The Dazy Diaries is a special edition newsletter that I upload every Sunday. It’s a little chit-chat about what I’ve been up to and the things I’ve been loving recently. So, grab your favourite beverage and happy reading!
As I’m writing this, I just arrived back from a lovely weekend trip away to London. London is one of those places that always feels so alien to me. And every single time I visit, that realisation hits me. It’s a feeling of overwhelm as I brush past every shoulder that rushes past me, enthralled by the eccentric outfits that I wish I could wear, noticing certain shops I’ve seen promoted on social media, being squashed in like sardines in the underground as I people watch those who are poker faced reading the news or a book, admiring the expensive houses that look like they were taken straight out of a movie. It’s mostly a feeling of being surrounded by so many people all at once, yet feeling so minuscule in a city so far from order.
I stayed in an area near Richmond, which I’ve never visited before. The houses in the area were gorgeous. Jealous of anybody who lives beyond the windows I peered into. We spent the evening at a pub around the corner, which felt like being on a film set for Notting Hill or The Holiday. Just local friends gathering and laughing in harmony with a cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other.
The next morning, Fletcher and I rose bright and early, reaching for our gym clothes to run around the local area. It was so humid, admittedly, I struggled. But it was a nice bit of exercise before we headed out for the day.
We went to Battersea Park and spotted many runners who had just finished the Battersea 5 K. It seemed like a very lively and positive community of runners and a great spot for socialising. We then walked over to Battersea Power Station, admired the building, and tried a coffee from Grind. An oat milk lavender latte. It came in a ‘Clueless’ plaid-print coffee cup - it’s the smallest touches for me. It also tasted wonderful!
We then walked over to Chelsea to visit the Stripe and Stare X Little Moons pop-up in Duke of York Square. They were giving away free knickers and Little Moons ice cream. Because I was in London and because Stripe and Stare are my favourite knickers, I had to visit. The pop-up was super popular, and I managed to snag a free pair of knickers and a Little Moons Passionfruit & Mango and Honey Roasted Pistachio mochi ice cream. The Honey Roasted Pistachio was so yummy!
I thought this was such a cool marketing concept, and it was super fun to visit something like this in London.
We then went to watch Oliver! at the Gielgud theatre as a belated birthday present for my brother. I thought the set was super creative, the singing was fantastic, and I enjoyed it. Afterwards, we walked to the Primrose Hill area to see ‘Paddington Bear’s house. The street is super cute with all the pastel houses, and it’s surprisingly very quiet around there.
The next morning, we headed to Kew Gardens. I was actually knackered by this point. London really takes everything out of me. I’m not sure why, but I found Kew Gardens a bit underwhelming? Maybe it was just the timing, as not many of the blooms were out yet. I did spot a fish in the lake that definitely clocked us, and came right up to the surface with its mouth wide open. Honestly, a bit shocking.
We wrapped up the day with lunch on a little bench at Richmond Park. The atmosphere down there is lovely. People were out in rowboats that you can hire, and we enjoyed listening to the busker singing country tunes in the background!
Glossier ‘Black Cherry’ cloud paint - I received this as a present from my boyfriend for my birthday. I love the versatility of the Glossier cloud paints. You can use them as a cheek stain or lip stain, and they are super easy to blend into the skin with just a finger. The black cherry collection by Glossier is gorgeous, it’s such a beautiful deep red that feels so sophisticated.
Phone Charm - I caved a bought myself a phone charm to use around London, but it actually didn’t arrive in time for my trip. However, I know it’s going to be so handy when I’m out and about rather than clutching my phone all the time. I bought one with white pearls and rose quartz crystals - it’s so pretty!
Lip Liner in Talented by Rare Beauty - I’ve been wanting to own the Rare Beauty Kind Words lip liner for a while. They are so creamy, waterproof, and the colour range is gorgeous. I have the shade ‘talented’ and I am in love with it.
Cornflower Blue nail polish - Cornflower blue has been a favourite colour for me recently. I found this cornflower blue nail polish at And Other Stories and think it is so beautiful. I actually found a dupe in Boots rather than purchasing the And Other Stories one, which is by the brand ‘My Mood’ in the shade Peace. It’s only £4.50!
About Dazy Mag
Written by myself, Ciara, I want Dazy to feel like you’re talking with a best friend. Dazy is here for all of your girly chats that happen on the end of bed, in the car, on the phone, in a cafe - right here on your phone or laptop on Substack! You can expect:
Think Pieces
The Dazy Diaries (every Sunday)
Fashion, Beauty, Wellness, and Pop-Culture
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im so glad you had fun in london!! my mm is going in two weeks, anything that was your favourite??
I also visited Kew Gardens for the first time a couple of weeks ago and agree that I was a bit underwhelmed. I also hadn't been expecting the planes travelling so low, definitely took away from the peacefulness! I think I'm probably spoiled with nature coming from the North West, I wouldn't be in a rush to visit again!