Autumn - Winter 2014 Home Comforts:

As the nights draw in an the weather starts to change this is when I find a change in the weather really changes my mood. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I will share to try and help the transition from summer to Autumn / Winter.

Clothes: I am always cold! even in the summer I am reaching for jumpers and cardigans, which means that I will have plenty of supplies around. But this also means If I'm cold in the summer how cold do I feel in the winter. This year when I bought some new clothes I also purchased long sleeve jersey T-shirts. They are ideal for layering up under blouses and jumpers to take away the chill. Also I love my boots, so simple to pair up with jeans and more stylish than pulling on my trainers.

Bedding: So far this year I am holding off turning the heating on. I have however found that swapping out the cotton bedding, and swapping for a jersey material really does help keep me warm. Even with the same tog duvet it does take away the chill. The only problem is trying to get up and out of bed is even harder as its snuggly and warm.

Food: This is when the slow cooker appears out of the cupboard and the stews, casseroles and other yummies start to be eaten. I am trying at present to be very conscious about the amount of wheat and flour I am having in my diet. Putting lots of meat and vegetables with a controlled mix of herbs and spices is a good way for this. All of the contents are known, and it makes it a lot cheaper making them at home. I make too much and batch it up and freeze for lunches and teas another day. I have asked for a certain chefs cook book for xmas about comfort food :-)

Relaxing: You all know I love my candles, but this is when I love to light one and sit by the soft glow. It helps me to feel relaxed and at ease. I have recently been loving my unscented candles. Or one particular candle that I purchased at my place of work. However I have just taken on a new part time role that I am going to love, which will involve selling candles!! ideal job for me I think :-)

There are 2 bad things about this time of the year and I am really not looking forwards to them over the next few weeks. I don't like the dark at the best of time however right now is worse. Due to the fact of I don't like people coming to my door when they are unexpected, and I am scared of masks and items that cover the face such as face paint and prosthetics. Therefore Halloween is not a good time at all for me. Therefore this year will as per every year involve, being home on the top floor, with the curtains closed and TV and music on so loud that I cannot hear the door. Im not a scrooge, I usually leave a sign out and a bag of sweets for people to take.

My other worse fear are fireworks, I hate the loud noises, and how you do not know when you expect them to go off. I jump out of my skin, and I hate the noise. Again this is a night where there curtains are closed and the TV is on. One thing with fireworks are they don't just go off on 5th of November, sometimes the weekend before, or after, and then random nights between then and new year.

What helps you to feel better at this time of the year? I would love to know as I may try them.

Speak soon

Nic