This is a strange autumn for me: usually, I regard September as the REAL New Year, but this time I’m a bit more subdued. Mostly, it’s because in the work context, we are all waiting for the new Commission to start in November and until then, everything will be in flux and my future – among many others – uncertain. I suspect this lack of elan is also a reflection of me writing this post while feeling like there is an unpleasant virus lurking in my system. That said, autumn is always exciting and I do have a few things to share with you.

1. Tan-Luxe Super Glow serum. As advertised in my last memo, I have indeed bought this and it’s as good as everybody says. Unusually for a hybrid product, it does in fact work really well both as a hydrating serum (I don’t need another serum when I use this, although sometimes I add one nevertheless) and as a self-tan product. I use 4-5 drops and that gives a very subtle result; it seems entirely foolproof. I also got Vita Liberata’s Beauty Blur, which is basically Body Blur for face, and I’m enjoying that, too. I feel like I owe you a skincare update, so that will come soonish.

2. Advent calendars. Yes, you read this right. The (skincare) advent calendar madness has already started. While I admit I would not mind if the Liberty’s version suddenly materialised in my home, I’m not sure how much sense these actually make. They are a nice gift for skincare fans and they can be a good way to test several products. Then again, if you are like me and get a couple of big GWPs a year, you probably have the testing covered. One might be better off spending all that money on a handful of carefully selected products one actually needs. If you are tempted, however, take a look at the Cult Beauty version – the first one by them ever and including some really nice stuff.

3. New perfumes. I haven’t been that impressed with Jo Malone’s recent fragrances and initially I wasn’t impressed with Poppy & Barley either: it didn’t seem like much when I sprayed it on my skin – vaguely floral, a bit musky. However, every time I caught a whiff of myself later that day, I loved it. It is difficult to describe: in theory, it’s a floral perfume and I guess it is, but not overwhelmingly so; I think it’s mostly the creaminess of the barley note I find so appealing (and no, despite what the website says, it’s not dramatic, unless you have a very low threshold for drama). In any case, it’s one of those fragrances that has beautiful sillage. There is also a new release by Serge Lutens that I’m yet to try and Gucci Memoirs that comes in a wonderful bottle, but is totally unwearable for me.

4. From the Oven to the Table. My love for Diana Henry is well documented on these pages and her latest cookbook is no exception. As you can probably guess, it’s about things you can cook in the oven and this happens to be one of my favourite ways to make food – mostly because is easy. I bought this book as soon as it came out and immediately cooked the chicken with white vermouth, mustard and sour cream. It was delicious. There are many other recipes that appeal to me and not surprisingly, it’s a cookbook well suited to autumn.

5. Atwood & Co. The publishing event of the month is obviously Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments coming out on 10 September. I fully understand the hype around the sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, but I must say I’m personally a bit wary, despite (or because of) my adoration for the original. I’m sure I’ll read it at some point, just not necessarily immediately. Somewhat perversely, I am currently much more interested in Atwood’s back catalogue, I still have quite a lot to get through. Her essays and The Robber Bride are on top of my list. I’m also looking forward to Alix E. Harrow’s The Ten Thousand Doors of January, after loving her Hugo-winning short story.

6. Ülo. This is mostly for Estonians or people travelling to Tallinn: I finally got myself to restaurant Ülo where I spent an absolutely wonderful evening with my sister. Lovely food, great surroundings, amazing service, non-outrageous prices. They’ve got excellent vegan options, so everyone should feel welcome.

7. Clothes. I have been relatively restrained in my shopping in August and beginning of September and I’m trying to keep it that way. I do have two collaborations on the way, however, that both a) involve clothes and b) are pretty exciting. I should have more to share by mid-September and if you follow me on Instagram, you may already have an idea what one of them is about. In related news, if you have gym wear recommendations or brands you are curious about, let me know – I’m thinking about an article on the topic.

How’s your September going? Excited? Not really?