A Grown Up’s Gap Year – ISSUE #7 – A Change of Season (No Matter Where You Are)

Hello, how was your weekend?

This little Sunday newsletter experiment seems to be working – no unfollows and lots of lovely replies.

So here’s your fortnightly mix of reflections, ideas, and gentle nudge to do something ‘just for you’ this week.

A REPEAT (BUT WORTH IT…)
Maybe you’ve read A Grown Up’s Gap Year. Or perhaps your friend received her free copy.
If it made you laugh, gave you a nudge, or sparked an idea or two – would you consider leaving a review?

👉 Click here to review

Short, honest – and deeply appreciated. The algorithm gods (and I) thank you.

ASK MONIQUE

“Mother’s Day is coming – but it feels like another task to add to MY list. When what I really want is some time to myself.”

Oh darlings, I hear you.
Years of “Mother-in-Law Day” where I cooked, shopped, and hosted? I say: bugger that.

So tell me – if no one expected anything of you, what would your dream Mother’s Day look like? AND gift – what would you really like to receive (and yes, peace and quiet and space to breathe IS something to put on your gift guide for the fam)

Reply to this email- I’m working on something and your answers might just get featured.

Barry Lategan, Trattoria da Romano Restaurant, Venice, Vogue UK, January 1983.

WELLBEING

You may recall I suggested a list of 52 new things to try this year. Inject some novelty into ho hum…

Feeling stuck? Pooped? Not sure where to start?

Try one of these this week – five simple ideas for your own Grown Up’s Gap Year:

Swim in a different ocean pool, river or local lap pool each week
Spend one solo afternoon in silence (no phone, no chatter)
Book a solo lunch at that place you always walk past
Wander a gallery, no agenda
Send a postcard, to a childhood friend

Pick one. Start this Monday.

ADVENTURE

Years of a professional life in airlines, hotels, tourism boards, and now travel & lifestyle writing means I see stories everywhere.

Travel isn’t just what I do – it’s how I recalibrate.

Many of you have asked for Japan tips ahead of my new ‘Where The Chic Locals go: Kyoto mini guidebook.’

Here’s an advance hint for your list;

Skip the crowds at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Instead, book a peaceful Zen lunch at Shigetsu, a restaurant within the Tenryu-ji Temple grounds specialising in shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Stroll the traditional gardens in the grounds after lunch (I prefer early reservation at 11.30am) – then when everyone else is tucking into lunch head to the exit at the back of the gardens, turn left, and there is a VERY good chance a section of the Bamboo Forest will be all yours.

→View the Instagram post here

More to come. In the meantime, follow along here:
@moniquevantulder

LIFESTYLE

If you missed the free recipe book in A Grown Up’s Gap Year, you can still grab it.

Fast, nourishing meals for people who dislike faffing about in the kitchen for too long.

CHIC

Change of season = wardrobe reset. I’m a big believer in dressing with intention.

How we wear, what we wear, goes deeper than simply throwing on clothes and calling ourselves dressed. The power of a good outfit cannot be underestimated. The right clothes can lift your mood and put a spring in your step. If you respect yourself enough to present your best version, there’s a good chance the world will take notice. How others see us affects confidence, professionalism, relationships, and wellbeing.

I’ve also started trialling fashion rental. Big tick for The Volte.
→Find them here

Need convincing?
I’m in the Swiss Air lounge on a Monday morning, watching Europe and its entire luggage collection pass through. Finally, my flight is called, and after downing enough coffee to jumpstart the plane, I make a dash to the loo. Mid-kaftan hoisting, I hear a tentative,

‘Monique?’ from the other side of the stall door.

‘Um … yes?’

‘I thought it was you – I saw which kaftan you had on today on

Instagram.’

WTAF! An Instagram friend I’d been trying to meet in real life. She (and I) weren’t meant to be in that spot that day – it was pure serendipity. If not for my distinctive travel-day attire, we might have passed each other like ships in the night (or travellers in an airport lounge). Instead, we had a delightful chat.

Have a question? Just hit reply – I always love hearing from you.

Love & hugs,

PS: I’d love for you to join us but if you no longer find it relevant, just send me a note or unsubscribe below. Ditto if the system hasn’t captured the name you prefer to be addressed.