Foraging for sweet chestnuts sounds so cute doesn't it? If you're picturing me with fingerless gloves, wellies and a wicker basket (amongst my usual, unusual getup) then you'd be sorely mistaken. We stumbled across the fallen bounty by chance; in my case that's most likely to be literally – if there's a tripping hazard around I'll be sure to find it.

It wasn't long before I discovered just how prickly the outer shells are (ouch!) so I had to improvise with two sticks to try prising them open which looks particularly stupid but the squirrels had already whisked away the majority of the chestnuts so we had to work with what we found.

Many of the sweet chestnuts were teeny tiny but we did find enough decent size specimens for a bowlful.

That's another autumn 'must do' struck off the imaginary list.

Sophie

I've been blogging about my outfits for almost four years now. Things have changed a great deal over this time; I no longer take indoor shots as the light is all wrong and it's no fun at all for starters. The pictures I do get are taken whilst out and about at the weekends, usually at a pretty countryside location if at all possible although only because we're already there spending time together.

I used to read a lot of fashion bloggers' blogs and felt like they were a million miles away from me, with such natural beauty, gorgeous clothes and stunning photography. These days I read posts from my favourite bloggers; most of whom I classify as friends.

The point I am oh-so-slowly coming round to making is that I understand about how the right light, make up, clothes and photography skills can elevate a scenario into a 'moment' captured in time. When we're out Chris can take anything from a dozen to about 50 shots of me and while most are embarrassing and make me want to hide my face in my hands I am over the moon when I find one or two that hit the mark. The whole process has not exactly lifted my spirits, nor knocked anyone down in my estimations, more just levelled off the playing field; anyone can get some pictures of themselves they can be proud of.

Yesterday, I read a great post on Words That Can Only Be Your Own in which Janet talks about how taking outfit pictures has helped her. I can absolutely echo her sentiment; seeing photographs of yourself wearing your entire wardrobe give you a much better idea about how you actually look than standing in front of a mirror ever can. I'd go so far as saying that I've become de-sensitised about myself which has absolutely been one less thing to fret about. Not long ago I wrote about when I stopped caring what other people thought which has no doubt been brought about by looking at endless pictures of myself.

Blogging has been a kind of therapy for me – taking the edge off my anxiety and awkwardness about myself. My advice? Go take some pictures of yourself.

Sophie

It's funny how inspiration can strike; sometimes it's when I'm looking through photographs, maybe scrolling through Twitter or having a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. Most of the time a thought occurs to me that I'd like to elaborate on while I'm busy and can't do a darned thing about it except hope I can remember my train of thought for much, much later. Most weeknights I don't reach the laptop until around 10pm by which time I'm tired and no good for anything else except either blogging or falling asleep on the sofa (sometimes both). It's becoming a habit that long after I should be asleep I suddenly hit my stride and become super productive with loads of ideas and can't leave until I have got everything done that I want to.

This time of year for me is that tipping point between the end of the good weather for being outside and the Christmas festivities. Maybe I'm just in a bit of a funk but I'm just not interested in the C word and as it stands if it was left to me then no presents would be bought for a few weeks yet, I'm in the wrong frame of mind. Let's hope it lifts soon.

There are so many bloggers that seem to thrive at this time of year, while I almost feel like I'm floundering with no enthusiasm for the heinous cold weather that is creeping in. If I turn into Mrs Sarcastic Miseryguts in the Sticks just nod and smile.... it should pass in time.

Sophie

Over the past few few years there has been a bounty of colour in my outfits; with bright colours and big prints taking centre stage for the majority of the time. Something has driven me to gravitate towards plenty of darker colours, predominantly black. This lacey top was a chance charity shop find for £2 and is the perfect length and fit to wear alone or under dresses. The main thing to remember is that it's completely see through.

Shorts – ebay, tights – unknown, bangles – Poundland, boots – Yull, belt – Accessorize/ QD, lace top and choker – charity shops

I really like the idea of wearing denim shorts with black tights but for some reason it doesn't look quite how thought it would...? Maybe because black has those inexplicable slimming properties, the contrast of the shorts is almost too much? Perhaps I just need heels or my lovely big biker boots.

I'm embracing darker tones this season so plenty more where this came from.

Sophie

There is something about walking along the sand that never gets old; the changing of the seasons brings new feelings while simultaneously clears the mind regardless.

Wells is the obvious destination for us; quickest journey to the coast, parking is normally fine, you have the walk through the main street of shops down to the harbour and then down to the sandy beach.

Do you have a place which draws you back time and time again?

Sophie

Some photographs from a recent time by the river. I'm not into all this 'Hello November' sort of romanticism so don't worry, you're safe from that here.

The swans were more cooperative than usual and I quite like the moments I managed to capture.

Have a lovely weekend.

Sophie