GRACE NOTES IV
Another week been, gone, and spent attempting to balance writing with flat-hunting. Spoiler alert : we found one, and it's nothing short of incredible.
This weekend I'm headed up to Scotland for a [wi-fi- free] countryside stay-cation, so as well as getting back up to speed with my blogposts I've also been powering through to ensure that the next week's worth are all set to go.
As you can imagine, seamlessly transitioning from essay-writing-like-crazy to blogpost-writing-like-crazy has left me feeling a little drained! I'm relishing my first proper break in months [one that hasn't involved revision/essay research], and looking forward to spending a few days away from my laptop - long walks and cosy-by-the-pub-fire lunches suddenly sound way more appealing than they did as a teenager. Oh and I'm also planning on making the most of a 600-acre countrypark to get up to speed with my 10k training, which was also somewhat thwarted by deadline week...
Here's to hoping your week will be every bit as relaxing as mine!
G
If you fancy peeking into my life/beauty world some more, find me on Twitter and Instagram.
EAT & DRINK : PROPERTEA, MANCHESTER
Tucked away in The Shambles near Manchester Cathedral lies Propertea; a haven for tea-lovers in a city very much consumed by coffee. The dedicated tea menu is predictably extensive, and the pastry counter is well stock with creative takes on classic favourites [I enjoyed a 'Peanut Butter Townie' [FYI a tart/brownie hybrid]].
Far removed from the Northern Quarter [the city's hub of indie eateries], the clientele is noticeably older, consisting mainly of Manchester's infamous 'ladies who lunch'. Despite this, there is a relaxed vibe, and with free wi-fi and spacious tables, it's definitely the kind of place where you could get comfy and do some work.
N.B. Note the tea-timer [in the the image opposite] designed to fine-tune the strength of your brew to your specific requirements.
FURTHER READING : Coffee vs. tea, an infographic.
THIS WEEK ON TGG :
READ
Hailed as the precursor to Sex and the City [the edition I own even has an intro from Candace Bushnell], The Group is set in 1930s Manhattan, and follows the lives of eight women post-graduation. Each character struggles against the burden of being a highly-educated woman in a slowly modernising world, facing issues regarding sexism, contraception, and relationships as they strive for independence at a time when women's roles were restricted to marriage and motherhood. Read if you loved Valley of the Dolls.
FURTHER READING : Was The Group the original Sex and the City?
IN MY SUITCASE
I struggle to streamline my beauty stash at the best of times, but when it comes to packing for a holiday I truly have issues; in my view, choice is Queen. Here's edit number one of my carry-on bag, the 100% 'you're coming with me' picks, which will most certainly not be left behind.
Click the products for details.
FURTHER READING : Marie Claire's tips for packing like a pro.
BEAUTY & GO
Frankly, I'm of the opinion that there are not enough eye-rolls in the world for the current craze for detox teas, fasting, and juice cleanses etc. However, I'm all for adopting a holistic approach to beauty and am more than aware of the benefits of the inside-out approach to skincare [clean-eating, supplements, and cutting down on dairy has done my complexion the world of good]. And, when a skincare brand renowned for its background in scientific research [Natura Bissé] launches its own line of beauty drinks, you pay attention.
Meet Beauty & Go; a range of fruit-based drinks formulated with an enriched formula of antioxidants. Each drink has a different "goal", and contains an impressive cocktail of ingredients more likely to be found on the packaging of your skincare products than your between-meal beverages [e.g. collagen, hyaluronic acid, rosehip etc.].
Tasting only a little more unusual than your average freshly-pressed juice blend, even Detox served to satisfy my sweet-tooth [albeit with a slightly vegetable-y aftertaste].
Naturally, as with any skincare product, you're not likely to experience lasting results from day one, but if you're prepared to stock up [B&G recommend 1-3 per day], I'd wager these as an effective supplement to your topical treatments.
Available now at Selfridges and Tesco.*
FURTHER READING : The science behind Beauty & Go.
LISTEN
Junip - Junip
WEEK IN INSTAGRAM
FROM THE ARCHIVES
READING LIST
- 13 books to read if you're visiting/pining for NYC.
- Some handy links if you're looking to luxe up your rented living space.
- How the experts clean their makeup brushes [hint : not as expensively as you'd think!].
- Tenneil shared her favourite YouTube channels [ft. not the usual suspects].
- Five super inspiring TED Talks to listen to if you're starting something new.
- Stylist roundup the best complimentary beauty treatments in the UK.
- I love the concept of The Future Library - a forest being grown in Norway to provide paper for a special anthology to be published in 2214.
- The rise [and life] of the digital nomad via The Telegraph.
- Lilly is always on the ball with the latest upcoming designers, I loved her introduction to Paloma Wool.
- Into the Gloss advocates the one-piece.
