“November: The last month of autumn, but the beginning of a new adventure; time to take a risk and do the unexpected.” — unknown
Farewell October: gosh, that went quickly! The last month has been very busy and I write this newsletter in the midst of half-term with lots of chaos and fun with the children. I am looking forward to November and being back into my normal routine before the madness of Christmas ramps up; a lull before the inevitable storm of December!Above is our new lounge, it is very nearly there and a full blog post on the renovation is coming soon I promise.
This month I’m recovering from
A two-week half term! Whilst they were all in much need of a good rest, to keep the children busy and stave off any cries of being bored, I organised several activities and made the most of some of the fabulous places on our doorstep. We visited Yolk Farm for their Halloween and ‘Pumpkin Pop Up’ for some PYO pumpkins, carving and decorating, as well as their usual farm animals and the incredible food in the café.
We had more great eats at the Great White Food Festival AD/PR, which is a celebration of Marco Pierre White’s 45-year career and billed as the ‘ultimate foodie day out in Harrogate’. For the kids there was a Halloween Spooktacular, with dressing up, prizes and music and where the children could use a map to find spooky creations and win a bag of sweets.
We also had a brilliant time at Puttstars in York, playing mini golf. This trip was an AD/PR and it is a great spot for entertaining the whole family on a rainy day.
And we finished the holiday fun with a Halloween Dinner at The Ivy in York and ‘Bloody’ Tour of York. This AD/PR spooktacular event involved an indulgent three-course meal, with spooky cocktails and ‘devishly delicious’ desserts, followed by a guided tour around the historic streets of York with Mad Alice, focusing on the city’s haunted landmarks and bloodiest moments! All good fun!
This month I’m working on
Our new lounge and study are now in the final stages, which is just so exciting! We have continued to work with the brilliant Skirting World and James will be installing our new Crittal effect internal door (AD/PR) in the next few days.
I am also working with Dowsing and Reynolds, a brilliant lighting and interiors company. They have given us a gorgeous gold dimmer switch and matching plug sockets, which will provide those all-important finishing touches. (AD/PR).
This month I’m wearing
Hobbs! I am absolutely delighted to be working with Hobbs, who have sent me some incredible pieces from their Autumn/Winter collection. I am completely in love with the amazing Gabby Faux Fur Coat and feel so glamorous with it on. The Lacey Wool Skirt is perfect for autumn, and I have been wearing it with the gorgeous Imogen Boots. Hobbs is such a classic brand; they have been around for such a long time (since 1981) and their timeless pieces are well made and always fit me perfectly. I can’t wait for the Hobbs event in York that I am attending very soon!
Wellies! I have been collaborating with Charles Clinkard and, with winter approaching, am delighted to have the whole family kitted out in Hunter welly boots. With the beautiful light and changing leaves, we all love going for autumn walks, and I took the opportunity this year to have a family photo shoot. My background as a photographer and my passion for taking photos, means that I have loads of pictures of my family but none with me in them! To help remedy this, the wonderful Laura Gjuzi came to take some pictures which was a wonderful afternoon spent in the woods, all in our Hunter wellies and my new Beaufort and Blake shirt! Take a look at my Instagram page for some of Laura’s fabulous pictures in the stunning autumn light.
This month I’m enjoying
I cannot get enough of some amazing makeup that was recommended to me by a makeup artist Kirsty Martin at an event she was talking at last month. This ‘Skin Food Light’ by Weleda is used as a moisturiser under foundation instead of a primer and I really love it. She also recommended this NARS Sheer Glow Foundation which is perfect for layering up. I usually like thick foundation, but this is super light and allows you to layer it and achieve an excellent coverage that looks very natural. I am also loving this ‘In Bloom’ radiant liquid blush from Delilah; it is a lovely pink and so easy to apply.
This month I’m looking forward to
My event at Hobbs in York, we have stylist Laura Fawcett coming to talk about styling for the Christmas season. I am also looking forward to adding the final touches to my lounge and the curtain going up. I have been working with the fabulous Lou's Thread on a collaboration, watch this space......
This month I’m eating
I absolutely love the abundance of delicious seasonal vegetables at this time of year. Chard, cauliflowers, chicory, beetroot, radicchio, radish, artichokes, pumpkin are just some of the gorgeous offerings. Roasting squash and other autumn vegetables is so easy and the colours look so delicious and inviting. This beautiful salad was thrown together with everything that needed eating in the bottom of my fridge!
This month I'm listening
I listened to this great podcast - Feel Better, Live More - the other day, highly recommend it!
This month I’m drinking
As you may have seen in one of my recent Instagram posts, I have just started working with Gin Mare. This Mediterranean inspired gin is just wonderful and is a blend of distillations with olives, thyme, rosemary, basil, cardamom, coriander and juniper berries. After long days with the children off school, this herbal treat has been the perfect end to many of my days!
I hope you all enjoy the final month of autumn. Don’t forget to take a look at my Instagram and Youtube channel to see our new downstairs rooms in all their finished glory and other exciting events and happenings!
Love Caroline xxx
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