So, it’s the end of another summer. We’ve packed away our whites (in theory), and we’re preparing for the crisper, shorter days of Autumn. September always feels like a fresh start to me, and although it’s been years since I went “back to school”, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia at this time of year. New clothes, new books and new routines are what September is all about. Here’s a quick edit of the things I think it’s worth putting on this month’s “To Do” list…
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Wear… anything denim. Denim just feels right for September, whether it be boyfriend jeans, chambray shirts or cute, cropped jackets. On the weekend I bought some fab new high-waisted skinny jeans, and I rock a Canadian Tuxedo whenever humanely possible (seriously, I might have a problem).
Read… the Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard. If you’ve never read this fabulous series, about a middle-class British family during the pre- mid- and post-WWII years, you simply must. I tackled the books – The Light Years, Marking Time, Confusion and Casting Off – in high school, and they’ve stayed with me ever since. The fifth and final instalment, All Change, will be released on 7 November, so if you start now you have two months to get up to speed.
Eat… hearty salads. That might sound strange, but in early Autumn I’m just not ready for casseroles and stews yet. The days are still relatively warm around here, so salads with slightly heartier ingredients are the order of the day. I tell anyone who will listen about Heidi Swanson‘s Kale Market Salad; the dressing is to die for, and this combination of farro and vegetables will change the way you think about salad. Go for it.
Learn… something new. With back-to-school nostalgia in high swing, I always find September to be a great time to brush up on old skills, or learn a new one. I’ve been taking Ashtanga yoga classes for the past month and I’m legit addicted to this high-energy form of yoga. I’ve also been spending time each morning brushing up on my French with Duolingo.
Watch… Downton Abbey. Ok. so we can all admit that this show has gone downhill. The first season was amusing, the second faintly ridiculous and the third rage-inducing. But as long as Maggie Smith keeps knocking those one-liners out of the park, I know what I’ll be doing on Sunday nights. Comes back to UK screens September 22nd (sorry, North America).
Go… away. September is the perfect time for a holiday; the weather is lovely and most of the tourists have already gone home. If I hadn’t used up all my holiday time for the year, I’d be on a train to Paris or a plane to Berlin faster than you can say “charge it”. Here’s hoping you can make it happen!
