Not everything I'm reading, watching, or quietly obsessing over will make it into an article. But it shapes the ones that do. Consider this the margin notes.
August 2026
Back at it
Back on the writing bandwagon among a million other things and working hard to stay focused. I love a yellow legal pad, there is something about being less precious with it that always makes me (feel) more productive.
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Worth your ears
An hour long, worth splitting into two thirty-minute morning listens. Not for the headlines but for the management perspective and the reminder that being effective and being loud are not the same thing. The kind of content I will always choose over a day-in-the-life reel. Took some notes for future articles.
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Lip edit
No amount of hydration seems to solve chronically dry lips and I have tried most things. A friend noticed without me saying a word and gifted me this. It simply works. I now need the tube version to live in my handbag permanently.
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Everything from this line has been a winner for me. This latest addition does exactly what I was looking for: pigment that brings your lips back discreetly, hydrating, and not sticky. For the 40s and beyond in my readership, you will understand immediately. On the brand itself: from a pure business and marketing perspective, the sell-in and sell-out tells you everything. From packaging that feels like the door of a luxury car — the kind you never have to slam — to the ease and efficiency of every product. Someone has a very tight grip on the product vision and the bottom line.
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New uniform
A good pair of jeans is my armour whatever the occasion, whatever the season. Found these on sale in Frankfurt and have not stopped wearing them since. Lightweight enough for Singapore, comfortable enough to feel like pyjamas but put together enough for the world. I sized up for the slouchy look and the way it falls. An excellent travel companion as well.
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Non negotiable
I carry a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders and anyone who does will understand the appeal of something that actually helps. A last-minute pharmacy find in France, 45 seconds in the microwave and it is ready. It has become a non-negotiable in my life and travel kit. Exactly the kind of thing I wish someone had told me about sooner.
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July 2026
Writing Corner
I did set up a little corner at my in-laws on the first day. Summer had other plans but the notebooks still got filled and so did the memories. A great reminder that you can make all the plans you want and life has a funny way of taking over.
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Travel in Time
There are places that take you straight back. Rolle is one of mine. The light, the water, the view. I was trying my best to imprint it all. Coming back this time with the family I built for myself is something I still don't have words for. Learn more
Readings
Countless hours on trains across Europe means one thing: uninterrupted reading. I loved every page of this. It took me straight back in time. A must-read for anyone who grew up between two cultures, especially if those cultures were polar opposites. If you are North African, this is non-negotiable.
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A recommendation from a new friend. I did no research, knew nothing, and dived in entirely on the strength of someone else's taste. It did not disappoint. The writing is simple, the storytelling is beautiful, and it explores grief and friendship in a way that stays with you. Next time you meet someone you click with, ask them what they are reading. Then just dive in.
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The game that goes everywhere
We spent more time than planned watching the World Cup, as one does. But we managed a few backgammon games in between. I always travel with my set and it comes out everywhere. The rules are simple, each game is full of surprises. If you have never tried it, start. Shop it here
The Collab
Months ago I came across this collaboration between a hotel that is dear to my heart and one of the oldest perfume houses in the world. Limited edition, only available at the hotel, only really making sense in the heat of summer. Monoi was not the note I would have picked to capture the Beau-Rivage, and yet it is perfect. The double exclusivity makes it a complete success. My only regret: not getting a bottle when I had the chance.
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The Expat Suitcase
Every trip back, or wherever home used to be, comes with a list. Some essentials make sense, others are just unique to me. I am convinced someone should make a coffee table book of what is in expat suitcases. This time I was relatively restrained.
Carry-On, Only
Countless rounds of packing and unpacking over four weeks across multiple stops, carry-on only for all of it. I might have to share the system so you can tell me yours. And yes, that means I stick to my uniform of white tops and jeans in every picture, but I am there to create memories.
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June 2026
Months of thinking, writing, second-guessing, many unforeseen setbacks, and countless notebooks filled later, it is time to push to publish. June 5, it is.
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Summer and end of the school year is the moment I plan most of our medical appointments. While sitting in my doctor's waiting room I came across this. A quote worth sitting with and plenty of sharing: "For every dollar the world spends on medical research and development, just five cents goes to women's health." Read it here
And talking about health, it seems we are firmly in our healthy lifestyle era. We decided to give each other a Whoop bands for our anniversary. We now compete on who has the best sleep performance. I am winning.
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Twenty short chapters that should be read with plenty of breaks to think in between. A Christmas present saved to be savoured at exactly the right moment and one that gave me the push that my idea around The Missing Script is not totally absurd. One chapter sent me down a rabbit hole of de Botton interviews and I realised how much I had missed his way of thinking.
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We all know about Nvidia. Or do we? To be frank I had a broad idea and it had been on my list to learn more. It is now chose faite. I highly encourage anyone interested in the topic or not to do the same. An audiobook is always a good idea when you are not entirely comfortable with a subject. A few minutes here and there and it is done.
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I went in for white T-shirts. I came out with these. I had wanted to try this shape for years the classic double-bridge aviator and kept talking myself out of spending real money on a pair I wasn't sure would work. Uniqlo solved that problem for $29.90. They work. They also have about fifteen other classic frames at the same price, which is either very good news or a problem, depending on how you look at it.
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Every afternoon, almost exactly four o'clock. I am not one to ignore signs.
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