This is what 42 looks like
And a reno update
I turned 42 on Saturday but I’ve been telling everyone I’m 42 for around 3 months so not sure it counts? Usually, I try and wear something a little bit fabulous to commemorate the occasion (a reason to dress up!) but this year I just wore something easy and comfortable (and needed another wear before washing).
Which I think is probably of a sign of happiness.
I am currently very content with my everyday. Life has got slower, simpler and I very much appreciate having days to explore galleries and wander in the sunshine. I am still having anxiety dreams at night but that’s nothing new, I sometimes think my anxiety gets worse when I’m happy, because I don’t truly believe I’m worthy of it. Something to work on.
I didn’t dress up but I did hold a 3 day birthday festival:
Friday: Chris and I went to The 80s: Photographing Britain at Tate Britain (on until 5th May - it was v good, although 90s photography at National Portrait Gallery had the edge for me), followed by lunch at Flat Iron (a guaranteed tasty meal - if you’re a meat eater - which can also be quick if you need to be home for school pick-up!).
Saturday: My parents met us in our new local park, we sat on a blanket eating food van hot dogs and ice creams.
Sunday: Bowling with the kids (only one round as gosh, it’s expensive these days!), Honest Burger followed by a movie at home.
There’s always a great vibe in London around my birthday (mainly because it’s always sunny!) and the London marathon is usually on; I distinctly remember seeing Kylie Minogue at Docklands London Arena for my 7th birthday and driving past runners with towels over their heads. I got so emotional watching everyone’s (including friends’) achievements this weekend - bravo!
Renovation update:
We have wooden floors underneath the carpets!
I haven’t been keeping things from you, as paid subscribers know, it has all been a bit quiet on the reno front (awaiting planning, mainly) but things will move forward in the next month, here’s hoping.
In the meantime we have pulled up some carpets and will focus on making this front room liveable whilst work begins around us. The wide floorboards were a very welcome discovery.
In other home news, I wanted to celebrate my friend Africa Daley-Clarke (The Vitamin D Project on Instagram), who, not only launched her book ‘You Are Home’ this month, she also launched a collection of wallpaper borders ‘Illusions of Grandeur’ in collaboration with artist Lucy Tiffney - such a clever way to add personality to your home.
I love the idea of adding interest in lieu of coving and I am thinking of something like this for the utility room. There are 7 colourways (including these below) and all available to buy through Lucy’s site:
Me: “Am I dressed like John Candy?”
Chris: “More Dan Ackroyd”
And this is my summer vibe going forward.
My most worn clothing this month:
Culottes, of course!
These are my Cos* ones (different colourways and not many sizes left!) from 2 years ago, and then rebought in navy last year. Marks & Spencer’s* are back in stock but I haven’t tried them - apparently they’re good!
Have a great week filled with sunshine!
Alex xx
Having only just ‘discovered’ you but realising I already have quite a few pics of you on my Pinterest board. 😁. You are now solely responsibly for 3 bags of clothes ready for the charity shop and a number of items ready to be listed on Vinted. My wardrobe has been rethought and reworked and I’ve fallen back in love with fashion. Albeit consciously and sustainably.
Happy birthday Alex 🎂 Always a big fan of your looks, the perfect balance of relaxed / pulled together I aim to master one day☺️