This week my Word of the Week is: Autumnal!! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

September has arrived and it is definitely starting to feel a little autumnal around here with the cooler weather which I am quite enjoying. I do love summer and always feel a little sad when it starts to get darker earlier and the sun is shining less but I am also excited for Autumn. The kids have all gone back to school and college around here. I was in town the day the college went back and it was so cute hearing all the new starters chatting about their timetables and how different it is from school. Bless them!

Ellie had her birthday last weekend, which I wrote about in my Friday Favourites post and during the week we went out shopping to pick a few extra things up for Becky. She wanted all the sensible things like socks, some jeans and new slippers. It's all practical things that she would have bought herself but now I've saved her the money. Birthdays definitely change as the kids get older. When they were little, there was always so much excitement, presents, birthday cake and all the things that go with them. Now it's more about spending time together, getting them things they actually want and making sure they have a nice day!

Stu went back to work after his week off and he said the week has really dragged on. He did not want to get up when his alarm went off and hit snooze a couple of times, which was very annoying for me, who didn't have to be up that early. Becky, on the other hand, has been loving life and has this and most of the next week off for her birthday. She went for a trip to the beach. It wasn't the warmest of days and everything seemed to have shut for the season, another sign that summer is almost over but she still had fun and brought me some candy floss back. hehehe

I had my first pumpkin spice drink of the year from Starbucks this week and it was perfect! I did think about getting one from Greggs but wanted my first one of the season to be done properly, so Starbucks it was. I chose a pumpkin spice Frappuccino instead of a hot drink as it was still quite warm outside. Give it a few weeks when it has got colder and I will move on to the pumpkin spice lattes. hehehe Some people think pumpkin spice season starts far too early but I don't care. If it's on the menu, I'm having one! I also got one of the Greggs Bonfire Toffee Muffin! It is a toffee flavoured muffin with toffee pieces and a burnt toffee-flavoured filling, topped with a chocolate and salted caramel flavoured icing and toffee butter crunch. It was very sweet but very nice!

In other news, I did something this week that I've been meaning to do for a long while. I applied for my provisional driving licence. Before anybody thinks this means I'm about to start learning to drive, it doesn't. I'm not saying I am booking lessons now but it is something I am thinking about. Getting my provisional licence is the first step in the right direction, it's a baby step and if nothing else, at least I will have some proper photo ID.

How has your week been? I hope you have had a good one! I am of course linking up with Anne who blogs at Raisie Bay to join in with her Word of the Week linky!

The best TV shows to binge in Autumn and why!

Autumn is my favourite time of year for TV. The nights draw in, it’s suddenly acceptable to put the heating on and staying home feels less like being boring and more like a lifestyle choice. There’s nothing better than grabbing a blanket, making a hot drink and losing yourself in a good binge. If you’re anything like me sometimes you waste half the night scrolling through Netflix, Prime, Disney+ trying to pick something, then before you know it, you’ve watched nothing except trailers and spent 40 minutes saying I'm not in the mood for that. So I thought I’d share my go to list of shows that feel perfect for autumn. Cosy, spooky, funny there’s a bit of everything here.

Gilmore Girls!

I couldn’t not start with Gilmore Girls. It’s the autumn show. The coffee, the jumpers, the leaves on the ground in Stars Hollow it just feels right for this time of year. It’s comfort TV at its finest with quirky characters, small town charm and witty banter. Even if you’ve already seen it, it’s the kind of show you can rewatch and still love. I don’t think autumn officially starts until I’ve watched at least one Gilmore Girls episode. At the moment I am on Season 4 and will watch the rest of it before Christmas.

Bridgerton!

Another good one for autumn nights. Romance, drama and more scandal than you can keep up with. Plus the costumes are amazing. It's very easy to get hooked and great to watch now before the new episodes in January!

Stranger Things!

If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a spooky edge, Stranger Things is a winner. It’s got that proper Halloween feel with kids on bikes, eerie music, weird stuff happening in small towns. It’s creepy but also funny and full of heart. There's the nostalgia, the jump scares and enough suspense to keep you on edge of your seat. Perfect for October nights when you want something thrilling but not so terrifying you won’t sleep. I read last week that if you start watching from the first episode around now and watch one episode a day you will be ready for the new episodes on the 26th of November!

The Great British Bake Off!

Bake Off is autumn comfort TV at its best. There’s something magical about watching people stress over pastry while you’re sat on the sofa with a cup of tea and a packet of biscuits. It’s light, it’s funny and it makes you feel warm and cosy inside. You might even get the urge to bake afterwards.

Downton Abbey!

Autumn evenings were made for period dramas! When the nights are long and you just want to escape into another world, Downton is perfect. It’s all about the drama, the posh accents and those big country houses. Plus it’s one of those shows that pulls you in before you know it, suddenly it’s midnight and you’re fully invested in whether someone downstairs has messed up the silver polishing.

Call the Midwife!

Wholesome, emotional and just the right amount of drama. One minute you’re crying and the next you’re smiling. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something heartfelt but not too heavy. Plus it’s got that cosy, nostalgic feel that just works in autumn.

Wednesday!

If you like your autumn TV with a darker twist Wednesday is a brilliant choice. It’s gothic, funny and has just the right amount of spookiness for this time of year. Perfect to watch in October but honestly it works all season long.

The Crown

If you fancy something a bit more serious, The Crown is worth a binge. It’s dramatic, beautifully filmed and has that just one more episode pull. You don’t have to be a massive royal fan to enjoy it either, the acting is so good it just draws you in. Definitely one for those longer autumn evenings when you want something to get stuck into.

Doctor Who!

Autumn always feels like the perfect time for Doctor Who. The mix of time travel, aliens and heart warming stories means it’s a show you can dip in and out of or fully binge. And because there are so many episodes, you’ll never run out.

What do you like watching on TV at this time of year?

Simple ways to bring nature indoors this Autumn!

Autumn is a wonderful season, warmer days left over from summer, crisp mornings, the golden light in the afternoon and the satisfying crunch of leaves on the ground. Sometimes it's good to bring a bit of the Autumn magic indoors. You don’t have to be a professional florist, great at DIY or own a country cottage to make your home feel like autumn. Here are some simple ideas.

Foliage finds!

Starting with the obvious: foliage. You know those branches of colourful leaves you see in every autumn Pinterest photo? They’re basically free decor. Go for a walk and look for branches with yellow, red, and orange leaves. Snip or pick up a few (ethically of course, no stripping your neighbour’s trees) and pop them in a vase. If you don’t have a vase, even an old jar or a jug works. If you want them to last longer, you can lightly spray them with hairspray to keep the leaves from curling too quickly.

Foraged flower arrangements!

If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with wildflowers still clinging on into autumn, grab a few! Things like dried grasses, seed pods or even weeds can look stunning once they’re in a nice arrangement. Mix them with your colourful leaves for a natural look. The great thing about dried flowers and grasses is they last forever, so you can keep them up through the whole season and beyond.

Pinecones!

Pinecones are autumn’s answer to baubles and they’re everywhere. They look great piled in a bowl, scattered along a mantle or added to a basket. If you want to get a bit crafty but still keep it simple you can. Dust them lightly with white paint or spray for a frosted effect. Tie a bit of twine or ribbon around the top for hanging. Add a drop of cinnamon or clove essential oil so they smell amazing.

Bowls of autumn goodness!

Sometimes it’s not about arranging things perfectly it’s about embracing the abundance. Get yourself a big bowl or basket and fill it with: Mini pumpkins or squashes, pinecones, conkers (horse chestnuts), dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks. You don’t have to overthink it just toss them in and give it a fluff.

Autumn garlands!

A garland is one of the easiest ways to add seasonal charm to a room. You can buy them of course but making one yourself is simple. Thread some string through dried leaves or tie on pinecones, dried fruit slices and little bunches of herbs like rosemary. Hang it across your mantle, doorway, or even along your shelves.

Scent matters too!

Nature isn’t just about what you see it’s what you smell too. That crisp air and earthy leaf scent might not be possible to bottle but you can get close with a simmer pot! Fill a saucepan with water, add orange slices, a cinnamon stick, cloves and maybe a sprig of rosemary. Let it simmer gently on the hob, topping up with water as needed. Your whole house will smell like a hug.

Before you go running out with a big basket remember to be respectful. Don’t take plants from protected areas, avoid picking anything in huge quantities and always check for bugs before bringing it indoors. Also be mindful of what might be toxic if you have pets or small children things like berries and conkers can be dangerous if eaten so display them somewhere out of reach.

Next time you head out for a stroll take a bag with you. Grab a branch of leaves here, a pinecone there and maybe a few conkers if you spot them. 

Ten soups that take under 30 minutes to make!

When the days start getting shorter, the jumpers come out of hiding and the leaves crunch under your boots there’s only one thing that makes autumn evenings feel complete: a big comforting bowl of soup! What’s not to love? It’s warm, it’s filling, basically a hug in a bowl and if you play your cards right you can have it ready in under half an hour. Here are some of the best recipes which I have found!

Classic tomato and basil soup!

You can’t go wrong with a classic. Grab some tinned tomatoes, garlic, onion and a good handful of fresh or even dried basil. Saute your onion and garlic, chuck in the tomatoes, add a splash of stock, season and let it simmer. Blend it all up and swirl in a little cream if you’re feeling fancy. Bonus points if you serve with crusty bread for dunking.

Sweet potato and red pepper soup! 

This one’s autumn in a bowl. Sweet potato gives you that creamy, filling vibe and roasted red peppers add a lovely smoky sweetness. Cook the sweet potato chunks in some stock, toss in the peppers, blitz and you’ve got soup that looks like liquid sunshine.

Spiced red lentil soup!

For those days you need something hearty, lentil soup has your back. Red lentils are brilliant because they cook quickly. Fry up some onion, garlic and ginger with a sprinkle of cumin and turmeric, add the lentils and stock and let it bubble away. In 20 minutes you’ll have a thick, protein packed soup that warms you from the inside out.

Carrot and coriander soup!

A true British favourite and so easy to whip up. Carrots cook quickly so this one is speedy. Soften some onion and garlic, add chopped carrots and stock, let it simmer, then blitz with fresh coriander. It’s light, fragrant and perfect when you want something a little less heavy but still warming.

Broccoli and Stilton soup!

Broccoli soup doesn’t sound thrilling but throw in some Stilton and suddenly you’re Michelin star material. Steam or boil the broccoli until tender, blend with stock and stir in crumbled Stilton until melted. It’s rich, creamy and tastes way more indulgent than the 20 minutes it took to make.

Minestrone soup!

If you’re after a soup that’s basically a meal in itself, minestrone is your best friend. Fry some onion, garlic and celery, add tinned tomatoes and stock, then toss in pasta, beans and whatever veg you’ve got lying around. It’s hearty, chunky and the kind of soup that makes you feel smug about clearing out the veg drawer.

Mushroom soup!

Autumn and mushrooms are a match made in heaven. Fry up mushrooms, garlic, and onion in a bit of butter, add stock, and simmer for ten minutes. Blend until silky, then swirl in cream or crème fraîche. It’s earthy, rich and tastes like something you’d order at a cosy countryside pub.

Sweetcorn Soup!

This soup is creamy, comforting, and packed with sweetcorn flavour, balanced with tender veggies and a hint of fresh herbs. Start by softening potato, carrot and onion then add garlic and chicken stock for a rich base, add the corn and blitz until smooth.

Leek and potato soup!

This is one of those soups that always feels soothing, like the soup equivalent of your nan’s blanket. Cook sliced leeks and diced potatoes in a little butter, add stock, simmer, then blitz. Simple, comforting and done in under half an hour.

Pea & ham soup!

This is one of my favourites to make! Chop an onion and fry it in butter, then add chopped potatoes and 1 litre of ham stock. Simmer until the potatoes soften, throw in a bag of frozen peas, boil for 5 minutes, then blend until smooth. Stir in chopped ham (saving some for serving) and enjoy with fresh bread. The whole thing takes about 30 minutes start to finish.

Tips for speedy soups!

Chop small: The smaller you chop your veg, the quicker it cooks.

Pre-chopped shortcuts: Frozen chopped onion, garlic paste, and bags of ready cut squash or carrots are lifesavers.

Stick blender magic: A hand blender means you can whizz soup right in the pan with fewer dishes and faster soup.

Season well: Salt, pepper and a sprinkle of herbs or spices can take soup from meh to marvellous.

Do you make your own soup? What is your favourite?

My go to Autumn/Winter boots!

You know how some people have a signature lipstick or a favourite handbag that just goes with everything? Well for me it’s these boots! My absolute go to, can’t live without, wear them to death boots and the funny thing is I didn’t realise when I first bought them that they’d become such a staple in my wardrobe!

I picked them up almost three years ago from Yours Clothing. They’re the Black Faux Leather Wedge Buckle Boots in Extra Wide Fit. At the time I just thought that they look comfy and practical I’ll give them a go. Fast forward to now and they’ve basically walked me through autumn, winters and some of the summer. Last minute dashes to the shop and even the odd night out and the best part is that they’re still going strong!

These boots are wide fit, extra wide fit actually which makes such a difference. I’ve had boots in the past where I’ve basically had to wrestle with the zip just to get them on and then spend the rest of the day regretting all my life choices because my feet are crying. These slip on easily thanks to the side zip and they feel comfy enough to wear all day. I’ve done full on days out shopping, on my feet all day and no aches whatsoever!

They’ve got a small wedge heel which I wouldn't normally go for. I am not a heels of any sort person but the wedge works well for me. I get a little bit of height, they look a bit dressier than flats but they’re sturdy enough that I’m not wobbling around like I'm Bambi on ice! They're just a little bit stylish too. They’ve got buckle strap detail which makes them look like I've tried without really trying. I love that I can chuck them on with leggings and a big cosy jumper or with jeans and a nice top and they just work. They’re not flashy or over the top but they make me feel put together which is exactly what I want on those chilly, dark mornings when I’m dragging myself out of the door.

My autumn and winter outfit formula has basically become: these boots, black leggings or tights, short skirt or dress and a scarf if I’m feeling fancy. They are also perfect with skinny jeans and a big coat. 

I think what really makes me love these boots is how well they’ve lasted. Three years of pretty regular wear and they still look fab. The faux leather hasn’t peeled, the zips still work and they’re still comfy. For boots that cost way less than some of the big name brands, I’d say that’s a win. I’m usually the type of person who ends up buying a new pair of boots every year because they fall apart so the fact these ones have kept up with my busy life is impressive. They’ve walked through rain, mud, leaves, and even that one time I foolishly tried to navigate a frosty pavement and yet here they are still in my shoe rack and still my number one choice when autumn rolls around!

If you’re like me and struggle with finding boots that are comfy, stylish, and don’t pinch your feet after 10 minutes, I’d 100% recommend these. They’re especially good if you need wide or extra wide fit shoes finding boots that actually fit properly. They’re practical without being boring and they’re the kind of boots you’ll actually wear, not just shove in the back of the wardrobe and forget about. Trust me, if I’ve managed to get three years out of mine and I’m not exactly gentle with them then they’re worth it. Every year when autumn comes around, I look forward to dusting these boots off and making them part of my daily outfits again. They’ve become part of my autumn comfort zone, like hot chocolate and cosy blankets.

Do you have a favourite pair of boots?

The Autumn debate - When to put the heating on?

Every year we have the same argument in our house, when should we put the heating on? It’s like a family tradition now. Some people visit pumpkin patches and go on autumn walks, we have thermostat wars.

I’m stubborn one and I always have been. I will hold out until I’m sat there, teeth chattering, wrapped in about three jumpers, a blanket covering me with thick socks on and a hot water bottle before I even think about flicking the heating on. I don’t know why but it feels like a challenge. How many days can I suffer before giving in? I like to think I’m saving a few pounds while slowly freezing to death.

My eldest, Becky would have the heating on at the start of September if she had her way. The first slightly chilly morning and she’s ready to whack it on full blast. If she even so much as feels a cold toe she’s asking to switch it on without even thinking of putting a pair of socks on. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to tell her. Eesh!

Then there’s my youngest who is the complete opposite! She moans when the heating is on. It’s too hot, I can’t breathe, I’m melting, we get it all. While I’m sat there finally thawing out my frozen fingers she’ll crack a window open just to make a point. It's madness that one kid wants it tropical, the other wants it arctic and I’m stuck somewhere in the middle trying not to start World War Three over the boiler.

You would think my fella would have some say in the argument but he really doesn’t care. If it’s on it's fine and if it’s off also fine. He just goes with the flow, sitting there with his cup of tea completely unbothered while the rest of us are almost fighting. Sometimes I look at him and think how can you be this calm about something so important? I swear if the boiler exploded he’d just say put a jumper on then. He is so calm about everything!

We’re not one of those households who just stick the heating on all day. It only ever goes on in the evening, once we’re all home and that proper chill has set in. We don't bother to set it to come on in the morning, none of us would want to get out of bed if we did. We have learned from experience. lol The only time it does go on during the day is when it's really, really cold. We might put it on for an hour just to take the edge off but that’s it. There’s no leaving it blasting from morning until night. When I put the heating on in the evening I do get comfy and take a layer off but there’s always that voice in the back of my head screaming Do you know how much this costs!!

No one in this house will ever admit they’re cold first it’s like an unspoken rule. We’ll all sit there pretending we’re fine, even my eldest who would have the heating on given the chance. Then someone finally snaps and says "Shall we just put the heating on for a bit?" Then suddenly everyone agrees like it’s the most obvious idea in the world.

So when is the right time to switch the heating on? I don’t think there is one. Some people say wait until the first frost, others do it as soon as the calendar flips to September. Me, I’ll keep holding out until I literally can’t feel my fingers, while my eldest is secretly plotting her next mission to sneakily put it on. My youngest will carry on complaining it’s too hot whenever it is on and my fella will just keep shrugging his way through it all.

When do you put your heating on??

How to make Blackberry Jam!

It is blackberry season here and I do love it. One minute you are walking along minding your own business and suddenly you notice the berries among the brambles, begging to be picked! I always go to my dad's and pick them. Usually they end up straight into a crumble or get eaten by the handful as soon as they have been washed but this time I went old school and made jam.

There’s something fun about making jam. It feels a little old fashioned like you should be wearing an apron and humming in the kitchen. My fella rang from work when he was on his lunch break and I had no intention of making jam but by the time he had rang when he was on his way home I'd made it. He thought I was mad, some sort of want to be domestic goddess but it’s one of the simplest things that I've ever made and I am going to tell you how!

It takes just two ingredients: blackberries and sugar! That’s it! With no fancy extras, no long shopping lists or fancy equipment needed. If you’ve got a bowl of blackberries and a bag of sugar you’re halfway there.

What You’ll Need!

Blackberries..

Granulated sugar (same weight as the blackberries).

Method!

Prepare the fruit!

Give your blackberries a gentle rinse and pick out any bits of leaves or stalks that snuck in. I like to soak them in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes to make sure any tiny bits of dirt or bugs come away. Let them drain well, you don’t want loads of water sitting in with your berries because it’ll water down your jam.

Weigh your ingredients!

Weigh your blackberries. However much they weigh you’ll need the same weight in sugar. So, if you’ve got 1kg of blackberries, you’ll need 1kg of sugar. I had 400g of berries so used that much sugar. If you don’t have scales don’t panic, you can just estimate by using cups. It’s roughly one cup of sugar for every cup of berries.

Start softening!

Pop your blackberries into a big saucepan and when they have been simmering for a few minutes use a potato masher or even the back of a fork to squash them down a bit. This releases the juice and makes it easier for the sugar to mix in. Don’t worry about getting every single berry completely smooth a bit of texture makes it nicer.

Add the sugar!

Pour in the sugar and stir well. It might look like a lot at first but it balances the tartness of the blackberries beautifully. Keep stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. At this point your kitchen will start smelling amazing! Sweet, fruity and a little like summer wrapped up in a pan.

Bring to a boil!

Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Let it bubble away for around 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick or burn at the bottom. You’ll notice it thickens quite quickly and the colour deepens into a dark purple.

Test it!

To see if your jam has set drop a little onto a cold plate. You can keep a plate in the fridge for this. Push it gently with your finger and if it wrinkles it’s ready. If not let it boil for another minute or two and test again.

Jar it up!

Once your jam has passed the wrinkle test, take it off the heat. Carefully pour it into clean, sterilised jars while it’s still hot. Screw the lids on tightly. To sterilise jars, wash them in hot soapy water, rinse well, then pop them in a low oven (about 120°C) for 10 minutes. Lids can be boiled in a pan of water for a few minutes.

Tips and Tricks

Seeds or no seeds!

If you don’t like the seeds you can sieve the blackberries after mashing and before adding sugar. It’s a bit more work but you’ll get a smooth jam.

Fridge storage!

Even without sterilising this jam will be fine in the fridge for a couple of weeks. If you go through jam fast this is perfect.

Don’t panic if it’s a bit runny!

Slightly softer jam is still tasty and it makes a great topping for yogurt or ice cream.

Frozen fruit works!

No need to hunt for fresh blackberries if you don’t have them. Frozen blackberries are great just be sure to thaw them a bit before using!

Adjust sweetness!

If you prefer your jam a little less sweet you can reduce the sugar slightly but remember it helps with the setting.

Small batches are easier!

If you’ve only got a little bowl of blackberries don’t worry. Making jam in small amounts is easier and avoids the stress of huge pans of bubbling fruit.

Get creative with serving!

This jam isn’t just for toast. Try it swirled into porridge, spread on scones or even spooned into a cake mix.

A lot of recipes make jam sound intimidating but this one proves it doesn’t have to be. Two ingredients, about 20 minutes and you have a jar of homemade jam that tastes way better than shop bought. There’s something satisfying about knowing exactly what’s in it with no weird additives, no preservatives, just fruit, sugar and a squeeze of lemon.

Have you ever made your own jam before?

The Wednesday Hodgepodge #28

I hope you are all having a good week? It's Wednesday which means it's time to join in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce who blogs at From This Side of the Pond! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. Fall officially rolls into the Northern Hemisphere on Monday (9/22)...what's your favorite thing about fall?

There is so much to love, it is the cosy season!! The jumpers come out, the blankets appear on the sofa and every hot drink tastes better. The food is so good with soups, stews, pies and mountains of mashed potatoes. Even TV feels cosier in autumn with lots of dramas on, The Great British Bake Off and of course Strictly Come Dancing!

2. What's one thing on your real or proverbial autumn bucket list?

I want to try some new recipes, maybe some new flavours of soups. Soup is perfect for this time of year and if I make it for our evening meal there's always leftovers for the next day. This has just reminded me about the pea and ham soup which we have not had in ages! That might be something for next weeks meal plan! 

3. Apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and cranberries are some of the top fall foods. Which one is your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Any on the list you don't eat? Which one have you had most recently?

Apples are my favourite and are something that I always cook with. I do love to make and eat apple pies or crumbles. I made mini apple pies a couple of weeks ago which went down well. but also use them in savoury dishes. I've even been known to make my own apple sauce to go with a joint of pork.

I only tend to use cranberries in December, it is more of a Christmas type food for me. I love cranberry sauce with roast turkey. I rarely cook with pumpkins. I remember years and years ago when it was hard to buy one here, they were so expensive but then they became more popular at Halloween so are easier to come by. The only pumpkin thing I do enjoy is a Pumpkin Spice Latte but I am determined to try cooking with pumpkin this year.

4. 'Fall is proof that change is beautiful' is a popular sentiment. Would you agree or no? Elaborate.

I get why people say that "fall is proof that change is beautiful". There is a lot of beautiful things about it with the colours - golds, reds, oranges, cosy evenings with candles flickering and pretty lights and that low autumn sun which makes everything glow but personally I don’t usually like change. Real life change feels messy, unpredictable and sometimes stressful not all magical and Instagram worthy but Autumn is one change that I don't mind, we sort of just slide into it without any fuss and there is so much to love about this time of year.

5. Is there a spot near you where people go to see the leaves change color? Will you try to leaf peep somewhere this fall? Lonely Planet lists the following ten places as the best for leaf peeping...of those listed which would you most like to visit?

Stowe, Vermont~Shenandoah National Park, Virginia~Columbia River Gorge, Oregon~Zion National Park, Utah~Tennessee/North Carolina border~West Virgina~Northwestern Wyoming~Wisconsin Northwoods~Northern Nevada~Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, Arkansas

I have never gone out of my way to look at leaves and leaf peeping is a new phrase to me. I live in a more rural area with lots of trees so get to see the changes happening without having to travel far. My dad's place is surrounded by oak and horse chestnut trees and I do love being there seeing the leaves and conkers that have fallen off the trees.

I would love to visit any of those places but think I would have to choose Stowe, Vermont as I have just read that it is in New England which is top of the list for leaf peeping!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Sticking with the autumn theme. I’m one of those people who opens the back door every morning, like a little ritual and the other day I did and shivered, it was a proper crisp autumn kind of morning. I am not a fan of cold weather but those mornings are nice especially when the afternoons are still warmer so I can peel off my jumper and feel the sun on my skin. I like this time of year and the difference between the morning when I take things slowly, sitting under my blanket enjoying a cup of tea and the afternoon where I have the motivation from the sunshine to get things done. My family are not loving it, they leave the house in big coats and by the time they're coming home it's too warm for a big coat and have to carry it. hehehe

Spider Season: The facts, myths and how to cope!

Every September without fail I start to dread evenings at home. Not because of the darker nights or the chaos with my youngest being back at college but because it’s spider season. If you live in the UK you’ll know exactly what I mean. One minute you’re sat happily watching TV and the next a massive spider runs across the living room floor like it owns the place and you’re left either perched on the sofa with your feet tucked up or sprinting out of the room to find someone else to deal with it. I hate them, I always have. Doesn’t matter that everyone tells me they’re harmless or they eat flies. I don’t care, I just don’t want them in my house!

Why spiders show up more in September?

Spiders are around all year but we notice them more in late summer and autumn for a couple of reasons. It’s their mating season. The males start wandering about looking for females, which means they’re suddenly out in the open instead of hiding quietly in corners. They want warmth. Once it starts getting chilly outside our cosy homes look like the perfect place to move into and that’s why it feels like they’re suddenly everywhere. They’re not new, they’ve just come out to play at the worst possible time.

How they sneak in!

I used to think they just appeared out of thin air but no they get in through tiny gaps. Around windows, doors, vents, under skirting boards, even where the pipes go through walls. If there’s a way in, they’ll find it.

Myths we’ve all heard!

People love to throw out facts about spiders when you admit you’re scared of them. Here are a few I hear all the time:

They’re more scared of you than you are of them!

Sorry but I don’t believe that for a second. If they were scared, why would they run straight across the carpet towards me? I’m not buying it!

You swallow loads of spiders in your sleep every year!

Thankfully this is a complete myth. Spiders aren’t interested in humans as food and don’t willingly crawl into our mouths.

If you put a house spider outside, it’ll die!

Partially true. Some species like the house spider are adapted to indoor life and may struggle outdoors, especially in cold weather. That said, many still survive and thrive in gardens and sheds.

It’s bad luck to kill a spider!

That’s just superstition. I still prefer not to squash them but if it’s me or them, I’m choosing me.

Why they freak me Out!

I know loads of people who can just scoop them up and carry on like nothing happened. I’m not one of those people. When I see a spider, I freeze, my heart races and I suddenly feel itchy all over like something’s crawling on me. Even after it’s gone I’ll avoid that room for a while and if it’s in the bedroom, I’m sleeping on the sofa! It sounds dramatic but I know loads of us are the same.

How to keep them out!

You can’t stop every single one, but you can cut down on the chances. Here’s what actually helps:

Seal up gaps. Around windows, doors, pipes, vents. A bit of sealant or draught excluder works wonders.

Vacuum often. Corners, under the sofa, behind furniture basically anywhere they might spin a web or hide.

Peppermint spray. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and go around windowsills, doors, and skirting boards. They hate it and it makes the house smell nice.

Keep clutter down. Piles of clothes, boxes and bags are perfect hiding spots. The tidier it is the fewer places they’ve got to lurk.

Go easy on outdoor lights. Lights attract flies which attract spiders. Motion sensor lights are a decent compromise.

Try citrus. Lemon peel or citrus scented polish can put them off.

Should we learn to live with them?

The experts say yes. Spiders eat flies and other bugs so they’re actually useful and in the UK and they’re harmless. The biggest house spiders look scary but they won’t hurt you. I do get that they have their place in nature. I just wish their place wasn’t in my living room!

So if you’re like me and hate this time of year for the eight legged reason remember that it’s normal to see more spiders now, it’s just their season and it’s totally fine to hate them, even if everyone else tells you they’re harmless.

Are you scared of spiders too?

This week my Word of the Week is: First! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

This week has flown over, it feels like someone has pressed fast forward on life lately. Between birthday celebrations, a proper autumn chill in the air and a few little adventures it’s been busy but in the best way with quite a lot of firsts happening.

We went out on Friday evening to celebrate Ellie's 18th birthday and had a lovely meal with friends and family and ended up staying at the put for the karaoke. Ellie had a lot of firsts: buying her first legal alcoholic drink, getting asked for ID and being able to show it, being embarrassed in the pub by people singing happy birthday to her and apparently drinking her first alcoholic shot that someone bought her. I say apparently because there was no way it was her first, she didn't even flinch, even I can’t take a shot without pulling all sorts of faces and looking like I’ve just chewed on a lemon. She was far too smooth about it and she then confessed she had drank shots at a party at the start of the summer. Eesh! I felt this mix of being proud, amused and slightly horrified all at once.

Becky completely threw me this week too. If you know my eldest, you’ll know she’s always been the quieter one. Shy, hates the spotlight and not a fan of performing in front of others. Just a couple of years ago she wouldn’t even sing if it was just me in the room, she’d clam up straight away. So imagine my shock when she only went and got up at karaoke in front of a whole pub full of strangers and sang her heart out! I nearly fell off my chair. I’m not going to pretend she’s about to win The Voice UK anytime soon but she did it, she enjoyed herself and was so proud of herself afterwards. That was another big first moment, her stepping so far out of her comfort zone like that. She’s already said it won’t be her last time singing either.

The first of September rolled around and it suddenly felt like Autumn! There was a chill in the air so my Autumn dresses and tights came out. I had my first hot chocolate in months, it was perfect and The Great British Bake off is back on the TV which makes me feel so happy! The first episode of the new series is always the best, getting to know the bakers.

The first day of the new bus route was on Monday and Stu and I decided to go on a little adventure to the retail park which is usually 2 bus rides away and would take about an hour and a half. Now because it's just one bus it takes about 10 minutes extra. Wow! It was amazing! They have the biggest B&M Stores that I have ever been in and I spent a good hour looking around TK Maxx at their Halloween goodies. We had McDonalds for lunch and I will be going back in the run up to Christmas, it's going to be so handy to have lots of decent shops in one place.

Ellie had her first day of the new college year and her new course, mechanical engineering. It is also her last year at college so there is a lot of mixed emotions for her and me. She is an old hat at the first week of college now with it being her 3rd year and her teachers were giving Ellie the responsibility of showing new starters around. There were quite a few people starting that she knew from school and she said it was great to catch up with them. She is so happy with her new teachers, especially her English one, this might be the year that she gets the elusive pass that she needs.

So it has been a week full of firsts. First legal drinks, first karaoke performance, first day of it feeling like autumn, first hot chocolate of the season, first try of the new bus route and first day of the last year of college. No wonder the week has flown by!

How has your week been? I hope you have had a good one! I am of course linking up with Anne who blogs at Raisie Bay for her Word of the Week linky!