Sundaze 251: Turning 32 and A Trip to Rome

After one incredibly busy week, I’m so happy to be cosied up on the sofa writing a real-time Sundaze post. (I usually schedule them on my Friday lunch break!) We returned from our trip yesterday evening, and I’ve had a really satisfying Sunday reset today. House clean, groceries replenished, gym session complete, journalling and Big Hair Wash done. All that’s left is to reflect (publicly) on the past seven days while I wait for the latest episode of Love Island, despite being a week behind on episodes.

Managing busy seasons

It’s safe to say that I’m in the throes of an incredibly busy season at the moment.

I know this because I’ve barely had time to get my weekly admin complete, never mind plan my week properly when I usually do. In turn, this means the past couple of weeks have felt all over the place, since I haven’t had an up-to-date note of, well, my plans. This week, I’ve tried to prioritise making sure my bullet journal weekly spread is ready and that the main cornerstones of a well-functioning week for me are in place. For me, that includes healthy groceries, workout plans written, carving out time for household chores, and reminding myself of scheduled appointments.

Work is hectic at the moment – it’s Paris Fashion Week! – and so I’m even more thankful to have completed my short course studies, so I can devote my attention to my career. I feel so good about my professional life these days. Equally, my personal life is chockablock as well: spending time with friends and family, taking care of my doggo, keeping on top of appointments… It’s a lot right now.

It was my birthday!

It was my birthday on Thursday! And I had a wonderful time celebrating turning 32 in Rome with my boyfriend. He booked the trip as a mini surprise and it was the best surprise to open up my gift a few weeks ago. I’m planning on publishing a little travel guide to Rome soon, so I’ll keep this brief, but we had a really lovely time exploring the ancient city and trying out as many vegan spots as possible. I feel SO incredibly grateful to have my boyfriend.

Thank you, too, to everyone who sent me birthday wishes here and on my social media platforms! I am so lucky to have such a kind and thoughtful community.

Our trip to Rome

Like I said, I spent half of the week in Rome, continuing our Italian adventures! I am really enjoying being back to travelling and we had so much fun exploring the city together. From the Pantheon to the Colosseum (where I definitely over-explained The Lizzie McGuire Movie to my boyfriend), we had the time of our lives and it was such a special trip.

Links I’ve Loved

Condé Nast Traveler’s article about the most haunted places in the world was so interesting!
I listened to the Billy McFarland episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast, which was fascinating. (He’s the co-founder of the doomed Fyre Festival.)
On the topic of travelling, here’s Goop’s guide to making any hotel or Airbnb feel more at-home.
I really enjoyed this feature on Intelligent Change about why it’s important (and how) to romanticise your life. I also really rate their app.
Bring Back Personal Blogging via The Verge
Whitney Port’s The Hills rewatch series on YouTube is my current obsession.
Picked up these wide-leg trousers with my birthday discount. Ready for spring!