I love June. The beginning of summer. Days are warmer (even if they are a bit rainy or grey), flowers are in full force brightening up the garden and our home and the summer holiday juggle (of work and kids) isn’t yet upon me. Having just been away, I’ve become a bit obsessed with swimwear, read one of the most thought-provoking books of my life and subscribed to a new print magazine I have long had a love affair with, all of which I share below.
01
The Home Item I am Coveting: Tavola Margherita Vase, £138
I have long been a fan of Skye McAlpine’s Tavola collection and use her vases throughout summer to display beautiful flowers picked from the garden. They look so sweet on the bedside table or lined up down the centre of our kitchen table.
02
The Sunshine Accessory: Monica Vinader Beaded Bracelet, £149
I love getting all my beaded bracelets out for summer. I mix everything from lovely special ones to cheapy market finds in the summer and team them with every single outfit as I don’t ever really take them off.
03
The Hand-Wash I Have Become Obsessed With: Bertioli Water Meadow Hand & Body Wash, £48
We are currently selling our home and so I insist on making sure that we have lovely hand soap throughout so that it looks smart and pulled together! I have become a bit obsessed with this one from Bertioli and now I am not sure I can go back. But there is one thing I have learned for sure – never underestimate the power of a good hand soap.
04
The Morning Kick-Start: London Nootropics Selection Box, £48
This has been one of the best wellness swaps I have ever made… I traded my usual oat milk latte for a daily cup of London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffee and I haven’t looked back. I just add water and a dash of oat milk (so much better than the usual gallon I was getting though per month!). Not only does it taste delicious but it gives me all the kick without the jitters. Have managed to convert my husband too.
05
The Supplement I Swear By: Wild Nutrition Food-Grown Magnesium, £10.17
I vowed this was the month that I was going to invest in my sleep more, and magnesium has made such a difference. Nearly all of us will be deficient in magnesium and I think we underestimate the knock-on effect that has so although I can feel it making a difference to my sleep – I know that other parts of my body will also be thanking me for adding this into my daily rituals.
06
The Swimwear I am Loving: Away That Day, Bandeau Bikini, £194
I wore this bikini on repeat on holiday. Minimal tan lines, plus it’s super comfortable, passes the test when you dive in (it doesn’t fall down!) and the leopard print is also really flattering. What’s not to love.
07
The Summer Boat Shoe: M&S Suede Contrast Slip On Flat Boat Shoes, £56
M&S have massively upped their shoe game. I could have chosen loads, as they are all such great prices too, but these boat shoes had my name all over them. They are unbelievably soft and easy to wear with just about anything. Since wearing them I know at least two other people who have bought them – always a good sign!
08
The Magazine I Have Subscribed to: Country Living Magazine, 5 months for £5
For me, Country Living Magazine and a cup of tea is about as good as it gets. I have always loved flicking through the beautifully eclectic homes and bucolic gardens that abound each issue. Not only do they inspire me but reading Country Living genuinely relaxes me in a way that no other literature can. It’s wholesome, natural and uncomplicated. Heaven, just heaven!
09
The Top I Am wearing on repeat: Maison La Biche Montpar Sailor Shirt, £130
If you can’t embrace the sailer top during a hot summer, then when can you? I find that the nautical stripe goes with everything – it’s an upgrade on a white tee with a sea faring twist. I pair with jeans, shorts, skirts, and even have been throwing it on top of my bikini for a proper deck-side look.
10
The new Sunglasses: Parafina Magma Carey Tortuga, £89
I bought these sunglasses from a hotel boutique and haven’t taken them off. They have a yellow tint to them which gives a gorgeous warm glow to everything I set my eyes on. The fact that they are eco-friendly (they’re made from 100% recycled HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) plastic from detergent, shampoo and similar containers) is the icing on the cake.
