Monday menu
5 things for the week ahead
A small (but perfectly formed) menu of 5 things shaping my week ahead. These are based on my personal pillars and intentions, such as my career, creativity, physical health, emotional health, fragrances, finances, social life and things good for my soul. Most will mean nothing to you, but one or two might nudge you into making some intentions of your own. Your week will be better if you do.
Reading: About 12 years ago, I stopped reading for pleasure. I picked up a book here and there, reading one or two on holiday and re-reading some favourites at Christmas, but all of my reading became education-led. I ‘majored’ in English Literature and History, continuing the latter through 4 years at the University of Edinburgh, so I got to read some really, really great things, but it was never a pursuit of pleasure for its own sake. About 3 years ago, I started to put time aside for reading again, and last year, I set myself a target to read at least 1 book per month. I did it, plus two. So this year, I’m aiming for a minimum of 14. I am currently reading Stephen Fry’s Mythos (so enjoyable), which I need to finish this week to make way for another before the end of July. My current reservation/hold list includes: One of the Good Guys by Araminta Hall, The Kellerby Code by Jonny Sweet, Real Americans by Rachel Khong, and Trust by Hernan Diaz, but I have a working word document currently standing at 10 pages with a list of books I want to conquer. I probably need to be a bit more ambitious than 14 a year, but I’m working on it.
Eating: I made a *chef’s kiss* salad for lunch on Sunday and even took a photograph to document it. No, I won’t be sharing the photograph here because it did not photograph well (translation: I do not photograph food well) and I don’t want to put you off trying it. I steamed then charred a tonne of green beans in a frying pan, before adding sliced mushrooms, spring greens, a ripe white peach, a pinch of chilli flakes, flaked almonds, fresh coriander, a splash of apple cider vinegar and a dash of smoked balsamic white vinegar (I use Burren Balsamics Irish Peat). On the side, some roasted chicken breast and a slice of baguette (perfect for dipping in the juices).
Mantra: My word of the week is *expansion*
Your horizons won’t expand unless you commit to expanding yourself first.
This can apply to most facets of life, such as career, self-worth, social circle, general life experience. Sometimes, you need to push yourself a little further, do something you haven’t done before, work a little harder, and say yes to the opportunities that come your way, even if they are a bit daunting. Even small things, like reading more (see above) is a key to expansion, as it is something you can learn from, it tends to your creativity, and it broadens your perspectives. I really want to expand my horizons, and the only way I can do it is my expanding myself right now.
Horizons don’t expand if you sit around and wait for them to do so.Fragrance: I have been invited to Aesop to experience their fragrance consultation process in practice this week, and will be having a skin consultation whilst I’m there. I tried Aesop fragrances many years ago, when there were only two iterations, both quite spiced and incense-y, that failed to appeal to my younger (scent-ignorant) self. Now, there are 10, and a few I am really looking forward to trying include: Tacit (yuzu, vetiver and basil), Gloam (mimosa, saffron and iris) and Hwyl (cypress, frankincense and vetiver). The latter, described as a spicy, smoky scent, is one I wouldn’t have considered a couple of months ago, but I have dabbled a little in smokier notes recently, and I have been pleasantly surprised. The experience, both fragrance and facial, will be written about in due course.
Shopping: With Wimbledon over, are whites going with it? I hope not, because I really love this linen-blend drape detail midi dress from REISS. It’s easy-going chic, and will work with so many styles of flats and heels, at home and away. Just don’t wear it to a wedding. With a new Prime Minister comes a whole new wardrobe to deconstruct, and the ever-so-loyal women of the United Kingdom have already flocked to buy Victoria Starmer’s fits of choice. ME+EM has been hitting the headlines, so, naturally, I had a snoop. This one-shoulder corsage detail dress caught my eye, as did this yellow textured midi skirt, which would look fabulous with this one-shouldered top from London Atelier Byproduct. Carrie Bradshaw eat your heart out.
REISS, ME+EM, London Atelier Byproduct Have a lovely week ahead.
