Unpacking: April
April’s chaos, calm moments, and everything in between
I actually can't believe how fast April has gone by….are we seriously about to step into May already?! Honestly, this month has felt like one big game of catch up for me. After having guests over last month…which I loved, but let’s be real, it throws your whole routine out the window…I've spent most of April trying to get my life and work back into some kind of organized flow. It’s that feeling where you're constantly ticking things off your list but it somehow keeps growing at the same time. If you know, you know.
I feel like I’ve been living in that weird limbo between being super productive and also slightly overwhelmed (which, I’m sure a lot of you can relate with). April was definitely a month of trying to find a balance between enjoying the chaos and getting serious about the goals I set at the beginning of the year. So here we are.…another month unpacked, and a brand new one just around the corner. Let’s get into it!
Honestly, I kind of knew April was going to be a bit all over the place. My sister's last minute trip was something I half anticipated, and while I was so excited to have her here, I also knew it would throw off my plans a little (I never end up regretting it though!). I had this vision of getting more consistent with my weights sessions…which I actually managed to do with my sister which was fun…I'm already good with my Reformer Pilates twice a week, but I really wanted to add in some strength training too. I also had big hopes of squeezing in more morning walks and maybe even getting back into home workouts (I know…it sounds like I’m trying to pack in a bit too much…I’m only realizing this as I’m writing it).
I used to be obsessed with Chloe Ting’s workouts around 5 years ago, because honestly, they work. You actually feel yourself getting stronger after every session, and the fact they’re only 10-15 minutes on YouTube makes them so easy to slot into a busy day. I wanted to build up my cardio again, mainly for heart health and just to feel more energized. I was also hoping that by the end of the month, I'd have a bit more breathing space to finally catch up with friends I’ve been meaning to see for ages. So yeah...expectations were high and almost felt unachievable!
Well...let’s just say it didn’t exactly go to plan (surprise, surprise). I did end up having a really nice staycation with my sister at The Raffles on The Palm, which was honestly such good fun. It was just us girls…no hubbies, and it felt so nice to have proper quality time together without rushing around. We laughed so much, relaxed, and just genuinely chilled for once. I even managed to squeeze in a lunch with an old friend who happened to be visiting Dubai with her family…the multitasking was real because she’s now also my sister’s dermatologist, so it felt like two birds, one stone kind of situation.
But obviously, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Me and my sister went for lunch at Gigi in J1, which was great.…until I got stung by a yellow jacket wasp right on my thumb. I can’t even explain the pain…I was actually sweating from how much it hurt, and my thumb doubled in size. To make it worse, I could tell the waiters around me thought I was being dramatic, but trust me, it was no joke! I have a pretty high pain threshold and even I was struggling.
After my sister left, the crash hit hard. I felt so low on energy and just completely lethargic. It’s like my body finally caught up with how much running around, disrupted routines, and lack of sleep I’ve been dealing with over the past month. Having so many guests back-to-back has definitely taken its toll, and honestly.…I'm just exhausted. I feel like I’m still in recovery mode trying to get back to feeling like myself again.
Even though April didn’t exactly go the way I planned, I’m genuinely glad for the little moments that made it feel special. While my sister was in town, we managed to fit in some joint Reformer Pilates sessions, and it made me realize how much I actually love working out with someone else sometimes…it pushes you without even realising it. We also had a beach day at Nobu by the Beach, which still, hands down, remains my absolute favorite beach day spot in Dubai. The vibe, the food, the service - everything just hits the spot every time.
Another beach day during our staycation turned out to be exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Just me, my earpods, my book, and the sound of the waves (while sis was having a spa treatment). I realized in that moment that this is my true happy place. I need to make more time for this kind of solitude because it just resets my mind completely. We also attempted to walk around the palm one morning…bad idea. It takes 2 hours and we were done within 30 mins. I’m still glad we got in a palm walk though - it’s probably my favorite place to walk in Dubai.
The lunch catch-up with my dermatologist friend and my sister also ended up being a real moment of reflection for me…in a good way. During the conversation, she said (very lovingly and jokingly) how she thinks I’m such a self-assured person that she wonders if I even have any friends! (And to be clear…she’s one of those rare, straight talking people who I actually love for it.) I laughed and told her the truth: I don’t have many friends, but the few I do have are the kind where we don’t need to constantly check in to know the connection’s still strong. For a long time, I felt weird about admitting that…like society makes you feel like you need to have a huge group around you at all times…but honestly, I’m really comfortable with myself. And now, I’m proud of that.
Something my hubby and I have decided - no more late night dinner invites. We’ve realized that as much as we love our friends and being social (sometimes), it just doesn’t work for our routine. He’s up at 4.30am every day, I’m up at 6am, and dragging ourselves out for late dinners was honestly starting to feel like self-sabotage. For a while we felt bad saying no, almost like we were the weird ones for not wanting to stay out late. But it’s just not worth it when it wrecks your sleep and throws your whole next day off. So now, if anyone wants to hang out, it’s breakfast or lunch…we’re officially done with the dinners. Maybe I’ll dive into this a bit more in another newsletter because I feel like a lot of us are just over feeling guilty for protecting our peace.
You know how sometimes you feel like you haven’t bought much….and then you actually sit down and list it all out? Yeah, that’s exactly what’s happening here. April definitely turned out to be a bit of a shopping month for me…and I think I’ve actually missed a few bits out…but honestly, no regrets because everything feels like it’ll actually serve a purpose…I think.
Adidas Brown Sambas - I feel like these are going to be one of those pairs that just get better the more you wear them.
Lime mocha over the knee shorts and blazer set sounds a little intense, but trust me, it looks so chic and effortless once it's on. Definitely one of those pieces that feels like you’ve made an effort even when you really haven’t.
Zara also reeled me in (again) with some summer sandals - I picked up the tan suede thong sandals and the chocolate satin kitten heel sandals because apparently, I have no self-control when it comes to cute shoes. Plus, a black linen high-neck waistcoat from Zara that’s going to be such a good layering piece, especially for that slightly dressier, tailored look I’m leaning into lately.
The Frankie Shop - the Indore long grey coat. It’s one of those timeless buys that feels super luxurious but can be thrown over pretty much anything. Honestly, I already know I’m going to get my cost-per-wear out of it…or so I’m telling myself!
Lastly, because I’m serious about keeping my Pilates momentum going even on busy days, I invested in some new Pilates equipment for home. Just a few essentials so I can fit in some movement even when I can’t make it to a class. April might have been chaotic, but at least my wardrobe (and my home workout setup) is better for it!
My shopping cart is honestly a little bit of a holding zone right now…a mix of ‘I need this ASAP’ and ‘do I really need this?’.
Ritz white cap. I’m in my cap era again…I love how a good cap just instantly makes any outfit feel cooler without even trying. Plus, with summer creeping up, I feel like I need a white one.
Then there’s the Frankie Shop suede shorts that match the blazer I already own. I’ve been trying to grab them forever, but they’re constantly out of stock, which obviously just makes me want them more (why does this happen?!).
And lastly, the one that's causing me way too much inner conflict…the Frankie Shop Belmont Faux Leather Jacket. I’m so torn because it’s stunning, but it’s definitely heavier than what I had in mind. I really want a lightweight jacket that’s structured, slightly oversized, and that will work with both light and dark tones. I’m trying not to buy just for the sake of it, but at the same time…she’s calling my name.
Okay, time for a little beauty life update. After chatting with my dermatologist friend while she was visiting, I decided to finally start Tretinoin. I’ve been struggling with skin texture for a while now, and with my job (constantly applying and removing makeup multiple times a day for my YouTube videos), it’s kind of impossible to avoid. I know if it wasn’t for filming so much, my skin would be a lot calmer. So here we are…two weeks in, using it twice a week, and loving the results so far. No peeling yet (thankfully), but I’m guessing that’s because I’ve used strong retinols before, so my skin’s been through it already.
I know people have all kinds of opinions about Tretinoin…it’s definitely one of those skincare topics that gets people really divided. But I’m not a newbie to active ingredients, and I always do my due diligence before starting anything new. Plus, I think it does make a difference that I’m a beauty expert. I understand skin and ingredients a little deeper than most! I’m actually skin cycling whilst on my Tret journey - alternating hydrating skincare days to really give my skin the extra TLC.
Also…Sculptra update incoming! As I’m writing this, my appointment is actually today. I’ll fill you in properly in next month’s Unpacking, but I’m excited (and a little nervous, not gonna lie). While I’m there, I’m also going to chat with my derm about something I’ve had on my radar for a while….Salmon DNA treatment. I’ll let you know what we decide, but if it goes ahead, you know I’ll be giving you all the tea.
Honestly, I don’t have a huge list for you this month… but the few things I have fallen for are seriously game-changing!
First up…I got the new Currentbody 2 LED Light. It’s stronger, goes deeper, and I’m honestly obsessed. I've started noticing my neck lines a little more lately (the joys of getting older and being on camera all the time!), so I also picked up their LED Neck Mask. I’m really trying to stay on top of it early rather than playing catch-up later. Consistency is key with this stuff, but I’m already feeling good about it.
And the other thing I grabbed? The ZIIP Dot Device. It's one of those devices I’ve had my eye on. I’ll keep you updated on how it goes, but so far, I love the concept and how tech-forward it feels. It’s literally like giving your skin a little mini workout at home and clears blemishes.
I can finally fit into my old clothes…which feels like a little win…but honestly, part of me is kicking myself for throwing so many of them away. Now I literally have nothing to wear. And I don’t mean that in a dramatic way…I mean actually, genuinely, nothing fits right. Everything is just so baggy on me now...and not even that cool, oversized look that you can style. I’m talking weirdly baggy.
Hence the mini Zara haul. I needed at least a few basics to survive in the meantime until I figure out my new style. But now I'm also stuck with a wardrobe full of clothes that are way too big for me. And I’m torn…do I donate them and commit to never going back to that size? Or will I regret it.. (just an FYI that of course, if I get rid of them, they’re going to a good home…not literally thrown away.)
Also, random note: that gorgeous suede Frankie Shop blazer I picked up? Love it, but heads up…the color transfers onto nails! Throughout the day my nails were turning this weird brownish color like I was turning into a werewolf.
I just finished A Thousand Blows…and wow, such a good show. I loved every second...except the part where they decided to make the season ridiculously short.
Also finally started The Last of Us season 2…and what a show. I forgot how good the show is. I won’t go too heavy with the spoilers here...but why did he have to die?! WHY. 😭 Also, not gonna lie, Ellie was so annoying from the beginning. The way she was with Joel? I was like, girl...this man is literally trying to save your life. Have some respect. But anyway, incredible storyline…it's giving emotional damage but in the best way.
And that's a wrap on April! Honestly, this month felt like a bit of a rollercoaster - trying to catch up on work, balancing fun sister time, getting stung by rogue wasps (lol, still not over that), and somehow still squeezing in a little bit of self-care and shopping. Not quite the smooth, structured month I had imagined, but it’s all part of the chaos, right? I think if April taught me anything, it’s that sometimes even when things don’t go exactly to plan, you still come out with the best memories.
I’m so glad I get to share all the little wins, fails, and in-betweens with you…from my new beauty obsessions to closet drama and everything in between. Life is rarely perfect...and honestly, I wouldn’t want it to be. Hope you found a little something relatable, a few new products to obsess over, and maybe even some inspiration to shake up your own month ahead.
Here’s to a May…hoping it’s filled with a little more calm, a lot more joy, and hopefully zero wasp stings! 🫶🏽
Book Of The Month: The Housemaids Secret
You know when you finish a book and you just can’t stop thinking about it? That was me after reading The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. I was obsessed. So obviously, I had to read the second book…The Housemaid’s Secret, and to be honest, I didn’t think it would live up to the first one, but it 100% held its own.
It really does help when you share my newsletters! I’m on a mission to grow The Beauty Breakfast Club community and it would mean the world if you could share this with whoever you feel could do with joining us! 🫶🏽
If you want to read about anything specific, feel free to leave a comment - I’d love a bit of inspo from you!
OMG, Nina! I turn 80 on Friday but still remember the awful Wasp sting I got when I was 8 years old! It is excruciating! I got stung in my foot which swelled up for 3 days! Since then, insects terrify me!
As far as the oversized clothes…hold on to those because as much as we swear we’ll never go back to that size again…unfortunately we do! When we lose weight, our fat cells shrink, but they don’t disappear & unfortunately, eventually may fill up again! Even when fat cells are cut away by surgery, unfortunately, the number of cells appears to be genetically predetermined & will be reestablished. I had breast reduction surgery in 1978 and was reduced to a B cup! I’m back to a D.
This is why & how some people who have endured Bariatric surgery regain what was removed! So, if you have clothes that are good quality, timeless or designer, don’t get rid of them. I regret having altered some to Small that I still can’t fit into. We need to maintain clothes in a few sizes to address our fluctuating weights. Countless times I have gone back to a small size believing I would never go back to being that big again, only to live to regret it later.