Life Lately: January, it’s the longest month for those trying to keep resolutions, sticking to diets and spending bans – but it also brings hope for an exciting year ahead with lots of planning and new adventures on the horizon!
Restaurants: Though I’ve avoided Dry January and Veganuary, I’ve still attempted to be a little bit healthy after Christmas, mostly eating at home rather than trying new restaurants. There have been a few though and I loved returning back to my home town to try Hawkyns by Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar. 
I also previewed the Valentine’s day menu at one of our favourites, Corinthia Hotel London on a stunning date night with Mr S! Speaking of date nights we celebrated seven years together in style when I was finally able to get a reservation at Gymkhana, one of London’s best Indian restaurants.
Events: I was absolutely thrilled to celebrate the epicurean tradition of Galette des Rois as a guest of world renowned Michelin-starred chef Hélène Darroze at the Connaught.
Galette des rois is a cake traditionally shared during the festival of Epiphany and my sister and I had a slice of the action washed down with Champagne Laurent-Perrier.
I also headed to breakfast at sketch, one of London’s most beautiful restaurants, to check out the new exhibition by David Shrigley. 
The pink interior of the Gallery space is a feast for the eyes and the new artwork is typical of Shrigley’s sense of humour with a look at human nature and satirical comments on everyday situations and human interactions.
What I’m Reading: I thought I’d introduce this new section to my monthly round ups mostly so I can have some accountability. I’d always been a book worm, even studying English Literature at university but my social media obsession meant I haven’t reached for a physical book in a while. However I’ve decided to end that phase and try and get back into reading at least one book month. January’s read was Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult.
I’m a huge fan of Jodie Picoult and I’ve read nearly all her books, Small Great Things was no exception and I couldn’t put it down. It tells the story of Ruth, a nurse implicated in the death of the a new born baby and facing trial for murder. As with all Picoult novels there are many layers to the story and a particular theme is the power of prejudice and race relations. I loved this book and I highly recommend it to fellow Picoult fans and those that love books that focus court room battles.
Please do let me know if you have any recommendations for my next read.
What I’m Watching: I’ve just finished watching Mind Hunter on Netflix and I throughly enjoyed it. You will too if you enjoy psychological crime dramas and aren’t too squeamish about serial killers! The series is set in the 1970s and follows FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench who interview convicted serial killers in order to profile them and use the information to solve open cases. It’s brilliantly written and acted and the use of real life killers and crimes makes it even more enthralling to watch.
What I’m Wearing: As I don’t consider myself particularly stylish, I’m always surprised when people ask questions about what I’m wearing so I thought I’d include a little section about what’s featured in my Instagram this month.
I particularly had lots of questions about this long dress from Kate Spade. It’s navy and midi-length with some gorgeous star embellishments, perfect for special occasions and it’s also available in pink.
New In: I know I’m late to the party but I’ve recently become a huge fan of Charlotte Tilbury after I discovered her rather life changing mascara. I asked for some Charlotte Tilbury stuff for Christmas and now I’m hooked, especially on the ultra moisturising Magic Cream. The PR team at Charlotte Tilbury further fed my fandom by mailing out some products for me to try. More of that luxurious Magic Cream as my first pot is nearly at an end, the Clay Mask that’s a miracle pore tightener and the Wonderglow face primer that makes your skin glitter!
The Brigthening Youth Glow is a new product for Charlotte Tilbury and it works wonders in colour correcting patchy skin, adding luminosity and giving that glow! Perfect for under your make up.
Travel: So by now, you all know that my surprise trip was (drumroll) … Norway. Theresa and I experienced the city life for one night staying at The Thief in Norway before heading north for Ålesund and a stay at Storfjord Hotel.
Storfjord Hotel is a truly special place as it sits high on the hills with an incredible view of the Storfjord and Sunnmøre Alps. With Narnia vibes outside and cosy Hygge interiors, it was quite simply gorgeous and the perfect place for a relaxing getaway.
In other travel news, I have a staycation with Lauren this weekend at a hotel I’ve been dreaming of for ages. I’ve been firming up my big trip to Argentina and Chile, plus we’ve booked our anniversary trip to The Amalfi Coast! Mr S is also trying to convince me to go skiing with him but I’m never been before and I’m scared! What do you reckon, should I go for it?
Blog Love:
Lauren went on a super chic trip to New York staying at boutique hotels.
Laura’s trip to Miami looked so fun and bought back memories of my last trip there four years ago.
Aftab’s Indian adventures had us all dying to visit.
Emma has made me put Seattle on my bucket list
And Gary’s photos of Lake Bled have me wanting to book a trip.
PS Join our travel link up!!
How to link up your post
Just pop your post up over the first week of the month (the 1st – 7th February 2018), add it to the link up widget found on Adventures of a London Kiwi, SilverSpoon London, Follow Your Sunshine and our guest host Tanja at The Red Phone Box Travels from the 1st.
