Christian Watson Furniture

British furniture designer Christian Watson has been honing his trade for many years but it was only recently that he made the decision to launch his eponymous brand.

Christian spent two years studying under Marc Fish at Robinson House Studio in Sussex, there he learnt traditional furniture making with timber and veneer. Today, his carefully considered, stripped-back, contemporary style is dominated by the use of metal, its strength giving his pieces their simple elegance. I believe it’s his love of materials that has pushed him on and led him to create such contrasting pieces today. He still spends a lot of time researching, experimenting and playing with new materials. His current style is clearly defined but I can’t help but wonder what he will do in the future and whether it will have a direct connection to his style today or whether it will evolve once more.

Christian can draw a clear line between his work at Robinson House and his work today. Whilst at Robinson House Studio he “was taught that the relentless pursuit of perfection must be applied to the entire furniture-making process, from sourcing the highest-quality materials, to working with highly-skilled craftsmen. It is this holistic approach to design that defines the studio today”. He is meticulous in his research, almost to the point of obsession.

The Signature Collection combines powder-coated metal with sustainable Portuguese cork, vegetable tanned leather, British wool or glass. The pieces are handmade locally by talented craftsmen and women, everything is made in Britain (they are proud members of Made In Britain), keeping their company’s carbon footprint low and allowing each design to be made to order. The aim is that everything be made to last, developing its own patina with age that simply adds to its beauty. In those rare cases when an accident does occur, they will repair or replace the affected part.

The designs within the Signature Collection work beautifully together, with a cohesive design language. However, the strength of their individual designs allows them to comfortably sit independently or alongside furniture by other designers.

Alongside the Signature Collection is a tailored service which allows you to make alterations to the size, material and/or colour of a piece. This is done in a way that maintains the integrity of each design but allows you to fit them into your home seamlessly.

For those with an idea for a unique piece or a unique space, there’s a bespoke service. Christian is full of surprises and, in the short time that I’ve known him, I’ve found that our conversations are often unpredictable and inspiring. I can only imagine what a joy it is to work with him.

Allingham Chair
Haldane Side Tables
Thoralby Mirror
Bennerly Mirror
Timperly Chair
Littleton Armchair
Eversfield Shelving Unit
Bainbridge Coffee Tables
Severus Lounger
Eltringham Mirrors & Wandle Desk

For further information, please visit christian-watson.com.

Soma Rituals Gua Sha Facial Fusion Treatment

This post was created in collaboration with Soma Rituals.

Self-care comes in many forms and is often different for each of us; what we need can change from day to day, even from hour to hour. Listening to our bodies is key to understanding what we need.

Occasionally, I put my self-care needs in the hands of others; every couple of months, I book a treatment with an experienced therapist. It may seem indulgent to some but if it’s something I know will benefit me, isn’t that a good investment of my time and money? The type of treatment I choose and the therapist that performs it have a huge impact on how beneficial it is. Before I book anything I consider what it is I feel I’m lacking, I research different treatments, read about the therapists that perform them and ask questions. This way, when the treatment is over, I come away feeling good about the time and money I have invested.

I recently visited Chandra Casali-Bell, the talented therapist behind Soma Rituals, in her Marylebone treatment room. Chandra takes a holistic approach to her clients’ wellbeing. The light and airy, therapeutic space helped me begin to relax as soon as I stepped through the door. The room is comfortably warm, decorated in natural tones, with lots of plants and a few well-chosen decorative details. A candle burns with a pleasant relaxing scent and light floods the room from the large sash window.

Chandra and I talk about the treatment she has recommended for me, a Gua Sha Facial Fusion with Thai herbal poultice. The treatments she currently practices have been taught to her by internationally-renowned, US educator Cecily Braden. Cecily spent decades training with various Thai Masters and Indonesian Healers, learning their techniques and developing her therapies. Chandra lets me know there is a carafe of water and a glass for me, before leaving the room to allow me time to get ready.

As I lay on the bed trying to let go of all the thoughts passing through my busy mind, there is a knock and Chandra enters the room. She tells me that she doesn’t intend to talk to me much throughout the treatment, so that I can focus on using the time to fully relax and feel taken care of. Just as I’ve experienced at the start of many yoga and meditation classes, she reminds me that this time is for me, that thoughts of other things may come up, to try to acknowledge them and then let them go; a reminder I’m grateful for.

The treatment begins with Chandra’s warm soft hands massaging my face with an oil cleanser. Her light but firm touch gently caresses my face, neck and the upper section of my décolletage. She gently removes the cleanser and follows it with a balm cleanser and then a lighter, oil cleanser. All of the products she uses contain only natural ingredients and smell incredible. A hot towel opens the pores and removes any remaining product from my skin.

By this point I’m feeling incredibly relaxed. Chandra begins to massage my face with a heated Thai herbal poultice; containing organic healing botanical ingredients such as hibiscus, lemongrass, ginger, java apple leaf, and more. The poultice warms the muscles, helps to release tension and detoxify the skin. Chandra combines acupressure and lymphatic drainage massage to help reduce swelling and dark circles, and improve nutrition to the skin, as well as lifting and contouring. It’s hard to tell that she’s using a poultice and I mistake it for one of the gua sha tools I saw on the side before my treatment started; it feels smooth, hard and hot, reminiscent of the stones used in the hot stone therapies I’ve had in the past. The heat feels incredible on my tense muscles.

Chandra then moves on to use her gua sha tools; these beautiful, professional tools are made from high-quality gem stones. She chooses and uses the various different shapes and stones based on my specific needs. She massages my face with each, helping to release congestion in the connective tissue, renew lymph fluid, activate circulation, release tension in the muscles and stimulate cell activity. Her movements are sometimes small and precise, other times the gua sha tools glide across my face. It all becomes a bit blurry as the rhythmic massage sends me into an incredibly relaxed state.

Just when I think it can’t get any better, Chandra gives me a Thai Wai Facial Massage – to reinforce the benefits of the treatment so far. She uses her hands, feeling deep into the skin, moving and draining the lymph, improving the health of the skin and sculpting my face, as she does so. She follows the massage with a beautiful herbal face mask and head massage, releasing the tension around my hairline and scalp.

I come around feeling utterly cared for, in a way that I had forgotten was possible in my 40s. Chandra’s treatments are precise, prescriptive, and intuitively practised in an incredibly compassionate way. She gives you the time and space to stop and allow yourself to rest and feel restored. When I take a look in the mirror, my face has a golden dewy glow and there’s something more youthful about it. I leave feeling re-energised and so grateful for the experience. It was unlike any treatment I’ve had before and I think that is largely due to Chandra herself, and the care and energy she has so generously shared with me.

I had the Balancing Herbal Ritual, a 90-minute Gua Sha Facial Fusion therapy. It took place in Soma Rituals’ treatment room in Marylebone, London (Soma Rituals has since moved to Edinburgh). Please contact Chandra for further details, or book a treatment online.

d’still Products

During the treatment Chandra used products containing only natural ingredients from the British skincare brand, d’still.

d’still Calming Cleansing Balm
d’still Brightening Radiance Mask
d’still Rejuvenating Botanical Serum

Chloé Watts

Chloé Watts is the inspirational woman behind chloédigital, a unique business that offers web design, technical support and strategic advice to influencers. Chloé is one of those people who exude positivity; she’s smiley, friendly and ever so welcoming. We’ve met a few times over the years and I’ve always been impressed by how business-savvy she is whilst also being incredibly relatable; perhaps this is her formula for success. She is always happy to share ideas and advice without any expectation of what she might receive in return. CD World, her latest venture under the chloédigital umbrella, echoes this approach with a free-access knowledge hub, full of incredible advice for content creators.

I really wanted to discover how Chloé manages to remain so positive all the time, especially whilst being a black woman in a male-dominated and challenging industry. I hope you learn something new from Chloé in this interview, something that will help you make your life more positive.

The Interview

Could you please tell me about yourself?

I’m Chloé Watts, the Founder and CEO of chloédigital, the leading tech partner for influencers; offering web design, tech support and strategic consultancy to help influencers scale their business. I am a black female CEO, a role that has been challenging yet rewarding over the years. I am highly organised and a natural leader so, although challenging, I enjoy my job.

I would describe my personality as reliable, ambitious and honest. As well as chloédigital, my biggest passion and one of my greatest achievement, my other passions include my friends, family and fiancé. I love health and fitness, and find time for myself as often as possible.

What motivates you to keep pushing forward and evolving as a person?

My mission is to empower women to build the life of their dreams with technology and this focus keeps me motivated to keep growing and improving our services for our clients. Building a business that remains authentic to me and my values is at the centre of everything I do. Building chloédigital and seeing what my company; plus, what my clients have achieved through their blogs; has been hugely rewarding.

What traits do you believe make a woman strong?

Resilience and determination. There will be times when jobs are challenging but if you persevere and keep going you will be so rewarded. It’s normally the most challenging tasks that turn out to be the best/most rewarding and growth comes on the other side.

How do you think your friends would describe you?

Feel-good energy and enthusiasm. I always maintain positive energy, which carries me through both difficult situations and demanding days. I run on good vibes which I believe has an impact on myself, team and business.

Was there an experience that led you to create your business(es)?

I was always into tech growing up, my love for it started when I was around 15. I had a MySpace page which needed to be coded to make it look more appealing, so I used to play around on there and loved it. I then began working with start-ups and newly launched businesses to create their websites.

I went on to work full-time as a developer but always had freelance clients on the side for design work. I became known as chloédigital; the go-to girl to help you with your website. I also had a lot of friends in the space who blogged and they use to come to me for tech support and help – fixing glitches and also translating tech to them in a way they could understand, to help them better their websites. Through this the idea for chloédigital formed, originally a membership programme that offers ongoing tech support and digital strategy for influencers.

The business has evolved a lot since then and now I work with hundreds of influencers in our community, either through paid services or our free-access business-tech hub, CD World. The platform allows influencers to access our knowledge but also gives them access to perks from brand partners that will help them grow their business – mainly tech tools but also some for self-care.

What is your morning routine? 

I get up early most days, 5.30-6.00am. It’s really important to me that I have time to myself and for myself before the working day. This involves movement – during lockdown that was at home but now I am thrilled to be back in the gym. I will listen to a podcast while I work out. Then I head back home and eat breakfast. I read a chapter from the book ‘Confident Woman Devotional’ every morning and also read an affirmation every day. I then get dressed and start getting into work mode.

What challenges have you overcome, personally and professionally?

Overcoming limiting beliefs. I have always found this challenging, and it took the movement of 2020 to see that I had been restricting myself with limiting beliefs about what I was capable of achieving. Recognising that, and making a commitment to debunk it, has really shifted my mindset, and enabled me to progress at a different velocity than before. My personal and professional experiences blur into one, growing and gaining life experience has been a big factor on the way I work and deal with obstacles. The challenges I had when I first started chloédigital compared to now are very different. It taught me how to deal with challenges with a positive mindset and not let the small things defeat me.

What do you do when things aren’t going well, and you need a lift?

I believe in the importance of self-care. When I am down, I do like to go to the gym, I love facials, too. Having a break just makes your head clearer and helps you take a deep breath before you carry on, a quick walk round the block or a bath normally helps. I also find writing a to-do list helps when things aren’t going well. There is something very satisfying when you tick a job off, it also helps you to plan out your day, to make a lot of tasks less daunting.

What do you do daily to take care of yourself?

I love going out for dinners with my family and friends (when we can), trying new restaurants and spending quality time with the ones I love. Lots of my friends are currently in the process of building their own businesses too, so I book dates with them to chat and talk through business challenges, etc. to motivate and coach each other.

What does balance look like to you?

I love what I do and it’s more than just a job – the lines are so blurred that work/life balance doesn’t really exist to me. Consistent work on my mind, body and soul is crucial for me to be working and living my best life.

How does what you wear affect how you feel?

I often wear black as it emphasises power and strength which enables me to feel grounded and strong in my leadership. I LOVE a statement accessory (either handbag or shoes) it really does create a bold feature on a neutral colour outfit and shows you mean business. When I go for meetings I think my clients look out for details like that and bags are always the best conversation starters!!

What do you wish you had known when you started your business(es)?

That business is hard work! Always listen to your own intuition, as I have been side-tracked by people who didn’t understand my vision. Authenticity and clarity are important to our business. I now have mechanisms to check in on myself to keep us on track. Remember why you started and that a path you take will never be straight, lots of twists and turns over the years but be consistent and passionate, trust the process and you will be fine.

How many hours a week do you work? Has that changed over time?

I tend to work the usual full time hours, 37 hours, sometimes it’s more depending on if I need to get more work done. My days and hours do tend to vary. For example, when there is a launch coming up (like our recent launch with Lydia Millen), I would say an average day would be around 10 hours, or more. I just want to make sure everything is perfect before a big launch; overtime when it’s your own business is just part of the CEO life, my clients’ businesses and my own mean everything to me.

What have been the highs and lows of your business, so far?

There are some days where things tend to go wrong and as you can imagine tech and technical issues are real… The highs are seeing our clients succeed. Many clients have now reached milestones like buying their dream houses, hiring employees, or going into full-time self-employment, all because of the freedom their business gives them.

What worries do you have about the future?

I try not to have any worries; I try to always have good energy and good vibes throughout. It’s important for me to be optimistic, bad energy is noticeable. Good energy reflects onto my team and me. I’m a firm believer in everything happens for a reason, so therefore no need to worry as everything that happens is meant to be.

Who or what makes you happy?

My family and friends. I have a great supportive team around me and I’m grateful for all of them. Holidays also make me happy, I have a lot of clients who are in the USA, specifically LA, so travelling there makes me happy; plus, LA weather is just incredible, who doesn’t love being in the sun?

How do you give back to the community?

I donate to Girls In Tech – there are programmes women can take part in to help them further or start their careers in tech. My aim is to generate more awareness for chloédigital and show young women and girls that a career in tech is possible. As a young black woman I have a responsibility to shine a spotlight on myself, even if it’s uncomfortable at times.

Which book has had the biggest impact on your life?

I read less now but am an early riser and (as I mentioned before) start my day with the book, ‘Confident Woman Devotional’, I read a chapter every day which balances me and starts my day right.

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud of chloédigital and how it has developed. We are turning seven this year, I can’t believe how far we have come. Seeing clients progress and my brand expand has been amazing. I’m also proud of the domino effect of my brand; I have generated bigger businesses and more money for my clients.

Which women inspire you, and why?

Women inspire me! Since the start of time women have had so many limitations put upon us, so seeing all the amazing things women are doing today, being working mums, or CEOs, or whatever they do inspires me everyday. The one specific inspiration would be my mum, she has always said “you only fail when you stop trying” – that quote has always stuck with me and shifted my mindset growing up.

If you would like to be inspired by more incredible women, who have learned to balance success with self-care, please take a look at the other Women Who Inspire interviews.

April Gargiulo

Vintner’s Daughter is a bit of an anomaly in the skincare industry. It’s a brand with just two products, Active Treatment Essence and Active Botanical Serum; both of which are made in a timely fashion, in order to obtain the most out of each botanical ingredient. Despite what might be considered two big set-backs, almost everyone in the skincare industry has heard of Vintner’s Daughter, many of whom have tried their products and go on to use them regularly. Among them are celebrities that include Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Watts, and Hailey Bieber.

A telephone call with April a few months back left me in awe. She’s incredibly warm, passionate, and down-to-earth, as well as being savvy and remarkably successful. I wanted to learn more about what makes her tick, how she overcomes life’s challenges and, hopefully, find out what we can all do to be more successful in our own lives.

The Interview

Could you tell me a little about yourself?

I joyfully juggle quite a few roles, from CEO and Founder to mother, wife and daughter. I am an investor in several amazing woman-led brands which I love, and I am fanatical about tea, gin, gardens, chocolate and just about anything to do with the worlds of botanicals. I don’t have a lot of rules for living other than to listen to my body and soul carefully. 

What motivates you to keep pushing forward and evolving as a person?

I want to help people see their true beauty outside the confines of what the mass media would have us believe. So much of the beauty world is fuelled by fear and insecurity. I want people to choose beauty out of a love for themselves and their beautiful skin. That is a lifelong mission.

What traits do you believe make a woman strong?

I think strength and confidence are some of the most beautiful qualities a woman can possess. Finding the people, things, moments and places that help you uncover and feed that strength is a life’s work. So many of us are all on that road of self-discovery and it is beautiful to see.

How do you think your friends would describe you?

I hope; supportive, kind and down for an adventure.

Was there an experience that led you to create your business(es)?

I struggled with my skin my entire life. I was someone who like many was dealing with cystic acne, pigmentation and all the fun things that come along with getting older. I was using what I thought were the very best “luxury” products. They were the most expensive and were written about often in glossy magazines. One day I started looking at the ingredients. I was shocked to realise that they were 0.01% active ingredients, the rest was low quality filler that was also in many cases toxic. Coming from where I was coming from, none of that sat right with me. I come from Napa Valley, a community dedicated to making the finest wines in the world through meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. Short cuts are not allowed and practically every grain of dirt is considered for its quality. That to me is the true definition of luxury; beginning with the finest raw materials and honouring them through the most thoughtful formulation practices to achieve something even greater than the parts. 

This was the genesis of Vintner’s Daughter. I wanted to build a true luxury skincare company that made products from the finest ingredients in the world, using time-honoured techniques in order to bring about profound and lasting balance and health in the skin. It sounds lofty, but I wanted to build a skincare company on the same philosophical foundations as the winemaking world I had come from. I am grateful to have achieved that and more. We are making a positive impact on the health and balance of our customers’ skin through our whole plant nutritional skincare, and we are helping to build confidence by improving their relationship to their skin. We exist to not only impact skin in the most beneficial ways, but to have a positive impact on the world. We do this by infusing social and environmental responsibility into every aspect of our business.That is everything to us.

What is your morning routine?

I love my morning routine which always starts with a giant pot of loose leaf tea. Most mornings it is Oolong or Jasmine Green Tea, but occasionally Pu-Erh or Red Tea is needed. I have several different tea pots that I rotate between and they each have significance to me. For breakfast, I generally eat a piece of gluten-free toast with oat milk butter and honey. I workout in the morning and meditate, but if I don’t get to it, I try to adjust my schedule and do it in the afternoon. Both are pretty non-negotiable for me. For skincare, I cleanse with something generally creamy and gentle. I then apply Active Treatment Essence followed by Active Botanical Serum and do a few minutes of face massage which I love. In those two simple steps, Active Treatment Essence followed by Active Botanical Serum, I know I am giving my skin everything it needs to be its very best. It is very freeing not to be beholden to an elaborate multi-step routine. I finish with a SPF, mascara and brow gel.

What challenges have you overcome, personally and professionally?

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes they come in a basket covered with thorns. That is how I try to look at challenges, both professionally and personally, as something I can learn from. An early professional challenge was when I took my formula to the top labs in the world, I was turned away time and time again because they told me that no product should take over 6 hours to produce, much less the three weeks it takes to make every bottle of Vintner’s Daughter. They encouraged me to substitute synthetics, powders and extracts for my beautiful whole botanicals. They said ‘Trust us. It will be cheaper, faster and better.’ Thankfully, I didn’t follow their advice and trusted my own gut. As a result, our products are able to communicate with skin in a profound way that amplifies the skin’s own powers of rejuvenation, healing, brightening, firming and radiance. Personally, I often find myself going against the grain and not accepting the status quo or doing what everyone else is doing, which can be a challenge. I’m constantly looking for others who have and are going their own way for inspiration.

What do you do when things aren’t going well, and you need a lift?

When things aren’t going well, I turn towards my gratitude and loving kindness practice even more. It’s a simple thing, but has a profound impact. I ask myself what I need to learn from whatever is going on and try to find the silver lining. I also lean on my girlfriends and long nature walks quite a bit during hard times. For me, movement is always super important when I need to shift my energy.

What do you do daily to take care of yourself?

The best thing I do for myself every day is meditation. I have practiced zen meditation for about 15 years. I also eat a plant-based diet and don’t consume much caffeine and processed foods. I do some kind of movement everyday from hiking to pilates. Ultimately, I try not to have too many rules or restrictions. I prefer to follow my body and intuition.

What does balance look like to you?

It’s hard to describe, but you know it when you feel it and it doesn’t happen magically. It takes work and prioritising, somewhat brutally at times. I have to say no quite a bit of the time even if it’s events, opportunities or partnerships that would be lucrative and/or fun. Ultimately, it’s my choice and I don’t always make the right ones, but it’s very clear when I don’t. My body immediately tells me. I’m getting better at listening and honouring those feelings, but it’s not always easy.

How does what you wear affect how you feel?

I dress for the way I’m feeling on any given day. It’s a fun way to express yourself and set the tone for whatever lies ahead.

What do you wish you had known when you started your business(es)?

That it’s all about the team. No matter how great of an idea or product you have, if you don’t have a talented, mission-aligned team around you, you will never succeed.

How many hours a week do you work? Has that changed over time?

I love my work, so I work quite a bit and always have. Some weeks are 30 hours and some are 60+ hours. The balance of what I focus on has changed over the years from more tactical day to day stuff to more strategic, larger picture dreaming. But when I’m off, I’m off. Luckily, I don’t have a problem shutting down my work brain.

What have been the highs and lows of your business, so far?

Gratefully, the highs come daily through testimonials from our incredible community and working with my amazing team. The lows are less frequent, but more times than not have led to great personal and professional growth. As annoying as they may be in the moment, the lows are where the magic can happen if you are open to it.

What worries do you have about the future?

I worry about the world my kids will inherit.

It is why we have woven sustainability and social impact into every part of our business. We just received Climate Neutral and California Green Business Certification at the very highest levels which is important, but perhaps the biggest thing we do for the environment is produce fewer and better products. This is not only better for your skin, but better for the world’s resources as well.

Who or what makes you happy?

My family, old growth forests, tea, my friends, birds singing, customer testimonials. I have many things to be grateful for.

How do you give back to the community?

I believe it is our duty to give back — because gratitude means acknowledging all that has been given and joyfully giving in return. From the beginning, Vintner’s Daughter has donated 2% of every purchase to charitable organisations and non-profits dedicated to protecting, educating, and empowering women and children around the world. This commitment comes from a place of deep respect for our intrinsic connection and responsibility to one another. Each year we select more than ten charities making an impact and donate funds to help support the incredible work they do.

Which book has had the biggest impact on your life?

Buddhism: Plain and Simple by Steven Hagen. It is never far from my bedside.

What are you most proud of?

Creating a skincare brand that helps people connect to their beautiful skin in a joyful and confident way. We are a skin-driven company versus a revenue-driven company, which sounds revolutionary in today’s world. So much about the beauty industry is intended to break that trusted connection to yourself in order to sell the next new product. We have deliberately set ourselves outside that commodity-led paradigm to create timeless products that change people’s relationship to their skin in deeply positive ways. That is something I am very proud of. 

Which women inspire you, and why?

Any person who is confident and joyful in their own skin inspires me. I’m lucky to have a really amazing group of girlfriends who all inspire me through their generosity and confidence.

If you would like to be inspired by more incredible women, who have learned to balance success with self-care, please take a look at the other Women Who Inspire interviews.

Olio by Barber Osgerby

My collection of ceramics has grown significantly in the last few years as I’ve come to understand that eating and drinking should always be an enjoyable ritual. It offers us all time to slow down, to make the most of our time with friends and family, or even just a moment to ourselves. The way in which we eat and how we see our food can greatly affect how we feel in the moment, and after. We all deserve to drink out of a beautifully-designed mug, pour a glass of water from an attractive jug and eat our food off plates and bowls that emphasise the beauty and quality of the ingredients we serve.

This Spring, Royal Doulton and Barber Osgerby have relaunched their Olio Collection; initially launched in 2015. The collection by London-designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby takes inspiration from our modern love of mix and match ceramics; no longer is it the norm to have a single set in which every plate and bowl are the exact same style. We have become ceramics collectors, picking out complimentary designs from various places. Olio means a miscellaneous collection of things, and also a highly spiced stew of various meats and vegetables originating from Spain and Portugal; so it’s quite an appropriate name for the eclectic collection.

“We design objects that are timeless, things that people want to keep forever.”

Edward Barber & Jay Ogersby

There are 14 pieces in the, predominantly ceramic, Olio Collection. It has been designed in such a way that you could choose just one piece to add to your current collection or create a complete set. In addition to ceramics there are sustainable wooden serveware and stainless steel cutlery. The collection combines porcelain and stoneware with both glazed and unglazed details in graphic black, timeless white and celadon blue. The sugar pot, jugs and serving bowls work equally well as decorative objects in the home.

Royal Doulton describe Olio as “a considered range with an honest, authentic and functional design sensibility”.

Black Jug 21.5cm 1094mL*
Black Mug 300mL
Black Serving Bowl 21cm
Black Sugar and Creamer Set
Black Teapot 14cm 1301mL*
16-Piece Cutlery Set
Celadon Blue Cereal Bowl 16cm
Celadon Blue Dinner Plate 27cm
Celadon Blue Mug 300mL
Celadon Blue Pasta Bowl 21cm
Celadon Blue Salad Plate 22cm
Wood Handled Server 41cm
White 12-Piece Set
White Cereal Bowl 16cm
White Dinner Plate 27cm*
White Jug 17.5cm 500mL
White Mug 300mL*
White Pasta Bowl 21cm*
White Salad Plate 22cm
White Serving Bowl 25.5cm*

For further information, visit www.royaldoulton.com.

The Last Drop: No.1


I appreciate that lots of you are interested in finding out about the latest skincare products and whether they might be good for your skin. I’m lucky to be in a position in which I regularly try lots of different products. I avoid skincare products with known nasties, looking instead for those that are ethically and sustainably made, predominantly made with organic and/or natural ingredients. My approach is to use each product for at least a month before I share my experience here or on Instagram. After that initial trial period there are some that I continue to use every day or when appropriate, and others I give to friends and family. So, with that in mind, I thought it might be interesting for you to read about the products that are so good I’ve used every last drop, my latest empties. Below are the products I’ve just finished. They are all products I confidently recommend to friends and family, and feel confident recommending to you.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream

Even when I’m using another eye cream, I will almost certainly have a bottle of Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream* in my bathroom cabinet. It’s the one I rely on when my skin is feeling particularly sensitive. It contains a super fine low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and chamomile; meaning it’s great for dryness, puffiness, fine lines and sensitive skin. It’s also said to reduce dark circles thanks to witch hazel but I can’t speak from experience. The texture is more serum than cream, it spreads easily and is absorbed quickly. It’s great value and widely available.

BUY FROM BALANCE ME

AMLY Radiance Boost Face Mist

AMLY Radiance Boost Face Mist* didn’t last long in my bathroom, I found myself using it all the time – not just after cleansing but throughout the day to refresh my skin and give it a boost of moisture.

It is a light, refreshing mist that’s a bit of an all-rounder thanks to a great combination of ingredients. Among other things, it’s infused with the healing properties of silver, deeply moisturising hyaluronic acid and a probiotic lactobacillus ferment to feed the skin’s microbiome. I’m going to need a bigger bottle next time!

BUY FROM AMLY

Seed to Skin The Midnight Miracle

Since researching face oils and their benefits for a previous post, I’ve made them a consistent part of my regimen, both morning and night. Seed to Skin The Midnight Miracle Cell Recovery Night Oil* is one of the most visibly efficacious face oils I’ve used. When I woke after the first night I used it I could see that my skin appeared more even in tone, and it felt more supple and nourished.

It contains vitamins A and E which increase skin turnover and cell regeneration. 70% of the oil comes from three types of rose seed, which give support to the cells in all three layers of the skin; the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.

BUY FROM LIBERTY

Volition Celery Green Cream

Volition Celery Green Cream* is more gel than cream. I first used it as a face cream, after applying my face oils but I quickly worked out that it was much more effective when used after my water-based serums and before face oils. It then became a bit of a game-changer, a serious moisture-booster.

The combination of celery seed extract and hyaluronic acid, along with cucumber and lavender extract makes for an incredibly refreshing, lightweight moisturiser; ideal for dry, sensitive skin.

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Seed to Skin The Biom’Sphere

Another unbelievably good product from Seed to Skin, The Biom’Sphere* has been created to nourish the skin’s microbiome. It can become imbalanced due to frequent washing, pollution, preservatives from cosmetic products and strong sun irradiation; potentially causing the skin to become red, acne-prone, dry, excessively oily or itchy.

The Biom’Sphere contains pre-, pro- and post-biotics, black bee honey, pseudoalteromonas exopolysaccharides, hyaluronic acids of two different molecular weights and an oxygen complex.

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Susanne Kaufmann Oil Bath For The Senses

There’s always a bottle of Susanne Kaufmann Oil Bath For The Senses by my bath. It’s my favourite bath oil when I need to slow down and relax. The soothing scents of ylang-ylang, patchouli and lavender fill the air as you pour it into the water, creating just the right atmosphere. It doesn’t leave an oily residue on the skin but does leave it feeling soft and nourished. There’s also the added benefit of rosemary which promotes blood circulation and boosts the skin’s metabolism. Sugarcane bagasse and corncob hydrate the skin.

BUY FROM LIBERTY

I plan to make ‘The Last Drop’ a regular feature on Style&Minimalism. Please let me know via email or an Instagram DM if you found this article useful or if you have any questions about the latest empties I’ve featured.

The Nourishing Benefits of Face Oils

I use face oils throughout the year but I think they are essential during the colder months because of their deeply nourishing and protective properties. When skin is exposed to central heating and/or the wind it can lose the protective layer of oils and lipids it makes naturally, that form part of the skin’s barrier. (It’s important to note that some cleansers also strip away this layer of oils and lipids.) Without this protective layer the skin is open to water loss and can become dry and fragile. As we age, our skin naturally produces less of these oils and lipids. Face oils help to replenish them and protect the skin.

Face oils give skin a smoother texture, plumping it up and making it feel more supple and elastic. The outer layer of the epidermis, called the stratum corneum, is made up of corneocytes (mostly keratin) and an intercellular lipid matrix of ceramides, fatty acids and sterols. The lipid matrix forms a barrier to keep out bacteria and toxins, and prevents water loss. Face oils contain lots of fatty acids which support the lipid matrix; boosting the naturally occurring ceramides, fatty acids and sterols with additional plant-based ones; some also contain beneficial tocopherols (vitamin E), phenols, carotenes, squalane, vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, B vitamins, and flavonoids. The best oils are those that are extracted in a gentle manner, therefore retaining many of the beneficial compounds they contain; cold-pressing is one of the best known techniques.

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil*
Caudalie VineActiv Overnight Detox Oil
AMLY Day Light*
Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum*

You might think that face oils are only suitable for those with dry or dehydrated skin but all skin types can benefit. Face oils have different properties depending on what they contain. Natural face oils contain fixed ( AKA carrier) oils, often combined with essential oils and/or oil-soluble herbal extracts. The combination and quantity of each fixed oil greatly affects the properties of the face oil. Different types of fatty acid within plant-based oils have different properties; some are moisturising, whilst others are considered non-drying, semi-drying or drying. When skin becomes oily or dry it is because it is out of balance.

Oils rich in linoleic acid are good for oily and acne-prone skin types. Oils containing high levels of linoleic acid include: argan oil, borage seed oil, black currant seed oil, cranberry seed oil, evening primrose oil, hemp seed oil, grape seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, raspberry seed oil, rosehip seed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, and sweet almond oil.

Oils rich in oleic acid are good for dry or ageing skin. Oils containing high levels of oleic acid include: apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, moringa oil, olive oil, palm kernel oil, sea buckthorn oil, shea butter, and tamanu oil.

The size of the molecules in the oil, their molecular weight, affect how deeply they penetrate the skin. On the whole, the smaller the molecule size the deeper they go. These smaller molecules don’t clog pores but quickly sink into the skin.

Caudalie VineActiv Overnight Detox Oil
Votary Super Seed Facial Oil*
Henua Organics Miracle Vitamin Oil*, REN Rose O12 Moisture Defence Oil*, Balance Me Radiance Face Oil*

Essential oils and oil-soluble herbal extracts bring additional benefits to face oils. For example, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) flower oil is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, good for calming acne. Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) leaf extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) flower extract has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) leaf extract is rich in antioxidants and prevents UVB damage. Some essential oils may cause irritation, if you have a reaction to a face oil it’s best to stop using it.

The main function of a face oil is to help the skin retain hydration (rather than provide it) and they are, therefore, best used in combination with a humectant (that draws in water) like hyaluronic acid. This is why it’s important to use face oils after water-based mists and serums (to help seal in their beneficial properties). Place a few drops of oil in the palm of your hand, gently rub your palms together to warm the oil, then pat and push the oil into your skin.

Henua Organics Miracle Vitamin Oil*
Balance Me Radiance Face Oil*
Seed to Skin The Midnight Miracle*

I suggest looking for natural, plant-based, cold-pressed oils; with a low comedogenic rating (meaning they don’t clog pores), especially if you suffer from acne. Cosmetic grade mineral oil has been found to be non-comedogenic but it is not sustainable since it is made from highly refined and processed petroleum. Dark glass bottles are best for storing oils as exposure to light and heat will damage the oil.

Nourishing Natural Face Oils

I have been using these ten natural plant-based face oils over the last couple of months. None have caused me any irritation and all of them have had a positive effect on my skin.

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  1. Super Seed Facial Oil, Votary*
    Key Ingredients:
    Grape seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, cranberry seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, chia seed oil, hemp seed oil, camellia seed oil, strawberry seed oil, black cumin seed oil, poppy seed oil, tomato seed oil, flax seed oil, pomegranate seed oil, blueberry seed oil, sunflower seed oil, borage seed oil, broccoli seed oil, melon seed oil, sour cherry seed oil, rosehip fruit oil, raspberry seed oil, marigold flower extract, passion fruit seed oil.
    Key Benefits:
    Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturising, regenerative.

  2. Active Botanical Serum, Vintner’s Daughter*
    Key Ingredients:
    Alfalfa leaf extract, avocado seed oil, bergamot peel oil, calendula flower extract, carrot seed oil, cypress leaf oil, dandelion leaf extract, evening primrose seed oil, frankincense resin, grape seed oil, hazelnut oil, jasmine flower extract, lavender flower oil, lemon peel oil, neroli flower oil, nettle leaf extract, rose flower oil, rosehip seed oil, rosemary leaf extract, sea buckthorn oil, tamanu oil, turmeric root oil.
    Key Benefits:
    Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturising, regenerative.

  3. Radiance Face Oil, Balance Me*
    Key Ingredients:
    Sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, kukui seed oil, jojoba seed oil, rosehip fruit oil, camelia seed oil, buriti fruit oil, moringa seed oil, yarrow leaf oil, benzoin resin, Roman chamomile flower oil, vitamin E, rosemary leaf oil, sunflower seed oil.
    Key Benefits:
    Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturising, regenerative.

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  1. Day Light Radiance Face Oil, AMLY*
    Key Ingredients:
    Abyssinian oil, meadowfoam oil, buriti fruit oil, prickly pear seed oil, raspberry seed oil, pomegranate oil, rose otto essential oil, jasmine essential oil, organic fireweed extract, ginger root extract.
    Key Benefits:
    Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturising, regenerative.

  2. Rose O12 Moisture Defense Oil, REN*
    Key Ingredients:
    Jojoba seed oil, rice bran oil, rice germ oil, camellia seed oil, soybean oil, macademia seed oil, dog rose fruit oil, Ximenia Americana seed oil, soybean lipid, sea buckthorn oil, cranberry seed oil, safflower oil / palm oil aminopropanediol esters, tocopherol, palmarose oil, geranium flower oil, damask rose flower oil, sunflower seed oil, rosemary leaf extract.
    Key Benefits:
    Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, firming, moisturising, regenerative, smoothing, soothing.

  3. Miracle Vitamin Oil, Henua Organics*
    Key Ingredients:
    Argan seed oil, jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, rosehip seed oil, evening primrose oil, avocado oil, oat kernel oil, lingonberry seed oil, sea buckthorn seed oil, rosemary leaf extract, tocopherol.
    Key Benefits:
    Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturising, reduces pigmentation, regenerative.

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  1. Face Oil Line F, Susanne Kaufmann*
    Key Ingredients:
    Broccoli seed oil, sunflower seed oil, argan oil, apricot kernel oil, tocopheryl, corn germ oil, purple viper’s-bugloss seed oil, sesame seed oil, tocopherol, macadamia seed oil, olive fruit oil, pomegranate seed oil, balloon vine extract, carrot root extract.
    Key Benefits:
    Antioxidant, firming, moisturising, regenerative, smoothing.

  2. Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, Biossance*
    Key Ingredients:
    Squalane, damask rose flower extract, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, geraniol.
    Key Benefits:
    Antioxidant, brightening, firming, moisturising, regenerative, smoothing.

  3. The Midnight Miracle, Seed to Skin*
    Key Ingredients:
    Rambling rose seed oil, dog rose fruit oil, sweet-brier seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, squalane, jojoba oil/macadamia seed oil esters, sodium hyaluronate, glucomannan, sandalwood oil, squalene, damask rose flower extract, trihydroxystearin ethylhexyl palmitate, tocopheryl acetate, phytosterols, lavender oil, geranium flower oil, tocopherol.
    Key Benefits:
    Antioxidant, moisturising, regenerative, smoothing.

10.

  1. Vine[Activ] Overnight Detox Oil, Caudalíe
    Key Ingredients:
    Grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, dog rose fruit oil, bitter orange leaf/twig oil, carrot seed oil, sandalwood oil, sunflower oil, bitter orange flower oil, lavender oil, rosemary leaf extract, neroli essential oil, musk rose oil.
    Key Benefits:
    Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturising, regenerative.

Further Reading
‘Skin Penetration Enhancement by Natural Oils for Dihydroquercetin Delivery‘, Molecules – Sep 22nd, 2017

An Independent Shops Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas is not that far away, especially if you’re planning to order your gifts online. I’ve found that small independent shops offer more unique gifts than most. They are often handmade, have a story and sometimes give back to the community.

This year I’ve been thinking about what makes a good gift. Big statement presents may be suitable for growing children whose needs are constantly changing but for us adults I think it’s the everyday objects that elevate our experiences of the ordinary; items that bring comfort or a little luxury to our day-to-day. This year why not buy someone you love something they’ll use over and over again. It could be a beautiful handmade cup to enjoy their coffee or tea in throughout the day, a linen cushion or warm merino wool blanket for when they sit down and relax at the end of the day, or even a pair of socks that feel comfortable against their feet all day long.

Independent shop owners spend hours searching for the best makers and artisans. They have done the research for us and offer a curated selection of well-made items, often made here in the UK.

I’ve selected a few of my favourite independent shops (that I buy from) to highlight; sharing some of the incredible products they sell, that I believe could make someone very happy this Christmas.

Aerende

Aerende is an Olde-English word meaning ‘care’. It’s a great word for describing everything about this online shop. All their products are made by people in the UK who face social challenges. They are all beautiful ‘life-improving homewares’, that have been made to last.

Black and White Stripe Linen Napkin
Ceramic Candle Holder
Cream Stoneware Coffee Cup & Saucer
Large Sycamore Chopping Board with Handle
Linen Lumbar Cushion, Grey and White Stripes
Linen Tea Towel, Black & Grey Stripes
Natural Rapeseed Wax Pillar Candle, Ivory
Organic Cotton Apron Terracotta
Wool Felt Espadrille Slippers, Grey

Oggetto

Oggetto is an Italian word meaning ‘object’. Owners, Helen and Charlie Camm make and source the handmade pieces they sell, with a focus on quality, craftsmanship and longevity. They are keen to help keep traditional artisan skills alive, both for the benefit of the makers and the end users.

Beeswax Candles
Linen Waffle Towel – Light Grey
Pink Teapot
Candle Holder – White
Shetland Wool Throw
Small Hand Thrown Mug – Clay
French Press Coffee Maker
Traveler’s Notebook – Camel
Alpaca Socks – Light Grey

Olea Living

Olea Living was set-up by two mum’s with young families, looking to create adaptable, relaxed spaces in their homes. They source timeless, traditionally crafted products, made by small-scale manufacturers and artisans, with a focus on natural materials.

Flower Vase
Merci Bowl
Organic Cotton Lunch Bag Clay
Pelu Blanco Rug
Porcelain Mug Grey
Porcelain Teapot Grey
Small Wall Hooks
Terva Towel Grey
Wooden Serving Boards

The Small Home

The Small Home seek out small, socially responsible artisans and makers, who produce useful and beautiful products that will stay with you for years to come. With their products they hope to celebrate simple, life-enhancing pleasures.

A Pair of Washed Linen Napkins Navy
Pasta Plate
Porridge Spoon
Indigo Hand Embroidered Cushion – Square
Luxury Matchbox
Olive Wood Boards
Sheepskin Moccasin Slippers Love Birds Pink*
Short Stubby – Pairs of 100% Pure Beeswax Candles
Wool Blanket – Grey Cloud

Workshop

Workshop are interested in helping us achieve more balance in our lives, with respect for what sustains and protects natural elements and materials. With the help of their well-curated goods, they hope to bring back an appreciation and connection to the value in the craft, technique, materials and history of a product.

Black + Natural Stripe Linen Tea Towel
Black Porcelain Coffee Mug
Boxwood Kitchen Knife 15cm
Ceramic 4 Cup Coffee Brewer
Grey Alpaca Plain Socks
Huskee Black Keep Cup
Natural Linen Floor Cushion 90×90
Recycled Large Conical Glass
Teak Coffee Scoop

Natural Candles For Dark Autumnal Evenings

The days are slowly getting shorter and the nights are growing longer. I’m embracing the change of season and looking for ways to make my home feel more cosy. Candlelight is a soothing way to help shift a busy mind into a calmer state; and with the help of some well-chosen essential oils it’s easy to relax and unwind. Before you strike a match, it’s important you know what’s in the candle you are about to burn; not all candles are made equally.

There is constant speculation about paraffin wax, and the possibility that when burnt it gives off carcinogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as acetone and benzene. Another VOC, toluene (which is irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract) may also be given off. (It should be noted that VOCs occur in all fruit and vegetables, and are not all potentially hazardous.) There is no clear conclusion about paraffin but since it is a by-product of the petroleum industry, it isn’t a sustainable option. Paraffin wax is still a popular choice with candlemakers though. It burns quicker than other waxes but it gives a good scent throw (how well the scent is dispersed when the candle is burnt).

Some synthetic fragrances also contain irritating VOCs such as formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, limonene, alcohol and esters. These can trigger headaches, dizzy spells, asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties; some are known carcinogens.

There are lots of studies proving and disproving the effects of burning candles made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances. My approach is to only burn natural candles, those made with natural waxes and essential oils.

What Options Are There For Natural Candles?

Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural product, made by honey bees. They use the wax to form honeycomb cells. When honey is harvested from the combs, beeswax is a by-product. Bees are not harmed during the harvesting process but most vegans will avoid honey and beeswax since the harvesting of both takes away food from the hive. Each honey bee only produces around a twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime. A large quantity of honey needs to be produced, in order to produce a small quantity of beeswax, making it one of the most expensive waxes for candlemakers to use.

Beeswax gives an even, slow, clean burn that is virtually smoke-free and soot-free, and does not drip; the scent throw is quite subtle though.

Soy Wax

Soy wax is one of the best bases for candles, as it burns slowly and cleanly, and is more affordable than beeswax. It is made when soybean oil is fully hydrogenated (i.e. treated with hydrogen gas to create saturated fatty acids with a higher melting point), creating a soft wax.

Some soy waxes are combined with paraffin wax to make them even more affordable. Unbelievably, even those described as 100% pure soy wax may contain a small percentage of paraffin wax. Transparency within the candle wax industry is (currently) minimal; with some producers choosing to keep their “recipe” a secret, even from the candlemakers they work with.

Deforestation (the clearing of land for crops) is a massive problem within the soy industry, especially in South America. Deforestation leads to a loss of bio-diversity within the ecosystem, it has a big impact on climate-change with fewer trees to remove carbon dioxide from the air and water, as well as the potential loss of some species.

I tend to minimise my intake of soy products anyway, due to a lack of clarity around whether they are genetically modified (GM); it’s one of the few GM foods that can be imported into the UK. Globally, a huge percentage of soy grown is GM. I prefer not to support the production of GM foods, so I look for organic soy products whenever I use them.

Palm Wax

Palm wax has a high melt point (higher than paraffin and soy wax), throws scent well and is a hard wax (making it ideal for taller candles). Palm wax is made when palm oil is hydrogenated. It would be the best option for candles were it not for the sheer devastation that growing oil palm trees continues to cause the planet.

Oil palm trees are native to West Africa, Central and South America. They were brought to South-East Asia as an ornamental tree crop around one hundred years ago. Fast-forward to today and Indonesia and Malaysia are producing around 85% of the global supply. In order to keep up with demand peat swamp forests (which store huge amounts of carbon) are being cleared and drained, releasing millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. At the same time, the native habitats of endangered species (orangutans, pygmy elephants, sun bears, Sumatran rhinos and tigers) are being destroyed.

The Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) have attempted to bring more transparency to the palm oil industry but it’s a little hopeless at the moment, as they have been unable to certify that their members are producing oil sustainably.

Coconut Wax

Coconut wax burns cleanly and for longer than many other waxes but its low melt-point makes it hard to use for candles. It has an excellent scent throw.

Coconut wax is made from refined coconut oil, which goes through a hydrogenation process. When the oil is refined the scent is removed and after it is hydrogenated it becomes a creamy white wax with a fairly low melt-point. This means it is usually blended with soy wax or other vegetable waxes to give it a higher melt-point, to ensure it is a wax and not an oil at room temperature.

Coconuts are a high-yield, sustainable crop but traceability is difficult. Mostly, they are grown on tropical islands such as those of the Philippines, which each have their own, unique ecosystem. Growing any single crop in a high volume is going to have a negative impact on the native ecosystem.

Rapeseed Wax

Rapeseed wax is a fairly new wax to be used in the candle industry but is quickly being viewed in Europe as a good alternative to soy wax, since it’s grown locally. It has a good scent throw, burns cleanly and slowly, with a soot-free burn.

Rapeseed wax is made when rapeseed oil is hydrogenated. A creamy white wax is produced that can be used in a variety of ways, depending on the hydrogenation process. It works equally well for tapered and pillar candles, as scented candles.

It’s another one of the few GM foods that can be imported into the UK; however, it is widely produced in both the UK and in Europe, where it’s illegal to grow GM crops. If sourced from the UK or Europe it is one of the most eco-friendly options. It can be completely traceable and renewable, with a small carbon footprint.

Waste Vegetable Oil

Taking waste vegetable oil and turning it into candle wax is one of the most ethical options I’ve found. It helps to form a circular economy within the vegetable oil industry. Waste vegetable oil is taken from restaurants and cafés, filtered and hydrogenated to form a clean wax. The wax can then be made into candles.

Essential Oils

Plant-based, all-natural essential oils give candles a beautiful scent that will fragrance your room. These candles also have aromatherapy benefits. A well-chosen candle can have a positive effect on our mental health. Oils like lavender, bergamot and rose can help calm a busy mind; whilst those from lemon, rosemary and peppermint can help invigorate the mind.

Essential oils are concentrated hydrophobic liquids, extracted from the flowers, berries, leaves, wood, bark, resin, roots, peel and/or seeds of a plant. Essential, in this case, means the ‘essence of’, rather than it being vital.

VOCs occur naturally in essential oils; some contain acetaldehyde, acetone, and ethanol; none of which are classified as carcinogenic. Toluene can also be found in many essential oils. Undiluted they can be an irritant to the skin and cause allergic reactions. For this reason, I think it’s important to only burn candles for short periods of time, in a well-ventilated space.

Wicks

There are hundreds of different types and styles of candle wick. The type of wick used usually depends on the type of wax used. Look for candles with wicks that are lead and metal-free; and made with a natural, clean-burning material like wood, paper, cotton or hemp that has been sourced sustainably.

UK-Made Natural Candles

Here are a few of the best natural candles I’ve found, all made here in the UK. I’ve chosen the scents most likely to evoke a sense of hygge at home. However, each brand makes other scents if you prefer something different.

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  1. FIND YOUR CALM, Find*
    100% soy wax.
    Lavender, patchouli and frankincense essential oils.
    Cotton & brown paper wicks with a thin paraffin wax coating.
    Burn time: approx. 30 hours.
    The scent is like a warming nectar, mixed with the gentle smell of fresh lavender warmed by a day in the sun. It’s an easy scent that’s calming and warming.

  2. EDITION 01: DUSK, Phena London*
    Waste sunflower oil wax.
    Lavender, clary sage, chamomile, geranium and bergamot essential oils.
    Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wooden wicks.
    Burn time: approx. 45 hours.
    The scent is a mix of fresh herbs with a light floral bouquet from the lavender and geranium, the bergamot is subtle but brings an added zingy freshness to it. The wooden wick brings an extra element of interest; it’s nice to lie in the bath listening to the crackle whilst watching the flame flicker.
  1. CEDARWOOD + SPICES, Holistic*
    100% soy wax.
    Cedarwood, cinnamon, vanilla and orange essential oils.
    Cotton wicks.
    Burn time: approx. 40 hours.
    The vanilla and orange give this candle a nice balance of sweet and citrus, the spice of cinnamon is subtle and the cedarwood helps ground the fragrance.

  2. CINNAMON + MANDARIN, SVAR:ØG*
    100% soy wax.
    Fennel, frankincense and star anise essential oils.
    Eco-cotton wicks.
    Burn time: approx. 35-40 hours.
    The scent of citrusy mandarin and aromatic frankincense combine beautifully with the aniseed of the fennel and the slightly more fruity scent of star anise.

Further Reading
‘Frequent use of certain candles produces unwanted chemicals‘ , South Carolina University – August 24th, 2009
‘The Other Oil Spill‘, The Economist – June 24th, 2010
‘The Soy Story‘, WWF – October, 2019
‘8 Things To Know About Palm Oil‘, WWF – January 17th, 2020
‘Used in everything from biofuels to food, the impact of palm oil on global emissions‘, The Independent – January 29th, 2020
‘Why coconut oil may be worse than palm oil for the environment‘, The Independent – July 8th, 2020
‘Volatile chemical emissions from essential oils‘, Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health – August 8th, 2018

Further Watching
‘Kiss The Ground‘, Netflix – 2020
‘David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet‘, Netflix – 2020

Birch, Hertfordshire

This post was created in collaboration with Birch.

At Birch you can watch a film in the screening room, take part in a creative workshop, hold meetings or work quietly, enjoy lunch in either of their restaurants, choose from three different bars to sit and sip on a drink, pick up a coffee and the latest copy of Cereal Magazine, take a class or workout in their fitness studios, or jam in their music room; you could even hold a conference there. Birch has got a little bit of everything.

A couple of weeks ago my husband, daughter and I stayed at Birch for the weekend. It rained most of the time that we were there but that didn’t seem to matter. There was something for each of us to do, even stepping out in the light rain at times to explore the extensive grounds.

The first thing you notice when you arrive at Birch is the impressive main house. The Grade II* listed building (previously known as Theobalds House) was once the country home of the Meux family, millionaire brewers in the 19th century. The parties they held were, by all accounts, quite extravagant and those in attendance included King Edward VII and Winston Churchill. Lady Valerie Meux had a controversial past, having been a banjo-playing barmaid and prostitute when she met Sir Henry Meux, whilst working at the Casino de Venise in Holborn. There are stories about her driving herself around London in a high phaeton carriage, drawn by a pair of zebras – the inspiration behind the name of one of the two restaurants at Birch.

The renovations to the building were completed by architects, Red Deer. They took a sustainable approach; reusing, repairing and upcycling; wherever and whenever possible. As they delved beneath old carpets and behind boarded-up fireplaces they discovered beautiful mosaics and ornate details from the Georgian era. White numbers left on the floorboards during previous renovations have been highlighted, rather than hidden away. They took inspiration from the Japanese art of kintsugi, where an object’s flaws are exposed and highlighted in order to celebrate its history and story, whilst prolonging its use. The house has some incredible features which have been consciously accentuated in its new role as an inspirational and creative space.

The bedrooms are pleasantly simple in design and layout. There are no desks or TVs, just a radio in the corner; the rooms at Birch are designed with relaxation and sleep in mind. There are a combination of blackout blinds and raw linen curtains at the windows, incredibly comfortable mattresses on the (slightly lower than average) beds and a pleasant mix of linen and cotton bedlinen. In the bathrooms you’ll find big fluffy towels and essential products.

Each bedroom has a bespoke valet stand, manufactured by Jan Hendzel Studio, combining artwork by local artists. The ceramic vases are by ceramicist Emma Louise Payne (who teaches some of the pottery workshops), the copper bowls are by metalsmith Lucie Naujalis, and the recycled plastic orbs and bases are by sustainable material designer Charlotte Kidger.

Robin Gill (previously of The Dairy) has developed two restaurants at Birch. Valeries is in the main house and offers casual dining and a grab-and-go service. The main dining room is bright, airy and comfortable; with tables of various sizes, suiting both small and large parties. The food is fresh and tasty, tomatoes taste like tomatoes should, spices have been used in just the right quantities to make your mouth water and the sour dough bread comes directly from the ovens in the bakery next door.

Through a large wooden door, at the back of the restaurant, there is a private dining room called The Gun Room; it fits a group of eight perfectly. The wood panelled room is reminiscent of those often found tucked away in trendy East London restaurants.

It is possible to request a picnic or barbecue box from Valeries which you can take out into the grounds behind the main house. There are lots of small areas set-up with hammocks, picnic benches and deckchairs. You can relax around a fire pit, cooking and keeping warm in the colder months (there are also blankets you can borrow).

The second (and also the flagship) restaurant at Birch is The Zebra Riding Club, headed up by Robin Gill and Ben Rand. Here you can enjoy an incredible set menu full of fresh, seasonal produce; some grown on the estate, some from surrounding farms and a few ingredients from further afield. There are alternative menus offered for those who are vegan, pescatarian, or gluten intolerant.

I don’t eat dairy or red meat so I chose the pescatarian menu with a couple of vegan alternatives. My husband had the regular menu and my daughter enjoyed little bits of our food, as well as grilled corn-on-the-cob and a large bowl of freshly made tagliatelle. We all ate particularly well and were looked after exceptionally well by our waitress (who Isabelle took an immediate liking to).

The flavours took us on a journey, tantalising our palettes with everything from courgette tartlets to Irish oysters and razor clams, salt marsh lamb and badger flame beetroots to peach sorbet and rosemary sablés. Everything was cooked to bring out the best in each ingredient, respecting the quality of the produce.

You don’t need to be staying at Birch to eat at The Zebra Riding Club but if you are staying book a table before you arrive to avoid disappointment.

Robin Gill works closely with farmer Tom Morphew – who is responsible for taking care of the grounds and gardens at Birch, including growing fresh produce for both restaurants. Their intention is to grow and rear a large quantity of the produce used in the restaurants, within the grounds.

As part of this grand plan, Morphew has rescued a brood of battery hens. All of them have now discarded the woolly jumpers they wore when they first arrived and almost all of them have managed to grow back their feathers. They now produce eggs for the restaurants which have been included in the current menu at The Zebra Riding Club.

The grounds are beautiful and the time we spent wandering around them with Isabelle, picking up conkers and acorns, and chasing after her, felt like time well spent. I enjoyed showing her the chickens and seeing her reaction.

There are still more developments in the pipeline, Birch intend to evolve the land designated for growing, build a lido and it’s yet to be decided how the huge treehouse on the front lawn will be used.

Our time at Birch was never intended to be about work, although obviously reviewing a hotel does require some work on my part. The facilities available in The Hub offer flexibility for those who prefer a co-working space. There are multiple meeting rooms that can be used as offices and throughout the site there are countless spaces you can hire for events, away-days and team building exercises. In the The Hub you’ll also find the Links Bar and The Store, both of which offer hot drinks, pastries and snacks.

Earl of East are in residency at The Store, offering a small but well-curated shop with books, magazines and a few essentials that you might want or need during your stay.

One of the big attractions for me at Birch, are their creative workshops; there are more than you could singlehandedly take part in, on any given day. At the time of our stay, they included bird box building, macramé plant hanger making, Bauhaus plate painting, glassblowing and candle-making; to name a few. There are also guided walks, and egg gathering sessions with Tom Morphew.

During our stay I took part in two of the workshops. I learnt some pottery basics in the Pottery: Clay Session with Emma Jane Payne which included learning how to coil, pinch and slab build. The three hours I spent in the studio were incredibly meditative and I enjoyed the time spent chatting with the other women in the class. I plan to share more about the workshop in a separate post.

I also took part in a Soda Bread Masterclass in the Interactive Bakery. This was just a one hour class and taught me how simple it is to make soda bread at home. It took 20 minutes to prepare and the same again to bake. It is also possible to drop-in to the bakery throughout the morning and learn how they make their delicious sour dough bread. Each session lasts just 10 minutes and, when put together, take you through the full process.

There were a few children staying whilst we were there but (for the time being) I would say that although Birch have all the essentials covered, it is really best set-up for those in their late twenties and early thirties without children or for a weekend away whilst yours stay with their grandparents. I would happily return and while away a few hours in their restaurants and studios.

Rooms start from £110 for a mid-week stay in a small room.

Safe Sun Protection, Every Day

Sun protection is something we should all use daily, rain or shine. I used to think it was only needed on bright, sunny days but UVA and some UVB rays travel through clouds and cause ageing (UVA) and sunburn (UVB) no matter what the weather. UVA rays can also travel through glass.

I’ve been looking into options that fit seamlessly into my routine. In the past I’ve found that some sunscreens have left me feeling as though my make-up is sliding off my face, before I’ve even left the house. What I want from a sun care product is to not notice it’s there but know it’s keeping my skin protected.

I’m cautious about what I put on my skin as it gets absorbed into the body. I’ve spent time looking into what ingredients are best avoided. I mentioned a couple (oxybenzone and octinoxate) in a previous post, Clean Suncreens. Also, oxybenzone, octinoxate, butylparaben and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor are all known to cause damage and bleaching to coral reefs. In my opinion, it’s best to look for natural, mineral-based, physical sun protection; products that use either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide in a non-nano molecule form. This is because they’re considered safer for humans and safer for the environment. Physical sun protection sits on the skin rather than being absorbed by it, it forms a physical barrier; though it is still possible that other ingredients within the product may be absorbed.

I’ve been trying out a few products that are new to me, to get a feel for what works well within my current skincare routine, with my fairly sensitive skin. I layer quite a few products these days and don’t find it problematic. I know some people may struggle with layering but it’s all about the products you use and the order in which you apply them (I’ll save that for another post). I should add that, currently, I wear very little make-up and prefer a fresh dewy look.

Sun protection should be an important layer in your routine, it’s not one to skip.

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30

I’ve been using Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30 since they discontinued another great product I used for a year or two, previously (Sheer Vivid Tinted Moisturizer). The new serum is a bit of a wonder product; combining skincare, make-up and sun protection in one. It’s perfect for lazy days or people who prefer to use as few products as possible. It has a sheer finish, evening out skin tone but doesn’t completely cover up dark spots. It has a fluid texture, more akin to a serum or face oil, and leaves the skin well moisturised and incredibly dewy. It isn’t a product I would use just before a photo shoot, simply because it leaves the skin quite shiny. It’s a very easy everyday product that saves time.

Ilia are careful about the ingredients they use, they believe “that not every natural ingredient is good for the skin, nor is every synthetic bad. Clean beauty is where those two collide—with conscious, carefully-selected ingredients, and no compromises”.

The key ingredients in Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30 are niacinamide (vitamin B3), plant-based squalane and hyaluronic acid. The natural sun protection comes from zinc oxide and gives protection from UVA, UVB and UVC rays, blue light and infrared light.

Seed to Skin The Eclipse SPF 30

For something a little simpler but no less effective, I think Seed to Skin The Eclipse SPF 30* is a fantastic sun protection product, which also guards against environmental pollution. You apply a few drops to your face and neck, after your regular moisturiser. It feels like a thin face oil and leaves the skin very dewy. It has a slightly pale caste when you apply it, which quickly disappears.

“Seed to Skin goes beyond the trend of purely natural, combining the power of nature’s curative properties with the results-driven efficiency of advanced science.”

The ingredients in Seed to Skin The Eclipse are 100% natural. Sun protection comes from titanium dioxide (another physical sunscreen agent) which protects against UVA and UVB rays, as well as environmental pollution.

Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF 25

Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF 25 is a moisturiser with the added benefit of an SPF. I like a multi-functional product due to its ease of use and because it saves time; with this product it’s also much harder for you to forget or skip using an SPF. It’s a fairly thick cream that goes on easily. It leaves a slight white cast that disappears within a few minutes of application. If you’re applying make-up, I would give it 10 minutes to settle fully.

Balance Me “genuinely fail to see why people would choose synthetic over natural when clinically proven bio-active ingredients exist and work”.

Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF 25 is a vegan-friendly product. The key ingredients are hyaluronic acid and rose hip. Hyaluronic acid is deeply moisturising and replenishes the hyaluronic acid that’s found naturally in the skin. It works by drawing in moisture and therefore keeps the skin hydrated and plump. Rose hip is rich in naturally occurring vitamin A, an excellent anti-ageing ingredient. Sun protection comes from titanium dioxide, protecting against UVA and UVB rays.

Pai British Summer Time: Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30

Pai British Summer Time: Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30* (previously Hello Sunshine) is the one I would recommend for those with particularly sensitive skin. Pai’s founder, Sarah, struggled so much with other skincare products and created the brand because she couldn’t find any that didn’t irritate her skin. It smells incredibly fresh and a little goes a long way. The pale yellow cream quickly vanishes to leave an invisible, non-shiny finish.

Pai believe “the highest quality organic ingredients create the best performing products – it’s a simple equation”.

Pai British Summer Time: Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30 is 99% natural and vegan-friendly. Key ingredients include cotton extract and vitamin E. Cotton extract (AKA gossypium herbaceum) is an active botanical that helps protect skin from oxidative damage caused by UVA, UVB, infrared and visible radiation. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that offers significant protection against UVB rays. Sun protection comes from zinc oxide and protects against UVA and UVB rays, blue light and infrared light.

NUORI Mineral Defence Sunscreen SPF 30

If you’re looking for something incredibly fresh, there’s NUORI Mineral Defence Sunscreen SPF 30*. All skincare products lose their efficacy over time, NUORI’s approach is to offer the freshest skincare, made in small batches, to be used as soon as you receive them.

I particularly love the texture of this product, it’s quite thick but smoothes over the skin so easily and doesn’t leave any white residue. It has a slightly pink colour which may be why it’s less visible than some of the others. Along with PAI’s, this leaves the most natural finish.

“All NUORI formulas are developed to deliver visible results using only the best natural ingredients and the latest generation of bioengineered actives.”

NUORI Mineral Defence Sunscreen SPF 30 is an all-natural formula. Its key ingredients are French maritime pine extract and sunflower seed oil. French maritime pine extract is one of those miracle ingredients that has multiple health benefits that include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties. Sunflower seed oil is a great source of omega-6 fatty acids, great for promoting a healthy skin barrier, reducing inflammation and increasing cell renewal. Sun protection comes from zinc oxide and gives protection from UVA and UVB rays.

NUORI Sun Repair Serum* isn’t a sun protection product but as it works so well alongside their Mineral Defence Sunscreen to reduce skin damage, I’ve included it.

This serum is so refreshing, you can feel it working hard to replenish lost moisture, as soon as you apply it. Natural hyaluronic acid and carbohydrate complex have water-binding properties which help draw moisture into the skin and keep it moisturised. The skin’s natural response when damaged by the sun is inflammation; this serum contains plant-based, bio-fermented sorbitol complex and chamomile flower to help reduce inflammation and irritation, quickly helping to calm the skin. There’s also liquorice root extract and vitamins C and E to help neutralise damaging free radicals, with their potent doses of antioxidants.

REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30

If shine is something you try to avoid then REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30*, with its mattifying properties would be a good one for you. It does leave skin a touch paler but if you’re applying make-up afterwards then you won’t notice.

REN say, “‘Clean’ is at the heart of all we do… But what does it mean? For us it’s giving you visible results from skincare that isn’t full of shady ingredients. Ingredients that work with your skin, without causing irritation. Ingredients your skin would choose, from sustainable sources and sustainably packaged – cause great skincare shouldn’t cost the earth, right?”

REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 has a naturally-derived formula, that’s vegan-friendly. Key ingredients are yellow passion fruit seed extract (a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from pollution and free radical damage) and rice starch (which absorbs excess oil whilst soothing any irritation). Sun protection comes from zinc oxide and gives protection from UVA and UVB rays, and blue light.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are currently considered to be elite sunscreens. They both give good broad spectrum coverage (meaning they protect against UVA, UVB and UVC rays) and are highly stable (unlike avobenzone AKA butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, an incredible UVA sunscreen agent that’s, sadly, not photostable and degrades in the sunlight). The downside is that they are hard to spread on the skin but when combined with the right ingredients that’s not usually a problem with the end product.

Please bear in mind that, no matter which product you choose to use, you will need to reapply it throughout the day to a maintain a good level of protection from the sun’s rays.

Create A City Oasis

With our gardens, balconies and window sills having become so much more important to us lately (whilst we are asked to stay home), I thought I’d share some of my favourite designs to help you spruce them up. I’ve tried to consider products that work for every situation and give suggestions for different size spaces – I appreciate that not everyone who lives in a big city has a private outdoor space. Try to make the most of what you do have and be creative.

If you have the space (and make the most of it) it can feel like you have an extra room, or two. If you have a big family, it can make a small house feel so much larger and give you all an area to spend time alone. Just having a small area to sit, surrounded by plants can be transformative to your health and well being. If you’re able to get in the sun, you’ll also benefit from the vitamin D your body produces in response to its rays.

Whatever size space you have there’s always something you can do to make it feel special; from growing herbs in beautiful pots on a bright window sill (to give your summer salads a boost), to creating an inviting dining area in the garden (to sit and enjoy a barbecue on warm summer evenings). It’s your space so choose what makes you happy.

Reading

Whenever I can, I like to read outside. I’m less distracted by the chores that need doing in the house and can lose myself for at least half an hour. It’s a lovely form of meditation that’s transformed by a comfy chair and a cosy blanket on chillier days.

You don’t need a lot of space, just enough to squeeze in a chair, a small table to rest your morning coffee on or even just a tray on the ground. What’s most important is that it offers you the chance to sit and relax.

Below you’ll find some of my favourite outdoor chairs, as well as a few stools and accessories that will offer you some added comfort.

ferm LIVING Desert Lounge Chair & Plant Box
HAY Hee Lounge Chair in White
MENU Carrie LED Lamp
Skagerak Mira Lounge Chairs
Skagerak Tradition Corner Module & Table
Skagerak Piippu Slow Brewer
Skagerak Virkelyst 3-Seater with Cushions in Sea Blue Stripes

Dining

For some reason eating outside always feels more exciting than indoors. Perhaps it’s the change of scene, warm air, and the chance to slow down and enjoy your food. There’s no rush and little distraction; except for maybe some good company.

I love the relaxed vibe of eating al fresco, piling the table high with sharing plates of fish, meats and salads. It’s a great excuse for mixing up a fresh pitcher of your favourite cocktail and clinking glasses until well after the sun has set. With the right lighting, a log burner and a few blankets there’s no need to go inside when the temperature and light drop.

Whether you’re perched on a small balcony or spread across a large terrace, I have found some beautiful designs for your outdoor dining area. All are incredibly well made, built to last but also look good. I’ve included a few accessories that will make serving a spectacle in itself.

Skagerak Overlap Table & Bench
Skagerak Lilium Lounge Chair & Table
Skagerak Norr Tray, Oak
Muuto Linear Steel Table & Bench in Off-White
Skagerak Nordic Bowl & Plate and Fulla Salad Servers
Skagerak Picnic Table & Stools
Skagerak Hammer Decanter & Cutter Bench
MENU LAB Bottle Grinder & Plinth Table
HAY Palissade Dining Bench & Chair in Anthracite
Skagerak Royal Chair in Oak
Skagerak Nordic Plates & Norr Tray
MENU Carrie LED Lamp

Growing & Gardening

There’s little more satisfying than eating something you’ve grown and nurtured from seed; without question, it tastes better. In my own garden, I began with herbs, these are the easiest to grow and always useful. I cook with them daily and often sip on a mint tea at the end of day.

Several pots in different sizes, clustered together look great sprouting with bright green basil, pale sage, dense thyme and sprigs of fragrant rosemary. You can use them in your cooking, fresh throughout the summer and if dried they can be used long after the plants have lost all their leaves. Fruit and vegetables take a lot of care and attention but, if you enjoy the process, will reward you in more ways than by simply providing you with something to eat. They can be grown in some highly creative ways, make use of balcony boxes if you have a small space.

For the more ambitious among you, a propagator or greenhouse might be necessary to kick things off. I’ve found some elegant options for various size spaces, that you won’t mind showing off.

If you’re happier getting your herbs, fruits and vegetables delivered to your door then why not surround yourself with fresh green foliage and flowers in your favourite shades to create a little haven.

Skagerak Spira Green House & Growth Table
ferm LIVING Bau Balcony Box
ferm LIVING Plant Box Two Tier
Kent & Stowe Transplanting Trowel via ARKET
Cane-line Lighthouse Lanterns
Juliana City Greenhouse
Skagerak Edge Indoor Pots in Light Grey
Cane-line Drop Greenhouse
HAY Plant Pot with Saucer in XL, Black

For organic seeds you could try Vital Seeds or Tamar Organics.

Books

Grow Fruit & Vegetables In Pots: Planting Advice & Recipes From Great Dixter (Phaidon)
Evergreen: Living with Plants (Gestalten Books)
House of Plants: Living with succulents, air plants & cacti (Frances Lincoln)

All that’s left to say now is, enjoy the weather and stay safe, stay home.

All images are courtesy of the brands featured.

Organic & Natural Skincare Brands On A Budget

I was originally going to call this post ‘Affordable Organic & Natural Skincare Brands’ but affordability is personal, not dependent on the size of your income but how you choose to spend it. My approach to affordable skincare is to find products that are effective for my dry, sensitive skin; that don’t expose it to unnecessary chemicals; and I wouldn’t consider buying simply as a treat.

I know that some of the beauty products I write about could be considered a little on the expensive side. I don’t believe cost is a sign of a product’s efficacy. There are a lot of overpriced brands on the market that seriously under-deliver. When I feature a more expensive product, it’s because I believe it’s worth spending money on and because it’s a product that works for me. I believe it’s important to invest in my skin.

There are a lot of brands that could easily charge a lot more for their brilliant products. There are some great natural and organic skincare brands that suit most budgets. In this post, I’m sharing a few of the most reliable and affordable brands I use.

REN Clean Skincare

REN Clean Skincare is probably the skincare brand I’ve used for the longest, of all the brands I recommend in this post. I can always rely on their products to be efficacious, whilst also being gentle on my skin (all their formulas are pH balanced). It was the gentleness of their products that first attracted me. When I was at university I became aware that my skin was becoming quite sensitive, probably as a result of my less than healthy lifestyle. It was at this time, I discovered REN.

Their ingredients come from sustainable sources, and are chosen for their effectiveness and because they don’t cause irritation to the skin; like the blackcurrant seed oil (an oil rich in Omega 3) in their Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk, and the wheatgerm (which increases skin firmness) in their V-Cense Revitalising Night Cream. Both of which I’ve used for years.

I also love REN for their positive approach to social projects. Their ‘Clean to Skin, Clean to Planet’ initiative is part of their pledge to become zero waste by 2021. Campaigns in partnership with Surfers Against Sewage and Surfrider Foundation have seen groups around the UK and USA cleaning up our beaches. They currently use post-consumer-recycled plastic for their tubes, all designed for circular recycling; and they teamed up with TerraCycle to create their ocean plastic bottles. Their next step, refillable bottles in co-ordination with TerraCycle’s Loop program.

REN products are all cruelty-free; some are also vegan. All products are manufactured in the UK.

If you sign up to their newsletter you’ll receive 15% off your first order.

Products I use:

PAI Skincare

It was Julia Rebaudo from Stylonylon that introduced me to PAI Skincare, back in 2017. She had visited their factory in London (where they make all their products) and, knowing we both share a love of natural skincare, suggested I try them.

I met up with their PR and over a lovely lunch she told me about founder, Sarah Brown’s, struggle to find products that were gentle enough for her irritated, hyper-sensitive and acne-prone skin. Finding nothing that worked for her, she created her own.

Sarah’s approach is to use natural and organic ingredients in their products, reducing the use of chemicals that may cause irritation. They don’t use any controversial chemicals, parabens or phthalates. In order to qualify as natural, a minimum of 98% of the ingredients come from nature; certified to a Soil Association COSMOS Natural standard. Where possible they use organic ingredients, which they (and I) believe are better for our health and the environment. Any non-natural ingredients they use in their products are those necessary to keep it fresh or make it work. They meet strict standards, green chemistry principles and don’t exceed 2% of the product’s ingredients.

PAI products are so gentle, they’ve never caused my skin any irritation, but have also given me good results. When my pores are blocked (after cleansing), I use their Kukui & Jojoba Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator. The natural and bio-degradable jojoba beads remove dead skin cells. I then follow this with their Copaiba Deep Cleanse AHA Mask to remove congestion. My skin is left feeling super clean but not tight or uncomfortable.

PAI take their social responsibilities seriously. Sarah’s mentorship program educates young girls in London, in entrepreneurship and the career opportunities in manufacturing. In addition, they work closely with a few cancer centres, offering cancer sufferers skincare advice throughout their treatment and after.

PAI have taken measures to reduce their environmental impact by using glass wherever possible for product packaging, as well as introducing a recyclable bioplastic tube derived from sustainably sourced Sugarcane. They use only FSC-certified paper and card, and stopped using laminated boxes back in 2015.

PAI products are all cruelty-free and vegan. All products are manufactured in the UK.

If you sign up to their newsletter you’ll receive 10% off your first order.

Products I Use:

Balance Me

Just like myself, Rebecca and Clare Hopkins are on a mission to slow down and take care of themselves. Like a lot of us, they found the fast pace of twenty-first century life stressful and realised that it was taking its toll on their health and skin. Both sisters had developed incredibly sensitive, red skin and were suffering from hormonal breakouts. They decided to create Balance Me, skincare products that enable us all to take a little time for self-care each day. They create natural products from sustainable, renewable ingredients that are kind to your skin and the earth. Some products do contain non-natural ingredients but these are carefully selected and tested to ensure they are safe for your skin.

As with the other brands I’ve mentioned, Balance Me’s products are gentle but effective. Their Tri-Molecular Hyaluronic Serum is one of the most effective and affordable hyaluronic serums I’ve come across. It contains three different molecule sizes that act on different layers of the epidermis, giving skin a thorough moisture boost. I use it morning and night.

Balance Me are making every effort to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging. They use clear and white glass for most of their bottles, since it is the most widely and infinitely recycled material available. However, being heavier than some materials, it does have an impact on carbon emissions. For safety, balms and oils are packaged in plastic, they use 50% post-consumer recycled plastic for them. All their boxes are made with FSC-certified card and if you order from them directly your package will be packed with corn chips, a biodegradable padding material that you can dissolve in water or put on your compost heap. They’re looking into refillables for the future.

Balance Me products are all cruelty-free; some are also vegan. All products are manufactured in the UK.

If you sign up to their newsletter you’ll receive 15% off your first order.

Products I Use:

How To Build A Sustainable Wardrobe

What we choose to wear can have a significant effect on the environment and I believe we all have a part to play in protecting the planet for future generations. By choosing your wardrobe carefully you can help make a difference.

1. Wear Your Clothes

Chances are you already own some amazing clothes. The most sustainable wardrobe is the one you already own as long as you wear it regularly. Challenge yourself to come up with new ways of wearing your clothes and accessories. I have a couple of sections on my ‘Style’ Pinterest board where I save photos of outfits for autumn/winter and spring/summer that are made up of items similar to the ones I own.

2. Choose Well

Only buy what you truly love and know you will want to wear frequently. If you choose well, you should be able to wear an item at least 30 times, if not more. Don’t buy something just because, at first glance, you think it looks nice or you saw it on someone else whose style you admire; don’t make a panic purchase. Give yourself time to consider how you’ll wear it with the things you own. If you can’t think of at least three ways you can style it, don’t buy it.

3. Buy Well Made

Look for natural fibres because they tend to wear and wash better than most synthetic materials; they also allow the skin to breathe. Good garment construction is also important, you want your clothes to last and if they’re badly made they won’t. If you’re unsure, check the quality of the seams and how well the buttons are sewn on (if there are any).

4. Only Buy What You Need

Most of the time we don’t need another coat, another pair of shoes, another pair of jeans, etc. If you choose well and buy well made then you are even less likely to need more.

5. Buy Timeless Designs

You’ll never regret it. These items never go out of fashion and often turn up in new trends anyway.

Plus, it’s worth it for the investment alone; if you do decide you no longer want an item, there’s likely to be a market for you to sell it on.

6. Clothes That Fit

How well an item fits will usually determines how many times an item is worn. If it feels uncomfortable, you’re probably not going to relax all day and, the next time you put that item on, feel reluctant to wear it again; another reason it’s important not to panic buy.

On the other hand, if you’re wearing something that fits you well, you’ll feel good about yourself and how others see you.

7. Take Care of Your Clothes

If you want to prolong the length of use of your clothes you need to treat them with care. Wash them according to their labels, you can always drop the temperature (but never raise it). Use a detergent that is eco-friendly and reduce unnecessary and damaging chemicals in our water systems. I use Ecover or Kinn, both are made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients and still leave my clothes clean and fresh.

Mend holes, damaged seams and hems. There are plenty of tutorials online if you’re not sure how. You could consider the Japanese practice of Sashiko, if you want to add character. If you’re not comfortable mending your things yourself, get in touch with an alterations and repairs agency.

8. Secondhand & Vintage

It goes without saying that there are a lot of unworn clothes in the world, some that have never been worn at all. Secondhand and vintage clothes are often more affordable than the newly made. Though often associated with bright, cheaply made, synthetic clothes from the 60s and 70s; I’ve bought a beautiful wool jumper from Margaret Howell via eBay and a classic Belstaff jacket from a secondhand store in London. You need to think about exactly what you want/need and not deviate.

TOAST have recently started a clothes-swapping initiative called TOAST Circle. Customers can bring in items from previous seasons and swap them for other worn pieces.

9. Buy Locally Made

Supporting local artisans that produce goods using local materials means they are made with a low carbon footprint. It gives the brand the option to make-to-order, reducing deadstock. It’s also beneficial to the local economy.

Bramble Green Knitwear Aran Sweater | Baukjen Grandad-Collar Shirt in White* | Saltspin Radium Mid-Wash Mom Jean* | PB 0110 AB 52 Tote in Black* | G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns Penny Loafers in Black* | Laura-Adèle Zodiac Wheel Medallion Necklace* | Otiumberg Small Graduated Hoops

Other things to consider…

Look for organic or Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton. Less water is used in the farming process, the cotton seeds are not genetically modified and no chemicals or pesticides are used to grow them. This is better for the farm workers and pickers, better for the ground that the cotton is grown in, better for the local water supply and ecosystem and (I believe) better for your skin.

The OEKO-TEX registered trademark lets you know about fabrics that are made responsibly. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) lets you know about fabrics that have been made with a minimum of 70% organic fibres.

Make sure the brands you buy from ensure their wool is mulesing-free. It’s a painful practice that involves removing a strip of skin from the buttocks of the sheep to prevent a parasitic infection called flystrike. It’s especially common with Merino sheep.

Try to avoid polyester or nylon, unless it is recycled or vintage. Neither is biodegradable and both are thought to contribute to microplastics found in our oceans. Buy a Guppyfriend washing bag to reduce your impact.

Look for brands that are visibly working towards becoming more sustainable in their practices. They offer a lot of information on their websites about what they stand for, what they are doing and what they are working towards doing in the future.

For special events consider renting something from By Rotation, HURR, Front Row, My Wardrobe HQ

Locanda Rossa, Capalbio

Living in London, we’re lucky that the rest of Europe is within easy reach. One of the main reasons we chose Locanda Rossa for our second holiday with Isabelle (now a toddler) is that the flight to Rome is just two and a half hours, and the hotel is only an hour’s drive north from there.

At the time of our holiday, Isabelle was still having two naps a day and had started walking. I don’t like to mess with her sleep if I can help it, since it’s so important to her mental and physical development. One day of disruption isn’t going to cause long-term problems but for our own sanity we haven’t taken her on any long-distance flights, just yet. The excitement and change to her routine and surroundings meant she managed just 10 minutes, just before we arrived.

We arrived at Locanda Rossa in the early afternoon and were checked-in within 20 minutes. The staff at the hotel bent over backwards to make sure we had everything we needed for Isabelle; including stair gates, a bottle warmer, bath mat and high-chair. They were professional, efficient and friendly; everything I needed to be able to quickly relax and get into holiday-mode. After we unpacked, there wasn’t time to get to the shops for food (plus it was a Sunday). We brought food for Isabelle with us and ordered room service to the villa for us; fresh pasta with a classic wild boar ragu and a delicious glass of Tuscan red for me.

The next day we woke to find the sun beaming through our bedroom curtains (there are shutters for those that prefer to/able to sleep in), casting the room in a warm glow; quite the contrast to the wet and overcast London we left the day before. We headed to the restaurant for breakfast, a 2 minute walk from our villa. Breakfast at Locanda Rossa is a continental buffet that includes fresh croissants, fresh fruit, a selection of dried nuts and fruit to add to yoghurt and granola, jams, fresh cakes, local hams and cheeses, as well as cooked eggs. Needless-to-say, we all ate well. It was a great opportunity to offer some different foods to Isabelle.

The hotel centres around a converted farm house, close to the west coast of Tuscany and the medieval hilltop town of Capalbio. It’s set in 21 hectares of rolling countryside, including ancient olive groves. The villas are well-suited to families, with large bedrooms over three floors, as well as a large open kitchen with dining table. My only concern was that Isabelle’s room was in the basement and (although firmly locked) could be accessed from the garden. I found it hard to sleep two floors above her, even with a monitor.

The grounds around the hotel and villas are fantastic for young children. Lots of open spaces with grass and trees for them to run around, with a playground, separate children’s pool (too cold to use in October) and a trampoline for slightly older children. There’s a donkey and goat to take younger ones to see. Tennis and padel courts are free to use and it’s also possible to hire bikes (with seats for little ones).

Midweek, I escaped to the spa for a couple of hours whilst Isabelle napped. I spent the first in the spa pool, steam room and sauna. I was given a mitten and black olive soap to finish with a good scrub. I then had a lovely facial to give my skin a little extra moisture.

We tried to get out as much as possible, taking Isabelle to the beach at Spiaggia Di Feniglia, wandering around the bright and surreal sculptures at Giardino die Tarocchi, and taking in the views from the hilltop town of Capalbio.

Before we flew out to Tuscany I was told by several people that Italy is a great place to visit if you have young children and that the Italians welcome them wherever you go. This was very much the case and there was always a high-chair and something suitable for her to eat wherever we went. Staff were always friendly and helpful.

We had a brilliant holiday and I would recommend Locanda Rossa to anyone with a young family in need of some rest and relaxation.

Isabelle’s Bedroom

It took far longer than I expected to get Isabelle’s nursery looking and feeling the way I wanted it. It’s continued to evolve since she was born, fitting her ever-changing needs. However, it remains a warm, welcoming space, where she feels calm and happy, as well as somewhere I know she’s safe. It’s a room with multiple uses: most often for changing, sleeping and playing. I’ve kept to a predominately minimal colour palette, adding colour with books and toys. I want it to inspire her but not be too stimulating, as she needs to be able to relax for naps and bedtime. There’s lots of storage so it’s easy to keep tidy, with baskets for her toys that I throw everything in at the end of the day.

Fiona Walker Large Animal Heads*
Sofa Workshop Miss Firefly Armchair* 
Ferm Living The Round Dorm Shelf

We decided not to find out if we were having a boy or girl when I was pregnant with Isabelle. We wanted a surprise (and it was, I thought she was going to be a boy), so the nursery is fairly gender-neutral. I don’t believe that pink is for girls and blue is for boys so there are touches of both throughout. The colour palette is predominantly white, grey and beige (similar to the rest of our house).

Since minimal Scandinavian-inspired interiors are now fairly popular in the UK, it was easy to source all the soft furnishings and decorations without paying extortionate fees to have them shipped here. I sourced a lot of pieces from Scandibørn and used their gift list registry for our baby shower. They kindly gifted me a few pieces for Isabelle’s bedroom but I’ve also bought a lot of things from them, and continue to do so most months.

Sofa Workshop Miss Firefly Armchair* | Wood/Grey Striped Pom Pom Cushion* | La cerise sur le gâteau Eva Plaid Towel/Blanket in Biscuit*
Rose in April Joseph Bunny Lamp
Liewood Alma Rabbit Music Mobile | Iris Hantverk Rack with 7 Hooks | Baby Mori Clever Sleeping Bag in Blush Stripe
“Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell & Patrick Benson | “Little Bunny Goes To The Moon” by Amelia Gatacre (no longer available) | “The Magic Bunny” by Paddy Comyn & Barry Sheehan | “Luis Llama and his Lion Drama” by Ross Williams & Gavin Scott | “The Very Brave Lion” by Wendy Ravenhill & Cee Biscoe | “Elephants Can’t Fly” by Charlotte Christie & Cee Biscoe

Safety in our house isn’t something I had previously given a lot of consideration to (beyond the obvious) but I’ve learnt how important it is since becoming a mum. Being responsible for a little person makes you look at things quite differently. I’ve found it helps to get down low so I can see things from Isabelle’s perspective.

The most important piece of furniture in her room is her cot, it has to keep her safe whilst she sleeps. I had a lot of anxieties about moving Isabelle into a separate room so I didn’t want her cot to cause any more. I did my research and found that Boori share a lot of my values. For their cots they use sustainable, FSC-sourced solid wood and their paint finishes are Greenguard GOLD certified, meaning they’re low-chemical emitting. I chose a natural pocket sprung mattress with a 100% cotton cover and 100% pure British Herdwick sheep wool padding, a natural temperature regulator. It’s a solid cot that was easy to build. We moved her into her own room at about six and a half months, at that point the base of the cot was in a raised position. We lowered it when she could sit-up. When she’s ready we’ll remove one side, lower the other and turn it into a toddler bed with a guard panel, and eventually we’ll remove the guard panel. Meaning, we won’t have to worry about a new bed for quite a while.

Initially, I had a cot bumper but after reading about them I was put off using it. There’s a lot of advice that says you shouldn’t, since they’re a suffocation and strangulation risk; the thought of either upsets me beyond belief. It’s also suggested that they trap heat, a big no-no since overheating increases a baby’s risk of cot death.

“Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney & Anita Jeram
MENU x Note Design Studio Traditional Houses Nesting Storage Boxes* | MENU x JWDA Concrete Lamp*| Gro Egg 2 Baby Thermometer and Night Light | Umbra Casa Tissue Box Cover | AVANTEK Sleep White Noise Machine | MENU x Form us with Love Cage Table
Muuto Large Dot in Petroleum | (Inherited) Vintage Nightdress | Children’s Wooden Hangers
Cam Cam Copenhagen Baby Blanket in Sashiko Mint
Sarah & Bendrix Montgomery Pull Along Wooden Dog with Xylophone

The other major piece of furniture was our armchair from Sofa Workshop. It was designed and made here in Britain. I’m so pleased that they support British craftsmanship and that their furniture doesn’t travel halfway around the world before it gets to you. Our armchair is covered in British wool from the Moon Melton Wools Collection. I visited the Sofa Workshop showroom in Wandsworth to look at fabric swatches. There was a huge range but I eventually chose a pale grey (Silver) for its versatility. The same skilled upholsterer worked on my chair from start to finish, it wasn’t made conveyor-belt style. It’s a piece of furniture I hope will remain with us for many years. We have a second in our bedroom and one day will reunite them when we have the space.

Having somewhere comfortable to sit that offers support for your back and arms when you’re nursing is a game-changer. Isabelle recently turned one and I stopped breastfeeding her just over three weeks ago. We still use the armchair every day for stories before her naps and bed time.

Boori Alice Cot Bed in White*
L’Amour Fou Digital Safari Animal Prints via Etsy | Habitat Ontario A4 White Picture Frames

Dan and I have read to Isabelle since she was about three months old. She surprised us both when she quickly learned to turn the pages. She has a good attention span for her age and I think that comes down to her love of books. We have so many already. I bought a few that were in excellent condition from FARA Kids and would recommend a visit if you live near one. Book Trust have a great website with age-based recommendations if you’re not sure where to start. Isabelle also has a library card and we get a few books out every couple of weeks. It’s a great way to gauge what she likes and is ready for.

Some of her books are on picture ledges that she can see when we’re changing her. When I pick her up she usually wants to look at one of them afterwards. We rotate them quite often so she doesn’t see the same ones day after day.

Flensted Black Grey Elephant Party Mobile
Jellycat Bonbon Flamingo | MENU x Afteroom Teddy in Dark Grey*
Willow & Stone Oak Picture Ledges
John Lewis & Partners GOTS Organic Cotton Fitted Cotbed Sheets
Konges Slojd Moon & Stars Mobile c/o Scandibørn* | Munks + Me Print via Trouva | Moebe Frame via Trouva | Neal’s Yard Pillow Mist | “Orange Pear Apple Bear” by Emily Garrett | “Where’s Mr Dog?” by Ingela P Arrhenius | Blossom & Bloom x Eric Carle Very Hungry Caterpillar Baby Pillow Spray* & Baby Moisturiser*

We have bought and were given quite a few bits from Liewood. It’s a Danish children’s brand that has a strong ethos of sustainability. Not only is their style minimal and Scandinavian but functional. They use ethical materials; including GOTS-certified organic cotton, bamboo, Oeko-Tex fabrics and BPA-free silicone. Isabelle’s Liewood sleeping pod* and nursing pillow were in almost constant use for the first six months. We have everything from silicone plates to music mobiles. I’ve also just ordered some swimwear and jelly sandals for Isabelle for our holiday. It’s an amazing brand and quite reasonably priced, I buy most things through Scandibørn.

Olli & Ella Reva Changing Basket | Olli & Ella Liner in White | Molly & Moo ‘Little Bundle’ Organic Swaddle in Grey* | Kit & Kin Eco-Friendly Nappies | Bonds Zip Wondersuits | IKEA MALM Drawers
The Celebrations House “Oh Baby” Baby Shower Wooden Blocks via Etsy | Jellycat Little Poppet Honey Bunny | Ostheimer Small Elephant | ferm Living The Round Dorm Shelf

When you walk in Isabelle’s room it’s hard not to notice the beautiful felt animal heads that are hanging on the opposite wall. They are from Fiona Walker, a great British brand. Their team helped me source the exact heads I wanted; a couple of them are older styles that I had seen on Pinterest but couldn’t track down. They’ve since relaunched their website and you can now buy directly from them.

Often when I get Isabelle up from her naps, she wants to pat the animal heads. They’ve helped us teach her about a few animals, along with the prints on the opposite wall.

Each of the heads is ethically hand-crafted from organic lambs wool, using traditional methods. The all-female workforce are able to take their work home so they can continue to look after their children without losing out on an income.

I mentioned in my last post that getting Isabelle sleeping well wasn’t easy. What I didn’t mention is the advice we were given about her bedroom. We keep it as dark as possible when she sleeps, we have a blackout blind and curtains. In the day we switch off her lamp but at night we have it on the lowest setting. We keep her room as cool as we can; babies like a pleasant 18°C. In the really warm weather we’ve had recently, she’s slept in a Bonds Zip Wondersuit (which have a double zipper), or just a nappy and vest when it’s been in the 30s. Otherwise, we use a Baby Mori Clever Sleeping Bag. They go down to 0.5 togs and are made with a bamboo and organic cotton mix fabric. They have a double zipper and and an opening for car seats which is very useful if you need to travel in the evening and transport them straight to bed.

MENU Knobs in Black | Olivier London Liberty Chamomile Blue Pandora Romper via Rosie & Lula

Overall, I think I’ve created a room that works for her now but will easily grow with her. It’s a space she clearly enjoys spending time in and I do, too.

There are lots of little items that I haven’t mentioned but have tried to link to below each of the photos. If you have any questions about any of them please leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram.

Good Sleep Is Important For Everyone

From my late teens through to my early-thirties (like so many others) I slept badly; not that I knew it, at the time. I probably averaged about six to seven hours most nights. Sleep is important to the function and maintenance of our minds and bodies. We need about eight hours, although that can vary from one person to another. Without it our immune systems are severely impaired, shortening our life-span. We’re more than twice as likely to have to fight cancer, more susceptible to obesity and Alzheimer’s disease; the list goes on…

It wasn’t until my mid-thirties that I started to understand and appreciate the importance of sleep, and began to average at least eight hours a night. This carried on til Isabelle was born, last summer. Since then I’ve been trying to get as much of it as I can but it hasn’t always been easy.

According to a study by the University of Warwick, new parents face up to six years of sleep deprivation¹. It’s no wonder that some people appear to age overnight as soon as they have children; I’m sure I have. We struggled with sleep deprivation early on, then thought we were winning when Isabelle began sleeping through the night when she was four months old. It was short lived, however. Parties almost every weekend in the recently-rented house next door woke her constantly, and stressed us out immensely. It got so bad some nights that we had to pack up and leave our home, once on a Sunday. Even when there were no parties I remained anxious that one would start at any moment. I’m sure Isabelle picked up on this, babies are remarkably perceptive.

Sleep is important for all of us but especially children as they develop both physically and mentally.

Isabelle’s sleep deteriorated to the point that she would go to sleep in her cot at 8pm and by midnight would be tucked up next to me in our bed. We tried everything we could but it was the only way we found to calm her down. For the rest of the night she would wake every 1-3 hours. After several weeks of little-to-no sleep (including during our “holiday”), we were irritable zombies. Dan decided it was time to speak to a professional. I was sceptical about what anyone could tell me that I hadn’t already read. Fortunately, on this occasion, Dan didn’t wait for me to come around to the idea. He found Leigh, a lovely, positive and experienced sleep consultant. Dan explained our situation and quickly got her onboard to help us help Isabelle. Within three days Isabelle was back sleeping through the night and has continued to do so ever since.

Dan and I both feel a little more human now and far more capable as parents. There’s nothing worse than wanting to be a good parent and feeling you’re letting your child down simply because you are so tired.

It was about six weeks before Isabelle started to nap easily in her cot, twice a day. Her naps still vary in length but she always has two which gives me the peace of mind that we’re giving her the opportunity to sleep when she needs to. Anyone struggling with a baby or child that doesn’t sleep well, I would highly recommend speaking to a sleep consultant, Leigh helped us immensely.

Since getting our nights back I have made a few changes to our bed so that we can make the most of those precious hours. We needed some new bedding and I had spotted Bedfolk on Instagram a little while back (their images are beautiful). They have a wonderful ethos that resonates with me, ‘ethically made and honestly priced‘. Bedfolk have managed to create incredibly good quality bed linen without compromising on the welfare of the people in their supply chain or charging a fortune for it.

They start with long-staple cotton; the long staple (length of the fibre) means that the finished material is much smoother, stronger and more durable than other cottons. The resulting fabric is incredibly soft and light but will last many years. There are no harmful chemicals or synthetics used in the making of the fabric, it’s OEKO-Tex certified. This is very important since it means that the workers in the supply chain aren’t exposed unnecessarily to harmful chemicals and neither are you. Have you ever considered what chemicals might be rubbing up against your skin due to the fabrics you wear and the bedding you sleep in?

Bedfolk work with one of the world’s best mills, in the beautiful UNESCO world heritage site of Guimaraes, in Northern Portugal (once Portugal’s capital city). It’s an area that has specialised in the making of textiles for hundreds of years. The mill is third-generation family run.

Bedfolk Relaxed Bedding Bundle in Rose & Snow* | Soak & Sleep Hungarian Goose-Down Pillows | ‘Well Being: Recipes and rituals to realign the body and mind’ by Danielle Copperman

Bedfolk have kept things simple and this has allowed them to keep their prices down. They sell direct to consumer (i.e. you), you’ll only ever find them online. They offer three styles, in three colours – Classic, Luxe and Relaxed in Dove, Rose and Snow. You can mix and match the colours like I have, it’s easy since their website is so straight-forward.

I believe they are one of the best bedding brands we have here in the UK and I wish my cupboard had several sets to choose from. However, I believe in using things til they eventually fall apart, so I have a couple of older sets to use first but when the time comes it’s Bedfolk I’ll buy; they are the best in my experience. If you’re in need of new bedding, please take a look at their website and consider them. They’ve very kindly offered me a promotional code to share, that will give you £20 off your first bedding bundle. The code is: STYLE&MINIMALISM.

With our bedding organised, I got rid of our old, flat pillows and bought some new Hungarian goose-down pillows from Soak & Sleep. They’re good value and they have a decent animal welfare policy. The medium/firm ones are very firm, not great for sleep but perfect for propping yourself up to read or drink a cup of tea. I’ve found that the soft/medium ones are the best for sleeping.

Lavender is well-known for it’s ability to help you relax and unwind. We have some growing in the garden. I like to take Isabelle out and we pick a few heads to place in a bowl next to the bed. The scent of the fresh flowers isn’t the same scent you might associate with grandmas!

I’ve also been using Susanne Kaufmann’s Pillow Spray. I’ve mentioned this product before and still love to use it as I get into bed.

If you’re interested in understanding more about sleep you should have a read or listen to ‘Why We Sleep – The New Science of Sleep and Dreams’ by Matthew Walker; it’s fascinating and will give you a much greater understanding of and insight into the importance of sleep. There’s also ‘The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time’ by Arianna Huffington.

Wishing you all a good night’s sleep!

¹https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/feb/26/parenthood-sleep-deprivation-after-birth-mothers-hit-hardest-research

Susanne Kaufmann Pollution Skin Defense System

Susanne Kaufmann Pollution Skin Defence System* | MENU Gridy Me Mirror in Natural Oak

Coinciding with the 15th Anniversary of Susanne Kaufmann (the beauty brand) they have released the Pollution Skin Defense System, a treatment that consists of 15 x 2ml ampules, to be used over 15 days. The system has been developed to combat skin against pollution. It is widely known that stressed skin ages prematurely, this can be caused by pollution from exhaust fumes; as well as short-wave, blue light from smartphones and computer screens.

There are three types of ampule within the system, each has been developed to improve the condition of pollution-effected skin using natural ingredients, whilst also stimulating the skin’s own mechanisms.

Before living in London I had clear skin; I believe pollution is a real issue for me and that my skin has suffered because of it. Over the last three weeks, I’ve given the Pollution Skin Defense System a try, to see if it will improve the condition my skin.

Ampules 1-5, Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most effective antioxidants. It’s oxidation that causes cells to breakdown, which occurs when free radicals in the environment attack the cells. Vitamin C counteracts this process by eliminating inflammatory processes. It stimulates the skin’s defense mechanism as well as freeing the skin’s detoxification pathways. The Vitamin C face serum contains three main active ingredients; URBALYS, Pentylene Glycol and 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid. URBALYS is a natural anti-pollution active ingredient, extracted from the red Schisandra berry. Pentylene Glycol is a natural ingredient derived from sugar can bagasse and corn; it binds water in the skin and inhibits the growth of microorganisms on the skin. 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid is modified vitamin C, as well as being an antioxidant, it prolongs the storage of moisture within the skin and has a lightening effect.

For the first five days I massaged the Vitamin C face serum into my skin every evening, after cleansing. After the first three nights I woke up with small clusters of tiny pimples around my mouth, chin and nose; I guess as a result of the detoxification pathways being opened up. My face was a little bumpy in texture and the tone appeared more uneven than usual but I persevered since something was clearly happening.

Ampules 6-10, Ectoin

Ectoin is a natural molecule derived from halophilic bacteria Halomonas elongata. It stabilises cell membranes and lipids, protecting against harmful environmental influences and prevents premature cell damage. It also increases the storage capacity of moisture within the skin. Alongside ectoin, the ampule also contains QT 40, a combination of glycerin, water and hydrolysed Sea Lettuce (Ulva Lactuca) Extract. The QT 40 stimulates the production of the skin substance as well as the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid within the body. Magnolia Extract is the third active ingredient in the ampule, neutralising free radicals that have caused skin damage and reducing the inflammatory process in the skin.

After the first five days, I moved on to the second set of ampules, the Ectoin face serum. Again, I applied this serum after cleansing in the evening. My skin calmed down but it was hard to say if I noticed any other distinct changes from using this serum.

Ampules 11-15, Q10

The Q10 face serum has been developed to stimulate the skin’s cellular metabolism, prevent oxidative stress in cells, increase the skin’s moisture storage capacity and collagen production. Q10 is a naturally-occurring enzyme within the skin which due to stress and environmental influences is quickly depleted. The Q10 face serum ampule contains Q10 derived from fermented yeast, it’s an antioxidant and collagen booster; supported by Magnolia Extract, another antioxidant. In addition Lecithin, Sodium and Hyaluronate derived from a low molecular hyaluronic acid increase the skin’s moisture levels, compensating for water loss.

The third (and final) set of five ampules, the Q10 face serum, are for the last five days of the treatment. Again, I applied the serum after cleansing, each evening. My skin seemed to really love this serum, although it may have been the effect of all three. My skin appeared clearer, smoother and brighter.

A Calming Minimal Home Workspace

A while back I started gathering inspiration for a Scandinavian-inspired home office, you might remember my post. With Isabelle on the way, I had to rethink the location, moving it from our back bedroom to a small alcove in our open-plan living/dining room. The style is unchanged, it’s still very minimal and Scandinavian-inspired, I just had a much smaller space to work with.

Finding a suitable desk was my first, essential task; it needed to be less than 1m wide so that it would fit within the alcove of our living area that I had designated. I found this quite limiting with the style I had in mind and I had to be a bit more creative, opting for a console table rather than a desk in the end. My favourite design for quite some time has been the Skagerak Georg Desk (named after the son of its designer, Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm). I love its rounded edges and soft oak finish. Unfortunately, it was too wide and too deep for the space, so I chose the Skagerak Georg Console – a smaller version of the desk that comes without a drawer. It’s a lovely solid oak table made with FSC-certified wood. It’s just deep enough for my laptop and a few essentials. If you prefer a paler look you could try their Cura Oil in White, which preserves the wood whilst giving it a lighter, whiter finish.

For years I’ve had issues with my neck, shoulders and back. Slumping over computers is nothing new to me and for too long my posture was appalling. I’d get so caught up in what I was doing that I didn’t notice how close I was getting to the screen or how locked up my shoulder was getting. A good chair has always made a world of difference to how I sit at a desk and how comfortable I am. It’s not always been easy as a freelancer to make a fuss over a desk set-ups but since working from home it’s down to me to create a set-up that works in terms of comfort and inspiration.

I wanted a chair with armrests that would still slide neatly under my desk. I wanted a design that’s simple, elegant and minimal but it also had to function. I tested out a few for comfort before deciding on the MENU Harbour Chair. MENU are one of my all time favourite brands, they work with some incredible designers, including Norm Architects who are the designers behind the Harbour Chair. It was originally created for MENU Space, MENU’s new creative destination in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn Harbour. The injection moulded, ergonomic shell is upholstered in a Kvadrat wool-mix fabric called Remix 2, in a soft beige colour-way known as 223 and is lined with soft foam for added comfort. The gently tapered legs and base are made of natural oak (which coordinate perfectly with my desk).

Being such a small desk it would be easy for it to get covered up quite quickly so I’ve tried to keep to my bare essentials. A statement lamp (also from MENU) and my laptop take up most of the space. In addition there are just a few small bits: my notebook (an old one from Bamford), a pen, candle, plant, timer, hand-cream, coaster, clips and a few inspirational postcards I’ve collected over the last year.

Skagerak Georg Console Table† | MENU Harbour Chair with Wooden Base* | MENU Conic Lamp* | Skandinavisk Escapes Collection Heia Scented Candle† | Bamford Cloth Bound Journal | HAY Gold Bullet Pen† | Aethyr London 04 Êpíkouros Tomato Leaf, Fig & Vetiver Candle* | HAY Flowerpot with Saucer Small in Grey† | HAY Time Hourglass Large in Grey† | Compagnie de Provence Hand Balm in Incense Lavender* | French Connection Terrazzo Coaster* | HAY Clip Clip with Handle in Brass | HAY Clip Clip Large in Brass

How To Stay Focused When Working From Home

I’ve been working from home for quite a while, so I feel pretty qualified to share some tips on how I manage to stay focused and get my work done.

  • Get up, shower, get dressed and do your hair and make-up as if you are leaving home. You don’t need to be meeting-ready but just enough to feel ready for the day.
  • Before you sit down get any distracting household chores out of the way; put the washing on, wash-up, empty the dishwasher and have a quick general tidy-up.
  • Working from your dining room table is okay but I would recommend having a dedicated space in your home. It helps to have everything ready to go where you left off the day before. You won’t waste time setting things up or clearing them away each day. It also helps put you in the right frame of mind to work.
  • Make yourself a cup of tea, coffee or preferred drink before you sit down.
  • Make a list of jobs for the day; be realistic about what you can get through (save less urgent jobs for another day). There are two ways I approach my list, depending on my mood. If I’m feeling productive I’ll tackle the most important job first; if not, I’ll tackle a few small easy jobs to get things moving.

Thoughts On Motherhood (part one)

It’s been a little while and I’m sorry I didn’t say I’d be away for so long. Motherhood is so new to me and I really had no idea what to expect or how I would find it. I thought I’d be away from the blog for three months, and then back to shooting and writing, but it’s been six months and I still don’t feel ready to commit to regular posts, just yet. Being a mum is my top priority now and I’m putting my whole heart into it. I want to be the best mum I can be to Isabelle and that means being present for her. My oldest friend told me last week that it’s the best thing I could possibly do, as I’ll never get this time with her again.

In truth, I feel so lucky and privileged to be Isabelle’s mum. She’s easygoing, settled and very happy the majority of the time. She only really cries if she’s tired, hungry or needs her nappy changing. It’s not always easy, it’s been very tough at times (there have been tears) but it’s incredibly rewarding in equal measure. She’s absolutely the best thing to happen to me/us in a long time.

Every day she changes; growing and developing new skills, and I really don’t want to miss any of it. I’m incredibly fortunate that my husband is supporting us and has given me this time to spend with her. So you can probably see why I might be a bit reluctant to commit to lots of post when they take up so much time to create, time away from Isabelle.

Depression, Anxiety & The Pressures of Motherhood

Pregnancy forced me to look inward and face the mental health issues I’ve struggled with in the past – nothing like bringing a little human into this world to make you want to get your shit together. I want to let go of the past and move forward as a happier, healthier person so that Isabelle grows up seeing me that way and is encouraged to be that way too. I’m planning to do some journaling to help get everything out of my head and hopefully put it all to rest.

I would describe myself as an anxious first-time mum, and I didn’t think I would be. At first I was nervous leaving the house with Isabelle, always worrying something would happen to her. I’m conscious that if not kept in check I’ll end up with an anxious baby; at the moment she’s far from it. At six months old she already has a wonderful, inquisitive, sociable and happy personality that is infectious to be around. I’ve gotten less anxious over time as Isabelle has become a little more robust and a little less fragile. As she grows I know I have to find the confidence to expose her to new experiences, otherwise I won’t be doing the best job I can. I’m taking it all one step at a time.

Over the last six months, I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself to meet Isabelle’s every need; feeding, changing, carrying, bouncing, pushing and generally entertaining her with a focus on her development. With little to no help from anyone except Dan, it’s been exhausting and overwhelming at times. Reading a few articles on Motherly and ‘What Mothers Do’ by Naomi Stadlan helped me to realise I’ve been doing more than enough. Friends and family regularly point out what a happy baby she is which helps reaffirm I’m doing a good job. It’s just so hard to know where to draw the line on doing a good job and running myself into the ground.

I thought I’d be the sort of mum that carried on with her life as before, only with a baby in tow. I realise now that I’d be doing Isabelle an injustice if I were to pretend everything was still the same. I’m not in a rush to return to my old life, this new one is far more exciting.

My Body, Now

In the 40ish weeks of pregnancy your body changes to the point you no longer recognise it. It takes a lot longer for it to recover, some say up to 18 months. Initially, I found it hard to cope with the ‘buddha-belly’ bump that was left behind after birth but it has shrunk and I now fit back into my old clothes (thanks to breastfeeding and a lot of walking). I don’t think my body will ever be quite the same again but I’ve found a new confidence and have fewer worries about it. I’m lucky that I didn’t gain any new stretch-marks (possibly due to my pregnancy routine). I still find it hard to believe that I grew this little person in MY body, it’s incredible.

Breastfeeding

It might not be for everyone but I’m so pleased that I’ve breastfed Isabelle. It’s not the easiest but I’ve been luckier than most, with both of us taking to it quickly. I credit Harriet, a Head Midwife at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, for insisting I persevere and showing me how to do it that first, shattered day. It helped Isabelle and I bond quickly thanks to the physical closeness, as well as the oxytocin (the hormone that also stimulates milk production). There are so many amazing things contained in breastmilk that she can’t get from formula, including some essential antibodies that continue to strengthen her immune system.

There have been a few struggles, too. The worst has got to be blocked ducts which I’ve had several time; once so bad that I ended up brandishing a needle to my nipple. Day-to-day, I feel sick almost every time oxytocin is released into my bloodstream. It doesn’t last long but catches me off-guard constantly. Usually, it’s just as I’ve made something to eat and then I don’t feel like eating. I’ve also found breastfeeding a little restricting at times, especially early on when I needed to feed her more regularly. Knowing where you can breastfeed comfortably makes such a difference. Legally you can do it anywhere. Isabelle also went through a phase of being so distracted when we were out that she wouldn’t feed, so I needed to be at home to feed her.

Sustainability

I look at the world so differently now and want to make it a better place for Isabelle, for her future. I’m thinking more about sustainability, how I can make more changes in my life and encourage others to, as well. You’ll see me featuring a lot more (if not all) sustainably and ethically produced products; alongside lots of older products that I’ve owned for a while. I’m also going to be passing on items that no longer work for me in the hope that they do for others. Keep a look out in my Instagram Stories and in the highlights under #PassItOn.

I’m wearing:
Baukjen Ashton Trench Coat* | Beaumont Organic NICO Organic Cotton Hoodie in Navy* | ARKET Organic Cotton Regular Overdyed Jeans in Pink | Woman by Common Projects Original Achilles Low Trainers | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Auree Jewellery Brompton 9ct Yellow Gold Bangle*

Joolz Day 2 Pushchair | Jem + Bea x John Lewis Odille Changing Bag*

Christmas Gift Guide 2018

As I’m a little short on blogging time these days I thought it best to combine my Christmas gift lists into one big Christmas gift guide this year, covering all the family. It’s much easier for me and, hopefully, easier for you if you’re able to see everything in one place. 

I prefer to order online as I’m not a fan of crowds or wet weather, and if you can have something delivered to your door then why wouldn’t you. I just hope that my orders arrive in minimal, recyclable packaging; nothing worse than a huge box with a tiny one inside, such a waste.

My preference is towards more unique gifts that are harder to find but worth trawling for. I love to support small shops and brands, so I hope you’ll find something unexpected and special in my Christmas gift ideas. You’ll also find a few well-made, timeless classics; good investment items that everyone can appreciate.

1. Study 34 Crew Neck Baby Alpaca Jumper in Grey | 2. Cox & Cox Drip Glazed Table Lamp | 3. Wood & Meadow Japanese Sentei Garden Scissors (use code welcome10 for 10% off) | 4. Architectmade BIRD | 5. Price & Kensington Teapot 1100ml in Grey | 6. Grainger & Jameson Children’s Bunny Stool (website closed)| 7. Tilly Sveas Small Gold T-Bar On Fine Gold Belcher Chain (sign-up to their newsletter for 10% off) | 8. Susanne Kaufmann Best of Body Limited Edition | 9. Allbirds Wool Runners in Kotare Jo | 10. Sunspel Woven Cashmere Scarf in Navy | 11. uki.be Toothbrush & Spoon | 12. Beatrice Felicki Nordic Light Print | 13. House Doctor Atmospheric Matter Wall Hanging Mobile | 14. Jono Smart Low Bowl in Textured Grey | 15. Laura Lombardi Curve Hoops | 16. Chemex 3-6 Cup Filter Drip Coffee Maker

I won’t go into detail about everything in my guide but I wanted to highlight a few of the brands so you understand a little more about why I’ve chosen to include them.

Study 34 is a wonderful, sustainable brand that uses baby alpaca in their knitwear; it’s very warm and incredibly soft. Everything is designed in Newcastle and made in Peru.

Allbirds are an environmentally-friendly footwear brand that use natural materials like merino wool, eucalyptus tree fibre and sugar cane to make their comfy, machine washable trainers.

uki.be specialise in teethers for babies that are BPA-free and made from food-grade rubber. They don’t look like your standard teethers either.

Beatrice Felicki‘s beautiful monochrome prints are atmospheric and eerily beautiful. (Thanks for the introduction Abi.)

Jono Smart makes his minimal ceramics in a studio in Glasgow. His timeless pottery always sells out fast so be quick. (Also check out his partner, Emily’s wood turned creations.)

Susanne Kaufmann Bespoke Rejuvenating Facial

This post was created in collaboration with Susanne Kaufmann.

Susanne Kaufmann is without question my favourite skincare brand, their natural products are gentle yet effective on my sensitive skin, whilst also sustainably made. Recently, I was invited to visit them at their Liberty London pop-up to experience their Bespoke Rejuvenating Facial. It’s a new treatment that incorporates a product they recently developed to coincide with their 15th anniversary, the Pollution Skin Defense System.

To help me relax Andrea (my skincare therapist) sprayed my pillow and the surrounding air with Pillow Spray Calming. It’s a lovely mist with a soothing scent containing lavender and orange oils. Lavender is well-known for its calming properties whilst orange oil supports the respiratory passages, ensuring you breath well throughout your treatment, important for deep relaxation.

The treatment started with a thorough double cleanse using their Cleansing Milk, the base of which is rose-hip seed oil, which is particularly good for dehydrated skin. It also contains a soothing herbal compound of chamomile, sage and St. John’s wort flowers. Andrea then applied Tonic Clarifying, a gentle tonic that contains the same herbal compound as the Cleansing Milk but with the addition of mallow. It doesn’t contain any alcohol so won’t strip the skin like some.

Once my face and décolletage were feeling lovely and clean, a double peel was applied. This consisted of their Enzyme Peel being applied all over the area, before being layered on top with their Facial Peel. The Enzyme Peel uses gentle fruit acids from apple, papaya and kiwi to remove dead skin cells without any abrasiveness (that can stress to the epidermis); it’s a chemical peel but the gentlest kind. It also contains ectoine, fenugreek and fermented white lupins, they help to regenerate skin cells, as well as having a revitalising and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. In addition to that, aloe vera cools and soothes the skin. The Facial Peel is a physical peel which uses soft plant granules alongside a herbal compound of mallow, yarrow and St. John’s wort flowers to gently remove dead skin cells and impurities. The soft plant granules dissolve in the peeling process so they don’t irritate or scratch the skin.

After Andrea had removed all the dead skin cells and impurities from my skin, she started to give it some much needed revitalisation. Initially, she used the first ampule from the Pollution Skin Defense System, vitamin C. The vitamin C ampoule contains a serum that improves the skin’s own ability to fight against free radicals and at the same time detoxify the cells.

This is when things started to get really interesting. The massage techniques that they use at Susanne Kaufmann are just as important as the products they create. Their products are fantastic and I would wholly recommend using them at home but you will struggle to replicate their massage techniques. For this reason I would suggest you go in and experience a facial with them. The first massage I received was a fascia massage. It’s not the most gentle but the effect is a complete release of tension in the face muscles. Andrea then moved on to a lymphatic drainage massage, to increase the flow of lymph from the face and help remove toxins from the skin. She followed this with the ultimate scalp massage to further release any tension. This is a brilliant treatment for anyone looking for a relaxing facial treatment, not all leave you feeling as refreshed and tension-free as this one.

Andrea then applied the second ampule from the Pollution Skin Defense System, ectoin which stimulates cell regeneration and strengthens cell protection. This was followed by their Lifting Mask Line A which was worked deep into the skin with another gentle face massage. It’s one of their most active anti-ageing products, containing more ectoin, fermented white lupin blossom extract to firm up the tissue, pure bioflavonoids to fight free radicals, and argan oil as its base which has a strong antioxidant effect. This all results in a strong, smoothing and lifting effect.

After about 10 minutes the mask was removed and the the third ampule from the Pollution Skin Defense System was applied, the powerful Q10 serum which stimulates collagen production. This was followed with Day Cream Line A and Eye Cream Line A, both of which also contain ectoin, fermented white lupin blossom extract and pure bioflavonoids. The Day Cream Line A also contains silk proteins which provide the skin with a great deal of moisture and form a protective film. Whilst the Eye Cream Line A contains, in addition, elderberry extract to reduce swollen eyes. Unusually it can be used all over the eyelid (many aren’t). To encourage the absorption of the products, jade rollers were used across my face, neck and décolletage.

The next time Susanne Kaufmann are at Liberty London make sure you book a treatment, just please leave me a slot! They take place every two months, the next ones will be from 25thNovember – 1st December. Alternatively, if you happen to be taking your next holiday at the beautiful São Lourenço do Barrocal in Portugal they offer Susanne Kaufmann treatments. And, if you’re planning a retreat for the new year I’d recommend Hotel Post Bezau in Austria (where the Susanne Kaufmann brand began);  you can incorporate a Bespoke Rejuvenating Facial into your experience. I’m hoping I’ll get the chance to visit and write about both in the coming year.

Time To Slow Down with C.P. Hart

This post was created in collaboration with C.P. Hart.

The White Company Wooden Bath Tidy | Iris Hantverk Bath Brush | Meraki Sponge | Ex Nihilo Ultra Rose Candle*
C.P. Hart Winchester Freestanding Cast Iron Bath

The latest addition to our house is a new roll top bath from C.P. Hart. We finally have a bath, it’s only taken us 7 years!

At the beginning of the year I wrote a post about my New Year Intentions, one of which was to slow down. Learning when to slow down (especially when you live in a city like London) is an important skill to hone, and one that often takes time to acquire. I’ve lived in London for around 12 years and it’s only now that I truly appreciate the need. Life can pass you by in a flash, so it’s important to take your time to appreciate the simple things. Whether that’s reading a book/magazine/newspaper whilst sitting in a favourite café and sipping on a freshly made coffee. Or taking a walk in a local park/favourite part of town/the countryside and enjoying taking everything in without an alternative agenda. Or (for me) slipping into a deep bath scented with my favourite bath oil (currently Olverum) whilst listening to calming music.

House Doctor Large Rustic Bowl | House Doctor Pure Nature Stool | Iris Hantverk Body Brush | Meraki Nail Brush* | Meraki Pumice Stone* | Pai Skincare Rosehip BioRegenerate Rapid Radiance Mask* | Olverum Bath Oil

Pregnancy really forced me to slow down, I would get tired after the least taxing of activities and, as the months wore on, I got more and more achey as my ligaments softened. Getting our new bath from C.P. Hart was an absolute game-changer. Barely a day went by when I was pregnant that I didn’t take a dip in it, whether that was to soothe my aches and pains or to chill out from the insane heatwave. There’s nowhere I felt more relaxed and would happily wallow away an hour.

There’s not a lot of time for me to wallow these days but I still grab a bath whenever I can, the pregnancy aches have been replaced by back and shoulder aches from carrying my gorgeous little girl around (she’s now 6.5kg). Little Isabelle, on the other hand, uses it daily as part of her bedtime routine.

Balance Me Super Moisturising Body Wash* | Immunocologie Cleansing Lotion* | Immunocologie Exfoliator Lotion* | Susanne Kaufmann Witch Hazel Bath

You might be wondering why it took us 7 years to get a bath. When we bought our house we completely gutted the kitchen and bathroom, removing the floor in-between and the ceiling above. This hadn’t been our plan but that’s what you get when you buy an old Victorian cottage with character. This, sadly, used up our budget and we just couldn’t afford the dreamy cast iron roll top bath I had planned for. Fast-forward 7 years and it’s been worth the wait, I couldn’t be happier with our beautiful bath, it’s just the right size and fits in perfectly, bringing together the old character of our Victorian house with my minimal style.

Just before the bump got too big I was on my hands and knees priming and painting the bath, a week later and the bump was too big and I wouldn’t have been able to. I used Johnstone’s Anti-Rust Metal Primer in Red Oxide and Farrow & Ball Estate Eggshell in Off-Black No.57. I used two coats of the primer and then two coats of the top coat. The 750ml pots of each were more than enough.

C.P. Hart were the obvious choice for me, they’ve been around for over 75 years, are well known for producing high quality products and work with some incredible designers (including Alessi and Philippe Starck). I can’t fault them on quality, our bath has been very well made and will be here for many years, long after we’ve moved on. It’s given our bathroom a stunning focal-point and finally it feels complete.

Minimal Hooks For The Home

We’ve been on a mission to get the house as finished and baby-friendly as possible over the last few months, me being pregnant was the kick up the backside we both needed. One area of the house that needed some attention was our bathroom. The paint had started to flake, we still didn’t have a bath and it just felt a bit unloved even though we’d invested so much in it when we first moved in. We’ve since had the walls micro-cemented and a stunning roll-top bath from C.P. Hart has been installed. It’s now need to think about the smaller details, like hooks and shelves. I’m currently looking for the perfect minimal hooks to hang our towels on. There are so many great designs out there, so I’ve rounded up a selection of my favourites.

1. HEM Punched Metal Hook Large in Grey by Julien Renault | 2. Skagerak Regn Hook Large | 3. Utology Wooden Wall Hook in Ash & Scorched Black Wood | 4. Muuto The Dots in Black by Lars Tornøe | 5. HAY Volet Hooks in Black | 6. HAY Hook in Natural Ash | 7. Skagerak Reflect Hook Double | 8. MENU Knobs in Black | 9. HAY Iso Hook in Light Grey | 10. MENU Afteroom Coat Hanger in Small | 11. ferm LIVING Hook in Brass in Small | 12. ferm LIVING Hook in Brass in Large | 13. ferm LIVING Hook in Black Brass in Large | 14. HEM Peg Hook in Varnished Natural Ash by Jonah Takagi
Normann Copenhagen Dropit
Skagerak Regn Hooks
MENU Afteroom Coat Hanger, Small
Muuto The Dots by Lars Tornøe
Skagerak Reflect Hook Double
ferm LIVING Hook in Black Brass
Normann Copenhagen Chip Hooks
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