Some things that made me smile in… June 2025

Including being inside the art, remembering history and aperitivo time

Jun 30, 2025

Vincent van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’ (1889, oil on canvas) at Frameless

If you’re a regular here, welcome back! If you’re new, this is my round up of some of the things that have made me smile over the past month. Please feel free to share in the comments anything that’s brought you joy too, whether big or small! Are you currently a free subscriber but would like to upgrade? You can do that here.

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“Look at the good as much as you stare at the evil.”

Seeing the words above earlier this month served as a reminder that there is still a lot good in the world that each of us can contribute towards in our own ways. Rather than staring on at the evil and feeling helpless, I ask myself what actions can I take, however small to be a part of the solution? Some people and organisations I’ve supported where I can (that you might be interested in too) here, here and here.

So, we’re halfway through 2025 (already!?)

As I write this it’s the height of summer here in London. We’ve passed the longest day and we’re on the verge of a second heatwave in less than two weeks (an uncommon occurrence in the UK).

Here’s a few things that I’ve enjoyed during June alongside the extended days.

A discount code for you

London Nootropics MOJO blend with Cordyceps and Ginseng

Last month I mentioned London Nootropics adaptogenics here. Since then, London Nootropics have kindly sent me a discount code which I can share with you.

Use the code UCANYOGA to receive 20% off at their website here.

BONUS: If you’re coming along to my in-person REST + RESTORE on 12 July you’ll receive FREE London Nootropics samples to take away with you. Book your place here.

Being Inside the Art

Spending a couple of hours at the Frameless immersive art experience was as calming as it was enjoyable.

Located in Marble Arch, this multi-sensory exhibition allows you to wander through four galleries blending curated artworks with unique soundscapes. As you step into each room, clever projection techniques make it feel like are inside the art.

Artists featured include Vincent van Gogh, Monet, Salvador Dali, Henri Rousseau, Gustav Klimt and many more.

Here’s a snippet of the experience inside van Gogh’s Almond Blossom (1890) from my favourite of the four galleries, The World Around Us:

You can also hear a taster of the music and save the Frameless playlist here:

My friends and I visited in the early evening on a weekend and it wasn’t too busy at that time. In three of the four galleries there was seating and beanbags for visitors who wanted to take the weight off their feet or linger a little longer.

Also on site is a comfortable cafe bar and the obligatory gift shop!

Frameless is located at 6 Marble Arch, London W1H 7AP. Opening times Mon, Weds, Thurs, Sun - 10.00-18.00, Tues - 11.30-18.00, Fri and Sat 10.00-22.00. Details and booking info here.

National Windrush Museum

“There are approximately 2500 museums in Britain yet there is no Windrush museum or building base that exclusively presents the legacies of Windrush pioneers or their descendants.” - National Windrush Museum

With parents who were part of the Windrush generation I grew up hearing many stories of the realities of life for the people were invited to Britain and helped rebuild the country after WW2. I took my understanding of this history for granted until I realised it wasn’t common knowledge to the general population. It certainly didn’t come up in history lessons when I was at school. And some were not aware until the Windrush Scandal came into the public consciousness.

22 June is Windrush Memorial Day and this year I’d like to highlight the National Windrush Museum.

Founded in 2021 by Dr Les Johnson, with their headquarters currently based at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, the mission of the National Windrush Museum is to develop a greater understanding of the lived experiences of Windrush communities, their stories and impact on Britain. The National Windrush Museum aims to develop a major stand-alone museum building alongside its Online Museum. In addition, part of their vision is to have a number of regional locations in Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

As a not for profit organisation the NWM is currently funded through a range of sponsors, grants, donations and earned income which is reinvested into the museum’s programmes and development.

Explore the National Windrush Museum’s online exhibitions and find more information about Windrush history here.

The Windrush Scandal is not over. Find out more about Justice 4 Windrush and support their campaign here.

Aperitivo Time

Do you know your vermouth from your amaro?

I had a brilliant evening with very good friends at an aperitivo masterclass.

Taking place at the Asterley Bros. distillery in South London, brothers Rob and Jim shared how they got started and built their world-class, award-winning brand, what goes into making their vermouth and gave us the opportunity to taste their full range as well as serving some refreshing aperitivo cocktails. (Snacks were provided too!)

Rob and Jim’s passion and enthusiasm really shone through and they made the evening fun and relaxed as well as informative.

I felt welcome as soon as I arrived and we all each left with a full-sized bottle of their vermouth to take home.

These masterclasses run regularly and at the time of writing this the next one takes place on 24 July.

Find out more at asterleybros.com.

15 Years of Yoga Point

*Yoga Point’s celebration cake made in Brixton especially for the occasion by a patisserie chef from Gaza City*

Happy 15th Birthday to Yoga Point in Brixton!

I’ve been teaching at this lovely, welcoming independent studio since 2019 and it’s the place where founders Rebecca and Vaccasin very generously hosted my in-person book launch for Rest + Calm.

Rebecca and Vaccasin have created a wonderful space that fosters community with a commitment to social justice.

Here’s to the next 15 years and beyond!

Find me teaching at Yoga Point on Wednesday mornings.

Learn more and find all the classes and workshops on offer at yogapoint.co.uk.

Find Yoga Point on Instagram here.