1. Wearing
2. Following
I recently discovered @heyimsakina over on Instagram. Her work is gorgeous and thought provoking, and every product she makes is drool-worthy if you're a stationary/print lover.
I love her stories showing how each illustration slowly comes together, her process is hypnotising.
Head over to her website to view everything she currently has available.
(all images above were taken from instagram.com/heyimsakina)
3. Motivator
Late June means the arrival of the Rhododendrons in our local woods. There's nothing quite like the thought of jogging on smooth tarmac through curtains of purpley-pink blooms to make me get off the sofa and into my trainers on my day off.
4. Comfort
Sizing up in sweats.
There's only one thing more comfortable than Stalf sweats, and that's Stalf sweats in a size too big. I first discovered when I was 8 months pregnant with my second baby, and never looked back. I now have 50% my usual size sweatpants in my wardrobe, and 50% one size up for the days I need extra comfort.
5. View
My Garden! From mid-May onward, my little cottage garden starts showing off. By mid-July it's in full swing and looking beautiful. I like to pour a cold beer and watch the bees buzzing and my boys playing.
6. Indulgence
Whilst they're in season, the largest, blousiest bunch of peonies going (or maybe even two!) is my self- indulgence of choice.
7. Wisdom
We have two well established rose bushes on our drive, right by where we park our car. Every time we climb into the car (and whenever we pass roses out and about, see below) my eldest son, Jude is desperate to stop and give them a good sniff. Even if we're in a rush, clambering over one another's debris, bags flying about the back seats of the car, or if his little brother is winging, he takes his time to stop and smell the roses.
I'm sure there's a life lesson in that, am I right?
8. Self Care
This month my self-care focus has been indulging my hair, namely attempting to pull it back round after months of lockdown and at-home haircuts. I finally visited the hairdressers and said goodbye to a couple of inches, but the discovery of a new hair care brand is what's really made the difference- Fable and Mane. Initially, I bought the Shampoo and Conditioner , and after the first wash, went straight back to order the pre-wash hair oil. Smells divine, gorgeous to use and great results. My hair was softer, noticeably more hydrated, easier to manage day after day and I found I could go an extra day (at least) in between washes.
9. Lusting After
For a long time now, I've followed Rock + Raw on instagram, loved and lusted after their beautiful crystal necklaces. I'm especially drawn to the Blue Topaz and Clear Quartz set in silver.
So beautiful, and such a gorgeous company.
(all photos above taken from Rock and Raw over on instagram. )
10. Grateful for
I was so grateful a couple of weekends ago for the opportunity to get all three of my sisters to my garden and celebrate my Dad's birthday with them all, accompanied by an Aperol (or four!) and the sunshine.