October: Highlights | Sow + Roam

October, like all the months this year, was fleeting. I’m sure I only turned over the page in my calendar last week. October was good in many ways; a restorative month of homely goodness and learning the ways of our 18 week old Polly pup. It was also a month of putting myself back together after week’s of feeling rather ‘meh’, run down and ill. I’m getting there, I just need lot’s of sleep, more puppy cuddles and comfort food. Oh, and vitamins and healthy stuff I suppose. Wah.

12 Good things…

1 | Watching Polly taste her first pupcake and dog beer from The Lamppost Cafe in Hebden Bridge. She loves people and dogs so she was in her element at the brilliant hound and human cafe based in the centre of Hebden Bridge (just by the bridge where all the ducks are). She chose (OK, I did) a banana and cheese pupcake followed by a Snuffle chicken beer. Woofed it down.

2 | Wearing winter jackets. I’m a self-confessed A/W fan and much prefer wrapping up in all the layers then coming home to a warm house, pulling on snuggly socks and popping the kettle on. So I’ve been itching to wear my new Sprayway Willow Parka from Blacks, and last week’s bad weather gave me the opportunity to try her out. Clouds and their silver linings, huh?

When dog walking, only practical clothing will do, and that’s where this jacket comes up trumps. The waterproof parka comes fully lined with a Exo therm 200 hi-fleece so it makes it ideal for frosty mornings. It has a fully lined hood with removable fur and a waterproof exterior for rainy day exploring. Paired with ankle boots and skinny jeans, it can make a more stylish outdoor jacket if pottering around town but as far as walking the dog and other outdoorsy adventures, it’s as practical as they come.

Although the parka is lined, it’s a relatively lightweight, that has kept me warm and dry (too warm on the day we took these photographs!). Let’s see how it fairs in the winter months when I brave the rain, sleet and snow!

3 | Great outdoors. Exploring our neighbourhood and beyond is the best feeling and we have Polly to thank for that. We’re lucky in that the walks around Hebden Bridge offer amazing scenery so I often take my camera out with me too. It’s lovely being able to capture the seasons as they come and go.

4 | Using our open fire again. There is nothing better than an evening in front of the fire with a glass of red wine and nibbles.

5 | Eating leftover Halloween treats. I might have secretly got a few extra sweets so I could eat the rest. Secret no more.

6 | Planning trips to London for work. I love the capital at this time of the year so I’m looking forward to saying hello to the old smoke, even if it is a fleeting visit.