I love the start of autumn! The cooler weather, snuggly clothes and the changing colours of nature reminds me that we are coming to the end of another year. Autumn always makes me want to curl up in front of the wood burner with a good book and a glass of red, eat roast chestnuts and sit by fairy lights.

What do you love about Autumn?

A classic, warming pudding just right for Autumn evenings especially now that it's turning a little chillier. I used damsons from my trees in the garden and apples given to me by my neighbours but I'm sure other fruits would work well too.

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.
2. Peel and core the apples, damsons/plums, apples and pears, then cut them into large pieces. Halve and stone the damsons, leaving the skin on. 
3. Put into a large saucepan with the butter, sugar, spices and bay leaves. Stir it all together and stew for 20 to 30 minutes covered. When the fruit is soft, take out the bay leaves and place to one side.
4. For the batter, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well, then fold in the flour. 
5. Place half the fruit into the bottom of an ovenproof dish (without the juices) then top with the batter. Finally, spoon over the remaining fruit and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and risen. 
6. Using a knife, slice open the vanilla pod and scrape the seeds into a bowl. Pour in the cream and whisk together with the icing sugar until it forms soft peaks. Stir in the whisky.

Serve warm with lots of the cream and a little of the fruit juices. Delicious! Clean plates are guaranteed! Enjoy!

What a view we had as we were sat eating our picnic. The steam train runs from Corfe Castle to Swanage and is a real step back in time. I would recommend a trip as it runs through some beautiful scenery and has the old fashioned carriages which I loved.

Hi lovelies! The month of September always marks a fresh start to me as the summer holidays have come to an end and the new school term has begun. As much as I love summer, there is lots I love about Autumn and it definitely feels autumnal now. Let the coat shopping begin!

It has been an incredibly busy six weeks for us. We managed to have a week away and have a couple of other trips (photos to follow) but for four weeks I have had a paintbrush in my hand. We now have the front room and dining room decorated and the hall, landing and stairs painted. Just the rest of the house to go!

Picnics are my thing right now! I really enjoy packing up and having them in different locations. At the beginning of the week I was eating a picnic on a cliff side and on Wednesday it was a beach. I'm planning to keep them going through the colder months. You can follow along with me on my picnic adventures over on Instagram. 

What goodies have you got planned for September?

Have a wonderful weekend!