Mondaze 295: A catch-up, feeling summer-ready and other stories

Happy Mondaze, my loves!

I completely meant to return with a bumper Sundaze post yesterday, but our weekend ended up packed with impromptu celebrations with family accompanied by a lot of jet lag. Poor Milo had no idea why we were napping and getting in bed so early! I’d even downloaded Timeshifter, an app that claims to help you beat jet lag. Let this be a lesson to the Michelle in her thirties that she can no longer beat jet lag post-East Asia trips as easily as she did before…!

Our trip was entirely magical from start to finish. We’d been planning this trip to South Korea and Japan ever since we learned Eddie’s sister would be spending a year studying abroad in Tokyo, and I was eager to squeeze in a visit to see my bestie Elodie in Seoul! Sure, packing in five cities in two weeks might have been ambitious but we did it! And it was SO much fun. The trip of a lifetime for many reasons. I spent our 16-hour flight making a list of rough blog post ideas, and I can’t wait to start writing them – and editing all the photos together – soon. Before that, though, an almighty catch-up (here and IRL) is required.

Let’s catch up

Being engaged is a weird and wonderful feeling. I feel so grown-up! In a thousand ways, everything is different but entirely the same. Eddie and I enjoyed the day keeping the news to ourselves as we explored Mount Fuji’s surrounded area, and then had so much fun sharing it with our family and closest friends in the next few days. It was so special to be able to celebrate out in Japan with Eddie’s sister and with Elodie! I genuinely couldn’t ask for anything more. It was perfect.

Since returning to England, I’ve been battling hayfever, as well as sorting out a million little things ahead of my brother’s wedding this weekend. Appointments galore! Endless errands to run! But, it feels so good to have empty laundry baskets, a clean house, and a full fridge. I also hit the ground running with my gym routine and went back this morning, armed with a renewed Shreddy subscription to keep me accountable. I’m feeling good!

Feeling summer-ready

I mentioned in a Substack a few months ago that I felt like the first few weeks of 2025 felt like a waiting room. Well, now I feel like life is in full swing and I’m so excited for the summer. From Jonny’s wedding to friends’ weddings, going engagement ring shopping together (the one in my photos is a dummy ring!) to book events, it’s certainly going to be a summer to remember. We’ve got so many exciting renovation plans for the house, and I’ve got a great reading list in mind. How could it not be an incredible summer?

Other stories

After a pretty bad bout of burnout, our trip has me feeling entirely refreshed and renewed. It’s always illuminating to see the difference in myself and I wish I could be better at picking up the cues sooner. To try and combat this, I’ve decided I’ll focus on solo dates every month and taking a ‘me day’ off from work at least every two months. There’s no shame in acknowledging that you’re somebody that just requires more ‘me time’, and that is me to a tee! I’m already looking forward to how this improves my overall balance and wellbeing.

It was Dragon Boat Festival over the weekend, and I’ve been loving eating Mum’s homemade zongzi for lunch. These glutinous rice bundles wrapped in bamboo leaves are a traditional food steeped in Chinese folklore. They really remind me of my beloved Granny. And, house-wise, we’re starting work on a beautiful, colourful, joyful guest room this month! Our big trip was a big expense, and now we’re getting back to our normal spending and saving routine. We’ll be doing up the guest room on a budget and I’m already excited to share more interiors content in the next few months.

Links I’ve Loved

Michelle’s ‘Magical Moments’ posts are always so sweet to read. This one inspired me to pick up some heart-shaped keychain loops for my own phone case!
I write a LOT about friendship and really enjoyed reading Ella’s essay on friendship and fear and connecting with people in the year of 2025.
Loving this playlist by Alyssa Lenore.
And I’m tempted to pick up this skirt for summer.