Hello!

Wherever you are in the world, I hope this finds you well! Today I'm thinking about all the ways we can welcome new seasons.

I love getting ready for what I like to think of as the cosy season, creating snug corners to curl up in with a book and a cup of tea, and adding seasonal touches to the decor in our home. Planning autumn adventures is fun too. I'm very excited about a family visit to one of our favourite hotels in Rutland this weekend, and there's a trip to Paris coming up in a few weeks too.

Remember, adventures don't have to involve travelling a long way or spending a lot of money. Whether it's visiting a local park for an impromptu picnic, picking your own seasonal fruit or visiting a pumpkin patch, bringing a spirit of whimsy and adventure to your activities can make them even more fun.

Whether you have an adventure locally or go further afield, I hope you will make the most of any time you have to explore.

Plus, I have some great ideas and delicious recipes to share with you, but first, a little peak behind the scenes.

Rounding Out Our Summer

Although it's sad to say goodbye to the longer days and sunny skies, I always look forward to the activities that help us round out the summer with family and friends here in the UK.

Work events included visits to Pinterest's London Headquarters for a Creator Connect Event (top left). It's a chance to meet other creators, be inspired and informed, and have some fun. Bee Davies, a very talented artist, drew sketches of us all. (If you love Pinterest too, you can follow me here. Let me know and I'll follow you back!)

My family and I attended Goodwood Revival, an annual event celebrating vintage motoring and motor racing at the Goodwood Estate. It was fun having my hair done in 1940's style (pictured at the top of the collage in the middle with my son's partner Hannah - and on the right with my husband Guy) and enjoying a few hours stepping back in time!

We enjoyed car rallies with our vintage Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II and Bentley Turbo R at Blenheim Palace and Hampton Court Palace. (The photo bottom right was taken at Hampton Court, and you can read more about the palace and grounds here).

Last weekend, my husband Guy and I spent a couple of days with our friends at their home in the Buckinghamshire countryside. They let me pick some of the apples from their trees (photo bottom left), and I am excited to use them in some of my favourite apple recipes.

Easy Apple Baking Recipes

Whether it’s a fresh salad, warming main dish, delicious cake, easy muffins or rich, indulgent brownies, apples add a special something to both savoury dishes and baked goods.

Apple Pecan Cake with Maple Glaze

This delicious cake is perfect with a cup of tea or coffee or an ice cold glass of milk.

Try the recipe!

Applesauce Brownies

Whether you use my delicious crockpot apple and pear sauce or store bought applesauce to make these brownies, they are a wonderfully indulgent treat!

Try the recipe!

Apple and Blackberry Cake

You won't believe how easy it is to make and decorate this pretty cake. It always gets rave reviews!

Get the recipe!

To see the entire collection of my Favourite Apple Baking Recipes, please click here.

More Recipe Inspiration

Whether you prefer meat, poultry, fish or vegetarian options, there is something for everyone in this collection of tried and tested fall recipes. You will want to make these wholesome, family-friendly main dishes again and again.

Links marked with an asterix (*) are affiliate links - As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

This week I'm...

Reading - Peggy* by Rebecca Godfrey with Leslie Jamieson and the October issue of The Simple Things magazine.

Reviewing - You can read my review of The Time Hop Coffee Shop by Phaedra Patrick here. It is due to be published on 25th September in the UK and on 9th December in North America. Pre-order your copy here.*

Watching - La Dolce Vita starring Scott Foley on Netflix

Listening to - Since You Asked - the new podcast from Gretchen Rubin and Lori Gottlief

Thinking about - Adding colour to my wardrobe - burgundy really has my heart this season! More about that in my next newsletter...

Planning for - Christmas! If you are starting to think about the season to come too, I've got lots of ideas and recipes on the website now.

That's all for now. Next time I'll be sharing some delicious ways to love your leftovers, a little autumn fashion inspiration and a few surprises!

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