The Weekly Wind Down #39
Returning to Substack, my epic American adventure, and attending a movie premier.
Hiya Huns,
I’m baaaack! How have we all been? I’ve missed you all.
I am back from my incredible adventure in America. If you haven’t been keeping up over on Instagram, then go and see what Gabriel and I got up to.
I’ll be doing a dedicated article all about the trip, detailing what we did, what we thought was worth doing, etc., so without further ado, let’s get back into it pals.
Sincerely, This Week:
This week has just been about readjusting back to reality following being away for two weeks. I tried to make it my mission to jump back straight into normality to try and minimise the holiday blues (it kind of worked).
Despite battling a chest infection and coughing like I’ve smoked 50 cigarettes a day, it’s actually been a good one. I’ve had some events to look forward to, which always makes it easier, doesn’t it?
I got back to freelance writing for publications, so work is back in full swing.
As well as this, on Thursday evening I was invited to the premiere of Steven Spielberg’s brand new movie Disclosure Day, which features Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colman Domingo, and Colin Firth. More on the film later on as it features in The Moodboard.
It was an amazing evening with some of my favourite people as we got to walk the black carpet in London’s Leicester Square alongside the stars before venturing inside Cineworld to watch the film. Before it started, the brilliant Steven Spielberg took centre stage and delivered a wonderful speech introducing the movie along with the actors. It was surreal being in the same room as them.
On Friday, Gabriel and I were invited to the opening evening of Zoo Nights at London Zoo, an adult-only event where park-goers can explore the zoo, visiting all the animals as the sun sets. They also have a great selection of food trucks and drink stations serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. It’s definitely something to add to your list if you’re wanting to do something a little different this summer.
Saturday saw us drive to celebrate one of our dear friends’ mum’s birthdays at their home (which is beautiful). It was such a lovely way to spend the day.
Sunday was spent spring-cleaning and tidying/ organising the flat ahead of a special guest coming to stay next week (watch this space).
Sincerely, The Holiday Recap:
Gosh, where do I start?
Firstly, it was truly a trip of a lifetime, and I couldn’t have imagined doing it with anyone other than my husband. We celebrated our second wedding anniversary out there (god knows what we’re going to do for our third next year).
Let’s start with Las Vegas. I absolutely loved it! The twinkling lights, the glam vibe, the nostalgia, the grand size of everything- it was amazing to get to witness it all in its glory. We hopped through various hotels, watched The Wizard of Oz at The Sphere, visited the outlets, saw a show, but most of all, one of our gorgeous friends got married out there. That whole day was such a beautiful memory, and it felt so surreal to celebrate on a rooftop bar in Vegas.
Los Angeles was just great, with a more chilled edge. We started in Hollywood, hitting up the usual tourist hot spots such as the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Boulevard, Warner Bros. Studio tour, and of course Universal Studios Hollywood. Then we drove to Anaheim for a few days at Disneyland. It felt so surreal to be standing where Walt Disney himself once stood, and be in the park that started all the magic.
I could waffle on, but as I said before, I’ll be doing an in-depth round-up article so you can bookmark, screenshot, print it out (whatever you want to do with it) if you’re planning your own adventure.
But also… we vlogged the whole trip, and you don’t have long to wait as the very first episode, Travel Day, will be going live on my YouTube channel on Sunday 14th June. Subscribe here.
What You’ve Missed:
The Moodboard:
Watching: Disclosure Day - Whilst I can’t reveal too much as it’s under embargo until Tuesday evening. The movie comes out in cinemas on Wednesday 10th June, and I will definitely be going to see it again. Yes, it is a long one with a run time of two hours and 25 minutes, but honestly, it goes quick, and the story keeps developing so you won’t be getting bored throughout. For me, certain parts were reminiscent and took me back to watching E.T. (an icon), the score, the directing, the acting, everything is just *chefs kiss*.
Listening to: hate that I made you love me by Ariana Grande - Ari dropped her new single, and for me, it’s a hit. It’s quite similar to the vibes of Supernatural, so if you loved that, you’ll love this. It’s a more laid-back song as opposed to upbeat and poppy, but it has a great sound. I’m super jealous I’m not seeing her in concert.
Eating: Fried Chicken from Chatty Patty - When we visited Zoo Nights, we chose to eat at Chatty Patty, which is fried chicken and chips, but you get to choose a range of sauce combinations to smother them with. I went for buffalo and blue cheese, whilst Gabriel chose garlic aioli and parmesan. Both were absolutely insane, and the chicken itself was meaty and tasted gorgeous.
The Edit:
For those who have gone out with me, you’ll know I’m never without a fan, whether it be a hand or electric one.
Well, my collection just got a big upgrade, and it saved me whilst I was in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
Let me introduce you to the new Dyson HushJet mini cool fan. It has five speed settings and doesn’t create that piercing high-pitched or loud motor sound; instead, it’s more of a smooth hushing sound.
It’s super lightweight and comes with a neck strap so you don’t always have to hold it, and a stand to place it on a surface. It uses the technology from their famous tower fans to deliver clean air that leaves you feeling cooler and fresher.
The speeds are so fast, you’ll be walking, living your best Beyoncé moment.
Buy the Dyson HushJet mini cool fan here.
Sincerely, Me:
Often when I come back from holidays and trips, I go into a pit of sadness that the experience is over.
But this time I’ve been working hard not to let that bubble be burst, and to continue living in it.
Yes, it might be over, but how amazing is it that I got to experience that and make so many memories?
Just because it’s over doesn’t mean that the feelings and emotions have to be. As Katy Perry once said, “Just because it’s over doesn’t mean it’s really over.” Don’t worry, that’s not the quote for the week.
I get in my head about how it’s back to reality, and how I should start working hard again, etc. but another lightbulb that went off in my head whilst I was away was that, if we actually slow down, and take in the life that we are living, we’ll appreciate what we have so much more, as opposed to chasing the next high, the next event, the next holiday.
Look back through the photos with happiness, not jealousy.
Take each day as it comes, and just enjoy where you are now. Whether that’s lying on the sofa, downing a bottle of prosecco at a bottomless brunch (that will be me next weekend), or sat at your laptop working, learn that the life you’re living is a great one.
It doesn’t matter what other people’s opinions or thoughts are. That’s none of your business.
Quote for the week: “It’s just another turn of the page, and I for one think what comes next will be… wonderous” - Disneyland Wonderous Show.
Sincerely, Scott xx