Sundaze 170

After several weeks of truly not feeling like myself, this week I’m feeling much better and like I’m starting to get a better hold of things. The game-changer for me was making a conscious effort to get dressed, even if it was into comfies, because that was one thing that had signalled to me that my mental health was plummeting. Of course it’s much more nuanced than that, but for the most part I’m beginning to feel more like me, thanks to getting dressed, implementing a book-and-breakfast routine again, taking walks, and even finding the time to start a new K-drama for the first time in months and months.

I’m also trying to dial down the amount of time I find myself on Animal Crossing: New Horizons, even though I’m still absolutely besotted with the game. I’m the sort of person, as I’m sure you know, that thrives on seeing the fruits of their labour, and whilst ACNH wasn’t taking up all of my time, it was eating into the amount of time I was spending on things like reading, calling friends and family, writing, shooting for my blog or Instagram, searching for a house to buy… It’s all change around here, and I’m totally here for it.

Celebrating our 4-year anniversary

On Monday, Harvey and I excitingly celebrated four years together!! I can hardly believe four years have passed (and over three months of that in lockdown, separately). We celebrated by rustling up picnic treats for a big ol’ picnic by our local lake. And as odd as sitting on two separate blankets, with our own cutlery and plates, was, it was all we could ask for. Picnic food is our thing, and it felt like a perfect way to commemorate four years.

Finally getting back into reading

Like I mentioned, I finally found the headspace to get back to my beloved books this week! After going into lockdown at top capacity with my reading, flying through 6-8 books a month, I don’t think I’d even picked up a book in June. I’ve always found deep comfort in wiling hours and hours away buried in a book, so I’m thrilled to be back to it, albeit slightly behind on my Goodreads Reading Challenge for the year… Right now, I’m rereading Brit(ish) by Afua Hirsch, and reading The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and The Strange Adventures of H by Sarah Burton. Also, whilst on the subject of reading, if you find reading books tough but want to read specifically to further your anti-racism allyship, consider listening to Reni Eddo-Lodge’s About Race podcast, which captures all of her main themes in a digestible, listenable format.

Lockdown bakin’ and cookin’ continues

I baked the Cupful of Kale Double Chocolate Chip Banana Bread on Sunday night, and it’s been the backbone of my week. A mini slice for breakfast, and sometimes for my 3pm coffee break. The recipe is incredibly simple to follow, completely vegan, and delicious to boot! Throughout lockdown, I’ve been incredibly lucky because Mum has been primarily cooking for me, but now that she’s slowly returning to work, I’m happy to be back to rustling up some recipes that I’ve had saved. The Bon Appetit (I know about the drama!) Jammy Pepper Pasta Salad is one particular highlight; I replaced the ricotta salata with some vegan parmesan, and it was SO tasty.

Links I’ve Loved

I’m having SO much fun over on my Animal Crossing social accounts at the moment. They’re such a great form of escapism and creativity for me, especially whilst my creative levels seem to be waning during lockdown. Follow me @acnh_moonacre!
My girl Gem has been rustling up the most delicious, seasonal recipes centred around garlic. This Roasted Garlic Hummus and her Smoky Beans on Toast sound so moreish.
Anika has written all about how to read more books, should you be struggling.
And Evie is doing the most, sharing six books that you can feasibly read all in one day!
After feeling incredibly low for quite some time, this post by Tania on Joy Felicity Jane was comforting to read.
Not quite up to reading? These are some eye-opening Netflix documentaries to watch right now.
I can’t wait to make these Fried Cajun Popcorn Tofu bites; I’m yet to be failed by one of Tamsin’s recipes.
And, on A Cup of Jo, Kim Rhodes writes candidly about how she feels right now as a Black woman.