Beauty recommendations
In my book, easy is the only thing a beauty product needs to be and given that I haven't had a facial in years, Sarah Chapman's Facialift is the perfect way to give my skin a boost at home without taking loads of time. You just glide the rollers over you cheeks and neck and hey presto, you've got a nice glow going on. Sarah says it's like gymnastics for your face and I couldn't agree more.
I'm a big fan of Beauty Pie and buy all my skincare products from there. I use one of its serums with the Facialift - at the moment it's Plantastic Miracle Overnight Face Oil that has a pleasing summery smell and is making my weary skin surprisingly smooth. Full marks to that and on price too.
Book recommendation
I always enjoy reading Laura Cumming's books (most recently On Chapel Sands about her own family history and The Vanishing Man, about Velasquez) and am midway through her latest, Thunderclap: A memoir of art and life & sudden death.
Recipe recommendations
Instagram is a great resource for recipes, not ones that you have to follow slavishly but where you'll get good ideas. Always on a quest to find different ways to serve burrata, I found this recipe on Borough Chef's feed. Serve burrata with lightly cooked beans, grilled peaches and toasted almonds, dressed with a light vinaigrette (I used apple cider vinegar) and some thyme leaves.
I'm not sure whether this is a trend that's going to catch on, but a lot of Instagramming cooks are serving things up in muffin cases, finely sliced potatoes, courgettes etc. How delicious do these potato cases look and they're easy too. Great for barbecues or even picnics as you could cook them in advance and then wrap in foil to keep warm.
Fave fashion buys/things on my most-wanted list
There's always room in my wardrobe for a new shirt, especially for the last of summer evenings that lie ahead. This chic version from the Chlo from Sezane (£100) comes in a number of colours, any of which will work as we move into the autumn. For now, the navy blue has my name on it.
Not a fashion item as such, but something to put fashion in. July makes the world's lightest carry on and if I was a good packer, which I'm not (I'm the kitchen sink sort and take everything just in case), this would be the carry on I'd travel with. The Carry On Light weighs just 1.8kg, takes 32 litres of kit, which sounds quite a lot of space and costs £195.
Interiors buys/things on my most wanted list
These rattan urns are super expensive (from $298.00 – $398.00) but I've happily put them on my most wanted list, not that I'll ever get one.
However a quick google and I have found a cheaper version from Mrs Alice. It's a little bit fussy, with its scalloped edges but still looks good. It's not as tall, 45 cm high to Terrain's 53 cm high but this one wins on price and ships from the UK.
By Arabella Dymoke
August 2023
