Hi my lovely readers!

Can you believe it is almost October?

I know I cannot, but it is true. The weather is telling me that summer is over and autumn is truly on its way now.

I love autumn, it is one of my favourite seasons, well I love every season actually. I always look forward to a few things and here are my top five for you today.

1. GOING FOR AUTUMN WALKS

If you like being active and outside instead of cuddling up under a blanket at home, go for an autumn walk.

I love the autumn season. The colours of the leaves change from green to a dark red and beautiful gold, you get to collect chestnuts and I always look forward to getting back inside for a hot chocolate or maybe a boozy Amaretto Chai Tea?

The National Trust has some great walks here in the UK where social distancing is no problem at all, such as Hindhead Commons. You can walk for miles and miles if you fancy while enjoying the beautiful scenery Britain has to offer.

Or just go for a walk around your neighbourhood or local park and observe the changing of the season there. No matter where you are, go outside a bit and breath in the fresh air and smells of autumn.

2. VISITING THE NATIONAL TRUST AND ENGLISH HERITAGE SITES

If you feel like getting your culture fix, go and visit one of the many National Trust and English Heritage sites this autumn. You can even combine your visit with an autumn walk as most sites have big grounds and gardens.

I am a huge fan of these two organisations as they look after, preserve and conserve historic sites and landscapes around the UK, which is of vital importance.

They have social distancing measures in place including one way systems, plenty of hand sanitisers, limited visitor numbers with timed entrance and of course wearing of face masks. I have been to a few houses now and felt they were managed appropriately.

Plus, some of the National Trust houses will be decorated with an autumn theme in mind that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and maybe get you inspired to do something fun or decorate your house, too.

You will not be cramped, you will learn something new, just like I did when I visited the English Heritage site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings and you will have a nice day and pleasant day out away from too many people.

3. GETTING COMFY INSIDE

With Covid cases rising again and new government lockdown restrictions in place, making yourself comfy at home is a good option going forward as well, especially when it is cold and rainy outside.

It is time again for game night’s, comfort food – check out my Apple Pie recipe and perhaps some crafty projects such as knitting, card and jewellery making. Taking up those hobbies again that require you to stay inside is a great way to pass those long and dark autumn and winter days.

4. INVESTING IN PAMPERING TIME AND SELFCARE

The cold and darker days are approaching and we are slowly going back to hibernation mode. The fluffy socks and blanket is coming out, the heating goes back on and our skin is going to be hidden for the next half a year under layers and layers of clothes once more.

I met a few friends during summer outdoors in the parks, which was great. But with the cold weather approaching and many of us perhaps not being so comfortable meeting friends indoors as well as new lockdown restrictions in place, it is more important than ever this autumn and winter to keep our spirits up and to stay positive.

I was just advised last week by my employer to work from home again, so I will have plenty of time to invest in some pampering time. This may be different from person to person, but for me this means investing time in looking after myself in the form of taking some hot bubble baths, switching up my skincare routine to suit the colder months, reading those books that have been on my list for forever and taking up my crafting hobbies again.

These are all activities that I can do on my own and indoors. These will hopefully keep me busy and take my mind of.

5. EMBRACE ALL THINGS AUTUMN

There are only certain things that you can do in autumn and this year we need to embrace them even more when we are stuck inside.

Here are a few ideas:

• Pumpkin picking and carving
• Collecting leaves, pine cones and chestnuts for crafting projects
• Celebrate Halloween in one way or another eg. scary movie night
• Mix up your home decoration with some pumpkins, corn on the cobs and so on to give it an autumn twist
• Go mushroom and apple picking

What are you looking forward to this October?