Monday menu
What's in store for the week ahead
We should all try to live with a little intention. It gives us direction, determination, meaning and cultivates self-awareness. Intentions don’t always have to be serious. They can be productive, positive, abstract, or even just a reminder to have a little fun. I spend time each morning deciding on the 3 major tasks that I intend (and will) get done, then I factor in a few other things that will benefit me physically, mentally, creatively, and so on. I thought it might be fun to share my ‘Monday menu’, where I pick 5 things that are shaping my week ahead, based on my personal pillars and intentions, such as health and wellness, career, creativity, things good for my soul... Some may resonate with you, most will probably mean nothing at all, but I hope it might nudge you into creating some intention of your own.
Career: I have two main priorities for work this week. I am working on two solo features for Country Life (in addition to my usual news column, London Life contributions, and weekly to-dos), which is pushing me a little out of my comfort zone, but this essential for me to grow. My second priority lies with freelance work, namely following up on recent pitches and coming up with more. This is forcing me into an uncomfortable state of feeling pushy and (sickeningly) needy, but it is a needs must for the field I am in, and getting my name in the game.
Substack: publish the new fragrance post I have been working on, featuring beachy scenes and desert dunes, but not your usual go-tos.
‘Find me under the palms’ by Magdalena Krzak Nutrition: I eat salads all year round, but the wet and windy weather has me continuing the comforts of warmer, winter-ish dishes. Two salads from Ottolenghi are on my menu this week: the first, baby spinach salad with dates and almonds, which has been a favourite of mine for years. I usually pair this with diced lean pork or turkey thigh. The second, kale and tahini salad with chickpeas and red grapes. I go a bit rogue with the dressing, using tahini, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, and a spoonful of kefir. I omit the anchovies and parmesan, choosing to use either/or in the salad, along with some roasted broccoli or cauliflower that are cooked with chickpeas.
Wearing: I am desperate to try on this Roksanda x Jigsaw maxi dress so I can experience the fabric feel in person. I’ve already spent more time than I should on the Farm Rio sale (it’s so good), but, a more sensible mindset has me considering these leather flats from Topshop, giving Jil Sander / KHAITE, minus the price tag.
Mantra: My Grandmother emailed me last night (we write in the style of a traditional letter, sans papier) and signed off with ‘Take lots of care and don’t let anybody think they are better than you’. This was totally unprompted and totally what I needed to continue trooping on and battling my confidence for the next seven days.
What 5 things are shaping your week ahead?