Some of us have been waiting for autumn to get here because autumn/winter is when we thrive. Me, I am us. That’s why I’ve created the ultimate autumn bucket list for 2023 (or fall bucket list for my American/Canadian friends). This is a compilation of some of my favourite things to do to get ready for autumn.
Update my skincare routine
One thing that I don’t like about autumn is how dry my skin gets. Because of my eczema, I have to moisturise a lot more during autumn. That’s why I stock up on my essentials before everyone else does or they get discontinued. I tend to double moisturise, which I’m sure the experts say is a no-no, but it works for me. I’d also like to add in a new face mask but I’m just looking out for the right one. If you know of a great hydrating face mask, let me know!
Try some new make-up looks
Whilst I’m not big on make-up anymore (thanks to the pandemic), I do like to experiment whenever I leave the house. Autumn is perfect for trying out new products and shades. For me, I love to do a strong eye or lip. Gold and bronze colours make an autumnal smokey eye look and deep shades of red and pink look fab with natural eye make-up. Maybe you prefer bright colours instead, you could try out the colours of the season!
Set up my autumn capsule wardrobe
Having a capsule wardrobe has quite literally changed my life. That’s not saying I don’t shop anymore but I’m more choosy about the items I add to my wardrobe. Autumn is my favourite season to dress for because I love layers and getting cosy. I’ve been able to add back in all my long-sleeved tops, sweatshirts, and jeans. With capsule wardrobes, unless there’s an absolute need for an item, I like to live in it for a couple of weeks before identifying any gaps.
Invest in some cosy at-home essentials
As I’ve said many times before, I’m a hermit. In cosy season, even more so! When I’ve gone through my drawers, I’m severely lacking in autumn/winter pyjamas and cosy socks and would love a new pair of slippers. You could even add blankets, bedding, and cushions to this list because who doesn’t love to add some new seasonal homeware?
Plan out Q4
Before the season really gets into gear, one thing I always do is try to map out the quarter roughly. Of course, as a blogger and freelancer, that means content and client work. However, for most ‘normal’ people, it’s all about activities, social plans, non-negotiables, and that all-important solo time. We have a habit of stuffing our calendars and diaries with too many social plans (especially if you have a family or are an extrovert). However, it’s important to schedule some downtime, lazy days, and chill time just to keep you sane! Make sure you end 2023 in the best way possible!
Get started on Christmas prep
Oh no, the C word! However, think about how stressful it can be closer to the time. Now, I’m not saying you have to go gift or food shopping just yet but is there anything you can sort out in advance? Most card shops are selling Christmas stuff by now so you could get any cards and gift wrap ahead of time. Booking your Christmas food delivery slot might be something to add to your to-do list if needs be. You could start the gifting process by listing who you’ll be buying for this year. Don’t forget to get all those social plans in your diary too so you don’t forget closer to the end of the year!
Experiment with new recipes
So I’m not very experimental when it comes to cooking and baking (I just like what I like) but you might be someone who’s big on seasonal recipes. Even if you’re like me and use the same recipes, can you make them more seasonal? Maybe you can add in an autumnal twist or do some Halloween bakes? If all else fails, buy yourself some syrups and upgrade your coffee or hot chocolate. Don’t forget the marshmallows too!
Update your spaces
Whether it’s a deep clean, a switch around, redecorating, or buying some new decor, updating your home is the perfect way to get ready for a new season. I try to declutter in September/October because life gets crazy in the lead-up to Christmas. This year, I really want to buy some new autumnal decor, such as a new blanket and cushion for my bedroom. I’ve also got sorting out my spare room/office on my to-do list because it’s my workspace but also the dumping ground for random things.
Get up-to-date with beauty treatments
If there’s one thing that we neglect until the very last minute, it’s our beauty appointments. That means we end up cramming everything in three days before Christmas. For me, I’m pretty on it with my beauty treatments but I also know that I need to get booked in early, especially for any Christmas-time appointments. My nails are booked in until 2024 but I need to get a haircut and dermaplaning before the end of the year.
Go on a solo date
Similarly to the above, treating yourself to a solo date is such a small self-care luxury. It’s something I’m actively trying to work on. Even though I spend most of my time alone, I’m usually at my laptop. A solo date could be anything from reading a book in a coffee shop for a morning, a cinema trip, or a day out of town shopping (maybe even Christmas shopping). Make sure your nearest and dearest know that it’s your time so that they only disturb you if it’s an emergency. Enjoy that freedom!
Try new local eateries
Again, this could be in the above category but trying a new coffee shop, cafe, restaurant or bar is a lovely autumnal activity. Try to make it an independent place because so many of them are struggling before the Christmas rush. I’m actually going to make a list of Hull eateries that I want to visit before the year’s out!
Watch seasonal TV shows and movies
This is basically Gilmore Girls and Hallmark Christmas movies for me! However, you might be into other cosy shows or Halloween films instead! Pick your favourites, put them on your watchlist, and tick them off as you watch them. I’m such a creature of habit but I love watching cheesy Christmas movies every year. Sure, the plots are all the same but they’re easy to put on when I’m working from home. I’m making a watchlist of all the new ones to be released this year!
Get some autumnal reads
If there’s one thing I love, it’s seasonal reads. I’ve just downloaded a couple of witchy chick-lit books and have a few Christmas-themed reads on my Kindle wishlist. You might be into horror and thriller books, which are perfect for spooky season too. Maybe you want to get your shit together and have a tonne of organisational books on your TBR. Whatever feels seasonal to you, add it to your list.
Start prepping for 2024
One thing that I’m obsessed about is planning (surely you all know that by now). Sure, I do most of my planning towards New Year but I also love to have a trip booked in just after the New Year too. That means planning it in advance. In fact, I’ve got my theatre trips for next year (UK tours) planned out already and seeing when it’s quieter so I can fit in London trips too. I’m also trying to get a head start on plotting out any blog content for 2024, especially in January.
And that’s the ultimate autumn bucket list for 2023 done and dusted! I just love this time of year because I feel more motivated to get stuff done but also feel like I can work more on that all-important work-life balance too.
Did you enjoy the ultimate autumn bucket list for 2023? You can find my other organisation blog posts here. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram where I’m hoping to share more of my autumnal daily life too.
