R.E.P.O.R.T-ing from London
Exploring life and travel from London: a digest of recently savored moments, thoughts, travel inspiration, London happenings, and more
I’m trying a bit of a different format for today’s London Lately post and would love to know what you think once you’ve finished reading! You may have seen others on social media using the R.E.P.O.R.T format which is an acronym for Reading, Eating, Playing, Obsessing, Recommending, and Treating.
I’ve come up with an iteration for the Something Savored R.E.P.O.R.T which will consist of: Reflecting, Exploring, People & Place, Opportunities, Rhythm, and Travel. Each section is purposefully open to interpretation as we explore different themes and values central to Something Savored.
REFLECTING: Changing of the Seasons
Lately, I’ve been juggling a mix of feelings and energies - some exciting, some a bit overwhelming but all feeling very much in line with the changing of the seasons. To make sense of it all, I thought I'd share a list of things I’ve been reflecting on, and hopefully, you'll find something that resonates with you too.
Recently, a close friend moved away. At the same time, other friendships have started to grow in unexpected ways, reminding me how our personal communities constantly evolve and in general, how important community is to our overall wellbeing.
Attending a few inspiring events gotten me more intentionally focused on my career and life aspirations. Despite feeling empowered, it’s still a bit of a jumble in my mind as I try to turn big thoughts into clear, actionable steps.
Since the pandemic, I’ve been confused about my personal style, and I’m realizing I’m not alone. Recently, I’ve felt inspired to invest in a few key pieces to refresh my wardrobe and to feel good about getting dressed again (though I will always be an athleisure-when-working-from-home type of gal). Running a small business focused on handmade goods has made me more mindful of how purchases reflect our values. To extend the life of my clothes and offset costs, I’ve been selling on apps like Vinted and Depop as I refine my style.
Lately, I’ve been looking around my small London flat and realizing how much the clutter affects my mood and productivity. I’m thinking about doing a bit of a declutter this weekend, honestly assessing what I’m actually using and wearing and what might be able to be passed on to someone else.
I’ve been diving deeper into women’s health and trying to give myself a bit more grace when it comes to mental and physical wellness. It’s a work in progress, but I think a little self-kindness can go a long way. Recently, I’ve been enjoying more gentle forms of movement like yoga, walking and pilates. I have also started to incorporate more strength training and have signed up for FORM. If you’re a member, I’d love to hear how you’re liking it!
Most of us are pretty hard on ourselves, aren’t we? I think it comes from wanting the best out of life, but it can get overwhelming. I’ve been trying to figure out how to find that balance -sometimes you’re in the flow, and other times, you just need to slow down and savor the moment. I’m somewhere in the middle right now, working on finding my own sense of balance, and I hope this space can be a place where we all find a little inspiration and reassurance that we’re not alone in this.
EXPLORING: London
We spent the month of September at home in London, ahead of some travel and visits from family and friends this fall. Here are some spots and activities that have been on my radar!
Food
We recently celebrated my husband’s birthday at Caravel & Bruno’s, sister restaurant & cocktail bar housed within canal boats on Regent’s Canal at the edge of Islington & Hoxton - fresh food, unique setting, and warm, intimate ambiance
This was my first time eating on a canal boat - because, niche - but that got me researching other canal boat restaurants in London that I’d like to try: London Shell Co (their restaurant on Swain’s Lane is great) and Barge East
I’ve been wanting to check out Goodbye Horses Wine Bar, in De Beauvoir, which is also a coffee shop by day, called Day Trip
Maybe it’s the changing of the seasons but autumn makes me want to try some cozy & timeless London classics that I’ve yet to get to like St. John, River Cafe, and Noble Rot to name a few
Building off of the above are 2 spots that I’d consider to be classics and that I would suggest to both Londoners & visitors alike: Quality Chop House is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in London and The Barbary is hyped for a reason
Art, Design & Culture
Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers at The National Gallery - until January 19, 2025
Monet and London: Views of the Thames at The Courtland Gallery - September 27, 2024 – January 19, 2025
I’ve still yet to get to Barbie®: The Exhibition at the Design Museum but that is high on the list - until February 23, 2025
Wellness
I would like to find somewhere to try an Infrared Sauna, especially to help fight the winter blues which I’m determined to be more proactive about this year
Attending events & workshops that help provide clarity and direction, and encourage me to think about my life in a new way; I recently went to a career vision setting workshop with Sharmadean Reid of The Stack World as well as a September Reset with Lily Silverton, where we outlined our priorities and set goals through the end of the year
PEOPLE & PLACE: Small Business Spotlight
There is a wool vest that I had been eyeing since last year from The Knotty Ones and I finally decided to invest in it. I’m so happy with the quality and construction! I’ve been making more of an effort to pay attention to materials and really challenge myself to think about the relationship between cost and quality when shopping. This has felt particularly pertinent as I’ve been working to better define my personal style.
The vest is made from 100% Merino wool, and produced in small batches female-led, family-run factory in Lithuania. It’s really versatile and has a nice weight to it, especially for the ever-changing weather of the shoulder seasons and damp winters in the UK. My order came with a handwritten thank you note and a card with the name, a photo, and description of the maker of my garment. I really appreciated this thoughtful, personal touch.
OPPORTUNITIES: Building Community
As an extroverted introvert, I both love my alone time and thrive on having strong relationships and sense of community. I think we can all relate to the latter, actually. Being a 30-something, married, self-employed expat, I’ve truthfully found it difficult to make friends in London. It can be hard as an adult, even in a huge city with 9 million potential friends!
I’ve found comfort in talking to others and learning that many people feel the same way. It seems that especially in our thirties, everyone is at very different stages in life. I think it’s important to find community in those that are in a similar spot but to also honor the different stages of life that our friends are in, too.
This in mind, I’d like to make more of an effort to attend events where I may be able to connect with like-minded people. These communities and events in London have piqued my interest:
RHYTHM: Nervous System Regulation
I still have sooo much to learn around this topic and let me be clear - am not an expert or qualified to be giving advice about this - but I’ve been delving more into it recently and would love to discuss! I have been trying to incorporate little tidbits of information that I pick up along the way.
While I love living in a city as big and all-encompassing as London, with its endless options and opportunities, it is these very things that can come to feel really intense and overwhelming. In this journey toward finding more balance, I've found that incorporating the items below have been key in helping me feel centered. If you find yourself in a similar state, what have you found to be helpful in decreasing stress and regulating your nervous system?
This podcast episode with Alyson Haley & Sarah Baldwin was an interesting listen
Yoga classes along with meditation and journaling as I feel that I could use that extra support
Getting outside even though the days are getting shorter and chillier - cycling instead of taking the tube where possible has been a good way to incorporate more outdoor time
Somatic movement - I recently attended a Somatic Flow class that combined breath and movement with the intention of regulating the nervous system
More social connection
Less multi-tasking, especially when that involves multiple screens
TRAVEL: European Christmas Markets
We’ve recently booked a Eurostar trip to Belgium for the Christmas Markets! Last year, we went to Vienna and had a wonderful time getting in the spirit and soaking in the wintery atmosphere of the city. We vowed to try and do a holiday centric trip each year going forward in order to keep the spirits high in an otherwise dull season in London. However, to be fair, London at Christmastime is spectacular and I’ll be sure to highlight this in a future post.
If you too are hoping to travel for some Christmas Markets this year, I would highly suggest Vienna. We visited the following markets dotted around the city.
Am Hof
Freyung
Karlsplatz (one of my favorites)
Maria-Theresien-Platz
Rathausplatz
Schönbrunn Palace
Stephansplatz
Spittelberg (another personal favorite)
Let me know if you’d like a more detailed itinerary of our winter weekend in Vienna!
Until Next Time
In episode 120 of the Thoughts May Vary podcast, titled "Creating Structure Around a Spark Q&A," one thought really stood out to me around how to avoid taking things personally. When someone says or does something that stirs up emotions, try starting with the thought: "It's not about me." Notice how this small shift changes the trajectory of your thoughts and encourages you to reflect on your feelings more deeply.
Not your pig, not your farm - not your circus, not your monkeys.
Be gentle with yourself, okay?