20 things I love about Autumn!

Hold the phones, people. It’s September 1st and for me that means Autumn has arrived!

Autumn truly is one of my most favourite times of the year and instead of listing 20 things about me, I’m going to list 20 things that are incredible about this brilliant season. I tried to write a post on 20 things about me, but I found it rather difficult listing things about myself, so I would much prefer to write about our beautiful British Autumn.

1. The cooler, fresher mornings. I especially love these types of mornings when walking Bella as it gives me an excuse to get all cosy and put my hat on.
2. Hot chocolate and horlicks. Huge fans of both and there is something magical about heating a pan of milk and then spooning in copious amounts of either of the aforementioned. Bliss!
3. Darker nights. Now I know you’re all going to want to stone me, BUT I really enjoy those dusky evening walks, especially those that end with a pint in the pub.
4. Red wine. I am a seasonal wine drinker – Provence rose in the summer, Sancerre in the Spring/Summer and all of the red wine in the Autumn and Winter. Malbec especially, but I don’t discriminate because the comfort of a big glass of red wine when it’s cold outside is just the best.
5. Hearty, warming food. Now this directly correlates to the above. Big bowls of pasta, soups, stews, slow cooked food that is incredibly tasty and even more some with a big glass of wine. Who’s with me?
6. FIRE. Now it’s no big secret that I’m a pyromaniac – I am counting down the days until our wood burner is installed and I cannot wait for those chilly evenings when I get home, light the fire, take Bella out for a walk and walk back into the house to be greeted by the glow and smell of the woodburner. Is there anything better?
7.  Leaves. The leaves are already starting to turn and the beauty of nature is really spectacular. My favourite place to visit every Autumn is Westonbirt Arboretum – it’s truly a beautiful place to visit when the leaves have properly started to turn, which is usually around mid-October. I always try to time it when it’s a bit chilly, so you can wrap up in your scarf and hat, and kick your way through the leaves all around the arboretum.
8. Birds! As you may be aware I’m a huge fan of birds of prey such as buzzards, red kites and sparrowhawks. However, it’s a bit hard to spot buzzards and red kites stood in the trees as they’re covered by the leaves, but when these start to fall you have a much better chance of spotting them!
9. Spending it in our new home! Undoubtedly, there will be plenty more to do, but in the next month we will have oil heating, bi-fold doors, new kitchen, flooring, working electrics and a bathroom. If that’s not progress I don’t know what is.
10. Moving out of Bear Cottage. Our beautiful, rented cottage has been amazing and I have adored being there, so it will be a bittersweet day when we close the door to a great house to move into our first ever home that we own.
11. Autumnal clothing! Cozy jumpers, scarves, cardigans and layers upon layers upon layers.
12. Wellies. I have a pair of pink Hunter wellies that I’ve owned for a few years now and I love wearing them as it means I can jump in puddles!
13. Cheese. With those cosy evening approaching, sometimes you just need a glass of wine and a chunk of brie whilst you sit next to the fire.
14. Road trips. Living in the beautiful Cotswolds means that sometimes when it’s cold and rainy you can just jump in the car and drive around some amazing villages, look at the scenery and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a barn owl flying over a field just as the sun is setting.
15. Walks. With the cold setting in, it is natural that you spend less time outdoors, so it make it that bit more special when you head out at the weekend for a good walk and take in that fresh, crisp air. The Cotswold Way offers some amazing walks as do the National Trust.
16. Pittville Park in Cheltenham. This is where I took the picture of this beautiful tree last Autumn. This park has a special place in my heart – I lived in Cheltenham for over 12 years and whatever the season, it is always stunning and you can always get an ice cream or hot chocolate, depending on the season.
17. Halloween! Mainly because Halloween means toffee apples and hot dogs – two incredible treats. Oh and sparklers!
18. Leaf picking. Throughout autumn I constantly have pockets full of leaves that have fallen (and now I’ll have to make room for Bella’s poo bags), with the intention of making a collage but I never get around to it! Maybe this is the year.
19. Catching a falling leaf. Now don’t think I’m crazy but I can’t be the only one that constantly tries to catch falling leaves and then turns it into a game their other halves? Please tell me I’m not.
20. Conkers. Again, I collect conkers, but not to play conkers, but to protect our house from HUGE, MASSIVE SPIDERS WHO WILL EAT MY FACE IN MY SLEEP. Now I’m not one for the dramatics, but spiders terrify me and whilst I’m fine with them living outside, I am not happy for them to live in my house, unless they’re paying towards the mortgage.

That’s my list of 20 things to do in Autumn – I could go on (and on) but I think this gives you an idea of things you could do.

Enjoy your Autumn, everyone!

A xx