Our Autumn Bucket List

I am one of those people who can't decide which season is my favourite - although I LOVE Christmas and it is my birthday in December, the fact that I hate snow and the cold weather means that it's definitely not winter. I do however love the promise of spring where the flowers start to bloom and the sun starts to re-appear from it's winter sleep.

I don't think spring is my favourite season either though as I just don't have the same love in my heart as I do for summer and autumn. I adore summer. For me, nothing beats the feeling of the warm sunshine on your face, the feeling of digging your toes in the sand, ice creams, beer gardens, picnics, playing outside, fish and chips.....I love it all.  I never feel sad when summer ends though as I know my other favourite season is about to begin. There is something about autumn that I just can't help but love. For me, it's not too cold so you need to hibernate but the crisp air, blue skies and crunchy leaves on the ground are the perfect conditions for a long country walk. Autumn brings us bonfires, fireworks, Halloween, comfort food, new boots and coats, candles, coziness, hot chocolate, good tv.......the list in endless. I intend to enjoy every second of autumn so if you ever spy me moaning about it, you have my permission to give me a good shake.

Our Autumn Bucket List

Take a long walk in the woods

This is a bit of a tradition for us but I usually take the kids to Plessey woods in the autumn and we collect leaves to make a tree collage at home. It's always lots of fun.

Make Proper Hot Chocolates 

As a one-off Friday night treat after school I'm going to treat the kids to proper hot chocolates - there will be no expense spared. I'll make them with proper chocolate drops, whole milk, squirty cream, marshmallows, a flake........Perfect!

Buy New Boots

This one is just for me but I always like to treat myself to a new pair of boots in the autumn. I have my eye on these Whisper Boots from HotterUK. Aren't they dreamy!

Plan an AWESOME October Half Term

We usually go away during October Half Term but this year Steve is working for most of it so unfortunately a week away isn't on the cards this year. That's not to say it won't be awesome though. I am planning a trip to The Dark Garden at Alnwick Garden which is a dramatic after-hours interactive experience plus we'll be popping into Alnwick Castle to catch the medieval alchemist, crafts, broomstick training and jester performances.

After reading so much about Preston Park we are planning a trip to their Half Term Hocus Pocus event. There's the chance to go shopping in their very own Diagon Alley, visit mystical owls plus broomstick training and potion making. Sounds fab! Finally, we will also be signing up to lots of Juice Festival Activities (WindyBops and the Day of the Dead are two that have caught our eye) and ending our week with a trip to the Digital Kids Show.

Spend Time with Friends

Everyone seems to be less busy in autumn compared to summer so I will be using this to my advantage and making sure I spend lots of time with friends. I already have a weekend booked at St Mary's Inn for Chloe and Simon's wedding, have planned a Halloween cocktail party and have booked a trip to The Kings Lodge Inn with Chloe and Katie. Lots to look forward to.

Watch Fireworks

We don't have any plans for bonfire night at the moment however last year we visited Lightwater Valley and loved it so depending on Steve's shifts we may do that again. Whatever happens though, I definitely want to watch a display somewhere.

Celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary

We celebrate 10 years of marriage this November. WOW where does the time go! We have actually booked a break to Cuba next year to celebrate so won't be too extravagant in our celebrations but I do think we'll head out for a nice lunch somewhere - let me know if you have any suggestions.

Eat lots of Comfort Food

I cannot wait to get my slow cooker out of hibernation. Mince and Dumplings, Steak Pie, Apple Crumble.....mmmm it's all the cards!

Go Blackberry Picking

The kids are always asking to do this but it's been a few years since we had the chance. This year I am determined we will do it! Let me know where the best places to go are as I don't have a clue.

So there you have our autumn bucket list - I simply can't wait. Let me know what you have planned this season too.