Things I've Been Loving - May Edition

Each month I’m going to share a roundup of things I’ve discovered or brought me joy - these aren’t ads or affiliate links but just whatever I’ve stumbled across or loved that month!

READING

I’ve been struggling to fall asleep lately (and god knows I’m one of those people who need her sleep!) so I’ve been extra conscious of trying to avoid my phone before bed. With Maisie being home all day on study leave I get so few moments to myself that often right before bed has turned into my time to catch up on WhatsApps, etc (which I hate and I can tell how much it interferes with me going to sleep at a decent time) so I decided to get back into the habit of reading before bed (it used to be I was so exhausted I’d just konk out).

After seeing a recommendation online, I downloaded The Three Dahlias by Katy Watson - a cosy murder mystery about 3 actresses of different ages who all play (or have played) 1930’s detective Dahlia Lively (think a cross between a young Miss Marple and Jessica Fletcher). When things start going wrong on the set of the latest movie (including murrrrrrderrrrrr!) they come together to investigate for themselves.

I loved the intergenerational friendship between Rosalind, Caro, and Posy and the plot is super twisty and unpredictable. In fact, I loved it so much that I gobbled up the next 3 books in the series too, which sadly didn’t help my not going to sleep on time problem because I was constantly saying to myself ‘Oh just one more chapter won’t hurt...’ The next book in the series, A Deadly Night At The Theatre, drops on 10th July and I can’t wait - bedtime be damned!

WATCHING

I’ve been under the weather this week and that’s meant a bit of time lying on the sofa. I wanted something light and fun to watch while I was feeling sorry for myself. Problem is I’m a bit of an eejit and don’t really look into new programs before watching them (too many spoilers) and from the pictures and silent trailer I watched I thought Dept. Q looked like it might be something sci-fi or vintagey I could get into. Plus it has two things I love - Matthew Goode and Edinburgh!

Turns out it's not sci-fi or vintage-y (it’s set in modern day), but it is an incredibly tense thriller with multiple timelines, red herrings, and extreme creepiness. The cast includes Kelly Macdonald and Shirley Henderson and Alexej Manvelov, who I’ve never seen before but who is phenomenal. It’s a bit of a slow burn to start with but it’s gothic, stylistic, and very Scottish and had me hanging off the edge of the sofa in suspense.

WEARING

It's that weird time of the year where you’re constantly adding and removing layers and it’s never quite warm enough to not need at least a jacket mornings and evenings. I’ve had my eye on some boucle jackets for a while and ended up grabbing this one from H&M to wear to Maisie’s evening graduation.

I love that it’s so easily dressed up and down - I wore it with a white circle skirt and a signature pink cami for graduation, but then threw it over jeans and a t-shirt for lunch with a friend - and definitely looks more expensive than it is. I don’t usually wear white because I’m such a clutz, but now I’m 50 I’m leaning into looking a bit more like a grown up (even if I don’t feel like one!)

BEAUTY

I have to admit that I am generally quite lazy when it comes to skincare routines (and most things tbh) and am definitely not a 37 step regime kinda gal. I’m also not 20 anymore (thank god actually) which means I am thinking more about my skin. A friend in the US recommended this Sephora Collection Vit C & E Super Glow Serum as an easy (and affordable) entry point to try Vit C (good for brightening and reducing fine lines apparently). From the reviews I’d say it’s not for sensitive skin (I have normal/combination skin) but I’ve been using it all month without problem. My skin definitely looks more glowy - and who doesn’t want more glowy?

HOME

We recently went and spent the weekend with my gorgeous friend Immy, and as soon as we stepped through the door Maisie and I both went ‘Oh my god your house smells amazing!’ We live in a small flat with a smelly dog and a stinky cat and I’m always looking for ways to make the house smell nice, so obviously I immediately ordered The Peace Room Diffuser from Chapter Organics (who I hadn’t heard of but are amazing!)

The Peace is a blend of lavender, rose geranium, bergamot, ylang ylang and patchouli (just a hint of patchouli as I usually find it overpowering). It’s not cheap (on par with say Neom) but the scent has real staying power - which is usually my bugbear with room diffusers. So now not only does the house smell gorgeous and chill but I’m reminded of my dear friend every time I come home which always puts a smile on my face!

So what about you? What did you discover in May that made you happy? Tell me everything!