10 joyful things
books, great denim, a life update and the importance of community
Hi friends,
I love reflecting on what’s been making me feel good and sharing those things here - using this platform as a little gratitude journal of my own. Here’s a delightful selection of things that have been brightening my day, adding a little spring to my step and might be things you’d like to add into your own life!
Ring-making - last week I was invited to an intimate community event with Daily Blooms. The evening was at Blonde in Darlinghurst - we did a ring-making workshop. If you aren’t familiar with Daily Blooms - they are an online florist that offers same day delivery across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane & Perth, along with other thoughtful gift options to commemorate important moments in life. Their whole business is based on connection and community and their event reflected the importance of this in our daily life.
A beautiful thoughtful and immersive evening This was one of the coolest experiences I’ve had in a while. Firstly, I love events where you get to use your hands and make things. We were there to make rings for a special woman in our lives, in celebration of International Women’s Day. Secondly, because it was so intimate, I actually got to properly talk to everyone around me. I also find when you’re in a setting making something everyone is much more relaxed and conversation flows in such a natural way. You also get to bond over the shared experience of learning new skills.
Jewellery and flowers are so sentimental - so this was seamless integration by Daily Blooms!
The rings I made - the process was fascinating! I've never done a class like this before but it’s something I’ve been wanting to do for ages. I now have even more respect for jewellery makers. We made two simple rings, the team at Blonde guide you through every single step with such care but it was still a challenge! The whole event was so wholesome and fun - and very on brand for me - as you’ll read about in my next joyful topic!
If this type of community event is something you’d be interested in - Daily Blooms run them in major cities across the country. You can find more information here.
A Daily Blooms arrrangement! my TBR pile - nothing feels better than walking home from the bookstore with a bag full of new reads! My current To Be Read book pile is looking so good and making time to read is a huge priority for me as reading brings me so much joy.
From this stack I’ve actually already read Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden and it was brilliant. Strangers is a raw account of Belle’s abrupt divorce, everything that led up to it and the traumatic aftermath that followed. It hooks you from start to finish.
I’m now currently reading The Correspondent by Virginia Evans.
Studying - After years of toying with the idea, I decided to go ahead with studying Gemmology. I love jewellery and have been fascinated by gems for the longest time - and frequently scour auction houses for vintage / preloved pieces. Collecting pieces is a lifelong pursuit! But years ago I had the idea to potentially buy and sell vintage/preloved pieces and that’s led me to study Gemmology now. I’m not sure long-term what I’ll do - maybe I’ll buy and sell beautiful pieces, I might work for an auction house or work in house at a jewellery company; or consult and do a mix of everything.
Gemmology is a two year diploma and so far it’s incredibly complex and challenging - especially for someone like me who stopped all science and math subjects in year 10! I keep reminding myself that I need to be comfortable feeling uncomfortable. I’m still finding my feet with it all and managing my work/life schedule around it but I’m so happy I finally made the decision and took the leap.
New Rhode spring drop - the new shades, the campaign! I’m sold. And the novelty of it being available to us in Australia has absolutely not worn off. No word on when Mecca will be stocking these newbies so best to order direct from Rhode.
Rhode continue to meet the moment in their marketing strategy - casting it girl and actress Sarah Pidgeon was genius. They soft launched the product release and Sarah’s involvement with her wearing the products at The Actor Awards. I loved everything about this look. Hair, makeup, dress - delicious.
Neuw denim jeans - jeans tend to be a very tricky clothing category. You can usually tell immediately upon buttoning or zipping up whether they’re a hit or a miss. This makes it all the more exciting when you come across a great pair - like I did this week. This pair from Neuw denim are so comfy, fit true to size. I really do love straight leg denim!
LMND Mara oversized shirt - sometimes you just need to throw on a big shirt and call it a day! And this is such an excellent oversized shirt and I just adore the colour. Bondi Beach based LMND is known for it’s stellar shirting - beloved by locals, as well as Leandra Medine Cohen - who is regularly wearing LMND on instagram and in her substack content.
The Beauty Chef’s Body Electric - the Beauty Chef has really outdone themselves with this one. I’ve been loving my electrolytes in recent months but then Body Electric (currently 25% off) came out and it not only has electrolytes in it but also creatine, plant protein and activated B vitamins to recharge energy, boost performance, and support daily hydration. It has a subtle strawberry flavour and tastes so nice simply mixed into water. I like it over ice. A protein hit, hydrating, replenishing and energy boosting - it really is one drink to rule them all.
Kate & Kole earrings - I got these diamond huggies for Christmas and I’ve just about worn them every single day since. I got them in white gold to match my diamond studs (I have two ear piercings and wear the studs alongside the huggies). They’re just beautiful and work perfectly for everyday - which is what I wanted. A classic piece I’ll treasure forever.
Maggie Marilyn pink cotton pants & socks - As a very vocal Maggie Marilyn fan girl, it’s no surprise these two pieces are on this list. If you want a great pair of cotton pants in the most delicious shade of cotton candy pink - these ones are for you! They also make them in white. MM also make the best socks - in cashmere or cotton. I had to get the pink cotton pair to match my pants!
They also just dropped a new collection which features pieces for in-between season dressing. It’s whimsical and classic as always!
Love Story, Bridgerton, The Pitt, Industry - TV is really good right now.
We’ve just gotten into The Pitt (on HBO Max) - arguably one of the best hospital/medical dramas of all time, Industry season 4 (on HBO Max) just wrapped - that season was so unbelievably epic, I’m kind of speechless about it.
Then of course, I’m all in on Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jnr and Carolyn Bessette (on Disney+) - the clothes, the soundtrack, New York in the 90s, their chemistry - perfection all round. And I’m currently devouring part 2 of Bridgerton season 4. I hate it how Netflix splits the seasons into two parts - but I’m enjoying the show nonetheless. I also spent the weekend bingeing reality show Summer House (it’s on Hayu) - I had a season and a half to catch up on and devouring that was delicoius, just what I needed.
More Smooth Brain Thoughts soon,
Ali xx
PS I’m off on a solo trip to Tokyo next week - will be sharing updated recommendations, Cool Girls in Real Life: Tokyo and more!
Thank you for reading, subscribing, commenting, restacking!!!
Can we please go do the ring course together. 🥺
Love a good blue shirt 👕