Helsinki Sisu-9

In Search of Sisu in Helsinki

The Danes gave us Hygge to make our lives that little bit more cosy. The Swedes balanced it all out with the concept of lagom (everything in the right amount). Now its the Finns’ turn to influence us all with their own very unique take on life with the concept of “sisu”. Sisu describes the typical Finnish trait of rising up to meet life’s challenges, even in the face of the fiercest of adversity. It’s about having guts and determination, stepping outside your comfort zone and  giving it everything you’ve got.

On my recent trip to Helsinki, I went in search of sisu based on only a shamefully low level understanding of what it is. And so it was through my tour of saunas and (Baltic) sea swimming that I found not so much sisu, but a fabulously relaxing, rejuvenating and invigorating side of Finnish life. Continue reading “In Search of Sisu in Helsinki” →

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Summer Wardrobe 1

My Complicated Relationship with my Summer Wardrobe

Now that London’s never-ending and brutal winter has come to an end, I have ceased questioning my life choices, only to find myself grappling with a new complication. I’ve written before about my challenges in dressing for summer. This time, I’m digging a little deeper. So deep, in fact, I’ve discovered and had to face some stark realties about an unhealthy relationship I have with my summer wardrobe. Continue reading “My Complicated Relationship with my Summer Wardrobe” →

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Provence Wineries-9

Five Provence Wineries You need to Visit

In the second of my Provence duo, I have saved the best for last. One of the best things to do while in Provence is to tour the wineries, be dazzled by the in-your-face-beauty of the scenery and taste a few local wines at the cellar door.

So here are my top five Provence wineries, all easily accessible if you base yourself in the Luberon area. Plus, I give you few practicalities to help you plan your trip. Continue reading “Five Provence Wineries You need to Visit” →

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Linen 6

How to Wear Linen

Nothing says Summer like linen. As soon as you see it in the shop, you immediately picture yourself in it, lounging gracefully on a poolside chaise longue, spritz in hand, laughing delightfully at a joke you just made.

But it’s not all sunshine and spritzers when it comes to linen. It is notoriously difficult to wear. You only have to look at it sideways for it to crease. And no matter how much you iron or steam those creases, it will never return to its pristine, just-off-the-rack condition ever, ever again. Is it even possible to wear it without creasing?  Continue reading “How to Wear Linen” →

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Luberon Provence 7

Planning your next trip to Provence | 5 Villages to visit in the Luberon

Provence is one of those places where the reality lives up to its reputation. The dramatic hilllside villages. The dreamy lavender fields. Vineyards stretching across rolling hills. Drinking rosé under the stars. Shopping for the freshest local produce at village markets. Mouth watering cuisine and the romantic lifestyle made famous in books and films.

On a recent trip to Provence we focussed our efforts on the Luberon area and found so much more than we expected. Before you plan your next trip to Provence, read on for planning tips plus five villages to visit in the Luberon. Continue reading “Planning your next trip to Provence | 5 Villages to visit in the Luberon” →

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Career Change

Leap of Faith – Making a Career Change

Six months ago, I left full-time employment as a lawyer to embark on a career change that I should have started years ago. I’m now in that transitional period of working part-time as a lawyer and every-other-waking-minute as a writer and blogger.

Since starting this career change, I’m fascinated by the whole process. I’ve spoken to a lot of people who are contemplating a career change, or who have already taken their careers in totally new directions. What is clear from all these conversations – the what-ifs and the I-wish-I’d-done-it-years-ago’s – is that the decision to change one’s career isn’t one that’s made over night. It’s a process that can take months or even years.

Three very fascinating people I have spoken to about their own career changes are: Jennie Hogg, a former insurance lawyer, now founder of Lois Avery Italian made cashmere scarves. Katharine Paterson, a spa therapist who branched out and started her own beauty business, KMP Skin. And Bola Marquis, an IT programme manager who founded Okun an African-inspired beachwear fashion label.

Between the four of us, it seems there are definite stages that were common to each of our decisions to change career. And those stages lead us all to that point of making a (well-researched and informed) leap of faith…

Continue reading “Leap of Faith – Making a Career Change” →

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