Another week over and a fresh month to play with! This week has been jam-packed with all sorts of things: it’s the type of week that leaves freelancers’ friends and family absolutely adamant that freelancers ‘do nothing at all’, put it that way. From enjoying some quality time with the boyfriend to getting shit done on the business front, and from day trips to Lincoln and Oxford, it’s been a pretty solid week with a sadly heartbreaking finish. In light of the tragedies in London overnight, I’d like to preface this week’s edition of Sundaze with a reminder to spread love and knowledge instead of hate and ignorance, to cherish loved ones and appreciate every waking moment that you can feel happiness and joy. All of these hippie mantras that are keeping our community glued together.
The daily grind
I feel like I’ve reached a better balance with work, life and leisure for the first time in a long time. Since moving home last year and changing my original plans (which were to go back to Hong Kong once things had settled down - note: grief doesn’t just settle), I’ve been floating by in a bubble of happiness fueled primarily by my wonderful boyfriend. I take every moment and opportunity as it comes, rarely planning ahead. But towards the latter end of last year, I realised that I had bigger goals to reach for and other dreams to strive towards. I was very successful in my short-term goals to pick up a new client and, as such, am busier than ever. I’ve got a lengthier blog post documenting what exactly it is I do week-to-week that’ll be up next week (hopefully!) but right now, I feel very happy to be in a good place burning fire in all areas of my life.
Granny’s Home
The middle of this week saw us sadly bid a temporary farewell to my beloved Granny’s home. The probate process is tough and heartbreaking and ultimately, the house Granny lived in and thus left behind was left to us grandchildren. She wanted it to be rented out and the money saved up so we could eventually buy homes of our own and the process was completed earlier this week. It’s been a bittersweet journey and I feel so odd to think that somebody else is making a home in the house that was so well-loved by us all.
Seeing Louise finish University in Lincoln
On Friday, we drove up to Lincoln to see my younger sister’s end-of-year show and move her out of University for the very last time. I’ve never felt so old in my life! Louise is now a BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design graduand! It was so wonderful to wander through her building and look at her work in all of its’ glory. Plus, she only went and was bloody awarded the Best Student of the Year award wasn’t she?! I’m one proud sister. You can browse her portfolio
here.
A day out in Oxford
Yesterday I hopped in the car and did a long ol’ solo drive to Oxford to spend the day with
Ria! I say time and time again that I don’t make enough ‘use’ of the UK and so I absolutely jumped at the chance to indulge in Ria as tourist guide in one of the country’s most historical and beloved cities. We wandered through the city and took in the sights of the famous University and college buildings and I finally
finally got to walk up the hallowed staircase at Christ Church, also known as the staircase that was filmed for Harry Potter! I could practically hear Professor McGonagall’s voice shouting out at me. I felt very ‘Neville’ walking awkwardly on those uneven stone slabs, that’s for sure. We went grabbed a rooftop lunch atop the Ashmolean Museum (vegetable cannelloni for us both, with polenta chips on the side for me!) I’d absolutely love to head back to Oxford to visit again soon, but for now, expect a mini city guide on the blog soon.
Upcoming travels
The talk of the Chai household at the moment is
travel. Louise and I are headed to Copenhagen in a few weeks and we’re right in the midst of planning! We’ve got about 50 cafes and restaurants and oh so many other spots on our list - it’s pretty insane. Us three siblings are also hoping to hit Seoul to celebrate Daisybrother’s birthday in September
AND the entire family are hoping for either New York or Berlin at Christmas!
Links I’ve Loved:
- The wonderful Laura got married last month and she shared some of her wedding photos in a gorgeous post. Swoon.
- This recipe for a panzanella salad from Smitten Kitchen is certainly one for indulgent summer weekends.
- Jordan wears a River Island bikini so. damn. well. This is one of my favorite posts from her positively dreamy blog.
- My girl Bee shared a post on Vivatramp all about understanding poetry. It makes for a wonderful read!
- Ghenet wrote about the importance of self-care.
- Anime fans looking for something light-hearted and slice-of-life-esque, try Hinako Note! I’ve been completely obsessed.
Posts This Week:
- Learning Self-Confidence
- My June To-Do List
- Farmers’ Market Mornings
Sundaze
Sundaze 53
4.6.17
Another week over and a fresh month to play with! This week has been jam-packed with all sorts of things: it’s the type of week that leaves freelancers’ friends and family absolutely adamant that freelancers ‘do nothing at all’, put it that way. From enjoying some quality time with the boyfriend to getting shit done on the business front, and from day trips to Lincoln and Oxford, it’s been a pretty solid week with a sadly heartbreaking finish. In light of the tragedies in London overnight, I’d like to preface this week’s edition of Sundaze with a reminder to spread love and knowledge instead of hate and ignorance, to cherish loved ones and appreciate every waking moment that you can feel happiness and joy. All of these hippie mantras that are keeping our community glued together.
The daily grind
I feel like I’ve reached a better balance with work, life and leisure for the first time in a long time. Since moving home last year and changing my original plans (which were to go back to Hong Kong once things had settled down - note: grief doesn’t just settle), I’ve been floating by in a bubble of happiness fueled primarily by my wonderful boyfriend. I take every moment and opportunity as it comes, rarely planning ahead. But towards the latter end of last year, I realised that I had bigger goals to reach for and other dreams to strive towards. I was very successful in my short-term goals to pick up a new client and, as such, am busier than ever. I’ve got a lengthier blog post documenting what exactly it is I do week-to-week that’ll be up next week (hopefully!) but right now, I feel very happy to be in a good place burning fire in all areas of my life.
Granny’s Home
The middle of this week saw us sadly bid a temporary farewell to my beloved Granny’s home. The probate process is tough and heartbreaking and ultimately, the house Granny lived in and thus left behind was left to us grandchildren. She wanted it to be rented out and the money saved up so we could eventually buy homes of our own and the process was completed earlier this week. It’s been a bittersweet journey and I feel so odd to think that somebody else is making a home in the house that was so well-loved by us all.
Seeing Louise finish University in Lincoln
On Friday, we drove up to Lincoln to see my younger sister’s end-of-year show and move her out of University for the very last time. I’ve never felt so old in my life! Louise is now a BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design graduand! It was so wonderful to wander through her building and look at her work in all of its’ glory. Plus, she only went and was bloody awarded the Best Student of the Year award wasn’t she?! I’m one proud sister. You can browse her portfolio
here.
A day out in Oxford
Yesterday I hopped in the car and did a long ol’ solo drive to Oxford to spend the day with
Ria! I say time and time again that I don’t make enough ‘use’ of the UK and so I absolutely jumped at the chance to indulge in Ria as tourist guide in one of the country’s most historical and beloved cities. We wandered through the city and took in the sights of the famous University and college buildings and I finally
finally got to walk up the hallowed staircase at Christ Church, also known as the staircase that was filmed for Harry Potter! I could practically hear Professor McGonagall’s voice shouting out at me. I felt very ‘Neville’ walking awkwardly on those uneven stone slabs, that’s for sure. We went grabbed a rooftop lunch atop the Ashmolean Museum (vegetable cannelloni for us both, with polenta chips on the side for me!) I’d absolutely love to head back to Oxford to visit again soon, but for now, expect a mini city guide on the blog soon.
Upcoming travels
The talk of the Chai household at the moment is
travel. Louise and I are headed to Copenhagen in a few weeks and we’re right in the midst of planning! We’ve got about 50 cafes and restaurants and oh so many other spots on our list - it’s pretty insane. Us three siblings are also hoping to hit Seoul to celebrate Daisybrother’s birthday in September
AND the entire family are hoping for either New York or Berlin at Christmas!
Links I’ve Loved:
- The wonderful Laura got married last month and she shared some of her wedding photos in a gorgeous post. Swoon.
- This recipe for a panzanella salad from Smitten Kitchen is certainly one for indulgent summer weekends.
- Jordan wears a River Island bikini so. damn. well. This is one of my favorite posts from her positively dreamy blog.
- My girl Bee shared a post on Vivatramp all about understanding poetry. It makes for a wonderful read!
- Ghenet wrote about the importance of self-care.
- Anime fans looking for something light-hearted and slice-of-life-esque, try Hinako Note! I’ve been completely obsessed.
Posts This Week:
- Learning Self-Confidence
- My June To-Do List
- Farmers’ Market Mornings
