Sundaze 97

Whilst I really wanted to open this post without a single September cliche and try to go against the tide a little, the truth is that I am SO bloody excited and inspired by this month and there’s a post to match it arriving tomorrow.

I began planning my autumn content back in July when we were experiencing the hottest summer on record in the UK, so it’s safe to say I’m in my happy place right now. First, I’ve been regularly wearing makeup again and it’s been fun having a play around with some new products and revelling in how great a season of genuine sunshine and warmth has been for my skin. Second, I did my wardrobe switch around on Friday (spoiler: I’m writing this post on Friday) and just looking over at my rail with cosy knits and a darker colour palette is giving me life. Third, I crunched on some leaves when leaving the gym this morning. Oh yes.

Thank you!

Like I mentioned on Twitter the other day, I’ve been taking some time to sift through the responses to my September survey in order to begin planning some more new content. I already have about half of my post titles planned, but that always stands to change and I’m so glad that — according to the results — we seem to be on the same page!

I’ve found your responses incredibly illuminating and it’s confirmed that I’m not nuts in where I hope to ‘take this blog’ in the future. I mean, I’ve used quotation marks there in that I don’t ever have some grand plan for this space. I just really enjoy creating and sharing posts that may just resonate with another twenty-something gal like me. I’m keeping the survey open for another few weeks so if you’ve not already completed it, you can still do so.

Take the September survey!

I went to the Crazy Rich Asians screening!!

Thanks to my friends Amber and Ghenet winning a Glamour competition, my sister and I got to accompany them to the Crazy Rich Asians screening on Wednesday! I’ve made no secret of the fact that the book was one of my favourites read this year, as well as that I’ve been stupidly excited for the film’s release so it made my life. We met up for dinner in Chinatown before walking over to ODEON in Covent Garden, where we were treated to drinks (red wine for me), popcorn and an exclusive cast interview with Jing Lusi, Awkwafina and Constance Wu before seeing the film ahead of its anticipated release next week.

No spoilers (obviously), but it is absolutely incredible. The story is a classic chick flick: girl and boy in love, boy has a wedding to attend, girl meets family. I feel like one thing I’ve had to explain or justify is that this isn’t a film with huge deep meanings and a race-derived plot, which is precisely why it’s been so hyped up in the media.

Asian representation in Hollywood is pretty terrible and the only stories told are those that use ‘Asians being Asian’ as a plot device, as opposed to being a human with a heart, soul, aspirations, feelings. Crazy Rich Asians does what The Joy Luck Club did: puts Asians in their everyday settings and tells their unique stories. Race and culture is secondary. The film itself is mesmerising, hilarious, witty, emotional and so, so incredibly nostalgic to me. From the soundtrack to the settings, everything felt like a cosy warm hug, full of tokens from my own life at home and especially from my childhood. I can’t describe how much I wish I saw something like this in my coming-of-age years.

Crazy Rich Asians is out in cinemas on 14th September. You can watch two cast interview clips on my IGTV via Instagram right now.

Back to the gym (and repeat!)

Somebody help me because I have been so unmotivated with going to the gym.

It was inevitable after several months of consistency and (if I may say so myself) some pretty hard work. I committed to a gruelling schedule of working out 5 times a week, two classes and three tough weight training sessions, and once it hit summer and I felt totally confident with my body, I ended up skipping the gym more often than I went. Sure, this was in part due to my multiple trips, but I’ve found it so hard to motivate myself to go! Following completing Carly’s Get Gorgeous guide, I managed about 2 weeks solo before essentially stopping altogether.

This week though, I’ve been back on it. Barre class was absolutely incredible as we’re doing a new routine, my weight session this morning was SO great and I even ticked off two PBs, and I even managed a 3km sprint for the first time since running the 5km Race for Life. Gym, let’s do this!

Links I’ve Loved:

This week there was a huge discussion around an Instagram post that sparked a debate of how ‘real’ must blogging and influencer photos be? Hayley’s written some frank and honest thoughts about what responsibility an influencer entails, and it’s my top recommendation this week.
Many people are taking September as a social media detox of sorts, and the team at Camille Styles have launched a month-long campaign to help readers find social media freedom. Learn more about and join their 21-day program over on the site.
Speaking of campaigns and challenges… If you’re as much of a fan of autumn as I am, you’ll seriously enjoy Jaye’s #HuntingForAutumn hashtag.
This article on The Everygirl about finding your own contentment really resonated with me during a week where I’ve felt, well, pretty shaky about most of my decisions.
Amanda at Rhyme & Ribbons shared a simple post all about how she’s been cutting down on plastic usage.
I am dying to try this Leek & Pea Risotto on Kim’s blog, Sweet Monday. Her recipes are always delicious and I can’t wait to make this next week for a cosy early autumn dinner!
Ready to transition your wardrobe for autumn? Have a read of Megs’ post to get you in the mood.
Finally, this vegan Lemon & Blueberry Drizzle Cake recipe by Chloe should be the next thing you bake. How delicious does it sound?!