It’s the first official day of Autumn, and you know what that means! It’s time for my annual ABCs of Autumn post, where I round up all the seasonal things that I’d like to do this year.
You can read past autumn posts here (2016, 2015, 2014, 2013)
Apple cider flavoured everything. It’s not very common but I love proper American apple cider (cider isn’t alcohol in America which is a shock to UK readers, sometimes), apple cider donuts with cinnamon sugar, apple cider cakes….
Bonfire Night. It will be our first Bonfire Night in York after years of seeing the Crystal Palace Fireworks. But Guy Fawkes was born in York, so surely it’s the perfect place to be for it?
Christmas shopping. That’s right, everyone. I’m one of those annoying people who likes to have it all done pre-December.
Develop my social media channels more. I have a few goals that I’d like to hit soon. (1000 on Pinterest and 5000 on twitter and instagram.) Also to encourage more newsletter sign ups.
Evenings in. There’s no better excuse to curl up at home under a blanket than the fact that the daylight is getting shorter and much colder.
Foliage. I love when the leaves change colours and there are pops of vibrant reds, oranges and yellow around. (I just dislike when they fall off the trees altogether and we are surrounded by bareness.)
Go to a pick your own farm. And find some tasty apples and maybe a pumpkin or two.
Halloween! Usually my Halloweens in the UK are fairly low-key, but I love Halloween. (My favourite being 2 years ago when I did a ton of research and led Sam on a personal ghost-tour of the Highgate/Hampstead area and then we stopped at DumDum for ghostly themed donuts)
Instructing Harold in the ways of “being a good dog”. I’m desperate to get him housetrained before the winter sets in. (Mostly so that I can unroll our rug in the living room, which has been stored upstairs in the office since his arrival.)
Jumping in leaf piles is still socially acceptable once you’re in your late twenties/early 30s, right?
Kitchen-time is more fun. Baking and cooking becomes cosier and a lot more hygge the second it starts getting cold and I love spending a whole Sunday by the stove making a full-meal.
Lock in a tattoo appointment. I’ve picked out an artist that I really love (she specialises in beautiful watercolour tattoos, now I just need to find an opening in her schedule.)
Movie marathons. Scary movies around Halloween, and then after that the inaugural Harry Potter movie marathon. (To see how many times I inevitably cry.)
New starts. Something about the school year starting back again always feels like more of a “new start” time of year than January 1st does for me. It’s a great time to set some new goals and habits.
Open fires. One day Sam and I will have one of our own, but until then we’ll have to continue to find dog-friendly pubs with large roaring open-fires.
Pumpkin in all things. It’s my inner-American coming out but I’m obsessed with all things pumpkin flavour. And luckily for me, I’ve converted Sam as well!
Quiet time. Summer has been fairly full on, and nearly all my weekends are booked up for the autumn already but I’m looking forward to some quiet weeknight evenings at home.
Read ghost stories. I always love a good spooky tale or movie, but I especially love curling up with a creepy read whilst the rain is lashing against the window.
Scarves, jumpers, boots. Cozy clothing that makes me feel snuggly and safe, for the win!
Thanksgiving. This will be my 8th Thanksgiving in the UK which seems incredible! That means nearly 1/3 of my Thanksgivings on this planet have been abroad. Last year we didn’t get to properly celebrate as we had just moved up to York, were waiting for all our furniture to arrive and have hoards of builders doing last-minute repairs (that were supposed to be finished well before we moved in – the perils of renting!)
Uniform wardrobe. I’m trying to create my own semi-capsule/uniform wardrobe for the autumn/winter and I have my eye on a few new pieces.
Vacations to new and old places! I have a press trip to Berlin lined up, as well as a weekend in Bratislava and Faro to look forward to this autumn.
Walks outside. I like walking all the time, but there’s something especially magical about being out in nature in the crisp air and light mist.
Xylophone band practice. You should hear our York group. We have a completely different sound from the old London affair.
Yoga and dance classes. At the studio I love, there are no classes during the term holidays so I’m excited to get back into it!
Zzzz. Sleeping in the Autumn is so much more satisfying than summer sleeps. Just think about how hard it is to leave your warm and cozy duvet.
“I’m glad to live in a world where there are Octobers” L. M. Montgomery
