august recap

a recap of all the things that helped me through the last month of winter and what that looked like.

If I had to recap August in one word, it would be "calm." When I wasn’t at the thrift store hunting for decor finds, I was most likely at home writing on Substack or trying new recipes. Compared to other months of the year, I really got to focus on myself and my environment—a privilege I don’t take for granted

As mentioned in some of my previous articles, I’ve been focused on finding decor that makes my home feel more like "me." I’m interested in how I can make my small, modern space feel more nostalgic and “homey.” This pursuit might have turned into a bit of a hyper fixation—I definitely visited the op-shop about 15 times this month. Since the house has started to feel more like a home, I’ve been more inclined to stay in and cook.

I enjoy cooking, and with my knowledge of Lebanese cuisine and my husband being Turkish, there’s always a new recipe to try. I’m constantly looking for high-protein, healthy meals that can become staples for us. Some of the dishes I’ve made this month include steak and veggies, garlic tomato pasta, tavuk corba (chicken soup), steak tacos, and chicken adana. Cooking is not only one of my love languages but also a skill I want to continue perfecting. I love food, and there’s no better feeling than acing a recipe. By the way, our Place pans are the best!

One recent discovery I made about myself in August is that I may not be as reliant on coffee as I thought. Don’t get me wrong—if I’ve had a long night, I can’t converse without an oat cappuccino. However, as the month grew warmer, I had a few iced lattes that didn’t quite hit the spot, so I decided to try matcha instead. I’m familiar with matcha and know I enjoy it, but the caffeine effects of ceremonial-grade matcha seem to work much better with my body right now. The flavor is enjoyable, and having a pick-me-up without the spikes and dips of regular coffee helps me reduce my consumption. Plus, a strawberry matcha is just so yummy! If you’re an anxious person and feel like you need a switch-up, give it a try!

Another addition to my dream "Miss Honey" lifestyle has been buying some plants and adding them to my patio. It’s helped me spend more time outside, and they just look so cute.

Since I have some new plants that need cute pots, I’ve also taken the opportunity to try a hobby I’ve been wanting to explore. When I was little, my mum had mosaic art she’d made in high school and after then too, and I always associate that art with her. Recently, I saw a Pinterest photo of a cute floral mosaic pot and bird bath, which inspired me to finally give it a go. Although my attempt is a bit rough and clearly unfinished, it’s so much fun!

A sad moment in August was the passing of my husband’s childhood pet, Lexy, who left us after being a very good girl for 15 years. She was truly the calmest and friendliest dog I’ve ever met. Although her passing was sad, she lived a long and sweet life, and her presence will be deeply missed. Lexy was not only a friend to my husband and his family but also became a friend to me. On days when I felt alone and newly married—when things felt different—she was always there, napping on our patio, so I really never was truly alone.

Sometimes I find Sydney a bit boring in the colder weather, but my husband and I attended an antique fair recently. Although we didn’t find anything, the experience was charming and made up for it. Date days or nights are so much more enjoyable when you can experience something new. I definitely recommend it if you’re in Sydney.

Some new products I’ve tried this month has been half magic beauty (so good and BDS safe) and Tower 28 (confirming if BDS safe). Half magic has truely wowed me though with a great price point and make-up that is actually interesting and provoking.

I ended the month with a windy sunny day brunch outside with my mum, sister and niece and got to see her in a little kiddy pool for the first time and munch on a mango. Truely a highlight because of the level of cuteness :0000

Here’s to September, Bismillah! <3