I woke up early this morning with a cold nose, not wanting to get out of the cosy fluff of my duvet. I felt that fresh autumnal chill on my face and saw that the leaves on my redcurrant have already started to turn, as though it woke up to the October air and shivered away all of its green.  

Autumn is the year’s last, loveliest smile and October is one of my favourite months – the rich colours, the prospect of snuggling up in a cosy jumper and sipping hot chocolate on a cold evening. And, is there anything more satisfying than stepping on a crispy leaf?

Much like the Christmas season, I find that October is full of delicious smells. I love the cold, crisp smell of the first frost, the damp, sweet scent of leaves turning to mulch as I go for a walk in my woolly scarf and bobble-hat. October is also the time of year where my whole house is filled with the warm aroma of baked brandy and fruit while my Christmas cake is in the oven. And then, towards the end of the month, that earthy tanginess of an artistically carved pumpkin.

I have always loved Halloween – growing up, my family and I would decorate the house so fantastically and I have always enjoyed working hard to find or make the perfect costume to go ‘Trick or Treating’. With a yearly tradition of watching the film Hocus Pocus, I am beyond excited to see the new sequel this year!

Mim the Mouse is also excited for Halloween festivities – it looks like she wants to be the fourth Sanderson sister in her brand new little witch costume!