Winter is the most perfect time to snuggle up with something warm and comforting! In our house, we love all things Irish and whilst I am always more than happy to share a good classic stew, I thought I would change things up a bit! Using the best cheeses possible, this recipe gives a really wonderful twist on a truly classic Irish dish!
The next few months are definitely ones that bring a sense of calm and joy! However, for some of us, the lack of sunshine, routine and warm weather can cause a number of problems. Yet, I have found that by creating and doing a few simple things each day there can be a never ending joy when it comes to truly embracing autumn!
Good old fashioned sausage and mash is always fantastic! However, a steaming hot bowl of beautiful risotto is up there too! To mark November and the start of sausage season, as we like to say in our house, I have a delicious recipe to share with you all, which blends the two together! Get those knives, forks and spoons ready for this one!
Books become the centre of my life as soon as the weather changes! There is nothing better than on a rainy day getting all cosy with a new story to lose yourself in! After searching the shops, here are five that I have already added to my busy book shelf this autumn to hibernate away with! It is time to get reading lovelies!
Fall maybe upon us but some of us are still not fully able to embrace the autumn vibes! To help get you all into the cosy spirit, I thought I would share some simple things to do that instantly create wholesome homey vibes! Many of which that are free to do! Find out all about how to make you autumn even better here!
Whilst many of us will be decorating our houses with Halloween inspired items, the season also brings the opportunity to deck the house in autumn pieces too! With so many natural products available, this easy to do DIY piece can completely transform any room that it is put into! Found out how to make the super simple and very pretty candles right here!
Autumn is the best time of the year! It is finally acceptable to stay home and cuddle up under a blanket instead of having to suffer under the hot sun! To help us achieve the ultimate cosy vibes this year, the brilliant team at Bedsure have created the cosiest blanket ever! Find out all about their super soft and comfortable blankets right here!
As we get closer to October, there has been a surge in the amount of pumpkins and squashes available in supermarkets! Not letting any of them go to waste, I have come up with a super comforting squash recipe that leaves you feeling super comfy from the inside out in no time at all! Once you start making it, you seriously won’t stop!
The ‘ber months are here, which means that the cosy bakes are out and we can enjoy all things wholesome again! As the jumpers get donned, the leaves fall from the trees and the most beautiful spices tinge the air with utter joy, I thought now would be a perfect time to get baking! The best thing to do on a chilly day!
Pumpkin spice season is in full swing! Whilst many of us will be delighting in the gorgeous drinks, I have a sweet bake for you all to try that only needs a few ingredients! You could even enjoy a latte whilst they back, as they take no time at all to create! Learn how to bake them in just a few steps here!
September is the perfect time to start getting your home ready for winter. With the cooler temperatures about to set in and snuggly season about to begin, I honestly can’t wait!
For me, autumn and winter are the seasons that I come alive. If I see a pumpkin, I will scream with excitement. When I spotted a Christmas tree last month, I had to buy it. I’ve even been planning an event on my village for the festive days ahead since around May. I can’t get enough of it!
Yet, there are also the boring jobs that need to be done too. Checking your home and preparing it before it gets really cold is essential. From heating to blankets, making sure you have everything ready will mean that those nights spent in in front of the TV can be enjoyed even more.
So, it’s time to get stuck in and sorted with these five essential September must do’s…
Check Your Heating: Although we may still have some sunny days ahead, checking the heating before it is needing to be used is key. Even if it is just an electric fire, you should make sure to dust it off, whilst also removing any air that has got into your radiators. You should also get your boil checked if you can lovelies.
Insulate Your Home: Making sure that all your pipes, roof and walls are probably insulated is key to helping the warm air stay indoors. A simple check around the house can help you save lots of money, especially when it comes to roof insulation, which when applied well should last for up to 40 years. Also, make sure to insulate your pipes, as it means that the hot water won’t freeze or burst, which can be costly!
Draft Proof Doors and Windows: After spending time insulating the house, you really don’t want it to go to waste through drafts in doors and windows. Check local charity shops for draft excluders. Head to your local DIY or even a pound shop to get window sealants that can prevent the cold air coming in. Whilst you are able to still have the doors and windows open to remove any chemical flames, this is an essential step.
Be A Person of Contact or Sign Up For Programmes: As someone who is vulnerable due to my ED, I am part of the special scheme that makes people aware of power cuts and the list available to them. My mum has had an Act of Kindness bag for a number of years, which provides hats, scarfs and all your winter essentials to help stay warm and dry. There are so many schemes that can help you during autumn and winter to beat the chill, so make sure to sign up to them before it is too late.
Get A Flu Jab: Every year I sign myself and my mum up to get the flu jab, due to our vulnerable statuses. Taking only a few moments, the jabs hardly hurt at all and I often forget I’ve had it done after about a day. Yet, not suffering from the flu is worth every ounce of getting this done. Sign up now and get yours as soon as you can lovelies!
Other ways you can prepare for autumn and winter lovelies include…
- Meal Prepping Comforting Meals
- Checking Your Car is Winter Ready
- Call or Text a Vulnerable Person to See if They are Okay
- Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- Hire A Chimney Sweep to Clean Your Chimney Before Winter
- Buy Warm Clothes, Bedding and Blankets if Needed or Find the Ones from Last Year
- Sign Up for Winter Bills Financial Help
I hope this helps you all lovelies and that you just as excited as me for the snuggles that are about to be had! Bring it on!
Joey X
Fall is upon us now lovelies, with summer officially over, meaning now is the perfect time to start a new nightly routine to help you unwind. At least once a week, I like to make time to spend the evening on my own, in my room, watching something or listening to something new, whilst pampering myself or getting crafty. The autumn vibes make this a whole lot easier, knowing that we are all getting cosy now.
Therefore, I thought I would share some ideas or tips to help you unwind after a busy day, when all you want to do is get cosy. You don’t have to make a routine or do these all every night, but once a week will definitely make you feel better. Especially if it has been a stressful day.
Grab a blanket, turn that kettle on and enjoy these simple lovely pleasures…
Use Your Favourite Bath/Shower Products: Having a gorgeous warm shower or bath, with all your favourite products is the perfect way to start unwinding after a busy day. I have a gorgeous chocolate scented shower gel that I always use to make myself feel better.
Wear Your Favourite/New Nightwear: Since the pandemic, I cannot wait to get home each day and put on my PJs. Especially if I have had a cosy shower, shaved my legs and changed my sheets. A new pair of PJs just makes me feel better. I prefer them to normal clothes in fact aha!
Spritz Your Favourite Smells or Light A Candle: When outside is dark, the ultimate cosy vibe can be made indoors with a candle. Light one with your favourite smell or simply spritz your favourite smells around your home to bring a relaxing vibe into it. Any vanilla, cinnamon or spice scents really reflect the autumn/winter seasons for me.
Enjoy A Warming Drink: Whether it be a hot chocolate, coffee or a cup of tea, the joy a hot drink can bring as the cold comes in is perfect. Make a mug, snuggle on the sofa or under your duvet and let the frothy joy flow through. Hot chocolate for me please.
Read A Book/Listen To A Podcast/Watch TV or a Film: To calm me down, I always turn to one of these to help me relax. Podcasts make me feel like I am listening and part of a new conversation, whilst books take me to a new world and TV shows and films just make me so happy. I can’t not start or end my day without at least doing one of these. Sometimes all three.
You don’t have to do these all in order or all at once. Yet, picking one or more and doing them will hopefully bring a huge amount of joy and a big amount of calm into your life.You can even count this blog post as reading aha!
Joey X
With autumn now in fall swing, there is nothing better than snuggling up in your coat, gloves and scarf and heading out to see the festive lights and fall findings that are out there. For me, I love seeing the trees turning brown and the leaves on the floor. Is there anything better than the crunch of them under your feet?
Getting out and about with those you love is also great for your mental health. The fresh air may be a bit chillier than normal, but it kind of makes everything else a bit crystal clear. Especially if you visit or do the following things I am about to suggest. Autumn is made perfect by doing them.
Walking In The Woods Foraging: Finding winter berries, sprigs of holly and other perfect autumn plants and treats are lovely items to use to decorate your home. You can collect loads and make homemade autumn based wreaths to brighten your doors. Neighbours will love seeing them as much as you.
A Walk With A Warm Drink: Grab a flask or get your favourite coffee shop drink and take a little walk with a loved one in the winter. Whether it be in the morning or the evening, there is nothing better than holding and having a warming cuppa with a loved one.
Visit A Famous Building: It could be one in your town or in a nearby area that everyone says you should see, but getting the chance to experience a building tour is the perfect way to capture it in a new light. With the fallen leaves around it, it is going to look super magical.
Go On A Christmas Tree Walk: As soon as Fireworks Night is over, you start to see all the Christmas lights and trees go up. Take a tour of the ones in your local area and witness their beauty in the natural sunlight and night time. Both are perfect.
Kick Up The Leaves: Jump, crunch and enjoy the feel of the fallen leaves under your feet. There is no better sound than the crinkling of the brown leaves under your feet. Plus, with the conkers on the ground or the brilliant pine cones, you can head out and collect some real finds. Just be careful if you decide to play conkers, as fingers can get damaged!
What are some of your favourite things to do during autumn lovelies?
Joey X