Happy September!

This month has an air about it that lends itself to refreshing and resetting. It is the perfect time of year to nest, making our homes cosy and comfortable for the new season, as well as to practice a little self-care and get back on track with our goals and aims.

This is true regardless of where we live, and whether September means we will be welcoming autumn or spring into our lives. So, in the spirit of embracing the start of the new season, whatever that may be for you, I have put together some ideas for great things to do in September that I hope you will enjoy.

1. Make Getting Up Easier with a Delicious Breakfast

It can be challenging getting back to our normal routine, especially if we have school age children. Knowing what you are going to eat for breakfast not only removes a layer of decision making from busy mornings, it is much easier to get up if you are looking forward to something delicious for breakfast. Here are some of my favourite make ahead or quick and easy breakfast ideas:-

Pear and Walnut Oatmeal

Homemade oatmeal porridge is delicious, and easier to make than you might think. Plus, it can be on the table in under 15 minutes.

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Italian Banana Breakfast Bread

This delicious espresso-spiked Banana Bread recipe is perfect bread with butter for breakfast or with a cup of coffee anytime.

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Oat Bran Muffins with Carrot & Orange

A lower sugar muffin enhanced with sweet grated carrots and a hint of orange, these make-ahead marvels make mornings easy.

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2. Put Time for Self Care in Your Diary

Whether it is half an hour reading a book, ten minutes of meditation, having a manicure or spa treatment, or just sitting down with a cup of tea and your favourite magazine for a quarter of an hour, put some time in the diary every day just for you - and be sure to honour your appointment with yourself!

3. Freshen Up Your Home

Fall Home Ideas

If you live in the northern hemisphere, don't miss this popular article on freshening up your home for fall.

Find out more

I'll be popping back into your inbox with even more Fall Decorating Ideas soon!

4. Start a Journal

French writer Colette said, "What a wonderful life I've had! I only wish I had realised it sooner." To paraphrase, I would say "What a wonderful life I have had! I only wish I had kept more journals so I could remember everything in more detail." I wish I had encouraged my son to keep a journal when he was growing up as well.

There is no need to wait until the beginning of a new year to start a journal - especially when there are lots of diaries available that start with September. Remember, a journal can take any form - digital or paper - and can include drawings, photographs and even mementoes. You do not have to use a special diary, either, a lovely notebook will work just as well (affiliate link). Journalling is a very restorative activity to do on your own, but it could be a fun activity to do with your kids or as a family too.

5. Meet Yourself Where You Are

Whether you are a family of one or twenty-one, settling back into routine can present lots of challenges. Be patient with yourself as you adapt to the new month and the new season. There is no right or wrong way to do this!

One more thing, if your children have flown (or are about to fly) the nest, and things are feeling strange, do check out these two very popular articles on my website, Finding Yourself Again After The Kids Leave Home and Feathering An Empty Nest.

This week I'm...

Links marked with an asterix (*) are affiliate links - If you purchase using these links I make a small commission. Your purchase price is unaffected.

Recommending - Claire Sutton's guest article on my website, How To Stop The Battle With Your Inner Critic. I found Claire's advice incredibly helpful and very easy to implement and I hope you will too.

Reading - How To Make Your Food Famous* by Kimberly Espinel and Wives Like Us* by Plum Sykes

Watching - Emily in Paris Season 4 on Netflix - I can't wait for the next episodes to drop!

Baking - I needed a dairy free brownie recipe for a family get together recently so I tried Sandi of Fearless Dining's Gluten Free and Dairy Free Chocolate Brownies. They were so easy to make and tasted amazing - everyone gave them rave reviews! Note: I could not get dairy free chocolate chips so I used a chopped up vegan salted caramel chocolate bar instead and it worked beautifully.

Looking forward to - Goodwood Revival this coming weekend! Keep an eye on my socials (links below in my signature block) if you fancy seeing my family and I dressed up 1950's style!

That's all for now. Whether you are holding on to summer or welcoming fall, I hope this is a wonderful week for you!

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