CURRENTLY LOVING | August 2026

There’s joy to be found in noticing the little things that make life better. The small, steady comforts and curiosities that weave themselves into the everyday. The objects that earn their keep, the experiences that leave a little glow, the moments that remind us to look up. So here we go again, with a Currently Loving post to capture just a few of those things…

This summer has been a mix of slow mornings in the garden, creative days out, city trips, and a handful of excellent purchases that have slotted neatly into my routines. Some things have been practical (hello, air fryer revolution), some have been indulgent (the jumper I absolutely did not need during a heatwave), and some have been pure joy (crafting chaos, mint‑green hiking gear, and a phone strap that makes solo travel feel just a little easier). Together they form a snapshot containing ten things I’m currently loving; the items and experiences that have brightened the last few weeks. As always, part review, part journal, part celebration of the everyday.

Currently Loving | August 2026

01 Garden Chair

This garden chair is my dedicated first‑cup‑of‑tea-of-the-day spot. My Sunday morning writing spot. My Thursday afternoon working-from-home spot. And my any-time take-a-break spot. It is exactly the right amount of comfortable, and buying it opened up my garden as a room this summer – a summer that has been a particularly good for sitting down outside.

You may recognise it as the exact chair I sat in at the Magic Mushroom Cabin last summer – the one I sank into and immediately thought, oh, this is the one. The set is by TOBS, made from fake rattan, and came as a set of two chairs with a table that has a glass top. I’m grateful to Sarah for doing the research and finding it online for me (I got mine from Amazon but it’s also at all the other shops you’d expect – B&Q, The Range, Dunelm, as well as direct from Pacific Lifestyle).

It’s properly comfortable in that unfussy way outdoor furniture needs to be: supportive without being rigid, soft enough to linger in without adding a cushion, and just the right angle for reading without giving myself a crick in the neck. And yes, mine is green. Naturally.

It folds up neatly when the weather is being typically British and I want to put it in the shed to save it blowing away, but most days it’s out, waiting, like a little invitation to slow down for a moment. I’ve spent hours in it this summer, writing, thinking, doing absolutely nothing.

02 Fjällräven Keb Lätt Hoodie

I absolutely did not need to buy a cosy sweater during the heatwave, but that didn’t stop me falling for the Fjällräven Keb Latt Hoodie in Stavanger. I tried it on, felt instantly cocooned, and then – in a rare moment of sensible restraint – decided to buy it at home where it was a little cheaper. ‘Cheaper’ is relative, of course; anything from Fjällräven is spendy. But I reckon it’s worth it.

I chose the grey one because I have quite a few green sweaters already (no surprises there). It’s soft and warm without being bulky, and has that classic Fjällräven practicality that makes you feel like you’re investing in years of future adventures. I’m actually wearing it as I write, this; it’s been raining a lot today and the evening air is cool – and this way I can keep my patio door open into the evening and undo some of the stuffiness that’s built up in my house over weeks and weeks of high temperatures.

It’s honestly such a comforting sweater, like a hug you can put on. I’m hoping it’ll accompany me on travels for many years, and fully expect there to be photos of me wearing it on hikes, in cabins, and on random chilly days out. Unnecessary in August, yes. But already beloved.

03 Days Out Crafting – and my Raku Fired Pot

Crafting days with Sarah – like our pottery masterclass in Eastnor and our tufting day in Birmingham – are one of my favourite kinds of mid‑week joy. Most recently, we headed to Wenlock Pottery in Shropshire to try our hands at Raku firing. And it was honestly the best fun I’ve had in ages.

As you’ll know if you’ve watched the Great Pottery Throwdown, there’s something wonderfully chaotic about Raku. You heat a pot until the glaze melts, lift it from the kiln (quickly but carefully), and smother it in sawdust so the smoke and flames can work their unpredictable magic. I didn’t throw my pot – Mike let us choose from a selection of pre‑made options, but I did the rest (with clear instruction and supervision). A process that started by spending an embarrassing amount of time choosing my glaze, ultimately landing on the one labelled simply as ‘very good’. It lived up to the promise. My finished pot is shiny, coppery, cobalt‑flecked, and now sits proudly in my lounge.

After that and a hot lunch, we spent the afternoon on the potter’s wheel for… let’s call it playtime. My success rate was poor at best, but I thoroughly enjoyed just being allowed to try again and again without worrying about success of failure. And I reckon I’m now surprisingly decent at centring clay, even if my mug‑throwing ambitions remain firmly in the future. Sarah, naturally, was brilliant. It’s okay: I bought one of Mike’s instead!

Mike has lived a whole life in clay, and we felt it in every anecdote. It was such a good day — creative, messy, grounding — and I came home with a fabulous Raku pot to remember it by.

04 Uniqlo Utility Bag

I’ve been a loyal fan of my little orange cord Uniqlo Round Bag (the one everyone else already owned by the time I got mine) since I got it. But for theatre days, especially those glorious matinee‑evening double bills, I needed something with a bit more room. Enter the Uniqlo Utility Bag in khaki green. It’s just the right size for the things I inevitably end up carrying: a sweater for chilly auditoriums, a water bottle, snacks (obviously), and even my laptop for those between‑show coffee‑shop writing sessions.

It’s lightweight, structured enough to hold a shape, and has that Uniqlo knack for being practical without shouting about it. The strap sits comfortably across my body, and the pockets are exactly where I want them to be. I’ve already used it on several London days, and it’s quickly become my go‑to for city trips, the kind of bag that allows you to feel prepared without the need for a back pack. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable and roomy, and at under £25, it’s good value too.

05 Osprey Tempest 33L

This is both the big sister and little brother to my two other Osprey hiking packs, and it’s already been fully integrated into the family. I bought it ahead of the Cleveland Way because my orange pack (24l) was too small and my black one (40l) too big – Goldilocks logic – and this mint‑green beauty turned out to be just right. Same range of packs – the Osprey Tempest (I got mine from Wildbounds, also available at Cotswold Outdoor, which is a good place to try packs on before you buy), same familiar comfort, exactly just the right amount of space. And in a lovely mint green colour.

It swallowed everything I needed without complaint: layers, overnight essentials, snacks, water, emergency bits, and the inevitable ‘just in case’ extras. The fit was perfect from day one, no rubbing, no faff, and the ventilation kept me comfortable enough on the long and very warm days. It’s already done big miles both for hiking and for travel (I’ve used it for the London trip I’m on at the moment), and I know it’ll be with me for many more. I wondered if it was extravagant to get another pack, and if I should just make-do with the ones I had – but I’m glad I gave into temptation, as this was a genuinely excellent purchase.

I’ll be giving this one a proper review when I write up my Cleveland Way adventure journal series. Hopefully soon.

06 Air Fryer

Yes, that’s an air fryer in my garden. Don’t worry, I don’t actually use it out there. I finally gave in and joined the rest of the world in having one of these in my kitchen, and I’m honestly annoyed I didn’t buy one sooner. With the exception of one cook-from-frozen emergency pizza, I haven’t switched my oven on since this arrived. I know air fryers aren’t without their issues, and that it’s basically just a small oven, but it’s so unbelievably handy.

I’ve chose the Instant Pot Vortex 5-litre (I bought mine from John Lewis, also available at Amazon), and it’s been brilliant for quick meals, roasted veg, crispy potatoes, reheating leftovers, and all the little everyday things that make life easier. I chose it because the compact size and 5l basket seemed big enough to cook me a full meal without taking up loads of space in my cupboard (yes, I put it away after every use, just like I do with my toaster and slow cooker). It heats fast, cooks evenly, and doesn’t require the level of commitment (or electricity) my full oven seems to demand. I’ve become one of those people who says ‘I’ll just air fry it’ about everything, and I’m not even sorry. A late addition to my kitchen, but a transformative one.

07 Peak Design Mobile Strap

Inspired by Jenny, who is always ten steps ahead when it comes to practical travel kit, I treated myself to the Peak Design Mobile Strap (specifically their Crossbody Strap, also available on Amazon) earlier this year. It’s exactly the thing I didn’t know I needed for solo travel. It keeps my phone handy for photos, maps, and quick checks, but also safely attached to me so I’m not constantly worrying about wandering hands in busy cities.

It’s not part of my everyday carry, but I’ve started using it whenever I go to London or other big cities in the UK and abroad, and I know it’ll be brilliant for cross‑country skiing (because there’s more of that on the horizon) and similar adventures. There are lots of these around, some cheap, some more expensive – I decided to go for the Peak Design one as I’m already addicted to their ecosystem and trust their quality and durability. The strap is comfortable, secure, and easy to adjust, and the little anchor system is clever without being fiddly. A simple piece of kit that adds a surprising amount of peace of mind.

And it gets noticed: the server in Floozie Cookies in Covent Garden recognised me (and asked me if I wanted the ‘same again’) when I visited a second time 48 hours later because of my sunglasses and phone strap combo. I seems I have a ‘regular’ cookie order now! Pistachio Rose Raspberry if you are buying…

08 National Trust Membership

I think becoming a National Trust member is a sign of middle age, isn’t it?! Yea, I know. I actually bought this for the parking perks, but the property visits have become a lovely bonus. I’m trying to make an effort to use it properly to get the most from the annual fee, especially as a way to break up long journeys when I’m visiting friends and family. Most recently I wandered around Croome and Lyveden, both perfect for a couple of hours of gentle exploring.

There’s something soothing about National Trust properties: the gardens, the history, the cafés, the sense of stepping briefly out of normal life. I’m enjoying having a membership that encourages me to get One Hour Outside in new-to-me places, and see somewhere new rather than just powering through a long drive. Tell me your favourite National Trust properties — I’m building a list.

09 Kodak Mini 2 Retro Photo Printer

I wanted to get photos off my phone and into the real world, and after a bit of research this Kodak Mini 2 Retro Photo Printer came out as the best way for me to do that. This wasn’t about getting the big memories printed and framed, but about getting quick prints from trips, days out, and random little moments, and pinning them to a noticeboard in my kitchen. It’s become an evolving gallery of memories, and I can’t tell you how much joy it’s bringing my tiny little mind.

I chose the Kodak because it’s small, compact, and produces prints (3.4 x 2.1 inches) straight from my phone that are good quality, have no borders (you can do both with and without), and are a decent resolution. The printer is easy to set up, quick to use, and the prints come out beautifully – small, colourful, and perfect for capturing snapshots of everyday life.

The kit came with enough ink and paper for 38 prints, and I recently bought a refill pack of six 4PASS cartridges (60 prints) for £24.99, which works out at 42p per print. If you don’t currently have a way to print your snaps, I highly (highly) recommend this. Get your photos off your phone and onto your wall or into your journal or scrapbook. You won’t regret it.

10 New Balance 530 Trainers

What do you do when you feel sad? Well, I buy trainers. And that may well have been what happened here. I found myself in town having a solo lunch on a day where I was feeling all the feelings, and once I was fed (always do that first!), I wandered into Schuh. Dangerous.

I came home with these beige‑and‑brown New Balance 530s. In fairness, they weren’t a complete impulse buy. I had mooted the idea of getting something to replace the green‑and‑brown adidas Kantais I’d completely worn out recently – but the timing here was definitely emotional. No regrets, though. They go with everything, they’re incredibly light, and they’re super comfortable for everyday wear. They’ve already become my daily pair, perfect for errands, travel, and general life. Sometimes a little retail therapy really does deliver exactly what you need.

What Are You Currently Loving?

And that’s my little collection of things making life feel a bit better at the moment; a mix of practical upgrades, creative adventures, and small comforts that have quietly shaped the last few months. I love how these posts become time capsules in list-form, reading back always reminds me of where I was, what I was doing, and the things that were helping me feel grounded or inspired at the time.

If you’ve discovered something recently that’s made your days a bit brighter – a place, a gadget, a habit, a moment – I’d genuinely love to hear about it. And if you have a favourite National Trust property I should add to my list, send it my way. Here’s to noticing the good stuff, however small, and celebrating it when we can.

Read all my Currently Loving posts.

Disclosure: This is not an advertorial or sponsored post, and there are no PR gifts included. It is, quite literally, a list of some of the things I’m currently loving.

There are affiliate links on this page, the funds from which help me go on the mini adventures that make life interesting. If you buy something using one of these links, I receive a very small commission. This does not cost you anything more than it would otherwise. Thank you for supporting my future adventures.