Save that for later #1: goodbye, october

getting into the cosy spirit and my first pumpkin patch

October, what can I say? Autumn is really in full swing, and my walks are lifted with the colours of the season falling to the ground. As much as I like September, it’s always touch-and-go with the transition to autumn. But in October, I could finally embrace my autumn wardrobe without sweating through my favourite jumpers.

One of my favourite kinds of posts on Substack is roundups. Maybe it’s because I’m a nosy sod, but really, I find them inspiring. On social platforms like Instagram, it feels like every post is a way to influence you to buy this or get that. On here, I’m merely peeking into the cracks of one’s life and seeing what is making their day, week, or month a bit brighter.

Someone who inspired me to do the same was

Angela Tyler

aka Coffee Grinds, who kindly mentioned me here. After sharing my love for her series, we discussed how these posts are lighthearted and fun. It’s a chance to write without a deeper meaning; I often fall victim to the need to write something meaningful. This has definitely contributed to my hesitance when posting. So thank you, Angela!

Words of Wisdom

One thing I like about Substack (sometimes) is its lack of an algorithm. During October, I stumbled across a lot of posts I resonated with, some from writers who had published the piece over a month ago. There were many that I saved, but here is a selection I have reflected on.

I don’t want to go to your Halloween party by

Soph Coombs

- As an introvert, I found myself at home in Soph’s words. The last time I dressed up for Halloween, I must have been 12. But I am a sucker for the season. I just express my love for it in other ways, and these are ways that Sophie herself wrote about. I feel we would become instant BF’s over a spread of M&S’s best picky bits.

Romaticising Life Amidst Boredom by

Halima Ahad

- I discovered Halima’s publication,

The Journalism Diaries

, through the unpredictability of Substack’s algorithm. And I’m so glad I did. I remember feeling so nervous about my first post, discussing life as a post-grad, and Halima’s work really resonated with my feelings. Her piece was the gentle reminder I needed that all our journeys are unique, and though you may not be where you want to be right now, to still treat yourself with love and grace. I’m so happy I stumbled across her!

Nancy Meyers is more than just a kitchen by

Ella

- When this piece popped up in my inbox, I was immediately enticed. Who doesn’t love Nancy Meyers?? Ella really encapsulated what Nancy’s work is all about and how there is so much more to her films than just the aesthetics. *cough* Jane’s amazing kitchen in It’s Complicated *cough*. We romanticise a life in these settings, but we shouldn’t forget they are merely the results of women with amazing work ethics and dedication to building the life they want. I love a good thought piece, and Ella’s didn’t disappoint.

A love letter to the city I once knew by

Emilie Mendham

- I absolutely loved Emilie’s honesty and candid reflections about a city that holds so many memories for her. As a former student who lived in the heart of Nottingham, too, I found myself tangled in some of her experiences. I really felt for her, and I loved the bittersweet nature of her piece. She really captures a variety of feelings and emotions one goes through in their twenties, from heartbreak to moving to personal growth. I immediately subscribed to Emilie; she really got me thinking - Shit, I think my prefrontal cortex just developed.

Me at 33 by

Michelle

- As though the evermore-inspired thumbnail wasn’t enough to entice me in, Michelle’s words of reflection surrounding her 20s and loving her 30s were a comfort to read. At 26 years old, I sometimes (often) think about what more is to come and if I will always ‘feel like this’, but reading Michelle’s work was the sisterly advice I’ve never had before. It left me feeling content with the person I am and the person I will be.

Tis the damn season

If there’s a chance to reference evermore, I will take it. October is known for its seasonal activities and affairs. One I was determined to do was visit a pumpkin patch; I can now say I’ve ticked that box. My friend of 15 years and I went to a place called Mr. Pumpkin (fitting, I know) and strolled the fields, wheelbarrow in tow, to search for the best pumpkins we could find. The place was a little pricey for our liking, but we settled for some smaller additions to use as decoration.

It goes without saying these will also be used for cooking! You won’t catch a pumpkin going in my bin anytime soon. For now, they are still displayed in my living room, though I have plans to make them into soup very soon.

With autumn officially upon us, I have also coaxed my Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser out of hibernation. It’s never too early to get on the hot chocolate hype, in my opinion. And I love nothing more than a mug of warming chocolate in the evening, even more so if it’s topped with mini marshmallows. Of course, you don’t need a Velvetiser; making it on the hob does a great job, too. Bonus points if you have a handheld milk frother!

One thing about me is that I am more of a cook than a baker. However, during my final year at uni, I fell out of the habit of cooking regularly. But during autumn and winter, the possibilities feel endless when it comes to warm, comforting dishes. I stocked up on plenty of vegetables in my last food shop, and with no idea what to use them for, I decided to make a soup.

There’s something about losing yourself in the process of chopping and cooking and busying yourself in the kitchen. The final product was a delicious soup that I fortunately had plenty of leftovers to freeze. It was a lovely surprise for those evenings when I was either too tired to cook or couldn’t decide what to eat. And now that I have those pumpkins, I’m looking forward to making more.

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If you’ve gotten this far, thank you! It’s been a lovely change—focusing on smaller moments and appreciating those everyday glimmers. October was slower in pace, but I’ve liked it, given I’m someone who has a constant need to get up and go every day and feels guilty if I slow down. Now November has graced us with its presence; I’m not ashamed to say Christmas is on my mind… I’m sure I’m not the only one, though! And I’m excited to see what this month holds.

See you soon! x