I am a lover of plants. Our home is absolutely full of them, and we keep buying more. When you’re trapped in your own space, greenery is often a very welcome reminder of nature and the world outside.

‘Monstera Deliciosa – The Swiss cheese plant’

Monsteras are my favourite. You may not know them by their Latin name, but I’d bet my bottom dollar you’ve seen an illustration of their gorgeous leaves somewhere or the other. We recently acquired a few new ones from Cottage Garden Nursery in East Brisbane (HIGHLY recommend as all their plants are soo well kept), and they are so so healthy and gorgeous. The leaves are shiny & have split beautifully – It makes me very happy.

Every now and then when you glance over at a plant, you’ll see a fresh baby leaf that is fully formed, but absolutely 100% was not there the last time you looked. Plants grow far more quickly than I give them credit for, and I always do wonder if they have a secret code stopping them from growing when people are watching. Now that I’m around more often, I’ll have to pay closer attention.

I was clearing out an old jewellery box to give away yesterday, and I could hear something rattling around underneath the drawers. It could have been the back of an old earring, but something told me I should probably investigate further.

After shaking down the aforementioned jewellery box, I was not disappointed. Although there were in fact several earring backs strewn on the floor (which I dared not keep for fear of contracting tetanus), this little starry bracelet also fell out and made me very nostalgic.

My dad got me this celestial number when I was 15, on a cruise ship. I’m not sure if its actually worth anything, but I am super sentimental and treasure gifts given to me by loved ones. He gave my sister and I a choice between two, and I picked this one (the far less elegant & sophisticated option btw) only because:

‘I am a star, and as such it is only fitting that I should wear miniature versions of myself on my wrist.’ – (2015, R. Pais)

My ego, thankfully, has deflated drastically since then.