Ten happy things – August 2023

I think it’s so important to take the time to reflect on small (and big) moments of joy. That’s why each month I look back and write about ten things that made me happy. Here’s my ‘ten happy things’ for August!

Team away day

At the beginning of the month, my directorate had an away day in King’s Cross. It was a really good day and very productive. Afterwards we headed for drinks on the rooftop at The Big Chill. Between 4 and 7pm they have selected cocktails, such as Aperol Spritz, for only £5! It was fun to spend time with my colleagues outside of the office.

Lunch at Manteca

Manteca in Shoreditch is one of our favourite restaurants! We always have great food and a great time. Their focaccia is so good! We have to resist not ordering a second portion…

After lunch we always love to have a wander around Shoreditch and then stop off at Eataly to buy a few Italian treats to take home.

Pizza in Richmond

We love a good Neapolitan pizza and Napoli on the Road does one of the best. They had just opened a new branch in Richmond so off we went one Saturday to try it out. It was fairly quiet, however they’d only been open three weeks. No doubt it’ll be packed in no time.

After stuffing ourselves with delicious pizza, we went for a walk along the river all the way to the stunning Petersham Nurseries. The weather was wonderful too so there were lots of people out and about. All in all it was a fab Saturday.

Looked after Dandy

Our neighbour asked us not once, but twice, to look after his gorgeous cat Dandy. We’ve looked after Dandy many times over the years and I always love it when he stays over. He is the fluffiest cat! Sadly they are moving so, this month, will be the last time we’ll look after him.

Quoted in The Express

I discovered that I’ve been quoted about Lampedusa in a travel article in The Express! That was definitely a highlight this month!

Delicious lunch at home

August didn’t bless us with great weather… one Saturday it was pretty rainy so we decided to stay in and eat lunch at home. My husband is a great chef – when it comes to pasta! He made us a delicious spaghetti with courgette and guanciale, washed down with Prosecco. Yum! If you look closely… you can spot Dandy in the background!

60th birthday drinks

My friend and colleague, Simon, had drinks for his 60th at a fabulous private bar at Bread Street Kitchen in Southwark. It was a really lovely evening. I met some new people, chatted with colleagues and ex-colleagues and even got to catch up with Fee, one of our mutual friends. Sadly it was a Thursday night so I had to leave at a decent hour!

Won an Aperol competition

I was delighted to find out that I came second place in an Aperol competition! The prize is an amazing gift voucher at Eataly, which will definitely be put to good use!

Holiday planning

We are away for a week in September so spent some time researching restaurants – always a priority! We also finally decided on where we’re going for our two week holiday later in the year so we booked our flights and hotels. I love holiday planning! Now just to count down the days until we jet off…

Read a great book

I picked up Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason in a local charity shop. I know a few people who have read it and all either loved it or hated it. So I was expecting not to enjoy it but I actually loved it. Sure, it tackles a tough issue – mental health – but it’s also hilariously funny in parts. I’d really recommend it.

So that’s my ‘ten happy things’ for August! How did your August go? What made you happy and brought you joy? Let me know in the comments.