The June Newsletter

Everything I have been reading, watching, eating, wearing and places I've travelled to this past month...

I know, I know, it’s the 9th of July and I’m only just getting to writing about June (I usually like to write this monthly newsletter on the 1st), but better late than never, hey? Also, I have some great recommendations for you from the month of June, so I promise it’s worth the wait.

I don’t know why, but Summer always ends up feeling hectic to me. I think it’s because my boyfriend has a job with allocated holiday days and so we panic at this time of year that we haven’t used any and end up booking trips abroad and UK staycations back to back. Don’t get me wrong, I love a holiday and feel incredibly privileged that with my job I get to stay in amazing places, but I have felt really in the swing of things with work lately and family life at home, so found myself not wanting to take a break! I sometimes find the idea of travelling (particularly with a toddler in tow) can make me feel a bit stressed. That being said, now we have been home a few days, I am feeling settled back into our usual routine and enormously grateful for the memories we have created. Also, all the things I worry about always end up being completely fine - it’s often the way isn’t it?

June began with my return to YouTube! Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments and messages - I am adoring being back on the platform and I’m having fun finding my feet and experimenting with different styles of content (although I have to say, I think vlogging is my favourite)!

Then it was my birthday on the 9th, I turned 35 and spent the day with Dan and Sage just doing the usual birthday things - presents in bed, a birthday lunch and a cosy evening in - but every birthday feels more special now with a little one who gets very excited about presents and cake.

The monthly round-up

Reading | As most of you will know, I have a separate Substack where I run a monthly book club and review everything I have read. So, I will continue to list the books I have read in my monthly newsletters, but will save the reviews for the book club. If you love reading, please join our book club here.

In June I read Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty, Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy and Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin - head over to book Substack to read my reviews!

Watching | Do you remember in last month’s newsletter when I said Dan and I were in a major “re-watch” phase? Well, in June, the re-watching continued and we decided to embark upon the 8 seasons of Game of Thrones. Dan had watched it all, but many years ago and I had watched season 1 when it first came out. I know, what was I thinking stopping there?? We are utterly obsessed and can’t go an evening without watching an episode. I think leaving at least 4 years before re-watching your favourite TV show results in the ultimate treat. I have done it with Gossip Girl, The O.C and The Vampire Diaries (no judging please) over the years and it’s just SO nice to have a go-to TV show and not have to spend half the evening scrolling and deciding what to watch. Also, they are your favourite TV shows for a reason, they deserve to be rewatched.

Fashion | I discovered the brand Doen a few years ago, but only recently has it become my go-to brand dresses. They are understated, cool, comfortable and chic. I wore a black linen one from them last week to Wimbledon and wore this green one recently in Greece.

I’ve been wearing my Nili Lotan trousers on repeat lately - just so comfortable and practical and I love the barrel leg shape.

With the weather in the UK not seeming to be able to make up it’s mind, a light, throw-on jacket is a must and this one from Free People is my most worn jacket this summer so far.

I will admit I’ve only worn it twice, but this skirt had to go into my June favourites, as I just love it so much and plan to wear it much more over the coming months. It’s Suzie Kondi, so quite pricey, but white cotton midi skirts are everywhere this summer and all over the high street.

Eating | I have two restaurant recommendations from June. Firstly, The River Cafe in Hammersmith - it is inexplicably expensive, but we go once a year for our anniversary (we celebrated 4 years on the 15th!) and treasure every mouthful, the service, the wine and the atmosphere. It really is something special.

Secondly, Yard in Norwich. We went to stay with my parents in Norfolk one weekend in June and left Sage with them for an evening whilst we went on a double date with my sister and her husband. I got the creamy mushroom pasta and it was a 10/10. Will definitely be going back next time I am there!

Travelling | I went on a work trip to Peligoni Club in Zakynthos with Missoma (a jewellery brand I have loved and worked with for years) in June and although it was a whirlwind, quick trip with lots to shoot, I had such a wonderful time with the greatest group of women. I’d been wanting to stay at Peligoni for years and it did not disappoint. I would love to return one day with Dan and Sage. We stayed in a villa with a pool, but went into the main hotel area, “the club”, for lunch and dinner a couple of times and it was the nicest vibe and amazing food.

Towards the end of June, I went back to Greece, this time to Minos Beach Art Hotel in Crete with the boys. This was only our third trip abroad with Sage and although I felt a bit nervous when packing (babies need so many things!) we had the best best time together and I needn’t have worried, as he used hardly anything I packed and basically wore the same SPF swimsuit every day and slept in a nappy and a muslin sleeping bag because it was so hot! I did manage to get him into a couple of the cute outfits I packed for the evenings though. I have realised I am truly my happiest when I see Sage happy and adventuring. Seeing the world through his eyes is so special and I have so many fond memories of this trip. Although it was a hotel, the rooms are separated into villas with private pools (similar to Peligoni), which is my favourite set-up for a family holiday - privacy of a villa, but with hotel amenities is the dream.

Lots of love, Tanya xx