Welcome to this edition of Editor’s Notes! I’m excited to share some standout wellness favourites that have truly elevated my summer. From an essential sunscreen and a game-changing blender to a delicious DIY pizza hack and a refreshing Greek salad recipe, these picks are all about enhancing the last of the summer days. Plus, get a glimpse of a stunning Amalfi Coast beach club and a beauty product that’s become a holiday staple.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Spray SPF 50+
This summer, La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Invisible Spray has been my hero product. I’ve never had a favourite SPF; usually, I’m a bit of a floozy when it comes to sun protection. It’s essential, of course, but I’m typically satisfied with whatever I can find. However, I think I found “the one” on a recent trip to my local pharmacy! I have fair-ish skin and am prone to burning and heat rash, but on my recent holiday to Italy, where it was exceptionally hot, I didn’t get a single patch of pink skin. This is one of the most effective SPFs I’ve ever tried. It’s a pleasure to apply; at first, it felt like it couldn’t be providing much coverage since it’s so lightweight, but trust me, it was put to the test and passed with flying colours. I won’t be using anything else from now on. All hail the superiority of a French pharmacy brand!
KitchenAid Go Cordless Personal Blender
If you’re a regular reader of Editor’s Notes, it’ll come as no surprise morning smoothies are an important ritual for me. My faithful 15-year-old plug-in blender is not quite as powerful as it was when I first bought it so I was delighted to try out KitchenAid’s new cordless blender. It’s a versatile tool for blending ingredients for smoothies or icy treats with its specially designed blade. The 473ml (16-oz) capacity jar is dishwasher-safe and designed to fold contents back onto the blades, creating a powerful blending vortex. The cutting-edge asymmetric blade blends at four distinct angles, pulling ingredients into the centre for ultimate crushing. Additionally, it includes a travel lid for on-the-go drinks and features two push buttons for On/Off and Pulse functions.
Crosta & Mollica Sourdough Pizza Bases
During my holiday, I indulged in copious amounts of fantastic Italian food, and the pizzas were simply chef’s kiss good. I haven’t yet found a place in London that matches that level of pizza perfection, but I’ve discovered that making a DIY pizza at home is a great alternative and actually quite fun! Most store-bought pizzas are heavily processed and probably not the healthiest option, but I’ve found a loophole! Next time you’re craving pizza, pick up a sourdough base from Crosta & Mollica. The ingredients are minimal, with no added preservatives, flavourings, or hidden sugars, making it as close as you can get to a homemade base from Italian Nonnas! The beauty of these bases is that you can customise your pizza however you like. You control the toppings and ratios, making it as healthy or indulgent as you prefer. Load it up with veggies and good-quality protein, and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded meal that feels like a proper treat!
Our latest house project has been transforming the garden into a little countryside oasis in London. After months of planning and hard work, our teak furniture finally arrived last month, and it has completely elevated our outdoor space. We’ve been relishing the experience of al fresco dining and hosting delightful lunches with family and friends on the weekends. Lately, I’ve been captivated by the freshness of Greek cuisine, and I’ve found that this Greek salad is perfect for entertaining. To create a complete meal, I pair it with flavorful chicken and pepper skewers, perfectly grilled halloumi, warm flatbreads, and my homemade tzatziki, which I can’t get enough of. The combination of these dishes not only satisfies the palate but also brings a touch of Mediterranean charm to our little garden oasis.
If you find yourself passing through the Amalfi Coast this summer (or plan to in the future), you MUST schedule a day at Borgo Santandrea’s phenomenal beach club. Overlooking the glamorous Conca dei Marini, famously known as Jackie Kennedy’s elegant summer destination in the 1960s, Borgo Santandrea is an impressive mid-century-designed hotel built into the rocks, 90 meters above sea level. This Italian haven spans multiple terraces and is the only hotel in Amalfi with its own private beach. It also features the chic Marinella Beach Club. Not staying at the hotel? Fear not! External guests can pay a daily rate to enjoy the club and its beach restaurant, which serves up Italian classics as well as dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. I opted for the refreshing salmon poke bowl, a perfect light meal for a hot day at the beach, offering a nice break from all the pasta and pizza. The location is absolutely breathtaking no matter where you look, and I will definitely be back!
If you’re looking to add a fresh pop of colour to your summer beauty routine, Chantecaille Cheek Gelée is the perfect choice. This luxurious product effortlessly blends the benefits of a gel and a cream blush, delivering a natural, radiant flush that’s ideal for the warmer months. Its lightweight, hydrating formula feels incredibly comfortable on the skin, making it perfect for hot summer days when you want to keep your makeup minimal and fresh. I found it to be a staple for my holiday, where I wanted just a hint of colour without overdoing it. With just a dab on the apples of your cheeks, you achieve a healthy, sun-kissed glow that lasts all day. The chic, travel-friendly packaging makes it easy to slip into your makeup bag for touch-ups on the go. Whether you’re heading to a beachside brunch or a summer evening out, Chantecaille Cheek Gelée is your go-to for a naturally radiant look.
words by Molly Jennings
