Unpacking: June

A month of catch-ups, shopping and contemplating life without Botox.

June always feels like a little pocket of joy in the year for me…mainly because it’s my birthday month, and also because I’ve always associated it with a fresh little reset for myself. I’m not one of those people who goes wild for a whole birthday month or even a week (I’m not that unhinged), but I do take a little staycay with hubby which is around a week..ok so maybe I do celebrate for a week. It’s the one time of year I let myself lean into celebrating me…a littel birthday staycay, shopping sprees, and taking a bit of a pause to do the things I actually love.

This month I turned 45…a big one for me. I know it’s not 50, but it’s not exactly that far off anymore…and honestly, I’ve never felt better. At the start of the year, I made a promise to myself; to focus on my health. To really look after my body and mind, eat more nutritious food, cut out all the processed junk, and see how I felt by the time my birthday came around. And here we are. I’ve lost weight, my cholesterol’s dropped (it was pretty high), my energy’s up, and for the first time in my 40s, I feel really good in my skin. I’m proud of the work I’ve put in, but more than that, I’m excited for new ventures, new ideas, and everything yet to come.

I thought June would be the month I eased back into my usual routine…nothing too ambitious, just a steady lead-up to my birthday trip. I’d taken a week off Reformer Pilates while my parents were visiting, so I was actually looking forward to getting back into it and feeling a bit more like myself again. I figured I’d squeeze in a bit of birthday shopping (obviously), and then wind down the month with a relaxing birthday staycation split between The Atlantis Royal and One&Only Palm. In my head, it was going to be a balanced mix of routine, a bit of indulgence, and some calm before the celebrations.

We kicked off June with Bobby’s birthday and I think he’s finally warming up to the idea of celebrating it…only took over a decade. I planned a little itinerary…breakfast at Fouquet’s, coffee at Cipriani, and dinner at Three Cuts with my parents. He was loved his day and that made me happy.

My Pilates comeback was postponed yet again because my instructor was away for training, so I shifted focus to weights for the week instead…which also gave me severe muscle soreness so it kind of backfired.

Now let me be real with you…we are not the ‘jam-packed social calendar’ kind of couple. We genuinely love our own company and don’t need a third party to make it enjoyable (maybe that’s a conversation for another newsletter because…it's surprisingly rare these days). But June became the month of overdue catch-ups. Every weekend was spent catching up with friends we see ‘every so often’ and each one was overdue. It was lovely, don’t get me wrong….but I don’t know how people do this every weekend. We’re a complete write-off the next day, and I mean that literally. I feel like I’ve got a hangover the next day and that’s with zero alcohol. How do people do this socializing thing all the time?!

My family was in town too, and we booked into the same hotel for a week, which was such a good staycay. I feel so grateful we all genuinely get along and actually have fun together….not every family can say that, so I truly do cherish it.

Also, surprise twist I didn’t ask for…my iron levels dropped a lot, so I’ve been doing intravenous iron infusions this month. Still feeling a bit weird - like I’m low on something but hopefully on the up soon.

One thing I’ve actually stuck with this month is my tretinoin routine…and I’m so glad I powered through the purge phase. My skin has finally turned a corner. It’s smoother, clearer, and that weird uneven texture I used to obsess over is pretty much gone. I didn’t expect to see such a noticeable difference so soon, but it’s made me realise that when you’re consistent with the right skincare (even if it’s annoying at first), it really does pay off.

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• Art supplies - went on a random spree and honestly I can say buying art materials gives me so much joy, even if I barely have time to use them.

• Bobby got me a LEGO Ferrari…he says it's therapeutic and wanted me to see just how therapeutic it is. I built it and yes, it is oddly calming, but I think I’ll stick to painting.

• Birthday shopping was fun as always…a little wardrobe refresh with pieces from Jacquemus, The Attico, Saint Laurent, and The Wardrobe NYC. Basically knocked everything off my list. Well…some of it.

• Still patiently waiting for the Frankie Shop Belmont faux leather jacket to come back in stock. At this rate, it will be available just in time for winter.

• Not much else to be honest….birthday spree handled most of it.

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• Started T-Shape sessions - basically body sculpting for cellulite and fat. It’s like having an aggressive vacuum dragged across your body. Uncomfortable but bearable (kind of). Currently swollen post-session so no visible results yet…but will keep you posted.

• Got my Botox top-up this month but...I’m considering not doing it again. Shocking, I know. Mainly because I want to give gua sha an honest go and Botox always throws me off when it comes to the consistency. It’s only a thought for now….so don’t panic.

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• Dior Overvolume mascara + creamy concealer combo is giving me life

• Dior Forever Skin Contour is chef’s kiss

• OPI Nail Repair - because I’ve finally recovered from the trauma of years of gel nails. I went totally bare for a few months and just started using normal polish again. It lasts way better than I thought.

• Prada Beauty is really impressing me. I already loved the lipsticks, but now the mascara and eye pencil have me rethinking everything I assumed about designer beauty brands…but mainly this one in particular.

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Zara really tested my patience this month…I returned a knit co-ord via home delivery (trousers and top), and they only refunded me for the trousers. No mention of the top, no explanation, just silence. And out of principle, I refuse to let it go. Aside from the drama, I did a massive wardrobe clear-out and honestly, I’m slightly disgusted at how much I had. Clothes I forgot existed, tags still on. It felt so good to finally let go of some of it (I say some because I haven’t finished), but also a bit confronting…like, who let me get this out of hand?

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• Forever - cute, but overhyped in my opinion. It kind of gave me teen drama vibes so maybe I just didn’t click because of my age.

• Mob Land - the storyline was pretty good but the Irish accents from some of the cast were a bit of a joke.

• Dept. Q - Binge-worthy, gripping, and one I’d recommend if you’re looking for a new series.

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Between birthday moments, family time, and a diary full of social catch-ups, it’s been one of those months that reminded me how important it is to protect your peace and make space for some joy. I’ve come out of it feeling a little refreshed, and very excited for a quiet July….fingers crossed. If you’ve made it this far, I hope your June gave you something to smile about too. And if not….July’s up next.

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