Welcome back to my regular Currently Loving feature, where I get to share all the little (and big) things that are bringing me joy right now. From my latest favourite finds to those everyday moments that make life a bit brighter, this is my happy place to celebrate the things I love.
This time around I have another random selection of items, including candles, clothing, drinks, books, daily practices, and more.
Grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and let’s dive into the ten things that are making my heart sing this month. I hope they inspire you to find your own pockets of joy in the everyday things you surround yourself with…
Currently Loving | September 2024
01 Autumnal Scented Candles
After writing about how I have been struggling with the onset of autumn this year, you’ll see in this currently loving post I have decided to fully embrace it… And this first item is part of that. Last month I treated myself to a set of Camp Out West’s scented candles via their shop on Etsy, and they are really lovely.
Hand-poured in the heart of West Wales, these soy candles are a delightful blend of subtle yet beautiful nature-inspired scents. I went for the tester set with five different candles, and I am thoroughly enjoying burning them in my home office while I work. So far, my personal favourite is the Dawn candle, with its refreshing geranium and orange notes. The Embers candle, with its coffee and vanilla aroma, is a close second.
These aren’t blow-your-head-off or make-you-sneeze scented candles. But they look and smell lovely, with a distinctly cozy vibe, perfect for a small room at this time of year. I bought the five-candle starter set (which came with some matches), and they have been a delightful way to embrace autumn over the last few weeks.
02 Hayles Fruit Farm Apple Juice
Sticking with the autumnal theme, my next currently loving entry is apple juice from Hayles Fruit Farm. This family-owned farm in the Cotswolds has been pressing apple juice from their own apples since 1999, offering around ten different blends each season, each made from a single variety.
Despite it being reasonably local, I only tried the apple juice for the first time quite recently, and now I feel like I’m making up for lost time. The taste is just so good, way better than any mass-produced apple juice you might find in a supermarket. Regardless of the variety, there are no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial colours – it’s just pure apple juice. And knowing that it’s made from apples grown, harvested, pressed, and bottled right on a farm that’s only a few miles from my house adds a special touch of authenticity and quality.
Each 750ml bottle costs £3.50, which I am happy to pay. I got mine from the farm shop in person, but you can also buy online. This time around I bought one sweet (Egremont Russet), one medium (Discovery) and one dry (Bramley) – I’ve not opened any of these yet, but I already know I’m going to like them.
03 Geometric Nature Coasters
How nice are these coasters? An anniversary present from my parents, they are super bright and colourful, maybe even more so than they look in the photos. They were bought via Amazon, but are made by a small seller – there was a little thank you note inside the packaging which was cute, and they didn’t come in the usual Amazon box.
The six coasters each have a different bold design, depicting landscapes in block colours. I like how they are very simple geometric shapes but have a clear nod to nature – I see skies, sunsets, mountains, hills, and the sea. They are very me, don’t you think?
The coasters themselves are ceramic, and each has a cork base. I’m really impressed with the quality; they are thick and sturdy and seem well-made. I hope they last for years.
04 A Couple of Great Reads
I couldn’t decide between these two books for my currently loving list, so I decided to add both; one physical read, and one Audible listen (represented by my headphones).
Rewitched, Lucy Jane Wood
The first is particularly autumnal, set in the month of October; Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood (or on Amazon) was my audiobook of choice over the last week or so. Narrated by Evie Hargreaves, this cosy autumnal fantasy was the perfect companion for my daily commutes and lunchtime walks. I got so into the easy-to-listen-to story that I even had it on while cooking dinner and doing chores at home.
The story follows Belladonna Blackthorn, a witch who’s lost her magical spark and is juggling a demanding job at a London bookshop with a toxic boss. Belle’s journey to rediscover her magic, with the help of her found family and a dash of romance, is both heartwarming and enchanting.
This is Lucy Jane Wood’s debut novel; she’s got a real talent for characters. Belle’s struggles were relatable, even with the fantastical magical elements. If you’re looking for a feel-good listen that combines magic, self-discovery and adventure, Rewitched is worth adding to your Audible library.
Local, Alastair Humphreys
The other book, pictured, is Local by Alastair Humphreys. This was a gift from an online friend when I met them in person way back in spring, and I’m a bit embarrassed to share how long it’s taken me to get around to reading it, especially as it was so interesting.
I’ve mentioned Alastair Humphreys on Splodz Blogz before; he has made me ask the question ‘what is adventure’ on more than one occasion. In this book he takes a step back to explore the world right outside his door. The book chronicles his year-long journey of discovering the hidden wonders within a single map around his home. It’s a beautiful reminder that adventure doesn’t always require a plane ticket; sometimes, it’s just a walk away.
What I loved most about Local is Humphreys’ infectious curiosity and the way he finds magic in the mundane. His writing is witty, thoughtful, and full of little nuggets of wisdom that definitely reminded me of the importance of exploring the area where I live. If you’re looking for a book that inspires you to appreciate the beauty in your everyday surroundings, Local is a must-read. Plus, it’s a great nudge to get outside for One Hour Outside (or more) and start your own local adventures!
05 Bright Green Tracksuit Top
It’s a well-known fact that my favourite colour is green (find out why here). And because it’s officially jumper season, I decided to treat myself to a new – bright green – sweater. This is the adidas Adicolor Classics SST track top, a zip up sweater with no hood, and I’m very pleased with it.
First up, the colour is just stunning. This vibrant green is the perfect pop of colour that stands out without being too loud. Even I can wear this!
The look is very classic adidas tracksuit; very casual, but not scruffy. It fits well (I got the medium), and is very comfortable. It’s got a reasonably long line (so it covers my butt!), is close fitting enough to be useful for layering, but loose enough to skim over what I want hiding. The fact it has no hood makes it handy for layering; it’ll work when I want something warm when motorcycling, or under a hooded jacket when it’s raining and I don’t want two hoods. And it has two zip-up pockets, which are always handy.
It’s comfortable and looks good, and that will do for me.
06 Trail Running
Here’s something I never thought I’d be including in a currently loving post. In the words of a good friend on my Instagram post the other day, the trail running bug has bitten. I might only be going on very short runs (jogs, in my case), but taking those off the pavement and onto the footpath has become, er, a joy. It all started with a trail run in Dorset when I was there for Comms Unplugged.
Unlike running one of two or three loops from my front door, running on the trail immerses me in the beauty of the outdoors. It’s the same reason I love hiking; trail running gives me fresh air, the sounds of birds, and some big scenery, making even the shortest of runs feel adventurous.
The varied terrain is another big draw. Running on trails means navigating hills, roots, and rocks, which keeps things interesting and challenges different muscle groups. This variety not only makes the runs more engaging but also helps improve balance and strength. Plus, the softer ground is gentler on my joints compared to pavement.
Even though my runs are relatively short – up to 45-minutes or 5 to 6km maximum – they are incredibly rewarding. I get a sense of accomplishment after completing a trail run, which definitely helps me want more of it.
07 Really Wide Linen Trousers
The roll of black material in my currently loving photo are my Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers from Marks and Spencer. I was inspired to buy myself a pair after a colleague looked great in hers – and I might need to get another colour. They are just so comfortable, and feel flattering.
The linen blend fabric is breathable and soft, making these trousers perfect for both warm and cooler days – another item on this list inspired by autumn. They have a slightly heavy feel to them which means they drape well, and the pockets are deep enough for my phone or wallet.
The simple cut in a plain material means these trousers are versatile enough to be dressed up or down. I can pair them with a shirt and shoes, a nice top and boots, or a cozy sweater and sneakers. The black is of course a classic choice that goes with everything, but I think the blue would also be a good option.
08 Caring for my Feet
Here’s a currently loving repeat offender… two very little items that make caring for my feet easy and effective.
Gerlachs Gehwol Extra is an awesome foot cream that protects the feet and helps them recover and repair after strenuous activity. Massaging it into aching feet is such a nice feeling, the oils from eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender and thyme smell good and get to work straight away.
I can attest to it preventing aching feet, sores, blisters and chafing – this cream is something I always use before and after hiking long miles. The ingredients provide an anti-inflammatory effect, can prevent athletes’ foot, and will also deal with foot odours. I mean, if you’re hiking or running or doing anything that wears out your feet, you really ought to have this stuff in your kit bag, it’s something of a wonder cream. Go buy some!
But before you massage this into your feet, I recommend using a little cork ball first. Cork balls are small and hard, and are excellent for rolling under tired feet at the end of a long hike. They’re also good for other muscles and pressure points, but it’s feet we’re talking about here. Very much worth it.
09 Journalling
Another semi-regular feature on Splodz Blogz, I felt I had to include journalling in my currently loving this month, because I feel it really has been making a difference recently.
Mentioned back in episode 107 of my weekly blog series, I write morning pages, a type of journaling which asks the individual to spend a few minutes first thing each morning free flow writing. You’re supposed to write anything that comes into your head, using it as a tool to tap into your inner thoughts, allowing you to turn hard-to-describe feelings into sentences.
My practice is not fully as the originator intended; most days I only write half to one page in my A5-sized notebook. But I find that ten minutes of personal for-me-only writing first thing in the morning really does set me up for the day. Some days it provides me with an opportunity to set out my goals for the day or week ahead, to help make sense of the randomness in my head, think about what has been good lately, or indeed, reduce the impact of any negative emotions I woke up with. It’s a very useful practice.
10 Retro Trainers
My new-ish adidas Run 72 trainers in dark blue finish up my currently loving post this time around. These have quickly become my go-to trainers for everyday wear. When the weather is dry, anyway. They are just such a classic; I love the retro design and how comfortable they are to wear. That comfort is primarily down to the lightweight construction. The Cloudfoam cushioning provides decent support underfoot, making each step feel soft and light. And the sole is very grippy, which is sometimes not the case in casual shoes.
Despite their name, these shoes are not designed for running – these are for casual settings. The dark blue colour pairs well with pretty much anything I own. They have a sleek, understated look that complements a variety of styles without overpowering them. And given they are so light, they will also be a good pair to pack when travelling.
What are you currently loving this month? What do you think of my choices? Tell me in the comments below.
Read all my Currently Loving posts.
For full disclosure, this is not an advertorial or sponsored post, however the adidas top and trainers I’ve included were purchased using a voucher I received for being part of this year’s adidas blogger community.
There are also affiliate links on this page, the funds from which help me go on the mini adventures that make life interesting. If you buy something from a website after using one of my links, I receive a very small commission. This does not cost you anything. Thank you for supporting my future adventures.
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