A review of the beautiful book ‘Notes on Love’
Where I shop for basics & fun pieces
What I’ve been up to & my new home Instagram
![COS-puffer-2 - 1.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55e11b6be4b05355474d59b0/1604170450286-MDKWNFK10IUBOKZJFZP8/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kDq_AfpvHPc_JToVKHvmwnh7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UWM3zWR28ni1MJpWb0bfIN_2xaQo0LunRq_PJLRGB2wkl2zTAtlDkkoFadVcrg4iSg/COS-puffer-2+-+1.jpg)
It’s the year of the puffer - I’m telling you! I’ve never really liked them in the past, but this year I got the long one from COS, and I brought this one out of my wardrobe. I think I mainly just want to be comfortable, and as much as I love long wool coats, they don’t provide the same level of warmth and cozyness as a puffer. This one is very architectural, and its light blue shade reminds me of the snow. I think it looks particularly good paired with a light beanie and cream jeans for a tonal-ish look.
These photos were taken last weekend up north. I woke up on Saturday and the trees were covered with ice, it was -12 degrees. I know it’s early, but we started decorating, and honestly, it’s just what I needed. If you ask me, I might watch The Holiday this week… (we all need a bit of Jude Law in our life, don’t we?).
Hope you’re having a great week so far!
Puffer: COS (from a few years ago) / Beanie: ARKET
![COS-puffer-2 - 3.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55e11b6be4b05355474d59b0/1604170476295-3CU3S7ZK8D6WQDQLVIW8/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kDq_AfpvHPc_JToVKHvmwnh7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UWM3zWR28ni1MJpWb0bfIN_2xaQo0LunRq_PJLRGB2wkl2zTAtlDkkoFadVcrg4iSg/COS-puffer-2+-+3.jpg)
![COS-puffer-2 - 2.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55e11b6be4b05355474d59b0/1604170531328-NE28VNVQ63WOQMOK3AOH/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kDq_AfpvHPc_JToVKHvmwnh7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UWM3zWR28ni1MJpWb0bfIN_2xaQo0LunRq_PJLRGB2wkl2zTAtlDkkoFadVcrg4iSg/COS-puffer-2+-+2.jpg)
Video, book, jewelry & an interview
A quick review of all the books I’ve read in October!
Cozy rituals to appreciate the dark and cold season
How I’m dressing this winter
Social life, academic program, how I experienced it, what I would have done differently, and more!
I’ve been feeling nostalgic recently, so I thought I’d share some of my favourite memories, of things I miss and will never take for granted again. Hope you enjoy!
Coffee Shop Chatter
I miss the comforting, delicious sound of a coffee shop. A spoon hitting the side of a cup, a machine grinding coffee beans, the whistling of a kettle, people’s voices blending into one another, the first notes of a Leon Bridges song. I would do anything to go back in time and appreciate these instances a bit more. I remember a day in February when I “worked from home” at Hotshoe 333, my neighbourhood café. It’s up there as one of my favourite places on earth. I remember the barista pressing play on the latest Billie Eilish album, the sound of the rain hitting the windows, and the owner coming in with her dog and greeting her friends from the neighbourhood. This is the definition of bliss, and I took it for granted. Now whenever I’m stressed, I think back to this day and try to experience it all over again, but it’s never as good as the first time.
Sitting in the front seat on the top deck of a double decker bus
Anyone who has lived (or now lives) in London will know that the best seat in a double decker bus is the front one at the top, you just get the best view (I would also recommend taking the 94 on Holland Park road, the houses and the trees are incredibly beautiful). Taking a bus in the evening is also really special, it almost feels meditative. Listening to music, thinking about life, looking at the architecture.
There’s a specific night I remember with fondness. It was a Friday after work. My friend Emma invited me to see the Tim Walker exhibition at the V&A, and we spent most of the evening drinking wine and eating fries in the member’s restaurant (she was the member, I was only the guest). She told me about her life, in the way only an older, wiser friend would, filled with lessons you know you’ll want to remember. When we said goodbye, I took the 52 from South Kensington to North Kensington, listening to Lily Allen’s No Shame and contemplating the city. I was finally a Londoner, and it made me so happy.
What do you miss the most at the moment?
A quick catch up!
![Me, having the best time in Sweden last fall](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55e11b6be4b05355474d59b0/1601308571687-PW85SG03HWAG6KRNTW0I/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_2542.jpg)
Me, having the best time in Sweden last fall
Learning Swedish has been at the top of my resolutions lists for about 7 years, and it’s only just last month that I’ve started taking the necessary steps to make it happen. I’m pretty sure knowing there would be a second lockdown triggered this, as I knew I’d have a lot more time on my hands. I’m nowhere near being trilingual, but I’m slowly learning vocabulary and pronunciation, and hopefully soon I’ll be able to hold a basic conversation in Swedish.
If you’re also looking to learn a new language, here is what I’m personally doing to make it happen.
Learning the 1000 most common words
I’ve heard about this trick in this YouTube video about a guy who learns Italian in a month. The idea is to know as many words as possible, that you’ll then be able to identify in conversations, texts, etc. The list is really easy to find online for any language, and then you just have to memorize it.
Watching TV Shows and movies & listening to podcasts
That’s how I learned English in the first place, and it majorly helps with comprehension. I’m currently watching the TV show Bonusfamiljen (with subtitles), and listening to podcasts like Billgreen Wood, Add to Bag and my friend’s Elisabeth’s Bokbranschen. Podcasts are great for knowing how certain words are pronounced, and to learn more ‘casual idioms’. For example, the word ‘Liksom’ is something I heard often, and I discovered that is was mostly used by native Swedes to say ‘as well as’.
Subscribe to a learning App
If proper courses aren’t available in your area, the next best thing is using an app. I subscribed to Babbel and so far, I find that it’s fun and easy to use. I got a yearly subscription, and there are so many lessons offered on the app, that I will probably have to subscribe again next year. Lessons take about 5-10 minutes, and they recommend doing one every day on top of a quick review exercise.
Use recipe books in the language you’re trying to learn
Reading is an important part of learning a new language, and I don’t know about you, but I don’t just want to read children’s books (even if I’m still a beginner). So I figured a recipe book would be a good text to try to understand and follow. I’ve ordered Sofia Wood’s beautiful one and I’m so excited as her recipes always look amazing online.
Are you in the process of learning a new language? Let me know if you have helpful tips in the comments.
![IMG_1104.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55e11b6be4b05355474d59b0/1601038556254-4QNY66KZNVHORNS8XKAV/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_1104.jpg)
Apart from lighting candles and drinking tea, the best way for me to embrace the new season is to enjoy some simple beauty rituals. These few steps always make me feel relaxed and happy, and I’m confident they’ll do the same for you.
Use up your samples
I’ve been collecting beauty samples for a while now, and when I don’t use them for travelling, I always save them for home spa days. I find it’s the best way to get familiar with a product before investing in it.
Have a warm bath
I lived a year without a bath (first world problem, I know), and it means I won’t ever take them for granted. This fall/winter, I’ll have baths as often as I can to warm me up and get all the benefits of a good soak (release muscle tension, sleep better, relax, etc.). I would suggest customizing your bath with body oils or epsom salt, lighting up candles and putting on some good music in the background.
Massage your face daily
Facial massages are another great way to relieve pressure and puffiness and make your skin glow. This video by Lisa Eldrige is also really helpful for the technique to use.
Dry Brushing
Dry Brushing your skin will not only make it feel really soft, it will also give you a boost of energy because it activates the lymphatic system. I’ve lost the habit of doing it everyday, but it’s a great way to feel invigorated in the morning.
Spray a pillow mist on your sheets
Finally, my go-to tip for falling asleep quickly is to use a pillow mist. The essential oils are proven to help you get a better quality of sleep, make you feel calmer and soothe headaches. I use the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray by This Works.
What are your go-to beauty rituals?
A quick review of all the books I’ve read in September!
My tips & tricks for finding beautiful pieces online + some of my best finds
What happens when you have to move back home after living abroad for more than a year?
Sharing something a little different today -an experiment with fiction writing
Discover my recent favourites: podcast, blog, tv show and fashion tip!
Thoughts and musings on dressing for A/W weather - aka combining comfort & style
A new photo diary