Whilst I’m not usually a cool weather lady, this summer has been quite high-stress and I’m looking forward to turning over a new leaf with the change in season (no pun intended).
“I’m glad to live in a world where there are Octobers” L. M. Montgomery
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; it’s more like a super rich, spicy version of cloudy apple juice), apple cider donuts with cinnamon sugar, apple cider cakes….
Bonfire Night. I haven’t gone out for it in a few years, mostly because I want to make sure that no fireworks are scaring Harold, but since Guy Fawkes was born in York, maybe I should go to a display this year and cook a jacket potato.
Christmas shopping. That’s right, everyone. I’m one of those annoying people who likes to have it all done pre-December.
Day-trip to Whitby. I’ve been to Whitby multiple times, but with its Bram Stoker connection (the writer of Dracula) an Autumnal visit is a must!
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 colour 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. And an extra gourd.
Halloween! Usually my Halloweens in the UK are fairly low-key, but I love Halloween. This year, I’ll be in a play on Halloween night, but hopefully I can celebrate after the show is over that night.
Instructing. I’m hoping to delver some great English lessons this autumn. I know that I’m not going to be a perfect teacher, but I hope to deliver them as confidently and enthusiastically as possible.
Jumping in leaf piles is still socially acceptable once you’re in your 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.
Learn my lines. I’m in a play that opens at the end of the month and I need to get my lines down.
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. Now that I’m getting settled in to my PGCE course, I know that a lot of my goal setting will be about teacher training.
Open fires. Autumn always makes me think of my very first few months in England (I moved abroad early autumn). The change of seasons will always make me feel nostalgic for a big open fire in Hampstead Village.
Pumpkin in all things. It’s my inner-American coming out but I’m obsessed with all things pumpkin flavour. I’ve had some tinned pumpkin saved up for ages so I’ll use it asap.
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 10th Thanksgiving in the UK which seems incredible! That means nearly 1/3 of my Thanksgivings on this planet have been abroad. As it’s a special anniversary year, I definitely feel the need to commemorate it!
University work. I’m trying to keep on top of all my University work, plus all my additional lesson plans so that I don’t feel too over stressed.
Veg. I love all the hearty veg that is in season over the Autumn. Ultimate comfort foods! Roasted veg is the absolute best. Roasted broccoli? Roasted butternut squash? It doesn’t get much better than that.
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 are definitely gearing up for our jamboree!
Yoga classes. I’m hoping to squeeze in some time at the University sports centre and use their discounted classes.
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.
What are you looking forward to this season?
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
Making the Most of Autumn
ABCs of Autumn (2018)
ABCs of Autumn (2017)
ABCs of Autumn (2016)
ABCs of Autumn (2015)
ABCs of Autumn (2014)
ABCs of Autumn (2013)
