What Autumn Means to Me…

I get this feeling in the bottom of my stomach, as soon as the temperature starts to drop, the evening air changes, and the scents and colours come alive. It’s this overwhelming feeling of excitement and anticipation, much like you get as a child on Christmas Eve.. and I get it every single year, around about this time. 

I love autumn, I love it so much. Every year, my preparations are the same. Scented candles are ordered in abundance – Jo Malone English Oak & Hazelenut, Yankee Candle Warm Autumn Evenings, and White Company Autumn are essentials – my H&M knitwear online browsing time skyrockets, blankets are resurrected from the cupboard, and Halloween and bonfire night plans are already firmly set in place. 

I can’t wait… I can’t wait to be tucked up on the sofa with my dog – who tends to go all sleepy and cuddly with the weather change – watching shows such as Bake Off and The Apprentice. The return of Bake Off always sees me venturing into the kitchen whipping up comfort treats galore, an integral part of my autumn plans. My sweet tooth springs to life at this time of the year, toffee apples, toasted marshmallows, comforting cups of thick hot chocolate laden with cream… I’ll take it all.

Chelsea boots are planted firmly back on my feet, ready to crunch over deliciously crisp leaves in the most wonderful shades of amber, red and brown. You just can’t beat those gorgeous autumnal walks, around 5pm where it’s not freezing, but it’s cool enough to warrant a coat, and maybe your favourite scarf. The air has that slightly burnt smell to it, and with that comes a magical feeling of comfort and happiness. And how about that most wonderful feeling you get stepping back inside from an autumnal walk, the feeling of the heat touching your cheeks and making your face and toes tingle, pulling off your shoes and settling down for a cup of tea and an hour with your favourite book. 

Even the rainy days are good. Again, it’s that kind of rain where it’s not horrible, freezing and blustery. Instead it’s a warm patter on the fallen leaves, which makes for perfect window watching; and brings the woodlands to life. You don’t even mind getting caught in it, brolly pending, as at this time there’s none of those awful winds that allow it to catch your face. Walking through the woodland in that kind of rain is a delight for the senses. 

September is the usual back to school time, and that always inspires me – even at my age – to invest in new stationery. There’s something so exciting and inviting about a fresh pen, and notebook; and for some reason the beginning of Autumn gives me a sense of fresh starts as a whole. We refresh our wardrobes, our makeup collections, we start preparing our homes for all the events that December brings. We’re rested from our summer breaks, and ready to start afresh. 

Autumn for me is my happy place, it’s where I feel most at home. Welcome back Autumn, I’ve missed you.