May edit ✏️🗒️
On a rhubarb fragrance, summery romances, a library table lamp and more.
As far as months go, I’ve always loved May. It has the best kind of in-between weather where it’s warm and sunny, but still tempered by a cool breeze. It’s when you start to reap the benefits of April showers, and say hello to the flowers and foliage that’ll become a mainstay in the summer. When you can still wear your cute jackets and have fun with light layering. When restaurants start opening up their patios and the bare ankles come out. This May, on the other hand, has been disappointing. It was largely cold and dreary with rain almost every other day. The one silver lining for me is that I used it as an opportunity to do some much-needed spring cleaning. When the nice weather finally does arrive (hopefully!), I’ll be happily spending more time outdoors without feeling guilty about my ever-growing to-do list at home.
While the weather wasn’t one a highlight in May, here are some things that were.
Hermès Eau de Rhubarbe Ecarlate Eau de cologne
I often rotate my fragrances based on the season and have go-to scents accordingly. Spring always puts me in the mood for Eau de Rhubarbe Ecarlate by Hermès. It’s fresh, tart and juicy with notes of rhubarb, red berries and white musk—happiness in a pretty red bottle.
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
Carley Fortune’s books unequivocally feel like summer to me, conjuring up that summer feeling within the pages. One Golden Summer returns to the setting of her debut novel, Every Summer After in Barry’s Bay, and brings back some of the characters. This is my favourite book by Carley so far. I loved the beautiful writing, the banter and emotional connection between the main characters, and the exploration of grief, love and friendship.
Spiral by Bal Khabra
Another standout was Bal Khabra’s Spiral, which I listened to on audiobook. This is the second book in a series called Off the Ice and focuses on a hockey player and a figure skater. I’m not a big sports romance girl or into hockey, but I loved this one. I was as invested in the relationship between the two characters as I was in their professional lives on the ice.
First Time Caller by B.K. Borison
May was a great month for books! This was my first time reading B.K. Borison and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to read her work. This Sleepless in Seattle-inspired story is about a hopeless romantic’s encounter with a cynical radio host (of a romance hotline, no less).
Hôtel Magique x Zara Kids
Zara Kids released the most delightful collaboration with Hôtel Magique, a brand I’ve been following for a while on Instagram. The brand creates art, fashion and home decor inspired by hotels. I even have one of the prints framed in my living room. I snagged a t-shirt featuring one of my favourite prints for my son, along with this sweet little red sweatshirt. If only the collection came in adult sizes!
Miffy Coin Bank
I bought this cute Miffy coin bank for my son after eyeing it for a while on Maude Kids and I might love it even more than he does. There are a few different versions and I love this is one of Miffy reading a book. The orange adds a nice pop of colour and also works really well as a decorative element in his room. The one I bought is out of stock so I’ve linked to a different one from the same retailer above.
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Library Table Lamp
This portable and rechargeable brass lamp was on my wishlist and I couldn’t believe my luck when I came across the last one at a Target in Texas on a recent trip. I picked it up, without even stopping to think about whether I had enough room in my luggage to bring it back. Totally worth it and I did, in fact, have enough space!
Overcompensating
Several binge-watches this month, most notably Overcompensating on Prime Video. A coming-of-age comedy from Benito Skinner (aka @bennydrama7) that takes a look at the messiness of college life with a stacked cast. I also loved that so many of the scenes were shot at the University of Toronto (including my old campus!), standing in for the fictional Yates University.
This YouTube channel is a comfort watch for me. I recently watched this couple prepare their 60sqft edible garden for the summer.
An ode to the show, New Girl.
An interview with Yolo Journal founder, Yolanda Edwards on
.Loved all the thoughtful details in this modern farmhouse Atlanta home.