and The Extinction Trials: Exile by S. M. Wilson. Surprisingly, I thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them, especially The Day of the Triffids and The Light of the Fireflies, which have to be two of the best books I've ever read. Would anyone like me to blog reviews of any of them?

I haven't read much at all this month as I've been so busy and uninspired, but I've just finished reading Desert Flowers by Paul Pen, and it was another one of those books that I just couldn't put down. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Watching

I haven't watched a lot of new movies or TV shows lately, as I've been in one of those funks where I just can't concentrate on anything new. I've been enjoying the new series of The Big Bang Theory, and The Secret Life of the Zoo, but apart from watching a few episodes of Vanity Fair, that's about it for TV. I've mostly just been watching reruns of old favourites, and enjoying some of my favourite Autumn and Halloween movies like Hocus Pocus, Scream, War of the Worlds, 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later, and Practical Magic. I also recently watched the new Jurassic World movie for the first time, and loved it, although it broke my heart when the brachiosaurus was left behind to die in the ash cloud. I don't think my heart will ever recover. I also now need a baby velociraptor! (How cute was baby Blue?!)

Listening

I don't know what's wrong with me at the moment, but I haven't been listening to a lot of music, either. I've listened to a little Fall Out Boy and Linkin Park, as per use, and have played a few Christmas tunes while I've been building some new festive playlists, but I really haven't listened to a lot else. I did purchase Boyzone's new and last ever album 'Thank You and Goodnight' about ten days ago, because I've been a big fan of them since I was nine, and old habits die hard, (hey, don't judge!) but I'm actually really underwhelmed with the album, and don't know what to think about it. They've changed their sound to something akin to R&B and I'm just not feeling it. I'm just not a fan of R&B and modern pop music. Don't get me wrong, there are some great songs on there, but it's just not wowing me. Maybe it'll grow on me?

Stitching

This Autumn, I've been working on another fun, colourful mandala cross stitch from The World in Stitches, and I'm currently over half way through- apart from the black outlines, which I've left for now because I can't decide whether to change them to a different colour. I had to put it aside about a month ago so I could start working on some Christmas designs, but I'm planning to pick it up again in the new year.

Over the last few weeks, I've stitched and finished a small retro fifties deer cross stitch, a Christmas tree ornament, and a Christmas card but you'll have to wait until December to get a look at my festive makes. (Unless you've already seen the deer on my Insta Stories!)

Crafting

I've already made a start on my Christmas crafting, and recently made a Christmas pudding pom pom wreath for the first time. I'll be sharing a tutorial for it next month during Blogmas, so keep your eyes peeled for that! I've also painted a wooden house-shaped shelf unit that I'm going to decorate with Christmas paper / fabric for the holidays, and started working on some felt Christmas wreaths, which I'm hoping to bring to the blog next month, too, but we'll have to wait and see how they turn out first.

Carving

On Halloween, I decided to have a go at carving a sugar skull pumpkin, instead of making a simple Jack o' lantern like I always do. I drew free-hand on to the pumpkin with a picture as a guide, and spent an hour and a half carving this monstrosity, with a lot of difficulty. It turns out that carving pumpkins now aggravates the arthritis in my hands, and wielding a knife just turns my hands in to painful twisted claws. (Think Phoebe Buffay teaching Joey guitar chords, and that's how my hands looked). I couldn't grip the knife properly and made a complete mess of the pumpkin, but at least I tried, right? (I think it would've been better if I hadn't! Haha!) The worst part was I couldn't use my right hand for ten days afterwards as my hand was so painful and contorted, so I guess I'll be adding pumpkin carving to the list of things I can no longer do. How will the world will cope without my 'artistry'?

Buying

With Christmas presents to pay for, I haven't had much cash spare to spend on myself, but I have treated myself to a couple of little things whenever I've earned some extra cash participating in surveys. Over the Black Friday weekend, I treated myself to a couple of Christmas cross stitch kits from The Make Arcade (this one and this one), some fifties-style Christmas bedding from ASDA, and a retro deer Christmas decoration from Paperchase. Over the last few months, I've also bought some Erstwilder Christmas brooches (reviewed here), some new notebooks from Cath Kidston and The Disney Store, and some of The Body Shop's new Peppermint Candy Cane collection, which smells amazing and I can't wait to review it for you next month, I'll be showing you all the festive things I've bought in a Christmas haul post really soon, too.

Receiving

My sister, Marie, came home for a visit at the start of the month bearing gifts from the American air force base she lives at in Germany. This time, she gave me some Halloween Peeps and Pez dispensers, a big bag of 3 Muskateers chocolate bars (they're kind of like Milky Ways), and The Balm Nude Beach eyeshadow palette. She originally gave me this palette for my birthday in July, but we had to return it as it turned out to be a used tester. Sadly, at the time it was out of stock, so I got the equally gorgeous Anastasia Modern Renaissance palette instead. She really didn't owe me another palette, so it was such a lovely surprise and a really kind and thoughtful gesture. The palette is gorgeous! I have the best sisters.

Winning

I've been a really lucky lady lately, and have won a few giveaways over the last couple of months. I won a stationery bundle from Emma of A Cornish Geek, which included a set of pastel highlighters, a rainbow notebook, a folder, and a cloud-shaped pencil case. I'm a bit of a stationery addict, so this was the perfect prize. I then won some gorgeous high-end make up from Rosie Loves Life, including the Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics eyeshadow palette, an Urban Decay After Glow Highlighter, and a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in Pillow Talk. I'd never tried any of those products before, so I'm still absolutely thrilled with them. I've also just found out that I've won a Selfridges beauty Advent calendar from a Twitter comp ran by Navabi, and I couldn't be more excited! It's something I could never afford to treat myself to, so the news has really made my Christmas. I'm looking forward to counting down to Christmas even more now! I'll do my best to review it for you once it arrives, and will be revealing what product I get each day of Advent on Instagram, along with the contents of my OPI calendar from the 1st, so make sure you give me a follow on Instagram if you want to follow along!

Wanting

All the amazing Christmas jewellery and dresses that are everywhere right now, this retro deer Christmas decoration, the NARS and Ciaté beauty Advent calendars, the Breathe magazine journals, lots of new books, a lotto win, all the gig tickets, and a big slice of chocolate cake.

Needing

Some money so I can afford Christmas, some new ankle boots, some new clothes, a new tub of my favourite The Body Shop Vitamin E moisturiser, new white fairy lights for this year's Christmas tree, a solution for my tachycardia and the painful arthritis in my hands, a holiday, and some hair dye so I can touch up my atrocious roots.

Wishing

I had more hours in the day to prepare for Christmas and Blogmas. Time is moving too fast!

Loving

The new Peppermint Candy Cane collection from The Body Shop- it smells soooo good! You guys need to try it!

Hating

the short hours of daylight, and dark dreary days we've been getting lately. There's not been any decent daylight for taking blog photos for weeks, and some days it's barely felt like we've had any daylight at all. Roll on spring!

Enjoying

Spending the dark, dismal days and evenings working on lots of crafts and blog posts.

Eating

All the American Candy Corn, and Malteaser Buttons.

Drinking

When my sister was visiting a few weeks ago, we finally discovered a Hotel Chocolat cafe in Milton Keynes and stopped off for the most amazing hot chocolate. I'm lactose intolerant, so I couldn't add it to mine, but the cream they put on top is some divine chocolate concoction that tasted like the chocolate icing on a Patisserie Valerie cake. (I obviously had to taste-test Marie's). Even without cream it was probably the best hot chocolate I've ever had.

Looking

forward to Christmas and enjoying lots of festivities with my family during December. I can't wait to start decorating the tree and my home for Christmas, give my family their gifts, watch lots of Christmas movies, and eat my body weight in roast potatoes and cake! Christmas is the best.

Preparing

I've been busy planning and preparing lots of festive content for Blogmas, and taking festive photos for many of them whenever there's been some decent daylight, so I'm feeling fairly organised for a change. I still have so much work to do and more photos to take, but I can't wait to share what I've been working on with you guys. There'll be a few crafts, a little fashion, some beauty, homeware, books, helpful tips and ideas, and so much more. Not long to go now!

What have you been enjoying lately?

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12 Things I Love About Autumn

I know that we're almost about to transition in to winter and the festive season is almost up on us, but I'm not ready to say "goodbye" to autumn just yet. Before I bombard you with Christmas posts (sorry, not sorry), I thought it would be fun to have one last fling with autumn, and talk about some of my favourite things about the autumn months.

There are so many great things about this time of year, from the beautiful colours of the foliage to autumn fashion, and fireworks to comfort food, so narrowing down my favourite things about autumn really hasn't been easy. There are countless things I love about this gorgeous season. I couldn't talk about all of them or we'd be here all day, so I've chosen twelve at random, and here we are.

These are 12 things I love about autumn.

1. The colours of the foliage

My favourite thing about Autumn has got to be the explosion of colour from the trees and foliage when the leaves transform from lush green to fiery reds, oranges, yellows, rusts, and coppers, the fields fill with bright orange pumpkins, and hedgerows come alive with crops of purple, red and orange berries. It makes everywhere look so beautiful, especially where I live on the edge of The Cotswolds. The countryside and little Cotswold villages look so idyllic with a backdrop of Autumn foliage, and even my hometown looks pretty as there are so many trees around. I love sitting at my bedroom window and just taking in all the colours as the leaves change.

2. Autumn fashion and beauty colours

My love of Autumn colours isn't just reserved for nature; I also adore Autumn's fashion, and beauty colours. As soon as September begins, I love to dress in forest green, teal, emerald, burgundy, plum, mustard, rust, and all of those other amazing Autumn colours, and enjoy wearing some of them on my nails and eyelids, too. I think they go well with my pale freckled skin and dyed red hair.

3. Taking walks and crunching through Autumn leaves

I don't get to do this too often anymore, thanks to my health, but I've always loved wrapping up warm and taking long Autumn walks to crunch through paths of fallen Autumn leaves. There's just something really satisfying about the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, and kicking through piles of leaves like a big kid.

4. Going to the bonfire and watching the fireworks

The RAF base joining my home town always organises an impressive fireworks display and massive bonfire for Bonfire Night, and it's an event I've enjoyed going to since I was really young. They put on the best fireworks around, and I have so many good memories of walking down to the base through fallen orange leaves, watching the bonfire being lit, playing with sparklers, eating barbecued sausages, and looking up to see the fireworks light up the night sky with explosions of colour. I haven't been able to go since I've been chronically ill, but it's always been one of my favourite parts of Autumn, and it never fails to get me in to the autumn spirit.

5. Carving pumpkins

One of my favourite Autumn activities is definitely carving a pumpkin for Halloween. I'm not very good at it, but it's fun to try, and I love the smell of a lit Jack o' lantern. (Tell me I'm not the only one?) Sadly, I fear this may be one activity I'm going to have to say goodbye to, as this year's attempt at a sugar skull pumpkin left me with a claw for a hand and horrendous pain and stiffness in my joints. Damn arthritis. It's been so bad I've barely been able to use my right hand for over a week now, but you live and learn.

6. Sunny days with a crisp chill in the air

I love those sunny autumn days when the sun is shining, the sky is a flawless stroke of blue, and there's a crisp chill in the air, especially when autumn is just beginning, and it's clear summer is over for another year. There's something really refreshing about it after a long hot summer, and I love feeling the cool air against my face while the rest of me is wrapped up warm in cosy layers.

7. Dark evenings spent crafting

I'll admit I'm not a fan of the short hours of daylight and long dark nights we get at this time of year, but I like to make the most of all those extra hours spent indoors by doing lots of crafting. I put on a movie or two, get comfortable, and spend the autumn evenings working on Christmas craft projects like cross stitches, hoop art, felt wreaths, and even some painting. I'm always in my element at this time of year when I can just craft away to my heart's content.

8. Spending rainy days reading and having movie marathons

Is there anything better than curling up under a cosy blanket on a cold rainy day, and getting lost in a good book, having a movie marathon, or binge-watching your current favourite box-set while the rain lashes against the windows? If there is, I don't want to know about it. They're the best activities for days like today. I love being able to journey to another world without leaving the comfort of my bed or sofa.

9. Eating hearty comfort food

Another undeniably good thing about autumn has got to be the food. When it's cold outside, you just can't beat hearty homemade comfort food like shepherd's pie, soup with fresh crusty bread, Sunday roasts, and my Mum's apple pie and custard. Autumn Sundays were always the best growing up as it usually brought a roast, and a homemade apple pie, upside-down-cake, or rice pudding for dessert

10. Memories of childhood autumns

I've lived in the same town all my life, so memories of my childhood days are everywhere, and I can't help getting all nostalgic at this time of year. Seeing conkers on the trees reminds me of squeezing in tiny gaps between garden fences and the fence line of the RAF base near our house to collect fallen conkers with my friends when I was little. The best part was always pulling the pods apart to get to the conkers inside. Even simple things like seeing seasonal produce in the supermarkets takes me back to Harvest Festival at primary school. Someone (possibly the local bakery) made a decorative loaf of bread for the school every year, which always included a little harvest mouse in the design, and it always looked so damn cute. I miss those days.

11. Candles

I love lighting a seasonal scented candle at this time of year, and unwinding in the glow of candle-light. I find it so cosy and relaxing on the long dark evenings, and, as I only tend to light candles during autumn and winter, it still feels like a real treat. I love the smell of autumn candle fragrances, especially Yankee Candle's Tarte Tatin, Pain au Raisin, and Salted Caramel. Basically anything that smells like baked goods.

12. Preparing for Christmas

As a self-confessed Christmas addict, as soon as we get to September, my mind always turns to Christmas, and I love to spend the autumn months preparing for the festive season. From getting stuck in to Christmas crafts and Christmas shopping, to preparing content for Blogmas and shooting my festive photos, I enjoy spending those dismal grey autumn months planning for my favourite time of year.

So, those are some of my favourite things about Autumn... what are yours?

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