The virtual watercooler
Office banter for the WFH generation
What we’re doing, craving and obsessing over this week
Bake it ’til you make it
The Great British Bake Off is back later this month bringing with it an inevitable uptick in our efforts in the kitchen. Why not finesse your finances as well while you’re at it by rustling up some cheap-as-you-like stews, soups and curries?
This leek and sweetcorn chowder recipe from Waitrose is a real pot sticker and costs next to nothing to make. Serve it straight to the table in our cast iron casserole, one of the products that made it onto our Top 100 list of brilliant John Lewis products that are designed to elevate all of life’s moments, from the mundane to the momentous.
What’s Cookin’?
Searching for energy saving tips in the kitchen? Us too. Recent analysis from Cornwall Insights shows just how much we’re spending on powering our kitchen appliances – and how much we could potentially save if we switch. The takeaways? Electric Cookers cost an average of £316.54 per year to run, compared to £52.74 for an Air Fryer and £30.02 for a Microwave. Whether you’re worried about the cost of living crisis, moving house – or adding new kitchenware to your wedding list – why not make a beeline for the best energy-saving appliances this winter?
Back to School Order
Congratulations! You made it through the summer holidays! The school uniform is labelled. The kids are clothed. You’ve reached your PB on the school drop and (if you’re reading this) the chances are you’ve clawed back five minutes of ‘me time’. Gah, what to do with all this new found freedom!? Aside from work, tax returns, after school clubs, staring blankly at a wall just because you can…
How you choose to spend your quiet time is up to you, obviously. But if it’s inspo you’re after? We’ll be decluttering and organising everything – and making plans for world domination (aka Christmas) while slathered in this. Do join us.
September Smells
Ask any perfumer (aka professional ‘nose’) and they’ll tell you that scents are seasonal and should be switched up accordingly. Much like a new outfit, the best fragrances can help to boost your mood, your confidence and your creativity – making them a great birthday gift idea for your other half (read: you).
September’s scents? Opulent, woody and spicy – best worn on your pulse points and on your clothes for a longer lasting perfume. Maison Margiela’s (unisex) Replica Autumn Vibes Eau de Toilette is heaven scent, bottling Autumn’s best bits with top notes of cardamom and pink peppercorn. Definitely one to add to the fragrance wardrobe.
Teenage Dirtbags
Whether you’re on TikTok or not, you’ve likely clocked the celebrity (and civilian) trend for sharing funny throwback pictures – over the Wheatus song Teenage Dirtbag. Victoria Beckham, Jack Whitehall and Madonna are some of the many, many stars to have posted their pics. Making us feel 63% nostalgic, and 37% grateful for these.
All the leaves are brown
… and the sky is (hopefully) blue. Standard weather chat aside, there’s something so satisfyingly new about September, with her promise of fresh starts, new beginnings and, yes, all those fiery autumn leaves!
Mid-September is the best time to see autumn leaves in the UK (peaking around mid-October) so grab your family, your best boots and a new coat – and discover one of the best walks of autumn. Before your Instagram feed fills up with everyone else's #blessed #feet #selfie #autumnleaves…
