5 things we can still absolutely enjoy this October

Pandemic or not, I’ve been heralding autumn as soon as August hit; practically waving leaf-like flags around in anticipation. It’s a season that is colder, crisper and made for cosy nights in (with an undoubted) Zoom call or two and all our favourite scary films and flavoured coffees. We might be setting into winter but there are still many things to love at this time of year 

Guilt-free binge-watching

There can be a dose of guilt that comes with binging on crap, invigorating made-for-TV movies during the summer months, whereas  Autumn’s cool presence ensures that we can dust off our well-thumbed encasing of The Good Wife and feel smug that we, with our wine and fluffy socks, are not only sheltered from the elements can also enjoy many virtual discussions about love-to-hate Netflix offering Emily in Paris.

The joy of a new winter coat

M&S Collection, €125

It’s not just officially winter, it’s officially cold. As in I’d-rather-die-than-get-out-of-bed cold. It’s proper wrap-up-warm weather (and don’t forget the masks!), and thankfully, snuggly coats stylishly help us achieve this. This season, we’re feeling the ‘go full or go home’ vibe – the bigger the better and cosier the better.

Halloween

It’s time for Hocus Pocus on repeat, nibbling on the treats we set aside just for ourselves, reading delightfully creepy books or getting ready for scary movies marathons. Also, Taking place this October 24th, 25th, 29th and 30th, EPIC have just announced their virtual Halloween event line-up, which includes the ‘Trick or Treat – Halloween Around the World’ online workshop.

It brings together historical trivia and spooky modern-day practices together, to create a one-of-a-kind Halloween experience. The workshop will look at the evolution of Halloween around the world – from the ancient traditions of Samhain, to traditions today. Children are being encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes and bring these traditions to life in their home through craft and drawing activities.  Tickets from €7.50 available to purchase and more details are available here.

Flavoured coffees

At this time of year, coffee tastes better than it does any other time of the year. Some people scorn the premise of the flavoured drinks, specifically Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spiced Lattes as “too hipster” etc but we’re of the opinion that if something keeps you warm and fills you with that much happiness – as only the most comforting caffeine-infused flavours of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg will do – you should indulge in many of them.

A worthy film re-make

Reimagining Dahl’s beloved story for a modern audience, won’t be an easy task, but in the hands of Robert Zemeckis, we’re in for something very special. The Witches tells the darkly humorous and heartwarming tale of a young orphaned boy who, in late 1967, goes to live with his loving Grandma in the rural Alabama town of Demopolis.? As the boy and his grandmother encounter some deceptively glamorous but thoroughly diabolical witches, she wisely whisks our young hero away to an opulent seaside resort.? Regrettably, they arrive at precisely the same time that the world’s Grand High Witch has gathered her fellow cronies from around the globe—undercover—to carry out her nefarious plans.

Available to stream October 26th

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