Welcome back to Life Beyond – my monthly round-up of current loves. From books and exhibitions to homeware finds, recipes and little joys in motherhood, there’s always a bit of everything in the mix.
If you’ve been here before, you know what to do – make a cup of something good and settle in. Here’s what’s been filling my cup lately.
Image Source: Polly Morland
A Fortunate Women by Polly Morland
My words can’t do this book justice, but A Fortunate Woman is a modern-day retelling of the classic A Fortunate Man by John Berger – but this time, through the eyes of a 21st-century female doctor. It beautifully explores the continuity of care throughout a person’s life, and how meaningful that is not just for the patient, but for the carer and wider community too. It really made me reflect on my own experience of giving birth at home with my third child. Unlike my previous hospital births, this time I had one midwife who supported me from beginning to end – through every appointment, the birth itself, and the aftercare. That continuity allowed her to notice the little things that might have been missed in a hospital setting where your care depends on who’s on shift. It was a completely different experience – calmer and more connected.
Image Source: Paletas
These hot summer days have had me reaching for one thing in the freezer – Paletas. I’d never had an ice lolly like it before! Yes, there’s sugar, but they taste like actual fruit. The strawberry lemonade flavour has been an absolute lifesaver during heatwaves – the kids are obsessed too, so I always grab a stash when I spot them.
Image source: SheerLuxe
I’ve been slowly working my way through Stay for Supper by Xanthe Gladstone – a beautiful vegetarian cookbook made for sharing. One standout has been her bean and tomato soup. I’ve been making a slightly off-piste version by adding a ball of mozzarella and a generous drizzle of olive oil... trust me, it really works.
Image Source: Late Afternoon
I’ve recently fallen a little in love with Late Afternoon and their Juicy Basket collection — especially the bright green Juicy Bowl. Their pieces are handcrafted by women, and the detail behind how each one is made makes you appreciate them even more. I haven’t made the splurge yet, but I’ve always had a soft spot for ceramics (my husband doesn’t quite get it!) – I just love how they instantly bring warmth and personality to a home.
Image source: The Tate
Do Ho Suh: Walk The House at Tate Modern
I visited Walk The House at the Tate Modern and was completely drawn in. Do Ho Suh’s work asks a simple but profound question: What is a home? Through bold colours and immersive textures, the exhibition explores the spaces that shape us and the stories held within them. It was moving, playful, and deeply personal – one of those exhibitions that really makes you think.
With so many beautiful things coming out of the Beyond Nine studio this month, it was so hard to pick a favourite. But with this being the final made-to-order edit of the season, it felt only right to shine a light (pun intended!) on our Sahara Sun print. We’ve been blown away by the love you’ve shown this collection – it’s been such a rewarding way to share pieces in special lengths that wouldn’t normally go into production. Make her yours before it closes on Sunday.
Motherhood joys
My youngest boy has recently discovered he’s got a secret talent of belly dancing and entered his school’s talent competition and we recently found out he’d made it to the final. The other night, we were going to bed and I asked him how school was and he replied in deep thought, “good and bad”. When I asked why, he said, “because I got in”. The realisation was that my children can be so different to me, and do things that I would find wildly scary, getting up in front of a big audience, but as their mum I get to embrace and support them with each and every one of their weird and wacky joys.
Image Source: Left on Friday
I’m still on the hunt for the perfect swimsuit – something that’s comfortable (of course), timeless enough to wear year after year, and made from quality materials that can handle both sunshine and chlorine. Left On Friday has been on my radar lately. Their swimsuits are designed to be the ones you can depend on – from pool to play – and to make you feel confident while doing it. It ticks all the boxes for me, so I’ve been eyeing a few pieces for my staycation this summer.
Image Source: Waterstones
Alice Vincent Hark: How Women Listen
I’m so excited to be sharing our conversation with Alice Vincent at the end of the month. Her new book, Hark: How Women Listen, is a gentle, powerful exploration of the transitions women go through, and the importance of truly tuning into the world around us. It struck a deep chord with me, and reminded me to slow down and spend some proper time with my family before the Beyond Nine team dives into autumn/winter prep.
On that note, I hope you manage to find some time for yourself and family during the summer holidays and I’ll be back next month with the little joys I have discovered during August.
X Naomi
Founder
