The Letter: December's State of mind
As the year draws to a close ...what I've been doing, where I've been, recent eats, Christmas gifts
Before I start, I want to say THANK YOU for following me on my substack journey this year. It still feels very new, but it has truly been therapeutic for me to get my thoughts down.
I hope you have all enjoyed reading all the thoughts in my mind and I am looking forward to sharing more with you in 2025!
It’s crazy to think that we’re at the end of the year already! 2024 has been an interesting year and A LOT has happened. I am always grateful for hitting the end of any year because it is truly a blessing. However, when my friend asked me how I felt about 2024, I said that I was grateful for growth, but I feel like there’s a lot of unfinished business. There are so many things I want to accomplish but they take time, so I’m just grateful that I’m going in the right direction (I think).
I need to start thinking of my new years’ resolutions! I’m going to use this week to do a deep dive. Roxie Nafousi has a really great End of year reflection guide, which so posted on her instagram, so I’m definitely going to be using that.
Anyway! back to December! This has been a fun month :) I spent the first half in New York and now I’m in London celebrating with family :) We are normally in warmer climates (Ghana), but I’m not mad at a quiet Christmas this year- I am so TIRED and I just need to sit and do nothing.
What I’ve been doing!
Hosting!
Last year, I hosted a few girlfriends over for a Christmas farewell. It went really well so I decided to do it again but this time, I wanted to really focus on the styling and make sure everything looked beautiful. I was up super early to get to the floral district and then to Trader Joe’s for ingredients for my berry crumble and light bites.
Below is the final result. I have also posted a reel with the planning process on my instagram. I am really happy with the final look and I’m obsessed with the burgundy theme and the bows! Everyone had a lovely time and it was just so nice to get a small group of girls together.
It’s far too late now for the obviously Christmas stuff, but in case you want to buy anything that is pictured below. Here is a link to my Amazon shop!
Things that are not from Amazon:
Ribbed Glasses: CB2
Serving Dish with bow rim: Anthropologie
Chopping board: Target
Vase: Zara home (old)
Eat More Cake: Urban Outfitters (old)
Candles: Diptyque
Diptyque Advent Calendar
I promised to do an advent calendar this year and take you on the unboxing journey with me, and I did it! It has been a real treat!
Prior to the calendar, I knew Diptyque for their candles but to be honest, I really only tried Baies. Once I tried it, I was a repeat offender and I didn’t explore any further. However, the calendar has made me fall in love with their fragrances. So many great scents (the only one that was not in the box that I love, is the Geranium one).
My top picks from the Advent Calendar are:
Baies Candle - True OG scent
La Droguerie Candle - this odour removing candle is perfect for any kitchen!
The Exfoliating Hand wash - feels and smells amazing
L’eau Papier Fragrance - simply love this scent and lovely as a hand wash too!
Philosykos Fragrance - unique but good!
I did an unboxing everyday on my instagram stories to see what was behind each box. If you’re intrigued, I have saved everything as a highlight on my instagram! Enjoy xx
Where I’ve been!
The Hamptons
This doesn’t really count as December, but I spent thanksgiving in the Hamptons in such a beautiful property! I know the Hamptons is great in the summer but it was actually the perfect getaway in the winter. I was with my bf and his family and my brother was also in town, so it was so the best time.
Spencer’s Spa
I don’t know about you, but this spa was constantly popping up on my instagram! I was intrigued as to whether it was just really good marketing or actually worth the hype. I went for a 60min massage and I have to say, it was a true delight. Firstly, the interior is very minimalist chic and it feels like you’ve stepped into a home, rather than a typical spa. I feel like Spas can feel clinical sometimes, so it was nice to have an alternative for a change. Prices are also more favourable than your average facial or massage in NY (still above $100 but the average is about $200).
As soon as you arrive, you’re taken to a little area to drop off your bag and shoes and provided with socks and slippers. After sitting in the waiting area soaking up the interior for a short time, you’re greeted by a friendly masseuse who takes you into your treatment room. It starts with the usual questions around preferred pressure etc and then you’re good to go. One thing I will say is, they listen to everything you say and the massage was really really good! I would 100% go again.
Lastly, I loved the bathroom! It was so cute. Diptyque and Aesop products - a design lovers dream! For more details - click here for the Spencer’s Spa Website
Plum House
I spent last weekend at Plum House! It’s in West Sussex. The closest station is Haslemere (1hr train from Waterloo or 1.5hr drive).
Plum House is part of a collection of homes my Plum Cottages and all I can say is, the property is gorgeous! This particular property is a 3-bedroom but they also have one-bedroom cottage down the road- so you have options!
It’s the perfect retreat away from the city and it’s super easy to get to.
The decor is so impressive. It made me fall in love and appreciate wallpaper all over again.
Every room had a different colour palette and all rooms were en-suite and stacked with lovely products from Bramley.
I honestly couldn’t recommend Plum Cottages more. The team were super attentive and easy to communicate with. As soon as you arrive, you are welcomed with a cute note and yummy snacks. The addition of the Christmas tree was a really lovely and thoughtful touch at this time of year.
I highly recommend checking all of their properties out on the website and getting yourself there for a staycation. I am 100% going again.
Restaurants
I love December because it’s filled with family, friends, parties, and a lot of food. But I am ready to let it go now, because I feel like I’ve eaten out a lot and I need to take a break.
Below are the standouts for the month! The first two are in New York and the last three are in London.
Polo Bar, New York
A True New York Classic. Ralph Lauren Chic. The Burger is delicious. Cocktails are a must.
Crane Club, New York
The interior is stunning. The Menu is small but very well executed (I prefer smaller menus). The Apple Crumble is a must!
Palomar, London
This place has been on my list for years! The food is very very good. If you love middle easter food- go. Sit by the bar if you love watching the action in the kitchen.
Kolae, London
Spicy Thai. Great staff. Worth the hype. I wasn’t a huge fan of the crackers at the start but don’t let that deter you, everything else is vibey!
Dear Jackie, London
This restaurant is so beautiful! It’s located in the Broadwick Hotel in Soho, which has been opened for about a year. The food is incredible. For Starters get the scallops and the crab dish - chefs kiss! Then try the seafood risotto and finish up with the Apple Tart. Apples are really my jam lately!
What I’ve been watching
I went to watch Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway and it blew me away! I love Alicia Keys’ music so it was the perfect show for me!
The show is all about her life growing up in Hell’s Kitchen. It covers her first love, her relationship with her mother/father and with the woman who taught her how to play the piano. It was epic! It was filled with all the songs we know but with a slight twist. I can’t rave about this enough. If you love her music - GO, but even if you’re not really familiar with her catalog, it’s still a great piece of art and deserves all its flowers. The vocals are insane.
Real Housewives of New York and Beverly Hills
So I have been watching both of these franchises and I have notes. But I will save that for my next newsletter, as I’m behind due to the holidays. But all I can say is Brynn and Dorit are annoying me.
Skincare I am loving
Epi.logic
For the past 3 weeks, I have only been using the Epi.logic Total Package moisturiser and I don’t know what it is, but I feel like my skin has unlocked a new level. The only way to describe it is, ‘glass-like’ and I am loving it! I think going-forward, I may use Tatcha in the day, because I love the way it sits on my face pre-make up and then I’ll use this at night, so I can take advantage of all it’s goodness! Its a really good product. I like to test things for at least 3-4 weeks before I recommend and this is the first time I’ve used this product without any interruptions.
SIDIA
I love this brand! The Body Wash and Body Exfoliant and amazing! I have already finished my first round of both products and I repurchased on Black Friday. SIDIA has their scent game well figured out. My favourite scent is definitely ‘Wired’. If you want to try one to start, go with the Exfoliant.
When you get the chance to smell it, please DM me and let me know what you think :) I think body care is having a moment right now and there are so many new launches and lots to choose from, but right now I’m definitely a SIDIA girlie.
Skin wishlist
Tatcha Brightening Serum
So Tatcha just recently launched their brightening serum and I want in. I haven’t been using a lot of serums lately because I just cant find the right one that works for me. I’m on the hunt for a good Vitamin C serum, so this could be it! I love the Sunday Riley Brightening Serum and the Topicals Faded Serum but both are much better for me at night time, because they’re on the thicker side.
I also want Vitamin C for the daytime because apparently it keeps your skin protected (highly necessary with NY air) and it works really well with SPF. I’m adding this to my list for when I’m back in New York because I don’t think they have launched in London just yet.
Topicals Eye Masks
The Cognac Faded Under Eye Masks. Lord knows I need an eye mask right now with the brutal ket lag I’m experiencing- I’m sleeping at 4am!! My bags are bagging and they tend to get puffy when I don’t get much sleep.
In NY I’m constantly using the Dr Idriss Depuffer in the mornings whilst I make my coffee but I’m going to try these masks on mornings when I have more time. The marketing campaign for this is 10/10.
What came for Christmas!
By.alona earrings
These Wave Earrings were love at first sight. I’m obsessed with large chunky earrings. They come in Silver and Gold. I already have a lot of Gold Jewellery, so I wanted to start with silver, but if you see me with the Gold soon- don’t ask me questions.
Assieds-toii Footstool
I have had my eye on the Assieds-toii mushroom footstools for a while now. I saw them in Selfridges a few days before Christmas for 50% off and I was tempted!!! I left the store and I couldn’t get this out of my head, so I went back on boxing day and they were still there! I had this shipped to my apartment in NY immediately and I love it. The fabric is a lot better IRL and I just hope it works in my apartment. Isn’t the mushroom shape so cute!
Chanel La Mousse Cleanser
I always said I would never spend too much money on products I wash off my face……and then Chanel Beauty gave me testers. Guys, this foam cleanser is GOOD and a tiny bit goes a very long way. I feel like this is justified as it wasn’t my dime so I’ll be enjoying this even more :)
Smythson diary
I simply need to get my life in order but, in style. It;’s a really nice treat at the start of each year! This is the 2025 Panama Soho Weekly leather diary 19.6cm x 14cm.
If you like the diaries that come with inserts and dividers, also check out Cloth and Paper or Stil classics. I always get myself two diaries- one for my job and the other for Sincerelyfafs content. I am on a real mission to be organised in 2025, so here goes!
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and enjoyed the time with your loved ones! See you in 2025! Thank you all again <3
Yours Sincerely,
Fafs xxx
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Instagram: @Sincerelyfafs