Monthly Musings 01
August's round up of things I'm loving, saving, sharing, screen-shotting and just generally think you should know about <3
Hello hello!
It’s nearing the end of August as I write this piece, but the sun is still out in France so I’m not getting ready just yet to wave goodbye to summer. I will literally cling on until the bitter end.
This year, with all the trips I’ve had for work (I’ve barely been home for more than 7 days a month in the past 2 years), I wanted to spend this August at home. I travelled only once - to the UK - for a short work trip that I combined with visiting friends and walking my oldest childhood friend down the aisle. It was so good to spend some uninterrupted time with family and friends, I was completely offline and it felt like the first time in years that my nervous system was in a truly peaceful place. The rest of the month was spent going back and forth to our new house in the countryside. The renovations are not quite complete but we have a fridge, electricity, one fully-functioning bathroom and a bed, so we’ve been enjoying some slow days in the garden, barbecuing our food in the absence of a functioning oven, and getting used to life in our new neighbourhood. It’s funny how exciting something new like this feels. Where chores usually become so quickly mundane, in our new house I find myself so keen to find a place for everything, to empty our dishwasher and put things away in our new kitchen. It’s probably got something to do with being the first property we’ve ever owned and also being able to finally rediscover all of the household items we’ve collected over the years which have been in storage since 2020. Aside from this, we’ve been exploring the nearby towns, going on walks, seeking out the best boulangerie nearby and we even discovered that our village’s annual vide grenier (that’s car boot / flea market to you and I) was one of the best we’ve ever been to. We found a beautiful set of plates for the kitchen, a set of vintage crystal tumblers, a full cutlery set, baskets, a bobbin stool and more. I’ll do a piece on everything we’ve hauled recently once we’re fully moved in.
A slow summer at home was just what I needed, to be honest. Of course I love to spend the summers by the sea - most frequently in the South of France with friends or family - but this year it just felt so good to be in one place, especially knowing that September and October are already full with work trips and other commitments.
As we move into September, I’m going through a much needed introspective phase and I also think Fall is great for this. It’s about hibernating and turning inwards; it’s about nourishment and nurture; it’s cosy and it’s feel-good. I’ve been making time for some of my favourite podcasts and so sharing a few episodes I’ve loved recently, along with books I’ve read or that are on my list, workouts (I’m slowly getting back into a good routine here) and more layered self-development programs I’m coming back to, alongside some recent gifting I’ve received and loved and other things I’ve felt inspired by.
Podcasts
First discovered this podcast during lockdown and recently came back to it when I saw Pamela Anderson had been a recent guest. I loved every second of this episode with her. They talk about beauty standards and how she has reinvented a quieter life outside of the public eye. I found it really inspiring and empowering in terms of changing course later in life.
I really resonate with Human Design and have done for years. I come back to this podcast frequently; it really helps to just check in energetically with the world and myself, and helps deepen my self-understanding. There is always a simple yet powerful takeaway and reminder, and the episodes are short and easy to digest. I’d say a basic understanding of Human Design before listening would be useful, though.
Another podcast I’ve loved since the very first episode. I have followed Lacy’s work in manifestation and neuroscience for years and whilst this is a bit more technical and layered, it has helped me so much in my own journey with manifestation, visualisation, meditation, hypnotherapy, self-worth, trust and just generally living a more aware, aligned and easeful life.
Everything is the Best with Pia Baroncini
I love Pia’s corner of the internet so much; she is so real, so relatable, so raw and it is so, so refreshing. Her podcast is one I have only recently discovered but this episode was really powerful for me. She explores the topic of the energy of beauty - beauty as frequency - and this idea just resonated so much with me. She interviews an aesthetician and energy worker who has shifted from the medical industry to a more holistic one. They speak about energetic radiance and how outer beauty can be affected by what’s going on inside, not physically but more emotionally and energetically. It unpicks beauty as being a lot more to do with your true self and really knowing yourself than just aesthetic procedures and products.
Workouts
I get asked so often about my workout routine and diet. Wellbeing is a huge passion of mine but in the past couple of years it has taken a back seat. I love to try new things and I usually love to work out, to have a consistent routine, to make most of my meals from scratch, to journal, meditate, practice yoga, etc. I’m trained in yoga, reiki and massage and currently studying human design, and alongside this, if I’m reading a book it’s usually something spiritual or about the body and mind. But since my operation last year, I’ve really struggled to get back to being consistently active. This summer, since I’ve been home more, I’ve started to get back into a semi-solid routine though and I’m so determined to make it stick. Since leaving London, I work out solely at home since I don’t have access to the kinds of classes I really enjoy. Below are the online workouts I have on rotation and come back to time and time again.
Started during lockdown and never stopped. I love these workout so much; they are intense and challenge deep, hard-to-reach muscles, whilst somehow being peaceful and gentle on the nervous system. I can do these workouts no matter what my energy levels are like, or my time restrictions. I’d highly recommend investing in all the equipment as it really makes so the difference. Linking my must-haves below.
Another mat pilates class I love, also offering more high intensity / cardio classes and some even slower more restorative options too.
I always come back to Caroline’s workouts when I can’t be bothered to freestyle a workout and need some extra encouragement. Her workouts are kind of somewhere between pilates and low-high intensity bodyweight workouts. I love the variety and I see results almost instantly. She has so many different categories, too, and you can filter by time restriction, body part, equipment etc. She also has a lot of pre and post-natal workouts, too.
I did this workout this week as I really need to strengthen and tone my legs and it was killer.
My go-to yoga studio online. I love the softness and I always get a bit emotional. It’s not just something for the body but the mind, too. I also love that they time each class with a curated playlist, it makes all the difference. I always do their yin / nidra classes when I’m feeling a little low-energy or emotionally a bit off.
This Adanola romper is so perfect; it’s such a great fit and structurally supportive.
I have so many pieces from Exercere in my workout wardrobe; I love their flared pants which are the perfect length (I’ve always found others to be way too short for me), their shorts are a perfect cut and the fabrics in general are the perfect balance between soft, breathable and functional.
Am also in love with these sneakers by Alo, another go-to for my workout wardrobe.
Ankle weights were such a game changer for me and are now an integral part of almost every workout; I rarely workout without them.
Resistance bands, too. I always try to travel with these, with the best intentions of using them whilst abroad which of course doesn’t often happen, but they’re super light and easy to pack. I use them for leg, glute and arm workouts but they help challenge the full body in some movements, too.
A small pilates ball also changed my workouts and my personal physique and definition. I would especially recommend this for the Fluid Form workouts as some of their best classes use a small ball and I really notice a deeper challenge, especially when working abs, legs and glutes.
Wardrobe
Can’t stop wearing this Arakii dress.
These Giuseppe Zanotti heels have completely upped my shoe game. They are stunning. There’s just something about Giuseppe Zanotti shoes. The designs are so unique and they’re so well made that they’re without a doubt the most beautiful shoes I own that are also genuinely comfortable and wearable, too. I’ve packed these for my upcoming trip to Greece but they are such a gorgeous colour for Fall occasions, too.
This bag from Demellier is coming everywhere with me.
This new style by Verafied is also a current favourite; I have it in both white and a chocolate brown.
I recently discovered Ayllon jewellery and can’t wait to style their tassel necklaces and chunky rings this Autumn.
Have just added a few new pieces to my Vestiaire Collective wishlist. Every season I do a huge closet clear out, and then spend a lot of time browsing statement vintage pieces to replace them with. I barely buy anything new these days as I receive so much for work, and I’m extremely conscious about keeping my own consumption to an minimum. Vintage and second hand finds are always my favourite and it’s a genuine hobby at this point, even if I don’t end up purchasing anything, I love the browse.
Pandora Talisman collection just launched! I love the large coin pendants, in particular.
These Linda Farrow Sunset Gradient sunglasses are throwing me back to the seventies. With a warm golden hue, they’re so good for end of summer / early fall accessorising.
Stripe & Stare are my go-to for non-toxic / eco underwear. Hear me out. Made with Tencel, they create the softest garments that also look good, too. I love their lace trim thongs but they have also launched a full lace collection which I can’t wait to try. And if you haven’t already, take some time to research why polyester underwear is becoming an increasing concern for health and more specifically, in fertility.
A big fan of Same’s latest resort wear drops; especially this dress and this dress which I’ve packed for a couple of trips next month.
Books
This summer I read That Mad Ache by Francoise Sagan, as well as The Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors and A New Earth by Ekhart Tolle. I have so much on my list and I’m determined to read at least one book a month for the rest of the year. I’ve just started Kudos by Rachel Cusk and have A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley top of my pile to start next.
Beauty
Merit’s Instant Glow Serum is also a go-to, especially for no-make up days when I want to use functional skincare that gives a subtle glow.
I’ve been using Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops all summer long and I don’t intend to stop anytime soon. I love the natural bronzed glow they give, as a standalone base or mixed with tinted moisturiser / foundation.
Soho Skin anything. I have their cleanser, serum and cream in travel size and it’s the first time I’ve travelled with a consistent skincare routine. The products are 100% natural and vegan, cruelty and silicone free and also rate highly on Yuka.
Homewares
We have a few pieces from Von Chadaux arriving this week which will be some of the first pieces of furniture to arrive at our new house. We selected a few of their wall lights, a coffee table and side table, in travertine and calacatta. I cannot wait to find them all a place around the house.
I am about to stock the kitchen with these personalised note mugs by COSA Ceramica. As a very sentimental person this is possibly the best thing I’ve ever seen.
We have had our Aarke Carbonator for years but it feels so good to unpack it in our almost finished kitchen. The sand colour is so subtle and goes perfectly with our new kitchen design. It’s one of the appliances we use the most, especially during summer, and I love that it helps us avoid buying bottled sparkling water in plastic bottles.
Have had all of our Our Place pots and pans in storage for the past few years and have finally unboxed them and can’t wait to use them. I’m especially drawn to their Titanium Pro collection. In case you haven’t discovered the toxicity of Tefal and other chemical coatings on cookware, please read into it. We have replaced any of our coated pans with uncoated options to reduce forever chemicals leaking into our food.
I’ve followed Olive Ateliers for a while and am so excited to be working with them to decorate several areas of our home. They have regular drops of vintage and antique pieces (sourced mostly in France), and ship internationally. They curate such classic and timeless collections; from chunky chopping boards and reclaimed tables, to rustic pots and planters and iron garden furniture. There’s nothing I don’t want.
You may not know but Sezane recently launched homewares. From lights and lamps to soft furnishings and vintage furniture, they have a really unique selection of pieces, with a cosy yet classic style. I love these jugs, these espresso mugs, these wall lights and have my eye on this tablecloth.
I can’t wait to pick out an arrangement of faux flowers from Ett Hem for our new home. I love what they do and find their sustainable alternative to regularly buying fresh flowers so perfect for decorating a space more consciously.
Wellbeing & Spirituality
My husband introduced me to this app and I’m blown away. It is designed to neurologically guide you into a state of deep meditation, expanding consciousness and helping with everything from deeper self-understanding to reduced stress and better sleep. The apps “neural entertainment” sessions use frequency (caused by rhythmic light patterns) to alter the brains electrical activity and through neural synchronisation the brain is guided softly into a deep meditative state. I will say no more.
To Be Magnetic is an online membership and library of “deep imaginings” aimed at encouraging deeper self-understanding, an enhanced sense of self-worth and a supported manifestation journeys for the individual. Based on neuroscience, psychology, epigenetics, and energetics, their membership includes programs to help work through things like unhealthy dynamics, setting boundaries, identifying and shifting out of limiting negative thought patterns, identifying career blocks or unfulfilling areas of life and unhealthy relationships, and more. Their approach: enhancing self-worth, intentional manifestation, getting clear on what you want, identifying places you’re feeling small or are limiting your own potential, noticing blocks or tests and moving through them, and using visualisation and guided meditations to help you gain clarity and align with what’s meant for you in life, and what you truly want. I highly recommend their work and in the absence of a membership, researching more about them online and starting with some of their early podcast episodes.