Chelsea Flower Show

I've had the pleasure of working on the wonderful RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the past week and wanted to share some pictures here. First thing in the morning before the show opens, it's the very definition of a Quiet Life. Still. Glittering in the early sunlight. Beautiful. To me, it's so much more than a flower show. The growers, gardeners, designers and BBC production team are all creative, passionate people who care so much about the show and the energy that creates is just magical.

Sunday Song - Come Back (Light Therapy)

I've seen Josh Rouse play live several times over the years. At Brixton Academy, Borderline, Shepherd's Bush Empire and the Union Chapel. And every time has been wonderful. He's from Nebraska and spent his early recording years in Nashville but now lives in Spain and his laid back songs are perfect for a Sunday.

Papersmiths

I stumbled across the new Papersmiths store in Boxpark Shoreditch this weekend and it took all my self control not to pick up everything I saw. The shop is arranged simply by colour which makes it easy to browse. I'm visiting Copenhagen later this year so I bought this sweet travel book from @500hiddensecrets. And then I couldn't resist buying a small selection of the 0.4 Artline Fineliners. I played with the pens this morning, here's a little sneak peek at what I've been drawing.

Sunday Song - Got To Be Real

As is so often the case, this song is this week's Sunday song because Mary Anne Hobbs reminded me of it on her 6 Music show yesterday. It also reminds me of an episode of Sex & The City where Carrie falls on the catwalk and has to get up and keep walking.

"Because when people fall down in life, they get right back up and keep on walking." 

Master Of None Season 2

Sometimes you just need to switch off and inhale an entire boxset. The script for Master Of None Season 1 was an absolute masterpiece. Season 2 arrived on Netflix today, I can't wait to see what it has in store.

Benvenuto in Italia. Master of None Season 2 is now streaming. pic.twitter.com/FHrxPx0Q7P

— Master of None (@MasterofNone) May 12, 2017

Vulnerability

I've been watching Casey Neistat's vlogs since Holly Exley posted his Do What You Can't video on Twitter. I find Casey's work ethic and creative drive really inspiring. Through his channel I've also discovered the design work of his wife Candice and her jewellery company Billy! I found the video below really insightful. What's it like to be the wife of an internet superstar when you're not comfortable with the limelight? What's it like to dare to feel vulnerable?

Below is one of my photos from New York which I thought captured the idea of vulnerability. Click on it to watch Candice's interview with Behind The Brand.

Sunday Song - A Change Is Gonna Come

Heavenly any day of the week : )

Mindfulness

I'm sure I've talked about mindfulness on my mini blog before but I was reminded about how beneficial it is today when I read this 8 Reasons To Give Mindfulness A Shot article on the Headspace website. I was lucky enough to go to one of Andy Puddicombe's first seminars when he started Headspace and it had such a profound effect on me. The simplicity of reminding yourself to be in the moment is wonderful. It's honestly changed my life by helping me to handle life's ups and downs and to really enjoy the highs. Be mindful, be kindful : )

Oatcakes

Sometimes you just need something simple. I like baking these. They're easy to make and taste wholesome and homely. Enjoy with a piece of your favourite cheese and some chutney.

You can find the recipe on the Frugal Feeding website by clicking here.

Ella Fitzgerald

"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."

Oh lovely Ella. It would have been her 100th birthday this week so I wanted to share a song of hers. I remember a holiday in Spain where we played her albums over and over and lazed by the pool and it was just perfect. Her rhythm and improvisation in this performance is just wonderful. Enjoy!