Autumn 2018 Bucket List

By far my favourite season of all.  I don't really know what it is about Autumn that I love the most but the season does something to me.  There's a certain feel about it, like you can almost feel it in the air and I've already been getting all of the feels since the weather has started to cool down following that scorching hot summer we had here in the UK this year.

I had intended on creating one of these lists for the summer but with one thing and another never got around to it, although I had in my head what I wanted to achieve.  I knew I needed to make the effort to make the most of this season though and I'm pretty sure this list will help with that.

* Enjoy plenty of Pumpkin Spiced Lattes.

* Go on a search for red toadstools.

* Visit the pumpkin patch.

* Take long walks listening to the leaves crunching underfoot.

* Bake an apple crumble.

* Curl up with a blanket and a book.

* Embrace the darker evenings.

* Spend some time getting creative.

~ Gem x

Enjoying The Simple Things

Life is busy and we are all guilty for not taking the time we should to appreciate our surroundings, stressing ourselves with deadlines and life in general.  I have been trying so hard recently to slow things down a little.  Leading up to what is a really busy and stressful time of year for me at work, I am trying hard not to let this get to me.   I've been spending my spare time appreciating the world around me and taking a leaf out of the Norwegian's and Danes book to be more 'hygge' and I have to say it does seem as though it is working, and it feels good.

On Sunday I braved the threatening rain clouds and headed to the local reservoir for a much needed walk in the fresh air with my new trusted rain coat, which can I just say I am in love with (I've wanted one for ages but was always worried it was too bright, well to hell with those thoughts now).  It felt so good to be amongst nature, hearing the leaves crunch beneath my feet and taking in the wildlife that surrounded me.  I'd actually forgotten how good it feels to be out walking, it's been such a long time since I did it last.  And oh how happy it made me feel to see the signs of autumn being right around the corner.  Is anyone else as excited as me for the arrival of Autumn?   Okay so yes, I agree it is still a little early to be getting too excited, but it is definitely getting close and I for one can't wait.  A few more hot sunny days would be a welcomed treat though I'm not going to lie.

It gave me time to think without interruption or distractions, being alone with my thoughts and processing each one properly, giving it my full attention.  I did take my phone with me but that was purely for taking photos, no social media, no phone calls, no texts.  I rarely disconnect from my phone and it really is something I need to do more often, even if only for a couple of hours each day.  It frightens me how addicted to my phone I have become.  I always feel lost without it and that is so wrong.      

I have also started taking steps to calm my evenings after work down, helping me to relax more and chill out.  As someone who loves candles I have really appreciated the evenings drawing in and the fact they have become slightly cooler over the past few days.  It has been the perfect excuse to light some candles, plug in the fairy lights and enjoy the flickering light around the room.  Spending time reading a book or watching Netflix, I am hooked on '13 Reasons Why' at the moment, I'm almost finished season 1 so I'm near enough half way through now.

I'm going to continue taking more steps to be more hygge, enjoying the simple things in life and also making sure I have things to look forward to, it always helps to keep my spirits up.  What do you do to help keep things calm in your life?  I'd love to hear some more suggestions.

~ Gem x

My Annual Visit to the Pumpkin Patch

For the past few years now I have made sure a visit to the pumpkin patch is made around this time of year.  A tradition that has been brought over from our dear friends across the pond and one I am extremely grateful for.  They are definitely becoming more and more popular here in the UK.

I'm lucky to have one pretty close by to home in Basildon, Essex.  It is run by Foxes Farm Produce, you may remember that I visited them earlier in the year for their night time miaze maze.  They also have another site in Colchester.  If your close by it is well worth a visit, however I have seen a fair few on Instagram so they are pretty much all over the country now.

I'm not sure that I will ever tire from walking around looking at all the pumpkins, every shape, size and colour.  I literally just cannot get enough of them.

It always nice to be able to do something seasonal, not that I ever need an excuse.  Plus it felt great to be spending time outside in the fresh air too, something I feel that I've not been doing enough of lately.   

Being so early in the season I'm hoping to squeeze in another visit so watch this space.

~ Gem x

Feeling Autumnal

I have written my fair share of autumn themed posts over the years and it is no secret how much I love this time of year.  There really isn't much more I can add to what I've already said about my love for the season, other than the fact that with each year it grows and I become even more obsessed and fixated with anything pumpkin related.

I did wonder about writing another autumn themed post and in the end decided to just go with it.  I mean I know I am not alone in my joy at this time of year. 

I have found this year particularly different to the past few years living in the city, a far cry from the rolling countryside that's for sure, but I will make sure I make the effort to seek it out when I can during my weekends.  I'd be telling the biggest lie though if I didn't admit to how much I am missing that old lifestyle, they really are worlds apart and you notice the seasons so much more when you are living amongst the wildlife and nature of the countryside.

That said I have been trying my best to make my living arrangements as cosy and autumnal as I possibly can, which considering my limited space I'm pretty pleased with what I have managed.  It's certainly helping to ease some of the longing of life in the country and I'm embracing the season for all that it has to offer.

~ Gem x

October 2017 Bucket List

With the arrival of Autumn now in full force I intend to make the most of this month and embrace the season as much as I can.  I've no doubt that this will be supported with my trip to the states later in the month, and to say I'm a little excited is an understatement.  

* Hunt for conkers.

* Visit the pumpkin patch.

* Have my own little autumn photo shoot.

* Decorate a pumpkin.

* Capture the beauty of the golden coloured trees.

* Experience tailgating.

* Go to see a football game (of the American kind).

* Dress up for Halloween and embrace the occasion American style.

~ Gem x

Exploring Cambridge

I've visited Cambridge a few times before now but don't think I'll ever turn down an opportunity to return.  There is something about the place that makes me feel content and it really is a beautiful place to visit.  The architecture is stunning and there is a lovely atmosphere about the place.

Wandering around the streets and stepping into the university buildings I can't help but feel at home there.

Only being an hours drive from Chelmsford it makes the perfect place to visit for a day, however I'm certain with enough research there would be plenty enough to do for a weekend break, especially if you took into account neighbouring villages.

A good few hours were spent wandering the streets with something to look at around every corner.  A walk up to the top of the tower to take in the views from above the city, being able to take it all in from above the hustle and bustle was somewhat peaceful considering it was such a busy day down on street level.

It's a place that never ceases to amaze me, filled with so much beauty.  A true English treasure.

~ Gem x

Autumn with Teresa from TCakes

This morning I'm handing over the reigns to Teresa, who is sharing her love of all things autumnal in today's post. 

Today I am guest writing for Gemma on her blog. I have followed Gem’s blog and Instagram feed for some time now and I am delighted to write a post for her, during what is one of my favourite months of the year. For those of you who don’t know me I am Teresa and have written a blog TCakes for a few years, which has evolved over time from predominately a crafting and baking blog, to one where I share snippets of my life; with regular posts on my life in London, my love of New York, favourite reads, and what has captured my attention that month.

Gem's posts this month have a real autumnal feel to them, which has allowed me to share all my favourite things about October and Autumn before we tumble into winter when the clocks fall back at the weekend.

Lots of people love Spring and the awakening of the flowers from their winter hibernation.  For me Autumn is the equivalent of spring but for the leaves and trees as they turn from green to golden glows of yellows and reds.

This year the colours have been spectacular and I have loved kicking my way through the fallen leaves as I walk and run through the park.

Every year I produce an Autumnal Bucket List which I try to complete during the end of September and October; this year we have been blessed with some gorgeous weather which has allowed me to soak up some gorgeous sunrise’s and sunsets through the city, at the seaside and in the park.

Autumn for me features Spice Lattes, Apples, Pumpkins, Cozy Sweaters, Candles, Ugg Slippers and Cashmere throw. My wardrobe switches into comfy boots, and a  capsule wardrobe of browns, tans, greens and berry. Days are filled with gorgeous Sunrises and Sunsets, and park life is filled with Conkers, Squirrels, Swans  and lots of crisp leaves. (perfect for kicking).

So as we head towards November I am going to savour every minute left of Autumn before the days become a little darker and greyer and the festive season is truly upon us and I start compiling my Winter Bucket List.

Thank you to Teresa for her post today.  You can read more from her over on her blog TCakes. 

~ Gem x

Sadie's Halloween Tree

I'm very pleased to be welcoming Sadie from A Life In The English Rain to the blog today.  I've been following Sadie's blog for a couple of years now and am always inspired by her simple yet beautiful creations, which all fit so well into her gorgeous home.  If you are not familiar with her blog, please pop on over and take a look, you won't be disappointed.  I'm sure you will also love what she has prepared for us today.

It's that time of year again. Halloween is sneaking up behind us, ready to jump out and shout 'Boo'!

Do you decorate?  Well, if the answer is a resounding no, because you don't like all the garish colours and tackiness of the whole affair, then it need not be that way. Keep it simple, and keep it elegant. A touch of Halloween here and there is just as effective as a house decorated head to toe in fake cobweb.

A Halloween tree is so simple. It also has the added bonus of being easily changed for any other seasonal celebration. I'll let you into a secret, and tell you, this is actually my Easter tree. A few alterations and you'd never know.

Take a few twigs, and secure in a pot. I used air drying clay to hold the twigs in place. Once the clay had dried, I added some decorative stones to the top to cover it, and add extra weight. The twigs had been painted white, but of course, you can paint them any colour. Black would be perfect for Halloween. A strand of battery operated lights is an optional extra, but it does take it up a level. I found the baubles in a supermarket, but have to say I'd never seen them before, or since. But you could easily make your own. A few unloved Christmas baubles spray painted and decorated with glittery pumpkin faces would be quick and easy to do. Hang them from the branches, add some black sheer fabric around the base, and it's done.

An inexpensive, simple, and elegant nod to Halloween.

Huge thanks to Sadie for popping over to share with us her beautiful Halloween tree.  It just goes to show that Halloween can be pretty too.

Don't forget you can hear more from Sadie over at her own blog A Life In The English Rain.

~ Gem x

A Day at the Pumpkin Patch

After visiting Foxes Farm Produce Pumpkin Patch last year I just knew that I would be returning again this year and had been looking forward to it for some time.

This year I visited their site in Basildon, Essex and was so impressed by the size of the place and how much it had developed from last years venture.  The place was buzzing with visitors too, but due to the grand scale of the site it didn't feel at all busy.  It was so great to see an independent family run businesses thriving. 

Growing up in the UK, Halloween has never been very widely celebrated, it is a very American holiday.  I'm so pleased to see it slowly getting bigger here in England.  Especially ventures like this as it is something for everyone to enjoy regardless of whether you have children or not. 

Being able to wander the fields, picking the perfect pumpkin and getting yourself some fresh air at the same time, is my idea of fun.

I could have spent hours wandering around, snapping at the different varieties of pumpkins and gourds.  The colours are just perfect for this time of year.

So if you're close to Essex and have a spare morning or afternoon and are looking for something a little different to do this Autumn, head down to the pumpkin patch.  They have two sites, one in Basildon and one in Colchester.  I know I'm already hoping to get back there with a friend before the season is out.

~ Gem x

October Bucket List

We're in the last quarter of the year.  It really is frightening to think how quickly time passes us by.  It makes me realise how much I need to appreciate the here and now and savour each moment for what it is.  It's one of the reasons I enjoy creating these little monthly bucket lists.

  

This is by far my favourite time of the year, as the colours shift pretty much wherever you turn, temperatures begin to change and there is that hint of excitement around for the celebrations ahead.  It would be a shame not to appreciate it for what it is, so this month I'd like to: 

* Make some fabric pumpkins.
I love decorating for the seasons and what better way then with some of these beauts to add to my autumn display.

* Buy myself an autumnal tartan scarf.
I've really liked these for the past few years and have often thought about buying one but for some reason, never have.  This month that's about to change. 

* Decorate a pumpkin.
I've managed to find my creative flow again in recent weeks so I'd like to put it to good use and decorate a pumpkin or two for the season.

* Go for a long walk through a park or local space and soak in the season.
Feeling the colder air against your skin, and the crunchy leaves beneath your feet.  Perfect for those autumn strolls. 

* Make the most of Pumpkin Spiced Lattes while they last.
They are not out for long and seeing as I have found a new love for them, I must get them while I can.

~ Gem x

Excitement For The Arrival of Autumn

As much as I love each of the seasons for their own individual reasons, I think its fair to say that Autumn is quite possibly my favourite season out of the four.  It gives me a rather warm and fuzzy feeling inside to be seeing it's arrival in  2016. 

As the evenings begin to draw in and the temperatures drop (not so much the this past week in the UK).  The jumpers come out of hiding and evenings indoors are spent with the candles lit, as a rather cosy atmosphere descends on my home.

 

The autumn decorations have been dug out from the shed and are now happily adorning the mantle.  And weekend evenings are spent in front of the TV watching The X-Factor (don't judge, it is pretty much the only trashy TV that I actually watch).

The roads are lined by the glorious shades of orange and the ground beneath them soon becomes a stunning golden brown, as it is covered by the crisp and crunchy leaves just waiting to be walked over and kicked into the air.

There is something quite mesmerising about the morning sunlight at this time of the year.  That hazy glow that it creates, made even better with a morning mist rolling across the fields or lake that surround my home. 

As the shops begin preparations for Christmas I can't help but find myself getting exciting for the few months that lay ahead.

The seasons we experience in the UK make me feel rather grateful, as without them we wouldn't appreciate each one for what it actually is.  It's one of the many reasons I love living in the countryside, as you seem to be able to identify with the seasons that little bit more than in a built up suburban area, which is what I have been used to until moving here.   

So I shall be embracing this season and breathing in every possible moment of it until we see it again next year.



~ Gem x