Urban forest, graffiti, books, denims and dry January

Author

gordon bowerman
January 13, 2024

Welcome to my newsletter, an insight into my world and where I share my latest ecclectic finds.

Each edition is curated to showcase what I have come across during the week.

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"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary." - Vidal Sassoon

Image of the week

Leake Street

COOL LOCATION

London is considered a forest !

There are almost as many trees in London as there are people. According to a UN definition, any area that has at least 20% trees is considered a forest. And trees cover around 21% of the land in London, making the city an urban forest. In fact, 8.6 million people are known to live alongside 8.3 million trees.

EDC - SMALLRIG Camera Tool, Folding Tool Set with Screwdrivers and Allen Keys

I love photography gadgets and accessories and this is one I was lucky enough to receive as a Christmas gift.

The first thing you will notice is that for the size its a decent weight and very well made. The 7 tools include: 4 Allen Wrenches ( 2.5, 3, 4, 3/16 ), 1 slotted screwdriver, 1 Phillips screwdriver and 1 Torx T25 driver. The tool also has threaded  holes M2.5, M3, M4, M5, 1/4 on the side for storing spare screws.

If I was being really picky I think they should include a short keyring and leash as the slot is already there but this is a small point that doesn’t detract from the tool itself.

I’m listening to

If you haven’t read Mark Mansons book of the same title its well worth a read!

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Podcast

Listen to The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Podcast on Spotify. Best-selling author Mark Manson brings his irreverent, hard-hitting style right to your ear holes with life advice that doesn't suck. ㅤ Featuring a mix of guest appearances, burning reader questions, and solo shows with just Mark and a microphone, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Podcast explores all the uncomfortable questions that, if you're brave enough to ask yourself, might just change your life. ㅤ Whether it's your relationship, career, health, wealth, or happiness, Mark tackles it all with refreshing honesty and a dash of foul-mouthed humor.

open.spotify.com/show/11VjrLJfoiNvgjjqov4RWh?si=2450bb27c4284c8a

 

I’m reading

The Monocle Book of Japan

Monocle produce, what I think, is one of the best magazines currently available, with insightful articles, great photography and excellent illustrations . Their extensive range of books follow on from the magazine. The book of Japan is the latest to enter my collection and its a fantastic read and looks great on a coffee table. The shiny gold disc certainly attracts attention. If you are planning a trip to Japan or just interested in the culture this is a brilliant purchase.

I’m watching

Hiut Denim

If you want great denims made in the UK, these could be for you. Top quality comes at a price but these are denims that will last for years. Their mission statement - “We only make jeans” tells you where their focus is!

If you are interetested in buy less but buy better Hiut is a company that should be on your radar.

Coffee Time

Maybe rethink your morning cup of coffee!

Apparently it’s best to wait at least an hour, after waking up, before drinking any coffee. And it’s all down to how it complements your body’s natural hormone production. When we wake our cortisol levels are at their peak , cortisol enhances alertness.

But consuming caffeine while cortisol levels are already high may counteract this effect, possibly leading to a tolerance for caffeine.

So appart from dulling your morning shot of caffeine laced coffee, it could also dull its impact in the long-term!!

Health & Fitness

Dry January, are you on the mission or thinking about taking a break from booze?

Here are a few benefits to giving up the sauce for a month.

  1. Better quality sleep. Alcohol can also exacerbate certain sleep conditions, like snoring, and without it, you should be more energetic and active

  2. Increased energy levels.

  3. You should feel better mentally.

  4. Your skin should look healthier. Drinking alcohol can leave the skin looking tired and puffy, dryness is a common side effect.

  5. Your liver should be happier. A study at University College London Medical School discovered that individuals who stopped drinking alcohol reduced their liver fat on average by 15 per cent and by almost 20 per cent in some individuals.

  6. Your focus will increase. With your sleep cycle back in balance, your body’s ability to store glycogen will improve and this crucial energy source will make you feel more alert.

  7. You will look healthier. With no alcohol, your body is able to absorb more vitamin A, increasing cell turnover and leaving your skin looking considerably healthier and younger. You might also see a renewed brightness to your eyes.

Watches

The Stealthy Casio DW5600BB 

Could it look any more like a stealth watch, black on black with an inverted display. This Gshock is the ideal everyday beater watch.

I’m Wearing

Wear London Ezra Jeans & they are currently on sale!

Wear London create great quality clothing at affordable price points. Their range is made from materials sourced in fabric mills in the UK & Italy which is then produced in factories in London. 

Its stylish every day wear made in London, check out the website via the link below.

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