Back to school and the return of Autumn

September marks the end of the Summer. The kids go back to School, your other half leaves the house with more regularity (no more ‘working remotely’) and slowly but surely a semblance of normality returns to our home.

I like to tidy up, get rid of any clutter that has accumulated in the house as a result of Summer activities and holidays, then put away my cherished and essential Summer items (flip-flops, Provencal wicker-basket, handy kitchen sun-cream for the children) and start to get set for Autumn.

With the Autumnal challenge of the garden, pickling and the onset of colder weather, I need plenty of fragrant soap available at the kitchen sink and in our downstairs cloakroom, hand-cream to stop my hands cracking and some room sprays to keep just a hint of Provence lingering in the house.

And as the evenings start to cool off and end sooner than I would like, there is nothing more delightful than lighting some fragrant candles to give the kitchen and living area a serene air and a warm glow.

Here are some my favourite Autumn selections for you to enjoy in your home:

Lavender liquid Savon de Marseille and matching handcream. The soap comes in a fantastic 750ml size bottle too - perfect for the kitchen sink.

When I'm doing my mad clear away's (this weekend I tackled the utility room quelle horreur!) I just love to spritz the fresh and clean fragrance of Verbena to banish all lingering doggy and boy smells! 

In the evening I am enjoying the new smells of Autumn with the most amazing and unusual Havana candle by Geodesis, with warm tobacco overtones and musky notes. I am reminded that the time for lighting the fire is only just around the corner...