Now For October Eves

Blustery days have returned. October blew in tousling my hair, teasing the tasselled ends of my scarf, menacing washing lines up and down my street and I've seen a wind-stolen umbrella dancing a ballet of its own minus a presumably bedraggled lady owner (I've attempted to get the boy to adopt an umbrella but no success - do menfolk have an aversion?). Regardless of the gusts there is still a sunshine hangover which means my freckles are out in force and the breeze hasn't yet reached full bite. October is my favourite month of the year, not just because I was born in it - although that helps, but because October is when Autumn moves into full swing and the anticipation of revelry ahead begins. Back to school promotions have made way for Hallowe'en ones, cinnamon heavy candles hit the shelves, chimneys are back to puffing and the leaves begin turning. I walk more, bake more, read more, make more, write more in Autumn - crisp air and dark nights feel like home. My scarf collection (another post in itself) is in daily use and I get far too excited about layering up in cosy cardigans.

Last week I stocked up on snuggly socks and gloves in Fairisle patterns and treated myself to an owl print snood to beat the chill. All the above were then blown out of the water by the beautiful silk blend pashmina scarf I found in a local shop, it made me think of the intricate rugs in stately homes and I'm still fascinated by the jewel toned colours and patterns on each side which feel so deep and warming. If you're at all keen on the Harry Potter books or films you'll see why it also put me in mind of the tapestries, blazing fires and well-loved furniture in the Gryffindor common room. There's another thing I love about Autumn; re-reading some of my favourite books! If you're wondering what on earth is autumnal about the airmail envelopes pictured above the answer is nothing really, only I'm much more prolific on the letter-writing front come cooler months - I like picking snail mail up off the mat to read and reply to over a cup of tea. 

This October has already proved itself pretty special as last Thursday evening I got some incredible news that was so unexpected it took me a while to feel as though it had actually happened! Beautiful Clutter was chosen as Best Lifestyle Blog at the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards! Having been unable to actually attend the awards ceremony in London I found out via a tweet from Cosmopolitan at around 7:15pm, then spent the next hour in disbelief. By the time 9.30 rolled around I was sat with the man and some of our friends celebrating with champagne in teacups and homemade cheesecake.  A few days later it still feels as though it could easily have been a dream. Thank you to everybody who took the time to place a vote, and thank you to Cosmopolitan for choosing Beautiful Clutter, especially as there were some truly fantastic blogs and bloggers in my category. Well worth checking out the shortlist if you are looking for some new reads, I guarantee there'll be one for you!