Sundaze 255: Books, dinner in London and cosy homebody life

Happy Sunday, my loves!

Checking in again this weekend with some fun little life things. We enjoyed another short week here in the UK and I really think the bonus day helped to fill my cup. I wasn’t well on Monday and used the day wisely to rest, read and recover. It feels like a lot of things in my life are in – or are about to be in – flux at the moment, so I’m revelling in any and all time that feels good.

The Internet collectively feels like a weird, liminal space to exist these days. Between Instagram’s algorithm changes making us all lose our minds and Twitter as it ‘operates’ under Elon Musk, my beloved social media platforms feel completely off and different. Perhaps this comes at a good time, since I really crave offline time and more privacy, yet constantly find myself obliged to keep on keeping on over on Instagram and Twitter. I’m toying with a social media detox and solely using my blog as a means of connecting with my online community. If it happens, I guess you’ll be the first to know!

Books, books, books

This week has been big on books and reading for me and I’m SO happy about it. Weirdly, I keep slipping into reading slumps and bookish funks, so it feels nice to be able to easily pick up a book during any downtime and lose myself in a story. I was feeling under the weather on Monday so, after our dog walk, cosied up in bed for an entire DAY of reading – the dream!

I’ve definitely been motivated, too, by my renewed interest in bookstagram (follow me at @daisybutterbookcafe for more regular bookish content) and also since finally joining Jessie’s Patreon community. Talking about books in a more specific way has been instrumental to this week’s positive vibes. The lovely @ktlee.writes featured me in her API bookstagrammers to follow post on Monday and it’s been really lovely to welcome some new friends to the Daisybutter Book Café community.

Itadaki Zen with Kristabel

It’d been absolutely ages since Kristabel and I caught up IRL. We’ve been friends throughout my blogging career and I love spending time talking about the old days and about all manner of other subjects! We finally got to see each other over a little mid-week dinner at Itadaki Zen in Kings Cross – a vegan Japanese restaurant that I’ll definitely be returning to again soon.

We ordered six dishes – it’s a tapas-style situation – including their curry rice, tofu and mushroom croquettes, aubergine and even some vegan karaage. The food was simple but delicious, comparable to some of the sweet little restaurants I visited in Tokyo a few years ago.

Self-care top-up

Now that I’ve managed to pull up my socks and get back to feeling like myself, I’m determined to keep it up. This week, that’s looked like: reading time, seeing a friend IRL, cooking from scratch every time I eat at home, getting a lash extension top-up and… starting Grey’s Anatomy! Honestly, if there’s one thing about me, it’s that I am always late on the bandwagon when it comes to Western shows. K-dramas, K-pop, bubble tea, gua sha? Been there, done that since age 14. Grey’s Anatomy? Diving into that for the first time, year 2023, aged 32.

I made some delicious meals this week as well. I’m thinking of sharing my favourite back-pocket recipes here soon, as I’m often asked for quick and easy vegan meals that fit within a busy lifestyle. My favourites this week were a Caesar salad, and a honey and chilli aubergine.

My boyfriend and I headed for a walk yesterday afternoon. We visited Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve and had the loveliest time soaking up the views, making friends with the animal locals and having the most giant, in-depth conversations. The best.

Links I’ve Loved

Belatedly, I enjoyed this interview with Ursula K. Le Guin on LitHub.
I began my investing journey this week, after much thought and fuelled a little by the thought that I won’t be owning a house as planned for a few more years yet. I’ve really enjoyed using The Everygirl’s finance resources.
‘What Glimmers Are You Noticing These Days?‘ via Cup of Jo
Lucy shared some Chinese recipes on a budget, and I’m really excited for her blog series.
‘Learning How to Say No.‘
This gorgeous slip dress made from deadstock is on my wishlist!
And, as it’s warm-weather travels season, these tips to save money on your holidays are essential.