Falling For Autumn

This may seem a tad premature to those of you in other parts of the world, considering we're still in August, but here in Limburg the weather has definitely begun to turn. There is a near-constant threat of rain in the air, the temperature has dropped a good few degrees and the days are growing noticeably shorter.
As I type I am sipping a cup of hot tea, wearing leggings, socks, a long sleeve top and yet I'm still considering going upstairs to grab my big, slouchy cardigan that I pulled from the back of my wardrobe recently. Yesterday I even picked up my knitting again for the first time since early this year (a scarf that I might actually be able to wear this winter!).

If someone were to ask me what my favourite season is, I would have a hard time making a choice. Not only because I'm possibly the most indecisive person I know, but because I fall in love with each one all over again when the changes start to occur. Spring is so crisp and fresh and with the promise of new life all around and a new year full of possibilities, it's hard not to love. Summer brings the hot sun, ice-cream, gauzy dresses, the smell of suncream and days spent lounging at the beach. Winter feels like a time for family to me, I am a big Christmas girl and find it going past way too quickly every year. Snow, colourful lights and spiced everything? Yes please!

And Autumn; golden crunchy leaves, a chill in the air, sweaters and warming meals that would have been far too heavy only a few weeks before.
I think a lot of people dislike Autumn, it's the end of summer, blue skies are traded for grey and tans begin to fade. It means going back to school and long days and barbecues become just another happy memory.
But I'm looking forward to it so much. Maybe it's the American in me, but I love the sight of changing leaves, meals packed with pumpkin and root vegetables, and of course, it means that special festive time is just around the corner!

I've been spending a lot of time on Pinterest the past couple of days, salivating over stews and roasts, seasonal veg and, of course, all manner of sticky, rich, warming desserts.
Not only does the food seem to get better as the weather cools, but the fashions change as well. I'm not talking latest catwalk trends here, it's that snuggly, layered Autumn uniform of skinny jeans, oversized sweaters, boots and chunky scarves. The clothes worn in that sweet point, where you need some protection from the nip in the air, but you don't yet need to cover up a carefully put-together outfit with a big, heavy coat buttoned up to your nose.

My guess is that we'll have a warm spell again in the next few weeks, one last indian summer, but I'm looking forward to the first frost. There's nothing more magical than waking up to find everything around you enveloped in glistening silver.

What's your favourite thing about Autumn? Is there anything special you do at this time of year that you're looking forward to?