Lucy’s Love List

February 2026 — An Ode to Joy

Lucy’s Love List

February 2026 — An Ode to Joy

I’ve decided that at the end of each month, I’m going to share my “Lucy’s Love List” — a roundup of the things I’ve loved, but more importantly, the things that brought me real joy that month.

It should probably therefore be called my “Joy List”… but I love the alliteration of the letter L, so here we are.

So here is a list of things that have brought me joy in February, that perhaps might inspire you for March.

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Supplements

I’ve been taking Freesoul Hydrate electrolytes for around five months now. I was initially sceptical — the citrus flavour tastes quite salty — but you do get used to it, and it has genuinely been a game changer.

They’ve helped enormously with my brain fog. My head feels clearer and I’ve experienced far fewer headaches. Now, if I wake up with one, it usually disappears quickly after a glass of electrolytes. I recently tried another brand and they simply weren’t comparable.

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Skincare

I’ve been making more of an effort to use my LED mask consistently, and my skin is definitely thanking me for it. Over winter I’ve really noticed how dry my skin becomes, despite moisturisers and serums — and the drier it feels, the more tired it appears (to my eye, anyway).

I was easily influenced into trying the Ryvalia PDRN Collagen Mask, and I’m happy to report they’ve been an excellent purchase. I’ve been using them a couple of times a week and my skin feels noticeably more hydrated and radiant afterwards. They turn clear as they dry, and within a few hours the moisture has fully absorbed. These have firmly earned a place in my routine.

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Reading

I’ve really found my reading mojo this month and have got totally absorbed in two fabulous books that have transported me into their worlds completely.

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover completely gripped me from the first page. I whizzed through it in a week — something I rarely manage outside of holidays — and found myself looking forward to getting into bed just to read more.

I Shop Therefore I Am by Mary Portas has also been a highlight. Reading about her time transforming Harvey Nichols brought waves of nostalgia for the fashion industry I was once part of.

I’d highly recommend both.

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Watching

In anticipation of the sequel, I rewatched The Devil Wears Prada. I loved both the film and book when they first came out in 2006 — which suddenly feels like a lifetime ago and it remains the perfect easy Saturday afternoon watch especially when it’s raining outside.

I’ve also been watching American Love Story, the dramatisation of the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. I was instantly hooked. The 90s nostalgia and fashion alone make it worth watching. Paul Anthony Kelly who plays John F Kennedy Jr is very easy on the eye! And Sarah Pidgeon is just beautiful.

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Dopamine Dressing

This month I’ve made a conscious effort to dress in a way that lifts my mood — embracing colour and leaning fully into dopamine dressing.

Platforms like Vinted have allowed me to curate outfits more sustainably while rediscovering pieces that genuinely excite me. Selling items I no longer wear and reinvesting in colourful additions has made getting dressed feel creative again.

Spending time planning outfits, creating mood boards and photographing looks as a reminder of how clothing can influence my confidence has been unexpectedly uplifting .

I’ve also noticed how often people comment when I wear brighter outfits — small exchanges that create moments of connection. I’ve started doing the same when I see someone dressed brilliantly; a compliment really can change someone’s day.

Travel

Travel really brings me an immense amount of JOY, it gives me such a boost. Breaking from the routine and escaping for a few days really has helped to navigate winter and helped put a spring in my step. Having something to look forward to is such a game changer when you are trying to get through Januarys bleakness.

I began the month in Amsterdam on a girls’ trip with my little joy beam to visit the Barbie experience — our first trip abroad just the two of us, which made it especially memorable.

Later, I travelled to Budapest for a special birthday treat — a new country for me. We stayed at the W Budapest, where the interiors were striking and the spa pool felt straight out of the pages of Architectural Digest and so calming. Exploring a new city never fails to inspire me, and Budapest’s grand architecture was unforgettable.

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Adventures Closer to Home

Between trips, there were smaller adventures too: visits into London, finally experiencing Sketch, and becoming fully immersed in art at Frameless Immersive Art Experience.

There were local walks among delicate snowdrops — gentle reminders that spring is on its way — and a day exploring Stamford filled with independent shops and exceptional cinnamon buns.

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Rest

Among the movement and travel, I’ve equally appreciated quiet weekends at home in pyjamas. A sound bath and a massage in Budapest helped restore a very tired mind and body.

I’m learning that rest isn’t the opposite of adventure — it’s what allows it to continue.

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Nails

A small but reliable mood lift every time I look down at my hands.

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I’m ending February with a trip to London to visit the Anya Café for their Wishing Tree afternoon tea, alongside a visit to the Anya Village collaboration with Boots — and hopefully a stop at Diptyque to choose a birthday candle.

February has been rainy and, at times, heavy, but looking back it has also been full of colour, movement and meaningful moments and a big sprinkling of JOY.

As March begins, I’m excited to see what unfolds next — new adventures, quieter rituals and unexpected favourites. I’m already looking forward to sharing next month’s Love List with you.

Until next time,