‘It is the month of June,……..

…..the month of leaves and roses,

when pleasant sights salute the eyes, and pleasant scents the noses’. - Nathanial Parker-Willis

June has always been a wonderful month for me. A month of (hopefully) sunshine, my birthday, pre-harvesting holiday and Royal Ascot!
This year, June has been a great month for commissions as things finally look to be opening up for weddings and events this summer.
This Royal Ascot has been a particularly exciting and thrilling one for me with a commission for the lovely Laura being featured in ‘The Sun’, ITV coverage alongside Rachel Hawkins and Rachel Trevor-Morgan and Ascots day 3 highlights! I am still in shock as it is every Milliners dream to see a creation have such success and it is a testament to how stunning Laura looked.
It was a wonderful early birthday present for me preceding a weeks holiday in sunny Devon and returning refreshed and ready to come back to more commissions!

I really enjoyed seeing all the beautiful Millinery and fashion at Royal Ascot and the Queens attendance on the Friday when she was met with a lovely joyous welcome.

I hope you have had a lovely June and have been able to spend more time with friends and family.

I finish this post with another quote that seems all the more apt this year:

‘June is the time for being in the world in new ways, for throwing off the cold and dark spots of life’ - Joan D Chittister

Here’s to more socialising, celebrating and hugging those we love!

Cheers!
SGM

Being creative in lockdown + the end is in sight!

Whoever would have thought this time last year that we would still be under lockdown restrictions 1 year on- and what a year it has been!

It has been such a tough time for so many with the restrictions affecting every aspect of our lives. So many families have been unable to spend time together in person, share meals or even hug. So many businesses who rely on people socialising have struggled so much from the lack of events and many have had to adapt in order to survive.

We have all had to find new and creative ways to show our love for friends and family and joined others in appreciating those who do the most essential work and who are most often overlooked.

The end is in sight though! The incredible NHS and scientists working together have been able to roll out a vaccination program that will help return our lives to normal. Weddings, parties, festivals and other events are already booking up. There is a mood of optimism blooming with the spring flowers and we look forward to gathering with family, friends and strangers to celebrate again! ….Oh, and hugging!

The lockdowns have however, given us all the chance to slow down. We have realised the importance of human connection and maintaining relationships- albeit through Zoom! We have all learnt how much we took simple things for granted and how we should choose to be grateful every day for the little things.

Many people have taken on new hobbies and learnt skills that they didn’t have the time to do before. We have learnt the importance of creativity for mental wellbeing- I have enjoyed having more time to develop my Millinery skills and learn new techniques.

There is so much scientific evidence about the positive cognitive effects of having a creative outlet- it reduces anxiety, boosts brain function, reduces blood pressure and gives a sense of purpose which has been so important when everything around us has changed.

I hope that when things return to ‘normal’ that we can all remember to prioritise relationships, finding things to be grateful for, making time to be creative as well as celebrating together!

What hobbies have you taken up during lockdown creative or otherwise?

If you have a wedding or event planned for the coming months, why not start planning your outfit now. Get in touch to discuss your requirements for a hat or headpiece and get ‘a-head’ of the crowd!