While most of Australia is clinging desperately to summer (40°C in Alice Springs!) I for one am embracing the onset of autumn in Melbourne. Now, I really dislike the cold and I feel it — I wear socks to bed almost every night of the year. But autumn only has hints of the cold and it’s entirely bearable, unlike that pesky winter bloke. Here’s what else I love about autumn:

1. Scarves.

I have many scarves, both lightweight and big and woolly. Scarves are perfect for layering up against that hint of coolness in the air.

2. Boots.

Some women (and men!) love clothes, accessories, or handbags. I’m a shoe girl and I have some beautiful boots that I can only really wear when it’s cold or I overheat. It’s time to crack those bad boys out!

3. The air.

Especially in early autumn we are still lucky to have some glorious weather. But there’s a crispness in the air, especially in the morning. It’s the first hint of winter but it’s not chilling you to the bone. Love it!

4. The light.

I don’t know if it’s a trick of the light because of the changing leaves or because the sun is lower in the sky but the evening sun in autumn seems extra golden and glowy. Beautiful.

5. Apples (and, more importantly, pie).

Apples and pears and in season in autumn so we can all get excited about pies with delicious buttery pastry!

6. Electric blankets.

What? I said I was a cold egg!

7. Layers.

Following on from my love of scarves, I love layering up in general. Especially tights! I have a few skirts and dresses that, on their own, are probably verging on a bit too short. But whip on a pair of opaques and I’m covered and feeling fabulous!

8. Pearl barley.

It’s too hot in summer for all of my favourite hearty foods but now I can creep them back in. I’m having a barley moment lately, including delicious stew from Jamie Oliver (a bit like this one) that I turn into pies.

9. Flowers.

I know almost nothing about gardening. Luckily for me, we have a communal garden that is looked after by gardeners, and it is blooming with gorgeous fresh flowers.

10. Snuggles.

In summer it’s too hot and sticky to be too close to other humans (and cats). Now I can bear to be touched, it’s better 🙂

11. Better sleep.

With the days getting a bit shorter (but not crap-short like in the middle of June) it’s easier to go to bed early if you need to and sleep in a bit if you need to. Plus you can actually get under the covers without overheating.

12. Ho-cho.

I’m also having a bit of a moment with hot chocolate, really getting into the beautiful cocoa that Chris picked up at the Queen Victoria market. It has just a hint of bitterness and a great full flavour without needing much sugar added.

13. Unpredictable weather.

I know, what? Usually the unpredictable weather in Melbourne is the butt of many a running joke, but in autumn it means there’s still a good chance you’ll get a late burst of unseasonable warmth.

14. Sun.

And when it comes, you can lounge about in the sun without frying your skin off after 4 minutes.

What are loving about the change of seasons? Let me know in the comments.

Don’t forget — there’s still a few days left to enter my giveaway over here, for your chance to win a signed copy of Lisa Messenger’s newest book.