Rugby Thighs, Overthinking Dating & Life Catch-Ups

October is here, and with it, the return of autumn layers, crisp air, pumpkin-coloured everything, and—unintentionally—my brief but passionate desire to date a rugby player.

Blame it on going to a Harlequins game with Dad, sitting dangerously close to the pitch at Lady Bay Sports Ground, and suddenly realising that rugby players are built very differently from the usual London finance crowd. The power. The thighs. The sheer intensity. The kind of energy that makes you reevaluate your entire type. For about three hours, I was fully convinced that my next relationship should be with a 6'4" human tank who could lift me effortlessly, carry me across a field if necessary, and possibly help me open jam jars without trying.

Then, obviously, I overthought it. Because:

• Rugby players travel all the time.

• Their schedules are insane.

• Their dietary requirements alone might break me.

• I don’t actually know if I want to be a ‘sports wife.’

By the end of the game? Decided it wasn’t for me. But the research process was fun. Very fun. And let’s be honest, a little fantasising never hurt anyone.

Harlequins, Dad & the Ultimate Father-Daughter Day Out

Going to the game with Dad was peak bonding time. Lady Bay Sports Ground had that electric buzz only live sport delivers. Harlequins came out swinging and won 45-21, and the crowd was so into it. The noise, the camaraderie, the pint-fuelled passion from the fans—there’s just something about being surrounded by it all that taps into a whole different energy. It’s like being handed permission to yell, cheer, and laugh with strangers, and it’s gloriously unfiltered.

Some key moments:

• Dad explaining every single rule to me, even though I totally got it by halftime (but didn’t tell him because he was so clearly enjoying it).

• Me, silently assessing every player for dating potential and quietly ranking them based on “could carry me over a puddle” scores.

• The realisation that rugby is infinitely more interesting than football. Sorry, not sorry.

• Two pints in, fully yelling like I’d been a lifelong fan. Honestly? Might be now.

• Dad introducing me to three of his mates who immediately started asking if I was “still single.” Thank you, Nigel.

After the match, we retired to the pub with Dad’s friends, grabbed a table just in time for the Rugby World Cup game—England vs Samoa. And wow, what a match. Tension on every single play. England narrowly beat Samoa 18-17, and I was clutching my pint like it was a stress ball. One point difference! The energy in the room was insane, and when that final whistle blew, the whole pub erupted. I didn’t even realise I was holding my breath until the cheers broke out. Pure joy. Come on England!!!

Also: Dad was fully aware of my sudden “date a rugby player” spiral and found it absolutely hilarious. He even started pointing out the ones he thought had “husband potential,” which made me laugh so hard I nearly choked on my crisps. Honestly, iconic.

Work: New Clients, New Energy

Back to reality—work is picking up, and I feel like I’m finally moving with a new rhythm. Nothing frantic, just steady growth. There’s a groundedness that’s been missing lately, and I’m slowly getting it back.

• New clients showing up ready to lift and build confidence.

• More women asking about strength training and lifestyle coaching—YES.

• A few conversations around mindset and career direction coming up too, which feels like the next natural step.

• Reworking my weekly schedule to allow more space. Not just to do, but to think, breathe, create.

• Finally blocking out non-negotiable deep focus hours. Revolutionary.

Also: I’ve been toying with the idea of running a small group coaching programme for autumn. A cosy, supportive, slightly sassy container for women who want more from their routines and less from their burnout. Think: voice note support, tailored goal-setting, journaling prompts, and weekly energy resets. Nothing over-engineered—just honest, useful, warm support. More on that soon.

Friends Update: Everyone is Doing Something Exciting

The group chat is as chaotic as ever, and everyone seems to be entering a new season. It’s beautiful, slightly overwhelming, and completely affirming to watch everyone bloom in different directions. No one’s on the same path, and yet somehow we’re still orbiting the same emotional solar system.

• Liv: Wedding planning meltdown mode. “Why is everything so expensive?” said 17 times in the last week, possibly on loop.

• Charlie: Still living it up in Singapore and now officially dating someone new. The group chat is VERY invested. Screenshots galore.

• Amelia: Fully in “New York or nothing” mode and plotting her move for early 2024. Manifesting brownstones and bagels, obviously.

• Ben: Somewhere in Patagonia, off-grid and climbing mountains. Last message: “Ran out of Wi-Fi. Found peace.” Classic Ben.

• Sophie (mum Sophie): Thinking about baby number two and still managing brunch, Barre, and birthday parties. Honestly, an icon. Her time management is unmatched.

Meanwhile, I’m here in London, processing my short-lived rugby romance arc with the help of oversized jumpers, oat flat whites, podcast deep-dives, and increasingly existential voice notes to Leila that start with “so I’ve been thinking...”

Style: The Autumn Glow-Up Begins

It’s finally chilly enough to justify knitwear without sweating by midday, which means:

• Chunky knits and long wool coats are in heavy rotation.

• Knee-high boots making their rightful return.

• Deep red nails, because autumn demands a little drama.

• Gold jewellery layered over everything like it’s armour.

• Soft scarves, statement bags, and those deliciously moody berry lips.

• Cashmere. Always cashmere.

Also:

• Silk midi skirts with thick knits? Yes.

• A new camel coat I got on sale and already feel smug about. Possibly the best purchase of the season.

• Considering a fringe again. (Someone please stop me.)

• Dusting off my beloved leather tote that screams “I have a job and good taste.”

  
  

Booked a proper facial too, because post-summer skin is crying out for hydration and a glow-up. Possibly two facials, if I’m being honest. And maybe a new serum. And definitely an overpriced lip oil I don’t need but absolutely deserve. Also trying a new gua sha routine because why not romanticise my skincare while rewatching Gilmore Girls?

Beauty & Wellness: Back to Routines, But With Softness

After a summer of movement, madness, and sunshine highs, I’m craving rhythm and rituals again. Nothing punishing. Just nurturing.

Right now, it’s all about:

• Gentle workouts that energise rather than exhaust.

• Daily stretches and morning sunlight before checking my phone.

• Prioritising hydration and skin barrier love.

• Evening wind-downs with candles and no screens.

• Daily walks with a podcast or just city sounds—autumn London is a dream.

• Eucalyptus oil in the shower. A game changer.

• Herbal teas before bed instead of late-night TikTok binges (mostly).

Also: Pilates is firmly back in rotation. I forgot how strong and graceful it makes me feel. And how much I love pretending I’m in a Nancy Meyers film with every slow exhale. I’m romanticising everything lately—my skincare routine, my walk to the shops, even folding laundry to the Pride & Prejudice soundtrack.

Mindset: Letting Things Unfold

This fortnight, I’m reminding myself not to force clarity. Sometimes, the answer comes when you stop asking so loudly. When you give yourself permission to sit in the grey.

• Letting decisions arrive on their own timeline.

• Making room for joy, even in the in-betweens.

• Trusting that if it’s meant for me, it won’t miss me.

• Loosening the grip, softening the pace.

• Not everything needs an outcome. Some things are just meant to be experienced.

Also: if I do meet a rugby player casually, I won’t immediately rule it out. Just maybe won’t plan our wedding after one game. Probably. Unless he makes a really good cuppa.

Pop Culture, Trends & What’s Happening Right Now

• Scarf season is back and everyone’s trying to out-wrap each other.

• Loud luxury is trending on TikTok—think maximalist coats, embellished boots, dramatic everything.

• Pumpkin spice discourse continues. I’m pro, but I’m not buying it in bulk.

• Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour is over. Emotional support disco balls, anyone?

• Everyone is baking again—banana bread is back in the group chat.

• Mob wife energy is resurfacing. Big coats, don’t-mess-with-me eyeliner, unapologetic power.

• Everyone is secretly watching Gilmore Girls again. Yes, it’s me. I’m everyone.

The Month Ahead: What’s Coming?

• Deeper coaching sessions and more meaningful client breakthroughs.

• Finalising some ideas for group coaching (and putting it out there publicly—gulp).

• Making space for real rest before the end-of-year madness begins.

• A possible countryside escape later this month, weather dependent.

• Watching England’s next Rugby World Cup match with Dad. Pub pints optional, passion mandatory.

• Maybe hosting a cosy dinner party, candlelit and wine-fuelled.

• Saying yes to more micro-moments of joy—flowers from the market, a solo cinema trip, unplanned brunches.

October, you’ve already delivered surprises, laughter, and a pinch of introspection. Let’s keep it going.

Sophie x