🔖 Little Black Book #11
Indulgences of a Woman About Town.
Welcome back to The Navigation’s Little Black Book - the diary/directory offering recommendations and encouragement for spending your money, time and energy mindfully, with insights on what this Valleys girl is up to in the big smoke.
Before we dive in to this month’s round-up, I’ve a little bonus to share with you in the form of a podcast chat with
that was released earlier this month - on my birthday in fact!We talked a bit about
, and all the threads I’m pulling together here, before diving into the meatier topics that Eva is brilliant at encouraging us all to open up about, including people pleasing, guilt, chronic conditions, and the little things that help us with these daily struggles.If this sounds a bit too deep, let me assure you there are plenty of laughs along the way! Enjoy 🎧
👗 Wearing
I’ll start with an admission of something I’m not proud of.
Last month, after a particularly long and stressful Tuesday, I, who prides myself on thoughtful purchases and considered financial decisions, scrolled Instagram in search of an unlikely antidote to my work-induced angst.
I was promptly targeted by an ad for a very pretty dress, and of course it was at a great price.
I clicked through, and low and behold there was a sale! Everything must go!
Cue images of carefree women in sunglasses and tanned skin, wearing smiles that showed they definitely weren’t bogged down by emails and back to back Teams calls and unrealistic schedules.
In that moment, at approximately 11:15pm, I wanted to be like them, and at the click of an add to basket, I could.
Rationally I knew, even in my deliriously tired state, this was not really the case; that I was merely at the play of Zuckerberg and co., falling into the trap they had set. But the dopamine was hitting so further in I fell, ordering not one but three dresses I definitely did not need but in some way I was sure would make me feel better.
I did not write of this last month, because it took several weeks for the three separate deliveries to arrive, with a lost parcel along the way, unwanted admin trying to chase that down between the seller and the courier, and no refund eligible.
The 100% moneyback guarantee turned out to be sketchy too, with all sorts of loopholes that meant “it’s too big” wasn’t a valid reason for return.
Anyway, in the end, I kept all three, and with a bit of tailoring, will make them work. The fabric quality isn’t as fabulous as the online images suggested, but with a steam, the right accessories, and that website-worthy smile on my face, in their own way they are all a nice addition to my wardrobe, and one that’s ventured out this month has drawn several lovely compliments.
Was it worth the waiting time and the email admin faff though?
Probably not, and so I stand by my commitment to go to the shops, and enjoy this experience for what it is meant to be.
Fool me once, Instagram, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
A reminder to us all that after a long day solace should not be found in the algorithms… but sometimes those questionable purchases turn out okay.
💄 Applying
Ready to get your body beach-ready?
I jest, because I am very much in the camp of if you have body and there is a beach, then come as you are my friend!
But, if you fancy an excuse to treat your skin with summer approaching, then get exfoliating with The Ritual of Karma Salt Body Scrub, followed up with it’s sister pot of 48 hour hydrating Body Cream.
Both gorgeous textures and scents, with gold lids that makes the whole ritual oh so deluxe, and literally leaves your skin feeling like silk to the touch.
Not cheap, but a little goes a long way and if it’s just a weekly treat you’ll have those pots for months to come.
🎁 Gifting
May is a busy one for birthdays, and this month I’ve enjoyed picking up little treats in independent gift stores, as well as the treasure trove of Liberty’s ground floor.
Highlights have included a lavender eye/neck pillow which comes in gorgeous patterns, and can be used both heated and chilled. I have a similar one and keep it in the freezer to pull out and have in bed for a bit of cool on those hot summer nights.
Also these cute star sign socks by Powder - a female-owned and family-run brand that screams fabulous!
The book stocking I mentioned a while back is still serving me (and recipients) well too.
🥗 Eating
I was back in Wales over my birthday weekend, which meant being treated to much delicious fare (and of course cake).
One such meal was cooked by a friend (Tayla, also maker of the wonderful tote bag gift!) who rustled up a Mexican inspired feast of baked burritos, a peanut-y tofu and mango salad, sour cream and a sweetcorn side dish - accompanied by excellent cocktails from her co-host husband. 10/10 would recommend their kitchen table if you’re in town.
The next night I ate at the Celtic Manor Resort, which if you’re from South Wales you’ll likely know, and maybe even frequently drive past. It does have global acclaim, having hosted celebs and other hot shots - especially in the golfing world - but I’d be curious to know if you’ve heard of it if you’re reading this and not from that part of the world?
Anyway - I’d highly recommend making a trip, if not for a stay, then for a Sunday night dinner buffet. This high-class, all-you-can-eat affair offers everything from salads and soups, to grilled veggies, fish and pasta bakes, plus a curry station, and - in case all that wasn’t enough - a whole carvery hot table to get your Sunday roast fill. Oh, and did I mention dessert? That’s covered too. Have a little of want you fancy, or load up and try it all.
Warning that a relaxing lie down will be in order once at home. But you’ll be reveling in the gourmet experience for days.
Eats in London this month have included a low-key M&S picnic in Regent’s Park, making the most of after-work sun, plus a visit to Brixton’s Two Twins Tacos with too-easy-to-drink spicy margs.
Dinner at Notting Hill’s Bibida was delicious - with perhaps the fullest vegetable dumplings I’ve ever eaten - and more al fresco dining at King’s Cross Mare Street Market served up tasty lentil hummus, wildly good tandoori potatoes, and yet more tacos and spicy margs!
🎭 Visiting
An out of town trip this month came with a visit to Windsor Castle, with my partner A’s family. I’m not one for the royals, but joined in the fun with the promise of a roast to end the day.
No photos are allowed while walking around the inside of the castle itself, which I appreciated as a way to keep people focused and present as they wander and look and marvel. It’s as grand as you might imagine, with more ornate furnishings than you can shake a stick at, and random historical artifacts such as the bullet that apparently killed Lord Nelson during the Battle of Trafalgar.
Outside, the grounds are beautiful - well-kept greenery, relaxing streams curving around turreted walls, and roses you want to stop and smell. Tickets are not cheap but can be valid for a year, so worth it if you think you might visit a few times.
Less than a week later and out of town travels took me to Oxfordshire, for the Substack with Ease Retreat with
and . I loved being back in the world that Tanya creates so lovingly and expertly, offering an extra pair of hands to provide guests with the best experience possible.The room was full of inspiring women, eager to explore all that is possible for them here on Substack, and it was a joy to soak up the energy! After we packed up at the end of the day, I jumped in the car with Tanya to head to Wales, and we chatted all the way home, excited by the success of the day and bubbling with new ideas.
A few days later, after the food-filled birthday weekend at home, I was back in London and ventured east for an evening with
and , celebrating the launch of Emma’s new book, Table for One at Second Home. Settling in for a great conversation with a vino per uno, it was a delightful way to relax alone, but in the company of others.📚 Reading
My nightstand is currently full of books I have been dipping in and out of over the past month or so, including (but not limited to!) the Burden of the Balkans (picked up while away in Albania for my birthday last year), A Happy Poem to End Every Day (a new birthday entry), and Untamed which I’m re-reading as part of
and pop up book club.Nothing like an eclectic mix for dipping into a bit of what you fancy!
I’ve also dived into the intro pages of The Artist’s Way, after being gifted that for my birthday too, and am dreaming up something new for
this summer… stay tuned!
Less dreamily, more solicitors documents and search reports and what not as the property purchase admins drags on ever more. Possibly there is some light at the end of the tunnel - and boy there better be a bloody large glass of bubbles there too!
As ever, I’ll keep you posted.
Until next time, happy Sunday, and if there’s anything you’d like to share from your little black book this month, you know I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
x
If you enjoyed reading and would like to support my work without a paid subscription, a Ko-fi coffee is always appreciated.☕
Great edition of ‘little black book’ 😊 I know it's far from the point of the whole post, but I love your coffee mug! ❤️
love the Rituals Karma scrub! it’s the one i repurchase 🩵