Autumn Is Here & I’m Planning for Cosy Nights At Home

Ad This is a paid post written in collaboration with Local Heroes, all opinions are my own.

Tell me what is the first thing you do as our UK summer fades into autumn? Perhaps a wardrobe edit or ordering well-seasoned logs for the fire? I have already started planning for cosy autumn evenings at home. As an October baby, it will come as no surprise to you that I adore the autumn months. Living in rural Dorset I get to experience all the beauty and bounty that Mother Nature provides us with at this time of the year.

My Autumn Plans For Cosy Nights In

1 . The first thing I do is bring the Welsh blankets out of storage. Give them a gentle wash and hang them on the line to dry in the last of the autumn sunshine. As soon as I can I reinstate them on the sofa. Those blankets are heavy, perfect for snuggling up with a good book, whilst listening to the wind howl outside.

2 Next I stock up on candles, who doesn’t at this time of year? Marc sorts out logs and kindling for the fire and books a chimney sweep. We are incredibly lucky to have a real log fire, the dogs love it and compete for the best place in front of the fire!

3 I make sure I have my favourite bath oils and look forward to some self-pamper evenings. After all a comforting soak with favourite candle, face mask on, a good book and a glass of wine is good for the soul.

Don’t forget to check your Boiler

4 Because none of the above is much fun without central heating and hot water. One thing we all tend to overlook is boiler maintenance. I know it’s not as exciting as buying luxury bath oils, but you can’t have one without the other..

Cosy Nights In With Local Heroes

Have you heard of Local Heroes? Established in 2016, they are backed by British Gas and match skilled and vetted local tradespeople to customers who need jobs completed in their home, quickly and easily. They also have lots of boiler advice for getting your boiler ready for winter. This year for obvious reasons you will need to rely on your home boiler more than ever!

A Top Tip for getting your Boiler ready for winter

 Bleed your radiators. This is a simple and surprisingly satisfying job. The only tool you will need is a radiator key, which should be available at any hardware shop for under £1.

• Turn the central heating on
• Check the radiators to see which ones are not heating up
• Turn the central heating off
• Put a towel under a radiator that was not heating up
• Put the key into the radiator valve
• Turn it anti-clockwise until you hear a hissing sound
• Watch out for water!
• Wait for the hissing to stop then turn the key back again

There are lots of easy to follow tips and advice on the Local heroes’ website do have a look, I learnt a lot

. . . so can we get back to shopping for those scented candles now?

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