Journal #18
Conversations with Friends, Amazon Prime
Hands up, who was obsessed with Normal People on Netflix? Another one of Sally Rooney’s best-selling books has been adapted for the TV screen. It is her novel, Conversations with Friends. Found this time on Amazon Prime. It follows Frances, a 21-year-old college student, as she navigates a series of relationships that force her to confront her own vulnerabilities for the first time. What I can say is that everything about this mini-series is so beautiful. I love the cast, the music, and the setting; appealing to all my senses. I admit it might be a bit slow for some people, but I didn’t mind as I lapped up the beauty of it all. I haven’t read the book (bad, I know), but I didn’t read Normal People and loved it nonetheless. I give this 4.5 Stars. A show most can burn through in a day, so I urge you to give it a go and let me know what you think.
Lune Space Mist by Happy Society
As some of you may have gathered by now, surrounding myself with beautiful scents is an integral part of my life. I was recently gifted this all-natural space mist from a friend for my birthday. Made from the oils of Vetiver, Lavender and Clary Sage, this mist has beautiful healing and calming properties to aid sleep and balance energy. I spray this warm earthy scent with floral notes as I enter my studio, before a client reading and on my pillow when I go to sleep. It is also beneficial during moments of anxiety and stress. Happy Society is an excellent Australian brand coming out of Victoria. Their collection of natural fragrances and herbal blends is here to encourage positive, healthy daily rituals. Their ethos is about slowing down and creating a peaceful space wherever you may be. Sounds good to me. Their cool packaging design and logo also won me over.
Channelled Reading & Energetic Healing with Jacinta James
I recently enjoyed sitting down with my dear friend, Jacinta, to experience a channelled reading and energy healing. For the first time in my life, Jacinta could bridge the gap between myself and my spirit guides by acting as a conduit, relaying their important messages. Having never done anything like this before, I found this session with Jacinta genuinely profound. Her messages for me were so intuitive and definitely things I have subconsciously thought or needed to hear. Jacinta’s calming and compassionate nature makes you feel safe, seen and heard. Jacinta recently has become a first-time mother to the beautiful Sunni, so her books are closed for the moment. But definitely keep an eye on her Instagram for any updates, as I know she is reopening later this year. Her feed is very inspiring, so definitely one to watch.
Euphoria Season 2 Playlist on Spotify
Who is missing the TV series Euphoria? Well, suppose you are anything like me. In that case, I have been enjoying reliving the show by playing the carefully curated playlist on repeat via Spotify. I have become obsessed with English singer, Labrinth, who created music, especially for the show. Something about this music brings so much joy and excitement to my day. I also love listening to the old tracks from the 90s, 80s and 50s dotted between the current tunes. If you are a big fan of the show and a lover of music, definitely seek out this playlist.
Soldered Bracelets from Sarah & Sebastian
Being a designer, I have felt a bit noncommittal when getting a tattoo. I have always worried that I will lose interest in the design later in life, so my skin is virginal at the ripe age of 41. That being said, I do love the idea of a tattoo's permanence to symbolise an important moment in your life. So early last year, on the day I turned 40, I decided to do my version of a tattoo by purchasing one of Sarah and Sebastian's soldered bracelets. A permanent delicate chain that gets soldered on your wrist. Mine is decorated with two small diamonds to represent my two gorgeous kids, Hunter and Edie. I am not a huge jewellery wearer, as I find it too distracting or uncomfortable. However, this bracelet is so delicate that I barely notice it until I look down at my wrist and it shine back at me. I now have two bracelets adorning my wrist, with the second celebrating the years of friendship I have with my two besties. Like most people find with tattoos, I am now obsessed with these bracelets and am definitely keen to get more. So I ask you, how many is too much?
Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspé
I first came across author and scientist Jessie Inchauspé recently when listening to her being interviewed by Dr Mark Hyman on his podcast, The Doctor's Farmacy. The show was about the best hacks to balance your blood sugar, and it was so fascinating. At 28, I was loosely diagnosed with PCOS, despite not having many of the main symptoms. I have struggled with, especially since having kids, losing weight, and keeping it off. I eat a reasonably well rounded healthy diet and exercise regularly. Yes, I drink wine and eat chocolate in moderation. I have the odd piece of sourdough and bowl of pasta, but nothing more extreme than your average healthy person. However, I figured that perhaps something was a bit off. After listening to Jessie, a lot of what she said rang quite true. 3pm fatigue, increased hunger, irregular periods etc.
The simple hacks she has discovered while getting to the bottom of her own issues are incredible. Some I do already, while others I pretty happily implemented if it meant things could be stable. So I bought her book, The Glucose Revolution, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. Such an easy read, with lots of interesting facts and scientific evidence of how our bodies react to things like sugar, fat and carbohydrates. Her hacks are super simple, and after a month of experimenting with them, they really work. The biggest thing I noticed is that I just don't feel fatigued anymore during the day. I also love that she encourages you to enjoy life's little pleasures but has suggestions on tackling the massive glucose spike they bring with them. Who would have thought!! I strongly feel everyone should read this book. Especially those raising kids, as we can take so much good from it. Jessie also has an excellent Instagram account, so check it out. @glucosegoddess
Aplenty Catering
Speaking of food, Aplenty Catering has been on my radar since last year’s lockdown. Run by Michaela Johansson, a local chef who returned from London to birth this fantastic food service last year. Inspired by delicious food from the Mediterranean, Michaela has created an amazing offering that caters to any event style. I have been lucky enough to sample her Lockdown Picnic Boxes she launched last year and a catered event she organised for one of my clients. Everything I have tasted thus far exudes a sense of fun and vibrance whilst celebrating what is in season. All her tasty treats are made in-house and are packed full of flavour. I highly recommend checking this cool company out for your next event. I know I will continue to sing their praises.
Sense of Self Bathhouse
On my recent trip down to Melbourne, I randomly bumped into this stunning bathhouse on the streets of Collingwood. Serendipitously I was thinking about the notion of a Sense of Self (as you do). Then weirdly, I saw their signage outside a beautiful, nondescript building on Easey Street. Intrigued to know what the place was, I googled the name. I discovered that it was a beautifully designed bathhouse and massage parlour. Sadly my schedule didn’t line up with the appointments available. Still, it is definitely on my to-do list next time in Melbourne. I thought it was worth a mention now we seem to be travelling more and it is a place I cannot stop thinking about. In the meantime, I will settle for some float therapy at City Cave until I am next in Melbs. Please let me know if there is something similar in Sydney, as the last bathhouse I went to was when I was 21 in Budapest, Hungary.
