Hello Autumn

It's here, it's finally here; my most favourite season of all - autumn. I left Mr Maggie May gaping with shock when I casually said back in July, "I don't really like the summer - I can't wait until autumn!" But it's true... So many things make this time of year the best for me.

It's not just that autumnal fashion is so much more comfortable and stylish than summer clothing (woolly jumpers, boots and scarves are my October staples), but also you can bake and cook some beautiful recipes with all those typical autumnal flavourings that make us feel cosy - I'm thinking cloves, cinnamon and mixed spices for example! I started off my seasonal baking this week with these damson and cinnamon muffins. They were pretty tasty.

Finally, the colours during these months are just perfection. When I see the leaves on the trees changing to reds, oranges and golds, I am filled with excitement as I rush to grab my camera and take as many snaps as possible.

This weekend was the ideal opportunity for some relaxation time, and to start to appreciate autumn once again. After a beautiful lie in on the Saturday morning, Mr MM whipped up his famous scrambled eggs (they are unbelievably creamy) which we feasted on in our PJs while slurping fresh coffee. Waking up to the sound of our machine gurgling and spluttering in the kitchen is one of my beloved weekend moments!

#10BookChallenge Update

At the beginning of August, I was very excited to launch the #10BookChallenge. The idea is fairly simple; bookworms who wish to take part are asked to name the 10 books which have stayed with them the most. It could be because they were funny, full of emotion, or just because they were excellently written novels. It sounds easy, but it is far more difficult that it initially sounds! You can have a read of my own #10BookChallenge here.

I mentioned a quote from W. Somerset Maugham in that post, and I'll mention it again as I think it's brilliant: "The only important thing in a book is the meaning that it has for you." (For more fantastic book quotes, take a look at my board on Pinterest - it's a book lover's dream!) I am very passionate about getting as many book lovers involved in this challenge as possible; firstly, because I think it's wonderful to find out new reading recommendations, and to hear about books you possibly wouldn't have opted for yourself. Secondly, because I think it's something that everyone, not just writers, journalists and bloggers, can do. It's a chance to reflect on all those stories which have touched us in our lives, to look back on childhood memories, and perhaps more recent ones; to umm and ahh over which Enid Blyton book we're going to feature in our final ten (I'm sure it's not just me who was faced with that conundrum) and then to finally share those well-thought out decisions with others.

So if you want to get involved with this challenge, then please do! You can post on Facebook, write a tweet or two, or present your ten books to us visually via Instagram; just use the hashtag #10BookChallenge so that we can all see and get excited about it.

New York Fashion Week - Highlights

September is always a beautiful month for fashionistas; we're treated to an array of fashion weeks from the most glamorous cities in the world, eagerly waiting to see what looks are going to be making it big in the spring.

New York Fashion Week 2015 took place earlier this month, and alas, we were not all able to jump on a plane and jet across to the runways, having to make do with double tapping most of the pictures on our Instagram feeds. 

But fear not! I have gathered together a selection of my favourite looks from the SS16 shows, so this Sunday evening you can sink into your sofa with a cup of tea and scroll through some of the New York highlights. Enjoy!

Left - Jenny Packham  //  Right - Diane von Furstenberg 

Left - Carolina Herrera  //  Right - Marchesa

Left - Michael Kors Collection  //  Right - Monique Lhuillier

What I've Been Pinning {August}

Another month gone, and another 4 weeks of pinning away to my heart's content! I've got some beautiful Pinterest boards to share with you today - I hope you love these snaps as much as I do.

Interiors Ideas

 Carry on looking at Interiors Ideas

10 Reasons Why I Wish Friends Was Real

Photo credit - hollywoodreporter.com

Following on from my popular post a couple of weeks ago, 10 Reasons Why I Wish Harry Potter Was Real, I decided that this was a fun theme to explore once again. I paused for a moment. What other films or TV programmes did I wish I could be a part of? It didn't take me very long to think of one.

I have watched every single episode of Friends numerous times, as many people I know have, and lines from the show are regularly quoted in our house. Not a year goes by when there aren't rumours of a reunion, and every year I cross my fingers and hope - but until then, I'll stick to clicking 'Play All' on the boxset and wishing that it was real for the following reasons.

1.    Central Perk - My friends (and Instagram followers!) know that I have a huge weakness for coffee shops. Just being in the near vicinity of one is very difficult for me, as I have to mentally tell myself that I do not need yet another coffee. But will you look at Central Perk?! It is the perfect coffee shop. Comfy chairs, big mugs, lots of cake, good coffee and a familiar barista (Can Gunther be classed as a barista?) behind the counter. Oh what I would give to have a catch-up session or three in here...

Photo credit - eonline.com