Guinea's Monthly Lifestyle Blog
October
Here at Guinea Confidential we all agree October really does feel like the official beginning of cosy season and by now most of us will have swapped out our summer clothes for our winter warmers - so it is all about jumpers, flavoured coffees, blankets and trying to restrain Emma in our admin team from amassing more pumpkins into her ever increasing autumnal décor collection!
So why not embrace the cosy, escape the gloomy weather, and indulge in a few minutes me time with this month's Guinea Confidential which has some wonderful seasonal inspo, as well as a book recommendation for those of us who aren't quite ready to let summer slip away completely.
Rest, Read, Relax
The dismal weather and increasingly dark nights of October mean we can long for the sunshine of the summer and Beneath Cornish Skies by Kate Ryder is the perfect book to ease into autumn.
This is the ultimate taking a risk and starting over from nothing novel. From the idyllic setting of the South Downs to the rugged coastline of Cornwall, this is a rural treat of a read!
Seasonally Scrummy
October is of course pumpkin season and it is all too easy to dismiss this fabulous vegetable as something to be carved and then discarded, but it makes wonderful soups, as well as being a nutty nutritious snack if you roast the seeds - you can even top your soup with them!
However, Jo in our order fulfilment team drew our attention to this fabulous recipe, Pumpkin Pesto Tart by Olive Magazine, which would be perfect for a autumnal light lunch or no fuss super.
And if you can't face the thought of tackling a pumpkin, butternut squash would be a delicious alternative.
Guinea's Must See, Must Do
An event some of our more avid Guinea Team readers are looking forward to is the Cheltenham Literature Festival. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, it has some fabulous events lined up including Dame Judi Dench discussing her book on Shakespeare!
Running from 4-13th October it is a must for fiction and non fiction fans.
Popcorn Picks
Rather than updating the story, it remains firmly in the brash and excessive 80s, so get ready for big shoulder pads and even bigger hair
With a stellar cast, this could prove to be a highly entertaining production!
Available on Disney Plus Friday 18th October
Guinea's Lifesaver Lifehacks
Who doesn't love walking into a home and being enveloped in the most wonderous scents. Now in the past this was achieved through potpourri - but it didn't it just collect dust horribly, or candles - but there is always the danger of an open flame, so why not try a simmer pot?
What is a simmer pot you may ask? Essentially it is a simmering water infused with whatever aromatics you prefer. For autumn; orange slices or peel, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, ginger, clove or apple are our absolute favs. Simply pop them in the water and simmer away for the most glorious scent.
For the most stress free method, it is recommended to use a slow cooker, but you can use a pan on a stove top too - but it is crucial you keep the water level topped up!
This is also a wonderful way of using up any left overs from cooking or a piece of fruit looking past its best.
#Guineaglam
One of our all time favourite jackets is making a return this month and we cannot wait! Our Newbury navy wool jacket is perfect for both town and country. So whether you are heading on a walk which ends at the local pub, off to the races, or shopping and meeting the girls for lunch in town, this jacket is effortless elegance.
Styled here with a silk blouse, jeans and tan accessories, this superbly tailored jacket will keep you cosy while fulfilling all your style needs too!
