Codex of Joy - Volume 1
In pursuit of the little things that matter
Since I don't have a formal subject in mind, I'm beginning a new series to jot down random but happy observations. I'm an optimist by nature and I live in privilege - and it feels only right to be in awe of the simple things that give me a welcome dopamine boost or just make me smile. While there can be so much sadness going on the world right now, this post is my way of sharing some sparks of joy.
Today’s edition covers:
Our summer bucket list
Latest shopping finds
Books I have read recently
Cool reads around the web
1. Summer bucket list
Even without traditional summers in Singapore, the end of the academic year for my kids signals the start of our holiday season—and another chance to be dumbfounded at how quickly time slips by. This summer, however, fills me with a particular kind of anticipation; it's my first ever without the demands of a full-time corporate role, freeing me to fully cherish this period with my kids. This gift of time is one I intend to fully embrace for as long as I have it.
There will be some travel, but that aside, we're enthusiastically crafting our school holiday plan of simple things, eagerly putting together a list of easy, relaxed (and better yet, free) activities for the two months stretching before us.
Regardless of whether you have children, a summer bucket list can amplify the relaxed vibe that is already in the air. A list of to-dos that are simply fun - and devoid of any of the typical pressures and expectations that often accompany New Year's resolutions. Should you be inspired to create your own, Shira's insightful guide to summer bucket lists provides an excellent starting point.
Here’s what we have thought of so far:
Learn card tricks (this book was a hand-me-down)
Go on a docent-guided tour of the Asian Civilisations Museum
Play rounds of cricket, board games and while away by the pool
Weekly visits to the library
Eat our way around the island (so far we are looking forward to sushi, hawker food, banana leaf meals, and dosas)
Perfect our family’s go-to recipes (Malaysian fried rice and spaghetti bolognese are high on the list)
And Grace’s slowed-down summer list here:
2. Latest shopping finds
Thanks to Indyx, I've significantly reined in my shopping habits, but June is always the month I allow myself a little leeway. Birthdays are the perfect excuse for a treat, and I'm keen to add a few new pieces to refresh how I wear my existing pieces. If there's a theme for my summer style, it's diaphanous and effortless. Nothing fussy or which requires extensive styling.
My favorite find so far is a vintage lace slip from Poshmark, and I'm eagerly awaiting a cinnamon sheer skirt from Tibi to arrive. Both truly speak to my love of slip skirts and my desire for everything sheer! If you are looking for similar lace slip options, I considered this other vintage one, this black one from Revolve, and this Doen green, while this Loulou De Saison skirt lives rent-free in my mind!
I'll be pairing these with fun printed button-downs. I've got my eye on a short-sleeved Dries Van Noten on sale and many of the cotton options from the men’s section of The Jodi Life. I also adore this long-sleeved Donni version, though I'll likely "borrow" a similar one from my spouse's closet.
Plus, I recently snagged a playful Melitta Baumeister smiley tee inspired by Rachel (HMS) -but in the black colourway.1 The cutout smiley face is so cute and I have worn it with this Skims scoop neck bra and think this Negative version will also look chic from the back.
On the accessories front, I bought a bunch of inexpensive cord anklets from AliExpress (that are Miu Miu-coded) and intend to make a bunch of colourful beaded bracelets with the kids to take on vacation. Basic? I really don’t think so. On the swimwear front. I am otherwise well-stocked from seasons past, but I am dying over this Zimm (you can take the girl out of Oz…)
Anyway, if you would like more ways to wear sheer, here’s Irene’s post featuring a myriad of styling ideas. And for outfit options for slip skirts, I share a bunch of flatlays here.
3. What I am reading
I am hosting book club this week. Every month, one of the ten of us takes turns to have the gang over for an evening of discussion over (a lot of) wine and cheese. We've been meeting for years, and I appreciate how our conversations fluidly move from engaging and insightful analysis of the book to more casual banter. It is always a highlight of my month!
My reading habits are expansive. I enjoy literary fiction, especially narratives enriched by diverse voices. While I appreciate a well-crafted story, my preference also skews towards the imaginative worlds of fantasy over a beach romance. If this sounds like you too, here are some recent books I've thoroughly enjoyed that would make for great summer reading:
Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq: The 2025 International Booker Prize winner, this collection of short stories beautifully portrays the everyday lives of women and girls in Muslim communities in South India. They are poignant, and highlight quiet struggles against patriarchy and meaningful acts of defiance.
Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel: A unique novel, Headshot immerses readers in the intense world of teenage girl boxers. It explores their backstories, motivations, desires, and the rawness of their relationships as they compete in a championship tournament.
Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung: Inspired by true events, this powerful historical novel follows a mother and her daughters' harrowing escape across China to Taiwan during the Communist Revolution. This is a compelling story of female strength and survival in the face of war and patriarchy.
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne: An expansive and deeply moving story, this novel spans decades, chronicling the life of Cyril Avery in post-war Ireland. It offers a powerful, sometimes funny, exploration of his identity and sexuality within a deeply conservative society as he pines for love and belonging.
If you need more suggestions, Zara Wong has a great series going on books about friendship below:
4. Delightful links
Lastly, provided without commentary - are a bunch of ‘stacks I have read lately that I have loved! Click away, friends!
Please leave a comment if you you enjoyed anything I shared above. I love this community and am always up for a chat. And if you would like to follow any future posts of mine, please do subscribe!
I have a moratorium on buying anything in white until I get the CPW of my current collection of white garments down significantly.