Sundaze 297: Heatwaves, London days and writerly contentment

Happy Sundaze, my loves!

After slacking with my popular Sundaze series, I’m finally back this weekend having carved out some blog-writing time. Summer has been so busy this year; I’m grateful, but my routines are completely ‘off’. And I always feel better, more connected to myself, when I’ve made time to write, be that on my blog, Substack, book or personal journal. Actually, my journal and novel have both seen a lot more action recently!

Right now, I’m in the process of moving the last couple of boxes from my parents’ house to our house. Can you believe it’s been nearly six months and I’ve still not fully brought all my things over?! It’s really put into perspective just how much stuff I have, and I think I’m going to need to do a declutter – I already feel weighed down by it all.

Heatwaves upon heatwaves

It’s been a long hot summer here in England and I’m soaking it all up. To be honest, I am living in a constant state of anxiety about the very real and feel-able effects of climate change. Personally, I love warmer climes… over in Southeast Asia. But summer here has started to feel like those in tropical, humid Malaysia, which is terrifying. Our homes aren’t designed for the heat, which means I’ve been slowly melting while working, but it’s also sort of nice to be able to fully enjoy the outdoors.

London days

I feel like I only ever check in for these posts when I’ve recently been to London, or perhaps I just find the time to write because I’m recovering from how draining it is to spend a day in the city! Last weekend, we took a train into London to – excitingly! – pick my engagement ring. We had the most magical date day: first, a three-course meal at London Steakhouse Co., then a cosy stroll around Spitalfields Market – which continues to be one of my favourite corners of London – before heading to Mayfair for our appointment. We actually had a lot of fun picking rings and settings and diamonds, and now I simply can’t wait to receive the final creation.

Then, I popped into the city this week for a team day with my colleagues. I must sound like a broken record when I say I am so beyond grateful to have such a great bunch of colleagues. It was so heartwarming to spend time together, celebrating our achievements and just having plenty of non-office fun.

Feeling content in my reader-writer status

Once upon a time, I had a brilliant writing (for Daisybutter) routine around work and real life, but it’s all slipped since moving house and starting a new job (nearly two years ago!) and starting my new novel. I’ve mentioned a few times now that 2024 felt like a waiting room, and 2025 has felt like my life is falling back into place. Now, I feel like my reader-writer status is getting there again. A couple of dedicated writing evenings a week, daily reading, a more connected reading rhythm, book club fun… It’s all making such a big difference to my everyday enjoyment.

Home updates

Eddie and I have lots of house-y stuff coming up in the next few weeks! With his sister coming to stay next month, we’re hard at work:

Painting the living room
Installing DIY alcove cabinets and shelves
Building the guest room bed
Recycling an old TV and giving away the dining table that’s old and too big for our space
Fitting new curtains in the guest room.