Sundaze 280: Aurora borealis, date day and autumn mode
Happy Sundaze, my loves!
I’m writing this sat cross-legged on the sofa, in front of the fire, while watching the Strictly Come Dancing results show, and it feels so nice to pen another week’s edition in real time. This post comes at you late because of a few reasons: one) I’ve been deep in packing mode for hours and hours, and two) I hadn’t really planned on publishing one at all. But my packing is largely complete now and we’re almost ready for the big Chai family of 2024.
“Almost-neon red leaves, tumbling to the ground. Magical, even when the rain is bucketing down. Perhaps magical because the rain is bucketing down, ruffling leaves, feathers and hair as it does. Autumn is such a feast for the senses and I’m surprised and delighted every single year.”
I wrote this on Substack on Friday, and coupled with the mercury dropping in my part of England, it reminded me why I love autumn so much – specifically, October of autumn. Instantly, I brought out the fluffy cardigans and cable-knit jumpers, matched them to suit trousers and satin maxi skirts. Threw on the wool overcoats and pocketed hats and gloves ‘just in case’. Sure, our Tuesday evening dog walk in sheets of rain was less than ideal, but hearing the rain ruffling leaves on its way down to splashing in puddles was pretty romantic in my eyes (and ears).
Pre-holiday prep
Prepping for our family holiday has taken up most of my headspace this week. From packing for a two-week trip to getting my nails done, sorting travel money to making plans with friends, it’s been nothing short of hectic. We’ve had such a long build-up to this trip that it doesn’t even feel real to be jetting off soon! Just a few more hand luggage essentials to pack, and I’ll be ‘ready’ at last.
Aurora borealis from my windowsill
After missing the ‘Northern Lights from the UK’ back in May because my boyfriend and I wanted to treat ourselves to an early night, we didn’t want to miss the latest solar flare. Sadly for me, they weren’t visible to the naked eye down in Hertfordshire. My phone camera picked up some of the pale green and bright violet tones, but it wasn’t quite the experience I assumed! Thankfully, my boyfriend and I are off to Iceland next month for a proper aurora borealis-chasing trip.
Work milestones and achievements
This week, I celebrated a great mid-year review and winning (as a part of a team) our The Apprentice-ish team day activity. My day job feels so fulfilling and engaging at the moment: next week, my copy will be on billboards and product packaging in-store nationwide, which feels surreal. I also gave another big presentation in front of over 100 people with a microphone… completely out of my comfort zone, but I’m so proud of myself!
A date day in London
Yesterday, my boyfriend and I spent the day in London! My parents gifted us a spa day for Christmas last year and we finally found some time to book it in. Our spa day was at The Hogarth Club and the setting was lovely, but our treatments even better. I’ve never had a facial before but I’m absolutely sold on them now! After enjoying the jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, we headed back into the city for food and a long walk around Hyde Park, each of us agreeing that we had the perfect time and ‘why don’t we do this more often?’
Links I’ve Loved
- Harriet writes about growing up and slowing down.
- My heart broke reading Amanda’s friendship break-up essay – it’s the one thing you should read today.
- Elle talks about romanticising a quiet life, something I know our community just loves.
- This knitted waistcoat has been my sartorial best friend all week.
Posts This Week
- Country walks, good (vegan) food and a comedy show.
- My Museum of Failures
- Open-hearted joys 開開心心 № 03
- Books That Will Haunt You