Life seems to get busier by the day, and time becomes more and more of a precious commodity. As the children grow older their social calendars fill up and sometimes I feel like their PA, going through paperwork at the end of each day and filling the diary with birthday parties, assemblies, sports days, art exhibitions, concerts, nursery settling in days etc etc. These days our diaries, to do lists (my most essential component in keeping my head from exploding with it all), emails, photo libraries, social media and even the weather forecast is held within our mobile phones.
I have come to rely so heavily on each on these things. If I’m lost I just follow a map on my phone which knows exactly where I’m walking. If I’m wondering whether I’m going to get soaked on the school run I check the forecast find out. I have business enquiries coming in through my Facebook page, emails enquiries that continue through the night, text messages from friends and customers, and of course the pull of checking Instagram notifications is almost impossible to resist.
Despite relying on it so heavily, I sometimes I get sick of the sight of my phone. This super useful and clever little device which helps me to run my life and business, sometimes seems like it is glued to my hand half the day and actually rules my life too much.
It’s for this reason that I have started wearing a watch again in the last year or so. When I got my first mobile phone around 15 years ago my watch was suddenly fairly reductant (especially when phones became so small and slim that they were easy to slip into a pocket and we wouldn’t dream of going anywhere without them) and it felt great to always have the time on me without needing a watch.
These days however my thinking has come full circle, and I actively make time in the day to disconnect from the virtual world. Out of sight out of mind is the best way, and it’s a lovely release from the constant pings and notifications to just not look at it for a few hours, or even moments. Wearing a watch means I am not worrying about losing track of time but I can enjoy the moment more without interruptions from cyberspace.
Unless I am lost and following a map I have made it a personal rule to not look at my phone whilst I’m walking. Whether it be through the park, on the school run or in a beautiful meadow or barley field, my phone will stay at home, in the car or on silent in my bag. I lift my face to the sun, absorb the sights and sounds, and stretch my eyes further than the end of my arm! I find myself craving these “disconnected” moments more and more. A few minutes peace to sit outside with my morning coffee, or collect some flowers from the garden and arrange them in a jug. A few minutes to think my own, uninterrupted thoughts.
As well as giving me peace of mind that I’m not late, I have come to love wearing a watch to accessorise an outfit. My preference is for simple, elegant timepieces that will go with anything and Cluse is a brand who delivers this simplicity perfectly. My chosen design is the La Boheme Silver in White/Grey. The 38mm casing is very slim and elegant, yet large enough to feel modern and make a statement. I love silver, especially in Summer with tanned skin, and the eggshell white face of this watch really makes the silver pop. The grey leather strap is beautifully soft and I love this feminine and delicate shade. The straps can also be easily changed so you can vary your look and Cluse do lots of other tempting colours, my favourites include petrol blue, pastel mint green, and pale pink.
Summer is the perfect time of year to pause and soak up the moment. Drink it in and store it away for a Winter’s day when the world lacks light and colour. I will dream of these long Summer days when the birds sing until 11pm, of the quiet cup of coffee in the garden and those family walks in the countryside without the restrictions of coats and cold toes. Hopefully these memories will be undisturbed by the pings of my mobile phone 🙂
This post was kindly sponsored by Cluse watches. You can see their full range of beautiful watches here, and the watch I chose here.
14 Comments
Oh I totally agree on the positives of wearing a watch. I again started wearing one and it is so refreshing to check the time without the urge to scroll through every item on your phone!! Such beautiful styling here, Hannah x
Absolutely! It does really help doesn’t it? Thanks lovely, peonies makes things easy 😉 xx
Can’t wait for mine now and I think I chose the same one as yours ! Loved the post , so true regarding wearing a watch since we have this mobiles glued to our hands ! Also such beautiful photography , wow !
Ah we have good taste! 😉 you’ll love it, it’s a very pretty one. Thank you so much Masha xx
Oh Hannah! I know what you mean. There are many dates around the day…and I need something to organize me. I always take my smartphone to look what time it is, because I don’t use any watch. But last week I try a cluse watch with a light rose color…and I like it. But I haven’t yet decide to buy one. I will see.
Sleep well Hannah…greetings, Daniela♡
Ah thank you Daniela! I’m glad you know what I mean, it seems to be taking over more and more for me! I do find wearing a watch really helps me to not get involved on my phone as often! I hope you can get yourself a watch, I definitely recommend Cluse xx
Such a lovely post, I love Cluse watches and emailed them last week as we’d love to stock them at Tienne too :). I know exactly what you mean re leaving your phone out of sight, out of mind as it can be all consuming sometimes and I struggle being on my laptop so much at work and then having to be on it at night responding to emails, blogging and all the rest so those quiet moments or loud playful moments with Hugo are actually those moments I live for and cherish. Thanks for reminding me to do this more often. xxx
Ah thanks Sally, I’m the same and can some days feel attached to a screen all day. It’s important to be present sometimes in reality though isn’t it? For everyone’s sanity!! xx
Such a lovely post Hannah, the photos are gorgeous! I have started the same thing with my phone not look at it while I am at the beach, really needed to unplug if it’s just for a bit 💛
Thank you so much Michelle. It’s just those little moments to enjoy some air and stretch the eyes around isn’t it? xx
Beautiful pictures Hannah! Your photos always make me feel like I’m I another world! 💓
Ah thank you Jinny that’s a huge complement! Much appreciated! xx
This really resonates with me. I’ve been thinking for ages I need to start wearing a watch again so I don’t have to keep looking at my watch and then get distracted, especially when I’m out walking. Your photos are so, so beautiful – just love those pastel tones. Think this might be one for the wish list!
Thanks so much Zoe, I genuinely find it helps! When I’ve been working all day (staring at my phone) I just really want to stretch my eyes and leave it at home while I walk to school. You’d love this watch and it’s really reasonable xx