November

I adore this time of year.

Admittedly when the wind is howling and it's pouring with rain, I'm not jumping for joy - but isn't there something wonderful about hearing the elements wildly hammering at the windows while you're warm and cosy inside?

I've always been an autumn/winter baby {quite literally, what with my birthday being in October!} Give me a pair of boots and woolly tights over shorts any day.

However, I realise that November can sometimes bring a bleak feel to our surroundings, as the clocks change and it feels like darkness is upon us all the time. We've waved goodbye to the excitement of carving pumpkins and watching the leaves change their colours; festivities such as Halloween and Bonfire Night have passed us by, and we still have 6 weeks to go until Christmas.

But I want to assure you that there is lots to enjoy at this time of year - here are just a few of my favourites {with links for some lovely bits and bobs along the way...}

C R I S P   W A L K S   I N   T H E   C O U N T R Y S I D E

Zip yourself up into your warmest jacket, tuck your jeans into your wellies, throw a scarf around your neck and set out into the countryside. For me there are few things better than stomping through crunchy leaves and feeling the cool air on my cheeks {it's even better if you sneak a flask of hot chocolate with you for a mid-walk pick me up!} Just be sure to wrap up warm so the walk doesn't transform from pleasant and peaceful ramble to uncomfortable and painful slog - I tend to get quite bad Raynaud's in my hands - ever since my trip to Orkney, for some reason! - so I always ensure I have a good pair of gloves with me {I can highly recommend SealSkinz}.

C O S Y   N I G H T S   I N

Anyone who knows me at all will confirm that I enjoy getting snuggly with fluffy jumpers and blankets whenever possible {and, ahem, hugs...} I think that November is a great big excuse to light the fire, sink into the sofa, wrap myself up in a soft blanket, and binge on feel-good TV or play a board game. Oh, and don't forget the candles!

F O O D   G A T H E R I N G S

Although I will never turn down a roast dinner, it can be a bit of a struggle sometimes to either cook or eat such a large meal in the heat of summer. Luckily for us roast lovers, November is the ideal month to start up the regular Sunday roasts again. Not to mention all the sweetly spiced baked goods, loaded with cinnamon, nutmeg and all things wintery; the baked Camembert and cheese fondues, the slow-cooked casseroles and stews - and did I mention hot chocolate already?

If struck by the November blues, hopefully there's something here to encourage you to embrace the season. If not, I often find that a slice of hot, buttered toast will do it.