It’s time for a little list of all the things I love, that make me feel happy, cosy, and content – right in time for autumn…
Podcasts
I’ve recently discovered the most amazing podcast, which I’m near on obsessed with – Stories from the Village of Nothing Much. It’s a spin off from the famous “Nothing Much Happens” podcast (stories to help you sleep), and whilst the sleepy ones are fab, this is made for daytime listening, and it honestly just makes me feel so happy. I love putting it on in my car and driving for a little coffee and croissant treat, or a fun weekend outing – I look forward to every single story, and I find that they make my days much more mindful too, I can’t recommend this one enough.
Another gorgeous podcast I discovered this year is “As the Season Turns”. It’s a monthly podcast, put out on the 1st of every month, and celebrates all things that the month ahead has to offer. Expect folklore, foraging, facts, and fun. It’s such easygoing, gentle listening, and is perfect for anyone who enjoys living seasonally.
Another one of my favourites has to be “The Wellness Cafe”, the host just does such an amazing job of connecting with her listeners, and helping to make you feel really uplifted, positive, and put together. I never miss an episode of this, and I’d say it’s one of my all time favourites. It’s like a huge girly hug.
In terms of fiction, I really really enjoy horror podcasts, especially at this time of the year. The best. fictional. podcast. EVER. Literally, ever, has to be “The Magnus Archives” – please, if you love anything spooky – do yourself a favour and give it a listen, it’s absolutely addictive. “Petrified” is pretty amazing too, but it hasn’t been updated in a while, and I’m desperate for more! I also couldn’t get enough of BCC Sounds “Tracks”, though I’d say more of a psychological thriller, I was so, so sad that this one came to an end, but in a nice satisfying way, I have to say. “Lusus”, “Close Your Eyes”, and “The Lovecraft Investigations” have also been fantastic discoveries in the horror / mystery genre.
Then if you want really cosy – I’ve just started with this lovely lot: “All things Cozy”, “Cozy Club”, “The Comfy Cozy Witch”, and “The Cozy Gamer Cast”.
Books
The Haunting of Aveline Jones – Phil Hickes
North Woods – Daniel Mason
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe – Laurie Gilmore
Accidental Magic – Iris Beaglehole
Rewatched – Lucy Jane Wood
Impractical Magic – Emily Grimoire
The God of the Woods – Liz Moore
Games
Animal Crossing – Need I say more? The ultimate cosy game, and one of my favourite ever hobbies. Just a gentle, relaxing, fun, engrossing, easy going game – it has the most gorgeous, aesthetically pleasing graphics, and incorporates the seasons beautifully. It’s just perfection.
Disney Dreamlight Valley – This game is 100% worth the money. It’s incredible. There is so much to do, and it’s again just so relaxing, uplifting and easy going. Imagine The Sims crossed with Animal Crossing, but with Disney incorporated, and you have this game. One of the best cosy gaming releases ever.
Fae Farm – Whilst it’s not on par with Animal Crossing, it’s probably the next best thing after Disney Dreamlight Valley. I really really enjoy this game, especially the beautiful graphics and designs included within it. It seems to keep expanding at the moment too, so fingers crossed that momentum continues, as I’ve really been enjoying it.
Garden Witch Life – This is like a smaller version of Fae Farm. It’s very aesthetically pleasing, and is perfect for cosying up on the sofa with a nice hot chocolate. Beautiful graphics, and gorgeous little storylines.
Mail Time – Although a short game, this is set in the most beautifully designed world, and brings complete relaxation and escapism. I really wish this developer would bring out some more lovely little games like this, as it’s just perfect for settling down with under a blanket.
Sweet TreatsΒ
Cinnamon buns, my favourite sweet treat, especially at this time of the year. If you want a quick (ish) and easy way to make them at home, M&S do a really great box mix that won’t see you wrong. For something a bit more indulgent, and requiring less work – Cinnabon deliver – and their cinnamon buns are GOOD. You can heat them up too, for a really cosy experience. That cream cheese frosting, I could eat it by the bucketful.
Cake Tin Bakery – The best online sweet treat delivery service ever. I’ve bought so many cookie and brownie boxes from here, I can’t tell you – and they are always incredible. This place makes me so happy, and is perfect for a cinema night at home treat.
Finch Bakery – Again, another incredible bake house that delivers nation wide! Think cake cars, brownies, cookies, brookies – you name it. Fast delivery, and impressive flavours. A plus is that they’re always ridiculously sized too – no one is complaining there.
S’mores – Nothing says end of summer celebration like roasted marshmallows and s’mores. Such an easy, fun, comfort snack – and you can even make an occasion out of it with friends and family.
Popcorn Seasoning – I’ve really been into flavoured popcorn seasoning recently. I heard it on one of my favourite cosy podcasts, and have been obsessed ever since. I discovered a gorgeous cinnamon toast flavoured one, as well as buttery caramel corn. Very American, I know, but perfect for this time of the year. A really simple, fun little addition to turn an ordinary snack into something more special.
Flavoured Hot Drinks – Hotel Chocolat do the best flavoured hot chocolates, ever. Black Forest gateaux and caramelised pineapple are my favourite, but they have so many, you can’t really go wrong. Every Christmas Eve I love to make a little hot chocolate bar for my family with all the different flavours, and offer up loads of different toppings too. I’m also obsessed with the Monin apple pie and cinnamon roll coffee syrups this year to really elevate my morning drinks.
LifestyleΒ
Coffee and a Croissant – I’m here for the 2024 rise of the pastry, I really am. There’s nothing I love more on a Saturday morning than taking myself off to my favourite bakery for a coffee and a pastry. Even better when I play one of my favourite podcasts on the drive there. Just a lovely, relaxed and slow way to spend a weekend morning.
Fluffy Socks – The best places to grab a pair that will last are Arket, The White Company, Pairs Scotland, The Wool Company, and Johnstons of Elgin.
Iced Lattes – Obviously, my favourite corner bakery is always my first choice for a little iced latte, but given it only opens two days a week – Starbucks has to be my next call. Iced white chocolate mocha lattes, and obviously pumpkin spice iced lattes are the top of my list.
Jellycats – I don’t really know how to explain the addiction to these. I think they just make people happy, and are a really fun addition to anyone’s life. Seasonal offerings, food items, drinks, hobbies Β – you name it, there’s something for everyone. They make the perfect gift, or the loveliest little self treat.
Magnesium – Spray, bath salts, and supplements. I’m a magnesium addict! I have a monthly subscription to Wild Nutrition, as I find they produce the best supplements, and I take two before bed every night. I’m also obsessed with the BetterYou Magnesium Oil Spray on the bottom of my feet, and any achy muscles too. I just grab my magnesium bath salts on amazon, such a simple and effective luxury.
Toadstool Blankets – This is so niche and random, but I’m a sucker for anything with a toadstool on, and my sister got me a toadstool blanket last Christmas, and it makes me SO happy. I also found the most gorgeous fleecy one online too, that also has plants, candles, and a Nintendo switch on – can you get anymore cosy?
Ceramic Mugs – I adore a ceramic mug, especially the big ones that you can wrap both hands around and get really warm and toasty. Hotel Chocolat velvetisted lattes, mochas and hot chocolates fill mine all autumn and winter long. I can’t wait.
Β Cooking a Roast Dinner – Especially when all the family come around. Cooking for others really brings me alot of joy, and a roast dinner is my favourite meal – so combine the two, and it makes for a pretty perfect day.
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