“The sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and Autumn was awakened”

This is my season, the season of comfy sweaters, warm tea, Autumn storms and walks in the woods. We’ve been waking to chilly mornings but the afternoons are still sunny and warm which I won’t complain about; Yoga under the sunshine in mid October? I can’t remember an October this warm.

Today I’m going to share some of the things that get me into the Autumn mood, so lets jump right in.

FRAGRANCE

Using fragrance is one of the easiest ways of setting a mood. Our Limbic system ( the part of the brain involved in our emotional responses) is connected directly to our sense of smell which is why certain scents can take us back to a time in our life or a specific memory. Maison Margiela is a line of perfumes that recreate common scents; Cozy scents like “Bubble Bath” or “When the Rain Stops”. My personal favourites and the ones I wear during the Fall and Winter are “By The Fireplace” (meant to replicate the scent of a crackling fire) and Autumn Vibes (that reminds me of the musky scent of crunching fall leaves).

Gourmand scented candles are another way I set the mood at home. Right now I’m burning a Buttered Rum scented candle by Life At Home and of course the cliche pumpkin spice scents are always handy in Fall.

BOOKS

I like to choose a book (or two or three) to read during Autumn. Something about starting a new book and diving into a cozy autumnal world makes me so excited. Susan Branch has the most adorable seasonal books and this one called The Autumn Book is filled with anecdotes, home decore and ideas on hosting holiday meals. Other’s on my list for this season are: The Cafe Between The Pumpkin and Pie and Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen

SHOWS

Fall is when all the new shows start. This month I started watched Alaska Daily, starring Hilary Swank. It’s about a journalist who is called to Alaska to write about missing and murdered native woman. A very relevant topic for this part of the PNW and so far I’m really enjoying it. Last night we finished watching The Rings of Power a prequel to The Lord of the Rings (on Amazon Prime).

For a past blog I wrote with my Autumn Movies list click HERE.

A WALK IN THE WOODS

I enjoy hiking in nature all year but for the past few years my husband and I have made it tradition to go on a Thanksgiving Day walk. This year we walked at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery. Autumn has been slow to arrive on the coast, in fact, we’ve been in a drought and I do hope this isn’t a sign of years to come with global warming because everything suffers; the animals, the rivers, even the trees haven’t yet changed colour this late in the season. We’re still very blessed to live in a city surrounded by nature and Autumn is my favourite time to be in the forest.

DRINKS

Clutching a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate brings memories of school trips to the skating rink or sitting at the window watching the rain fall. For a sweet drink, I like to buy this spiced apple cider. I use it in the Winter for Mulled Wine but in the Fall it can just been heated on the stove and you can give it a kick with a shot of brandy or cognac. I buy one that comes already spiced but to make your own all you need is:

• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 1/2 tsp whole cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 4 cups unsweetened apple juice
• 1/2 tbsp. orange zest
• pure maple syrup

HOME DECOR

I’m a little theatrical with my home decor around the Holidays and for Autumn I pull out all the stops. Pumpkins (obviously) adorn the bar and tables, fairy lights and cozy pillows. I’m a real geek when it comes to this time of year but I’ve always felt that romanticizing life keeps me inspired and happy.

A VISIT TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH

This week I’ll be making my yearly pilgrimage to the Pumpkin Patch. I usually go with my sister and we start by grabbing a Fall drink at Starbucks then spend some time walking amongst pumpkins of every shape, size and colour, looking for the perfect ones to carve into jack-o-lanterns with family at Halloween. My sister now lives in Texas so I’m going to ask my husband to come with me. He’s as festive as I am around the Holidays – a match made in Autumn heaven you might say.

MUSIC

Like fragrance, I find music is that fastest way to get you into whichever mood you’re looking for. Playlists from Dark Academia, Jazz by Louis Amanti or ASMR lounges like Hogwarts Ambience or cozy Coffee Shops are my choice when I’m looking for the warm and fuzzy feels of Fall. What music do you like during this season?

Thank you for joining me today. If you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog and join me over on Instagram @ BellWitchManor

If you feel so inclined to buy me a hot chocolate so that I can continue to create content like this, you can do so here.

Happy Autumn Season.

Love,

Jennifer