Polka Spots and Freckle Dots: Autumn Goals

Autumn Goals

I can't believe that we're already a week in to September! Where have the last eight months of the year gone?! I feel like I blinked and missed them- but that's probably because I've only left the house a handful of times all year, and haven't been out living life to the full. I honestly feel like I've missed the whole summer, and it makes me a little sad to think of all the things I've not done this year.

But, hey; it's September and we're heading in to autumn, so it's time for fresh starts and second chances. I'm so excited for the last third of the year, and hopeful that I'm able to enjoy the next few months a little more, and make up for lost time. I'm already thinking about all the fun autumn things I want to do over the next couple of months, as well as some other less-seasonal tasks, and I thought I'd talk about some of them today to try to encourage myself to start doing them, and make myself accountable. Maybe it'll work this year.

These are some of my autumn goals:

Take a Holiday to Cornwall

Okay, it's not autumnal, but my first goal for the month is to make it through a week's holiday to Cornwall. We're going away soon, and I can't wait to be back by the sea in one of my favourite places, taking in all the familiar sights, sounds, and smells, doing some sight-seeing, and eating lots of yummy food. Some of the things I hope to do while I'm there include:

♥ Visit Perranporth Beach

♥ Explore Portreath.

♥ Go to Padstow.

♥ Spend a day at St. Ives

♥ Get Rick Stein Fish 'n' Chips

♥ Take a walk on the beach.

♥ Paddle in the sea.

♥ Sight see by tour bus.

♥ Go on a boat trip to try to spot some sea life.

♥ Dine at some cool restaurants,

♥ Find some good independent book shops to bankrupt myself in.

Take a Walk in the Woods When the Leaves Fall

I'd really like to take a walk in the woods when the leaves fall to take in all of the beautiful colours, enjoy the fresh air, and hear the leaves crunch beneath my boots.

Crunch Through Fallen Leaves

Maybe I'm just a big child, but there's something so satisfying about the sound of dead leaves crunching underfoot, and getting buried in leaves up to your shins. I want lots of that this year, please. It reminds me of being little.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

I've still never visited a pumpkin patch, and would love to go to one to pick out a pumpkin or two, and take a few photos for the 'gram.

Carve a Pumpkin

I wasn't well enough to carve a pumpkin last Halloween, so fingers crossed I'll be able to carve one this fright night. It's tradition.

Bake an Apple Pie

I haven't baked in ages because it hurts my back too much these days, but I miss baking something tasty from scratch, and want to try to make an apple pie this autumn. I mean, seriously- is there anything better than warming up with a freshly-baked slice of apple pie and custard straight from the oven on a chilly autumn evening? It's the best autumn comfort food ever.

Read Lots

Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year for reading. I don't know why, but there's something extra cosy about curling up under a blanket in bed and burying your nose in a good book when there's a crisp chill in the air, and an explosion of autumn colour to inspire the imagination. I want to find plenty of time to read this autumn, and work on completing my Goodreads reading goal before the busy Christmas season slows me down. I'm currently on book 32 of the year, and only have another 8 to go to hit my goal, so it should be doable if I keep up my current pace.

Go to a Fireworks Display

I'd really like to make it to a fireworks display on Bonfire Night. I haven't gone to one in over a decade now, and I miss it. I used to go every year since childhood to the one on my local RAF base, and I hear this year could be the last year they have one, as they're set to build on the playing field where it's always been held. It'll be the end of an era, so I have to go one last time.

Make my Animal Crossing Island Look All Autumnal

In case you were wondering (of course you weren't), I'm still addicted to Animal Crossing New Horizons, and I can't wait to start enjoying the autumn season in game. I've just started a new island, and I'm looking forward to making it look super autumnal with pumpkins and spooky stuff everywhere. I'm currently working on building a farm area so I can make a cute little pumpkin patch.

Make a Halloween Cross Stitch

I've never made a Halloween cross stitch before, and I think 2022 is the year to change that. I just need to find a cool pattern I like.

Watch Lots of Autumn Movies

I love a good movie marathon during the autumn months, and I'm already itching to watch all the cosy autumn movies and creepy classics. Actually, screw horror movies, I'm most looking forward to rewatching Practical Magic, You've Got Mail, Hocus Pocus, and War of the Worlds.

Visit The Cotswold Wildlife Park

I haven't paid a visit to my local zoo yet this year, which is just wrong, so I'm hoping to find time to go in the next month or so. It would be weird to go a year without making the pilgrimage, and they've just had some Pallas cat kittens that I'd love to go see.

Take an Autumn Drive Through The Cotswolds

I live on the edge of The Cotswolds, and it's particularly beautiful during the fall, when there's a backdrop of fiery colours everywhere you turn. Sometimes we go on autumn drives through the countryside and pretty little villages just to take it all in, and it's something I'd like to do again this year. You never know what you're going to find.

Revamp My Bookshelves

There's one thing I must do this season, and that's finally finding the spoons to reorganise my bookshelves. I've been needing to declutter and revamp them for a couple of years, and with piles of books getting closer and closer to the ceiling, I really can't leave it much longer. I began moving my DVDs out of their cases in to a couple of folders in August, so I just need to get some boxes so I can store the empty cases, and then I'll have more rooms for books, and be able to start organising them. I need to be ruthless and get rid of anything I no longer love or can't see myself rereading, and by the time I'm done, I should have lovely, tidy bookshelves with room left over for lots of new ones.

Have a Clear Out

I also want to try to start decluttering the rest of my bedroom. I'm so over all the mess. I've got too many things that I no longer use and a lot that I've just out grown over the years, as my tastes have changed, and I've got older. I want to go through everything and sell or donate anything I no longer want or need- even if I know realistically I'll probably not get enough 'good' pain days to do it all before the New Year. What would take me an afternoon pre-chronic-pain now takes me years. I at least hope to make a start on having a clear out, even if I only manage to get through one area, like my wardrobe or under my bed.

Buy a New Pair of Ankle Boots

I desperately need a new pair of black wear-with-everything ankle boots as I wore out my last pair, so I need to buy a pair this season. Hopefully I'll actually find some I like this year, as last year's selection of wide-fit boots was crap.

Start My Christmas Shopping

I can't believe I'm saying this because I'd swear it was Christmas two minutes ago, but it's the time of year when I like to actively start Christmas shopping. It might seem early, but starting early is the only way I can afford to get my family and friends gifts, and it's the best way to spread the cost and find the best presents before all the good things sell out. Time to get on it. I want to be organised early this year.

There are more goals on my autumn bucket list, but I've waffled on enough already, so I'll stop here. Plus, this is more than enough to keep me busy for a while. I don't know if I'll be able to achieve them all, but I hope I can, and I'm going to give them all my best shot. Wish me luck!

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

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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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25 Things I Want To Do This Autumn

Can you believe we're already a week in to September? Where has the time gone? This year is passing so fast!

I know it's not officially Autumn here in the northern hemisphere until the 23rd, but it's already beginning to feel like Autumn here in The Cotswolds. The leaves have already started to change, the nights have started drawing in, and there's a noticeable chill in the air today. It was absolutely freezing when I woke up this morning, and I'm still cocooned up under a blanket now. It seems like summer is almost over for another year.

I'm not ready for the nights to draw in, but I am looking forward to Autumn, and all the fun Autumn activities, pastimes, and scenery we'll soon be able to enjoy. In fact, I've already come up with a bunch of things I want to do this Autumn, and I thought I'd share some of them with you today. So here are 25 things I want to do this Autumn...

1. Finish my cross stitch mandala

I started another colourful mandala cross stitch (this one) a few weeks ago, and I want to dedicate lots of time to cross stitching it this Autumn. I'm hoping to have it finished by mid October at the latest so I can then get working on some new Christmas designs. Wish me luck!

2. Paint the wooden house-shaped shelving unit

Back in the Spring, I bought a wooden house-shaped display box with little compartments for displaying little things (this one), that I intended to paint and use to house some of my nail polish collection. Six months later, I still haven't got around to it, so it's time to get it done. I bought a new paint brush for the job yesterday, so I have no excuse now.

3. Make my Christmas wreaths

After the success of my felt spring wreaths, I've decided to make some felt Christmas wreaths, too, and I'm being proactive and making them now so that they'll be ready to hang on time. I've already made a start, but it's time to get stuck in and get creating or I'll still be working on them in the New Year. I might also make myself an Autumn wreath if I can come up with a good design, but one thing at a time.

4. Make a brooch display board

I'm also hoping to make some kind of brooch display board this Autumn to showcase my ever-growing collection of brooches, and make it easier to see them all and choose which one to wear when I get dressed. I haven't got a plan as such, I just know it's time I made one.

5. Paint more

I haven't done a whole lot of painting lately, but I'm going to do my best to do more of it this Autumn because it's another hobby I really enjoy, and I miss it. Am I the only one who wants to make and create all the things as soon as summer is over?

6. Take lots of blog photos

Every blogger in the UK knows that our winter daylight is shit; it's so dark and dreary, and there's very little of it, which makes capturing the perfect blog photos a nightmare from about October to April. I don't have studio lights, so I'm hoping to take as many photos for future blog posts as I can before the nights draw in and we lose the bright summer daylight for another year. The only problem is, I've just broken my bridge camera (it fell off my bed and now the lens is jammed and it won't turn on), and I don't know what I'm going to do as I can't afford to replace it... so I might have to use my iPhone for a while... (Also, sorry about the old photos I had to use for today's post because of said broken camera).

7. Blog lots

I have so many blog posts I want to write this Autumn, and I'm going to do my best to blog as much as possible. Health allowing, of course.

8. Read lots

Autumn is definitely the time for curling up under a cosy blanket with a good book or ten, and I want to do lots of it this season. I'm already on my second book of the month (The Handmaid's Tale), so I'm off to a good start already.

9. Have lots of Autumn / Halloween movie marathons

I'm looking forward to having lots of Autumn / Halloween-themed movie marathons this fall, while wrapped up warm under a cosy blanket on those chilly Autumn days / evenings. I've got lots of Autumn horror movie favourites, but to be honest, I'm most looking forward to rewatching Hocus Pocus, Practical Magic, You've Got Mail, and Little Women for the millionth time.

10. Up my survey answering game to afford Christmas presents

I've been slacking lately and haven't participated in as many paid surveys as I used to because I CBA, but I'm determined to get back in to the swing of things and dedicate more time to it this Autumn to help pay for Christmas presents. I paid for last year's Christmas presents through surveys alone, so I can definitely do the same again this year. If you want to learn more about earning money through participating in surveys, you can learn everything you need to know here.

11. Finish my Christmas shopping

I actually started my Christmas shopping earlier in the year and have several presents stowed away already, but with Christmas just over three months away, I want to actively start shopping for the rest, and hopefully have all my Christmas shopping finished by December.

12. Try to wrap Christmas presents as I buy them

With my chronic pain and chronic illnesses, I find December exhausting and painful, especially wrapping presents which always inflicts an unbearable amount of pain and stiffness on me, that can take me weeks to recover from. After the state wrapping presents left me in last Christmas, I've vowed to try to wrap my Christmas presents as I go along this year, or at least tackle them in a couple of sittings before December to take some of the pressure off in the run up to Christmas. Challenge accepted.

13. Plan and schedule Christmas blog content

I know December is still months away, but I also want to start preparing and scheduling some of my Christmas content now so I have more time to relax and enjoy the festivities with my family during the festive season. I don't want to stress about putting a blog post together when I could be decking the halls or having a Christmas movie marathon instead.

14. Train Rosie to stop barking

My Tibetan terrier is a vocal little lady, and loves to bark at anything that moves and every little noise she hears. It's getting a little tiresome and I'm sure our neighbours don't appreciate the noise, so I'm going to work on clicker training her to stop barking when we ask her to. I will crack this!

15. Go to the bonfire and watch the fireworks

It's been years since I last made it to our town's bonfire on bonfire night as I've not been well enough to go, but I really want to make it this year... or at least find a good spot to watch some fireworks. Going to the bonfire was always one of my favourite Autumn activities.

16. Take an Autumn walk

I'd love to take at least one Autumn walk in the countryside (or at least somewhere with lots of trees), to crunch through paths of fallen Autumn leaves, breathe in the crisp air, and appreciate the pretty foliage. I always love being outdoors during the Autumn, and the more time I spend trapped indoors, the more I long to be outside, close to nature.

17. Buy new ankle boots and ballet pumps

My black ankle boots and my ballet pumps are falling apart (not to mention making my feet burn), so I must buy myself some new ones this Autumn before I start looking like a street urchin. I haven't found any I like yet, though.

18. Treat myself to some new clothes

I haven't bought any new clothes in the longest time, and I really need and want to treat myself to a few new dresses and some knitwear in gorgeous Autumn colours like burgundy, raspberry, forest green, mustard, teal, rust, and plum to wear this A/W.

19. Dye my hair

My hair is also in dire need of a touch up ASAP. I haven't managed to dye my hair since May and my roots are getting ridiculous, so I must push through the pain and get it done again soon. I also need a hair cut, but I think that's going to have to wait until after Christmas.

20. Organise my dressing table drawers

It's been a while since I last tidied my make up drawers, and right now they're a total mess. They're long over due a tidy, so I must find some time to pull everything out, bin anything past its best, and reorganise it all. I'll probably share photos of it when I do.

21. Decorate the house for Autumn

I feel the urge to bring Autumn in to the house, by adding a few pumpkins, foliage, and homeware in Autumn colours, and I'd like to give it a try this year. Perhaps I should make an Autumn wreath to hang up, after all. And also treat myself to a bunch of giant sunflowers? I could even make a felt Autumn leaf garland or a pom pom garland using wool in Autumn colours!

22. Carve a pumpkin

I wasn't well enough to carve a pumpkin last year, so I'm all the more determined to carve me a Jack O' Lantern this year. I love the smell of them when they're lit afterwards.

23. Make pumpkin dog biscuits for Rosie

I'd then like to make some homemade pumpkin dog biscuits for Rosie using the pumpkin flesh I scoop out. Or maybe I'll just buy a pumpkin especially to make her some.

24, Make French onion soup

My sister keeps bugging me to make her some French onion soup because it's been years since I last made some, so I'm hoping to oblige when the weather gets colder, and I'm having a "good" pain day. It is delicious, if I do say so myself.

25. Start saving for concert adventures

I'm aiming to go on some new concert adventures in the New Year, so it's about time I started saving anything I can now (and over the next few months) so I can afford to go. I really should do another clear out to raise some extra pennies for it, too.

So, those are my Autumn goals; what are yours? What do you want to achieve this Autumn?

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