Evening Skincare Ritual with Immunocologie

I’m lucky that through my work, I get to meet talented and knowledgable people within the skincare industry. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Karen Ballou, founder of Immunocologie. Karen is fascinating to speak to, her breadth of knowledge of the skincare industry is astounding; having worked as a therapist, teacher and in product development before creating her own skincare brand. It was her battle with Hodgkin Lymphoma that led her to do so. The products have been developed with the aim of creating the cleanest and most effective skincare on the market. The oils and extracts used within the products are sourced from around the world sustainably and equitably.

Not only did I get the chance to speak to Karen one-to-one but she personally treated me to a facial, a wonderful experience that she talked me through as she went along. There’s little chance of me fully replicating the treatment at home (I just don’t have Karen’s skills), what I have done though is create an evening skincare ritual with Immunocologie products.

I start with Cleansing Lotion, working it thoroughly into my skin (as Karen showed me) before removing it with a damp cloth. It contains desert date seed oil which deeply nourishes the skin and grape seed extract, an antioxidant that defends against free-radicals whilst gently exfoliating and deeply nourishing the skin.

Once or twice a week I will follow this with Exfoliating Lotion, a gentle exfoliator containing lactic acid and glycolic acid. The lactic acid helps to combat breakouts while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and the glycolic acid is great for dull, pigmented and ageing skin, it also stimulates collagen production. The lactic acid helps combat the drying effect of the glycolic acid. It can feel warm and tingly but not unpleasant.

It’s then time to start layering the skin with moisture. A thorough spritz of Vital Ionic Mist kicks things off. It’s a hydrating, mineral-rich toning spray that helps balance the skin. It combines montmorillonite, kaolin and illite clays. Montmorillonite clay is one of the most mineral rich, detoxifiying clays in the world. Kaolin clay soothes the skin whilst removing impurities and cleansing pores. llite tightens pores and gently exfoliates, soaks up excess oil but also pulls blood towards the surface of the skin, boosting circulation.

When you layer moisturising products it’s important to start with the lightest products first, moving towards the thicker ones because the lighter the product the deeper it’s likely to travel into your skin. So first up is Hyaluronic Serum, a wonderful refreshing clear serum that contains two sizes of hyaluronic acid molecule, one helps pull moisture to the surface from within whilst the other helps draw moisture in from the surface (including from the other products I use on top). It’s great for calming inflammation and plumping the skin.

Next up, I use Face Serum, a light dry oil that’s super nourishing thanks to the desert date seed oil and shea seed extract that it contains. It also contains protium heptaphyllum resin extract which comes from an Amazonian tree, it is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

For the top layer of moisture I use Night Protection, a rich cream that my skin quickly absorbs. It also contains desert date seed oil and protium heptaphyllum resin extract, as well as moringa oleifera seed oil. It stimulates the production of natural hyaluronic acid to increase hydration within the skin as well as boosting the skin’s elasticity.

Immunocologie Cleansing Milk* | Immunocologie Exfoliating Lotion* | Immunocologie Vital Ionic Mist* | Immunocologie Hyaluronic Serum* | Immunocologie Face Serum* | Immunocologie Night Protection* | Immunocologie Eye Contour Serum*

And lastly, I use Eye Contour Serum, a light creamy serum that tightens and lifts the skin around the eyes, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and boosting skin elasticity. It contains baobab seed oil, a rich source of omega acids which are incredibly nourishing whilst being anti-inflammatory. It also contains lannae microcarpa fruit extract which has a vasoconstrictor effect, meaning it reduces the size of capillaries, causing your eyes to appear less puffy and reducing dark circles.

At The Chapel, Bruton

There are some simple pieces of advice that I received from many of my friends when I told them I was pregnant; read and sleep while you can, go to the cinema, go out for dinner (just the two of you) and spend quality time together. I think we’ve managed to do all five, sometimes even managing to accomplish several in the same weekend, like during our stay at At The Chapel in Bruton, Somerset. We spent two wonderful nights there in June.

Bruton is a small, pretty, quintessentially English village set in the charming Somerset countryside. At the centre of the village is At The Chapel, a popular hub for locals thanks to its chilled out bar, pretty terrace, busy bakery, well stocked wine shop (The Winestore) and a great restaurant that serves up a mean pizza; all housed in a Grade II Listed, 17th-century former chapel. It’s also been a popular place to stay for out-of-towners, wishing to escape the rat race for a weekend of respite. Their eight bedrooms are simply designed with all the mod-cons you need and (if the other rooms are anything like ours) stunning bathrooms. From our bathroom window you could look across the rooftops of the village to the local church tower, and beyond. At the time of our stay we were yet to have our bath installed at home so I took full advantage of the large, deep bath and wonderful REN products whilst there.

Waking in the mornings I was as excited as a small child at Christmas thanks to the novelty of having fresh croissants delivered to our door. The room is stocked with tea and shortbread biscuits, as well as strawberry jam and whole milk in the fridge, perfect for a little pre-breakfast breakfast-in-bed, whilst reading the latest copy of Cereal Magazine. We did then descend the stairs to the restaurant for a light breakfast of poached eggs and the yummiest sourdough toast (one morning) and a bacon roll with locally-sourced and incredibly delicious bacon (the other morning). It’s worth noting that the restaurant uses only the best West Country produce, resulting in a menu of fresh seasonal dishes; all quite substantial in size.

At The Chapel is run by Catherine Butler and Ahmed Sidki, a formidable team. Catherine (formerly of Café Med in Notting Hill) is an extraordinary restauranteur; whilst Ahmed is the one responsible for designing and making the cool contemporary furniture and beautiful curved staircase in the restaurant. What they’ve created together far exceeds these simple descriptions though. It’s a cool, bohemian countryside hideaway with a lively local patronage. It’s also very reasonably priced!

The Hauser & Wirth Somerset gallery is nearby and definitely worth a visit (we should have, and will next time) but we chose to live the country life, driving around the beautiful countryside with the roof down, soaking up the sunshine, heading out to Mells for a traditional pub lunch at The Talbot Inn, before taking a walk around The Walled Garden at Mells, just across the road. I just want to do it all over again!

Effective Pregnancy Body Care Essentials

When I found out I was pregnant it became more important to me to find good quality products to use on my body that were made with natural ingredients. I wanted to give myself the best chance of being able to spring back to shape (I know in reality it will never be quite the same) whilst also thinking about what my body would be absorbing and could potentially be entering my blood stream and my growing baby’s. Below are the products I have loved using and would absolutely recommend whether you’re pregnant, or not.

Elemis Dry Body Brush | Susanne Kaufmann Stretch Mark Oil* | Immunocologie Body Serum* | ARKET Rectangular Serving Plate

DRY BODY BRUSH

As I noticed my body really begin to change shape in my second trimester I decided to make dry body brushing a daily ritual. I’ve had my Elemis Dry Body Brush for years, and used it on and off, but over the last few months I’ve managed to make it a permanent part of my morning routine. Dry body brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, the system responsible for moving waste around the body. It’s also a brilliant way to boost your circulation in general, get rid of dead skin cells and encourage the production of new ones.

Cellulite and varicose veins are common side effects of pregnancy, dry body brushing is one way I’ve tried to help reduce the chances of getting either. Remember to always brush towards your heart, using long, firm strokes.

BUY IT HERE

SUSANNE KAUFMANN STRETCH MARK OIL

Susanne Kaufmann Stretch Mark Oil is a medium-weight oil that contains almond, wheat germ and jojoba oils, along with arnica flower extract. The almond oil smoothes the skin, whilst the wheat germ oil (which is high in vitamin E) and jojoba oil moisturise and help improve the elasticity of the skin. The arnica flower extract helps reduce water retention, another side effect of pregnancy.

I started using this oil pretty early on in my pregnancy, as I wanted to give myself the best chance of avoiding any new stretch marks. Genetics pay a huge part in whether or not we get them but I wasn’t taking any risks.

BUY IT HERE

IMMUNOCOLOGIE BODY SERUM

The Immunocologie Body Serum is a light-weight dry oil that comes in an easy-to-use spray. It’s made with sunflower seed, desert date seed and rosemary leaf oils. Sunflower seed oil contains omegas 3, 6 and 9 which help improve moisture levels in the skin as well as helping it to retain moisture which leads to improved elasticity. Desert date seed oil is deeply nourishing and penetrates the skin quickly so it’s not left feeling greasy. Rosemary leaf oil is rich in vitamins and minerals which lift and firm skin.

I’ve not just grown a bump over the last 9 months but gotten a little larger all over. Mainly this is due to the increased levels of estrogen in my body, so pretty unavoidable. Thankfully one of my friends warned me in advance and told me to regularly moisturise the whole of my body. This body serum was my favourite to use all over as it’s not heavy (great, given the heat this summer) and doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy.

BUY IT HERE

Nordic Afternoon Tea with Kähler Design

This post was created in collaboration with Kähler Design and A Riot of Colour.

Afternoon tea is traditionally a very British affair, with crustless cucumber sandwiches, scones slathered in strawberry jam and clotted cream (preferably Cornish), a large pot of tea and (if you’re lucky) a glass of champagne. I love a classic afternoon tea and if it didn’t involve so many calories would probably indulge in it daily.

Kähler Design Hammershøi Vase in White* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Vase in Rose* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Plate* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Cake Fork* | ARKET Linen Napkin in Grey*
Kähler Design Hammershøi Platter in Anthracite* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Cake Fork* | ARKET Linen Napkin in Grey* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Plate* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Dish On Stand in White*
Kähler Design Hammershøi Vase in White* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Vase in Rose* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Platter in White* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Jug in White* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Drinking Glass* | ARKET Linen Napkin in Grey*

Being more than a little bit interested in the Nordic culture, I thought I’d try creating a Nordic style afternoon tea. Trust me when I say that my love for cinnamon buns knows no bounds. If I’m passing Nordic Bakery, Fabrique or Bageriet in London I will always stop to grab one. I’ve made cinnamon buns once before, for a Christmas party many years ago, so I thought it was about time I had another go. This time I followed a recipe from Nordic Bakery’s Miisa Mink (I also used her recipe for the apple tart) as I wanted to make everything in the most authentic way. You can find both recipes in the Nordic Bakery Cookbook. The pastry for the apple tart was quite different from any I’ve made before, it starts off as a wet paste that turns into a biscuity crumb once baked. This isn’t mentioned in the recipe and completely threw me at the time but it turned out just fine.

Kähler Design Hammershøi Vase in Rose* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Plate* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Drinking Glass* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Cake Fork* | ARKET Linen Napkin in Grey*
Kähler Design Hammershøi Platter in Anthracite* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Cake Fork* | ARKET Linen Napkin in Grey*
Kähler Design Hammershøi Vase in White* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Vase in Rose | Kähler Design Hammershøi Dish On Stand in White* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Cake Slice* | ARKET Linen Napkin in Grey*

I’ve partnered with Danish ceramics brand Kähler Design for this post. They recently added new pieces to their much-loved Hammershøi collection and I thought they would be perfect for giving my afternoon tea a truly Nordic look and feel. Kähler Design have been making ceramics in Næstved, Denmark for 175 years and each piece is still made by hand. The collection was designed by Norwegian Industrial Designer Hans-Christian Bauer and is a modern interpretation of the works of Svend Hammershøi, an early ceramicist for Kähler Design who heavily influenced their ceramic style. He was especially well known for his voluminous vases with beautiful patterns and deep grooves. It’s these historic grooves that have been made into a contemporary feature by Bauer.

Kähler Design Hammershøi Dish On Stand in White* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Cake Slice* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Plate* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Cake Fork* | ARKET Linen Napkin in Grey*
Kähler Design Hammershøi Plate* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Cake Fork* | ARKET Linen Napkin in Grey* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Drinking Glass*
Kähler Design Hammershøi Plate* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Cake Fork* | ARKET Linen Napkin in Grey* | Kähler Design Hammershøi Drinking Glass*

I also got the chance to work with hugely talented florist Dominique from A Riot of Colour. Her stunning creations have been wowing me on Instagram for quite some time. A Riot of Colour is based in Clapham (just up the road from me) and when the opportunity came up to get Dominique involved in this shoot I reached out to her. I’m no florist, I love flowers but don’t have the skills to put together anything close to Dominique’s stunning arrangements, I’m utterly in awe of her talent. She created both of the bouquets using homegrown flowers including stunning dahlias and garden roses, these have a stronger fragrance than the Dutch alternatives and travel far less miles.

The Essential White Shirt

COS Grandad-Collar Shirt in White | Levi’s (vintage) 501 Jeans | PB 0110 AB 1 in Natural Leather* | Hanishken Raffia Slipper Shoes | Ace & Tate Heather Sunglasses in Latte* |  Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Matthew Calvin Thin Meteorite Ring in Gold* |  88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold*

There’s not much in my wardrobe that beats a really good white shirt for effortless style but I know from experience that finding a good one isn’t always that straightforward. COS has been my first port of call for a couple of years now. Each season you can rely on them to make a few classic styles, as well as offering something a bit more edgy. For the summer I think a classic white grandad-collar shirt is a good option. I’ve found the longer length of this one works well with my bump. I’ve also gone up a size from my usual, which means it also fits my ever expanding chest. As I quite like an oversized style anyway I’ll still be wearing it long after the bump, as long as I can get away with wearing white (something tells me I won’t). It’s made from a nice crisp cotton poplin which I’ve found looks best if I iron it whilst it’s still damp. The curved hem is a classic detail which makes it more versatile to wear, allowing you to wear it tucked in or tied, as well as untucked, like I have.

The Middle Months of Pregnancy

It was around month five or six that I really started to notice how much my body had begun to change. It was depressing to look in my wardrobe, at first, as I felt as though I had nothing to wear. The best thing I did was go through, try on and separate out the items that did still fit.

Months five and six were the toughest for me, in terms of how I felt about my body. Seeing my bump grow was amazing but I felt completely outside of my comfort zone when it came to the rest of my body. The lack of movement and the excessive sweet tooth I had in the early days had caught up with me and I felt bigger all over, bigger than I have ever been before. I ate healthily but was still not getting out as much as I would have liked to, due to a persisting lack of energy.

I’ve always had a complicated relationship with my body, feeling that it’s never quite how I’d like it to be, regardless of what I do. In the second trimester I felt further from that ideal than ever before and it’s this lack of control that I found hardest to cope with. I got stricter with my diet, making sure I ate with nutrition in mind, rather than whatever I fancied in the moment. Everyone loves to tell you when you’re pregnant that “it’s okay, you’re eating for two” or that “you should eat whatever you like”; I don’t agree with this. I feel like this is the best time to focus on getting as many vitamins and minerals in your diet as you can, and eating as healthily as possible. At the end of the day, I’m growing a human being and I want to give them the best chance of being healthy and strong. That doesn’t mean I’ve not reached for the odd slice of cake and I’ve definitely started to like chocolate a lot more (only it’s got to be good quality and just two squares at a time, mind) but I’ve also got into the habit of having an apple most days and have found healthier alternatives to the sweet things, like homemade fruit and seed bars, and banana bread which I’ve made using coconut sugar.

Twist & Tango Naomi Sweater in Navy Blue* | Great Plains Summer Scribble Shirt Dress* | PB 0110 AB 10 Shoulder Bag in Red* | Air & Grace Cherub Trainers in White* | Otiumberg Graduated Hoops in Gold | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Gold* | Ace & Tate Heather Sunglasses in Latte*

It was towards the end of the sixth month that I finally started to gain more energy. Eager to get back to normality, I quickly booked in meetings, shoots and press events; only I took on too much, too soon. A full day in town resulted in a full day of doing nothing but recovering the next day, sometimes for two days. I listened to my body and learnt to take things more slowly, On the up side, my skin has finally settled down and I have started to get the pregnancy glow everyone talks about.

Santa Clara 1728, Lisbon

Travelling abroad is now become a little unrealistic for me, after flying home from Kos at 28 weeks I decided it was probably my limit for comfort. That hasn’t stopped me dreaming up future travel destinations to visit once the little one has arrived and we’re feeling settled. I’ve been hoping to get back to Lisbon this year, as I loved it so much when I was last there and there’s still so much I want to explore. How dreamy would it be to go back and stay here at Santa Clara 1728?

The Santa Clara 1728 hotel is located on a square in the Alfama district, the oldest in Lisbon. João Rodrigues and his family have taken a fresh approach to the hotel industry. They took an ancient Lisbon building and imbued it with warmth and comfort, to create a space that feels like home to the guests they welcome. João worked with architect Manuel Aires Mateus to evolve the old building in a way that would respect its past whilst bringing light and warmth to its rooms. They chose to use local materials (such as Lioz limestone, pine wood for the floors and handmade tiles), traditional building methods and handmade furniture.

There are just 6 large suites which look out towards the Tagus River. The rooms are decorated with furniture from B&B Italia and Carl Hansen, as well as bathtubs and sinks made from Lioz limestone. Breakfast and lunch are served on a long table in the dining room, encouraging guests from different cultures and countries to get to know each other. There’s also a bright secluded garden with lemon trees where you can sit, relax and read.

It looks like the most calming and relaxing place to stay, the perfect base for our next visit to Lisbon.

Spring Essentials With A Baby Bump

It’s the time of year when denim jackets take centre stage in many of our wardrobes. This is no coincidence, it’s a piece of outerwear that’s incredibly versatile, as well as being lightweight. Plus, you can layer it under a coat on chillier days. The denim jacket is without question one of my spring wardrobe essentials. I particularly love this workman style one from Parka London, for me it has a bit more edge than a classic western cut and looks a bit smarter. I’ve had it since last Autumn and have been wearing it layered, up until now. It’s not been designed for maternity but unless it’s cold outside I’ve found it doesn’t really matter.

Good classic shirts have become even more essential to me since the start of my pregnancy. With so much stretch jersey on offer to pregnant women it can all start to feel a bit too casual. Don’t get me wrong, stretch jersey has been a life saver when it comes to comfort but finding ways to still feel like I’ve made an effort is important to me and maintaining my sanity. I’ve had this ME+EM soft blue chambray shirt since the beginning, and due to its masculine cut and loose comfortable fit it has been a staple over the last few months. It’s a UK size 12 (my standard size pre-pregnancy for tops) and is probably only just reaching its limit now, at 7 months pregnant.

Parka London Grace Denim Jacket* | ME+EM Soft Cotton Chambray Shirt in Light Blue* | ME+EM Crop Palazzo Pants in Black Jersey* | PB 0110 AB 1 Tote in Natural Leather* | Air & Grace Cherub Sneakers in White Leather* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Otiumberg Gold Graduated Hoops

ME+EM have been making these jersey cropped wide-leg trousers since I first discovered the brand several seasons ago, so I’m sure they’re one of their best-sellers. I can tell you that you won’t find a more comfortable pair, pregnant or not. And again, these are not designed specifically for pregnancy, they just happen to work really well when you are. They keep their shape well and after several washes are still nice and black.

Pop of Colour

It’s funny how just one thing can make such a difference to your look. Adding a pop of colour can really give an outfit that extra oomph. I’ve never been that confident about wearing a red lip (although I’d love to). I always feel rather self-conscious about it smudging, wearing off, becoming uneven, bleeding; it’s all such a quandary for me. However, I’ve found other ways of adding a bit of colour, like this gorgeous little PB 0110 shoulder bag, I love the raspberry red, the first image shows the true colour, in the others the light makes it look a bit paler than it actually is. It’s quite a rich red that I think is rather timeless, along with the minimal design. As with all PB 0110 bags, the craftsmanship is just so beautiful. Size-wise this style (the AB 10) fits my mobile, keys, hand cream, lip balm and sunglasses all quite easily.

Subtly, I’ve co-ordinated my bag and blazer, there’s not just the fine red lines running through the check of the fabric but a red grosgrain ribbon side stripe that runs down each side, under the arm. I love this detail, it’s become quite a signature for ME+EM to include a stripe and it really works for me.

ME+EM Grosgrain Trim Checked Blazer* | ME+EM Raw Edge Silk Oversized Tee in Soft White* | ME+EM Crop Palazzo Pant in Black* | PB 0110 AB 10 Shoulder Bag* | Air & Grace Cherub Trainers in White* | Otiumberg Graduated Hoops in Gold | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch*

Clean Sunscreens

I’ve chosen to use clean sunscreens since discovering that conventional sunscreens contain chemicals that irritate our skin (this causes inflammation which then leads to ageing), effect our endocrine systems and are damaging to sea life. This doesn’t mean we should avoid sunscreen, just that we should be picky about which ones we choose to use. Two chemicals that you should make sure you avoid are Oxybenzone and Octinoxate (AKA Octylmethoxycinnamate) which are known to have an effect on hormones and cause skin allergies.

It is estimated by scientists that sun damage is responsible for 90% of premature skin ageing. It was once thought that UVB radiation alone was responsible for this but it’s now been found that the heat from UVA rays can contribute to the loss of skin elasticity, firmness and the appearance of premature wrinkles. This is why it’s important to use sun protection products that protect you against both.

The main products I used whilst I was on holiday in Greece were from the Susanne Kaufmann Sun Care Trio; which includes Face Broad Spectrum Protection Sunscreen SPF 30, Body Protection Sunscreen SPF 25 and After Sun Gel. Not only do these products offer protection against the sun but they also offer hydration, regeneration and anti-ageing benefits; just like a good skincare regimen. They were made and formulated in the Austrian Alps from the finest natural and botanical ingredients. They all smell incredible, a little bit like melon and the application is better than anything I’ve used before. They’re waterproof but you should reapply them after swimming. They’re also gentle enough for sensitive skin and children of 6 months and older.

Both the face and body products are hybrid formulas that combine mineral and botanical ingredients. On the mineral side there’s Zano® a patented mineral UV filter derived from Zinc Oxide that is non-irritating and mild on the skin. On the botanical side there’s Elix-IR™, formulated from Knotgrass Extract, a flavonoid-rich ingredient that protects the dermis fibres against sun damage. They also contain Ectoin, a natural cell protectant and powerful anti-ageing ingredient.

I used Sensai Silky Bronze Cellular Protective Cream For Face SPF 50 as I like to use a higher SPF on my face and my chest, as it can burn quite easily. I’m pleased to say it didn’t this time. It’s another product that has a lovely smooth application and smells likes peaches. Sensai have developed ADVAN, an advanced cellular protector to drastically reduce UV radiation and avoid deep level skin damage whilst giving hydration. Sansho (Zanthoxylum Piperitum) Extract effectively and immediately protects skin cells on a DNA level from UV rays. Koishimaru Silk stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid within the skin’s dermal and epidermal cells, keeping it well moisturised and CPX Vital Extract moisturises, firms and minimises fine lines.

Susanne Kaufmann Face Broad Spectrum Protection Sunscreen SPF 30* | Susanne Kaufmann Sun Cream Cell Protection SPF 25* | Susanne Kaufmann After Sun Gel* | Sensai Silky Bronze Cellular Protective Cream For Face SPF 50* | La Roche-Posay Anthelios Body Milk SPF 50+* | La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine SPF 50+*

For the first few days I used La Roche-Posay Anthelios Body Milk SPF 50+ on my body and La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine SPF 50+ on my chest, just whilst my pale skin adjusted to the sun and began to tan. The body milk has been designed for sensitive and sun-allergic skin and the anti-shine gel-cream is specifically designed for blemish-prone skin or those that suffers from prickly-heat. It’s great for the chest and it doesn’t feel greasy or sweaty after a few minutes in the sun.

Whether you’re having a staycation or heading off somewhere hotter it’s equally important to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. Have a wonderful time whatever you do this summer.

Holiday Style With A Bump

Before I went away to Kos I was in a bit of a pickle about what to pack. I keep all my summer holiday clothes in a trunk in the bedroom. After going through everything I realised that about 90% of the contents wasn’t going to work this time around. I have grown a little all over since being pregnant, not just on my tummy as I’d hoped and expected. As I’m sure you can understand this left me feeling a bit disappointed, nothing some well-considered retail-therapy couldn’t fix.

Second Female Frappo Kimono in Dusty Pink* | The White Company Seagrass Circular Basket Bag* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Castañer Carina Espadrilles in Marsala

I usually spend my summer holidays in little cotton dresses, denim shorts or skirts, and bikinis. I decided to buy a pair of maternity denim shorts from Topshop (go for your pre-pregnancy size, if you do) but I ended up wearing them just once whilst I was away. I’ve become very self-conscious of my legs and I just didn’t feel that comfortable exposing that much of them. For a weekend away a month ago, I bought a Hunza G swimming costume from Net-a-Porter. It’s super stretchy and fits around my bump easily but after one swim I discovered it reveals my nipples after a few strokes. I don’t think anyone wants to be flashed by a pregnant woman so I went in search of some bikinis to take away instead. I found a great bikini from The White Company, the soft non-wired triangle style was the most comfortable to wear. I went up a size from my usual in the top and bottoms, and I found this worked well. I also wanted a couple of bikinis that were more supportive so I looked for brands that offered bikini tops in a cup size; Next offered the nicest designs.

French Connection Rhodes Poplin Relaxed Fit Shirt in White* | SEP Jordan Sinead Hijjab Shawl* | Ace & Tate Heather Sunglasses in Latte* | Annabel Brocks Bora Sun Hat in Truffle*

I lived in the three bikinis whilst I was away, they were perfect for sunbathing by our pool but for breakfast, lunch and walks along the beach I preferred to cover-up a little. Oversized shirt dresses, kaftans, and wraps worn with shirts (try French Connection) were ideal. I felt covered up but still comfortable and cool.

Second Female Tonga Silk Top in Black* | Baukjen Cecile Wrap Skirt* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Castañer Carina Espadrilles in Black | Rae Feather Macramé Clutch in Natural*

In the evenings it felt good to dress up (in England I’d been living in trousers, shirts and jackets), I’d been dying to wear a dress for weeks. Wrap dresses and skirts from my usual brands, in a size up just about covered my bump. I know I’ll be able to make them work after I’ve had the baby so they don’t feel like a waste of money. A-line dresses in soft jersey worked really well too, I felt so comfortable in the Beaumont Organic dress I wore and again it’s a style that will work post-pregnancy. Natural fabrics always work best in the heat as they’re more breathable than synthetics, linen being one of my favourites. I wore a lovely linen dress from Great Plains one evening which was the shortest length I felt comfortable in.

The White Company Cotton Stripe Beach Shirt Dress* | The White Company Pom-Pom Edge Bikini Top* | The White Company Pom-Pom Edge Bikini Briefs* | The White Company Seagrass Circular Basket Bag* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black*

This is the best time to invest in a good pair of espadrilles. Personally, I love Castañer and have a couple of their Carina wedge style. I bought a pair in Seville last year and another from Net-a-Porter this year. It’s not good for your back to wear heels when you’re pregnant but I’ve found these to be quite supportive. I wouldn’t suggest wearing them all day although I’ve survived a wedding in one pair. They’ll give you a some extra height in the evenings and help you feel a little more elegant.

Beaumont Organic Penny Dress in Black* | Rae Feather Macramé Clutch in Natural* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Hanishken Raffia Slipper Shoes | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle* | Matthew Calvin Thin Meteorite Ring in Gold*

Overall, I would suggest buying some good swimwear and loose fitting dresses in natural fabrics, that you feel good in (I found longer dresses more flattering). Don’t stress out and don’t spend too much money on things you might only wear a handful of times.

Rae Feather Cross Stitch Kaftan in Red* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | The White Company Pom-Pom Edge Bikini Top* | The White Company Pom-Pom Edge Bikini Briefs*

Casa Cook Kos

I discovered Casa Cook Kos whilst looking through the press section of the Tine K website. I fell in love with the interior design immediately, lots of Tine K designs, obviously. Shortly after, my friend Kate (Fabric of My Life) was invited on a press trip to Casa Cook Kos, and after reading her review I was sold on the idea of a week there this summer. Dan and I were keen to get away before the arrival of our little one, one last relaxing getaway to give us some quality time together. For want of a better term, we were in need of a baby-moon. Casa Cook Kos is adult-only and proved to be popular with other soon-to-be parents.

We flew out with Thomas Cook Airlines, they’re one of the few options if you want to fly direct, the alternative is to go via Athens and takes around 8 hours, about 5 more than a direct flight. It wasn’t the most comfortable flight I’ve been on, as the seats are pretty close together and don’t recline at all. With a 27 week old bump it wasn’t ideal.

The resort is a short drive from Kos airport, around 15 minutes. We paid extra for Casa Cook to arrange private transfers for us, which made it all pretty smooth once we landed. We drove past some of Casa Cook’s fields on the way, where they grow lots of the salad leaves, vegetables and some of the fruit that they use in the kitchen. We were met at reception with a much needed refreshing fruit drink whilst we handed over our credit card and paid for our stay. The guy disappeared off, saying he’d be back in a minute but never returned. So we didn’t receive any information about breakfast or what was included in the half-board we’d paid for (breakfast and dinner btw). There’s quite a laidback vibe at Casa Cook, which could be a bit frustrating at times. Another member of staff came and got us, and took us on a quick tour around the complex in an electric buggy.

Our suite was everything we wanted it to be; beautifully designed, cool, the size of a small studio flat and private. Our room came with a brilliant Marshall speaker, which we made very good use of throughout the week. Large glass doors opened out onto a terrace; complete with hammock, a couple of low chairs and a coffee table. A few steps down to the lower terrace there were two very comfortable sun beds, a huge parasol and our own ladder into the stunning pool, which we shared with two other suites. The terraces are divided by beautiful Strelitzia nicolai (white Bird of Paradise) plants, which offer privacy without the need for light-blocking walls. Privacy was a big deal to me this holiday, carrying around extra weight and a large bump can make you quite self-conscious.

There are around 60 rooms/suites in the complex, along with a restaurant, bar, pool, health studio and a private, well-maintained section of the beach; we made use of all but the pool (given we had our own). From the website we’d expected it to be a bit smaller but it never felt crowded and we could always get a cabana on the beach or a table in the restaurant when we wanted one. The food in the restaurant was particularly good, especially the immense breakfast buffet, with everything from your usual cooked offering and croissants, to homemade bircher musli and Greek yoghurt, and any toppings you could imagine. Dinner was a set menu, inspired by a different area of Greece each evening. It started with a small soup and bread, followed by three small sharing plates, a main, and then a dessert. Lots of food! Service was often a bit slow but we were quick to accept this, especially given how friendly and hard-working the staff were. Following Greece’s economic struggles many have left the country to seek work overseas making it difficult to find good staff.

Most days we slept late, headed to breakfast and then chilled by our pool for a few hours. I read several books; I recommend “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan“, “Tangerine” and “Tin Man” (thanks for the recommendation Brittany). We didn’t have lunch most days but would take a walk along the beach or go for a swim, and then grab a drink and sit on the bar’s verandah, looking out to the sea. We’d then chill by our pool or change for dinner, depending on the time. There’s not much within walking distance of the hotel, except a few rundown resorts. I’m not usually one for staying put the whole time during our holidays, usually preferring to go out and explore some days but this one was different and all about getting as much rest as possible. For this reason it could not have been more perfect for us.

Cooler Spring Nights

Spring isn’t always that warm in England, it gets brighter and the days get longer but warm sunny days don’t always equal warm evenings. When the cooler temperatures descend upon us I usually throw on a jumper, as I can feel the cold quite easily. When it comes to knitwear, there’s nothing quite like a cashmere jumper, super soft and effective at keeping out a chill, and if looked after correctly will last you many years. I’ve been wearing this 100% cashmere jumper from ME+EM whenever it’s chilly. It’s fairly lightweight (so ideal for this time of year) and the pale cream colour feels nice and fresh for spring. I’ve been investing in cream items quite a lot recently, as it’s such an easy colour to work with.

ME+EM Longline Cocoon Cashmere Jumper in Cream* | ME+EM Crop Palazzo Pant in Black* | PB 0110 AB 52 Tote in Black* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch* | Littionary 14k Tiny Gold Dot Stud | Dinny Hall Bijou Star Stud in Gold* | Otiumberg Small Gold Graduated Hoops

I’ve been living in these soft jersey cropped palazzo pants since I got pregnant. They’re not a maternity style but as they have a roll top waistband, similar to some maternity pieces I’ve tried on, they’ve been a valuable addition to my current wardrobe. They fitted me comfortably before I had a big bump, they’re still really comfortable now I do, and I know they’ll work for me after my bump has gone. They’re a regular size 10 which makes me feel good as not many of my clothes are at the moment and although size doesn’t matter it does help, mentally, when you feel like you’re just getting bigger and bigger.

Totême Design Studio, Stockholm

I have quite a thing for what I’ve been personally referring to as rustic minimalism. It’s a softer side of minimalism with rattan, bamboo and jute furniture and baskets, as well as textiles in neutral colours bringing a little warmth to more stark minimal pieces. I think Totême have created a strong example of how rustic minimalism can work, in their Stockholm showroom. All the neutral shades give it a gentle, feminine feel whilst retaining the sharp angles and masculinity provided by the Mid-Century style Scandinavian furniture. Many of the pieces were designed and made by Christian Halleröd exclusively for the showroom (he also designed the minimal interiors of the Axel Arigato store in London).

Rattan is such a huge trend at the moment. If you’re keen to introduce a little into your home or garden I would suggest looking in charity shops for older pieces or for new ones try Tine K, Cox & Cox and IKEA. I recently bought IKEA’s Stockholm 2017 Armchair for our bedroom and have had my eye on these Rattan Dome Pendants from Cox & Cox to give our dining room table a much needed refresh.

Spring Style Staples with Baukjen

Baukjen Rhian Cargo Jacket in Khaki* | Baukjen Drue Cotton Shirt in White* | Baukjen Neath Jersey Pant in Black* | PB 0110 AB 52 Shoulder Bag in Black Leather* | Air & Grace Cherub Sneakers in White Leather*

I’m eternally on the hunt for the best style staples, the building blocks to a good versatile wardrobe. I’ve teamed up with Baukjen to share a few of my favourites from their current collection. They’re an obvious choice for staples as they form a large part of their collections each season. They mix in some great on-trend pieces but always have a good selection of versatile essentials.

I’ve had an original French army field jacket for many years, bought in Camden one sunny day many moons ago. I love the style but it was never designed to by worn by a woman, it is wide across the shoulders and I’m never going to have the sort of biceps that will fill out the arms. I feel it’s finally time to retire it, now that I’ve found one that fits beautifully from Baukjen. My new (incredibly soft) cargo jacket is a classic “shacket” style, perfect for layering over shirts and t-shirts. It’s warm enough for this time of year and I’m sure will work well over a summer dress in a couple of months when it warms up properly.

The white shirt epitomises the concept of a style staple. This one from Baukjen has a Mandarin collar (otherwise know as a grandad collar) and a long straight masculine cut. It’s made from a lovely crisp white cotton that hold its shape well. I know I’ll be wearing it long after my pregnancy for that borrowed from the boys look.

Jersey pants have taken over where my beloved jeans left off. It’s been sad to say goodbye to some of my favourite denim styles (they just do not work with a bump) but it’s not going to be for forever. I once thought stretchy waistbands were only for toddlers but I was wrong. Finding a comfortable pair of black trousers has been a game-changer. They’re versatile enough to wear for work or at the weekend, depending on how you style them. I’ve been wearing them with the waistband rolled down (under my bump) with a longer length top. They’re not maternity trousers but they’ve been working just as well. I would rather not spend money on maternity trousers if I can help it as I hate the idea of buying something for such a short period of my life.

None of the pieces I’ve picked out from Baukjen have been designed specifically for maternity, they’re just versatile pieces that work for all shapes and sizes, as a good style staple should.

Apivita Fig Body Care

APIVITA Refreshing Fig Shower Gel with Essential Oils* | APIVITA Refreshing Fig Moisturizing Body Milk*

APIVITA is a lovely Greek beauty brand, they create clean products that harness naturally-derived active ingredients, Greek plant extracts, nutritionally high-value beehive products and organic essential oils. They do not use silicones, parabens, mineral oil, propylene glycol, polycyclic musks, nitromusks, phthalates, or other ingredients that have been associated with adverse health or environmental effects.

The brand was started back in 1979 by two pharmacists, Nikos and Niki Koutsianas. It was the first natural cosmetics company in Greece. Their passion for the bio-diversity of Greek nature, bee products and the holistic approach of Hippocrates have guided them in creating natural, effective, holistic products. APIVITA have now developed and established over 300 products for the face, body and hair. Their ethos has always been about being sustainable. They set themselves environmental targets as well as financial ones.

I’ve been using APIVITA’s Refreshing Fig Shower Gel with Essential Oils and Moisturizing Body Milk which both use at least 90% natural ingredients. I’m even more aware of what I put on my body since being pregnant as your skin absorbs the products you put on it and everything in them, especially moisturisers that you leave on the skin. The Refreshing Fig scent smells good enough to eat, it genuinely smells like freshly cut figs and sends me back to summer holidays on Greek islands. The shower gel is mild and non-stripping and the body milk is rich and nourishing. Give the body milk a few minutes to be absorbed before you get dressed.

The First 3 Months of Pregnancy

Baukjen Rhian Cargo Jacket* | Great Plains Take A Break Jersey T-Shirt* | Levi’s (Vintage) 501 Jeans | Adidas Original MI Gazelle Trainers in Black | PB 0110 AB 52 Shoulder Bag in Black*

I’m sure it hasn’t gone unnoticed that things have quietened down here on my blog, as well as over on my Instagram. The reason for this is that I’m currently growing a little person. The bump is six and a half months along now. We’re both really excited but it’s mad to think about how different our lives will be in three and a half months. (My maths isn’t off btw, most pregnancies last 40 weeks!! Thanks Pandora for breaking that one to me.) For me there have already been some big changes, some expected, others not so much. For the time-being I’m going to share a little of what the first three months were like.

The only sign that something was going on with my body during the first month was that my boobs started to feel particularly tender. I wasn’t sick once (phew) and found out fairly early on that I was pregnant. I kept my head down and carried on pretty much as normal – minus the alcohol, rare meat, sushi, etc..

The second month I started to feel really, really tired around 2pm everyday. This is the time of day that I’d have usually had a coffee pre-pregnancy but I’ve decided to avoid coffee whilst pregnant as it has so much caffeine in and it’s recommended you reduce your intake. To compensate I got into a bad habit of picking up something sweet to keep me going.

Not drinking over Christmas was a big tip-off to friends and family but we weren’t prepared to tell anyone until we were past the 12 week mark. I experienced a lot of anxiety about losing the baby early on. There wasn’t a specific reason for this, I just found it disconcerting not being able feel or see anything that was going on. Apart from taking another pregnancy test there’s no confirmation from anyone until your 12 week scan that everything is as it should be. The worst thing was that some of my friends started asking me if I was pregnant and I hated being forced to lie to them. (If you suspect your friend is pregnant please wait for them to tell you, don’t ask.)

By the third month I felt huge (little did I know what was to come) and as though everyone could tell I was pregnant. I was even more tired than before and my IBS was going into overdrive with anything and everything I ate. I felt like a balloon long before I thought I should and my regular clothes stopped fitting me super early. This is one reason my personal style posts dried up, almost immediately. The other is that I had zero energy for the first few months. I’ve been incredibly lucky not to have been sick at all but the exhaustion meant that I barely left the house and when I did it knocked me for six. If you’re in a similar situation I would recommend Floridix, it’s an iron supplement that has definitely helped me, that and afternoon naps.

I’ve had to make quite a few adjustments. Initially, I found going into town quite stressful, especially since it was during rush hour. I now only go in once a week if necessary, and never during rush hour.

I’ve found Anneli Bush’s accounts of pregnancy and beyond really helpful, as well as Alex Stedman‘s (congratulations to both of them). Having a couple of people share their experiences a little ahead has kept me calm, as well as giving me some style tips. I didn’t want to change my style because of my pregnancy. It’s been a bit of challenge, especially given I live in jeans at least 50% of the time. Alex Eagle (currently in her second pregnancy) gave me some great advice. She suggested buying some large vintage men’s shirts (and getting them personalised by Hand & Lock, so they feel a bit special) and investing in a really good pair of leggings from Live The Process (now stocked at Alex Eagle Studio).

My first move was to convert a pair of vintage 501s, swapping the front pockets for big wide strips of elastic (as seen above). I also bought a few men’s long sleeve t-shirts in black and white. That covered the basics for a little while. Going for a size up in tops and dresses during the first few months has made it possible for me to stick with the brands I usually wear.

Inside Menu’s London Show Flat

Plinth, Low by Norm Architects
Well Watering Can by Anderssen & Voll | Troll Vase Smoke by Anderssen & Voll
TR Bulb by Tim Rundle
Afteroom Dining Chair Plus by Afteroom
Septembre Coffee Table, Marble by Theresa Arns | Échasse Bowl by Theresa Arns
Globe Bulb | Socket Occasional Lamp by Norm Architects
Afteroom Bench by Afteroom

Align Daybed by Anita Johansen
POV Circle Vase by Note Design Studio
Cyclades Vases by Nick Ross
No No Table by Norm Architects & Note Design Studio
Godot Sofa by Iskos Berlin | Zet Shelves, Black-Black by Kaschkasch
No No Table by Norm Architects & Note Design Studio
Tailor Sofa by Rui Alves | Wire Base by Norm Architects | Wire Pot by Norm Architects
Tumbler Alarm Clock by Norm Architects
Afteroom Dining Chair by Afteroom
Conic Table Lamp by Thomas Bentzen | Plinth, Cubic by Norm Architects

How stunning is the MENU Show Flat in London? I had a walk around it last month and was tempted to cancel the rest of my day just so I could hang out in this beautiful space, surrounded by some of my favourite contemporary designs. I was having such a good time chatting to Line (MENU’s PR Manager), Tim Rundle (designer of the TR Bulb) and MENU resident, Casper. Tim and I got into a rather geeky chat about materials and how each of us has been influenced by them in our work life. It was only because the other two meetings I had planned for the rest of the day were also exciting ones that I thanked the team and headed off.

If you’ve got this far and are wondering who MENU actually are, you may have spotted their amazing designs in some of my Interiors posts. They’re a Danish design brand that collaborate with some incredibly talented people – including Norm Architects, who I featured in my last Interiors post . Their products are visually minimal whilst being highly functional and very beautiful. They often have a timeless quality to them, you could easily mistake a piece for something made last century but equally yesterday. This is one of the reasons I think they’re so great at what they do and who they choose to work with. I feel you could buy a piece of furniture from them and have it in your home for a decade without anyone pinpointing when it exactly it was made.

Leather Care Tips

PB 0110 AB 52 Shoulder Bag in Black* | Tangent Garment Care Shoe Grease | Tangent Garment Care Shine Cloth

I own some beautiful, well-designed handbags and it’s important to me that they remain as beautiful as the day they were made. I’ve always taken care of my belongings and with leather that means giving them back the moisture and protection they need to remain in good condition. I thought I’d share a few tips on how I take care of mine.

I use Tangent Garment Care products because they’re good quality and use natural ingredients. Their Shoe Grease is made with beeswax, coconut fat, rapeseed oil, wool wax and rosemary. It gives the leather water protection whilst allowing it to breath. Their Shine Cloth is made in Italy from organic cotton flannel and is lovely and soft so it won’t damage the leather.

One of my favourite bags at the moment is this PB 0110 AB 52 shoulder bag. I’ve had it since Christmas and I love its lovely smooth patina. If left untouched it’s likely that it will lose this finish and eventually begin to crack. This is how I look after it and prevent this from happening.

Leather Care Tips

  • Wash-off any stains with a damp sponge and allow to dry.
  • Test the shoe grease on an inconspicuous area.
  • Stuff the bag with tissue paper so the bag holds its shape.
  • Apply the grease all over with a soft cotton cloth (don’t forget the base).
  • Buff lightly with the cloth.
  • Place in its dust bag. If it doesn’t have one you can use a pillowcase or (if small enough) one of the cotton bags from Aesop.
  • Store somewhere cool and dry.

Minimal Souvenirs From Stockholm

Iris Hantverk Bath Brush with Knob | Sachajuan Ocean Mist Texturising Spray* | Iris Hantverk Beechwood Comb | Byredo Room Spray in Cotton Poplin* | TID No.1 36 Watch with Black Face & Black Leather Wristband | L:a Bruket 092 Sage, Rosemary & Lavender Hand Cream* | Granit Weekly Planner | West Elm Souk Wool Rug*

Souvenirs are always such a lovely reminder of a great trip. Earlier in the year I visited Stockholm with Sachajuan, and being a bit of a Scandiphile it was a great excuse to pick up a few things to bring home. I found the perfect minimal souvenirs from Stockholm, made by some fantastic Swedish brands, all beautifully designed, of course. Almost all of them are under 100ml or small in size and weight (except the Byredo room spray which you can pick up in duty free at the airport), so all perfect for carry-on luggage.

There’s a lovely story behind Iris Hantverk, their beautiful brushes are made according to an old Swedish tradition by visually impaired craftsmen from different cultures. The quality is exceptional and this is definitely just the start of my collection. They do make some other amazing homewares too, including soft furnishings and cleaning products.

I’ve written about Sachajuan a few times (their haircare products are my favourite) and you’re probably quite familiar with the brand now. Their Ocean Mist Texturising Spray is their bestseller and one I’ve not mentioned before. It’s perfect for those who like a more textured, beachy style.

Byredo is one of those brands that in my mind gets it all right, from the packaging and branding to the contents of their slick bottles, I love it all! The Cotton Poplin room spray is new to the collection, evolving from the ever popular candles. It has a fresh scent, think clean sheets with touches of blue chamomile, linen, white cedarwood and sweet musk.

Whilst in Stockholm I dropped into the studio/shop of TID (Swedish for ‘time’) and had a lovely chat with Ola about the brand and what it’s like living and working in Stockholm. The space is small but stunning with shelves and tables all made from Dinesen‘s Douglas Fir floorboards. I was so inspired.

L:a Bruket may have made its way over to the UK in the last couple of years but that’s no reason not to appreciate it in its home country. I’m funny in that I really like to buy things from where they come from or were made, it gives them a little extra something. The 092 hand cream is another bestseller and I can understand why given its lovely scent of sage, rosemary and lavender. They also do a smaller 30ml size, perfect for handbags.

Granit is a sort of cross between Muji and IKEA, filled with minimal functional products for the home, at a reasonable price. The only thing that stopped me from taking half the shop home was that my luggage was already jam-packed (I even got a heavy label at the airport).

Norm Architects Sabi Leaves Prints


Last year Norm Architects released this stunningly simple collection of leaf prints in collaboration with Paper Collective. The four prints in the Sabi Leaf collection were designed to celebrate the beauty of decay in nature, architecture and design, and how those imperfections (gained over time) can be what makes something especially beautiful. The name may seem familiar to you, it references the Japanese aesthetic Wabi-Sabi; common characteristics of which include intimacy, asymmetry, roughness and the appreciation of natural processes.

How were they made?

To get the incredible detail, the leaves were shot on glass sheets using the Phase One XF 100MP camera. To put that into perspective, my Olympus Pen is a 16.1MP camera. They were then printed on uncoated FSC certified paper in Denmark.

Who are Norm Architects?

Norm Architects are a Danish multi-disciplinary creative studio working across industrial design, residential architecture, commercial interiors, photography and art direction. Their projects are conceived with restraint and refinement, balance is key.

Who are Paper Collective?

Paper Collective are a Danish brand that create iconic design posters. They collaborate with a curated selection of artists, designers and illustrators from around the world to create unique limited edition prints. On their website you’ll find these and many more beautiful prints.

SHOP THE PRINTS

Pfeffer Sal’s ‘Gently Does It’ Facial Treatment

This post was created in collaboration with Pfeffer Sal.

If you’re looking for a short-term escape from the intensity of life in London, and you want long-term effects, it’s a good idea to book yourself in for a Pfeffer Sal ‘Gently Does It‘ facial treatment. I had my first experience of this incredible treatment a few weeks ago and it had such an amazing effect on me and my skin.

It’s not uncommon for me to completely relax during a good massage but never before have I had this experience during a facial. Raluca (my facialist) is an absolute genius with her hands! I was cleansed, massaged and moisturised until I was in a Zen-like state. I could have dropped off to sleep at any moment and would have stayed in the warm cosy bed for an hour longer, were it possible. I spent the first 15 minutes letting go of the days worries and tensions, getting used to the new surroundings and chatting to Raluca. I find it easier to relax if I have a good idea of what my facialist is about to do, that way there aren’t any shocks along the way.

The ‘Gently Does It’ facial is all about nourishing and cleansing your skin in a gentle but effective way. It’s perfect for those with sensitive skin, those who are pregnant or those simply looking for a facial that uses natural and chemical-free ingredients and technology.

It begins with a double cleanse and gentle exfoliation with a enzyme exfoliator. Steam is directed onto the skin throughout to help open up the pores and prepare the skin for extractions. (I know extractions aren’t that common in gentle facial treatments but my skin really needed some help and it was done gently, leaving no red marks.) A lovely custom blended serum is then applied to the skin and ultrasound technology is used to help it penetrate deep into the various layers of the skin. Live probiotics are then massaged into the skin to help rebalance, hydrate and boost the skin’s natural micro-biome, which are key to optimal skin function and structure. A growth factor mask is then applied and left on long enough to stimulate collagen production, boost skin renewal and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Don’t worry, the Epidermal Growth Factor in the mask comes from barley seeds, nothing gross. A botanical and silver-rich mist is then spritzed across the face. Colloidal silver is antimicrobial, meaning it helps eliminate acne, firm skin and heal infections. To finish a face cream and SPF are applied.

Pfeffer Sal is located at the end of a pretty little mews between Warren Street and Great Portland Street stations. You walk down a few steps and through a rustic grey wooden door. Beyond you find yourself in a little underground oasis with air filtering plants and anti-bacterial copper pipes used for door handles, furniture frames and taps. There’s also an air filtration system throughout, combatting London’s polluted air. It’s a calming space with soothing music and soft lighting. The perfect place to relax and recoup.

Hoopla

Otiumberg Gold Graduated Hoops | Normann CopenhagenMoon Tray in Black* | Monica Vinader Fiji Mini Hoop Earrings* | Otiumberg Small Gold Graduated Hoops | Otiumberg Yellow Gold Huggie Hoop | Murmur Rare Earth Candle*

Gold hoop earrings are in the spotlight once again but for me they’re a classic style that will forever be relevant. Large hoops are the perfect solution when you want to elevate a simple outfit, like a classic white shirt and black trousers. I also find that small hoops are a good everyday alternative to studs. As I have a few piercings in each ear, I like to layer a couple of different sizes.

I started wearing only gold jewellery a little while back. I’d become bored of opening my jewellery box only to find my silver pieces looking tarnished and, frankly, unappealing. Fortunately, I have the sort of skin tone which allows me to wear either. So I made the switch over to gold plated or gold vermeil silver pieces (never brass, unless they’re really big designs) and, whenever I can, I’ll opt for solid gold. Obviously, there’s a big cost involved with buying solid gold jewellery so I only buy it when it’s an investment piece that I can guarantee I will wear for many years. And the great thing about it is if I become bored with the style I can always have it melted down and create a new piece.

I’ve been buying a lot of my jewellery from Otiumberg, lately. They’re a relatively new brand that sell both their own designs and those of a well-curated selection of jewellery designers. A lot of their pieces are fine jewellery (i.e. solid gold) but they have incorporated gold vermeil into their own collection which is much more affordable, and it lasts longer than gold plating. Their own designs include a huge selection of hoops, some of which you can see in my photos; I think they have something for everyone. There’s also a lovely collaboration with Laura Fantacci from Wardrobe Icons. (A word of warning if you’re looking for small hoops: I bought the small huggie earring for my helix piercing but it’s far too small. Unfortunately, I can’t exchange it as it’s not possible to return earrings, understandably. So I’ve been wearing it lower down my ear.)

Monica Vinader have recently expanded on their collection of hoops. Their Fiji collection is one of their more minimal, and includes some really nice hoops. It’s their mini hoops in 18 ct yellow gold vermeil that I’ve recently been wearing instead of my studs. I really like their large hoops too, they’re not that big but a classic design anyone can wear.

Ett Hem, Stockholm

This post was created in collaboration with SACHAJUAN.

The Bedroom

The Conservatory

The Living Room

The Wellness Area

The Chairs & Stairs

I have wanted to visit Stockholm for such a long time and at the end of January I (finally) got the chance, thanks to an incredible trip arranged by the brilliant team at SACHAJUAN. I spent two wonderful nights at Ett Hem, the stunning Ilse Crawford designed hotel in Östermalm – a rather smart area in the east of Stockholm.

Owner, Jeanette Mix is often to be found in the hotel. She’s slim and elegant with a golden tan and long blonde hair. It is Mix’s and Crawford’s clever vision that has created this super stylish hotel, that is often booked up months in advance.

Ilse Crawford is the Swedish interior designer behind Studioilse, the agency also responsible for the cool interiors of Soho House, New York. If the Danes have hygge, the Swedes definitely have cosiness covered. Ett Hem translates as ‘at home’ and you’ll be hard-pressed not to feel super relaxed and comfortable at Ett Hem; it’s warm, inviting and luxurious. The entrance to this 1910s Arts & Crafts townhouse is a large dark wood gate, set into a tall red brick wall. As you pass through the gate, you enter into a pretty courtyard with a conservatory at the far end. To the righthand side a set of steps leads up to the front door. You’re immediately hit with the woody scent of the Ett Hem fragrance by Fueguia and the warmth of the building. The head concierge, Johan is friendly and welcoming, settling you into your room tout suite.

The rooms at Ett Hem are something else entirely, a mix of vintage and modern design, the sort of distinctive finds that most people spend months searching for. It’s this combination that makes you feel like you’re in someone’s home, each room has personality; this and the myriad of books and comfy chairs dotted around the building. I strongly recommend ordering a homemade hot chocolate and a piece of cake, before holing up in your favourite chair and whiling-away a good hour or two flicking through some of the well chosen literature. That’s the only problem with Ett Hem, it’s so damn inviting that it’s hard to leave the hotel to explore the rest of Stockholm.

Ett Hem, Sköldungagatan 2, 114 27 Stockholm

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