October Nights: Insta-Living Vol.14

Lately, my weeks are occupied by reading more than my share of case studies, everlasting (unnecessarily wordy) journals of scientific rhetoric, and theorising my head out of bleeding everything imaginable.  

My friends, family and loved ones keep telling me, “It will all be worth it in the end.” I’m sure it will be, however, like all beginnings, it does seem a distant light at the end of a tunnel. I have some great little surprises for you soon but until then here is a properly packed post for you.  

There has been plenty moments of inspiration—an after work art show for balance, random foodie nights without having to host the actual event (for sanity), and autumn decorating for fun (because as you may know by now, it’s one of my passions.   

Most time spent is working or doing research and doesn’t involve a lot of the music that I typically listen to because that would be a distraction involving singing and dancing instead of concentrating. Though, I’ve managed to sneak in some downtime for a few hours or so to sedate my mind in normalcy—even if for the ephemeral joys of sweet melodies and catchy lyrics. And, then there was one day where I spent an hour watching YouTube videos, but that’s a whole other story.   

Here are just a handful of things that have been inspiring me lately.    

Tunes: I have followed Matt Corby’s music for some time, but more recently I find myself listening to many of his older tunes. He has a rich, soulful voice with a full range and pitch that you will also hear in rock, and gospel genres. I’m currently listening to this track here, and this magical and unplugged moment happening here.  

*Also, do check out these artists: “Sing to You,” by John Splithoff, or Jack Garratt’s “Weathered,” and Hold It Together” (feat. Willy Beaman) by Nico & Vinz. When I am doing some light reading I love ambient sounds of, “Truth (Helios Remix) by Balmorhea.  

Oldies but Goodies: 

Maria Badescu: I have been very fond of their skin care for a long time, but somewhere along the way I’ve neglected this great brand. I am currently indulging in their bee pollen night cream, caviar cream, and grapefruit cleansing lotion, which is a great toner. I also have a stash of goodies including a small Clinique haul, and new products (Pep-start Hydroblur and a home facial peel) that I am looking forward to trying out soon.  

Do you remember this post? Well, after using the Irish Moor Cleansing Gel since, I still absolutely love it. I use it in rotation with my foaming cleanser or mattifying cleanser but I have packed this Peter Thomas Roth cleanser with travelling essentials for the next couple of weeks.

Beauty: I had been wanting a nude colour palette for lipstick, and after viewing a couple of Youtubers use many variations, I was still uncertain which one to buy. I finally decided on the BH Cosmetics. There are so many shades, and I didn’t think I would like these, but I adore the colours so far. Even the darker hues blend well into a quick gloss or lip tint if preferred. A few are a bit sticky, however, I have found them to work well with lightly moisturised lips for blending with a lip brush. It’s perfect for a naturally tinted lip or if you like the trending “smudged effect!”

Cooking & Baking: I made incredibly delicious oatmeal cookies with homemade ice cream, which was all gluten-free, sugar-free, and lactose-free. I am making new recipe developments for an upcoming holiday dinner party that will have a few gluten-intolerant folks as well as vegan. This one will surely be somewhere in the mix of holiday succulence and evening treats.    

I also made homemade herb cheeses: cashew and almond earlier in the month and picked up this cookery book of Middle Eastern food, Soframiz which I adore so much. This book is an incredible compilation of baked goods, breads, and side dishes in the spirit of traditional and modern Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s a book from the well-known Cambridge bakery, Sofra Bakery and Café. I’ve not been to the actual bakery, but if it’s anything like this book I certainly want to make a visit one day. 

What have you been up to lately?