January joy ♡♡♡
The simple pleasures making me happy this month
There’s something lovely about January, isn’t there? The gentler rhythm, sunlight lingering a little longer, and the chance to start afresh, no matter how simple those little changes might be. This month, I’ve been savouring a few simple luxuries to help me enjoy the slower days with four kids at home…
Each morning, I take my coffee outside, and sip it (as slowly as possible) with the warmth of the sun on my face. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, I even manage to sneak in ten minutes or so before being interrupted! We’ve also been frequenting the local bay most days for leisurely swims – just a five-minute walk from our home – it’s pure bliss for my mindset. And then there’s watering the garden: a quiet, meditative ritual that helps me start and end the day with a sense of calm.
Okay, this lip balm has been one of my best beauty finds. It tastes like strawberries, gives just the right hint of red shine, and feels so lovely and moisturising. When I need a little pop of confidence but don’t want to bother with makeup, it’s the perfect secret weapon to have in my handbag. Best part? It’s only $5-6 from your local supermarket or chemist. A humble pleasure that makes a big difference.
We were recently gifted a BBQ, and it’s been such a treat to shake up our meals. It’s become our go-to way of cooking and unwinding together in the early evenings. We’ve been grilling foil-wrapped terakihi or gurnard from Raglan Fish, simply flavoured with lemon, fresh herbs, and butter, with a bright herby tomato salad or oven-roasted root veggies, simple but so satisfying. The discovery of haloumi on the BBQ is also a revelation!
I just listened to a beautiful podcast featuring Oprah and Ina Garten, and it left me feeling inspired and hopeful. The conversation was all about the idea of luck and how pursuing the things that make us truly happy can lead us to where we’re meant to be. It’s loosely based on Ina’s new memoir Be Ready When the Luck Happens, and I’m already planning to borrow it from my local library.
And last but certainly not least, I’m so happy to share a new release from Lady Waves – the ‘It’s Always Sunny ‘Round Here’ organic cotton t-shirt. After a little break during the last months of my pregnancy and the early days with Bernie, it feels good to be back at it, creating pieces that celebrate the exquisite beauty of the ocean and the delight it offers me. This tee fits like a dream and feels unbelievably soft against the skin. The design is a reminder that, no matter the weather, the sun is always shining somewhere. If you’re a fellow ocean lover, I hope you’ll love it as much as I do! Pre-order yours here and I’ll be shipping them from next week.
Wishing you all the warmth and calm that January has to offer. Love, Eleanor xxx