All my life my favourite season has been Autumn - or Fall, that's how I say it, and how we say it state-side. I love everything about it - the amazing colours on the trees, the falling leaves, the crisp chill in the air, squash, pumpkins and spiced lattes…everything about it makes me happy and brings me joy.
Growing up in Washington DC, you were always really ready for Fall to start, because you really get four distinct seasons there, and the summers are extremely hot and humid! By the time late September rolls round you are well and truly ready to welcome in the Fall. Here in the UK it’s a ‘little’ different, as usually we’re clinging onto the hopes of an Indian summer for as long as feasibly possible.
That said, this year, around mid-September I was already saying to Dave that I was feeling ready for Fall. Once our 2021 Planner launch was out the way (phew!!), I wasted no time getting into the kitchen, classical music on, to make my first batch of pumpkin bread - That’s the sign in the Wilson household that Autumn has well and truly arrived. I’ve now made three batches over the past few weekends, and shared them out amongst the neighbours - that’s just the American in me :). They love it! So I must provide! It is my duty as the token American neighbour :).
If you need a little nudge to get yourself into the Autumn spirit, why not try baking yourself up a batch and sharing it around? I’ve put the recipe below (I got many requests on Instagram), along with a few other suggestions that may help…
You’ll see from some included photos that we’ve recently enjoyed some of these suggestions ourselves…
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This wreath was made by my favourite flower shop in Didsbury, Manchester, The Flower Lounge @flower_lounge
And last but not least...
And then share it with your neighbours! It can be your 'Act of Kindness' for the month. Depending on taste and food intolerances, we usually add chocolate chips and pecan nuts. You can also alter the recipe to make it dairy free by using coconut oil.
The substitutes I usually do are: Whole Meal flour; a mix of coconut oil and Kerrygold Butter instead of vegetable oil; not all the water, sometimes only 1/3 cup of water or none, 2 cups of brown sugar instead of 3 cups of white; and very importantly, I pretty much double up on all the spices, and I grate fresh nutmeg rather than powder.
And it's a big recipe that makes loads, but you can cut the recipe in half if you need to, which I often do if I am not making it for other people.
Here's the recipe I have used for years ...
Oh! And where it calls for Pumpkin Puree - It is not as common to find that in the UK as it is in UK/Europe, so I have had to make my own for the past 14 years, and honestly, I would never used canned pumpkin ever again. Make it yourself! Here's the recipe ...
PUMPKIN PUREE
Try it out and let me know what you think. We absolutely love it and we hope you do too.
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Life is one big emotional rollercoaster, and sometimes we need a little magic to navigate the twists and turns. Enter the not-so-secret weapon: the gratitude journal. Trust me; it's not just another fad – science backs it up!
Let's dive into the joyous world of journaling. Grab your pens and buckle up for the gratitude glow-up!
How much of a positive difference can 10 minutes make to my life?
You’d be surprised!
Ever heard of a 10-minute accomplishment? If you haven’t, you don’t have a Hello Day daily planner (they’re the bomb!). But that’s ok – this blog’s for everyone!