8 little luxuries that bring me joy

Hi gang! So sorry for the radio silence (and for this not being the first time you've heard this start to a blog round these parts). I seem, like many others, to be failing slightly to find time in the day to achieve everything I want to. If you've read this blog before you'll probably know that I'm a creative business owner. This means that as well as running my bricks and mortar business, a design store in Islington named SMUG, I am also trying to do a million other things related to that business to grow it and to develop my own career. Be it creating content for our social media platforms (of course), designing my own patterns and products, launching a podcast, managing the Islington Design District, spending time writing as well as speaking on a panel here and there or judging a prize, and maybe even teaching/writing a course/workshop (to name the first few that come into my head) my days can be full of all sorts. This means I really struggle to find the structure that good blogging really needs. And I'm sorry about that. I'm still hoping that I'll develop a groove that works for me and leads to more regular content here on the blog. Thanks for baring with me. 

One of the things I'm researching and feel I've learnt a lot about over the years is trying to get Work Life Balance right when you're a creative entrepreneur. You'll be hearing lots more about that very soon, but for now I wanted to share with you the eight little luxuries that make a positive difference daily to my currently slightly overwhelming life. Everyone has their special little treats that make them smile. The items that others might see as not really worth the bother or money, but that to you are well worth their weight in gold and bring you a whole load of joy. These are mine. 

1. MAGIC CREAM, Charlotte Tilbury - this bad boy is soooo hydrating. As I get older, my skin gets drier and most moisturisers don't really do the trick for me. There are some out there that are thick and heavy enough to go deep and do the job but I find them far too greasy and I don't like the weight of them on my skin. They also tend to not work at all well under makeup. This moisturiser however is perfection, not heavy at all and lifts any dullness right away. It's full of wonderful things (you can see the full ingredients list here) but like it says on the pot, it's essentially magic! It also happens to be the most extravagant little luxury on this list but it's well worth it in my opinion. I'm 33 now, about to be 34 and I feel it's the right time to really start taking care of my skin. Most importantly, applying this lovely smoothing cream to my face as the last step of my skincare routine both morning and evening makes me feel like I'm treating myself to something special every time. Self care and all that! 

2. BAUME DE ROSE, By Terry - I'm totally 100% confident in telling you, if you don't know already, that Baume De Rose is the best lip balm of all time. Ever. Like Charlotte's Magic Cream it's super moisturising and is packed full of ingredients that do wonders for your lips. I've never really been into lip balm. I've found most didn't work and some made things worse. This leaves my lips feeling soft and supple and is pretty much all I ever wear on them these days. If this doesn't convince you (which would be totally fair enough - what do I know?) then listen to the creator herself talk about how this cult product came into being on Anna Newton and Lily Pebbles's podcast 'At Home With...' While you're at it listen to the whole series. It's great! 

3. RIND CONCENTRATE BODY BALM, Aesop - This is such a treat! I don't actually moisturise my body for most of the year (feeling like that might be about to change however as I'm so in love with this product). I have recently had a wee holiday and got a teeny bit of a tan, so I've been doing my best on a daily basis to soak a load of moisturising goodness into my skin to keep the slightly bronzed glow going for as long as poss. This Aesop number is by far my favourite body moisturiser ever. Citrusy, creamy, refreshing deets here. 

4. LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL 1932, Chanel - So, actually this is the most extravagant luxury in this list. However, it was a gift from my wonderfully generous and beautiful mother and I don't use it every day so it's lasting me ages. Also, I have the 75ml one! I love it so much (mum and I in fact both love the whole Les Exclusifs de Chanel collection so much) that I was in too minds to share it with you. It's absolutely a special occassion jobby but every time I wear it I feel and smell like a million dollars. 1932 has notes of pear, grapefruit, iris and exotic jasmine. It's stunning. 

5. COLOURFUL LACE KNICKERS, Dora Larsen - I completely have a thing for fancy pants. Always have. I suspect I always will. Having gotten my face, limbs and more wobbly bits in-between smooth, moisturised and ready for the day, I rather like popping on a pair of lovely pants. Mine must be comfortable (no thongs here!) and very pretty. These Dora Larson colourful lace ones are a current fave. If you're looking for somewhere to try some on (always try on bras and pants - online underwear shopping sucks!) then visit The Pantry Underwear on Camden Passage. Eloise is wonderful. She really knows her stuff and has a shop stocked full of everything undergarment related you could ever need. It's a must stop next time you're at/near SMUG. She's only a few doors down and well worth a visit. 

6. SIMPLE JEWELLERY, Ruberg - So what's next? A very subtle bit of understated bling me thinks. I pretty much wear the same jewellery every day and I love it. My engagement ring which I still spend time gazing at happily every day (been married over 4 years) is from Ruberg, also on Camden Passage. Their work is beautiful, simple and a little bit interesting. I couldn't be happier with my ring. It feels perfectly me. Thanks Kamilla! My wedding ring was my husband's grandmothers (I know, so nice to have that special link, I'm very lucky) and my gold link bracelet is a vintage piece given to me on my wedding by my dad. He's a very stylish man. 

7. CUT FLOWERS, Angel Flowers and Dansk - As you may rightly assume, like SMUG, my flat is full of house plants. I love them. They are named, cared for and spoken to like children. But there's something so very special about cut flowers. I only have them very occasionally and find every time that they bring me so much joy! The ones pictured in this post are from Angel Flowers and Dansk both in Islington and always full of sensational and unusual blooms. New kids on the block/Passage That Wild Bunch are well worth a look and an Insta follow too. 

8. Chocolate Peacan Cookie, Ottolenghi - Hands down the best cookie in the world and my favourite sweet treat. I'm a huge Ottolenghi fan full stop and am far too often found there breakfasting, brunching or lunching. Sometimes I just pop in for a takeaway salad box and/or a cookie. Seriously though. The cookies! Try one. 

So that's it for my eight little luxuries that bring me joy. So much joy :) Do you have any regular special treats that keep your days intentional, bright, productive and happy? If not, I suggest you start finding some. Self care, self care, self care.