Ode to Autumn

Every year that goes by I fall deeper and deeper in love with Autumn. It is definitely an under appreciated season. It seems that we are more than happy to welcome Spring with it's sunnier days and cleaning sprees, we adore Summer with its warm weather and barbecues, we love Winter with Christmas and the promise of a brand new and happier year. Autumn is when we groan about the colder days, the rain, mourning the end of Summer and longing for Christmas. But Autumn has so so much wonder to offer. Here's what I love about Autumn:

1. How pretty the trees look all dressed in varying tones of yellow and red.
2. The satisfying crunch of stepping on freshly fallen leaves.
3. Jumping on puddles. Is this not why wellies were invented?
4. The colder days that makes outside feel brisk and indoors so cosy.
5. Long sleeves. There is an inexplicable satisfaction in tugging at your long sleeves as the weather gets colder.
6. Scented candles. I love how cosy a simple scented candle can make a room (particularly sandalwood scented ones), which brings me to the next topic...
7. Hot baths. One of my favourite ways to unwind after a long workday. Get warm and cosy and just chill with a candle and an Autumn playlist.
8. Bonfire night. It's one of my very first memories of when I moved to the UK, going over to the fireworks display, all wrapped up in my coat, scarf and gloves, eating hot dogs and listening to cheesy music while we wait. 
9. Going tea crazy. Peppermint, chai, spiced apple, have your pick! It is one of the easiest ways for me to practice thankfulness, to simply wrap my hands around a hot cuppa and savour the smell, the steam dancing above the mug, the hot comfort and taste of the tea.
10. Sleeping under a heavier duvet. I like to burrow when I sleep. I'm a self-professed burrito sleeper, and I make no apologies. And it's so much yummier to do snuggle under a heavy duvet than with a feather-light summer duvet.
11. Hearty food season! Proper roasts, heart-warming soups, apple crumble with custard, stuffed butternut squash, roasted veg - yum!
12. Crafts season! Get your needles and your yarn ready! It is such a simple pleasure to see something created out of nothing; there is a little bit of wool at the end of your needle, and suddenly it's a two metre scarf!
13. Hallowe'en. I like the idea of Hallowe'en, even though I've never partaken in it much, if I'm being honest. I like the sweets, the films, the dressing up, the excuse to celebrate.
14. Stay in plans. Movie nights, game nights, reading marathons, or simply chatting and snuggling up. In a word: perfection!

I could go on, but I choose to stop boring you now. Also my chai is going cold.

Thankful Thursday #24

It's been a while since I've done one of these. In fairness, it's been a while since I've written anything here, period. I've been monstruously busy, but I'm hoping I can muster this in 5 minutes. Here we go!

1. My boyfriend. He is the most amazing man and has been so incredibly supportive of me in the past few weeks (as always). I wouldn't have been able to achieve as much as I have without him cheering me on and offering me a cup of tea at the right moment (which is always).
2. My job. It's the busiest time of year for us, but I still enjoy showing up for work every day.
3. Having frames on the walls. Yes! Our home is taking shape!
4. Mint tea. Hot or cold, mint tea is always the way!
5. Scrapbooking. It helps me unwind after a busy day and it allows me to get rid of all the magazines I've hoarded for years for the sake of a handful of recipes.
6. Running outside. While I still can, morning runs on the weekend are a thing of bliss.
7. Autumn. The falling leaves, the comfort of long sleeves, the pleasure of a hot cuppa.
8. Our bed. It is one of the purest forms of gratitude I know, the being thankful for a warm comfy bed after a long day.