Rivals, Richard Sennet, Fresh, Patchouli and Frank Ocean

This week I've been on half-term holidays and taking it slow. A routine has emerged of lazy wake-up, coffee, swim, two boiled eggs and half a tomato. Write by the pool with my laptop on damp knees. Lunch. Write some more. Watch TV. Attempt to read my book. Dinner. Bed.

I already feel revived.

My Monday Muse is Barbara Bodichon - Artist and Social Reformer. She did a lot of groundwork for the Married Women's Property Act 1970 which meant that women could own land and keep their earnings. She also co-founded Girton College Cambridge, the first educational establishment that helped to educate women to degree level.

Feeling... excited about my new book while also frustrated I have so much to do. My proposal is now at 13K words and I'm only 2/5 sections down.

Eating... seafood and pasta daily.

Watching... Rivals by Jilly Cooper. Absolutely brilliant telly. I love the smoking and all the sex. It's over the top in the best way possible. David Tennant is brilliant and deplorable and Cameron Cook has the best lines and outfits. It's really cool to see a woman character give as good as she gets in the writing, but also show moments of vulnerability. I also watched Fresh - a stylish (and sometimes funny) horror film with Daisy Edgar Jones. A real dating horror story.

Smelling... I've been checking out all the Italian pharmacies and perfume shops for research and I bought this Vanilla Shower Gel and a Patchouli body lotion. I love the packaging on this. I've also been wearing Le Labo Patchouli 24 sample in my carry on and I'm loving the seasonal shift of scent.

Thinking... To be somebody, you gotta make something.

Wearing... Really basic clothes because the last few weeks have been glamour driven and girl I'm tired. So dresses like these that I can throw over my head are winning right now and I'm sleeping in a tracksuit.

Reading... Democracy and Urban Form by Richard Sennett. It's six lectures he gave at Harvard in 1981 on social isolation in the city and how it affects democracy. It's what I spend a lot of time thinking about and what I'd like to be more involved in at 60.

Newsletters... I am obsessed with Anne Helen Petersen's Culture Study. Long Form about the world we live in. I read her interview on The Burden's of Social Mobility and felt seen.

Listening... I often revisit Frank Ocean when I'm travelling. Something about his music is carefree and dreamy while also emo and romantic. Perfect driving music.

Applying... I got gifted this Hourglass Lip Gloss and it was so bomb I ended up buying two at the airport.

Talking... At Soho House on Friday with Lottie Whyte. See you there!

Have a great week.