Saddling up for autumn

Your IndyBest weekend shopping guide [View in browser]( [IndyBest]( [Ellie Fry]( Emma Henderson [IndyBest Editor]( September 17, 2021 Although there's still a glimmer of summer sunshine around, we don't need the weatherman to tell us what's coming. If like us, you hate to see it go, we've got your back though, and have plenty of exciting things to look forward to as the seasons turn. As the summer of fun (and socialising) draws to a close, we're actually excited for more time at home reading, with an appropriately [autumnal scented candle](burning too. We have an excellent reading list to worm our way through too, thanks to the [Booker Prize shortlist](, announced on Tuesday, and we're certainly adding a lot of them to our baskets. While outside, the real symbol of autumn is leaves falling. In the park, it's pretty and fun for kids, but if you're a keen gardener, it's a bit of a pain. So make light work of a boring chore with a [leaf blower.]( You'll never look at a rake in the same way again. We're also getting ahead of ourselves a little too and have already got lots going on for Christmas, as it's only 99 days away now (!). Our favourite bit? [Advent calendars](, of course. From our mega [beauty calendar directory](, complete with all the intel including pre-order dates to the goodies inside, to kids [Lego]( and [Cadburys]( favourites, we've got something for everyone. Watch this space as we'll have plenty more soon too, from gin to vegan calendars, and even ones for dogs. We couldn't leave the goodest of them all out, could we? Jump right in [Kids' puddlesuits]( Let's face it. They're going to jump, both feet in, every.single.time they see a puddle. Instead of worrying about them getting soggy and muddy, dress little ones in an oh-so useful [puddle suit]( and a [pair of reliable wellies]( and let them live their best lives. We think these all in ones are one of the best purchases you'll make if you've got kids. From retro overalls to dinosaur printed packaways, we've put a whole range to the test with little adventurers. [Read more]( Sweet like chocolate When temperatures drop, we reach for one of life's most comforting indulgences – the humble [hot chocolate](. But we're not talking about sickly sweet powders that are mixed with just hot water. Oh no, hot chocolate has grown up. Many brands have taken to using flakes of chocolate and even solid blocks of the good stuff, made from fairtrade chocolate, or single origin that's sourced directly from grower estates, with sophisticated flavours to boot too. [Reed diffusers]( We put nine worthy brands to the test – someone had to do the hard work, didn't they? – looking for taste and quality, to find the [best hot chocolates]( for you, whether it's for a kids Bonfire night or snuggling up with a good book. [Read more]( Books Talking of books, this week saw the announcement of the long-awaited [Booker Prize shortlist](, one of the world's most prestigious literary accolades. If you're reading pile is in need of some new additions, this list has plenty to be inspired by. [Booker Prize shortlist]( From third-time shortlisted author Damon Galgut's book, The Promise, to The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed and Maggie Shipstead's novel Great Circle, wich was seven years in the making, each book is sure to enrich your life after reading it. Look out for the winner to be announced on 3 November, too. [Read more]( Carbs are life Light, leafy and colourful salads are out and glorious warming bowls of delicious pasta with oodles of parmesan are well and truly in. But what to dish them up in? Plates are too flat, and bowls are, well, too round and deep. Enter the [pasta dish](, a perfect Goldilocks-worthy shape with low sides and a wide flat base where your dinner will stay in one place. [Best pasta bowls]( Although not only limited to pasta, they're super versatile and can also work for rice dishes, stews or anything that needs a little helping hand in being contained. Aesthetics are important too, as they ought to look good both in use and not, but practicality is also key, so from heat retention to being dishwasher safe, we put [these pasta dishes]( through their paces. [Read more]( [Best eye creams]( Keep an eye on it As the nights draw in, we won't judge if you put your jammies on straight after finishing work. We'll be doing the same, as well as spending more time on our skincare routine – starting with an eye cream. Often an overlooked, or a dismissed step in a routine, but we start to see dark circles, wrinkles or dehydrated skin around the eyes when the collagen in the skin starts to break down. But how do you know which ones actually work? We've tested plenty to find out if they do what they say on the tin. Read our round-up of the [best eyec reams]( to find out the ones that are worth their price tag. [Read more]( Deals of the week The Independent’s journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our newsletter, we may earn commission. [Beats headphones deal]( There's more than [£70 off these Beats headphones]( at Amazon right now [Get deal]( [Apple HomePod deal]( Very has a saving of [£30 on this Apple HomePod]( smart speaker [Get deal]( Don't miss a thing Keep up to date with all the latest IndyBest news over on social... [Twitter]( [Instagram]( Thank you for reading. P.S. If you can spare two minutes we'd love to hear your [feedback]( on our newsletters. [Alternate text] Join the conversation or follow us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( Please do not reply directly to this email. You are currently registered to receive The Independent's IndyBest email. Add us to your safe list of senders. 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