The March Round-Up
A monthly rundown of what I found interesting and/or worth sharing.
Lots of delectable foodie inspiration and ideas for self-indulgence to share this month! I’m feeling knackered after several huge concert programs and lots of traveling… but I’ve just spent a morning outside, reading in the spring sunshine, with hummingbirds fluttering around me, so it is with a full heart and happy mind that I am writing this newsletter. How are you doing? What have you found interesting recently?
As always, thanks for reading!
Freya x
‘Lullabies for Little Criminals’, by Heather O’Neill, is a heartbreaking story, told in a beautifully original and imaginative way. Its heroine is twelve-year-old Baby, just about surviving a life that was already stacked against her before she even existed. I love that the novel is set in Montreal, and I love that this book was a gift - book are the best gifts, as they are often books you mightn’t have chosen for yourself but are so worth reading.
I’ve recently been addicted to making Quesadillas, or as Logan now calls them, “Frey-sadillas”. Tortillas, melted cheese, onions, cilantro, some leafy greens and topped with salsa. They are so quick, so tasty, and so filling. The perfect pre/post-rehearsal snack.
Jean-Luc Godard’s film, ‘Masculin, féminin’, came up on my recommended list on HBO Max, and caught me just in the perfect mood. It really is classic Godard; sexy, charming, gorgeous, critical of society in subtle yet direct ways. Reminded my of why I fell in love with Breathless when I was 19…
After watching Godard, I learned what Yé-yé culture is, and now I’m inspired to start listening to French pop music from the 60s.
Sumo citrus oranges. From your local grocery store. Have you tried them? If not, do not be put off by their gnarly, slightly colourless exterior; inside lies the sweetest, most flavourful, meaty, melt-in-your-mouth piece of fruit you have eaten in a long time.
After a couple of years, the third season of My Brilliant Friend has finally come out, and it is just as beautiful and captivating as the first two. You don’t have to have read the Neapolitan Novels to enjoy this series, but I will always recommend reading them anyway.
Although it’s completely ridiculous, generic, and something that should technically annoy me, I sort of love the motivational/congratulatory texts that my fitness app sends me each time I complete a workout. Here’s an example; “Freya! WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! Can we talk about how you absolutely crushed that HIIT and Strength workout?!”
Having recently invested more money than usual into my shower products, and subsequently felt rather pleased with myself - both on the inside and out, this is something I can thoroughly recommend doing. I particularly love my new “Citron de Vigne” scented body lotion by Fresh.
Speaking of treats, this is something that has come up again and again in my conversations - the concept of a “special treat”. What is a special treat for you? For me, it’s drinking a fancy beer after having played a really good concert. Or new shoes. Or having breakfast delivered on a slow Saturday morning. There’s no feeling quite as good as the one that comes from a special treat, is there?
The ending of Bach’s B Minor Mass. That last Agnus Dei and Donna Nobis Pacem (1:41:42 to the end). Holy Moly…
