Things I have loved in January

Ten things that gave me delight in what is otherwise one of the dullest month of the year (I am a January baby, so I can say that).

Welcome to my end-of-the-month roundup, where I talk about ten things I have recently loved. Whether it’s an interior-related object of desire, a beloved TV show, new places I have tried around London or an exciting new something in my pantry, I am here to spill the beans and share some recommendations I think you might like.

1. The Traitors (UK)

This might be my eco-chamber talking, but I feel like everyone in the UK has been collectively glued to the telly watching The Traitors. I wouldn’t exactly consider myself a sheep (much like one of the participants of the show – if you know, you know) but on this occasion, I’ll happily jump on the bandwagon: as far as semi-trash TV goes (and I’ll admit with no shame that I am somewhat of a connoisseur in the genre), this is seriously good stuff. This season in particular has been an absolute rollercoaster, so full of twists and turns that I found myself gasping and jumping on the sofa multiple times.

But there is also a more personal reason why I love it so much. When I was in uni (over a decade ago, long before the TV show came along), I used to play a similar role-play game with my friends, using simple playing cards to randomly determine the goodies from the baddies (there were some extra roles too). We spent countless whole evenings playing this game, which went by different names: some would call it Mafia, other Wolves, but the basic rules of the game are the same as the ones of the TV show with the iconic Claudia Winkelman. My bluff game has always been pretty poor (I can’t lie to save my life), but I relished the investigative role of sussing people out. Fun times.

The game I used to play requires a big group of people (I’d say a bare minimum of 8, but ideally more). However, if you are interested in playing at home in smaller groups, there are a couple of table games (which admittedly I have bought but have yet to test) that follow that dynamic with as few as 4 players:

The official Traitors board game
One night Ultimate Warewolves

2. Thermos from Zara Home

Image from Zara Home

I have been spending the most part of most days in this freakishly cold January tucked away in my little Den, which has become my main new working area. It’s a lovely and super cosy room, with a high-pitched roof, a skylight, and lovely views of the garden. However, it is also one of the coldest rooms, exposed to the winds on three sides.

The purchase of this generous (and stylish) thermos was a direct consequence of three facts:

1. The fact that the room is very cold

2. The fact that my principal way of keeping myself warm is through tea-drinking

3. The fact that I am intrinsically lazy, and therefore can’t be asked to descend the one flight of stairs that separates me from the kitchen each time I need to keep my tea in-takes topped up.

Enough said.

A picture of my beloved Den.

3. In pursuit of a tall cabinet

Other than furiously drinking tea locked away in my Den, I have spent many hours (too many hours, some might say) perusing the world wide web in search of a tall (and preferably antique) cabinet for the aforementioned Den. After years of using this room as a storage room (which de facto means not using it at all), and a big push over the autumn to get it to an inhabitable place, I found myself in a frenzy to try and finish it, and I feel like a cabinet is the last piece of the puzzle.

I have about 30 tabs on this subject open on my browser, waiting for me to make a decision, or there just in case I change my mind on rejected options. Most cabinets I have interviewed for the job are Antique (I currently have my eye on a couple of 18th-century Chinese wedding wardrobes). However, I stumbled upon this off-the-shelf pantry number that had me pause in temptation. I don’t need to explain to you why I think a larder in a Den might be an excellent idea (I’d put one in every room of the house, if it was up to me), but mainly, I can’t resist those cute little door shelves (is there a name for them?). The little knobs are very sweet too.

4. Keeping redness at bay

I’m not going to pretend I am the ultimate skincare guru. As a matter of fact, the concept of a proper skincare routine that involved more than two steps didn’t even enter my peripheral vision until last year, when my looming wedding gave me the kick in the butt I needed to start taking my skin health seriously. As I write this, I am two days away from turning 35, so, you know…about time.

In last month’s edit, I mentioned how my skin turns unhealthily green and dull in winter, and I how I found the Oskia bronzer serum really helped to bring back some life to my face (still obsessed with it, by the way). This month, I’m here to talk about another product I have introduced in my routine to help even out my skin tone and reduce redness: enter this SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment. Now, it may seem counter-intuitive to add green to my already greenish-white complexion, but this stuff really helps to even out red pigmentation caused by the harsh winter winds and cold. I use it in place of the moisturiser, and I love how lightweight and smooth it feels, and how quickly it absorbs.

I was introduced to SkinCeuticals’ products by my friend and skincare expert Ksenija (whose interview you can read here). It is definitely not cheap, but my gosh do you see results fast. Well worth the investment in my opinion.

5. A new favourite London restaurant

Image courtesy Farhang

Yesterday, we went out for dinner to celebrate my dear friend Sara’s birthday. The restaurant she chose was Farhang, a Thai restaurant in Islington, a mere 20 minutes walk from us. I had never heard of this place, despite my friend confirming that the waiting list to get a table is vertiginous: she had to book months in advance to secure a spot. So naturally, expectations were high.

As I am not a big fan of curries (my Italian genes mean I have an incredibly low tolerance to heat and spice), I opted to try all the other small plates available. It was a roaring hit. Each dish was beautifully layered and complex, fragrant, moorish and utterly delicious. The turmeric, coriander, fennel seed & roasted garlic butter roti bread with curry leaf salt, in particular, was to die for, especially combined with the minced chicken satay dipping relish with peanuts, pickled ginger, chilli, coconut milk & lime. My mouth is watering just at the thought!

6. The Unfriend

Speaking of fun things to do in the city, Joe took me to see Unfriend – a hilarious comedy play starring Lee Mack, Sarah Alexander and an irresistible Frances Barber (pictured above). A satire on British politeness and awkwardness peppered with some Agatha Christie influence and a surprising final plot twist, it had us laughing from the get-go.

The play is at the Wyndham's Theatre and will run until the 9th of March.
Tickets here

7. Something for your Dry Jan

To tell you the truth, I have never really enjoyed alcoholic drinks. I am not exactly a T-total (although pretty much 99% there), I simply don’t like the flavour of most alcoholic drinks, including wine (outrageous, I know! I am Italian, how dare I?).

With that, my drinking life up until recently has been fairly boring, with water being solidly my preferred choice over the usual Elderflower cordial or Ginger beer. However, I have been thrilled to notice a definite shift in gear in London over the last couple of years, with more and more interesting non-alcoholic options popping up everywhere. I’m talking about complex, layered, grown-a** drinks.

Most of my discoveries are made through thoughtful friends, who bring over a bottle of an alcohol-free tipple when they come over for supper. One such thoughtful friend, Sooji, recently brought me a bottle of this delicious Pineapple and Bay Cordial from Gimlet Bar. From the delicious flavour profile to the gorgeous label, it’s a 10/10 from me.

8. Escape London

The title of this book really tells you exactly where my head is at over winter. This was a fairly impulsive purchase whilst we were perusing the Tate Modern’s shop (after going to see Kusama’s exhibition, which was ok, hence why it didn’t make the list. But I digress). I am always on the lookout for recommendations for day trips out of the city, and Hoxton Mini Press is known for its guides. Amongst their suggestions, you’ll find my beloved Rye, in Sussex – my go-to destination for Antique Shopping. Perhaps one day I’ll compile my own little guide…

9. Lessons in Wardrobe

We are running low on TV series at the moment, with The Traitor having taken up most of our (admittedly limited) evening brain capacity. One series we have really enjoyed has been Lessons in Chemistry – the inspiring imaginary tale of a bright and somewhat socially awkward female Chemist turned mass-empowering TV chef in America in the 50s. What’s not to like.

Although I thought the series was very good, and Brie Larson absolutely captivating as protagonist Elisabeth Zott, it was the costume design that particularly struck a chord with me. I have always had a soft spot for 50s fashion, and her wardrobe is impeccable in this series. I think I am a checkered gilet sort of person now?

10. Chekered skirt from Beaumont Organic

I one hundred percent blame that show for my recent late-night spree of online shopping. The Winter sales are on, and my birthday is fast approaching, so you could say the conditions were ripe. The perfect storm.

I have been a long-time fan and customer of Beaumont, a small sustainable English clothing brand. I have a few of their pieces in my wardrobe and the quality is fabulous. So I treated myself to this skirt, plus two tops to go with it (all on sale).

Checkered skirt
Merino Wool Vest in Walnut
Merino Wool Jumper in Navy

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Hope you enjoyed this month’s edit! Let me know if you did, if you have come across any of these suggestions and – most importantly – whether you are #TeamFaithfuls or #TeamTraitors…