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Does anything completely capture the end of June like watching Glastonbury from your sofa on a Saturday night? Of course unless you're in the crowds ('we're just to the left of the Shania Twain flag!!'), muddied, exhausted, glitter in places it wasn't meant to be and completely filled with a heady unparalleled joy, really, I’m quite sure- iPlayer is the next best thing. 

Much like my unwavering love of terrestrial television, there is something hugely comforting about tuning into Jo Whiley next to the Park Stage after your dishwasher has been put on and your double cleanse completed for the night. I’m unsure if it’s Jo and my close-knit affinity to Radio 2 or whether it’s watching Love Island, the Euro's or Jamie XX at Glastonbury under a blanket with a hot tea and some fresh pyjamas- but the sense of togetherness in these moments is something I find really soothing. I can be alone on my sofa knowing there are so many other people doing and enjoying the same thing and finding joy in these similar little pleasures (a little bit like writing this newsletter, in a very small way)! The feeling of being part of something, no matter how small, always holds something special- and to me, you can find that even in some early evening festival coverage on the last weekend of June.

But, long story short- Glastonbury is on and I love it. I always get immense FOMO watching it from home (but love the BBC’s coverage so much that last year when I went it was one of the first things I indulged in when I got home too), but additionally always feel a real sense of invigoration and energy watching so many people have a good time (I’ve realised collective joy is something that seemingly always makes me cry- I was a MESS at the Era’s tour last week, but more on that soon). Seeing and hearing thousands of people sing along together is one of life’s great joys and this evening my little boy, boyfriend and I all had a big old Glastonbury living room disco- microphones and all, and it truly felt like a little bit of magic.

Anyway- if you’re wondering how my weekend has been spent, it’s been a little bit like that. June has been a really lovely month of work trips, my birthday (which, in true LP fashion was extended to a full four day celebration, never one to milk an occasion), a family holiday that went by far too quickly and a very exciting dose of not one concert, but two- with Taylor Swift (THE TEARS!) and the girlies, Girls Aloud (THE TEARS!). There has also been plenty of small moments I’ve cherished (I loved this little illustration about gratitude and nostalgia); from mornings and evenings warm enough to be in the garden playing with the sand and picking our (very tiny) pea harvests, dinners outside and drippy ice lollies before watering the plants. I’ve truly counted my lucky stars for a month that has brought so much loveliness.

I also wanted to dedicate a moment to Lauren’s brilliant video here which I saw at the beginning of the month too. Although I currently subscribe to the Coppafeel! monthly texts to check your chest (which are fantastic reminders), I had quite a big reminder of how important that is this month (I am very thankful that everything is okay)- but wanted to pop that here, as early detection and getting familiar with what is normal for you is everything- and I’m not sure we can be reminded enough.

I hope you have a beautiful week, and new month ahead lovely people!

P.S If the whole newsletter doesn’t display on email, it’s because it’s a bit long this week (when is it not)! Open on your desktop, in a browser or on the app for everything in it’s chunky clunky glory!

• I’ve read lots of brilliant words this month, and one of my favourite reads was from Vicky Spratt about sitting in the waiting room of your own life. As someone who spent a lot of their twenties accidentally thinking a lot about milestones, adhering to arbitrary timelines and ‘whens’, reading words like these is always a reminder about being present and knowing I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be (hopefully!) rather than what’s coming next.

  “In what you thought was a waiting room, you can look up and suddenly realise that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, life is happening all around you.” - Vicky Spratt.

• I also found this piece by Miranda Rake on ‘matrescence’ completely fascinating, and a lot like a comfort blanket that I think all new mothers should find reassurance in. In my early, overwhelming postpartum days I remember buying books called things like ‘why didn’t I know this’ and ‘why did nobody tell me?!’ because everything just felt so overwhelming. I yearned to be the sort of laid back mother I’d seen on Instagram- but due to a myriad of reasons- it just felt so unfeasible (lockdown having a huge part to play in that). Anyway- these words make so, so much sense to me now. I also love Clover Stroud’s writing, and loved this piece on the guilt of passing of time when you’re a parent. You’re continually reminded that you ‘have 18 summers with your children!!’ and ‘how fast it all goes’, and this feels like a real remedy to those words- how ‘the years are fast but the days can be long’, and how we can truly appreciate the time but understand the ebbs and flows of life that come with it.

• You might have seen that I’ve been harping on about mine and Charlotte’s podcast being back! After a four year hiatus, it’s been such a pleasure bringing it back- and if you’re after some silly, giggly, wholesome listening- with a whole host of excellent TV recommendations (if I can say that!)- pull up a pew and make yourself comfortable in our virtual living room! It would be a joy to have you with us.

• In a sea of comparison online and sometimes falling into a bit of a looking sideways rut, it was a total joy to discover Stella Rose Saint Clair on Instagram this month. Not only is her style absolutely knock-out and packed with vintage gems, but I love the way she talks about documenting the creative process (whilst being so ridiculously creative) and taking more time to do things with our hands- a reminder if ever I needed one!

• Another wonderful woman I LOOOVE following online is HRH cmat (if you haven’t listened to her, her album is bloody brilliant) and her cover of Wuthering Heights is nothing short of a masterpiece. When I grow up I truly want to be this woman!

• A handful of other lovely things I’ve spotted online include but are very much not limited to this squirrel stopping to smell a flower (my HEART), this guide to going to weddings solo which felt like a really comforting pep talk, this beautiful idea with baby muslin’s from Amy, this summer reminder from wonderful Alice, Katherine’s absolutely epic wedding dress quest and this brilliant Chappell Roan tribute.

If I’m being honest, and without honking my own horn- this month I have pretty much solely had my monthly playlists on rotation- they’re just THAT good!! (I jest, but if you like a mix of everything from Bruce Springsteen, some West-End musical favourites and Chappell Roan- you’ve come to the right place)! But- ahead of the Era’s tour and in a giddy overwhelm of excitement, my Paramore flame was reignited (as if it ever went out) and I have been going through every album with a fine tooth comb, pretending I’m Hayley Williams doing David Byrne as I march my washing loads up and down stairs like it’s Wembley Arena and wondering if I too, could get away with peroxide or tangerine dipped hair (spoiler: I really don’t think so, worry not mum)! This playlist is a good starter for any newbies, and if you need a bit of front woman energy for going into the new week- some time with HW and co is a surefire way of injecting a bit of that- I can assure you.

• Carrying on nicely from my Hayley Williams/T Swift fan girling- I’ve had a close eye on this Bug Girl Taylor Rage Baby tee, and have a hopeful feeling I’ll be seeing in the end of summer wearing it (all going well)! I am a total sucker for a great t-shirt and this truly ticks all the boxes for me.

• Being someone who pretty much rotates a t-shirt, jeans and trainers (especially on weeks where I’m running around with my full of beans toddler from sandpit to soft play), I feel safe in the knowledge I can invest in versions of these things I really love and feel great in. After rotating my Supergas, Novesta’s and Wales Bonner x Adidas trainers (which I’d wear every day if I wasn’t so worried about completely exhausting them!)- I have now got my eye on a pair of these bad boys. They always remind me of Freddie Mercury, and like I said, if I can embody a little more front woman energy in my day to day, you’ll bet I’ll be trying anything- these excellent trainers included.

• I’ve been a huge fan of Lisou and their exceptional prints and beautiful fabrics for the longest time (Rene is a total design genius), and these dungarees feel like a super cool and wearable way of bringing a little Lisou into my wardrobe. They feel really fun and seventies and would look so cool with a retro ringer tee and some fun trainers- heaven!

• And another great tee! I spotted this George Michael t-shirt on Faye last week and have been thinking about it ever since. It’s just. SO. GOOD.

And lastly, one of my favourite nightwear brands If Only If have just announced their collaboration with Cabbages & Roses- which is pretty much a match made in pyjama heaven. It launches on Tuesday and I know it will be absolutely beautiful- so keep your eyes peeled!

I hope you have a gorgeous rest of your Sunday and a beautiful start to June! If you’d like to subscribe for more chatter, heart-to-hearts, vintage recommendations and so much more, you can do so below for all my additional weekly send outs for £1.25 a week. Thank you for all of your wonderful support! Let me know what has brightened up your month below too!

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