To me, March marks new beginning. The cold, long winter months are over and humans and nature alike, come out of their hibernation period. There are many reasons to love Spring, but two of my favourites are 1) the blossoming of flowers, in-particularly Daffodils spreading their joy across parks and gardens, and 2) the Spring Equinox on March 20th, officially marking the end of Winter and that warmer, brighter times are ahead of us. My March was special - a long weekend in Scotland for a 90th birthday, a girls day trip to Margate, two lovely work events and some very good books.
My monthly round up:
Books of the Month
Piglet by Lottie Hazell: I devoured this book, along with a rumbling stomach from all the delicious food throughout. This is a book about what we perceive ourselves to be, versus how we actually feel and what really matters more of the two when put to the test. It’s less of a book about the shocking truth revealed 13 days prior to a wedding, and more about self-revelation and control.
Night Swimmers by Roisin Maguire: A quirky, tender and beautiful novel in a Northern Irish coastal town at the precipice of lockdown. Set against an idyllic backdrop of wild swimming, sea fishing and quilting, it’s not all coastal romance - a grieving father, reserved son and a local woman are forced to face their trauma’s and past as the world plunges into lockdown.
Room by Emma Donoghue: I’m late to the party reading this but it was sat on my bookshelf unread for too long, so I delved in and read it in a week. I loved how it was told from the perspective of a 5 year old and how tender this book was. A true picture of maternal love.
The Women by Kristin Hannah: Kristin has created a heroic story of true love, conflict, friendship, womanhood and heartbreak, set in the Vietnam war. This epic novel follows twenty-year-old Frankie McGrath, who signs herself up to be a nurse in the Vietnam war and the strong female friendships forged that get her through the chaos and tragic experiences that come her way.
Screen-Time of the Month
True Detective S1: As an addict of crime series and BBC police drama’s, I surprised myself that it took me 11 years since release date to watch True Detective S1. I needn’t say much, only that it’s a TV masterpiece with outstanding acting from the iconic duo, Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey.
Purchase of the Month
I’ve long been searching for a pair of loafers that don’t make me wince with every step, so I went back to the OG makers of comfy but stylish shoes, Camper. Prada esq in style with their chunky outsoles but as comfy as slippers thanks to the ortholite footbed, I put these to the ultimate test with an 8 hour shift at a pop-up event on their first wear and didn’t complain once.
Food of the Month
Sargasso, Margate
My first outing to Margate did not disappoint with a lunch at coastal-inspired wine and tapas restaurant, Sargasso that you’ll find nestled in the Harbour wall. If you can, visit on a sunny day and sit outside under the red umbrella’s where you can look out to sea and enjoy the seasonal, ingredient-led cooking. Stand out dishes included: pardon peppers, the special of the day which was chickpea bites with a lemon creme fraiche dip and the squid bun.
Mountain, Beak Street, London
This is destination dining in the heart of soho at its finest. Before I had even tried any of the food, I made a mental note to re-book Spanish restaurant Mountain, immediately. On a sunny day, the open-side first floor is flooded with light and feels as though you’ve stepped into Spain itself. Think cooking over fire, explosive flavours, muted decor and simple glass-ware and plates that let the food shine. For a special occasion, this will now be my chosen place to eat. Top tip: if you’re going for lunch, ask for a table upstairs!
Interior Moment of the Month
Curtain Upgrades… in the kitchen and bedroom. Light linen for spring/summer which softens each space and creates a dappled light effect.
Other Note-able Moments
The British Pullman, A Belmond Train
A highlight of the month involved content capture for our L’Oréal Paris Mother’s Day British Pullman event ~ a 5 hour train ride through the Kent countryside filled with memorable moments.
My Monthly Saves
This fig galette from @sian_redgrave and @jess_elliot_dennison’s anchovy dippy eggs make me want to be a domestic goddess immediately. I’ll be creating both on our next free weekend at home. Home inspiration this month comes from @valentinabarabuffi’s farmhouse style kitchen and the minimalistic style of @phoebegraceede’s.
Speak soon.
Jasmine x