It might be stormy and rainy, but I’m feeling very fortunate that I still get to feel safe. There are some pretty heart-breaking, terrifying things going on in the world right now, it’s hard not to get overwhelmed.

I had a very different post planned for today – one that involved pics of cocktails, and exclamations about how glad I was that it was Friday after a hard week. Of course, I have no idea what hard really is; my friends, family and home are safe, and I’ll go into the weekend feeling very grateful for that.

I hope you have a restful, happy weekend.

Six months ago, I didn’t know Ajda, food stylist extraordinaire and a funny, genuine, tells-it-like-it-is kinda gal, who is also a total sweetheart. She’s off to pastures new, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Ajda is a wonderful example of how brilliant blogging has been as a way of meeting likeminded souls, something I was reminded of as I sat at that table up there in Forest Avenue on Sunday (styled with eucalyptus and figs by Rincy and Ciara) and toasted to new adventures.

P.S: A dairy-free ice cream recipe that Ajda created and I shot.

Not every pic makes it to Instagram – usually because I forget. Here are some things that have made me smile this month.

First row: Selfies with Isabel, tapas and dancing (here) with BFFs, cheesy photo booth messing with these two talented gals.

Second row: Working on features that mean I get to explore tasty new places, trips to the Fallon & Byrne cheese counter (try the Napoleon. You won’t regret it), a good snoop around the Etsy Dublin offices.

Third row: Watermelons! Is there anything nicer in muggy weather? Sharing a starter with B on a mid-week date night in one of our locals, and some fresh orange juice (and fresh nails) to accompany a group brunch in my old ‘hood.