'Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;
Lengthen night and shorten day;
Every leaf speaks bliss to me
Fluttering from the autumn tree.'
Fluttering from the autumn tree.'
Fall, Leaves, Fall - Emily Bronte
Officially autumn started nearly a month ago on September 22nd here in the UK. I'm already pining for warm summer evenings and long hours of daylight but I know that I have to be patient and embrace the cooler, darker seasons. Autumn brings with it evenings to cuddle up on the sofa, some great TV on the box and all the jumpers I can buy before my bank account officially divorces me. With that in mind I wanted to set some Autumn Goals and a Bucket List to get me through the season.
Autumn Goals
At the moment it feels like all my spare time is spent either looking at houses or viewing houses, we have 5 today alone. We aren't in a hurry to buy a house but we have started the first steps to actually buying one and it's all got very real. I find that I am forever frustrated with the processes and disappointments that come with the task of house hunting but this is often balanced out by the prospect of a house really being the one.
The similarities to tinder are a little overwhelming.
Profile pictures that are deceiving. Turning up and it not looking as pristine as in the photo. Disappointment and last minute cancellations. All balanced out by the hope of finding the one.
I would also like to take this opportunity to apologise for the house/interiors spam that is more than likely going to hit the blog. It's already been an avalanche over on Pinterest.
Keep Improving
I'm trying to make small improvements across the board in areas such as fitness, routines, work and study.
Making sure that I do my 10,000 steps a day. Signing up to a new Amazon fitness class. Going for the odd run. Getting up on my alarm and not 9 minutes, or more, later. Putting all the washing away at the time, not leaving it a couple of days. Eat better foods. Do a full skincare routine everyday not just every other. Less heat styling on my hair.
All are little goals that I think will help me keep improving to achieve some bigger goals that I have.
Start my side hustle
I've wanted a side hustle for a while. Originally my blog was going to be it but after 2 years I still haven't cashed a cheque through it and I kinda like it that way. I like that I don't feel the pressure to write something for money. I'm always open to making money on here but I decided that after seeing friends have successful side businesses that I want in on the action.
The plan is already in action and I am super excited for what lies ahead. It's something that I love and think will be really fun. I've designed logo's, packaging and my first tests will probably be happening this weekend, delivery dependant.
Make sure to watch this space. I hope you guys will like it too.
Autumn Bucket List
Drink Mulled Cider
Being a west country girl, cider is always on the menu but mulled cider has a very special place in my heart. The apple and cinnamon combination tastes divine and I love how on cold evenings you can feel it warming you up from the inside.
Go to a Pumpkin Patch
Every year I see gorgeous photos of people who have gone to Pumpkin Patches to select their halloween pumpkin while I frantically rush to all the supermarkets in the hope that they haven't sold out and the ones left are round and not mouldy. This year I want to change that.
Try out some Halloween Make Up
This is something that I always say I'm going to try and don't. My make up skills are minimal. I can't perfect an eyeliner flick and I find I'm always a little too lazy with applying my make up. Halloween is such a great excuse though to get experimental that I might just have to bite the bullet and give it a go. All suggestions of what to try are welcome.
Bake Ghoost Egg Brownies
This is basically just an excuse to eat Creme Egg Brownies which are still my favourite brownie that I have ever made.
Jump in a Pile of Leaves
Because simply, why not? It was such a fun thing to do as a kid and hear the crunch of the crispy leaves beneath my shoes.
Embrace all the cosy winter sweaters
And embrace them with arms wide open is my motto. There is nothing better and more comforting that the cosiest of jumpers. This season I am lusting for Red, Pearl embellished and cashmere.
Go for a walk at the Arboretum
Well, as you can see from the photos, I've already done this and it was amazing. I love visiting the arboretum and I'm so lucky that it's only 30 minutes in the car away from my house. I've already booked for go back for their enchanted christmas event. It feels like you enter a serene bubble away from the world full of rich colours and nature at it's finest.
See Fireworks on Bonfire Night
Fireworks are just magical. I love the oohs and aahs of the crowd, the pop's and bangs of the display and the amazing colours. My favourites are the squealers and the fireworks that look like glittery bumblebees leaving the hive. What are yours?
Visit Mrs Potts Chocolate Shop for Hot Chocolate
An entire shop/cafe dedicated to chocolate. Need I say more.
Best of all it's right here in Bristol.
What could be more autumnal that stuffing my face with all the chocolate I can fit and drinking liquid 'hot' chocolate? Who need's a summer body in winter?
Carve a Pumpkin
I love carving pumpkins each year and now I've got James hooked too!
I've tried owls, wolves, bat's and skeletons. I need to get on Pinterest now for this year's idea!
Bake an Apple Pie
I love baking and apple pie is something that I have never made. Apple crumble - yes, Pie - no. I really want to give it a go. I'm thinking Apple, Cinnamon and Salted Caramel?
Spend a whole day under a blanket watching films
Because why not? I'm often rushing around trying to do everything under the sun. I'm always told that if you give me an hour spare I will fill it with something. Well now I'm tasking myself to spend an entire day just really doing nothing. I've got really into a show on Netflix called Reign which is an embellished series about Mary Queen of Scots, with some seriously amazing fashion. I also have Suits to finish and so many more series on my watchlist. Autumn seems like the perfect time to embrace these.
What's on your Autumn Bucket List? Follow me on Bloglovin', Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see how I get on.