The joys of Spring. Tulips and tree’s blossomed, brighter mornings arrived, longer evenings settled in and there’s a certain free-spirited feeling in the air. Those are just five reasons why Spring is my favourite season.
It’s been a busy one, hence the merging of April and May into one love letter. Life’s been filled with social events from weddings and parties, to family visiting, birthdays, a long Easer weekend at home, BBQ’s but the highlight was my my sister returning from 7 months travelling. As June nears to an end, I reflect on the moments, books, beauty and food that came with April and May.
My monthly round up:
Books of the Month
The Hearts Invisible Furies by John Boyne: This is a story of unrequited love. A story told through the eyes of one man, from 1940’s Ireland to today, from being born in Dublin, to finding love in Amsterdam, being in New York during the AIDS epidemic and back to Ireland.
Sandwich by Catherine Newman: I adored Catherine Newmans debut novel - We All Want Impossible Things and patiently waited for her second, which is joy in a book. Set over a week long family holiday to the house Rocky and her family have been visiting for years, she finds herself ‘sandwiched’ in-between her two grown up children, her husband and elderly parents. It’s a tender tale of what life is really all about it and will made me nostalgic for family holiday’s and those precious times.
Screen-Time of the Month
Protection: An easy, binge-able series following a witness protection officer uncovering corruption in her unit.
Mob Land: I’d give this a 10/10 and not just because Tom Hardy is the lead character. Set between London and the English countryside, Mob Land follows to gang families entering a war to bring down each others empires. It’s 10 episodes of suspense from characters you love and characters you hate, incredible dialogue and witty one liners. Helen Mirren is BRILLIANT and Pierce Brosnan as a gangster is something I’d love to see again.
This City Is Ours: A true gritty BBC drama set in Liverpool, following gang member Michael Kavanagh navigate his way to the top. A top cast and a perfect sound track make this all the better.
Purchase of the Month
M&S Barrel Leg Jean: Marks & Spencer never fails to let me down, especially in the denim department and these are the perfect barrel leg shape with volume in the right places and a relaxed fit all through the leg. For £29.50, I plan on picking these up in black, ecru and light indigo.
M&S Bubble Hem Dress: Since buying this dress, I’ve worn it with a pointed sling back to a hen-do and two weddings and with a classic loafer to work - it’s versatile, super flattering, comfy and the ultimate easy to throw on black dress. I’m patiently waiting/hoping for it to come out in more colours.
REISS Cape Dress: My beautiful maid of honour dress that was a gift for my friends wedding in May had to make this list. I’ve never worn something that made me feel so elegant, thanks to flowing satin silhouette, a draped cowl neckline and a cape that transformed it into something so special.
Food of the Month
Miznon: Authentic mediterranean street food that delivers every time - fresh, seasonal and local ingredients on a plate of stuffed into a fluffy pitta. Good wine, atmosphere and green beans that you’ll think about for a long time.
Em Nutritionist Spiced Turkey Kofta’s: Full of flavour and packed with protein, these are the perfect mid-week summer supper, paired with a minty yoghurt and a tabbouleh style quinoa salad.
Interior Moment of the Month
As someone with a ceramic addiction, I will never miss Pip Hartle’s annual studio sale where you can pick up of hand thrown stoneware ceramics, each piece so unique, functional and not quite ‘perfect’.
Beauty Purchase of the Month
Biodance Bio Collagen Mask: what was I doing before these came into my skincare routine and why did it take me so long to use them are two questions I’ve asked myself. Hydration, elasticity, bounce and pore control all in one, that works it’s magic over 3-8 hours. Once a week I will sit/mooch at home for 4 hours whilst this mask gets to work to reveal, glowy, glass-like, even and clear skin.
Other Note-able Moments
My Mumma’s Spring garden is my favourite place to be in April and May. The flowerbeds come to life with tulips in every colour and shape with frills so big you can’t quite believe they are real. It’s a sanctuary of calmness where one can be in nature and enjoy the peace.
My best-friend got married[!], so May was sprinkled with love throughout, starting with a hen-do in Nice that I’d been planning for the past year, and ending the month with their English garden wedding over the bank holiday weekend.
My Favourite Monthly Saves
A new ceramicist discovery from my sister. the beautiful LA based @snailonabrick who’s designs I love, particularly this ballerina on a horse plate, floral displays that just make me happy from @calma_floral and beautiful jute rugs from @bombaysprout x @laurastephensid that I am day dreaming about filling our new home with.
Speak soon.
Jasmine x