simple pleasures: vacation to Spain, Billie Eilish' new album, and let's discuss Bridgerton
no.6 - re-appreciating life and why I got an Oura ring
simple pleasures is a monthly curation of all my favourite new (and old and loved) things - think a collection of passions, habits, books, quotes, purchases, recipes, and more.
Happy summer! This one’s a little later than usual but nevertheless, here it is!
Thank you all for the wonderful London recommendations in my last simple pleasures newsletter. I’m trying to stuff as many of them as I can into my three-day trip at the end of the month!
As for May, I feel like simultaneously a lot and nothing happened. I accepted a volunteer role for an academic journal (exciting stuff!) plus I took my first vacation (well, 5 day trip) in over 7 months. Even though these are major things, I feel like May was just a little… uneventful? Like the quiet before the storm -although hopefully summer will remain stormless here.
Highlights
I took a long weekend trip to Spain and boy, was it much needed! I checked my calendar and realised I hadn’t taken a vacation since October! I just love everything about the country - the sunny weather and dispositions of everyone you meet, the blue ocean and mediterranean atmosphere, and the delicious (and cheap) 5 course meals. I’m already looking forward to returning in August, when I’ll be visiting the South of Spain.
As you know from the last installment of simple pleasures, I quit birth control. And I’ve been adapting my lifestyle and diet to support my hormone health. I’ve also gone completely alcohol and coffee-free, but since I’ve been doing this on and off since the start of year, it was only a natural progression. I try to diminishing my stress levels too by not looking at my phone first thing in the morning (and yes, it’s proven a real challenge), but instead making myself a cup of tea to meditate with.
Spending time on terraces, eating out and walking around the city. I recently had a very impromptu and nice meeting with friends whom I hadn’t seen for a year and they commented how much they loved Amsterdam. I forget that I’m so lucky to be living here, because yes it does look like a small theme park! After a lovely dinner at the Pantry (recommend if you’re looking for authentic Dutch cuisine), I walked home and was dazzled by the sparkling reflection of the streetlights on the water. Seeing the city through my friends’ eyes made me reappreciate the beauty of Amsterdam.
Reading…
Absolutely devoured this piece by Nicola Coughlan (who plays Penelope in Bridgerton) about her role as a celebrity in today’s watchful eye.
- from talking about why merch will remain relevant even in the face of its fashion demise. Because yes, I will buy a Jonas Brother’s tour tshirt when I go to their concert in October and no one is stopping me.
I’m slowly devouring Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang. Its premise is clever - someone steals and whitewashes the novel of her recently deceased AAPI friend and deals with the consequences of this action. I’m writing this post now and can’t wait to get back into it - needless to say, I’m hooked.
To see which books I finished this month, check out my monthly book post:
Watching…
Obviously Bridgerton season 3. I cannot wait for the second part to be released (tomorrow omg!!) because I HAVE QUESTIONS. There are lots of things to love (excuse me carriage scene but also hello, Cressida Cowper) and some things I’m really missing from it (what is the deal with Colin?). Let me know what you all thought about it (my dm’s are open). I’m dying to talk about.
The Idea of You - yes, I watched the Harry Styles fan fic movie. And yes, I enjoyed it. Now would I recommend it? No. But I do recommend revelling in Anne Hathaway’s never-ending beauty.
Spending on…
Although I was hesitant for a bit, I purchased an Oura ring (but secondhand to save me some money). I’ve been wanting to track my cycle since I went off birth control and the Oura ring makes it super easy by measuring my basal temperature each morning. It’s also kind of an activity tracker, but I mostly use it for the beforementioned cycle syncing, and sleep tracking. I’m still not sure whether I’ll keep it or resell it, but for now it’s a useful and unobstructive piece of tech.
Amarilo x Orion rings - I found this beautiful dual toned set of rings that are no longer available through retail on Ebay. Shopping secondhand has really become a huge habit for me!
A bouquet of flowers for my sister on Mother’s day - she became a mum in March ♡
Books (as if I don’t already have a pile of unread books…): The White book by Han Kang, A Land With a People by Esther Farmer (ed.) and The Time in Between by María Dueñas. I also got lucky and found The End of Loneliness by Benedict Wells and Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart in a secondhand bookshop in Amsterdam.
A full body massage. I am now of the opinion that massages are money well spent. I’m definitely booking myself another session in June. I think the price-quality ratio of my expenses is often skewed because I tend to feel like my money needs to be spent on something physical in order for it to be worth it. Although a massage might be an unnecessary pamper, I think it’s more effective than spending all my buck on skincare or beauty upkeep like getting my nails done (monthly appointments I used to dread).
A refill of the ultimate brow gel. No but really, it’s the only thing that keeps my brows in position. I buy a new one every time I’m out.
Listening to…
All of NPR’s Up First podcast episodes. I also tune into my local Dutch news broadcast every morning but I like adding Up First for a little more of a global perspective.
Billie Eilish’ new album on repeat. I love it so much, I can’t pick a favourite. I think it’s between CHIHIRO, BIRDS OF A FEATHER and BLUE. What are your favs?
Inspired by…
You may also like:
thank you for reading / sharing!!
JONAS BROTHERS FOEVER ❤️❤️