A LuxeGirl Shares Her Perfect Autumn Weekend
@TAFFYMSIPA
FRIDAY
I’m definitely an autumn person. I love cosy evenings at home and going on long walks to see the autumn colours. I’m happy outdoors as long as I have lots of layers and a hot drink on the go, like a flat white or spiced chai latte. The sound of rain is so relaxing, and I love listening to a good podcast or watching classic films that get me through the colder days. During the season, I switch up my home with autumnal scents, candles and fresh flowers with eucalyptus.
I was raised in Essex and still live here now. There are so many gorgeous scenic walks that people forget about, most of which include a café along the way for hot drinks and cake. My favourite places to visit include Hyde Hall, a lovely RHS park and garden, Thorndon Country Park and Hylands Park. Hanningfield Reservoir also has a lovely woodland area and is a great year-round spot.
I love staying in on Friday nights. The older I get, the more precious I become about how I spend my weekends; if I don’t have plans, I like to relax and be a little spontaneous. My boyfriend and I will usually order pizza from our favourite local Italian, Pizza Pizza. Other go-to restaurants in Leigh-on-Sea include Pasta Nostra and Ugo’s, as well as Alec’s in Brentwood. Once the food has arrived, we’ll put on some candles and cosy up on the sofa with a documentary or film.
If I have a drink, it’s typically a light bodied red. I’m currently enjoying 19 Crimes. Failing that, I love a wine bar. The Cork Dork is like a Parisian wine cellar. It has a homely feel, and there are so many wines to choose from, mostly available by the glass. I’ll have a glass of red with a cheese and charcuterie board. It’s a great local spot and the owners are lovely.
SATURDAY
Saturday mornings are for exercise. I like to head on a run or go to the gym before doing a power-hour clean of the house. Then my boyfriend and I make breakfast together, which is usually sourdough toast with smashed avocado, seasoned with lemon, chilli flakes and black pepper. I like mine topped with poached eggs and a side of smoky bacon, onions, mushrooms and spinach. Coffee is another must – usually a flat white, but I do like a matcha latte or cup of spiced chai.
There are lots of great independent coffee shops near me. Some of my favourites include Alchemy Café in Leigh-on-Sea, which makes the yummiest banana bread; the nearby Corner Club Coffee which has lovely owners; and The Refill Room, a zero-waste organic shop where you’ll find healthy treats and hot drinks.
The colder months are my favourite time for fashion. I like layering my looks, usually starting with a knitted jumper and a mid-layer. I’ll throw on an oversized wool coat, then add a pop of colour with a scarf. On weekends, I like to feel semi put-together but comfortable. You’ll usually find me in tailored baggy trousers with a t-shirt, oversized knit and Birkenstock clogs.
Saturday afternoons are for long walks. We like to explore the surrounding area or head on a day trip to visit a small village in the countryside. I like to alternate these weekends with trip to London for a mooch and late lunch. I always pop into COS and Massimo Dutti, followed by coffee at WatchHouse.
If I don’t have an event with friends or someone’s birthday, I spend Saturday night at home in front of the TV. I love family movies, so I end up flicking between Netflix and Disney+ in search of a childhood favourite – anything from the Olsen Twin films to The Jungle Book. I’m also really into podcasts. My go-to series include On Purpose by Jay Shetty, Oprah's Super Soul, Dua Lipa: At Your Service, Feel Better, Live More by Dr Rangan Chatterjee and, of course, Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO.
One of my favourite meals right now is teriyaki salmon with rice. I love making wholesome meals at home and this is a regular go-to. Other favourite dishes include vegetable stew and homemade ramen – after my recent trip to Japan I’ve eating lots of noodle dishes. One of the best cookbooks I own is Bitter Honey by Letitia Clark. A friend gave it to me as a housewarming gift and it’s full of great recipes. I also rate Emily English’s and Nina Parker’s recipes.
@TAFFYMSIPA
SUNDAY
Sundays are for relaxing and resetting. I like to start the day with a hot drink, like fresh ginger and lemon in water, then pop on some laundry. If we do go out, I like to head on a walk or visit the Antiques Centre in Battlesbridge, one of the biggest in Essex.
Cosying up with a good book is a real treat. I’m currently reading Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. It’s about a young Korean-American woman coming to terms with the early death of her mother. It’s sad and extremely relatable. I’m also finishing Atomic Habits by James Clear which encourages people to transform their lives with tiny habits – it’s a reminder of how easy routines can be.
My favourite gastropub is The Hoop in Stock. It’s such a cosy spot and the Sunday roast is great. If we stay indoors, I love making my own roast with a cornfed chicken from M&S, Maris Pipers and seasonal rainbow carrots. I alternate this with other hearty dishes like fresh pasta followed by gooey cookies. My boyfriend makes a good loaf of fresh bread, so we usually share the kitchen space to make some treats for the week ahead. It fills the house with the best smells.
Skincare is a self-care ritual on the weekend. I like to switch things up during the colder months and lather on two layers of moisturiser. I also use more oils on my face as the cold can be harsh on the skin. For the body, I use Mirror Water’s Solid Balm and the Smooth Body Oil for extra moisture. Make-up is usually minimal, but some of my favourite products include YSL’s Touche Éclat Concealer, Merit’s Cream Blusher and the Malin + Goetz Lip Moisturiser.
I spend Sunday evenings catching up on my favourite YouTube channels. The Local Project, which showcases interior design projects from around the world, is one of my favourites. I’ll also pin some looks to my Pinterest board, before catching up on Instagram. I like to create outfits edits from looks I save through the week to then share on my feed.
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@TAFFYMSIPA
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