It seems that the Covid-19 lockdown has turned us all into avid decorators – reevaluating our homes to see what can be moved, painted or maybe a potential DIY project. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of great interior designers and craftspeople on Instagram. Here are 5 Instagram accounts worth checking religiously for inspiration:
Living between Tuscany and the UK, interior designer Camilla Guinness (@camillaguinness) spotlights gorgeous homes in the Italian countryside with a British touch.
Nicolo Castellini Baldissera (@nicolocastellinibaldissera) offers glimpses into some of the most beautiful homes in the world via his Instagram page. Take inspiration from them, then shop Baldissera’s own pieces, made by artisans in Italy and Morocco, on @casa.tosca.
Interiors photographer Guido Taroni hones in on marvellous details in unusual homes across the globe on his Instagram feed, @guidotaroniphotographer.
As the founder of @cabanamagazine, Martina Mondadori’s joyful approach to interiors is best described as more-is-more. Live vicariously through her posts as @martinamondadori.
One for the art lovers among us: LA-based Carl Larsson spotlights incredible works in private collections via @theartreporter, from Picassos to Basquiats.
]]>Sweatpants are an integral part of many of our off-duty looks at this point. Can I get a yes? Great. On top of that we are always trying to find our footing with exploring outfit options that are soft, cozy, and leave us feeling put together. With that in mind, keep scrolling to check out five fashionable ways to style your sweatpants.
1. Keep it super comfy with socks and sneakers
This is a no-fail styling tip that will give you a little extra without leaving the cozy athleisure vibes. Use your sporty socks (have you stashed your socks drawer yet?) to bag the pants up and get that extra cool look.
2. Make it look expensive with a well cut jacket
Tossing on a blazer or trench coat will instantly elevate any ensemble. Monochromatic choices also work here to game up your sporty street style.
3. Pair it with combat boots
Keep it comfortable yet chic by wearing your favourite sweats with much loved Doc Martens for that cool factor. Two of our all times favourite that can't go wrong!
4. Dare with heels and socks
This might be the hardest one to put together but if you nail it, is a one way path and you won't look back. Key here is experimenting: any type of heeled shoes will work and automatically elevate your look and, from there, you just have to pick a stylish top and the right accessories.
5. Stuff the pants into mid-calf boots
It may seem like an unconventional style choice, but it’s actually a great way to style up a sport look. If KKW, Gigi and Riri love it, we are not going to say we don't.
]]>Photos: @blancamiro
According to Vogue the 'Méduse' (french for jellyfish) was designed for the very first time in 1946, during a post-war leather shortage. Other sources claim the shoes were born out of the plastic boom in the late ’50s. Anyways, the fun footwear was only really popularised in the ’80s, when colour-pop and often-synthetic fashion was pumping.
Photos: @alexachung and @tylynnnguyen
We don't love it, but...we don't hate it. It brings special memories back and after seeing our favourite girls rocking them again - some in a VERY chic way - we found ourselves browsing 'jelly sandals' in the nearest online shop. So here is a few or our choices, to be worn at the water's edge or in town.
Crystal Gucci ones - yes or no?
Celine with a very classic, very chic option
Last but not least, Alexa Chung x Juju collaboration
What's the verdict? Are you hoping in the trend?
]]>One year ago I moved to a new country and went into a full home office routine - and I've been struggling since then. I lost the strength to commit with myself and work on the things that I've planned, from the smallest to the biggest task. Straight on self-boycott.
So I've decided that today (even though is already Monday 8:30PM) is the day that I'll start something different: 5 different intentions every week. Short term plans. There are no rules, I can go small or bold - let's see where my mind takes me.
I'm tricking my own mind to finally commit to the things that I know deep inside will help me live a better, healthier, full life. I thought to myself: putting it out there is like a first step. And I took it, so here are my intentions for this week:
- drink 2 litres of water/day
- wake up 8am
- stretch for 5 minutes everyday
- stick to 2 coffees/day (really though one for me, it's usually around 4-5)
- run 15k (not in one go)
Let me tell you in advance that the day is almost over and I didn't go for a run so it was not a great start - and I also still need to stretch!
I'll come back later with updates. Wish me luck.
J x
]]>Maple Roasted Quince and Brussels Sprout Salad by Brooklyn Supper
This is one of those salads that doesn’t even make it from the serving dish to dinner plates. Tender Brussels sprouts with quince tossed in a sweet and spicy dressing. Yumminess! PS: You can swap the quince for apples and pears.
Citrus Chicken Quinoa Salad By Sally's Baking Addiction
A warm grain salad is as cozy as any pasta, but packs tons of protein. This salad is coated in a lime and orange dressing, and chunks of buttery avocado in every bite. Just take the mixing bowl and a fork to the couch and enjoy!
Roasted Pumpkin and Kale Salad by Feasting at Home
Essentially fall on a platter, this salad could be a meal on its own - vegan and gluten free! For extra richness, add crumbled goat cheese, or try farmer’s cheese.
Roasted Beets and Beet Greens with Goat Cheese Crostini by Cooking and Beer
Did you know that the beets greens are totally edible and delicious? Roast the beets and sauté the greens, then bring them all together with an orange-kissed dressing. Serve with many slices of sourdough toast smothered with goat cheese.
Fennel Roasted Carrot Shallot Salad with Shaved Apples by Dolly and Oatmeal
One of those dishes that continues to have flavour, texture and depth in each bite, while also being really simple to put together and enjoy. No carrots? This salad would be just as satisfying with sweet potatoes or parsnips.
]]>Matching bottoms and scrunchies since 1986
My mom is a strong, active, stylish, powerful woman - a true girl boss back in the 80's up to today. So this is just an appreciation post for her and everything she has done. A big thank you for being my major inspiration. I have my own label now and I only wish that I can be as inspiring as her - not only to my future kids but also to as many young women around the world as possible.
]]>6 ingredients, 5 minutes of preparation, and 15 minutes in the oven. This is what you'll need:
100ml coconut oilLike it or not, the sporty sandals are back. Call them ugly, call them tourist sandals, call them dad sandals - we’ve heard it all. But there’s no denying that fashion girls are all over the popular and ridiculously comfortable trend right now.
Sporty sandals are perfect for walking in the city, for a day at the beach, and for those cobblestone streets thanks to the spongey platform and adjustable straps. And guess what? Add some stylish socks and you have the comfiest option for winter too.
If you’re excited to take on the trend, scroll below for plenty of ideas on how to style the cool sandal:
Style: Michelle Li
Teva: a classic
Winter Inspo: Pinterest
And a few of our favourite ones if you are feeling fancy:
Gucci: white leather and mesh, stars and studs
Stella McCartney: logo-stamped neoprene straps and elevated rubber sole
Chloé: mix of canvas, mesh and suede and thick gripped rubber soles
Proenza Schouler: monochrome design and a rubber platform sole
]]>
Ingredients:
100g toasted almonds
100g of roasted cashew nuts
100g unsalted roasted peanuts
100g roasted sunflower seed
200g pitted prune
This is as easy as it gets: just get all ingredients in a food processor - except the prunes - and pulse them until they are chopped. Add the pitted prunes and pulse it for about 1 minute. Keep an eye on the consistency: not too rocky and not too buttery. Set the mixture in a baking tray lined with baking paper and l
]]>As we are all nestled (well, trying to look at the bright side), we thought it could be a good idea to round up our top essentials items for snuggling and cozying up indoors while trying to stay focused and productive. Meet our isolation essentials:
It's like a ritual: starting our morning with a nice and warm Chai brewed in our favourite almond milk changes the whole day. The smell, the holding the cup feeling...we just love everything about it. Our absolute favourite is Prana Chai
A great candle will promote positive energy and overall good vibes. It's all about aromatherapy working to improve our psychological and physical well-being. One of our all times favourite - pricey but I promise you is worth it: Le Labo Santal 26
We are facing scary and uncertain times, so keeping your mind clear and putting your thoughts out there are always good ideas - and a good set of stationaries to organise your brain during quarantine will help. We love Muji's cool AF notebooks and pens.
We've recently tried out the Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment and it is a-mazing! The hype is real. It moisturises, protects and smoothens the lips with real sugar—a natural humectant—delivering delectable and dependable moisture. Let's all use the iso time to take care of our skin (including our lips!).
Let's face it: during isolation, hair is up 99% of the time and if you want to treat it right, try this Slip silk scrunchies. They are made from Slipsilk™, a special and exclusive to Slip silk to provide the ultimate combination of shine, thickness, softness and durability.
This is still on our wish list, but here is what Brené Brown have to say about Melinda Gate's new book The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World: “The Moment of Lift is an urgent call to courage. It changed how I think about myself, my family, my work, and what’s possible in the world. Melinda weaves together vulnerable, brave storytelling and compelling data to make this one of those rare books that you carry in your heart and mind long after the last page.” We are all in for that.
A bottle of water is always a good idea, especially if you are not drinking enough during your day (guilty!). This amazing Crystal Elixir Water Bottle promotes positivity and purification into your daily routine with the all-natural, energising effects of raw crystals. A pure crystal stone is firmly fastened inside each glass bottle, creating an elixir that supports revitalisation and clarification of the mind and body.
Last but not least - a good, reliable pair or earphones - especially if you are facing isolation your someone else. We love, love, love the Jabra Elite Active Earbuds. Great for everything, from relaxing to running.
Tell us: did we miss any of your go-to comfort items?
]]>Winter is coming and as the weather is turning cooler, we’re exposed to a variety of everyday illnesses that we don’t usually worry about during summer. While the common cold and other pesky contagious viruses are pretty much unavoidable, there are plenty of things you can do to alleviate some symptoms. This year, try adding herbal tea to your treatment plan.
Fight colds and flus:
Elderberry : have been used for centuries as nature’s cure for the common cold. Some studies have proven that elderberry tea can shorten your cold’s duration, as well as relieve some symptoms.
Eucalyptus : well-known for its ability to combat respiratory problems like congestion.
Echinacea : the herb boosts the immune system and reduces many symptoms of colds and the flu.
Relief for a sore throat:
Slippery Elm : contains a substance called mucilage that turns to gel when mixed with water. That gel provides a natural coating for your throat, which can soothe and protect an inflamed throat.
Licorice : like slippery elm, creates a coating that some people say soothes sore throats.
Turmeric : has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties
Help with digestive issues:
Peppermint : wonderful for treating an upset stomach, bloating and nausea. Be careful, though, because it can leave heartburn sufferers feeling worse than before.
Ginger : ability to relieve nausea, indigestion and motion sickness, ginger root has been used medicinally for thousands of years.
Chamomile : has carminative properties, which can help to reduce gas and bloating.
Combat headaches:
Ginger : here it is again! Ginger might be as effective as sumatriptan, a commonly prescribed med, when it comes to reducing migraine pain
Feverfew : certain studies have suggested that feverfew can be used to treat and prevent migraines
To calm you down, because mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health:
Kava : with its calming properties, kava is currently being studied by the medical community as a treatment for anxiety disorders. However, kava is a somewhat controversial herb and research into its side effects is ongoing, so exercise caution.
Passionflower : may boost the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid in your brain, which lowers brain activity and may help you relax.
Chamomile : not only reduces stress and anxiety, but it can also help you sleep better.
Boost your energy:
Ginseng: has long been used for its revitalising benefits by herbalists in China. Unrelated but interesting: Some people believe ginseng can also boost fertility.
Ginger : you might as well just stock up on ginger tea. You’re gonna need it for something. Ginger stimulates the circulatory system, helping to clear your mind.
Gingko Biloba: another popular Chinese herb, helps increase blood flow to the brain.
Note: Always check with your doctor before adding any new medicinal herbs to your diet, especially if you’re taking other medications.
]]>We are all guilty of wearing too much activewear during quarantine. The golden question is: how to be comfy and stylish at the same time and we've got the answer: animal print!
Trends come and go, but there are some things that never go out of style. The animal print trend has taken over clothing racks and runways and it is now considered a go-to classic – and I say your active wardrobe needs one piece ASAP. Here, 12 ways to walk on the wild side:
A little trend mix never killed nobody: biker shorts + animal print
If it is getting cold: pair it with sweatshirts and oversized knits
Choose the classic combo: leggings and t-shirt never fails
Pair it up: denim jackets are always a good option
SHOP THE ANIMAL PRINT COLLECTION HERE
]]>The immune system is your main defence against diseases and infection and usually does a great job. And because it protects your body, you have to take good care of it. If it functions well, the immune system is able to detect various agents; from viruses to parasitic worms - and most importantly it must distinguish them from the body’s own healthy tissue.
Unfortunately the immune system sometimes breaks because it’s not an impenetrable shield, and you probably already know that. Older people tend to have a weaker system because, over the years, it slowly crumbles. And that is a normal thing for every one of us.
But - here is the good news - we can all make this process slower and improve our immune systems. Many medicaments can improve it, but we won’t talk about them. We will be talking about a healthier lifestyle.
There are some symptoms that indicate that your immune system is running low:
Catching a cold/flu easily
Fatigue
Repeated infections
Constant cold hands
The causes of these symptoms could be many, but some of them are lack of sleep, not enough exercise, unhealthy food, and stress. Some of the ways to improve it and allow it to work properly to protect you from the viruses and diseases are:
Food - eat healthy, stay healthy
The best way to boost your immune system is probably the simplest. Clean eating will help your body in so many ways. Your daily food consumptions should include spinach, garlic, broccoli, and some citrus fruits which you can find easily in the local store: lemons, oranges, grapefruits for vitamin C. Almonds are also a great source of vitamin C and vitamin E, which is essential for your immune system. The vitamins that are most important for your immune system are vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin B6 - found in animal protein like chicken, tuna fish, and salmon.
Alcohol - less is more
It’s no secret that excessive drinking has several negative effects on your body and your immune system. Drinking causes you to be more susceptive to certain diseases and more vulnerable to infections. Reducing your daily alcohol consumption will have positive effects on your body as a whole. Drinking makes your immune system have a harder time fighting common disease like flu and infections.
Exercise - keep moving
You don’t need to be a gym maniac to be healthy. Actually, 20 minutes of daily exercise is enough to keep your immune system and body healthy, and it does not necessarily require a gym. You could run, try yoga, do long walks, HIIT at home or any other sport that involves you sweating and moving. Another important thing: you should not overtrain: studies find that overtraining causes negative effects on your overall system. Find a balance and don’t burn yourself out.
Get enough sleep - reduce stress levels
Studies find that your sleeping pattern has a direct impact on how strong your immune system is. Even a short-term sleep loss affects your stress levels and system. Make sure you get enough sleep - it translates to a healthier life and better protected immune system.
Recipe on this post: Lemon Ginger Turmeric Wellness Shot from Minimalist Baker
]]>There are few things in life that don’t already exist in YouTube video form - and we have that to thank on isolation times. So don’t sleep on YouTube workout videos, my friends, they honestly slay: YouTube videos are super-efficient, free, and easily accessible too.
If anything, trying one might get you to move and do something that doesn’t involve cutting your hair. Regardless on whatever you decide, here are some of my faves to get you started:
Emily Skye - At Home Full Body Fat Burning Circuit
I mean...what else do we want?
Kayla Itsines - Free BBG At Home Workout
Full body workout for beginners from the queen of online training
Anna Victoria - Full Body Workout
Watch while she talks you through all this workout that requires only dumbbells
Pamela Reif - 20 Minutes Full Body Workout
A great - and intense - guided workout by this YouTube queen
Yoga With Adriene - Yoga to Gain Perspective
Move, practice some yoga and gain perspective during these uncertain times
Mad Fit - Low Impact Full Body Hiit Workout
See it on the screen and repeat and you will thank me - and Maddie - 20 minutes later
Body by Simone - 30 minute Cardio Dance Workout Celebrities Love
Who is up for some fun cardio workout?
Enjoy and #stayhome
]]>You’re definitely not alone! Here are a few ways to help:
- Managing your cortisol levels may be key to improving your sleep. Consistently poor sleep leaves you feeling hungover and can even exacerbate hormonal imbalances, heightening PMT and menopausal symptoms. A herbal supplement may help to instil calm. Lavender essential oil can, in some cases, be as effective as antidepressants used to treat anxiety disorders. Researchers believe the lavender oil calms nerve cells and neurotransmitter activity in the brain.
- While you should be emptying your mind and settling in for deep sleep, your brain often has other ideas, like the Netflix series you binged before bed. Various studies show that white noise can help to improve sleep. Find white noise playlists on YouTube or Spotify. Alternatively, for something a little more pleasing to the ear, the album Sleep by composer Max Richter plays eight hours of calming classical music that coerces the brain into sleep.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) is fast becoming an aid for a whole host of everyday issues including anxiety, pain and poor sleep. CBD has been shown to ease anxiety and pain, both of which can make it harder to fall or stay asleep. Secondly, CBD is known to interact with receptors in the brain that govern the body’s daily sleep/wake cycles and contains almost no THC – the chemical responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive effects.
- Keep your bedroom dark so that you release the sleep hormone melatonin; and keep the temperature of your room cool, around 18˚C, as your body temperature needs to drop before you can fall asleep.
- Don’t underestimate the effect of a proper routine. Regularity is king. If you go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time, even at the weekend, your keep your body in sync with your natural circadian rhythm.
- A bath-time routine can be beneficial for adults as well as children. Magnesium can positively impact sleep, helping the body relax. It’s one of the minerals we are generally more depleted in, as we use it up when we’re stressed.
- Steer clear of alcohol no matter how tempting a glass of wine may be. Alcohol is disruptive and blocks REM sleep. And be careful about your caffeine intake during the day. Caffeine has a quarter life of 12 hours, meaning if you have a coffee after noon, a quarter of the caffeine content will still be in your system long after you go to bed.
- Ultimately, the most important piece of advice is to experiment until you find the most calming sleep space and routine that suits you best. And don’t expect change to happen overnight, give it a couple of weeks to see if you’re feeling more rested. Sleep well.
]]>1. The only way to get started, is to get started
Much has been written about the positive feelings you get as you finish a yoga class, and the only way to forge your path towards regular yoga practice is by braving your very first class.
2. Seek out a class that’s labelled for beginners
Newcomers that heading to a beginners class is the best way they are going to see results. Having the teacher there correcting your alignment and guiding your breath is crucial when you are learning.
You should choose your style based on what you want to achieve. You can go for a sweaty workout just a relaxed session.
4.
It’s not just about exercise
If you’ve already braved your first class, you’ll know yoga isn’t all that easy. Yoga isn't about the poses only, it's a lifestyle.
5. It can replace your weekly exercise class
Don't be fooled though - Yoga can be both a self-care activity as well as your go-to exercise class. A nice secret weapon can be an Apple Watch. It's great to see how yoga is actually a great workout.
And always remember: practice makes perfect :)
Princess Diana was known for her sparkling wardrobe packed with designer gowns, and glamorous co-ords. However, we love looking at vintage pictures of her off-duty wardrobe - particularly when she got photographed leaving the gym.
If you need some inspiration as to what attire to rock to the gym, look no further. Here is 6 times that the super-chic Princess of the people rocked her biker shorts and plenty inspiration for your next gym look.
Our favourite one? All of them :)
Get your biker shorts here
]]>