The Estée Edit | January
Hi everyone, it’s me, Estée! Channelling my inner Carrie Bradshaw again, I couldn’t help but wonder...are we still stuck in an episode of Black Mirror?
Well, what a great feeling to finally put 2020 behind us! Although, it’s not quite the fresh start we hoped for is it? In case you couldn’t tell, I’m feeling a little caught between that cliche 'new year, new me’ sentiment and the ‘new year, same everything else’ realisation. This month’s column is a happy medium to guide you through a somewhat shaky start to 2021. I’m focusing all my energy on restoring myself and improving those little things I can control as we slowly move towards a better, brighter, safer world.
As we find ourselves in yet another lockdown here in London, it’s easy to find yourself in a negative spiral. I’m keeping myself busy with a few feel-good projects at home. You may have seen I’ve decided to turn the office in my flat into a workout room and I’m absolutely loving finally having a space to work out in. I’m back on my mat with ‘Yoga with Adriene’, a free 30-Day Yoga Journey. I’ve been enjoying it so much! I also ordered a Peloton workout bike, so that’s going to be interesting when it arrives. Stay tuned for my first ride y’all!
Another thing I’ve started doing is cooking. I know, no-one will believe me, but since I’ve been spending so much time at home, I’ve felt more interested in learning how to cook. My goal is to try one new recipe a week (I’m starting slow!) and experimenting with healthy, often vegetarian or vegan dishes, like the one-pot red lentil and potato curry I recently made. It nourishes the body and the soul.
In keeping with the culinary theme, I just bought a Smeg kettle for my new office (although I accidentally ordered a European plug. Oops!). January’s a tough month at the best of times, so rather than over-indulging in ‘retail therapy’, I’ve been buying things that have been on my wish list for ages. Like stationary, and lots of it (you can never have too many pens, right?). The things we get excited about in lockdown! The aim is that this workspace is going to motivate me throughout the whole of 2021.
On Effie’s wish list was her Plushie Pet Bed, she is obsessed! It’s so fluffy and cosy, and calming apparently. I could really use one myself. Otherwise, she and I are sticking to our weekly adventures in nature, come rain or shine. We both love the outdoors so much, and especially with this 1000th lockdown (ok, maybe a slight exaggeration), it’s so important to move your body and keep yourself busy – in a safe way of course. So, whether it’s motivating yourself to work, or simply motivating yourself to get outdoors, find what gets you going!
On that note, I’m the first to admit that some days, this is just getting properly dressed. On those days, I find my Chunky Curb Chain ring in Sterling Silver always completes any outfit. It’s so cool and effortless, yet a really confident statement piece. For that extra mood boost, I’m currently listening to ‘Good Days’ by SZA on non- stop repeat and reading ‘Real Life’ by Brandon Taylor. I just started it, but I’m enjoying it a lot so far.
I guess so far this year, I’ve learned that 2021 is about showing up for myself. I’ve been so motivated to stick to my workout routine and so I have to remind myself every day that this is something I’m doing for myself and no one else. The hardest part is showing up, so just making that conscious choice to be there for myself, throughout the day, has been so helpful. If there’s one piece of advice I’d share with all of you this year it’s to just show up for yourself.
Love Estée x