A guide to spice up your autumn

culture and lifestyle recs, journal prompts, non-negotiables, etc.

Oct 06, 2024

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Welcome to the first seasonal guide!

As you all know by now, I’m Autumn’s number one fan. Unfortunately, we don’t experience the season much here in Italy. We have exceptionally hot summers, and then the weather suddenly turns freezing, with hardly any transition period. Now that we’re in October, I’m doing my best to be present and enjoy everything the season offers. With that in mind, I want all of you to have the best autumn season and enjoy all it brings, so I’ve compiled a huge list of things you can do and consume to make the most of it.

Before the season starts, I always sit down at my desk and write down my goals, intentions, and plans for the months ahead. If you're a journaler or looking to get into it, here are the prompts I used for the new season, and three bonus prompts if you're feeling chatty and want to spend more time inside your head. You can even jot down your thoughts in your notes; although pen to paper undoubtedly makes you feel more present, it will be just as beneficial either way. If you don’t journal, feel free to skip ahead to the culture guide!

What are three key areas of your life you’d like to focus on this autumn? Reflect on why they’re important to you right now.
What’s one habit you let go of, and one about you want to make space for this season?
How would you like to feel once the season ends? What steps can you take towards that feeling?
What lessons did you learn from summer, and how will you apply them moving forward?
Write a list of 5 things you want to improve in your life, and one thing you can do today to improve each of them.

If you feel like writing more:

What’s your ultimate seasonal bucket list item?
Describe your perfect cozy day this season. What’s on the agenda?
Write down your autumn playlist, and give it a title that best represents what you want the season to feel like.

AUTUMN READING LIST

I’m trying my best to stray away from the books everyone recommends on social media for the season (cough The Secret History) and have put together a list of two books for each genre, to make things easier.

Starting with the classics:

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. An atmospheric, haunting novel about dark secrets, family, and isolation. Narrated by a young girl living with her older sister and their uncle in a decrepit mansion, the story reveals the Blackwood family's reclusive life and the ostracization they face due to a tragedy from years earlier. Shirley Jackson is renowned for her mastery of horror (you might know her from The Haunting of Hill House). If you enjoy Shirley Jackson’s writing, I also recommend reading her short story The Lottery (a 30 pages long unsettling little tale).
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. One of the best classics I’ve ever read, this novel delves into themes of vanity, corruption, and morality. It’s perfect for fall with its dark, introspective vibe and psychological depth, sure to inspire deep reflection.

Literary fiction:

Vladimir by Julia May Jonas. A book about desire and power that follows a professor whose life and marriage begin to spiral after her husband faces allegations of inappropriate behavior with his students, and she becomes infatuated with her younger colleague Valdimir. It might not be everyone, but it’s bold, thought-provoking, and introspective, making it perfect for fall.
Writers & Lovers by Lily King. Casey, a struggling writer and waitress, grapples with the recent loss of her mother, heartbreak, and the uncertainty of her career as she navigates being interested romantically in two very different men. I’m the biggest Lily King fan; her prose is perfect and she beautifully captures human emotions every single time.

Romance:

You, Again by Kate Goldbeck. A witty and deep rom-com that follows Ari and Josh throughout their years of knowing each other, going from enemies, to best friends, to unexpected lovers. This book is so funny but also incredibly deep if you find yourself relating to the characters. Also, have you seen the cover?
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling. A spicy and whimsical book about a girl that playfully casts a curse on her ex-boyfriend after a messy break-up. When he returns to town years later, the curse stars haunting them both, and they must fix it before it’s too late. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a light-hearted read with cozy witchy vibes.

Fantasy:

Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent. A novella connected to ‘The Serpent and The Wings of Night’ series, but it can easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone. It has vampires, romance, dark fantasy elements, and a very well-developed plot. It follows Lilith, who strikes a deal with an immortal to save her from the plague in a dying world and forms an unlikely connection with him. I love a high-stakes romance, and Carissa Broadbent’s writing is magical.
Once Upon a Broken Heart series by Stephanie Garber. This series is a trilogy, so I’m cheating a little, but they’re all so good. The second one lives rent-free in my head. It’s a magical, fairy-tale-inspired adventure with my favorite fantasy world I’ve ever read about and a love story full of tension between the sweet Evangeline and the dangerous Jacks, the Prince of Hearts.

Now, for the genre that takes the cake for the best to read during this time: thrillers.

None of This is True by Lisa Jewell. The other queen of thriller novels! This is a suspenseful and eerie slow-burn. We follow Alix, a podcaster, who becomes obsessed with Josie, a woman she meets at a birthday party, who later becomes the subject of her new series. As she learns more about Josie’s life, Alix discovers unsettling truths that blur the line between lies and reality.
His & Hers by Alice Feeney. This is being adapted soon, which is why it popped into my mind. It’s a psychological thriller told from the alternating perspectives of Anna, a BBC news anchor, and Jack, a detective. When a murder takes place in Anna’s hometown, secrets from their past start to unravel, making you question who can be trusted. Alice Feeney knows how to write a page-turner. You won’t want to put this down.

FILM & TV PICKS

I can’t talk about all the movies I recommend for fall, because the list would be endless, so I only picked five that are visually perfect for the season.

Good Will Hunting. A classic drama that follows a self-taught genius (Matt Damon) struggling with his past whose life changes after meeting his therapist (Robin Williams). If you haven’t seen it yet, prepare the tissues.
Practical Magic. Two witch sisters (Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) navigate love and family curses in this autumnal cozy classic.
You've Got Mail. Another very well-known movie, but it had to be included. It’s a rom-com featuring business rivals Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks who fall in love over anonymous emails.
Coraline. In my top three animated movies of all time. It’s dark, creepy, and stunning. Coraline is a young girl who discovers a parallel world where everything is seemingly perfect. Bring back stop-motion films!
The Edge of Seventeen. A coming of age that follows an awkward teen as she navigates the turbulence of adolescent love and family life. It’s truly funny and hearfelt.

Three series I recommend (except for the usual Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill, etc.) are:

This Is Us. I don’t remember crying this much over any piece of media. It’s a family drama about the Pearson family that follows them across different timelines. Prepare to be drained after it, but it’s a must-watch if you like your shows to be moving and life-changing.
Twin Peaks. A cult classic from the mind of David Lynch that everyone has to watch. It revolves around the investigation of a young woman’s murder in what looks like an idyllic small town.
Over the Garden Wall. This is an animated miniseries about two brothers who get lost in a mysterious and magical forest. The atmosphere is immaculate, and watching anything animated is always so comforting.

BEAUTY & FASHION STAPLES

A red lip. The most perfect red lip shade is Mac’s Ruby Woo, but if you’re a lip liner girlie like me, I live with Nyx’s Cherry Skies lip liner in my purse. Another alternative shade for a dark lip is the shade ‘auburn’.
An hydrating cream. The colder weather makes my dry skin drier, and the magic product I will never run out of is La Roche Posay’s Cicaplast B5. It’s thick, meant to be a cream to repair the skin, but mine drinks it up, especially during the winter.
A pair of gold hoops. The only piece of jewelry truly worth investing in, because they never go out of style, and I believe they look good on everyone, no matter the season. Make sure they’re either gold-plated or stainless steel if you can’t get solid gold, because they last longer! A collection I’ve got my eye on this fall is Pandora Essence; I’m dying to get the wavy hoops.
A trench coat. I got mine from Stradivarius, which has affordable options in a variety of colors. The beige/camel color is my favorite, because it’s the most classic, and it truly goes with everything. I love that you can dress it up or down. I’m hoping to invest in a high-quality one soon because it’s such a versatile piece you’ll wear over and over.
Boots. I’m still on the hunt for the perfect pair, but I’ve heard Vagabond boots are super comfortable. I got moto boots last year from a shop in my city, and I love pairing them with dresses. Chelsea boots are also on my wishlist (I’m eyeing some from RAID, but we’ll see if I find any to try on in person). I’m also craving some new cowboy boots to wear with bootcut jeans. No matter what style you choose, black and brown boots (or suede if you want to get fancy) are must-haves.
Uniqlo knits + Heattech. If you’re after affordable, high-quality knitwear, Uniqlo has the best basics. They offer wool and cashmere options, along with more budget-friendly choices (around $40), which are perfect fall staples. And if you get cold easily, definitely try their Heattech collection! They have pieces designed for different levels of cold, and they’re perfect for layering.

AUTUMN NON-NEGOTIABLES

1. Scented candles
Nothing sets the autumn mood quite like scented candles. I have them in every corner of my room; they’re my number one fall essential. You can find great ones at IKEA for affordable, minimal options or at Flying Tiger if you like funkier shapes and colors. For more specific seasonal scents that truly fill the room, Yankee Candles are worth the splurge.

2. A good playlist
As a playlist enthusiast, creating a seasonal soundtrack is essential for me. My autumn playlist includes artists like Taylor Swift, Hozier, Norah Jones, Bon Iver, Lana Del Rey, The Neighbourhood, The 1975, Gracie Abrams, and Inhaler. You can find my autumn playlist linked in my latest ‘love files’ post!

3. Cozy home decor
You don’t need to buy new things every season, but having a welcoming and personal space is crucial for mental health. H&M Home has a stunning fall collection with sophisticated and moody decor that you should check out. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some fresh seasonal flowers, too.

4. Enjoying seasonal produce
Autumn brings delicious, limited-time produce, and shopping for seasonal fruits and vegetables is a great way to embrace the season. This is the best time to savor whole foods like sweet potatoes, pumpkins, oranges, pears, apples, and pomegranates.

5. Autumn colors and patterns
Fall fashion is undoubtedly the best because of the endless layering opportunities and ways to express yourself. As someone with brown hair and eyes, warm colors like earthy tones, along with classic black and white, look best on me.

6. Fall activities
Not everyone lives near apple orchards or pumpkin patches, but there are plenty of fall activities to enjoy, even for free. Watch a spooky or horror film at the theater, or study in a cozy coffee shop or library on a gloomy day. Explore local fall-themed events, or create your seasonal party; I love hosting dinners and get super inspired during this time for decor and recipes.

7. A good morning and night routine
Finding a morning routine that works for you is crucial, especially when battling the gloomy weather blues that often come with fall. While my mornings vary, I always make sure to take my time. Waking up a little earlier helps me avoid the rush. My essentials include making my bed, enjoying a steaming cup of coffee with milk and honey, following a minimal and hydrating makeup routine, writing a to-do list, and spending some undisturbed time scrolling on my phone (often while on the train to university). Don’t let anyone convince you that checking your phone first thing in the morning will ruin your productivity—it’s all about your mindset.
My night routine consists of journaling (on days when I feel ready to face my feelings), reading a few pages of a book, taking magnesium (a great supplement for fatigue and sleep), doing my skincare, and usually listening to some music or having a video on in the background. I’m a big ASMR fan, and it has saved me on countless nights.

9. Embracing the season
As the days get shorter and darker in the fall, finding balance is key. It’s easy to feel sluggish and uninspired, so I encourage you to embrace the good in the season. Treat yourself to some new clothes, spend more time in nature, and enjoy going to sleep earlier under a heavy blanket. Anything works as long as you’re being gentle with yourself!

If autumn makes you feel worse or overwhelmed, remember that there’s beauty to be found in every season. The best thing about autumn days is the opportunity for reflection and the small joys that create a sense of grounding amid the chaos the season brings.

My assignment for you is to slow down, think of what you’re grateful for, and make time for moments of warmth and connection in your everyday life. I hope you have the best autumn yet.

Love, Martina

This publication is free for now, but if you’d like to support me, you can buy me a coffee! No pressure though—any kind of support means the world to me. See you next time. x