10 Easy Ways to Enjoy Autumn

Everyone who knows me knows just how much I love summer. My favourite place to be is at the beach and enjoying the sunshine, especially when we are spending time with our family in Spain.  However, I can’t deny that there is a special place in my heart for Autumn. Most people who love summer are sad to see it end, and I am too but at the same time I so look forward to the feelings of cosiness that Autumn brings with it.

Over the last few years the Danish concept of hygge has been hugely popular and the idea of creating a warm and cosy environment to retreat to when the weather turns cooler is perfect for the beginning of the new season.

With that in mind I have begun to prepare for Autumn and I’d love to share with you some of my favourite things to help me get in the mood!

• 1. De-clutter. Much like a spring clean, I find an autumn clean is a great way to start off a new season by getting rid of anything you don’t want to carry forward with you. Having a de-clutter also helps make space for any new decorative items that you want to add to help make your environment cosy and inviting

• 2. Comfort treats.  It’s more than acceptable when the weather turns colder to break out the biscuit or cake tin! Nothing beats a hot cuppa and some yummy biccies – whether you bake them yourself or buy your favourites, its always a great idea to take a few minutes to yourself or with others to have a little treat break. Like hygge, fika (a Swedish word for having coffee and a sweet cake/pastry) is a great thing to do in autumn.

 

• 3. A walk in the woods. This is one of mine and my husband’s favourite things to do in September and October. Being out in nature, in peace and quiet with only the sound of falling leaves when there is a bit of a chill in the air is such a simple way to relax and appreciate the beauty of the season.

• 4. Pick up a new hobby. Longer nights means more time spent at home. Use those nights to learn or get back into a hobby or craft! I love to knit and being curled up on the sofa with a film on and knitting away is a great way to unwind at the end of the day. Crochet, bullet journaling, colouring, calligraphy and creative writing are all perfect activities to while away the evenings.

 

• 5. Read a new book (or five!). If you don’t fancy crafting during the evenings, there are always some good books to get lost in! Whether on the sofa, in bed or while soaking in a nice hot bath – a new book will always be something to look forward to by the evening.  In a previous post I have made a couple of suggestions for books perfect for autumn – My September Reads.

• 6. Decorate for the season. Cosy blankets, pillows, fairy lights and candles are always perfect for this time of year and don’t have to cost a fortune.  Ikea, pound shops, Primark and supermarkets usually have affordable pieces that can add a hygge vibe to any room.  In the picture above I have mixed Ikea lanterns with Hobbycraft pumpkin candle holders that cost only £1/£2 each!

 

• 7. A seasonal themed manicure. A little pampering always does you good! Use Pinterest to discover ideas and colour trends for nails and makeup that will show your love of autumn everyday.

• 8. Go pumpkin picking. This is one best saved for nearer the end of October.  Last year Dimas and I went pumpkin picking for the first time ever and it was so much fun! Of course its a little more time consuming that going to the supermarket but spending an hour or two outside and looking through the patch to find the right size and shape of pumpkin is a great way to spend an afternoon.

 

• 9. Learn  a few new recipes. Colder weather is a perfect excuse to make warming meals and sweet treats. Casseroles and soups keep you toasty and healthy with plenty of goodness. Baking cookies, pumpkin pie and making steamed puddings are all suited to feeling warm and cosy at home after a long, chilly day. Bake fresh bread to go with your soups like this recipe for soda bread or make some Spanish donuts to have with a hot chocolate or latte!

 

• 10. Have a movie marathon. What list of cosy activities wouldn’t be complete without a movie marathon. Pick your favourite series or genre, grab the blankets and snacks and settle in and enjoy!

 

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading! If you try any of them or have some other cool suggestions please let me know in the comments.

Nic x