LET’S HYGGE June 2025

[definition of hygge]

a quality of cosiness and comfortable living that engenders a feeling of contentment and well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).

Add a little hygge to each month

This month’s journal is all about slowing down with the change of season. As autumn settles in, I’ve been enjoying the comfort of simple, nourishing meals — like a big pot of minestrone made from whatever’s left in the fridge.

There’s also been time for quiet moments — watching A Stitch in Time, a tender film that offers a rare, unpolished glimpse of Sydney and a story of self-discovery later in life. The theme carries into this month’s music as well: Deep in the Shadows by Isam B, a soulful track that lingers long after the last note.

A recent visit to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney brought an inspiring, creative pause. During a two-day botanical art workshop, we sketched fruit and camellias from life — taking time to observe, layer colour, and appreciate the quiet beauty of the season.

I hope this journal brings you a little inspiration — whether you’re cooking something warm, watching something thoughtful, or simply turning the music up loud. Wishing you a calm and cosy month of June.

AUTUMN MINESTONE

Autumn has arrived, and with it the perfect weather for a comforting bowl of warm minestrone. I’m sharing my go-to recipe with you — though, truth be told, it often changes depending on what’s left in the fridge. I like to make it a day in advance to let the flavours deepen, and I usually prepare a double portion so dinner is sorted for two days!

Makes 4-6 serves

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1 leek (optional – I had one in the fridge)
1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
3 garlic cloves, grated
1 can whole tomatoes
1 can cooked white beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
A small bunch of fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
A small bunch of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ cup pearl barley
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional), for serving

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, leek, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add the garlic, tomatoes, beans, broth, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Season to taste and serve topped with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan, if you like.

OPTIONAL

Stir in fresh greens such as spinach, kale, or green beans near the end of cooking.
If you’d like to add pasta, stir it in at the end and cook uncovered for about 10 more minutes, until tender.

Autumn work shop

One of this month’s highlights was attending a botanical art workshop at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Surrounded by turning leaves and soft autumn light, we spent two days sketching fruit and camellias from life — slowing down, observing closely, and layering colour with care. It was a gentle, grounding experience and a beautiful reminder of how nourishing it can be to step away from the everyday and focus on something creative.

If you’re looking for a creative pause, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers a wonderful range of workshops and events throughout the year — from botanical art and photography to guided walks and seasonal gardening sessions.

This month I watched A Stitch in Time, a heartfelt Australian film and Sasha Hadden’s directorial debut. It follows Liebe, a retired dressmaker in her 80s, as she quietly rediscovers purpose and confidence through sewing and self-expression.

What I really appreciated was how unpolished and real it felt — offering a true glimpse into parts of Sydney we don’t often see on screen. It was also refreshing to watch something so different from the usual glossy Netflix style. A slow, thoughtful film that lingers — perfect for a quiet evening.

You can watch A Stitch in Time on Netflix

Deep in the Shadows by Isam B has been the quiet heartbeat behind this month’s reflections. Like this month’s film, it touches on themes of self-discovery and quiet resilience, wrapped in soulful, atmospheric layers.

It’s a track that rewards your attention — best, as always, played loud. It stays with you, deep in the shadows.

You can listen to it here: Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube