Winds of change
Three finds to help you settle into autumn as temperatures drop.
With how quickly the months have flown by, it already feels like 2024 is in the rearview mirror. I (reluctantly) turned on the heating for the first time last week and commenced with all the other seasonal changes around our home — unpacking the thicker duvet and heavier coats and making the first of many pots of comforting soup.
Now that our flat is 98% organized, I finally feel like I can enjoy all of the wonderful things about autumn, like the colorful leaves, bringing out my go-to boots and settling into the coziness that makes this time of the year so nice.
The three buys in this edition all invoke that autumnal feeling and will carry you through until the first chill of winter and beyond.
My skin has long loathed face oils. That is, until I found the Nourishing Face Oil from Ishga (£73). In a base of jojoba, thistle and almond oils, the hero ingredient in all of the Scottish skincare brand Ishga’s products is Hebridean seaweed, which provides essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. This oil also contains balancing rose geranium and salicylic acid, making it an excellent option for those of us with acne-prone skin. Each morning, I apply a few drops after my moisturizer and before my sunscreen, and my face has been clearer, calmer and dewier since I started using it.
After a recent purge of my sock drawer, I set out to find some new options for the colder months. I wanted a variety of pairs that were warm but not too bulky, soft and, most importantly, stayed up — I hate wearing socks that end up lost in my shoes while I walk. Calzedonia has a range of cashmere styles (£6 and up) to suit any outfit or footwear. I bought several different lengths and colors, all of which have passed the test in both sneakers and boots. I’m especially liking the long socks, which work well under baggier jeans or trousers that can feel too breezy this time of year.
After burning through my stash of scented candles ahead of the move, I was ready to find some new aromas — I just didn’t want to spend a small fortune stocking up. This year, I’m trying out Beauty Pie for the first time and was delighted to see they sold candles that, even without the membership, were still cheaper than a lot of other brands at £34 each (£20 for members). I selected their Bahia De Miel candle, which has notes of green basil, balsam and vanilla musk. It’s not too sweet and has helped me turn my home office into a more luxurious space.
Something to think about …
One of my mantras (that I cannot take credit for) is, “‘No’ is a full sentence.” I still struggle to say “no” when I want to sometimes, but I have gotten better at ignoring the urge to justify a “no.” If you also struggle with declining invitations and whatnot, this great essay by Leslie Jamison can provide some additional inspiration.
In case you missed it …
