Journal #16
Euphoria, Season Two
I may be a bit late to the party talking about Euphoria. Still, after finishing Season 2, I feel it definitely needs a mention. Just in case, for the people weirdly did not know about it OR were sitting on the fence. The show's premise is about a group of high-school students navigating a minefield of drugs, sex, identity, trauma, social media, love and friendship. Why I love it… everything about it is a visual delight! Being an ex-art director, I am always drawn to the aesthetics of things, especially when it comes to film and tv. From art direction to film treatments, music, film pace, the whole kit and caboodle. The most memorable movies and shows for me are the ones that tick all the boxes, and Euphoria is one of them. A must watch, especially Season 2. Without spoiling the plot, the last two episodes of the season are probably the best thing I have seen in a while. If you haven't seen Euphoria, I urge you to watch it and let me know what you think.
Suede by Perfumer H
My sense of smell in HD is my strongest sense, and therefore the scent of things is essential to me. I always have to surround myself with pretty smells, from cut flowers to candles, herbs and spices; I love it all. Perfumer H is a high-end perfumery I discovered on my last overseas trip to London pre-covid. My first solo trip without my kids, so I made the most of it by pounding the pavement to see as much of London as possible. In the streets of Marylebone sits Perfumer H's headquarters. A beautifully designed shop showcasing the most stunning hand-blown glass bottles, candles etc. I spent over an hour in this shop, smelling all the different scents, but settled on Suede. With notes of Cucumber Pulp, Neroli Tunisia, Violet Leaf, Ylang Ylang absolute, Orange Flower, Benjoin Siam, White Suede and Musk. I have almost run out now, but I will definitely order another one soon. Sadly the hand-blown bottle is out of my budget, but the refill bottles come with a small travel spray tube and dropper perfect for a clutch.
Ritual Oil Diffuser with Refresh Oil by Bodha
The other scent I am coveting now, but this time in my studio, is Bodha's Refresh Oil for their ceramic Ritual Oil Diffuser in Forest Green, designed in collaboration with acclaimed product designer Jamie McLellan. I have been following Bodha for a while now. Their whole brand aesthetic is stunning and right up my ally. Bodha is a husband and wife team, Emily & Fred L'Ami, originally from New Zealand and now based in LA. Their focus is on creating therapeutic perfumery for you and your home. I can see myself buying lots of their products. Still, I started with the diffuser and Ritual Therapeutic Oil Refresh, which I love. With notes of crushed basil, mint leaf & clary sage flowers to help revive tired nerves and inspire fresh creation. I bought this oil to fill my space in preparation for each of my client sessions so I can show up recharged and ready to go.
Northern Rivers Community Herbal Care
With all the devastation we have witnessed up North, it has been hard to navigate what to do. Where to donate or how to contribute can be very confusing. I wanted to share this initiative, started by Erin Lovell Verinder, a herbalist/nutritionist and author of Plants for the People and The Plant Clinic. Erin lives in the Northern Rivers area and witnessed the devastation of the floods first-hand. With her partner, Noah, they have been on the ground helping those affected from the first moment they could. Erin and Noah heard endless stories of trauma, suffering, and anxiety when working on the ground. Feeling the call to help, they swiftly assembled a team of qualified herbalists and naturopaths (including my incredible Naturopath Layla Metcalfe, who lost her home in Mullumbimby) to mobilise on the ground to reach those in need.
With the help of donations from other healthcare professionals and companies, Erin was able to set up a roaming free herbal clinic in the flood-affected areas in the Northern Rivers. Offering free services and plant remedies to support to help people move through this catastrophic event. So this service can reach more people, Erin has set up a Go Fund Me as a place for people to make donations. The funds will go directly to clinic operations and will provide support for people experiencing the following types of concerns:
Sleep issues, Anxiety/panic attacks, Physical/emotional/spiritual trauma, Infections, Illness from exposure to the elements such as mould and bacteria.
It is a beautiful thing Erin and the team of healthcare professionals are doing for those in need. I just had to share.@communityherbalcare
Love & Bones Broth
Since school has gone back, life has gotten a little hectic juggling work and kids and their after-school commitments. The days are short, so I don't have the time, nor can I be bothered to make a healthy salad for lunch. Soups are now my go-to, and the ones from Love & Bones Broth are my flavour of the year so far. I did one of their Everyday Cleanses recently. I got to taste many of what they offer, and this company indeed won my heart. I have been following Michelle Schoeps, aka @the_broth_lady, since she started selling bone broth out of her home kitchen in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. It is so lovely to see how Michelle has grown her business, and I am so excited that her broths and soups are now high in my meal rotation.
Support Colour Palette iPhone Wallpapers by Aesthetic Magic Studio
One one of my many Instagram scrolling sessions (don't judge me), I came across the most beautiful gradient made by Aesthetic Magic Studio. Each colour included is carefully selected based on its healing property. The combination of colours represents the healing properties we might all need for that month, based on what is happening Astrologically or in the world. AM realises a new one each month, and I use them as my iPhone wallpaper. This is March's wallpaper. It is here to bring us security. To ground us. To find balance and compassion. Here are their notes about each of the colours.
Black: Black is often used in witchcraft and rituals for protection. What rituals can you adopt this month to help you feel more secure? It can be as simple as pausing to focus on your breath, and it doesn't have to be elaborate, as long as it's meaningful to you.
Brown: As the colour of the earth itself, brown naturally has a sense of grounding. It's the colour of rich and fertile soil, providing nutrients to plant matter. How can you ground and nourish yourself more purposefully this month?
Green: This earthly hue also taps into a sense of grounding, and it sits in the centre of the visible spectrum, making it balanced. It asks you how you can create a sense of balance in your life right now?
Pink: This sweet, lighthearted colour represents compassion for yourself and others. How can you be easier on yourself while also helping others?
This is one account to follow if you love colour as much as I do.
Shirt Collars by Ganni
As I work from home most days, I live in activewear. But after speaking with my bestie recently, we both agreed we were sick of it and have decided that activewear is only to be worn when active. We need to make a bit more of an effort the rest of the time, even when working from home. So it got me thinking, what could my other uniform be? I am also a lover of tees, jeans and jumpers, so when I came across Ganni's Shirt Collars, I thought this is a great way to dress up without departing too far from comfort. I bought their white lace collar, so it looks like I am wearing a shirt, but I also have my eye on this olive green one. Mine arrives next week, so I will take a picture of it.
Multi-stick by Ilia
As you can see from the comment above, I like to cut corners to ensure minimal effort to keep up my appearance. Don't get me wrong, I love to dress up, but I also want to keep things simple day to day. I am not one to spend hours in the bathroom getting ready, nor am I very good at applying makeup or blow-drying my hair. So always look for things that are quick and easy to use. The product I am loving at the moment is Ilia's Multi-Stick. One colour for lips, cheeks and eyes. Amazing right? The colour I purchased is All of Me, but I have my eye on some of their other shades. I bought mine from Mecca, but they don't have much left when writing this. Best to do a google search.
