Hello, hello and happy May! How is it that it’s already May?! There are times when I just cannot comprehend how fast time flies! I’m currently at my desk with a warm cup of coffee, staring out at the gloomy sky we’re having this morning. It was raining most of the night, making the morning air a little more cooler. After the Saharan dust storm we had a few weeks ago, everything outside feels crisp and clean again!
Lately
We celebrated our Easter at the beginning of May and in Greece, a great deal of outdoor prepping and cleaning goes on before Holy Week. People whitewash their homes and the perimeters of their gardens…they prune their rose bushes, trees and do all the necessary garden and spring cleaning so that everything is ready for Easter Sunday. Hosting Easter at our house has been the norm the last couple of years but this year, we spent it at our village. Easter in the village has an essence of its own. A table was set under a very large mulberry tree. Different wild flowers and roses in the most beautiful colours filled the garden’s courtyard. Meat was served right off the grill on large platters that were immediately marinated with an olive oil, oregano and lemon dressing. Salads and tzatziki were the perfect pair to cool off the meat and natural rosé wine was served to wash it all down! Simple yet beautiful! In the village, you hear traditional greek folk music coming from different homes, neighbours casually dropping by as they head to their own family gatherings; some might sit for a while catching up on current news whilst they enjoy a small meze and a glass of wine, toasting to one another. Others would be given a meze in hand and wished good health and a Happy Easter! All so very wholesome and welcoming!
Since we weren’t hosting Easter this year, I was less stressed about having our outdoor spaces ready. I did do my own fair share of pruning but there are still a few things that need to be done. Once the weather decides to be spring again, my focus will be on setting up on our bistro corner on our balcony. I’ve decided to keep my round cafe table in the office but I did buy a larger marble table similar to this one for the balcony. I cannot wait for it to arrive! I can already picture it…meals, tea lights, get-togethers with friends and limoncello spritz! I’m also looking for an umbrella that we’ll be able to use for the beach and the balcony. I saw this one and immediately feel in love! It’s so the vibe I’m going for! I ordered this new glassware and I’m going to buy these food covers. Very aesthetically pleasing for al fresco evenings ahead! If you’re interested in freshening up your outdoor tabletop, I’ve curated some finds on my shopmy.us page that I’ve been eyeing lately!
I’ve picked up on my reading again! A true joy of mine! There’s nothing I enjoy more than the feeling of reading a book and forgetting that I’m reading a book—escapism at its finest! This past month, I read Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. The plot didn’t really pull me in at first but I’m glad I gave it a chance. It was a really nice read! I’m currently reading Hello Beautiful. I’m 100 pages in and I’m not sure how I feel about it just yet! I think I’m what they call a mood reader. With my TBR list forever growing, the Goodreads app always helps to narrow things down. I like reading the reviews without the spoilers! My next read is usually based on how often I’ve seen the book circulating online…weird, I know! There are though some books that I always recommend to anyone looking for a good read—The Goldfinch, Where the Crawdad’s Sing, The Great Alone, The Nightingale, The Paper Palace, Daisy Jones & The Six. I’m hoping on expanding this list so, let me know your faves! As for movies & shows—I saw last week The Idea of You…what can I say?! Anne Hathaway is absolutely stunning in this role! I loved everything about this movie! It somehow stays with you…I don’t know how to explain it. I’m seriously considering reading the book! As for shows, highly recommend Palm Royale on AppleTV. I love everything about this show! It’s vibrant, humorous…it gives us a glimpse of the high society life of Palm Beach mixed in with glamorous costumes and settings! Unlike any other show I’ve seen!
On the Calendar
May is going to be the month of reorganising and decluttering! I say this every spring but this year I’m ready to part ways with many, many things! I feel at a pivotal point in life and these last couple of weeks, I’m yearning for change. I don’t know exactly where it’s coming from but this is where it’s currently at! So, I’m starting within our home and see where it leads. On the last Notes I talked about consistency over motivation. Initially I applied the motto to my workout goals. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve implemented it in other aspects as well and it’s up-ed things up! Since my blog and this community mean a lot to me, I’m holding myself accountable. I’m going to be more consistent in this space as well. More posts, more chats, more pictures, more…more…more…of whatever! The online world exists so that we connect with one another! So, let’s do more of that! (insert Ross Geller- “Pivot…Pivot! Pivaat!”)
Things I’m loving…
Summer jewelery by Agapé Studio & Alhaja Cult Store | Haute Bohemians: Greece | Ambitious Kitchen (pre-ordered her cookbook!) | Pino3bravo Posts | Sézane Collection
Have a great month! xxx