simple pleasures: pottery, in need of London recs, and going off birth control
no.5 - planning a trip to London, binging Bridgerton, recovering my hormonal cycle, and my happy mornings playlist
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.
From this month onwards I thought I’d keep the simple pleasures email a little simpler, because don’t we all love a little rebranding? Categorised and to the point with bullet points, pictures, etc. to keep these emails short and flowy.
New in
I started a pottery wheel throwing course and it’s already my favourite new hobby. The way the clay glides under the hand is soothing and having to keep stable requires a lot of focus, which I found puts me in a meditative state. So all in all, it’s very therapeutic. This article relates my experience well.
Being less consumed with materialism is something I’ve been working on, and I’ve written a short essay on it. My first ever personal essay on here. Thank you all for the amazing feedback on it!
I booked a trip to London! It’s been my dream to visit London ever since I moved back to Europe, so when I randomly had a look at the train prices one day and spotted a cheap option, I took it as a sign and spontaneously bought myself a round-trip for the end of June. I already have my accommodations booked, tickets to the musical of my dreams (the Phantom), and some cafes and walks saved. But I need your recommendations - viewpoints, shops, restaurants (for solo travelers), things to do etc. Leave a comment, because I’d love to know!
I went off birth control. Simply because I’ve been on it for about 14 years, and I’m curious as to how my body is without synthetic hormones. I can’t lie and say I’m not a little scared of the process, especially considering I also have PCOS, but I’m ready to give my body a chance. I’ve been reading Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten to help prepare myself for post-birth control symptoms. Let me know if you have experience coming off BC (especially with PCOS) and if you have any tips.
Reading…
I loved this article by fellow substacker
about keeping long-distance friendships alive - something I try to be better atOne of my favourite substackers and style icon
wrote a great article about being curated online. It reminded me that it’s better to live in the present than share every minutiae of my life onlineSeverance by Ling Ma. This is probably the first book about a pandemic I’ve read after Covid, and it’s eerie how parallel certain experiences and sentiments are (especially considering this was published in 2018)
Watching…
One Day (Netflix) - I know the story, I have read the book and seen the movie with Anne Hathaway multiple times. But let me tell you, I still wept. It’s a wonderfully executed series, with beautiful scenery and amazing lead actors. Ambika Mod is my new favourite woman.
I’ve been rewatching Bridgerton (and Queen Charlotte) in anticipation of the new season. Even on a second watch, it remains an amazing show. I tried reading the books once and it’s one of those unique cases when the adaptation trumps the book by miles.
Spending on…
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been struggling with my consumption mindset so I’m trying to be more mindful of my spendings - and simultaneously a bit more grateful for the things I already have. So I’ve really only spent money on some essentials or experiences this month.
Just remember, I don’t share these because I believe you need any of these. You don’t. If you already have a good skincare routine, for example, keep it that way. And if there is anything you do consider buying, then take a few days to mull it over.
Tunturi dumbbells (5kg) and Bala Bars - Of course, weights are not essential, but I’ve been wanting to up my workout game for a while, and since I’ve had a bad experience purchasing cheaper models (extreme plastic-rubbery smell), I expanded my budget a little.
Beauty of Joseon bits - I have started to love this simple brand that doesn’t immediately break the bank. I purchased a travel version of their Ginseng toner to take on my trips (I have and love the full-size). I also got the Revive serum, the Revive eye cream, and the Dynasty cream.
Flamingo Razor - Not a lot to say here, but I love these razors as they have a smooth bit about the blades that makes it easier to shave.
A cinema membership - I love going to the cinema, so I gifted myself a cheap monthly membership with which I can go see one movie a month. I call it “paying for an experience” and a good excuse for a solo date or meeting with a friend.
Listening to…
Happy upbeat songs like The Killers. I’m slowly curating a playlist in this vibe. It’s a stark difference from the melodramatic playlist I shared before.
Inspired by…
A new category! I love Pinterest to find inspiration, but sometimes it just gets a bit too much with all the boards. This is not shopping inspiration per se. It’s simply that the shapes, materials, and colours have an inspiring effect on me.
You may also like:
I HAVE LONDON RECS! Will keep it simple to some of my top top top favorite things.
Sharing some pictures I recently published too of London - https://thedandeliontiger.substack.com/p/gentle-love-letter-to-islington-london
Starting with Islington, the most lovely, charming neighborhood in London that is great to explore and get lost in.
Start with Upper Street (main high street with shops / restaurants) or Camden Passage and continue to wander around, if you have the whole day, make your way over to Stoke Newington / Finsbury Park areas too. Suggest ending for dinner at Perilla (GREAT take on modern european cuisine).
Food:
Berto Pasta N1 - best pasta i've ever had. You have to pay extra for their handmade pastas but its worth the money
Kissa Wa Cafe - charming Japanese cafe / restaurant in a relaxed environment. Yummy food
Perilla - modern european
The Albion Pub (joe jonas once claimed this is his fave pub in london haha it is actually nice and not touristy)
Parks:
Victoria Park - sunday food market
Regents Canal (long canal connecting alot of London, picturesque walk and can be accessed from Victoria Park)
Lea Valley (huge nature reserve w walking trails)
Shopping:
Wild Swans (danish multilabel)
Nanushka Bond Street (just go for the vibes, there is a cafe in there)
Vintage shops in expensive neighborhoods (Islington, Hampstead, South Kensington & Chelsea, Richmond)
Hope you do manage to visit some of these places !!
Top tip: avoid central london like the plague, it is hellish and makes the rest of us look bad
I did a pottery wheel course last summer and throughly enjoyed it too. I realised when I came away from the wheel how my brain had completely switched off from thinking! It’s like meditation and time passes so quickly in a good way