Monday 8 October 2012

Now For October Eves


Blustery days have returned. October blew in tousling my hair, teasing the tasselled ends of my scarf, menacing washing lines up and down my street and I've seen a wind-stolen umbrella dancing a ballet of its own minus a presumably bedraggled lady owner (I've attempted to get the boy to adopt an umbrella but no success - do menfolk have an aversion?). Regardless of the gusts there is still a sunshine hangover which means my freckles are out in force and the breeze hasn't yet reached full bite. October is my favourite month of the year, not just because I was born in it - although that helps, but because October is when Autumn moves into full swing and the anticipation of revelry ahead begins. Back to school promotions have made way for Hallowe'en ones, cinnamon heavy candles hit the shelves, chimneys are back to puffing and the leaves begin turning. I walk more, bake more, read more, make more, write more in Autumn - crisp air and dark nights feel like home. My scarf collection (another post in itself) is in daily use and I get far too excited about layering up in cosy cardigans.

Last week I stocked up on snuggly socks and gloves in Fairisle patterns and treated myself to an owl print snood to beat the chill. All the above were then blown out of the water by the beautiful silk blend pashmina scarf I found in a local shop, it made me think of the intricate rugs in stately homes and I'm still fascinated by the jewel toned colours and patterns on each side which feel so deep and warming. If you're at all keen on the Harry Potter books or films you'll see why it also put me in mind of the tapestries, blazing fires and well-loved furniture in the Gryffindor common room. There's another thing I love about Autumn; re-reading some of my favourite books! If you're wondering what on earth is autumnal about the airmail envelopes pictured above the answer is nothing really, only I'm much more prolific on the letter-writing front come cooler months - I like picking snail mail up off the mat to read and reply to over a cup of tea. 

This October has already proved itself pretty special as last Thursday evening I got some incredible news that was so unexpected it took me a while to feel as though it had actually happened! Beautiful Clutter was chosen as Best Lifestyle Blog at the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards! Having been unable to actually attend the awards ceremony in London I found out via a tweet from Cosmopolitan at around 7:15pm, then spent the next hour in disbelief. By the time 9.30 rolled around I was sat with the man and some of our friends celebrating with champagne in teacups and homemade cheesecake.  A few days later it still feels as though it could easily have been a dream. Thank you to everybody who took the time to place a vote, and thank you to Cosmopolitan for choosing Beautiful Clutter, especially as there were some truly fantastic blogs and bloggers in my category. Well worth checking out the shortlist if you are looking for some new reads, I guarantee there'll be one for you!

51 comments :

  1. You won - hurrah!! Congratulations!

    You are a woman after my own heart. I LOVE your blog and this is probably one of my favourite posts. I love the photos and found myself nodding as I read at thoughts of walking more, writing more, cinnamon-scented candles, snuggly socks, layering with cosy cardis - as I did today - letters read and replied to over a lovely cuppa and large collections of scarves(!) - I bought another just this afternoon.
    Might you share where you found the owl print snood? I would love to get one!

    Best wishes to you,

    @theWriteRach/@theWriteRach2 x




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  2. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! I voted for you and was so hoping you would win your section!! Well done Jem I'm very very pleased it was you and try not to doubt yourself 2 much, yeah there were some great bloggers in there with you but you won for a reason so dont feel too surprised! lol

    That pashmina/scarf is amazing and the colours are so vivid. I bet it'll look great with a wintery jacket or coat. This post was so nice to read and I like it when you let your wordy side out a bit on the blog although your photographs are always sucha joy to look at! x

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  3. Hurray, congratulations Jem! This is fabulous news (does this mean I have an excuse to have a glass of wine myself to celebrate your victory?) Scarves, socks, tea, letters and books - sounds like the perfect autumn. x

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  4. Congrats! your pictures look so cozy and lovely too xx

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  5. Wow beautiful photos!! And congrats on you award!!!

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  6. Fabulous buys and even better news! Well done Jem. You deserved to win. :)

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  7. OHH, that's amazing news! WELL DONE! (I voted for you of course) What a shame you couldn't be there in person to get your gong. Your award and your new snood are both well deserved.

    I love October too, also probably something to do with my birthday, but it was always in half term and just before Halloween so I guess that helped it always feel like an extra special time. Definitely time for some new boots and I already have a new umbrella. Mr FHCS has an aversion too, prefers to get wet or wear a ridiculous hood. Still, better than those city types with golf brollies who insist on striding around with the lethal point jabbing behind them!
    xx

    Faith Hope and Charity Christmas Swap - Sign up now open!

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  8. I love everything you posted here about Autumn! Such a cosy month! I'm yet to do my autumn shopping spree but I would love to just splurge on some woolly goodies!! And again, congratulations on the win! You totally deserve it, you have a wonderful blog xx

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  9. congrats on your award! I like October too, although i'm waiting for proper winter so i can have both fires burning :)

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  10. Those photos are gorgeous- so autumny :) Everything looks and sounds so cosy.
    Congrats on your blog award- you deserve it, love your blog!
    Daniella x

    http://daniella-r.blogspot.co.uk/

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  11. Well done and well deserved Jem. I am so pleased for you. This post speaks to me of everything I love at the time of year - sublime photos as usual.
    Again, congratulations.
    Much love
    Di
    xxxx

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  12. I am SO happy that you won! Your blog is everything I wish mine could be but I'm not as creative or talented as you!

    I'm so excited for Autumn and Winter, cosy knits are perfection <3

    jennie xo | sailorjennie.com

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  13. These are so lovely! I'm even more excited about Fall now (if that's possible since it's all I talk about lately!) ♥

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  14. Beautiful pictures Jem! :) Those gloves are pretty perfect! I really like the scarf too, so cute! You got to love this time of year! :)

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  15. Fairisle is one of my favourite winter patterns. The anticipation of Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas always makes me a little excited, because knowing they are steadily on their way makes it something to look forward to. And I think letter writing always does become a little more special in winter time, just imagining the postman fighting through snow to deliver my letters! xxx

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  16. Yay, so pleased to hear you won, and well deserved. Totally know what you mean about the griffindor common room i could so live there. A northern october is exciting, so much to look forward too x

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  17. Aw, the owl scarf is too cute! I love anything with owls on it LOL xx

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  18. Awesome and deserved news Jem! :) Are you having a big birthday party?

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  19. Congratulations on the win! Where is that beautiful owl snood from? My extensive scarf collection could do with a new addition this Autumn/winter! x

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  20. Congrats on the award!!
    And I adore fair isle knits... Those gloves are gorgeous! Tha pashmina-rug(?!) is gorgeous too!

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  21. lovely lovely post, making me feel very Autumnal indeed. I've said it several times but congrats once again on winning the award!!! :D :D The owl snood looks lovely by the way, I definitely need to buy myself a snood, I'm going out without a scarf these days and it is getting nippier.. xx

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  22. Congratulations on winning! That owl snood and fingerless gloves look so cosy - perfect for these horrible almost-winter nights : ) x

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  23. Beautiful photos Jem and congratulations on the award. Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier, I am pleased to have found your blog.

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  24. What a wonderful news! Congrats on the cosmopolitan blog award, Jem! you definitely deserve it! loving all the photos especially the owl scarf is so so darling! the bag, the crown and the cozy socks and glove! what better way to celebrate october with a warm clothing and a cupt of tea!

    x susan

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  25. The fairisle patterns and knits in this post actually got my heart rate up a little. Such an autumnal sado.
    I think I've fallen in love with your blog; the photos, the style & writing, perfect. Instant follow!

    le fresne x

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  26. Ahhhh I love october, definitely excited to get the scarves and fairisle out of my cupboards :D
    Congratulations on the blog award :) just stumbled upon your blog... so glad I did- its lovely!
    Kaz x

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  27. I love every. single. picture. All of that knit stuff! You're a really great writer too, cheers to an active and creative autumn!

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  28. This makes me miss Wisco sooooo much, where it is totally autumnal at the moment! It's finally cooling off in Atlanta, so I'm VERRRY happy about that!

    These photos... so in love with all of them. I love the owls scarf! SO happy you mentioned Harry Potter, I too love the cosy Gryffindor common room! A fireplace is on my wishlist for when I own a future house :)

    Congratulations on your award! You deserved it, you are so lovely! xx

    Can you please tell me what tea you're drinking and with what? I'm curious! It looks yummy :)

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  29. i LOVE your blog! I'm your newest follower now~ Follow me back perhaps?

    -liv
    http://chocolivlovelaugh.blogspot.kr

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  30. I do enjoy your blog. I hope you don't mind me nominating you for a sunshine award. please see www.librariangirl.co.uk for details! Glynis xx

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  31. OMG!! can't believe i'm only just seeing this!! Congratulations!!! so exciting!! You deserve it :)

    xxx

    ps. that picture of the tea is so perfect!

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  32. Aaaaaaaah! Congratulations Jem, how amazing! I'm so excited for you :)

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  33. Congrats to you! How exciting and very deserved.
    I always enjoy a visit to your blog.
    Linda

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  34. Congratulations Jem on your win!! Much deserved :) and stop making me jealous with these beautiful pictures of your autumnal purchases! :P xx

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  35. Gorgeous photos as always! & congrats! xx

    www.satinandsouffles.com
    www.satinandsouffles.com

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  36. I didn't think I could be more in love with Autumn until I read what you wrote about it. It's such a wonderful time of the year! Congratulations on your award!

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  37. Oh I agree with every word. Autumn is my favourite season too WHEN it's not raining, flooding or drizzling at a 45 degree angle. Open fires, lots of cups of tea and curling up in an armchair with a book. That and chilly tramping through damp fields at twilight when the smell of wood smoke is just rising. Hearty congratulations on the cosmopolitan blog award - that's brilliant!

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  38. I have just stumbled across your blog and I am in awe of your writing. I am a bit of a hater of the cold weather and despite having a far too large jumper collection the cold still seems to get me down. Though I do like the predictability of autumn and winter, and I love that September brings new beginnings. I am now following - would love you visit my little piece of the blogging world...

    http://littlemissmaisyblogging.blogspot.co.uk/

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  39. I'm so glad it is coming up to winter this year for some reason. Give me factor, a onesie and a hot chocolate any day!!!

    I love your socks you have brought too!!

    LaceyLoves

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  40. Hello! I have just stumbled upon your blog and I just wanted to say how lovely it is and I am now following you! I have also just been sent some of the Joules bedding, it is AMAZING and i'm looking forwards to trying it out properly x

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  41. I do love the way you write, you make me excited for Autumn all over again even though I have been walking around in a daze of Autumnal excitement for the last couple of weeks. Cinnamon candles are one of my highlights too! And cosy socks, you just can't beat it! xo

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  42. You have made winter seem likes its a good thing.. all lovely and cosy!

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  43. Huge congratulations! deserved award. I love your blog! (autumn too)

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  44. Congratulations! Your photos made me even more excited for fall and winter, they're so cute and cosy. I love snuggling up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. :) x

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  45. always keep your beautiful imagination and exquisite humor xx
    http://faddicshion.blogspot.hk/

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  46. Everytime I read your posts I get an urge to be someones pen pal but no one ever wants to be mine :( love the little owly snood xox

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  47. The scarf is lovely, such a great print!

    This is a beautifully written post :)

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  48. Drat I thought I'd commented on this post and then must have forgotten.

    I'm so sorry to be adding my comment so late in the day but just wanted to congratulate you on a very well deserved win. You are such a sweet and gracious winner too!

    PS Loving these beautiful, cosy photos!x

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