Field Notes: November

Recapping a busy month + my November edit

November has been a busy old month. I’ve been to London (work), Bath (work/pleasure) and Cumbria (work), as well as having friends visiting me at home. I’ve been on the go, taking photos, editing photos, hosting and socialising all month, and honestly feel quite drained. December is looking to be a quiet month work-wise, and although that means I have to be careful with money, I’m glad for the downtime.

It’s not going to be all relaxation and long lie-in’s this month though. I still have quite a bit of work to get through (just no shoots booked) and I’m also going to use the time to plan ahead for next year. We’re also in the middle of having our bathroom completely redone, thanks to a bad leak that caused part of our living room ceiling to cave in - so the house is in much more chaos than I would like at this time of year.

I’m looking forward to embracing the festive season though. I woke this morning to a cold, crisp and frosty morning that has heralded the end of autumn and beginning of what looks to be a long winter. We’re even predicted a flurry of snow later this week! The frosty landscape has finally made me feel festive, and although I’m going to have to wait until the house is a bit more sorted before I can get a tree, I’m going to make a wreath and go Christmas shopping in Hebden Bridge this weekend.

Evenings are being spent in front of a roaring fire at the moment, with candles flickering and a book in my hand, my dog curled up beside me. My favourite part of this time of year (when I’m already looking forward to spring, if I’m honest) is hunkering down and creating a cosy ambiance at home. The temptation to just hibernate over the winter is very real!

GARDEN UPDATE

I have something to admit: I have done absolutely nothing in the garden for the past month. Nothing. I haven’t planted my final bulbs. I haven’t progressed in tidying up the beds. I haven’t done my final pruning. I haven’t strimmed the grass. I have had an entire month off from gardening and I feel incredibly guilty. I’m planning on planting those final bulbs (in pots) at the weekend, but the ground is now frozen so I’ll have to wait until this cold snap ends before I resume digging.

TRAVEL NOTES

Perhaps the reason that my garden update is so lacklustre: I have been away a lot this past month. I began the month with two nights in London, striding out of my comfort zone at World Travel Market. I then zipped over to Bath for five nights away with one of my best friends, combining a work trip with a long weekend getaway. We stayed at Homewood for two nights, located on the edge of Freshford, where we were surrounded by beautiful autumn landscapes. This was on assignment for Small Luxury Hotels, who I was writing an article for. You can read more about my stay at Homewood on my blog, and my Bath/Homewood article will be live on Small Luxury Hotel’s journal later this week.

We then hopped over to stay in the city for three nights - one night in a b&b and the final two nights at The Yard (ad/pr stay). I loved Bath, especially in the autumn and especially as it’s so compact that it’s easy to wander around without taking public transport. The Yard was perfectly positioned in close walking distance to all the restaurants, cafes, shops and bars that we frequented, and is the perfect cosy base for a long weekend in Bath. My favourite part of the hotel is it’s communal space, with a tranquil courtyard and a cosy space beside the fire where you could snuggle up with a couple of delicious cocktails.

I don’t want to give away too much from my SLH article, but my Bath highlights included Landrace Bakery’s morning room, a spa session at the Thermae Baths, an hour lost in Mr B’s Emporium book shop, and dinner at Corkage restaurant and wine bar.

My final trip of the month was a couple of days in the Eden Valley in Cumbria last week, photographing a cosy treehouse complete with wood burning stove, wood-fired hot tub and a slide. Into the Woods was another wonderful autumnal escape, where I caught the last of the fiery foliage just in time. See my Cumbria highlight on Instagram for a selection of photographs from this shoot.

I don’t have any travel plans in December (other than visiting family over Christmas) but I already have a packed diary of trips and shoots for the beginning of 2024 that I can’t wait to share: the Lake District (twice!), the Alps, Devon and Paris are all in my diary for the first couple of months of the year….

NOVEMBER EDIT

5 things: fashion

Curate & Rotate is my absolute favourite place to shop at the moment. Owner Melanie curates a beautiful selection of second-hand pieces that are all independent, slow and/or sustainable brands. No ‘vintage’ Shein here! I’ve sold a few pieces from my own wardrobe on here, and currently have a couple of items on sale if you’re looking for a Christy Dawn or Meadows dress or a cosy Babaa knit.

If I didn’t have to worry about money, this red Skall Studio jumper would be right at the top of my wishlist.

I discovered sustainable Swiss brand, SODE recently, and am in love with the timeless appeal of their collection. Owner, Carla, designs effortless garments that you’d get so much wear out of. My favourite pieces are the simple jersey dress, straight-leg pants and this beautiful olive dress.

Ella @swimsoftly is one of my favourite people to follow on Instagram for slow fashion chat, outfit inspiration and her second-hand wares.

Be quick, Jaggery London are having an online sample sale, with discounted prices on their beautifully designed knitwear and linen.

5 things: interiors

I’ve fallen in love with Lucy Wayne’s prints and would love one for my bedroom. I’m torn between these three prints: Midsummer, Summer Skies and Green Poppies III.

Sterrekopje Farm in South Africa looks like the most beautifully designed place I’ve ever seen. It’s right at the top of my wish list for places I’d love to spend a week just relaxing and taking photographs of every little detail. The bathrooms are particularly stunning.

If you’re looking for antiques, Kept London have an incredibly well curated collection of artwork, furniture and accessories.

I really, really love Studio November’s use of colour and wallpaper. I’m now wondering where I can use this William Morris wallpaper in my own home.

@townley_terrace is my current favourite renovation follow on Instagram. I love how Jessie is restoring her Georgian home with the use of bold colours, second-art finds and a penchant for DIY.

5 things: Instagram

@novemberstudio_co is my go-to for both travel inspiration and work tips as a travel and accommodation photographer.

@frauki shares the most beautiful outdoor photography from the French and Swiss Alps, making me excited about my trip next March.

@lucylaucht is one of my all-time favourite photographers, and she’s currently sharing her travels around Japan on her stories. The Venetian Pantryis also currently in Japan, fuelling my wanderlust.

@kraut_kopf have the most beautiful garden and home and I love following their journey. I’m excited to read their garden book when it’s released in English next year.

@asasteinars shares her life in Iceland and Nordic adventures on her ever inspiring feed, fuelling my dream to return to Iceland.

See you next month! In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for my monthly book club newsletter (free for all) or upgrade your subscription to read every newsletter I send throughout the month.