5 Things Friday

My summer reading list, make-up free days, two mid-week meals, outfits I've worn now the sun's hiding again and lots of general chit-chat. I've some news!

And just like that, it’s July! At this rate summer will be over before it’s really begun. This week has felt like it is edging towards the change of season. Now that we’ve passed the longest day, the evenings seem to be already drawing in, and I’ve found myself thinking about my autumn wish list! But before I get too carried away, I’m not ready to start hibernating just yet. Let’s eek out every drop of summer while we can. So, this week I’ve had a few dilemmas and finally made a decision! I blame the menopause on my lack of decisiveness, or maybe I’m just a little apprehensive about what the next chapter of my life is going to be like. I know, heavy stuff, but there have been some lighter moments too. So let’s get on with what’s been on my mind this week...

1. What to read this summer - give me all your book recommendations please!

I’ve exactly one week and a day to go before school’s out for summer! Did you sing that bit, because I can’t keep myself from bursting into song every time I say it. End of term means holidays and that means getting some proper reading under my belt. I turned to my two bookish mates for their suggestions, but both admitted they hadn’t read anything recently! So instead I tried another tactic and asked “Is there a book that you loved so much you’ve read it more than once?” Mine were, The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. The Great Gatsby was on my A Level syllabus and, maybe because we really picked over the characters, I have returned to it 3 times since. I mentioned seeing The Kite Runner at York Theatre Royal last week - it was wonderful. Unprompted, both mates also said Hosseini’s second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, was one of their “read it more than once” choices. I think a sure sign of an excellent novel is if you think about it long after you have put it down. It certainly had that affect on me. No spoilers, but there is one paragraph I’ve gone back and re-read so many times over the 15 years since I first read it. So, what did the friends also have in their lists?

I have taken screenshots of the WhatsApp group results! Sharp Objects is going into my suitcase, and maybe I’ll finally dust off my copy of Captain Corelli that’s been on my bookshelf for forever. So, what’s on your list? Any recent good reads? Please share in the comments below so we all have some inspiration.

2. If I only pack one pair of summer “evening” sandals…

…it would be these. I made a sandal purchase this week and have no regrets.

These Mint Velvet ones have been on my mind for a while and this week the deed was done. They tick all my “summer holiday evenings out” boxes and mean that I won’t be taking the usual 6 or 7 pairs - so that’s my justification. I love a strappy flat simple sandal. These St Agni ones were an early summer purchase, but I do like a little embellishment on a summer sandal, for that relaxed beachy, boho summer look. The Mint Velvet ones are nearly OOS online so I’ve had a little mooch for a similar vibe if you want to recreate the look:

1/Ancient Greek 2/Mango 3/Next 4/Massimo Dutti 5/Emme Parsons