Monday 13 October 2014

Crispy leaves and tea.

It's the most beautiful season of all; autumn. 

The mornings are brisk and the evenings dark meaning snuggling up in bed is all the more wonderful. The leaves are at that beautiful stage when they are a mixture of gold, red and orange dotted with the odd great on clinging on to summer. Then in a gust of wind that bites at your skin they fall to the ground. Even at seventeen we still believe there is not much that is more satisfying that jumping in a pile of leaves and hearing that 'crunch'. Having said that, when the leaves are all soggy and stuck to the ground they are just as beautiful. A confetti carpet. 

(Abby) The other day I had my break at work in the morning. Leaving the kitchen, I pulled on my sweatshirt and raincoat, grabbed my bagel, tea and blueberry muffin and went to sit outside. I work near a main road, but it was still beautiful. For me, there is something about escaping into a brisk autumn morning and just taking it all in. Whilst hugging my tea to keep me warm.
(Shanice) For me, this is the first year I am truly appreciating Autumn. I am a summer baby and usually hate it when the warmth of summer leaves, but this year I am embracing it with everything I have. I have no idea how I've missed out on the outstanding beauty of Autumn for so long. 

We love everything about autumn. From soup and crusty bread in front of the fire, to the first frost and tea. Ginger sponge on bonfire night, watching the fireworks from your bedroom window when you're meant to be asleep, everything Halloween related and children in need. But for us, there are a few essentials that you need to get you through autumn. So, here are what we think you need...

Firstly, you need coats, wooly jumpers, scarves and leggings, and I am being deadly serious. With ankle boots, black boots, brown boots, leather or suede - basically this is your survival. Especially when bonfire night comes around and it is freezing cold as you're stood in the garden looking up at the sky. 



We love scarves and if anyone out there is wondering what to get Abby for Christmas? Scarves! Chunky cardigans are just as brilliant, and if you want a lovely one then our advice is - as with anything clothes related - get yourself to H&M. 

Vaseline. It's literally Abby's saving grace at the moment. Working in a boiling hot environment then stepping out into the cold is playing havoc with my lips, and this stuff is the only thing stopping the, bleeding. Up until this year I never really used lip balm or anything. Instead I just used lipstick - which is you use a decent brand will work just as well, I always opted for Avon. However, my mum let me have a brand new pot of hers and it has transformed me. I love the way it makes my lips look super glossy and glamorous but doesn't feel greasy or anything. 

Good food. There is nothing better at this time of year than coming home to a good hearty hot meal. In the colder months our bodies burn more calories, which for us is great because we can have that second helping of soup or maybe even cake!
In autumn and winter the weather changes can also cause bad skin in people, as well as make them feel down in themselves. The right food and right care of yourself can help sort this right out!


This time of year for me (Shanice) causes me to reflect on the previous few months since the year began. I, as Carrie Fletcher put it in her 'Letters to Autumn' videos, use this time to reflect on who I have lost in this period of time and who I have gained, how I have changed and how I have stayed the same.
In my reflection I always become far more aware of myself and others around me. How I am feeling and wondering how others are feeling too. I always feel people mellow during this time of the year, right before the stress of christmas hits and I want to appreciate that.
I am a far different person this year than I was last, and I'm glad that with the changes I have come to love and appreciate Autumn because it is incredibly beautiful. 

Do you love Autumn as much as we both do? 

Shabs x