Delicious socks, delicious fish and delicious chores
Elbows deep in Google Docs, and I can still find ridiculous things to find joy in.
Hello, it’s great to
see you again.
Editor – Phoebe Tully
—
I have been head down for the past week, developing all of the materials for my new online course.
When I first sat down to compile this newsletter, I felt quite without inspiration. What had I done in the past week, but stare at my computer and question my life decisions? Had I eaten anything lately? What’s my name again?
But it is the way of small things to always be there, making life that little bit comfier, easier and tastier – even when you don’t stop to notice them. So this week I’m paying homage to materials and textures that are blissful when you stop to pay attention, and practical when you’re elbows deep in Google Docs and too busy to notice.
Thank you cashmere and linen. I owe you one.
You can leave your socks on.
It may seem impossibly indulgent, but that’s kind of the point of cashmere socks – it’s kind of an absurd idea. That’s also what makes an excellent gift – it’s something you would never spend money on yourself. (Or, if you would, good for you.)
When I travel, even in warmer months, a pair of loose-ish socks just feels so cosy without being hot. Some people love big fluffy robes; I love to pad around my hotel room or curl up on the couch with a luxurious pair of socks. My mum knitted me a pair of socks, which have a permanent home in my suitcase, lest I idiotically travel without them. But socks knitted by my mum isn’t a scaleable suggestion, so…
Here’s some options, all of them unisex and one-size-fits-most:
These affordable cashmere-blend socks ($) come in a few different colours, delivered in nice (easy to wrap) gift box.
This pair of ribbed 100% cashmere socks ($$) is exactly what I picture. They also make cashmere-blend versions ($$).
These two-tone ankle versions ($$) are almost like little booties.
Linen, but make it delicious.
I recently had the opportunity to stay at an Unyoked cabin in south-east Queensland (#prguest), and my article has just gone live for The New York Times Style Magazine: Australia. It was a beautiful, relaxing weekend away (and the dogs could come too!), just hanging out, walking and chatting around the fire.
While staying out in the middle of nowhere, the luxurious IN BED Portugese sheets just felt like such a delicious little luxury. They were, of course, khaki to go with everything else. My cotton sheets are home at jealous. I’d love to try the pure white set, but I don’t think I’m game. Two dogs and a clumsy partner – I can see this ending in tears.
Lots of companies are onto the linen bedding trend now, but IN BED is B Corp and European Flax® certified, which ensures the flax growers and traders follow environmental best practice, and it guarantees a high level of traceability and accountability through each stage of production.
No question this week! One thing had to fall off the list, I’m sorry.
But please keep sending them through as a reply to this email or a comment below, and I’ll be back to regular programming in no time!
DO | Give all your make-up brushes a really good clean and then dry out in the sun for some natural anti-bacterial bonus vibes. It’s very satisfying, little chores like this one. Here’s a good tutorial to make sure you do it in a way that actually cleans them, but doesn’t destroy them. Those little guys are spensy!
MAKE | My current favourite way to cook fish is en papillote (as in, wrapped in baking paper). On a sheet of baking paper, place a handful of veggies (eg. zucchini, broccolini, asparagus, beans), season, and then top with a fillet of white fish. Add a slice of lemon, a crushed garlic clove, a knob of butter and a splash of wine or stock. Fold the paper over to create a little package that is completely leak-proof. Bake at 180C for approximately 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let steam for a further 5 minutes. Open and serve with a side salad and some boiled potatoes.
READ | Lady Chatterley's Lover – D.H. Lawrence
WATCH | Me Before You (2016)
LISTEN | Coming Home – Leon Bridges