I let myself get drawn into the social media advertising of Ffern. Their advertising is inspirational and it draws you in to whichever season it is. I was at a point in my life where I wanted to try to find a new signature scent. The description of summer 2026 pulled me in as I tend to like fresh sweet scents.

How, when I tried summer 26 I didn’t like it. The company do warn you that they produce a natural perfume which will be different to the commercial synthetic perfumes that most of us purchase. When I smell the perfume now, I don’t find it quite as jarring as I did then.

The great thing about this company is that they send you a little sample bottle of the perfume to sample first. If you don’t like the scent you are able to send the full-size perfume back within seven days.

I didn’t cancel my subscription for Autumn 26 because I was being an optimist and I thought maybe I would prefer the Autumn scent. That is without seeing the description of what the Autumn scent would be. I was again intrigued when I saw the description of Autumn 26, although I was more sceptical that the scent descriptions would carry through to the actual perfume.

I am thrilled to say that actually I do love Autumn 26 perfume! However, I don’t think some of the descriptions carry through to the actual perfume. I’m not really getting much of a violet leaf or the caramel Tonka bean notes, that could be because I haven’t tried perfume making before so I’m not entirely sure what those particular scents may smell like individually.

I find Autumn 26 quite intoxicating. It’s more musky than I would usually lean to for a scent. The company do mention that the scent is quite powdery, that I agree with. It is musk mixed with talc baby powder. I think there are notes of almost Turkish delight. It is a bit woody and unisex. My husband thinks it is not particularly masculine but I do. Like all perfumes it smells different on everyone’s skin. I find the scent quite relaxing which I’m guessing comes from lavender, but I don’t think I could pick out lavender as one of the notes.

As it is a natural perfume, it doesn’t overwhelm with how powerful the scent is. It fades over the course of a few hours, so it is lovely to reapply during the day.

Although it is rather pricey, it is quite nice that it is a small bottle in the sense that you can enjoy it for the season and then move on to the next. I’m guessing that is the company’s plan. That being said I will miss its scent when it runs out.

Sending Autumn vibes,

Amy

xx

Falling leaves

A time in my life I remember fondly, possibly the start of my love for Autumn; was when I started college at 16. I loved the walk to and from the college from my home. It took around 20 minutes. I was often late! There was a walk along an alleyway with one side having trees or bushes and the other, was possibly a small field. I think I remember vegetation. Then there was a walk along a residential road with trees overhanging the road and path which lead to the college. This section of the walk particularly was lovely in Autumn. There were also green fields to the side of the college.

I remember the fresh start feeling of finishing school and choosing the subjects you wanted to study. I was very fortunate that my friends were all attending the same college with me. We had some subjects in common but I was only in two classes with them. It was such an inspiring time. Looking back it was much more carefree and sociable. The falling leaves resonated with life falling in to place for me.

I think for some people, each season in a year is just another. However, I think you should treasure each one and make them count as you never know how many left you will see. That obviously puts pressure on us too. Now I’m a Mum, I realise every season is especially important as my child will only be a certain age for this year’s season. Each year new exciting things will be discovered and enjoyed.

I think it is rather fitting that I had my daughter in the Autumn too!

Hair and style

Every year I experience pangs to get a fringe cut! Just like the seasons it’s a cyclical trend. By the Summer I don’t want a fringe in my face! I do have a clip in fringe now, that I am yet to make full use of. Wednesday’s second season release will not help this year’s temptation!

I also crave to wear more boho, almost witchy items of clothes. I could wear boots all year round as I absolutely love them but I tried not to this Summer. I feel the urge to wear tights although I’m not a lover of them as I find them uncomfortable. My go to would be leggings. I wish they sold leggings with feet, cotton ones that are soft. The vibe is a bit more cosy, very slightly frumpy.

The warm and dark colours of autumn draw me in too. Tan, browns, purples, orange, reds and navy. I personally haven’t attempted mustard, but if you can pull it off then that is another related colour. I sometimes like greens too.

Food

My food palette is definitely Autumn! I absolutely love comfort foods. Warm, succulent, tasty. Mmm. I crave cooking stews and casseroles, crumbles, muffins and pies at this time of year. I suppose it is a great time to start practicing a roast dinner in preparation for Christmas dinner. Or Thanksgiving if you celebrate it. One of my favourite ever foods is probably a crumble with custard. On my walks I have noticed blackberries are ripening. My heart jumps to harvesting and baking a blackberry crumble. I’m not a huge soup fan nowadays. The thought of a tomato soup fills me with a warm smile though. I tend to find they don’t settle my appetite for lunch or main meal.

Halloween

Among my family and friends this is a topic that divides many of us. I love Halloween, I have done since childhood. Although I personally like a child like innocent Halloween that isn’t particularly scary or creepy! Fairly simple classic costumes with family friendly films, non scary homeware, spooky music playlists and trick or treating. I’m not a big horror or thriller fan. I know a lot of people are scared or freaked out by Halloween. Especially religious people. Hopefully the candy sweet American Halloween is not too scary to bear.

Guy Fawkes Night and post Halloween

If you’re like me you are thinking of sparklers, sausages and hot chocolate. Warm and cosy in a hat, scarf and gloves watching pretty lights in the sky, feeling the chill on your cheeks and seeing your breath in front of you. This should hopefully be a night of laughter with loved ones. I don’t like the sound of fireworks, I’ve been frightened of loud bangs since I was small. A lot of pets are scared of them too which is troublesome in today’s era of home displays.

Harry Potter

I associate the Harry Potter world with Autumn and Winter. That new school year feeling. I’m guessing that’s largely because I grew up with the books. I could relate to them because they were school children like I was. The books follow the school year with highlights of Halloween and Christmas. When watching the films, whilst I would enjoy them all year round, I find the notion of cuddling up on the sofa or in bed watching them very appealing. A great way to spend the dark getting cold nights of Autumn. A great way to help with the winter months too. I actually associate reading the books in Summer which may contradict this section, but reading is a great way to spend the evenings too.

Autumn TV

I’m guessing for a lot of people, the main TV channels release shows in the Autumn as we are mostly indoors when the nights get darker. I remember watching soaps and shows like Strictly and Call the Midwife growing up.

Just a note to say that I have been delaying posting as I don’t have photos ready to include. To start posting again, I will just post regardless and return at a later date to make the post’s aesthetically pleasing.

Take Care,

Amy xx

I’ve always been an untidy girl unfortunately. I really struggle with items that don’t have a ‘home’ especially. When I used to tidy my room as a child I would be surrounded by a sea of items, deep in my little own world likely having rediscovered something. I also used to blame my little sister for why my room was a mess, bless her! It wasn’t all her fault as you can imagine!

After moving out as an adult I started to struggle keeping on top of life and all the chores that go along with it. I wish I had moved out earlier now as it would have taught me more responsibility and to have more respect for my caregivers. I became more anxious than normal and would stress about not getting enough done. I still do to be honest, especially at weekends when I pressure myself to have completed all of my chores before the end of it. It eventually all felt like a chore that took me away from my leisure activities and socialising.

Here is a link to Mrs Hinch’s Instagram:

https://instagram.com/mrshinchhome?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Anyway, a few years ago I discovered Mrs Hinch and how she helped her anxiety by cleaning. This lit a light bulb for me by providing a different perspective. Could housework become enjoyable? I’m pleased to say that it can be. I like the idea of finding joy in everyday, from everyday activities. I might be odd in that I find ironing relaxing for example. Is there anything more satisfying than a clean, tidy house to relax in, knowing that everything has been done?

I don’t enjoy all chores and housework isn’t exactly leisure for me. I still struggle to tackle more than the weekly tasks, fighting metaphorical fires. Deep and seasonal cleans are always a catch up for me. I have found Mrs Hinch’s Instagram and notebook to be very helpful for inspiration and keeping lists.

Here is a link to Stacey Solomon’s Instagram:

https://instagram.com/staceysolomon?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Another public figure that I enjoy watching tidying is Stacey Solomon. Her tap to tidy posts are so satisfying, turning an untidy space to an aesthetically pleasing one. She also uses similar phrases for new creative developments, they’re enjoyable too. I’m still part way through her autobiography. I love how upbeat and bubbly she is on any platform, I find it a pick me up. Especially since I can be on the grumpy side at times. Her enthusiasm for life is infectious.

I often find myself scrolling through cleaning posts for enjoyment and motivation nowadays. You can tell I’m in my 30s!

I will point out that another reason I am posting about these two ladies is that they are actually the same age and year group as me, which I find odd. They seem so much mature and are further on in life. Sophie is from Basildon, I come from Thundersley which I consider to be halfway between Southend and Basildon. I used to visit Basildon sometimes for shopping, the cinema or bowling etc.! Stacey is from Dagenham which is in Essex too. She mentioned previously enjoying visiting Lakeside Shopping Centre which I also love.

Finally, I should also add that I find seeing all of the perfect houses on Instagram intimidating and that mine just doesn’t compare. I try to be realistic by telling myself that no one’s home is perfect, tidy and clean all the time if they live in it.

Off to read in a hot bath after an evening of cleaning and tidying,

Amy x