If you've been keeping up to date with The High Fives you'll have gathered that I land on the end of each month totally bamboozled as to how we got there so quickly. Blink and you miss it (life, that is!), so I particularly enjoy taking the opportunity to reflect on the month's highlights, recalling fun moments with friends and family, new-found faves and the buzz of discovering something quite special that I then can share with you lovely lot! So without further ado....here's August in 5!
1. READ
August saw Mimi and I take some needed time out, migrating to sunnier climates. On holidays abroad I always require a book to accompany my afternoon balcony chill-out sessions (whilst hubby takes his siesta). When it comes to reading, I tend to opt for non-fiction, biographies and alike and if you can throw in some life-hacks or some inspirational and motivational stories, I'm there with bells on! My dear friend Linzi had been recommending Matt Haig's Reasons to Stay Alive for sometime and having heard an interview with him on a podcast I listen to regularly, I was really keen to read it. The cover, adorned with quotes of admiration from so many well-known respected public figures, gives you the sense that you may be about to read something quite special and indeed, I found the book to be outstanding in so many ways. Such an incredibly open, honest account of his mental health issues, Matt Haig speaks to you, whoever you are, whatever you're dealing with and reminds us that ultimately we all have mental health which we must be tuned in to and treat with the utmost care. He speaks from experience and although his may be unique to him, the resounding message is that there is always light where there is shade and depression, anxiety and similar illnesses are treatable. His wit and the humanity permeating his writing helps the reader to digest and relate to what can be, for some, still is a taboo subject. Chapters appear in list form at points, with bite-sized chunks giving you food for thought, helping to put you right there with him. He writes in a way that you feel you are reading a friend or a family member's story, in their words which you can connect with wholeheartedly. Matt Haig's zest for life and the gratitude he has to be living and not just existing is palpable and something to be greatly admired. Everyone should read this book....yes, even you!
2. EAT
A trip to the Edinburgh Fringe would not be complete without some seriously good grub and boy did we feast on some tasty treats?!! Meze Meze on Rose Street Edinburgh is a must-go...must-eat-EVERYTHING! Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, the tapas-style dining (although the portions were incredibly generous!) allows you to try a number of dishes, perhaps brave something new and also, share with others (yes, I said share!). Halloumi, falafel, hummus, calamari....everything was fresh, flavoursome and filling. We literally had to be rolled out of there! Don't even get us started on the desserts! Opting for the pre-theatre menu which was awesome value for money, we found the restaurant small but perfectly formed, with an informal, friendly atmosphere that we were more than comfortable with. Can't wait to go back....and we won't be waiting until next years festival, that's for sure!
Psst. If you're in Glasgow, why not try Maggie's Buns (no, I'm not alluding to anything remotely dodgy!), Maggie Mays' new burger joint?! Tasty grub, cool decor, live music and in the city centre. Boom. Done!
3. WATCH
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| Photo from Twitter |
I'm not much of a telly buff. I'll rarely make an effort to tune in to a programme regularly or series-link something-I'm more of a Netflix viewer and even at that, I'm fickle in my loyalty to anything that requires more than one sitting. However Channel 4's Craft It Yourself came along this month and it converted me-I was hooked! Upcycling, DIYing and crafting have always fascinated but slightly terrified me. Fear of royally screwing up a piece of furniture or super-gluing my index fingers together, I've shied away from attempting anything (apart from painting and glossing the skirting boards) that may require manual labour, apparatus and well, a certain level of skill (or maybe just patience?!). That is, until now! The bug has most definitely bitten and I'm mad on transforming and creating home ware bits and bobs. Craft It Yourself not only inspired me to give-it-a-go but gave practical, handy tips for mini-makes, as well as more involved projects. Transforming one room each week, working with a different theme, the 3 presenters made a variety of pieces demonstrating a number of skills and techniques which didn't all seem so specialised that you couldn't at least try your hand at it. Sadly the series is now finished but you're be able to get it on catch-up so go check it out! Definitely worth doing if you're looking to get crafty and need some inspo other than Pinterest.
4. LISTEN
If you haven't quite jumped on the podcast bandwagon as yet, you must subscribe to BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. Originally created in 1942, this popular radio series, now hosted by Kirsty Young invites each 'castaway' to select 8 tracks they would take with them to their desert island. Famous footballers to actors, musicians to fashion moguls, the stories that surround each track chosen are truly fascinating. Kirsty Young is a wonderful interviewer and I'd be hard pushed to pick out a favourite guest, as there are so many I've listened to that I have loved, not only for their music choices but for the tales they've so brilliantly told. Music has a real power to evoke feeling and to spark memories for us all and with every selection, there is an opportunity to learn more about each guest as a person, rather than the personality we already know. A perfect driving companion, this series is a firm fave and with over 3000 episodes I've got plenty of commuting time left to continue my love affair.
5. SHOP
Some days things are just okay and other days...Glasgow gets an H&M Home!!!! Oh my giddy aunt was I excited when I heard that, finally, beautiful home ware would be adorning Buchanan Street?!! A visit to the new (mahoosive) store quickly confirmed what I already knew to be true....I NEED EVERYTHING! Honestly, I moved from one god damn gorgeous aisle to the next, loving every single item. I managed to restrain myself to a modest purchasing of just 4 cushion covers but that was merely a warm-up for the up and coming spend-athon that will inevitably ensue when we finally decide what room we are decorating next. Affordable, stylish and decent quality pieces for all corners of your humble abode, H&M Home Glasgow is well worth a look...just don't buy everything...leave some for me please!
And just like that August was over. Hoping September has lots of goodies in store!
Thanks for reading...hope you found something you like!
Until next time,
Weesse x
