And it's a tempestuous end to September. Time to batten down the hatches and curl up with a good book; if you don't have the luxury of an open fire, the warm glow of a candle can be a substitute of sorts... also helpful in power cuts!  John Faulkner's Moonfleet, set on the Isle of Portland, must be one of the best books to burn the midnight oil by, the classic 1950s cover adding to its appeal.
As I write in my forthcoming book, Mid-Century Modern on a Shoestring, working to a modest budget doesn't mean that luxury must be excluded:  saving money on big-ticket items allows one to indulge in a few of life's little luxuries without a guilt-trip. Here a 'russian leather' scented candle from Molton Brown adds understated atmosphere and sophistication. Buy when on offer, (or request as birthday gifts, as did I!) and re-fill with humble tealights!

September, my favourite month! (also my birthday month, which may have some bearing!) Back to school, back to those projects which were on the back-burner, back to relative (but comforting) normality after the crazy days of the holiday which were fun but maybe just a little frazzling... A bit of sunshine hopefully still, but without Summer's sometimes harsh glare.  Time to go for a gentle stroll wrapped up in those woollens tucked away somewhere, or to cosy up with a good read, where else but...at home. Good to be back.