Cheese Boards, Countdown Cravings & That Big 2024 Glow

December was a beautiful paradox: Sri Lankan surf vibes fading into mulled wine and Christmas crackers, followed by a New Year’s Eve that felt… fine. Nice. But not next-level. And if there’s one thing I’ve promised myself for 2024? It’s to stop settling for “nice.”

Let’s be real—there I was, twinkly lights overhead, glass of prosecco in hand, surrounded by well-meaning conversations about resolutions and gym memberships, and all I could think was: I should be in New York. Or barefoot in Rio. Or watching fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour while someone hands me champagne I didn’t have to pour. My inner main character needed more—more sparkle, more strangers, more unpredictable chaos dressed in sequins.

London? You were lovely. But next year, I want cinematic chaos. I want the midnight kiss with fireworks, the slightly-too-loud music, the glitter that doesn’t wash off until February.

Christmas at Home: The Full Festive Circus

After weeks of barefoot bliss in Hiriketiya, I landed back in London just in time for the ultimate festive immersion: full-family mode. Think: decibel-breaking laughter, kitchen chaos, and more cheese than I care to publicly admit. Honestly, it was like going from zen temple to circus tent in the space of 48 hours.

It was:

• My two sisters, their husbands, and our first Christmas with my brand-new niece (who is already iconic).

• Mum in full Delia Smith-meets-Mary Berry mode, operating under the firm belief that we are all severely malnourished. There were three kinds of stuffing. Three.

• The infamous Christmas Eve “quick drink” that somehow turned into tequila shots with the neighbours. Classic. At one point we were dancing to Wham! in the driveway with a Bluetooth speaker and two dogs.

• Board games that started with good intentions and ended in mild shouting. Monopoly: not for the faint of heart. Cluedo? More like Clu-don’t. Someone cried during Pictionary and it wasn’t even about the drawing.

• Dad pretending not to care who won but secretly very invested in charades. He mimed “The Bodyguard” so aggressively he nearly pulled a muscle.

Also: I have now officially entered my Cool Aunt Era. I can confirm it involves sequinned jumpers, loud opinions, skipping the kids’ table entirely, and being the first to suggest “just one more round of espresso martinis.” It’s a role I was born to play.

It was loud, indulgent, exhausting—and so very needed. It reminded me that love often looks like shouting over each other in the kitchen while arguing about roast potatoes.

New Year’s Eve: All Dressed Up, Mildly Underwhelmed

There’s nothing wrong with a chic London NYE. Candlelit dinner, beautiful outfit, great wine.

But this year, there was a spark missing. A whisper of FOMO that grew louder with every Instagram story of fireworks in foreign skies. Because as the countdown began, I couldn’t help but think:

• I should have been dancing in Rio.

• I could’ve been watching fireworks in Sydney.

• I absolutely should’ve been in NYC, having a cinematic moment with hotdogs and strangers in Times Square.

Instead, I was in a very chic bar in Mayfair, sipping champagne, wearing a killer dress—and still somehow craving more. The soundtrack was soft jazz when I wanted a live DJ. The vibe was elegant when I needed euphoric. The kind of energy that makes you want to laugh too loudly and kiss someone unexpected.

Next year, we go big. Think yacht. Think desert rave. Think champagne with strangers who become best friends by sunrise. I want joy that’s a little messy, a little wild, and completely unforgettable. I want a location change, a new timezone, and an outfit that could only be described as “questionable but iconic.”

The 2024 Moodboard: Bold, Brave & Borderless

I’ve started this year with a very specific energy.

It’s giving:

• Passport on standby.

• Saying yes before the doubts catch up.

• Embracing chaos with glossy lips and great lighting.

• Softness on the inside, unapologetic fire on the outside.

Plans are already stirring—some wild, some wonderfully loose—and I’ve made a deal with myself: if it excites me and terrifies me equally, I say yes. Because the most memorable chapters in life start with impulsive decisions and an overpacked carry-on.

Also, my notes app currently has a list titled “Places I Could Live For a Month,” and I’ve already highlighted three. Spoiler alert: not a single one is within commuting distance of Zone 2.

This year, I’m chasing borderless living. Less structure, more surprise. Less rigid five-year plans, more spontaneous sunrise swims.

Mindset: Big Energy, Gentle Edges

What I’m leaning into:

• More saying yes, less overthinking.

• More plans, but with room for the unexpected magic.

• More squeezing the juice out of everyday moments, not waiting for the “perfect time.”

• Less people-pleasing, more joy-chasing.

• More trusting my gut and letting adventure be a lifestyle, not a once-a-year thing.

Also: wherever I am next NYE, I fully intend to be dancing under stars with a drink in one hand and someone wildly interesting in the other. If it doesn’t feel like a romcom, I don’t want it. If it doesn’t leave glitter on my pillow and stories for weeks, I’m simply not available.

Style: The ‘New Year, But Make It Luxe’ Edit

January wardrobe energy = effortless structure with an unapologetic edge. I’m done with playing it safe.

Currently living in:

• Tailored coats that say “I own the room” without shouting.

• Sharp monochrome outfits with pops of deep red or gold.

• Statement boots—pointed toe, heeled, possibly impractical, definitely powerful.

• Layered gold jewellery that whispers confidence.

• Fresh red manicure that somehow makes even leggings feel like a moment.

• Cashmere scarves that feel like a hug from your most stylish friend.

Also: I’m still very much in my ‘Mob Wife Winter’ aesthetic. Fur, liner, and the aura of a woman who doesn’t split the bill unless she absolutely feels like it. Bonus points if she leaves a trail of perfume and chaos behind her. Double points if she also leaves with the DJ.

Beauty & Wellness: Repair, Replenish, Radiate

We’re in healing season, babe. The goal? Less “fix myself,” more “celebrate myself.”

Currently obsessed with:

• Hydration. Inside and out. Face mists are my new love language.

• Skin barrier repair like I’m prepping for a Vogue shoot.

• Gentle movement: think stretchy pilates flows and grounding walks over chaotic HIIT.

• Sauna culture. If I’m not sweating in a cedar box once a week, who even am I?

• Less punishment, more pleasure. I move, I rest, I glow.

• Magnesium baths. The sleep is unreal.

• Daily SPF even when it’s grey, because she protects her future self.

Also: I’m not chasing “new year, new me.” I’m deepening the version of me I already adore. The one who knows her angles and her boundaries. The one who drinks herbal tea one day and tequila the next—and calls that balance.

And yes, I bought silk pillowcases. No regrets. She’s bougie and moisturised.

Pop Culture, Trends & What’s Brewing

• The ‘Soft Girl Winter’ aesthetic is rising, but with edge. Think fluffy coats with big opinions.

• Resolutions are out. Vision boards are in.

• Taylor Swift is once again the main character in all timelines.

• Everyone is talking about “main character energy” and I am listening.

• Podcasts about slowing down are trending—ironically, we’re all bingeing them at double speed.

• Apparently “romanticising your life” is now a strategy. And I’m fully onboard.

• Everyone’s starting newsletters. Including, maybe, me. (Stay tuned.)

Also: almond milk is out. Oat is still queen. And I’m keeping my iced coffee even if it’s snowing.

The Month Ahead: Intentional Hustle & Joyful Drift

What I’m calling in:

• Spontaneous travel plans that lead to unexpected magic.

• More saying “why not?” than “maybe later.”

• Regular coffee dates with people who light me up.

• Outfit repeating with pride, because sustainability is sexy.

• Vision boarding nights with wine and candles and zero self-judgement.

• Emails that don’t apologise for being “just checking in”—we’re bold now.

• Long walks without podcasts. Just me, my thoughts, and maybe a well-dressed dog.

December, you wrapped me up in glitter and family warmth. 2024, you’d better be ready—I’m coming in hot.

Sophie x