Ten happy things – July 18

At the end of every month, I like to look back and reflect on ten things that made me happy and that I’m thankful for so here’s my Ten Happy Things for July.

My first Henley Regatta

Thanks to the lovely ladies at Debenhams, I got to attend the Henley Royal Regatta with a bunch of fellow bloggers. The weather was amazing that day and we were treated to a lovely meal in the Riverside enclosure. Oh, and I got to choose a dress for the occasion from Debenhams!

Christmas in July

This heatwave has been insane! So when I was invited to the Co-op’s Christmas in July and it was 30 degrees that day, it reminded me of my childhood Christmases in South Africa (although at least we had a swimming pool to cool down in). The highlights for me were the Chorizo & Pancetta Pigs in Blankets and the Irresistible Winter Berry Stuffed Cured Pork Joint. Mmmm yum!

I got my first article in print

I write regularly for Third Sector, online, but this month I had an article published in their magazine. It was all about how charities are using digital for service delivery. I’m still buzzing!

Dinner with Natalie at Pho & Bun

Pho & Bun invited me along to their restaurant in Soho to review their five course tasting menu and I took along the lovely Natalie Seldon of Pretty Edible Stylist. Natalie is so much fun and we always have such a laugh! It was a lovely evening – great food and great company.

Frida Kahlo exhibition

I can’t remember the first time I came across Frida Kahlo but I know I was fairly young. I think I was introduced to her work through my older sister, who studied Fine Art, and I’ve been a massive fan ever since. I even have one of her self portraits in my home, which I bought in Mexico. So when the V&A announced that they were doing an exhibition of her life, I immediately bought tickets. My husband and I went on a Saturday afternoon and it was wonderful. I loved seeing all the photos of her childhood and learning more about her life. Plus seeing her clothes was amazing!

Free Aperol at Aperol Sundial

For five nights, Aperol Spritz had a popup on the Southbank by the Oxo Tower where they were giving away two free Aperol Spritz to those passing when the huge sundial struck 5 pm. We went after the Frida exhibition and it was fab! There was a ping pong table, table football and Vespa seats. Look out for it next year too!

The most amazing meal at Villa Cimbrone

We were recently in Positano and made our way to the hilltop town of Ravello for dinner where we had the most amazing meal at Villa Cimbrone. The Villa dates back to the 11th century and is now a hotel and gardens, with a Michelin starred restaurant. The gardens are open to the public and I highly recommend going at sunset – look at this view!

Exploring the Amalfi coast – again!

We’ve been to the Amalfi coast four times now (or maybe it’s five…) but the last time we went was five years ago so it was lovely to go back again. In my opinion, it’s more crowded with tourists now (Positano especially) but we had a fabulous four nights there. If you’ve never been, I’d highly recommend it.

Ischia, my favourite island

We combined our Amalfi Coast trip with four nights in Ischia, which is one of my favourite islands. Annoyingly we missed the famous festival of Sant Anna (again!) so next time we need to plan it better. If you ever visit Ischia, do yourself a favour and have dinner at Il Monastero (which is in Castello Aragonese, pictured below).

Eating all the pasta!

Obviously one of the best things about going on holiday to Italy is the food! And the pasta in particular. I ‘rationed’ myself to pasta only once a day but my husband ate it for both lunch and dinner! Now we’re back home, we’re on the salads…

So there are my ten happy things for July! Here’s hoping August is just as awesome…