The June Edit

all the wintery things bringing me joy!

Hello beautiful readers,

This month has felt full in the best possible way… and also in the slightly breathless, where-did-the-time-go way. I’ve done something a little terrifying and a little exciting: I’ve put my house on the market! When we moved to Raglan, we were in a rush. School starting in January, children needing bedrooms, practicality winning over all the beautiful, romantic visions I had in my mind. And it’s been a lovely home, truly. Fantastic neighbours, a good street. But my partner and I are ready for something that feels a little more us. I’m dreaming of a water view. Or mountains. Ideally both? (I can dream!).

The not-knowing-what-comes-next part is a bit scary if I let myself think about it too hard, so mostly I’m not. I’m trusting in divine timing instead, which is either very wise or very naive, and I haven’t quite worked out which. But in the meantime, here’s all the things that have been bringing me joy this month.

Reading...

Strangers by Belle Burden, which I read in two days flat and couldn’t put down. I’ll be honest, I don’t read many memoirs. But this one pulled me in completely. An unflinchingly honest account of a marriage unravelling after twenty years, written with the kind of raw clarity that makes you feel you’re sitting right beside her. Highly recommend!

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Listening to…

For those with little ones at home, Bernie and I have been absolutely enchanted by Laura Marling’s new album Laura Sings Raffi. And as I love to do each month, I’ve been slowly adding songs that make me feel something to a playlist simply called June - a little sonic diary of the month. You’re very welcome to come and listen alongside me as I add to it.

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Watching...

Beef Season 2 with my partner on a Friday night. Twisted, satirical, slightly thrilling, and the kind of show that makes you want to talk about it afterwards. We loved it. (I also spent considerable time admiring Carey Mulligan’s wardrobe throughout. I would wear virtually all of it.)

Voicemails for Isabel. I watched it alone one afternoon with a hot chocolate and my hot water bottle and a blanket pulled up to my chin. A wonderful film! Funny and romantic and genuinely moving. I cried twice!

I was also completely captivated by the inside of Amanda Seyfried’s New York apartment. Warm, soft, cosy, elegant, romantic. Everything all at once, and somehow not too much of any of it.

Wearing...

I had this dark red fur coat from Friends With Frank on my wishlist for months, and when it came up on sale a few weeks ago I decided it was clearly meant to be. It’s the kind of coat that make you feel like the fanciest version of myself. Perfect for work days in town that require a bit more of me, and I can’t wait to wear it for our mini getaway to Melbourne next month.

Special mention also for this ANNIE red plaid skirt. I have the exact same style in white, and hand on heart, it is without doubt the most-worn item in my entire wardrobe. Something about it just makes me feel like myself. The fabric is light and soft enough that the full circle silhouette never feels too much. Pair it with the poet blouse for a matching moment. Side note: I had the joy of shooting and styling my lovely friend Marcia for this collection. I really do love my job!

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Rituals I’m enjoying...

I’m halfway through my pot of Aleph cleansing balm, and let me tell you, it smells divine, leaves your skin soft and dewy rather than stripped and tight, and feels (especially at the end of a long day) like a small, loving act of kindness toward yourself. That’s exactly what it is, actually.

Cooking...

No recipe as such this month, more of a loose set of instructions that I’ve been returning to again and again. Start with noodles, or rice if that’s what you have. Submerge in vegetable stock with a good splash of soy sauce and a thumb of finely grated ginger. Bok choy, roughly chopped. Spring onion. Whatever protein feels right: marinated satay tofu is my favourite, shredded leftover chicken if there is some, a fried egg if it’s one of those days. Seven minutes or so on a low simmer. Maybe ten. Until it looks exactly like what it is… something nourishing, made without fuss, for yourself, with plenty of love.

A little wander through the things that have caught my eye this month ~ some practical, some purely aspirational, all very much loved from afar.

• A pocket flower press from Garden Objects, because I am always picking flowers on my neighbourhood walks and this feels like exactly the right tool for someone like me. Pressed flowers in frames. Homemade cards. Yes please.

• I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of vintage jeans. I haven’t had any luck so far, but the Vinola jean from Malene Birger is pretty close to what I’m looking for.

• These satin mule flats with the sweetest ruched detail. A little luxurious, for around the house or otherwise.

• The Uma long-sleeve in navy merino from Dominique Healy, because she simply cannot do wrong when it comes to a flattering neckline and a beautiful basic.

• A raffia basket bag, because the basket bag obsession endures and I have made my peace with that.

• Jenny Walton’s new book ~ for those who don’t follow her Substack Jenny Sais Quoi, please do, she is full of grace and impeccable vintage taste. My birthday is coming up, and should any loved ones happen to be reading this, consider this my very gentle hint.

• This scalloped tray from Tony Sly’s pottery shop down by the Raglan wharf. Something I’m saving as a little housewarming gift to myself, for whenever the new home reveals itself. I’m also eyeing up one of these lovely lamps.

• And finally…I am dreaming, genuinely dreaming, that our next home has a gas stovetop. Because if it does, this Lady Anne moka pot will be sitting on it immediately.

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And that’s June, gathered up and handed over to you. Thank you, as always, for being here! If you enjoy reading The Art of Simple you might like to support my work by:

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Lots of love, Eleanor x