Hello!

How is it nearly the end of October already?! Frankly, I'm really not ready to say goodbye to this, one of my favourite months, so I've been thinking about ways to make the most of these beautiful last days of October as well as some lovely ways to welcome November.

But first, a little peek behind the scenes.

Behind the Scenes

I'm sending this dispatch from Paris! As my husband is working, I have been exploring on my own most of the time, but we've managed a few quick lunchtime walks and we have the evenings together as well. He found the most amazing Airbnb, a beautifully restored house built in 1880 just a few blocks from the Arc du Triomphe. It feels like stepping back in time to The Gilded Age!

In my opinion, the very best way to see the City of Light is on foot, so I'm walking an average of 12 km a day (about 7½ miles). If you are planning a visit to Paris or simply fancy a virtual visit, you can get the inside scoop from our many trips here to make the most of your visit on the website now.

Savouring the Last of October's Magic

If you haven't already, be sure to check out my latest post - Things to Do In October. It's full of easy, uplifting ways to make the most of this month, from cosy home updates and homemaking to self care and outdoor adventures. (And of course, you could still do many of the things in November as well!)

I'm also sharing my favourite Fall Beauty Tips for Skin, Hair and Makeup, tried and true advice along with product recommendations I hope you will love .

From My Kitchen - Easy Autumn Bakes

Autumn always makes me think about baking more. I love it when the scent of spices fills the house and makes everything feel cosy. These are some of the easy fall bakes I'm planning to make when I get home.

Pear & Ginger Cake

A lovely treat to enjoy with a hot drink, this cake is simple but just a little bit indulgent. There’s an easy gluten-free option too!

Get the recipe

Orange Gingerbread Crinkles

One of the most popular cookies recipes on the blog, these tender cookies with a sugar coating are a real treat.

Get the recipe

Pear Tart

My late mother-in-law's recipe for sweet pears nestled in delicious almond frangipane, all encased in a tender pastry.

Give it a try!

Triple Ginger Pound Cake

Three kinds of ginger combine to make this fragrant loaf - perfect for afternoon tea or dessert.

Get the recipe

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This week I'm...

Reading - an advance copy of Meet the Newmans* by Jennifer Niven from NetGalley and Peggy* by Rebecca Godfrey with Leslie Jamieson

Looking forward to - Season 5 of Emily in Paris in a couple of months! It premiers December 18th on Netflix.

Listening to - Everything Cookbooks podcast episode 143 An Interview with Jacques Pepin

Recommending - A fabulous magnetic power bank* for my iPhone and AirPods. It supports wired and wireless charging, isn't too big or heavy and it does not block the camera so I can use the phone while I'm charging. Everyone in our family has one now!

That's all for now. I hope you will enjoy these last few days of October to the full and that your November gets off to a great start!

Thank you so much again for being a subscriber. Remember you can reply to this email with any questions, comments, suggestions or just to say hi. I love to hear from you.

Warmly,

April x