It’s finally sweater season so dig out your oversized wooly jumper and get ready to slip on your fluffy socks and get snug for autumn. Now the nights are drawing in and the average temperature of Newcastle is plummeting down to five degrees it’s about time you started feeling festive.
So here are some of my best tips and tricks to get into that seasonal mood:
Sugar scented candles
Whether you fancy cinnamon, cider or caramel scents, buying candles is one of the cheapest ways of giving your house that homely feel. You can dim the lights and save on the electricity bill whilst making every room in the house smell like spiced pumpkins and maple syrup.
Fuzzy throws and bundles of blankets
Grab your pile of blankets and wrap up tight for a night in watching Harry met Sally or an evening of bickering over a game of monopoly with your flat mates. An easy way of making your home welcoming is by draping blankets over your sofa or piling them up in a basket for each and every visitor to use.
Syrups and spice and all things nice
Tis the season for some of the best flavored coffees, teas and hot chocolates in Newcastle coffee shops from pumpkin spiced lattes to fireside hot chocolates. The Sunday quayside market is the perfect place to pick up a seasonal beverage to sip on in the Robinson library during exam season. Alternatively, if you fancy a bargain you can buy a tub of Galaxy hot chocolate and a bag of mini marshmallows for less than £3 to have anytime of the day or night.
Brownie baking and pie prepping
Now it’s time for you to be your own star baker and cook up some pecan pie or Nutella brownies for all your flat mates to approve of. It’s the perfect opportunity to do some home cooking and to invite everyone over to show off your culinary talents.
Bust out those berry tones
It’s that time of year when every shop on Northumberland street is filled with an array of autumnal tones, so pull out those purple purses and burgundy berries and flaunt your festive wardrobe. Why not invest in some plum nail polish or some okra orange eye shadows and experiment with your style this season?
Conker hunting in Jesmond vale
Pull on your mittens and ankle boots and have a wander through the piles of crunchy leaves in Jesmond vale. This secluded spot is the ideal place to have a bit of peace and quiet away from the chaos of the city centre. Whilst you are there you can pick some pine cones or even collect some conkers for a D.I.Y bunting or garland session with your course mates.
Don’t allow the stress of submissions or looming exams stop you from doing the little things which will make you fall in love with this time of year.