Glimmers

As we move from summer to winter, I always find myself weighed down by a particular sense of melancholy. While many eagerly anticipate the arrival of autumn with its vibrant hues and brisk atmosphere, I am undeniably a creature of the sun. Its warmth infuses me with vitality and a unique enthusiasm that I can’t seem to get through any other means. It typically takes a few weeks, and at times even a few months, for me to overcome this low mood, but I’ve reached the understanding that if I focus on a handful of sparkling moments that ignite my spirit, I can learn to appreciate autumn and winter just as others do. I wanted to share a few of these small moments or “glimmers” with you.

You know, there’s just something really special about that morning cup of coffee when it’s chilly outside (or for some people, tea’s the drink of choice). It’s all about that wonderful aroma, the cosy feeling of holding that warm mug – it’s like a little slice of comfort right there. And to make it even better, my husband usually prepares it for me, so it's that one moment in the day where I feel truly cared for.

Candles, candles, candles. I must admit, the younger me thought burning a candle was a little like throwing money away, but the older, wiser me finds it changes the entire vibe of the room. They create a snug space to enjoy, whether I’m working, cooking or helping my children with homework, I’ve learnt it doesn’t need to be a social event to light a candle.

Now, there's something that really gets me excited as the weather cools down: firing up our wood burner. Sure, it pumps out a ton of warmth, but it's more than that. It's about the whole ambiance, the sight, and that fantastic smell. It's like having a massive candle in the room, and in my book, its "glimmer" rating is off the charts, like a million times better than a regular candle.

So I love films. I mean love, love films, so during the summer months watching a family film in the evening makes me feel a tad guilty. As we sit there in our dark snug looking at the sun shining outside, it just doesn’t feel right. Fast forward to autumn and Winter however, and I can fully sink into those moments of cuddling up on the sofa (wood burner doing it’s thing of course).

There's nothing quite as indulgent as easing into a warm bath at the end of a hectic day, surrounded by fragrant bath salts, calming music, and flickering candles. In that moment, the outside world fades away, and the stresses of the day melt into the water, leaving a sense of peace and rejuvenation. It's a simple yet luxurious ritual that encourages us to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace self-care.

A bit over the top there, but those are my top five ‘glimmers’, and in writing this I’ve convinced myself that autumn isn’t that bad after all.