enjoying the end of summer
How to have a great alcohol-free festival and why autumn is the superior season
Hey darlings! Happy Sunday. As someone who spends 90% of my time at home either working, cooking, or (currently) binge-watching Smallville, going to a festival yesterday was big for me! As we’re are approaching the end of summer, I have two prongs to this post, as well as my regular spiel. Firstly the festival tips (a big sign of summer), but also the pure excitement I have for autumn, with a little insight on why this is good if you’re going alcohol-free or trying to cut back.
As my partner is a HUGE Justice fan and has been following their trajectory from Paris for 20 years, seeing them together in All Points East festival was a big deal.
Alcohol-free festival tips
Going to a festival for the first time without drinking, especially if you’re used to always have a beer or cocktail in your hand, can be a daunting prospect and you feel like your stamina won’t be able to handle it. Here are some ways that have helped me adjust and enjoy myself:
Don’t skimp on food. (see above a very happy Sophie with mushroom loaded fries) When we’re drinking, I feel the day can pass so fast and we’ve not eaten enough and then suddenly it’s grabbing a box of chips to settle our tummies. When you’re not drinking, check out the food trucks, try multiple dishes and enjoy it. It’ll help you have more energy for the entire day and a good opportunity to indulge in a little junk food.
Go with a group of kind people. Yesterday I spent the day with my partner and 3 of his friends who always had such happy and positive energy, had no desire to get drunk, and were genuinely so excited by the music. Our anxieties can flare up in a festival environment so the people we spend the day with make such an impact.
Wear a practical outfit. With no beer blanket, you’ll feel the chill so opt for the hoodie and raincoat if needed. Light layers people!!
Communicate with your support system. Whether we’re sober or drinking, we always need at least one person we can turn to if we feel overwhelmed or need a breather. Make sure you have someone to check up on you, and visa versa, so you can always speak up if the day is feeling too much.
Soak up the atmosphere. Unlike clubs and bars, festivals seem to have a more positive atmosphere and it feels less threatening IMO. People are drunk and having a good time so let them enjoy that (as long as they can make it home safely!).
Shower immediately. Getting home drunk from a festival and tired dancing legs usually meant I would take a makeup wipe to bed and fling it onto my bedside table when a satisfactory amount of makeup was taken off… last night I showered and did my 7 step skincare routine. Tired legs would not stop me from feeling squeaky clean the next morning.
Happily veg out the next day. Unlike the throbbing headaches, nausea, and overwhelming anxiety, this is your chance to spend the day cozy on the sofa feeling sleepy but with a clear head
As much as I love autumn, I love Gilmore girls more and watch it every night to fall asleep. My warm blanket show. But while as a kid or teen, I yearned for summer for school break, long walks to take the dogs swimming, my mum serving dinners outside, and hot days spent playing in the garden, now I’m in my 20s and living in London, I yearn for autumn. Spring feels more unpredictable but with autumn, the leaves change, you don’t quite yet need your big coats, but you can start making soups and pumpkin spiced desserts.
Why Autumn is best
Less overheating on tubes - very important living in London
Streets aren’t overflowing with drunk people - this can be anxiety-inducing in the summertime if you’re trying to cut back on drinking and all you see are people drinking in the streets or in parks and the temptation can feel constant
Air is crisp and you can enjoy long walks in the park without needing respite in the shade
Less f***ing flies in the house!
No unacceptable time to have a hot chocolate
Soup season obviously…
Probably the only season I really like to decorate the house
The best scented candles…
Spooky season means great scary movies
You can make things like this Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie and Sweet Potato Macaroni Cheese and Spiced Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Middles
What‘s been playing 🎶
What I’ve been wearing 🛍️
Autumn season wish list
What products I’m loving 🧖🏼♀️
Mixoon Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence: I’ve been trying to repair my skin barrier after overuse of harsh skincare products so I recommend this for soothing relief.
Soap & Glory smoothie body butter: you will smell like a vanilla cookie… the absolute best.
What’s been cooking 👩🏼🍳
Shrimp & tofu Thai green curry
Beyond Meat burgers with salsa verde, honey roasted carrots, and smashed garlic potatoes
Apple crumble with 0.0% spiced rum topped with peanut butter vanilla ice cream
Banana and pecan bread (new favourite Banana Bread recipe here!)
After a long day yesterday, this Sunday has been spent cozy under a blanket watching Disney+ and playing Sims4. If you’re in the UK, I hope you have a lovely day off work tomorrow!
Just remember, it’s okay if you’re the only one not drinking.
See you next Sunday! 🩷
Sophie
love these photos of you sophie!!
Very cool and fun. I spent time in Germany in the fall and loved it. I was on the government plan as I callit, military. One day, I want to spend time in the UK during the seasons. For me, I find just staying hydrated with lots of water is what gets me by. The hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate will do too. Enjoy.