Sundaze 186
Happy November!! Can you believe we’ve made it to the penultimate month of 2020? I don’t know about you but I’m definitely still trying to make sense of Time and all of its socially constructed weirdness. It feels like just yesterday that I was making my ‘30 Before 30’ list and reflecting on 2019, and now here we are and all I’ve ticked off before 30 is to experience a global pandemic and start therapy. But we go on.
This week has been really odd. Like I mentioned to some of you on Instagram, I’ve been not bad and not good too. Somewhere in-between, and feeling as though my productivity hasn’t really been productive. Right now as I look back on my bullet journal spread, I know that I’ve managed to tick lots off but I can’t help wondering whether it’s enough. And that’s because…
Introducing & Chai!
Eeek, the time has finally come for me to share and introduce my newest little venture with you all: & Chai! Lockdown and this entire COVID-19 pandemic has been a tumultuous time for us all, and for me it hit in more ways than one. Seemingly unable to focus on reading, writing or even getting outdoors and with an indefinite lull in clients, my sister and I ploughed our energies into what we’ve always enjoyed the most – being creative. From things like perfecting our Dalgona coffee recipe to dusting off sewing kits and calligraphy pens, we found comfort in arty hobbies that took our minds elsewhere.
& Chai is a cosy culmination of all of the magic ideas that came to fruition during a strange year. We’re over the moon to now be live on Etsy with our first collection, six hand-poured scented soy wax candles inspired by our favourite Animal Crossing characters. We’re already working away on new releases, which won’t all be candles, and I’m honestly SO excited for what’s to come next. For a while I’ve wondered whether writing for a living, for a hobby and for personal projects has been the best idea for a busy mind, and I’m thrilled that this year has brought me to this lil space.
A new Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch obsession
This week, and by chance, I spotted Ni No Kuni on the Nintendo Switch eShop with 80% off and instantly jumped at the chance to pick it up. I’ve wanted to play this game for years but without a suitable console, hadn’t been able to. Plus, it’s been a fun ol’ year playing ACNH pretty much ever since I got my Switch for Christmas. Ni No Kuni features adorable graphics by the same people at Studio Ghibli, and it’s an absolute joy to watch and play. Definitely one to play on the TV! I’m a couple of hours in already, and am itching to find pockets of time where I can kick back and adventure with Oliver and Drippy!
Christmas on Daisybutter
I’ve been doing some forward-planning for Daisybutter lately, which means Christmas is the next word on my lips. Each year I tend to publish a selection of gift guides, but this year it all feels a bit strange. Rather than create a big series, I’m thinking of doing a gift guide week for people who are just like our little Daisybutter community. So, what are your thoughts? Would you be keen on that idea? What do you look for when returning to my gift guides?
Links I’ve Loved
- Bookings for new copywriting, content and/or editing clients are open at Tartle Copywriting! I paused new intakes for a few months whilst it was already quiet and my existing roster of clients cancelled on me, but I’m ready and waiting for newness. Know someone in need of start-up help? I’m your girl.
- It’s almost advent calendar season, and Victoria at In the Frow has rounded up nine of the best luxury beauty advent calendars. Note: they’re not all vegan.
- Vegan Chocolate Orange Cake via Cupful of Kale
- Zoe’s new book is now out, and the Zoella team interviewed co-author Amy McCulloch which made for a fun read.
- A joyful to-do list for November via The Joyful Coach
- One of my favourite recipes is aubergine stir-fry; Healthy Nibbles has shared a vegan recipe on her blog.
- Sian shared a vulnerable and honest post on her blog about returning to therapy.
