7 Things for the Weekend

Happy June! I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a good feeling about this month. Since coming back from Australia I’ve been trying to get better at balancing work and downtime (after I completely burned myself out working 6 days a week since the beginning of the year), so have been making sure I schedule regular friend dates and prioritise small pleasures just for me. This week I managed to have lunch with a friend (such a treat in the middle of the work week) and tonight I’ve got a massage at Neal’s Yard followed by games night with friends. Here’s what else I’m loving right now:

1. Treat yourself // It’s flower season! Buy a bunch of peonies, hydrangeas or lilacs as a present to yourself (just because).

2. Get your glow on // Shorter hemlines and white dresses always seem to look better with a tan – but only a faux one please (sun-baking is never ok). I’ve been using this on my face (you mix a few drops with your regular moisturiser, so it doesn’t interfere with your skincare routine) and this on my body (it smells like a summer holiday, feels like a moisturiser, and is un-tinted so won’t stain your clothes or sheets) and it makes even my alabaster skin look like I’ve spent three weeks in the Mediterranean.

3. Work on your holiday wardrobe // I’m heading to Lisbon for a long weekend later this month, so I’ve been happily stockpiling a few new summer pieces knowing I’ll be able to wear them regardless of what the unpredictable weather does here in England. I picked up this gorgeous midi dress and it’s everything I want in a summer staple – it’s the sort of throw-on-and-go-anywhere piece I love to wear (perfect for a day of sightseeing or dinner dates alike), it goes with all my summer accessories, and is a total bargain (I also love this shorter version too). What’s not to love?

4. Read something new // I’ve had this book in my (giant) ‘to read’ pile for ages, and finally started it last weekend. It’s the perfect bedtime read and is so useful if, like me, you always seem to be too over-stretched and over-stressed. I’ve even started meditating this week as a result, and have already noticed a difference in my energy and stress levels. I’m hoping to make it a daily habit, but will report back later once I’ve given it a real go.

5. Upgrade your excess baggage // I bought this canvas tote before our trip to Australia and it was so useful – I used it as my carry-on bag and it’s big enough to hold my regular handbag, a straw hat, big bottle of water, book, laptop, scarf and whatever else I need to throw in, but squishy enough to fit under the seat and folds down completely flat in your suitcase. Also perfect for a day of running errands around town.

6. Exercise your face (really) // A facialist once taught me to always give myself a face and neck massage for a couple of minutes when applying my cleanser and moisturiser each day. It really helps to get the circulation going (poor circulation = dull skin) and plump everything up, so I am definitely trying these face exercises by Meghan Markle’s facialist this weekend. If it’s good enough for the Duchess…

7. Make some tiny home improvements // Last weekend I swapped out the standard-issue chrome bathroom fixtures (that were here when we moved in) for this brass set and it’s amazing what a difference such a small investment and an hour of measuring/drilling has done to change the look of the room. What can you do at home that requires minimum effort but that will be a big improvement?

However you’re spending it, have a happy weekend everyone!

Love, Briony xx