Lately I’ve been thinking about the notion of commitment, especially as it pertains to time. How many hours out of my day can I dedicate to any movement that makes me feel good, the kind of writing that nurtures my soul, going on silly little walks and spending an evening out with someone I love? How easily that time passes, and how overwhelming it sometimes seems.
And yet there are days where, when I’m sad and dreary, hours are spent in bed. Even more are spent through scrolling strangers’ thoughts on the internet. Time commitment seems less pressing when you are watching the day breeze by.
I’ve read a few pieces recently discussing how our pursuit of mental wellbeing - and the introduction of the boundaries we create as a result - are hampering our friendships. Too often we feel awkward or burdensome to ask our friends for a ride to the airport. Too often are we suppressing the challenges we face for fear of overwhelm.
I don’t necessarily agree. I know firsthand that taking part in self-informed rituals allows me to be a better friend, colleague, partner. And sometimes the introduction of those rituals may be a boundary. But I know that, like anything else, nurturing a relationship, evolving an idea, channelling your passions into a weekly newsletter, all require commitment.
So I’m going to try to get a little better at that.
Tess x
If you read one book, let it be this
The End of Loneliness by Benedict Wells
Glenn cried. I didn’t - but it deeply moved me all the same.
Three delicious (time-efficient) recipes
Roast spring vegetables with mustard and cheese sauce
I love anything Anna Jones cooks. This is perfect for a dinner party or beside Sunday roast with friends.Crispy baked chicken tacos with avocado lime dip
Weeknight tacos. These are so crunchy and perfect.One-pot miso-mascarpone pasta
This reminds me of Omni’s amazing miso cacio e pepe, which I’ll never get to eat again. This recipe will suffice.
The best Met Gala looks (so you don’t have to scroll all 226)
I’ve been repeating the same sentiment to anyone who will listen — I think the men have finally outdone the girlies. I won’t delve into an explanation of why, but here are some of my favourite looks.
Five things to spend your paycheck on
Ganni fringed satin tote
You might have a festival coming up. If I did, I’d buy this for it. I might just buy it for fun anyway.Deiji Studios strapless cotton top
I’m always served ads for this top, but it’s constantly out of stock. It’s terrible timing for us southern hemisphere girlies, but I think it would be the perfect piece for Euro Summer.The Great Eros canova underwire in black
Rhyana and Maxine recently put me onto this bra. I have it in two other colours. I’ll never wear anything else again. Peak comfort and subtly sensual. Love.
Kirsten Dryburgh’s nimbus fruit bowl
Everyone requires at least one ornamental fruit bowl. This one’s on my Wishlist.
Jil Sander leather wedge sandals
These little stompers would be as cute on a beach in Greece as they would with fuzzy possum socks for a New Zealand winter.