There’s something about the light shifting in May that makes you want to overhaul just about everything. Between the bank holidays and the sudden (and very welcome) bursts of British sunshine, I’ve been finding myself leaning into a few new essentials that have genuinely made the daily juggle feel a bit more seamless.
From the tech that’s keeping me powered up while I’m out and about, to a documentary that had me glued to the sofa, here are the four things that have defined my month.
1. The Scent: YSL Black Opium Over Red
I’ve always been a fan of the original Black Opium, but the new Over Red flanker has completely stolen the spotlight this month. If you’ve been following the cherry trend in fragrance, you’ll know it can be a bit hit-or-miss sometimes it’s a bit too much like a cough sweet but YSL has absolutely nailed it here.
It opens with this incredible, juicy dark cherry note that feels almost liquorous, but because it’s layered over that iconic black coffee and white floral base, it never feels juvenile. It’s got that date night DNA but with a fruity, slightly rebellious twist. I’ve found it holds up brilliantly through a long day, fading down into a really warm, sophisticated vanilla. If you want something that feels a bit more main character than your standard floral, this is the one to try.
2. The Battery Life Saviour: Anker 165W 25000mAh Power Bank
We’ve all had that moment of dread when you’re halfway through a busy day, miles from a plug socket, and your phone hits 5%. I’ve gone through my fair share of cheap portable chargers that take six hours to give you a 10% boost, but the Anker 165W is a completely different beast.
It’s a proper bit of kit. With 165W of power, it’s beefy enough to fast-charge a laptop and a phone at the same time. The real lightbulb moment for me, though, was the built-in USB-C cable. There is nothing more frustrating than carrying a power bank but forgetting the lead, so having two integrated is a stroke of genius. It’s got a bit of weight to it, but for the sheer reliability of knowing I’m not going to be caught short during a long day of meetings or travel, it’s become a permanent fixture in my bag.
3. The Summer Sip: Pepsi Max Tropical
I’m usually a creature of habit when it comes to drinks, but the new Pepsi Max Tropical has completely won me over. It’s a limited-edition blend of pineapple and mango, and it’s surprisingly refreshing.
Often, these tropical variations can taste a bit like a cheap holiday air freshener, but this hits the mark perfectly. It’s got that sharp, fruity kick that works brilliantly over a tall glass of ice when the afternoon slump hits. It’s a proper sunshine in a can vibe, and since it’s zero sugar, it’s a guilt-free way to break up the day. If you see it at the local shop, grab a couple, it’s definitely the drink of the season.
4. On the Box: Skegness Psycho: 28 Miles to Murder
I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a true-crime nut, and the Crime + Investigation channel is usually my first port of call. This month, I watched Skegness Psycho: 28 Miles to Murder, and it’s stayed with me ever since.
It’s a two-part documentary focusing on the Daniel Boulton case, and it is incredibly well-made. What I appreciated most was the lack of sensationalism; it’s a very somber, respectful look at a truly horrific set of events. It features interviews with the families and the investigators involved, providing a chilling look at the psychological breakdown of the perpetrator and the manhunt that followed.
What made this one particularly surreal to watch was the realisation that these events unfolded just 20 minutes up the road from me. Seeing familiar landscapes and local landmarks on screen while hearing such a heavy story really brings it home in a way that’s hard to describe. It’s not an easy watch by any means, but if you’re interested in the darker side of human nature and the complexities of criminal psychology, it’s one of the most compelling things I’ve seen on TV in a long while.
That’s what has been keeping me busy this May. I’d love to hear what you’ve been discovering lately, have you tried the new YSL yet, or is there a documentary that’s had you hooked? Let me know in the comments below!
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