JUST A FEW SNAPSHOTS of the things we’ve been up to this past July, including a quick trip to Edinburgh that ended up taking longer due to the heatwave, so iced coffees on the morning of the day that we were supposed to return home; pink English roses in the bright June sun and Sweet Potato, Ginger & Garlic Tofu Stew (with Lime and Spinach). There were uncharacteristically blue skies and plenty of peonies, a visit to the salon for full highlights; Japanese denim (new favourite pair ever), stone cottages, cold beers, a gold vintage-style Casio and more…
Sweet Potato, Ginger & Garlic Tofu Stew
Sweet Potato, Ginger & Garlic Tofu Stew (with Lime and Spinach), one of the recipe box meals from our last order. It was actually really good⏤the sauce was coconutty and the tofu had a delicate flavour. And for those that asked where the French bamboo flatware is from, I bought mine here in England (ordered in from Paris), but I’ve just discovered that you can also order it here.
New Highlights
A few weeks ago, finally got around to booking in for a full set of highlights and while it’s difficult to tell from the photo, it is dramatically different from my hair before, which was much darker. It’s actually got a caramelly hue to it, which was what I was hoping for but wasn’t sure would get. I really love it.
Caring for my highlights
While I love the new highlights, now my hair is much more high-maintence than before, with the condition not being quite as healthy (despite the salon using an organic and natural colour system), so I’ve added a few products to my haircare routine to keep the colour from turning brassy and the condition of my hair smooth: Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo / Aveda Blue Malva Color Conditioner / Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancing Toning Shampoo
Japanese Denim
Have you heard of the Japanese brand Tu es mon Tresor? It’s an ultra-chic denim label that combines “art, culture and exquisite craftsmanship”, all made and hand finished in Japan from fabric exclusive to the label. They’re known for vintage silhouettes (boyfriend, flared), and washes that are both retro and contemporary. I recently ordered The Emerald Boyfriend Jeans and I love them. The fit is really go and they’re 100% cotton, with no stretch.
Castañer Espadrilles
Spanish label Castañer began as a family business way back in 1776, when Rafael Castañer created the first sandals by hand, but it would more than 150 years later before the first official workshop opened. Some time in the 1960s, Yves Saint Laurent enlisted the family to produce the first espadrille wedge, now known as its signature Carina style. It’s the style I normally wear, which is really comfortable, but this time for some reason, I ordered the Chiara style (pictured), which look really good, but are much less confortable, as they are a platform style and a little more difficult to walk in. I was still breaking them in on our trip to Edinburgh (big mistake), so they should be better once they are a little more worn in. I’ve also not been used to wearing proper shoes during the last three years of lockdown, so that may have something to do with it as well. They look great though.
Pink peonies & summer wicker
Pink peonies and the Algarve Birkin Wicker Basket Bag, inspired by English-French actress, singer, songwriter, and model Jane Birkin. This style is slightly smaller and narrower than some, making it perfect for traipsing around and about the city or the countryside on weekends. It is entirely handmade for us by artisans in sunny Spain.
