Things I have loved in February
My new favourite movie (possibly ever?), floral jackets, new pantry staples, neutral shower accessories, interior objects of desire and an exciting new London restaurant...
Welcome to my monthly roundup of the ten things I have enjoyed the most in the last 30 days (or thereabouts). February has been an exciting month, if not from a weather forecast point of view (is it me or did it feel like it has been raining non-stop?), then at least from a new discoveries perspective. This issue is food-heavy, with a foodie film, two new pantry staples I have been craving, and a visit to an exciting new restaurant in London. But we’ll also be talking about homeware pieces that have caught my eye recently, the perfect transitional ware for this unstable season, and exactly how and why I succumbed to Meta’s targeted marketing.
Strap in!
1. The Taste of Things
My number one obsession this month has hands down been this movie by French Director Tran Anh Hung, starring Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel. The movie is classed as a Romantic Drama, but the gentle and nuanced relationship between these two gourmands takes the backstage to what is the actual protagonist of the film: food. During the long opening scene, we closely follow in silence Binoche’s character as she methodically works around the most stunning kitchen I’ve ever seen, whilst preparing a several-course long French feast. If it sounds boring, trust me, it was not. I would have gladly watched the whole two hours like that, gently lulled by the ASMR sounds of fire crackling, pots being stirred, water boiling, vapour rising. Truly a feast for the eyes.
2. Toast LIVE
February was also the month one of my dream collaborations came true, and I was interviewed in my home by the Toast team to talk through my favourite pieces of their new homeware collection in three of my favourite rooms of our home. I have been a long-time fan of Toast and their ethical approach to fashion and homeware so it was a huge honour for me to be asked.
I was lucky enough to be able to keep a few of the pieces, and I was particularly thrilled to be able to keep the Coat I am wearing in the picture above: I had spotted it in one of their shops as soon as it came in and fell hard in love with its slightly 50s silhouette!
If you are interested in having a snoop around my home and missed the LIVE show, you can catch up here.
3. Quilted (and floral) jackets
Speaking of Jackets, with Spring fast approaching, my attention has been captured by a couple of quilted jackets, perfect for the transitioning period to come. The catalyst was undoubtedly a post by my fashion muse Hannah from Graham St Fashion, whose effortlessly cool styling of this very floral and feminine jacket from Sezane stopped me in my tracks. I came across Hannah’s work last year, became obsessed with her and had the fortune of spending a day with her as a personal shopper: it was honestly the best money I have ever spent as it completely changed my outlook towards my personal style. I am now much more playful with colour and even patterns, which were areas I definitely did not feel cosy with pre-Hannah. But I digress.
I have some virtual window-shopping for you guys and put together a small edit of my favourite quilted and floral jackets (bonus points* for those that are reversible, which I am OBSESSED with).
The White Company Quilted Reversible Cocoon Jacket, £159.00*
Smallable Louise Misha Neliana Quilted Jacket, £283.00 *
This jacket deserves an honorary mention, as it is not only reversible, but has the option to remove the sleeves and turn it into a Gilet. Truly the transformer of the Jacket world!
4. Scarf from tbco
For all my longing for Spring, the truth is the weather is still very much unpredictable in London right now (as I write this, it was absolutely freezing outside), so Scarf season is very much not over yet. In fact, I am doubling down on it and treating myself to a new scarf, which I think goes very nicely with my new Toast green coat. TBCo has become my go-to scarf destination (since being introduced to them by my aforementioned fashion guru Hannah).
☞ My Scarf
Other than the fabulous quality and the vast choice of colours and styles, I particularly love their branding and attention to detail when it comes to packaging. The box it comes in is beautiful and the opening experience is so lovely, that it makes for a perfect Brand to gift (as a matter of fact, Joe and I have recently gifted my lovely sister-in-law Ellie this scarf for her birthday).
5. Rug from Zara Home
I am currently in the market for (multiple) rugs and this pretty and affordable rug from Zara Home caught my eye (wait, am I finally in my pattern era?). If you know me, you know green and pink is my favourite colour combination, and the olive tone of this rug's edges is just perfection. I am considering it for our big guest bedroom (pictured below)…maybe?
6. Bench from Nkuku
The olive tones of this bench would go very well with the rug above. I wish I had a place in our home for it, but at 180cm long, it is a bit too big to go at the end of a bed. It would look great in a long hall though, or paired with a dining table as shown here. I’d snatch it up if I were you!
7. New in my Pantry
This month I have discovered two great new additions to my pantry – one sweet and one savoury treat which have already become staples in this house.
The first is this Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Spread. Now let me be clear, I grew up in the country that brought Nutella to the world. I know a thing or two about Chocolate spreads, and believe me when I say this one is a killer. If you, like me, are a fan of dark chocolate, you are going to love this one. Plus, you can consume it assured in the knowledge that is actually quite healthy, with a total of 5 ingredients in it and all organically sourced.
My second Pantry staple is this Fermented Sauerkraut from Loving Foods. Contrary to the Chocolate Spread, I can’t claim I grew up eating Sauerkraut. In fact, I never had SauerKraut until fairly recently, when my long battle with gut issues led me to learn that fermented foods are supposedly really good for your tummy. This stuff gives me proper craves – it has an almost cheesy aftertaste that is so morish, I could easily eat the whole thing straight out of the jar in one session.
8. Scalp Care
For months now, my Instagram feed has been inundated with Reels of #girlies teaching me all the ways oiling + massaging your scalp is good for your hair. I suppose I should have seen it coming that I would eventually succumb to the algorithm and become prey to targeting marketing (congratulations Meta, you got me). But in my defence, it has to be said that it was only recently that I gave in, and only because I was gifted this incredible-smelling Hair Oil.
My hair is naturally prone to getting greasy relatively quickly (I wash it every other day, which I know you are not supposed to do), so I have always been sceptical about the idea of adding oil to my scalp. It’s not been long enough to tell you whether I see results, so I am not going to. But what I will say is that I am truly loving the scent of this product, aptly called “cabin fever”: it smells like a forest, which is my kind of scent. And if you are nervous, like me, to put oil on your scalp, it’s meant to work wonders not only as a scalp remedy, but as a “hair mask, split end-sealer and style finisher” too.
☞ Larry King Spoilt For Choice Hair Oil
One thing I have been keen to try for some time though is a scalp brush. Aside from the beneficial action it’s supposed to have in stimulating the blood circulation in your scalp and helping absorption of the products, it is just so bloody relaxing! If you have ever tried one of those spidery metallic head massage thingy, you’ll know what I’m talking about. There are now so many different brushes on the market, but then I came across this really nice one from Forest & Shore (they also do hair products which I have yet to try) and was sold on the nice branding (you know me) and classy neutral shade. I have to say its design is very ergonomic too, its silicon shape moulds perfectly to the palm of your hand (works both for right and left-handed people) and it’s a joy to use!
☞ Forest & Shore Scalp Massager
9. Shower scraper from Nordic Nest
Whilst we are on the subject of chic & neutral shower accessories, let me introduce you to this beauty from Nordic Nest, which has been on my wish list for an eternity. The only reason I haven’t bought it yet is that I already own two squeegees for both our showers, both perfectly nice and performing their job to a satisfactory level, so I can’t really justify the extravagant £22.75 expense for a newer, sleeker squeegee.
Or can I?
10. Llama Inn
Designer Hotels are always a great source of inspiration for me when it comes to interiors. You don’t even need to stay at the hotel – chances are, they have a cracking restaurant too. This is most definitely the case with The Hoxton and its rooftop Llama Inn. With the entrance tucked away on a quiet backstreet in Shoreditch, this is the kind of hidden gem that makes you feel very “in the know” (at least – we did when we were finally able to locate the entrance!). I love a restaurant with a conservatory feel, and this one felt really relaxed and cosy, with views over the City and the Barbican.
It’s not always a given that fancy interiors equals amazing cuisine. But the Peruvian and Japanese-inspired menu definitely hit multiple spots with us, with the Scallop Ceviche, Pork Chops and chicken skewers all being absolute bangers (the pudding was delicious too). Service was speedy and friendly, too.
I’m definitely coming back, and bringing friends too!
I saw The Taste of Things in a cinema, and I'm glad I did. No movie-going experience has ever felt so immersive.
Hey you! I've just joined substack and I'm finding all my fav instagrammers on here. So hey! Loved this. xx