Tales From The Chair-March
Your monthly round up of everything I’ve been discussing and discovering straight from the salon chair . . .
Local and lovely:
If you wear specs, have you visited Ollie Quinn in Richmond? Pop your head in and have a little nosey next time you fancy some new frames, they have some really nice designs and good value too! I’m pretty loyal to my Optician in Newcastle but wanted another pair to change things up and had a good experience here recently.
Skincare faves:
A new favourite, Tatcha Camelia Gold Spun Lip Balm is as comforting as it is aesthetically pleasing. Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, the balm is formulated with camellia oil, an ingredient that’s has been prized for centuries in Asia for its ability to seal in moisture for long lasting hydration. Furthermore, for a touch of completely unnecessary but sophisticated luxury, it is infused with 23-karat gold flakes that help to give lips a very subtle gleam. The most visually beautiful lip balm on the market, it makes a perfect gift too! £30/6g
Staycation Inspiration:
The Queens Arms, Sherborne is an ancient cider house turned stylish country inn on the border of Somerset and Dorset. 10 refurbished rooms, a 2 bedroom cottage tucked away with its own garden views and a pub kitchen serving comforting classics. A warm country welcome awaits.
Image credits : Tatcha, Superdrug, The Queens Arms
Table Talk:
This month I’m praising letterbox delivery service Nonna Tonda, their fresh pasta parcels (complete with sauce and Italian cheese) are sent weekly and make dinner time a doddle. High quality ingredients and generous portions. The first 3 people to use this link get 50% off their first 2 deliveries.
Other culinary highlights have included Sheen’s Michelin rated Black Salt for their delicious Indian food (the soft shell crab, lamb chop and Methi Murg curry were my faves) and a visit to Chet’s LA/Thai influenced resto at The Hoxton Shepherds Bush (thumbs up to sticky wings, fried chicken khao soi and sipping lychee martinis on a weekday afternoon)
Sitting pretty at the table, how cute is this handmade Raine checkerboard cup and saucer from Reign London?! £22
Image credits: Reign London, Helen Ray
Currently reading:
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Journalist and Broadcaster Pandora Sykes and she’s one of the latest writers to have started her own Substack, Books + Bits.
“A Pandora’s Box of culture reccs - comprising books, TV, podcasts, theatre, documentaries, journalism, movies and the occasional Instagram account - plus second hand finds and little life enhancers.”
You can sign up for both free and paid subscriptions here.
In my ears:
If you fancy a dose of chill then have a listen to BBC sounds Loose Yourself with Anna Phoebe as the Violinist and Composer whisks you away to the serene Kent coastline of Deal beach.
Recently watched:
The Banshees of Inisherin.
Set on a tiny island off the west coast of Ireland, this dark comedy follows lifelong friends Padraic and Colm in a stalemate when Colm decides to call time on their friendship without apparent good reason. Confusion, frustration and drama ensues with Padraic’s repeated efforts to win back his buddy only strengthening Colm’s resolve resulting in a desperate ultimatum where things quickly escalate with shocking consequences. I really loved this film. It made me laugh and cry in equal measure, the cinematography was breathtaking, the rustic old pub and cosy cottages by the sea made me want to move in and the scenery had me googling filming locations to add to my ‘visit wish list’ by the time the credits rolled. Definitely worth a watch.
Who I’m following:
I’ve been following @neapandspring aka Katie and her gorgeous Insta account for a while now and just lover her beautiful pictures of cosy, countryside escapism.
“Stories of places, people, nature & nostalgia”
Packed full of dreamy fireside scenes, quaint cottages, antique finds and seasonal shifts in the great outdoors, one of my fave accounts to dip in and out of and also there’s a Neap & Spring shop where Katie sells carefully sourced vintage and antique homeware.
Image credits: BBC, IMDb, Neap & Spring
Over to you:
Emma recommended Microsoft’s To Do app to consolidate all those never ending Iphone notes and lists into one, organised space.
Beatrice recommended listening to Dr Joe Dispenza, in particular his podcast episode with Jay Shetty on How To Chemically Teach Your Body To Focus On Healing & Vibrate At A Higher Frequency. Dr Joe holds a Bachelor of Science degree and is a Doctor of Chiropractic. His post graduate training includes the fields of neuroscience and neuroplasticity, quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) measurements, epigenetics, mind-body medicine, and brain/heart coherence. As a researcher, lecturer, author, and corporate consultant, his interest lies in demystifying the mystical so that people have all the tools within their reach to make measurable changes in their lives.
Victoria recommended French resto Maison Francois, close to Piccadilly Circus, Grace Dent was quoted as saying “it could spark joy in the saddest heart.”