My very favourite season of the year for its beauty and significance; a time to retreat and curl up, to slow down and nurture. I need autumn and everything it offers and so I’m welcoming it with open arms. I know it’s here because there are crisp Tassie apples in the fruit bowl (and half-eaten on the table) and vivid orange pumpkin in the fridge (begging to be cooked into soup). We’re reaching for an extra layer (albeit light) come evening, pulling the covers right up to our chins and sleeping in a little later.

I find that around this time every year I start nesting for the cool seasons ahead. And it’s not as if we experience a true winter – we’re lucky if we get one frost – but still, the nesting is instinctive. I declutter to make space in our humble abode, I wash the flannelette and wool in eucalyptus and I stock up on cold weather supplies.

My autumn/winter essentials list:

• beeswax candles. I light them every evening for ambiance and a little air cleansing. They also help to reduce the electricity bill (no need for all those lights).
• natural Eucalyptus Balm – this was never far from my reach last year and it saved me on those night when little ones were coughing. I rubbed it on their (and my) chest and back to ease the tightening and onto the soles of the feet before bed (socks on top).
• socks! We live in a cold winter house and the timber floors are draughty so around this time every year I commence my annual mantra of “put your socks on!” As you can see from above, Poet has some lovely lambswool slippers to keep her toes cosy…but I am yet to find some for myself. Sometimes a really thick pair of wool socks will suffice.
• layers. Singlets are a must (tucked in!) and cardigans and scarves aren’t ever far from our reach. Last year I took to adding an extra layer before I put the heater on (the gas bill still made me cringe).
• eucalyptus, lemon and frankincense oils for burning in a diffuser. They help to kill germs and keep the air fresh.
• clove oil, bi-carb and vinegar – my natural method for killing mould.
• tea – when you’re cold, make tea, clasp the cup, take regular sips
• stock. I make sure there’s a constant supply of chicken broth/stock in the freezer. This year I’m going to make beef bone broth, too.
• fresh ginger, lemons, garlic, honey, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, oranges – my essentials for maintaining good health and warding off colds.
• hot water bottles – because I don’t think there is anything sweeter that putting on pjs that have been warmed by a hottie.
• …on the topic of hotties, it’s only fair I add “cuddles” to the essential list and so it comes as no surprise that I say: “hurry home, Daniel!” (we’re on the final stretch, he’ll be home in about four weeks, I can’t think about it too much because the days will drag but my goodness, I am so excited).