I had to laugh as we drove through town yesterday, there were all sorts of outfits for the rather mild October morning. I saw everything from shorts and t-shirts to arctic parkers with scarves. Nobody knows what to put on each day with the descent into autumn. I've been valuating whether I'm sort of winter wear and although I simply cannot find enough jumpers, there are probably plenty of everything else in my wardrobe, though mu eyes are always peeled for more jeans. For outdoorsy types like me it's outer wear which really needs to pull it's weight; a good pair of boots and a coat is a must for the days when the temperatures never rise and cold winds whistle on by.
A practical coat always gets a thumbs up from C and this Raven coat from Lighthouse clothing is a great choice for this season. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever owned such a perfect winter coat!
Where do I start? Well, the shearling fleeced lining is gorgeously soft and warm to keep me super toasty and comfortable. The hood is also lined to make a snug hug around my head on those really rotten days. The outer layer is 100% cotton with a Teflon coating, it's waterproof, wind proof, the zips and poppers are sturdy. My favourite feature has to be the drawstring to the waist as it allows you to achieve a feminine silhouette while remaining warm. It's a great coat and the length is spot on too in order that rain drips off and away.


I'm a Lighthouse Clothing fan! These are high quality jackets which tick all the boxes for comfort, practicality and style as well as representing good value for money. The Raven coat is £99.95 which I consider to be entirely justified. This is going to be my go-to coat all through the cold winter.

While the Lighthouse ethos is all based around simple island living and nautical inspired design, there is no harm in taking their jackets all over the countryside. With practical outerwear for all members of the family (not pets though) there is a wonderful collection on their website. This coat is in 'midnight' but also comes in sunset yellow. The whole palette is beautiful, I love the 'bramble' and 'ocean deep' shades. So pretty.
Have you discovered Lighthouse Clothing?
Many thanks to Lighthouse for sending me this coat to feature, all words and opinions are my own as always.
Sophie

I remember a time when roll necks were something I lived in. Jumpers mostly. I remember a grey knitted on and a blue fluffy one that constituted part of my daily uniform along with bootcut jeans and a pair of Vans. There's something really safe about a roll neck, you can't accidentally expose yourself or fall prey to a draft bringing on a chill.



This Piper soft cotton top from Lighthouse brings back all the good memories of my mid teens. Long sleeves and a relaxed fit. Back in those days I wouldn't have dared wear these shorts, maybe a micro mini skirt (or the skirt over trousers look, remember that trend?!) .  But it feels good to pop on a semi tailored pair of shorts, belt and air my legs for almost certainly the last time this Indian summer. I've never been especially into stripes before but I recall with clarity my beloved zebra striped trousers from the early noughties, gulp.

It's starting to get a little sticky underfoot so ankle boots may have to make way for the occasion outing of wellies, boo!


Over the coming months I will definitely be layering this top under shirts and jumpers to add a good cosy layer and ensuring that should the sun pop out that I can soak it right up.

Are you a fan of a roll neck? I'm blowing the trumpet for all to follow!

Sophie
A big thank you to Lighthouse Clothing for sending me this top to feature. All opinions and content my own

The simple things are the most valuable in the whole world, with each passing week it becomes clearer. My passion for growing has been developing for the last few years, strengthening all the time. I don't recall precisely a spark which started it all off, maybe more of a gentle warming which notched up in a very gradual way. One year a neighbour grew some stargazer lilies which leaned almost over our invisible boundary and in my floral naivety, I had no idea what they were and became fascinated with them... leading to finding something similar to plant in our garden one year.
The new season range of outdoor clothing is now available at Lighthouse clothing and it's growing  each time. I've been a fan of this fabulous brand from the start for all the right reasons; the supreme quality and design of the jackets, the fit and feel, comfort and wearability, practicality and the choice of colours too.

These days we have expanded beyond the garden and into a plot and a half of allotment space. While C is all about vegetables and infrastructure, I am draw to flowers and weeding. It's unexpectedly harmonious. Above; the sugar snap peas have just gone in. Below: blossom to be seen on the fruit bushes and trees.



Lighthouse believe in the simple things in life; from shores to rural countryside. Come sail away with me to shores unexplored... While I can agree that a little adventure can hold a lot of excitement, I can testify that planting an unassuming, dry, meagre flake of a seed and nurturing it from day one can hold bountiful pleasure. From the teeniest little seedling just emerging from the ground, fighting to reach up to the sunshine, drinking in the water and growing into something beautiful, the magic is tangible.


I'm wearing the Fearne waterproof jacket in the shade called seagrass and it's a luscious shade of green, though you can also chose poppy or midnight too. A lightweight waterproof jacket is invaluable for spring and summer when the weather can be changeable if you want to stay comfy and dry. There's a hidden hood packed into the neck of the jacket which is neatly out of the way until nature decides otherwise. The drawstring to the waist is my favourite feature as it make me feel feminine, it's lovely to feel stylish in a practical jacket (and so rare). Good sized pockets and poppers and a zip. Lovely soft lining. I couldn't wish for more. Ah, and it must be mentioned that the Fearne is an ideal length to stop draughts and keep the rain off your backside too.


Apples, pears, cherries, plums... I'm keeping my fingers crossed the bees are working their magic.
Below: the first strawberry flowers!



It's all about the simple things.
Sophie

The change of season has lead to a lot of unsettled weather round our way. Sunshine, showers, swirling winds... you name it, it's been thrown into the mix over the last week or two. I've been thinking about my Autumn/Winter wardrobe and how to make sure I'm catered for in all situations. Jeans and jumpers are a must, which has drawn my attention rather sharply to my dwindling collection of each. The problem with wearing favourites so often is that they wear out rather inconveniently.
Of course thoughts of outerwear are surfacing more now too. I got through summer showers in my Fayda jacket which was a real asset bu now I'm looking for warmth as well. Enter my new Lana jacket in blackberry. What a beautiful shade; a rich purple which will complement so many colours in my wardrobe. Lovely to wear something which makes me feel good.


Autumn holds so much potential for exploring the great outdoors The gorgeous rich light, the whole new spectrum of colour seeping through the countryside. Seeking out new sights, foraging for treats to harvest and of course just the simplicity of wandering in a landscape you love. But go prepared! The nip of the chilly breeze and threats of rain can put pay to well laid plans unless you have a good coat on. Lighthouse clothing know all about what makes for a good adventuring jacket and as well as being super practical, they are also chic and luxurious.
The drawstrings to the waist make such a difference to me; I feel like a woman in this jacket instead of a snowglobe with legs. The pockets are sturdy, deep and you can also pop your hands in at the sides too, to keep them out of the wind. Quality materials, stitching, lining, good shape hood, nifty pockets and all carefully weighed up detail really does make the Lana jacket a real standout piece of outerwear. It's highly waterproof and breathable cotton outer which is windproof and a lightly padded brushed cotton chambray lining. The Lana also comes in sunrise yellow if you fancy an extra pop of colour.
A massive thank you to Lighthouse for sending me this jacket to wear. I'm so glad that it's mine to keep me snug and dry while I'm out exploring this season. They have a fantastic range to keep everyone kitted out and I'm a big fan of the brand and what they stand for. All opinions and content my own, as ever.
Sophie

What is up with the summer weather?! From one day to the next the temperatures yo-yo, nay, sometimes one hour to the next. Blue skies, racing clouds, flash downpours.
I don't know what to wear. My trainers only just get dry by the time I wear them out in the rain again. A raincoat is never far from my shoulders. My gorgeous watermelon Fayda jacket from Lighthouse has really come in to it's own! It's so darn practical, which is more than can be said for much of what I own.

My vintage style tunic dress is a longstanding favourite although it has to be worn with caution as it's debatably too short to be decent. I love the unusual retro pattern, the cropped sleeves and the strange fitted under-bust. Who knows what to call it, but who cares.
Stay dry!
Sophie

 It was the kind of day where you could hear far more than you could see. There were a pair of swans which swam past us on the river; feeding from the river bed, taking it in turn to stretch their necks and rifle through the sandy bottom to feast on what they sourced. Light, melodic chirping to be heard all around but precious little to be seen; more the case that little tiny winged bodies darted from sprig to twig but remained invisible in the maze of branches.
 I was wrapped up toasty with a good thermal vest and pair of thermal tights along with a warm dress and jumper. My gorgeous jacket from Lighthouse clothing is a shade called 'watermelon' and let me tell you, it was the most colourful thing for miles around! So pretty. It's a delightfully feminine colour without screamingly so. A coral of sorts. I adore it.
Lighthouse is a shiny new brand of outdoor clothing which has a really inspiring range of jackets for men, women and children (let's say everyone). Based in Belfast overlooking the Irish Sea, they have a visionary perspective which is to encourage the adventurer in us all and to savour the simplest, greatest moments. Now that, I can certainly concur with. Taking time to walk the shoreline, stroll along the riverbank and take in the quietest experiences are the most significant points of our lives.
My jacket is Fayda and also comes in midnight sky and seagrass (a practical dark blue and a sweet bright pea green), it has a lovely striped lining which makes it feel really nice to wear and a practical hood to keep the rain off my head.
 My jacket is breathable, waterproof and wind proof with taped seams and drawstrings to the hood and waist for adjusting to the most comfortable and flattering fit. The two way zip is particularly useful as this is a 3/4 length jacket; I love a good length waterproof as you are kept super dry as  it wont drip straight onto your trousers, plus draughts wont sneak up your back.
 Birds in flight, bunnies racing for cover, dry grasses lining the paths in their hushed, whispering way.... sharing their secrets only between each other.

The river must have recently swollen beyond usual capacity, reaching the path and beyond, stretching into every available slight trough. The path became impassible after a while, with boggier and wetter terrain and puddles wider than a running leap.

I'll be looking forward to returning on a drier day, when the water retreats to it's natural course and the land regains it's sturdy feel underfoot. The reeds will grow lush and green in the sunshine.
I'll be ready.
Sophie
Thank you to Lighthouse for sending me this fabulous jacket to feature. All content and opinions my own.