HAUTE so FABULOUS

Wellness Retreats for Your Consideration, 2023

WellbeingRebecca O'Byrne

NUSHU RETREATS // COSTA RICA + UPSTATE NY

NUSHU is a wellness collective I had the pleasure of encountering last year while on a retreat in Spain. A beautiful company with immensely meaningful + soul strengthening foundations, NUSHU was founded by Vanessa Cornell in New York City with the vision to hold safe space + a supportive environment for those seeking to live authentic, inspired + more joyful lives. With regular groups held virtually, the company also hosts the most beautiful destination retreats ranging from surf retreats in Costa Rica to rock climbing + hiking adventures in Upstate New York where each time the sole aim is to combine adventure, fun + joy with opportunities for connecting with incredible women in a safe, nurturing + judgment-free environments. And what’s more curative than a dreamy escape with a wonderful group of women supported by the open-minded + healing power of a NUSHU group.. quite literally nothing. NUSHU is a space to find home within.

Learn more  //  NUSHU.COM

LA DOLCE VITA YOGA // LECCE, ITALY

I was recently introduced to the beautiful yogi ways of Roberto Bitettio through my gym in here in Dublin. I’m not someone who would take a yoga at a gym too seriously to be honest but I felt called to attend Roberto’s vinyasa class + I couldn’t be happier I did. A true yogi, Roberto’s energy on + off the mat is a genuine delight. His yoga flows + sequences are empowering + powerful, both gentle yet strengthening all at once. I love a challenge + he most certainly brings that to the mat. I have been booking back in as often as possible + now I’m looking at his beautiful retreats for the year in his home in Lecce, Southern Italy where he hosts yoga escapes that seem as dreamy in real life as they look + read.

Learn more // ROBERTOBITETTIO.COM

ŌTIUM //VARIOUS LOCATIONS

I just recently stumbled upon ŌTIUM late last year + have since been dreaming of escaping into their world as soon as humanly possible. Focusing on well-being + self-exploration through the mediums of creativity, movement + the art of unwinding, ŌTIUM focuses each of their retreats on a specific theme depending on the location. ŌTIUM’s founder spent the last decade in the luxury industry bringing other brand’s vision’s to life while continuously diving into other cultures + local delicacies in some of the world’s most luxurious destinations. Now, Samantha brings her vision toile via ŌTIUM upon the beautiful principles that act as the brand’s foundational ethos: the road less travelled is always one of self-discovery, impactful + intimate gatherings harness truthful + meaningful connection, ancient wisdom never gets old + ŌTIUM is always based on entirely immersive experiences for the individual.

Learn more // ŌTIUM.COM

SHESHE RETREATS // VARIOUS LOCATIONS

For she who loves movement, she who seeks adventure + she who values peace” a retreat with She She Retreats is a must addition to your bucket list. With a strong emphasis on movement + mind, nourishing nutrition, community + conscious living, the only thing you need with you in attendance of a She She retreat is an open mind to your own untapped potential upon reconnecting with your most authentic self. Stripped back of all the distractions of every day life, it is the greatest gift of all to give oneself the space + time to rebalance within + that is exactly whatShe She Retreats does to a tee + in incredible locations that will take your breath away.

Learn more // S H E S H E - R E T R E A T S .C O M

JAIME HEPBURN // GREECE

I first came across yoga teacher, Jaime Hepburn a few years ago + immediately fell for her calm energy, incredible aesthetics + her clearly innate gift around design. Drawn in pretty much straight away though to her yoga teachings + online classes, it has been her teaching style + incredible way of guiding students through a variety of flows that has kept me an enthusiast. At the time she was based on the West Coast of the US + her adventures were beautiful Cali vibes, sunshine + yoga. But even in rainy London, her authenticity, vision + practice remains in tact + no matter where she is her retreats seem to be as beautiful IRL as IG would suggest. Having practiced on her digital platform The Yoga Library + been to Basic Space, her now in-person studio in London, I can attest to the fact that to flow in retreat with Jaime must be a dream.

Learn more // JAIMEHEPBURN

WYLDER RETREATS // VARIOUS LOCATIONS

WYLDER Retreats is another company I came across late last year in my search for something to ground + balance in 2023. Founded by private yoga teacher, Charlotte Townend, the company is home to a collective of brilliant creatives based in Ibiza + Formentera. Teaming up with local chefs, movement practitioners + other creatives, Charlotte curates each retreat with the aim to immerse you in the local beauty + experiences of these special Spanish islands. An escape that is entirely beautiful + nourishing.

Learn more // W Y L D E R R E T R E A T S

LT&CO // VARIOUS LOCATIONS

From Mallorcan style fincas to riads in Morocco, wherever LT & Co. decides to retreat, rest assured it’s going to be one fabulous experience for your mind, body + soul. With much attention directed to the nurturance of the mind-body connection through experiences in nature + wellness practices beyond the obvious, each retreat is carefully curated by LT & Co.’s founder Lizi, a pilates instructor who embodies the well-being of the Mediterranean lifestyle from her base in Spain. To assist in a full mind + body reset, farm-to-table nourishment is brought to life by a collection of plant based + vegetarian chefs using all locally sourced seasonal produce. The idea of an entire experiential journey is what you’ll step into with LT & Co.

Learn more // L T & C O

Photo Sources 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

 

What Is.. Forest Bathing

WellbeingRebecca O'ByrneComment

Full disclosure, forest bathing sounds slightly more elaborate than it is. You don’t need your swimsuit, not even a towel + actually it is not even really an organised event as such. Forest bathing is simply the act of mindfully immersing oneself in nature; bathing our senses rather than our bodies. However it is the effects of forest bathing that are so much more interesting than the now trendy term often appears. As old as nature itself, the expression was only coined in the ‘80’s when the Japanese put structure to what cultures around the world have historically used for thousands of years: the irreplaceable healing effects of the natural world on human well-being.

Seen as an antidote to a rather aggressive emergence of the tech-boom, shinrin-yoku as it is known in Japanese, was a welcomed remedy to the then very stressful environments materialising in the workplace throughout Japan. In fact it was seen to be so effective on people’s health that the Japanese government began prescribing it for highly-stressed-out workers. By the ‘90’s, researchers were becoming more + more interested in the positive impact the practice was having on people’s mental + physical well-being that they began looking into the benefits for everyone no matter the scale of stress. What distinguishes forest bathing from a simple walk though? Great question. Well, striping everything back to the power of our senses has significant capacity to decrease anxiety + depression; working to slow everything down in the mind positively feeds through into the body as greater embodied level of overall health. As we become more aware of how detrimental mental stress is to the physical body we actually have more ability to heal ourselves than ever before. And as is often typical of the most powerful healing tools, it really is simple.

These days there are many trending groups coming to light with professional guides to take you on mindfulness / meditative walks all over the world. Some therapists - see Hike Psych as one example - are even taking sessions outdoors in an effort to further influence the work done during psychotherapy treatment. Some things to consider though if you decide to embark upon a more immersive experience in nature yourself are to leave your phone behind if it’s safe to do so. Being present with the capacity to connect with the world around you is the only real focus. As wonderful as it is to go with others, try it by yourself if you’re looking to tap into your innate ability to heal + hone a more focused ability to tune out the world + into your intuitive powers. Don’t clock your walk or time on any device, it’s about mindfulness without judgement, not achievement of any kind, especially not steps, calories or distance. As you step away from the distractions of your everyday world, seek to bring awareness to your senses, ask yourself, what do I see? What can I hear? What does it feel like to touch the trees or how does it feel to walk over the different textures of the forests floor? Can I smell anything?

There’s just one question left, are you ready to feel the power of nature in a whole new way?

Designer Spotlight; Tove Studio

StyleRebecca O'Byrne

Founded by Camille Perry + Holly Wright in 2019, TOVE, meaning strength + beauty in Danish, is a graceful representation of the unshakeable empowerment that evidently weaves itself through the soft structures of the brand’s striking beauty + femininity. Prior to setting up their own brand, the Topshop alumni spent a collective 40 years in the industry as buyer + designer; a time that inspired a shared vision to create pieces that transcend seasons + bring an entirely new idea to wearability yet also embodying a reality of needing less. Each piece has functionality beyond the obvious, proving a rightful place in the solid capsule-style wardrobe of their muse: the real woman, who not only loves her style but feels empowered by a wardrobe that works for her.

While never skimping on quality + the luxuriousness of materials nor the craftsmanship of each design, creating in a low impact manner is one of the brand’s focal points. TOVE aligns with mills to work with excellent fabrics with environmental + social certifications while manufacturing mainly at source, ensuring carbon footprint stays at a minimum.

Check out the brand’s full collection // T O V E - S T U D I O . C O M

All images via TOVE-STUDIO

 

Yoga Mats Worth Investing In

WellbeingRebecca O'Byrne

Whether you bring your own mat to the studio or prefer practicing at home in your own environment, a mat you really cherish is an important element upon which to begin your yoga journey - or for those who may have practiced for years, something to treat yourself to. In saying that, I acknowledge entirely that our mats + the asana we do on them are just one part of the yogi life. Yet it’s nice to invest love + energy into the space upon which you come to practice with intention + conscious purpose. Mats are often seen as simply a functional object but they represent a grounding, a connection between us + the earth that deserves to be loved + enjoyed. Here are some incredible ones to consider.


C A S A L L

Conceived by instructors + medical experts, the Casall yoga mat has won awards for it’s specifically dynamic design which focuses on exceptional grip + luxurious cushioning. The brand’s innately sleek design makes for a beautiful mat to flow on, thanks to the brand’s Swedish roots.

€99.95 // Shop HERE


F U R O S T U D I O S

The 01 Series Yoga Mat by Furo Studios, another beautiful manifestation of the genius that is Swedish design, is the pinnacle of Furö Studios sustainable yoga accessories collection as brought to life by Jesper + Frida Starvid. The mat is designed around the idea of your space, minimalist so that you can focus on your alignment it offers immense grip under pressure + like all the best mats out there, it’s natural rubber materials act as an enhanced shock absorber so that your joints are supported fully.

€160 // Shop HERE


B Y O G A

Whether in the studio or practicing at home, B Yoga`s B MAT Strong Yoga Mat is a strong choice for your everyday rituals but also amazing for it’s minimal weight which means you can easily transport it with you so, no matter where you are, home is where your mat is. Some of my favourite studios (The Class in NYC for one) use B YOGA mats.

€99.95 // Shop HERE


K O K O N I

The idea of slow living as a way of being was really brought home in 2019 with the creation of Koko ni (meaning here) mats by husband + wife team James + Bianca Stephenson. With the idea that objects carry energy, the mats are made with energetical intention + manifest in physical form with natural tree rubber + luxurious recycled vegan suede. These mats are not only incredibly loving to the environment but also aesthetically beautiful; proving to be something not just to practice on but to complement your environment, a piece for your home. With this one, I must admit, home on the mat never felt so chic.

£98 // Shop HERE


P A N G A I A

Made from natural rubber for extra cushioning along with algae + pre-consumer Eva, all of which ensure this mat is 100% repurposing materials from landfills + making your time on the mat that bit more meaningful.

€100 // Shop HERE


** Disclaimer, some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning if you click through + decide to purchase the item, I get a small percentage of the price. Commission is only transferred if you purchase however. You do not pay any more than the store’s recommend retail price.

 

HSF Wellness Guides; The New York City Edition

Travel, Wellbeing 02Rebecca O'Byrne

Regular schedules + routines break while traveling; no matter how type A one is (or, admittedly I am), it’s inescapable that what you routinely practice at home - when you do it + how you implement it - isn’t as perfectly guaranteed to remain so solidly intact while away from the certainty of what you make happen each day in ‘normal’ life + trust me, even the best plans + intentions get blindsided by the natural, albeit wonderful, upset that comes with travel to anyone’s otherwise flowing schedule. And so while routine in it’s at-home version might be different while away, what does come with us is the approach we have to our own well-being + the rituals + practices that make us feel good no matter where we may be. What’s important while away is focusing on what we can do from our usual groove to make us feel our best + with that in mind, I’ve pieced together some of my favourite wellness locations + practices to try in New York City, one of my heart’s dearest home-away-from-home cities.

HAUTE so FABULOUS Wellness Guide; NEW YORK CITY Edition


M O V E M E N T C L A S S E S

Barry’s - my favourite high intensity class whatever city I’m in // New York Pilates - for a vibe-y but authentically classic reformer // The Class - something you won’t ever forget, if you can at all book into Taryn’s class as she is the founder + an incredible inspiration. You can read my piece on The Class HERE // Skyting Yoga - one of my favourite yoga communities in NYC, it’s so good + the classes here are always so heartfelt + based in genuine yoga philosophy // Three Jewels - ok this is the other of my beloved yoga places in the city, I adore this place + the meditation + breathwork classes are also phenomenal here too // Humming Puppy - such a chic place to get your flow on // The Tracey Anderson Method - the Tribecca location for this is such a fun + fabulous vibe. It’s so New York I love it + the TA method is famous as one of Gwyneth Paltrow’s favourite workouts // Soul Cycle - an obvious classic but always a good idea to get a serious sweat on, i love Soul Cycle + my go-to location is the NoHo one on Lafayette // DogPound - the place to box, you might bump into Karlie Kloss in class. I did once // NW Method - something super fun to try if you’re open, it’s a holistic approach to movement that works through the chakras, it’s like therapy + fitness combined.

O U T D O O R S

Walk or run the High Line - pick a time that isn’t peak touristy or super busy as it can get super overcrowded // Central Park - just all of it really, just being outdoors in nature but in the most fun city in the world always feels incredible // Run the Central Park Resevoir (aka: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir) - or choose any loop in Central Park, it’s divine but the Jacquie O Resevoir is pretty famous with amazing views of both the East + West sides of the city-scape against the treetops. It’s my favourite run in the city // Walk or run the Hudson River Greenway - another of my chosen city runs

S H O P S

Goop - need I saw another word? Always a good ideas to see what’s hot // Brodo Broth - famous for amazing bone broth, random but I swear by bone broth // The Alchemists Kitchen - such a serene little haven in Soho with an extraordinary selection of plant based remedies + tinctures. My kind of heaven // Anima Mundi - this one is right next door + one of the places I buy my adaptogens; Anima, the brand’s founder, is the coolest + most authentic example of living in harmony with our bodies + has managed to bring the power of ancient remedies to the modern world while making it sleek + cool yet never compromising on the deep respect it deserves // Clean Market - such an amazing wellness shop with a dreamy edit of brands + products // The Well - this is where East meets West right in the city, another amazing edit of niche wellness brands + specifically sourced items - I really love is here

C A F É S + R E S T A U R A N T S

Bonberri Mart - one of my all time favourites to pick up a fabulous salad, smoothie or a delicious healthy treats - Nicole Berri , Bonberri Mart’s creator is one of my hearth heroes + has inspired me a lot by her lifestyle that she shares at her cafes + in her beautiful book ‘Body Harmony’ which I absolutely recommend // Sakara Life - the Sakara Life girls are also health heroes of mine. Sakara is for home delivered only as of yet. On so many levels it’s a brand I’ve been following from the start; their cookbook is awesome + their protein powder is the hero product in my smoothies. Oh + while you’re strolling the streets of NYC listen to their podcast too "‘The Sakara Life Podcast’, it’s immensely educational on the integrative health way of living // Dr. Smood - a shop as well as a cafe, I love it here for guaranteed major healthy but also seriously delicious options no matter what you’re craving. They have amazing protein bars too that I always pick up when I’m in the US // Spring Cafe Aspen - A cute but super scene-y spot with a whooper menu for anytime of the day, I love it here. Have lunch + then also get something to take away as you will want to repeat as soon as you leave // Honeybrains - nothing fancy but such a great concept for health meals anytime of the day // Little Beet Table - a vegetarian focused, full sit down restaurant, this is a really great dinner location that follows seasonal offerings // Le Botaniste - if you love bowl food as much as I do, you’ll love it here. Totally plant based, everything here is organic + the whole concept is powered by totally carbon-neutral practices that bring a whole new meaning to food as medicine // Alta This is a cutesy spot with small plates inspired by the delicious food-scape that surrouns the Mediterranean Sea a a great dinner with friends option // Rose Bakery at Dover Street Market - using all organic produce + ingredients, Rose Bakery was created by Rose Carrarini + her husband Jean Charles to elevate simple, delicious foods // Whole Foods for grabbing something on the go

J U I C E S + C O F F E E

Café Kitsuné West Village - just like it’s Parisian equivalent, Café Kitsuné from Maison Kitsuné is so effortlessly cool + exactly where I’d love to pick up my iced coffee with a dash of oat milk every morning // Sant Ambroeus - I adore both the Upper East Side + Soho locations, both amazing for coffee pit stops or // Pressed - always a brilliant spot to pick up amazing juices, I often order for home delivery too with Pressed while in the US, they have the most straightforward brilliant offering // Joe + The Juice - love to pick up a smoothie here post a workout, also awesome if you’re in London or Stockholm // Happy Bones // Cafe Integral - great coffee is hard to come by in the US, fact. But heree it is in complete abundance; the cutest spot with amazing coffee right in Nolita // Lafayette - love love love everything about here. Such a vibe + the coffee is amazing

W E L L N E S S P R A C T I C E S

Clean Market - for IV Therapy, Cryotherapy + Infrared Sauna // Higher Dose - my go-to for Infrared Sauna + seriously amazing lymphatic drainage massage, I go here every time I’m in the cit without fail // Ricari Studios - for beyond amazing specialised lymphatic drainage + other massage techniques // The Well - every service here is endorsed by Dr. Lipman, an alternative medicine advocate + doctor who believes in the body’s ability to heal from within, I adore the foundational philosophy of everything he does, it’s an incredible menu of treatments // IMD Beauty Spa - another incredible place to let your lymphatic system know you love it, IMD has been around for 35 years + is one of the originals in advocating for this hugely beneficial way of riding the body of what it doesn’t need // Remedy Place - for something super new to the city, this is where wellness gets super cool,. .. like freezing, as in ice baths are their thing!

 

Autumn Winter; The Best Shows To Watch

Life 02Rebecca O'ByrneComment

It’s inevitable that Autumn evenings will begin to settle in over the coming weeks as school recommences + routine begins to take hold again for all of us after the antics of summer. With that unfolds the luxury of longer evenings for those who, like me, lean more toward the tendency for + love of hibernation mode + nights in devouring a good book, movie or TV show you can’t stop watching. As with everything on HAUTE so FABULOUS, I am not about trends or ‘what’s hot’ too much but rather things that last + so with that core viewpoint, I’ve compiled a list of shows I have loved over the years + that stand the test of time. I hope you enjoy + find something new to escape into. Let me know too if there’s anything I’ve missed..



Autumn Pieces on my Radar

StyleRebecca O'ByrneComment

As much as I love summer + days spent adventuring in the sunshine, I am an introvert at heart + where moods + personality types harmonize with the seasons, it’s no doubt that the AW season + I are much more compatible. I get ridiculously excited this time of year for the upcoming freedom I find in hibernation + routine, not to mention the chic changes that begin to take place as we fall into Autumn - the thoughts of fabulous knits + stunning winter coats on repeat delights me like no skort ever could. Unlike summer style, it’s the part of my wardrobe I really look to invest in so let’s just say that my love of a good Winter wardrobe is about to get it’s freak on.

In celebration of Autumn’s arrival firmly on the horizon, I’m sharing some pieces that are making the cut to my wishlist/wardrobe this coming season that might spark a little love or inspiration in yours too.

 










** Disclaimer, some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning if you click through + decide to purchase the item, I get a small percentage of the price. Commission is only transferred if you purchase however. You do not pay any more than the store’s recommend retail price.

 

Designer Spotlight; Deiji Studios

StyleRebecca O'Byrne

Founded in 2016 by two Byron Bay based friends, Juliette Harkness + Emma Nelson, Deiji Studios was established upon a vision to weave the magnificence of comfort through the often ordinariness of each day + night. Inspired by the minimalist sophistication of Japanese culture + the natural opulence found in authentic comfort the brand designs incredible linen bedding + chic linen lounge-wear that entwines the lavish essence of sleepwear into the comfort of ready-to-wear. Harkenss + Nelson have managed to truly embody simplicity at it’s chicest in their collections; blending day into night + lounge-wear into everyday wear.

The brand’s design brilliance isn’t all they are about though; with an unwavering ethos which sees them boast membership in the 1% For The Planet, Deiji Studios is committed to their products + production processes consistently being sustainably conscious acorss the social, ethical + of course environmental spheres.

Check out the brand’s signature pieces, Set 01 + Set 03 + shop the full collection // D E I J I S T U D I O S . C O M

All images via Deiji Studios

 

What are.. Adaptogens

WellbeingRebecca O'ByrneComment

Adaptogens. You’ve probably heard of this super on-trend topic of conversation in the wellness space. Ashwagandha. Reishi. Lion’s Mane. Cordyceps. Ginseng. Chaga. Maca. Among a whole host of others are all adaptogens. I first came across them + was drawn in when Moon Juice launched in 2011 + to be quite honest, I didn’t really understand them or know exactly why I was using them but I was intrigued by their Eastern roots, the powerful + natural properties I read about + to be really frank, I admired the way Amanda Chantal Bacon, the founder of Moon Juice lived her life + shared about her own health journey. Something I was struggling with so intensely + in every part of my life at the time.

Truthfully, I am in the process of learning more about their individual uses + understanding the why of each one’s existence + appropriate consumption on a personal level but to put it simply + at a general level, adaptogens are natures way of offering the body a real way to heal itself; they are adaptogenic substances ( herbs) extracted from plants + mushrooms that assist the body in it’s response to a variety of real or perceived traumas including stress, anxiety + fatigue. Adaptogens have been avaialble - and in use - for millions of years in Eastern healing methods. Working WITH the body to counteract the resulting effects of stress that can manifest physically, mentally + emotionally, the more consistent one is in using adaptogens in your day-to-day routine the more the body begins to positively adapt toward the desired outcome of the specific adaptogen being used. It’s about coming home to your center-point, that state of homeostasis where the body + each of it’s functional systems flow in harmony, toward a more sustained + favourable equilibrium; all in support of + in co-existence with a healthy + rewarding state of well-being. It is really about regaining balance in the overall working of our physiological processes. Adaptogens are a natural way of calming the nervous system in the moment while also working to alter the bodies ability to regulate itself over time.

In sourcing adaptogenic products, I am quite choosy, as like many of the wellness products on the market, some are not created with integrity or enough knowledge. Brands that work directly, + in some cases solely, with adaptogens that I can personally recommend, trusting they work at a very authentic level with the power of adaptogens are: Supernova Living, Anima Mundi, Moon Juice, Four Sigmatic, ARTAH, Pukka, Hone + Wild Nutrition. Each of these brands use them in a variety of ways from coffee substitution to pure forms to be added to your morning coffee or smoothies. There are endless others on the market but upon my own experience, these are the ones I’ve tried + loved. Have you tried them? What do you think?

 

Meditation, My Daily Practice

WellbeingRebecca O'Byrne

For far too long I really wanted to be someone who meditated yet I’d been equally + entirely annoyed by myself year after year for not simply going ahead + being what I set out to be. So at the beginning of 2022 I made a final commitment to bring meditation into my life as a daily practice. It was one of my focused goals for the year; something I knew would have an effect on my overall well-being, but I hadn’t really anticipated just how positively consequential it would end up being.

I’d been over-complicating it in my head, a precise example of why I needed to meditate. So in looking for something to keep me focused + on track while also tapping into a deeper part of myself, I came across O P E N. At first, I will admit, I was lured in by it’s design, it’s no secret that I am a sucker for a chic contemporary vibe + it was the beautiful aesthetics of the brand that caught my attention initially, however, in looking for a genuine practice, no body ca stay just for the aesthetics + 8 months in, I can definitely say it has most certainly been the content + the results of my practice with OPEN that has kept me coming back.

O P E N is an incredibly beneficial platform based on the ancient practices of Eastern wisdom married with present-day science + a rather healthy dose of “IRL” awareness that emerges from it’s foundational philosophy which embodies a genuine knowing that real life in 2022 isn’t sitting on the side of a mountain, able to meditate 24-7. Unless of course that’s what you choose + more respect to those who lead such a life. But in the majority, in which I find myself on this one, that’s simply not my choice. I need something that grants me some sort of peace in the pace of my own life.

So in wanting to find a solid practice, something that allowed me create space along with an empowered ability to actually create that space for myself eventually, I decided to give O P E N a proper try. I signed up immediately, paying upfront for my year membership so I would feel the pinch in knowing I’d really committed - an accountability of sorts. And from the get-go it’s become a pivotal part of my daily wellness rituals. And on the note of accountability, OPEN allows you see how many days you’ve been consistent with your practice which I find incredibly helpful, as in the beginning of starting anything, until you delve deeper into + begin to feel the benefits of something newly implimented, we often need something to keep us accountable. And that’s ok. Everyone finds their own way, their individual method by which they find their own peace within this world but in personal experience thus far, O P E N has (excuse the pun) opened a real deal portal into an inner peace I didn’t know I could tap into - or perhaps more aptly put, a solace that maybe exists in all of us, just one we have to consciously tap into. Along with that, it’s always great to be the person you set out to be. Showing up for you is always a good idea.

At the helm of OPEN is Manoj Dias who was born + raised in the Theravada Buddhist tradition + who founded a previous venture called A-SPACE which acted as a pioneering multidisciplinary meditation studio, a first in Dias’ homeland of Australia. With innovative foresight + the understanding of the need for such a platform in people’s lives, A-SPACE was acquired by O P E N, becoming what it is today, a cool but sincere way of creating a space in your life where you can delve deeper into your chosen healing journey, create calm or just about whatever you mind, body or soul needs.

Recently I became an ambassador with the brand, a partnership I am so thrilled to share the benefits of with you. As part of sharing it with you, I can gift you a fully complimentary 30-day trial on the platform that grants full access to it’s three components; meditation, movement + breath-work.

It’s simple, download the app + get your 30 day complimentary trial through // THIS LINK // or simply add the code HAUTE30 when you signup through any other link. This is simply to allow you try the platform, fully free for 30 days + you can cancel at any time before a paid membership begins. I hope you love it as much as I do. Let me know over on Instagram..

 

Artah, The Retreat of Dreams

WellbeingRebecca O'Byrne

These days I’m a huge advocate of truthfully feeling healthy from the inside out. Never had I realized prior to the past few years that how we treat our bodies has a direct + consequential result on how we experience our lives; trust me, I’ve done it all + in the end, the most beneficial way of nourishing the body is one that energizes, nurtures + encourages optional functionality at a mental, physical + emotional level.

It’s safe to say I’ve been committed to my own practice + deepened search of whole well-being over the past number of years; a journey encompassing the goal of healthy being at a much more feel-good level than any of the previously harsh + restrictive practices I used to see as the only approach to my body. After years of being completely in denial about how depleted I was in every way imaginable, I realize it was a combination of many factors married with a complete unawareness of what it is to feel good that I was so far from any concept of the potential of my body. From being lost in the haze of disordered eating + serious malnourished fogginess will do that to you though - don’t fool yourself if you’re in it, I can report from the other side (+ I say with much love + encouragement) that it’s a really inadequate way of existing. It is so possible + in contrast, feeling good from the inside out is something I now consider as much a luxury as it is a necessity; perhaps even a responsibility I uphold myself to. Feeling legitimately well is a reality in my daily life that I will do anything to protect, nurture + deepen now.

As part of this physical, + what has honestly for me been somewhat of a spiritual or transcendental journey, I have looked to those who live a life of sincere vitality in their own ways - those from whom I can sense their natural + genuinely healthy spark. Someone who has been part of that select group of individuals + brands is Rhian Stephenson who, just pre-pandemic founded Artah Retreats, a company founded on Rhian’s own passion for wellness + the desire to share her wealth of knowledge with the world + her wisdom of the body in it’s varying degrees of magnitude. Now, simply Artah, the brand has expanded to a digital offering which comprises of a membership style community with a very educational slant with 21 weekly recipes alongside it’s product line of specific + incredibly beneficial supplements, each developed by Rhian + the Artah team in the search for better, more sustainable energy + a determined command of your health. All of which is founded upon the wholesome philosophy that by nourishing the body it will begin to trust us + in return work at it’s meant to, optimally + sustainably. Perhaps we could even go as far as to say that by actually listening or catering to our bodies cues, you can really begin to create + curate an enhanced feeling of well-being in your overall life. Something I completely contest to today.

Last month, I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to delve into the world of Artah in much more depth by attending a 5-day retreat at the brand’s Spanish property, Can Terrades. A stunning destination within its own right, Can Terrades plays host to exactly what Artah represents: wholesome, empowered, holistic + mindful living. Framed by vineyards + mountains, the 100-acre estate sits in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains + was brought to life, alongside Stephenson’s vision, by London based interior designer Rachel Laxer who’s work speaks volumes to the fact that our environment most definitely has a direct effect on our well-being + in this case a profoundly positive one. At its core, Can Terrades is a presentation of overall holistic living, something that really nurtures every part of you once you step away from the world + into its welcoming embrace.

Waking up in such chic + natural surrounds was a dream. Each day planned to maximize the 5 day stay while equally making time for some chill time spent by the pool. Depending on the particular specifics of the retreat, each has a focus. For this one it was to sculpt + flow where early risings lead to a beautiful 3-4 hour morning hike post breakfast + a FIRE (AF the burn was SO real) barre class pre-dinner with the entire afternoon to simply unwind; there is an infrared sauna (obsessed), an LED light machine, reading spaces + places to do nothing but drink up the goodness of a day spent in the world of Artah.

Food at the retreat is a dream at each sitting. Curated + prepared by Phillipa Fern - who also creates the weekly menus on Artah’s platform + whom I can absolutely say is a food goddess - each meal is a considered creation as delicious as it is functional. The team work the nutrition into the day so as to encourage the body to optimize natural digestion + revitalize your energy at a cellular level.

As a pilates/barre fan, to be taught each day by BLOK’s head barre instructor Ellya Sam was another delight each evening pre-dinner. It’s a given that whoever Artah’s chosen resident teacher is during a retreat you are are inn for a treat. The movement is instrumental in bringing the fire + Ellya most certainly brought that in bundles. Bookending each day with movement was an incredible way to give the body that blast of dynamic energy + being a movement lover it was right up my alley.

Coming to the end of the stay with Artah was a bittersweet union of excited enthusiasm in wanting to implement this way of living in every second of my life with a slight mourning that you can’t just stay forever. A (re)treat to be repeated + loved time + time again.


Read my interview with Artah’s founder Rhain // HAUTE so FABULOUS x RHIAN STEPHENSON, THE INTERVIEW

 

Step into the world of Artah // A R T A H . C O

Rhian Stephenson's London Hotlist

TravelRebecca O'Byrne

Way to spend a day alone? // Workout, walk, amazing food, and massage

Best cocktail spot? //  Chiltern is fun, or for a London classic, the Connaught

Breakfast? // Our grain free granola with almond yogurt and fresh berries. Can't get enough

Brunch? // Shakshuka

Dinner? //  I love seafood and sushi, so literally anything involving either! 

Date night spot? Liz Boetta 

Gallery? // David Zwiiner or Victoria Miro 

Exercise class? // Karve

Yoga studio? // Indaba 

Beauty or wellness treatment? // I'm a treatment junkie so I love anything massage related. But a few I love are - wellness rituals at Aman, facials at Fern Skin Clinic, acupuncture and Mesotherapy - not pleasant but amazing for skin. 

Weekend escape? // Oh definitely Artah in Spain! 

The Weekend Edit 03

Life 02Rebecca O'Byrne

The P O D C A S T // ‘The Division'; New Orleans’ - The Guardian’s US southern bureau chief, Oliver Laughland, has spent the past six months following what happened when a progressive Black district attorney called Jason Williams was elected in Louisiana, the heart of the deep south. Jason had promised sweeping reforms across New Orleans, and part of that change involved opening up a civil rights division to look over old cases. Kuantay Reeder has been in Louisiana’s ‘Angola’ prison since 1995 for a murder he says he didn’t commit. Will the division be able to help him? - I ABSOLUTELY recommend this four part series.

The A R T I C L E // ‘How Collagen Actually Works’ by ARTAH

The M O V I E // CODA - I just watched it this past weekend, yes hands up I’m late to the party on this one, and WOW. It’s such a beautiful, touching, eye-opening portrayal of what it’s like, both, growing up a child of deaf parents + being deaf parents of a hearing child.

The B O O K // ‘Ruth + Pen’ by Emilie Pine. I picked this up at the airport this week en route to Italy to my bother-in-laws wedding as I loved - like REALLY loved - Pine’s previous book ‘Notes To Self’ a few years back + this another reason to love her work.

The P L A Y L I S T // Sunday Release by CORESTATE - this gorgeous relaxing playlist is a perfect vibe of night-time unwind to have on in the background as you slow-down after the day + step into the care + nurturing nature of your evening routines.

The B R A N D // Right now I’m really into (honestly, a lot of beautiful brands but today specifically) Artisan Lab. It’s a minimal sneaker brand I came across during lock-down. I’ve had two pairs myself + bought my husband some too. They are a director-to-consumer sustainable company, based in Italy that work with the most sought after Italian artisans to cut out the middleman + base their sales on a pre-order basis so as to not waste any unnecessary manufacturing. They are just as good as the Saint Laurent or Common Projects versions of minimal sneakers but without such a serious price tag. LOVE love love. Oh + side note, if you are purchasing, go down one size from what you normally wear.

The P E R S O N // This one is a personal one but my husband. We got married late last year + it still feels surreal to say “my husband”. I feel so grateful for him + his heart in my life. I am currently working on a piece about our wedding, which I’ve been super quiet about as it' just feels like such a precious moment to protect but I will share some images + a story around it all soon. Also, the moments we spend practicing gratitude for those we love bring so much joy to our days. I suggest to consider who that is in your life today.

The A C C O U N T to follow // Rachel Laxer of Rachel Laxer Interiors whom I recently connected with on a wellness retreat in Spain is a most incredible designer + her account is one of dreamy escape. Rachel’s clients span the globe + each project meets an unparalleled + arresting level of contemporary elegance + beauty, snapshots of which can be found on her IG account. Find Rachel @rlaxerinteriors

The R E C I P E // Preserved Lemon, Caper + Parsley Brown Rice Pasta dish by Phillipa Fern.

The M O V E M E N T P R A C T I C E // I recently had the opportunity to attend the most beautiful, restorative + invigorating wellness retreat, hosted by Artah. Part of the retreat was daily barre classes with Ellya Sam, the head instructor + trainer at BLOK London - a really slickmovment studio in London + Manchester. I had never done Ellya’s classes before attending the retreat but fell head over tippy-toes in love with her style of movement + her nurturing approach to the body as a whole being rather than just something to sculpt + tone. Ellya kindly shared a lot of classes as lives on IG throughout the pandemic which you can find on her own IG. If you’er in London or Manchester either, you can catch one of her in-persona classes at BLOK London or attend any barre classes at their Manchester location where she personally trainer all the in-house barre instructors. Find Ellya @ellyasam

 

Rhian Stephenson, Founder of Artah; The Interview

WellbeingRebecca O'Byrne

Having been on my own personal health journey for many years now I have come to unquestionably respect + appreciate the importance of a truthful, effective + loving approach to my wellness as a whole. As part of this continued path for me, I have been genuinely inspired by the work of today’s interviewee. I am so honored to introduce you to Rhian Stephenson, someone at the absolute forefront of the well-being industry. Founder of ARTAH, a whole-body holistic wellness company based in London but with a Spanish retreat location, Rhian is a force to be reckoned with + a wealth of important knowledge in her approach to healthful + conscious longeivity around our minds + bodies, cutting out all the BS fads that have, unpon the precieved ‘failures’ of their targets, made so many company’s their billions. I spoke with Rhian about her own journey + the practices that keep her feeling well, energized + at her best..


HSF - Rhian, tell us about yourself + your journey to date... beyond the brand, who are you?  

RS - Well I’m originally from Canada where I trained as a trained Naturopath, Nutritionist and Medical Herbalist. I grew up as a competitive athlete so my love for health and fitness started at a really young age, and its contributed to why I have such a holistic approach to blending movement with nutrition + healing practices to create overall health. Before I started Artah I was the CEO of Psycle London and led the brand for 7 years before moving back into functional medicine, so I've been lucky enough to be able to blend both of my loves in my career path to date.  I have a young daughter named Maisie and as I write this, am 9 days away from delivering my next daughter... so lots on my plate! 


HSF - And on the brand, ARTAH is such a beautiful, nurturing + wholly authentic culmination of your expertise. For anyone yet to experience ARTAH though, explain if you would the vision + philosophy of the company + how it came to fruition...  

RS - As a child I was extremely sick. From chronic bronchitis and sinus infection to stomach migraines and debilitating headaches, I was never well and always felt different to everyone else. I was processed through just about every specialist in the traditional medical system but nobody could find a cause of my symptoms, so I was labelled a 'sickly' child with a weak consitution and always sent home with painkillers and antibiotics. Finally when I was in my late teens, my mother took me to a Naturopath who discovered I had an allergy to caesin (a protein in milk), numerous vitamin deficiencies and chronic inflammation. After about 3 months of working with her I was a different child - I had energy, my symptoms had virtually disappeared, and over the course of the next year my academic and athletic performance skyrocketed. This was when I realised that the food you eat can change your life, and that just because there is an absence of disease it doesn't mean that we are healthy. This is what got me really excited about getting to the root causes of imbalances and helping people cultivate optimal health. When I was at Psycle, we saw thousands of people per week and even though they were falling in love with movement and getting fitter, so many were still plagued with similar issues of imbalance - IBS, skin issues, menstrual problems, disrupted sleep, anxiety, hormonal imbalances... all of these things were still so prevalent even with a population of people who were invested in health and fitness. So with Artah I wanted to bring everything together and make the principles of functional medicine more accessible - from practitioner grade supplements to nutrition plans and retreats, we really want to empower people to live life in their best health. 

HSF - Have you always been so passionate about health or have there been challenges that afforded you a fresh perspective on what it means to feel good? 

RS - My experience as a child helped me understand what health really means, but I had another challenge that helped me empathise with what people are up against after I had my daughter. I was going through an extremely stressful work transition right after I gave birth which caused a huge amount of anxiety. Coupled with sleepless nights, breastfeeding, the pandemic, recovering from a c section, and the general challenges that new moms face, I was in the worst place I had ever been. I could feel that there was something underlying going on that had been brought on by this experience, but when I went to the Dr they wouldn't do any tests and just offered me anxiety medication. I think that it's really challenging to advocate for yourself when you're a patient, especially when you're in a vulnerable state, and if I didn't have the background I have I would probably have just left it there and gotten worse. I tried to push for blood tests but ended up going private, and it turned out that I had post-partum thyroiditis and anaemia, so once I found that out I could work on getting back to health. I think we're taught to accept that feeling bad can just be normal or in our head, which is incredibly disempowering and holds a lot of people back from experiencing great health. 

HSF - You work holistically on all elements of people’s health, from the physical to the mental. For anyone wanting to begin to feel better in themselves, where do you suggest beginning? It can be daunting for many...

RS - I think it's really important to start off with the right mindset - which is that this approach takes time and you don't need to do it all at once. I often see people 'fail' because they try to implement everything all at once in an incredibly extreme manner and then be perfect from day one, but we don't expect this from anything else in our lives and it's a hard standard to live up to. So, once you know it's process, I think a great first step is an audit. Go through physical health, emotional health, nutrition, and movement and see where you are compared to where you want to be. From there you can start to create actions. There may be some really obvious things that stand out - that you can change right away for immediate impact while you work on others. It's important to get onto a good nutrition plan because of how impactful that is for emotional health and then build in from there. 

HSF - What are your tips for building a strong routine around wellness as a lifestyle, a mentality of longevity in a way.. 

RS - Mentality wise, the most important thing is to move away from thinking solely about weight and aesthetics to understanding the enormous impact that wellness has on emotinoal health, relationships, longevity and disease risk. Connecting wellness to happiness is important - this will help you feel confident and consistent in your choices and the habits you wish to cultivate. I always recommend that people set 3 non-negotiables. These can change as your lifestyle changes or throughout the years, but it helps you commit to positive behaviours that you know will be additive to your health. I also think it's important to set aside time for yourself a few times a year - whether you want to call it a cleanse, a reset, or a retreat - to focus on yourself and feeling good. We often neglect the rest and restore aspect of wellbeing and I see so many people who burn the candle at both ends but never take time to replenish - this is totally unsustainable. Finally, I think it's important to realise that we are responsible for our health - and if we want it to come through for us we need to invest in it. 


HSF - Do you have a morning +/or nighttime routine? 

RS - At night I always take 10-20 minutes to unwind with a little bit of stretching and yin before bed. Because I run my own business, it's so easy to be on email right up until I turn the lights out, and when I do that my sleep is terrible, so I need to set a screen limit and get back into my body before I go to bed. I've also noticed that since my baby I am far less tolerant to coffee in the morning - it makes me incredibly anxious. So, everyday I have 500mls with our Cellular Hydration before I do anything else and this really energises me and sets my mood on the right course. Other than that my routines have pretty much been focused on baby/toddler care for the past 2 years! 

HSF - What wellness products or tools can you not live without? Anything you think is worth investing in? 

RS - If you really want to invest in a larger product, I would recommend the Joovv light. It's a red and infrared light therapy box which I have found incredibly helpful for mood, energy, skin and sleep (especially throughout the winter!). In terms of other things I can't live without, I obviously am pretty attached to my supplements. Enhanced Nootropics, Essential Omegas, Essential GLA and Cellular Hydration are my go to. Finally I love bodywork, so one of my favourite tools is the bed of nails acupucnture mat. 


HSF - Gut health is thankfully becoming a more recognised + integral part in the conversation around long-term health, what is your philosophy on it?  

RS - I'm really glad that the importance of gut health is finally being recognized. From a functional medicine POV and from a traditional medicine POV - whether you're looking at Ayurveda, TCM or any other traditional form of healing - gut health is integral to every aspect of health. This notion was quite misaligned with allopathic medicine, where everything was viewed of as separate. Now we know that the microbiome influences everything, from the neurotransmittors that govern our mood and signalling that influences appetite, to inflammation, immunity and insulin balance. This doesn't even take into effect one of the most important actions of the gut, which is the digestion and assimilation of nutrients, so ensuring our gut health is on track is fundamental to any health goal. 

HSF - We live in quite a high energy world now - for many there is a lot of anxiety in the everyday - how can the ARTAH way of living play a more positive part in our mental + emotional health? 

RS - A simple and impactful way to influence our emotional health is to balance blood sugar. When our blood sugar and metabolic health is off we can literally feel unhinged, so cultivating a positive and consistent approach to nutrition is one of the most important things we can do. The Artah philosophy strives to empower individuals to understand and take control of health, energy and mood. This doesn't mean that you need to be perfect, but it means that you build awareness and knowledge around how your body actually works so that you're able to interpret the fluctuations that naturally occur and kow what levers you can pull to get back on track or reset when you need to.  

HSF - On the idea of beauty + wellness in general I find it so destructive that women have been sold the idea of “beauty” being the goal. There’s a false sense of necessity in it to ensure one’s success in life; something you can attain in the next procedure or detox, moisturiser, or mask. I guess so much of the industry has been all about the aesthetic for so long. I love to see this shifting toward an importance around feeling good + living healthily in a more holistic way. Beauty from the inside out, I guess. I really admire brands that prioritise wellness as a form of beauty + empowerment. Thank you for being part of that for women. It’s an important adjustment. Do you see people’s mentality shifting when it comes to the value of overall well-being from the inside out? Is that a driving force behind ARTAH or something that naturally results in what you do?  

RS - It's something that's inherant to our philosophy, because being truly well isn't about hitting a goal weight or having perfect skin. When we're solely focused on aesthetics, it's so challenging to maintain and can be incredibly destructive. When we're focused on health, energy, fulfillment - this is when we naturally start to see changes in everything. Our attitude, demeanour, resilience, relationships - everything improves when we are well and healthy. Things like a healthy weight and good skin will be a natural side effect of creating a healthy internal environment. Don't get me wrong, it's ok to want to look good, but not at the expense of feeling good or true emotional health. 

HSF - What do you do to stay mentally well? 

RS - Daily movement is probably the most important - I love running and it really helps me feel grounded and happy. But I also need dedicated time to rest and recharge, I find it really exhuasting to manage a business as a new mom so I need to make sure that I have enough time to chill out and take time for myself.  I use supplements as a way to ensure I stay happy. Right now with a business and kids, I don't sleep as much as I'd like and I definitely need more of the nutrients that support stress. Magnesium, methylated b vitamins and ashwagandha are in our Enhanced Nootropics which I take daily. I also use Cellular Hydration for energy, mood and concentration and feel a big difference when I don't take them. 

HSF - Do you have any non-negotiables in your day? 

RS - Movement and nutritious food are my non-negotiables. I learned long ago that eating the wrong foods makes everything harder, so I'm actually quite good at buckling down and taking care of my nutrition when I'm stressed because I know how much harder evreything else is when that is off track. 

HSF - Your favourite piece of advice or approach to live by? 

 RS - A good friend of mine once said to me 'you can't eat an elephant in one sitting.' I love this piece of advice - it reminds us that big things take time so we need to be kind to ourselves and a little more patient. 

HSF - If you had one more hour in your day, how would you spend it? 

RS - Well right now I'm pregnant with a toddler.. so the honest answer is I'd probably sleep! But honestly, as a mother running a business, I never feel like I have enough times for friends and social connection, which definitely affects me. So, I'd want to spend it with friends, whether it be a walk, a fitness class, cooking together or just chatting.


S H O P T H E H S F E D I T


 

Wellness Podcasts On Repeat, Part I

WellbeingRebecca O'Byrne

E X P A N D E D W I T H L A C Y P H I L L I P S

I adore everything Lacy Phillips does + have been a member of her platform, To Be Magnetic for some time now. Lacy is a manifesting expert who’s philosophy is founded on the reality rather than the fluff which I love as it’s actual practices you can implement into your life + a lot of which I’ve come to use as part of my own way of living. This is her podcast where she and her business partner Jessica share their wealth of knowledge + interview other’s with similar mindsets + approach to the art of manifesting as a way of living.

Listen anywhere you get your podcasts //

G O O P

In classic wellness-addict style, GOOP always makes my weekly list of listens. Interesting + interested, the GOOP team are always on the hunt for what’s hot in every imaginable domain of the wellness arena. Let’s just say, if it’s in GOOP it’s a thing + even if it's not something you personally wish to apply, it’s typically something worth learning about.

Listen anywhere you get your podcasts //

T H E S A K A R A L I F E

I’m a huge, huge Sakara Life fan + when it’s founders Danielle Duboise + Whitney Tingle launched their podcast in 2020 I was immediately addicted as I’d always been a fan of their core philosophy around whole health in body, mind + soul. Taking on a variety of topics + conversations Whitney + Danielle say, “everything you take in, from the food you eat to the content you absorb, ultimately informs who you are” which is exactly my own school of thought.

Listen on S P O T I F Y or A P P L E

H U R D L E W I T H E M I L Y A B B A T E

Quite honestly, I’m a newcomer to this one but so far I’ve been really enjoying Emily’s approach to health + wellness as a whole. One of my favourites so far is her interview with Manoj Dias, the founder of OPEN, the meditation app I use on a daily basis + who’s outlook on mental wellness is one I hugely value in my own processes. I’m excited to delve more + more into Emily’s world.

Listen on S P O T I F Y or A P P L E

T H E B E W E L L P O D C A S T

Kelly Leveque is someone I’ve followed for years + someone I look to for her nourishing perspective + practices toward food + the body. From her cookbooks + desire to bring body love to the table, alongside her healthy mindset around nourishing the body rather than ever punishing it - this podcast is a really rounded point of view that, in union with the carefully selected guests Kelly invites on to the show, goes beyond but always strongly aligned with Kelly’s fundamental values.

Listen on S P O T I F Y or A P P L E

P E R I O D P O W E R

As a 33 year old woman I must admit I don’t know half as much as I could about my own body's processes. I’m a health nut at my core but when it comes to my period, I absolutely am only learning. I get it, but beyond that, I’m only understanding the value in being as knowledegable about my period as posisble. Period Power by Maisie Hill, (the book) is something of a bible for woman + her podcast is a further look into a deeper appreciation + awareness of the magic within.

Listen on S P O T I F Y or A P P L E

P U L L I N G T H E T H R E A D

45-minute conversations and investigations with today's leading thinkers, authors, experts, doctors, healers, scientists about life's biggest questions: Why do we do what we do? How can we come to know and love ourselves better? How can we come together to heal and build a better world? This one is by former editor-in-chief of GOOP, Elise Loehnen which means IYKYK, it’s goooooood.

Listen on S P O T I F Y or A P P L E

Playlists,The WFH Edit

Life 02Rebecca O'Byrne

WFH (for those who ain’t down, that’s Working From Home) these days can be a rollercoaster of ups + downs, ins + outs + let’s be honest, time spent procrastinating on things that, no matter how long you push it out, still have to be done. Period. Also time spent hoovering, dusting + doing just about anything other than that which you’re ACTUALLY meant to be doing.. anyone else?? Yep thought so. Trust me, you’re not alone. So to help you through your days WFH style, here are some amazing playlists to carry you through from morning till cocktail, sorry, I meant 5pm. Same thing right?!


 

S P OR T Y + R I C H

Sporty + Rich is the coolest effortlessly VIBEY brand out there. Exclusive with their brand ‘drops’ - founder Emily Oberg is the ultimate IT girl + the originator of the Sporty + Rich unofficial mood board for life, something that once you’re in, you can never leave, it’s so good!

Compilation by Stella Hitsert.

Check it out here..

 
 

S I L O U L O N D O N

Silou London is a chic sustainable activewear brand based in London that I adore. Very much in the vibe of the brand, Silou’s office DJ put together some amazing playlists which the brand shares on Spotify. This one is the perfect WFH with all the chill vibes to get you in the zone..

Silou also has other amazing playlists for yoga at home, working out + cool downs..

Check them out here..

 
 

S P O R T Y + R I C H

Another great playlist from Sporty + Rich. It’s super long so can carry you through a good stint of WFH..

Compilation by Margherita Lacapra.

Check it out here..

 
 

A F T E R N O O N

Doing exactly what it says on the tin, this playlist is full of cool, chill-out jams that will take you through from lunch to cocktail o’clock without you even noticing..

Check it out here..

 
 

L O A D I N G …

A little more upbeat, LOADING.. is a VIBE in itself. Not much to say so just listen your day away + let it turn those WFH terrors into something a little more funk!

Check it out here..

 
 

M E L L O W .

Compilation by Stella Hitsert, this is exactly what it implies, MELLOW AF, giving you all the feels of good days to come.

Check it out here..

 
 

2 0 2 0

Upbeat + energising, 2020 is a cool (+ super long) compilation also by Stella Hitsert - a little bit of everything, it’s fun, fabulous + will keep you in good spirits the whole day through..

Check it out here..

 
 

D O G D A Y S

Described as ‘bike rides through the city on ht summer days’ this is a really chill one with enough beats to keep you motivated while still within the working from home zone..

Compilation by Meha Patel.

Check it out here..

 
 

1 8 0 0 H R S S P R I N G I N D O O R S

Another brilliant compilation by Meha Patel, this is the part where you can see, feel + smell that glass of rosé on the 5 o’clock horizon..

Check it out here..

 
 

S U M M E R B U M M E R

Full of Lumineers delights + those generally good summer vibes with the windows open, ice coffee mornings + feel all BOSS powering your way through your day’s work, SUMMER BUMMER is another amazing one from Meha Patel..

Check it out here..

 

Great New Reads, March 2022

Life 02Rebecca O'Byrne

What's Hot on Your Bookshelf, March 2022


 

‘PLEASE MISS’ BY GRACE LAVERY

A memoir of gender transition and recovery from addiction, a dance across genres, a ripping-up of the rulebook, Please Miss is unlike anything you’ve ever read before.

Grace Lavery is a reformed druggie, an unreformed omnisexual chaos Muppet, and a 100 per cent, all-natural, synthetic female hormone monster. How could her story be straightforward when she is anything but? The telling of her tale is kaleidoscopic, wild and audacious: Grace performs in a David Lynch remake of Sunset Boulevard and is reprogrammed as a 1960s femmebot; she is targeted with anonymous letters from a mysterious cabal of clowns; she writes a socialist manifesto disguised as a porn parody of QI(or is it vice versa?).

As Grace fumbles toward a new trans identity, she tries on dozens of different voices, creating a coat of many colours. The result is dazzling, unique and unforgettable. Startlingly funny and ruthlessly smart, Please Miss gives us what we came for, then slaps us in the face and orders us to come again.

Shop this title HERE


‘ANTHEM’ BY NOAH HAWLEY

America spins into chaos as the last remnants of political consensus break apart. Against a background of environmental disaster and opioid addiction, debate descends into violence and militias roam the streets - while teenagers across the world seem driven to self-destruction, communicating by memes only they can understand.

Yet the markets still tick up and the super-rich, like Ty Oliver, fly above the flames in private jets.

After the death of his daughter, Ty dispatches his son Simon to an Anxiety Abatement Center. There he encounters another boy called the Prophet. And the Prophet wants him to join a quest.

Before long, Simon is on the road with a crew of new comrades on a rescue mission as urgent as it is enigmatic. Suddenly heroes of their own story, they are crossing the country in search of a young woman held in a billionaire's retreat - and, just possibly, the only hope of escape from the apocalypse bequeathed to them by their parents' generation.


Noah Hawley's epic literary thriller, full of unforgettably vivid characters, finds unquenchable lights in the darkest corners. Uncannily topical and yet as timeless as a Grimm's fairy tale, this is a novel of excoriating power, raw emotion and narrative verve, confirming Hawley as one of the most essential writers of our time.

Shop this title HERE


‘THE HUMMINGBIRD’ BY SANDRO VERONESI

Marco Carrera is 'the hummingbird,' a man with the almost supernatural ability to stay still as the world around him continues to change. As he navigates the challenges of life - confronting the death of his sister and the absence of his brother; taking care of his parents as they approach the end of their lives; raising his granddaughter when her mother, Marco's own child, can no longer be there for her; coming to terms with his love for the enigmatic Luisa - Marco Carrera comes to represent the quiet heroism that pervades so much of our everyday existence.

A thrilling novel about the need to look to the future with hope and live with intensity to the very end.

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‘THE EMPLOYEES’ BY OLGA RAVN

The near-distant future. Millions of kilometres from Earth.

The crew of the Six-Thousand Ship consists of those who were born, and those who were made. Those who will die, and those who will not. When the ship takes on a number of strange objects from the planet New Discovery, the crew is perplexed to find itself becoming deeply attached to them, and human and humanoid employees alike start aching for the same things: warmth and intimacy. Loved ones who have passed. Shopping and child-rearing. Our shared, far-away Earth, which now only persists in memory. Gradually, the crew members come to see their work in a new light, and each employee is compelled to ask themselves whether they can carry on as before and what it means to be truly living.

Structured as a series of witness statements compiled by a workplace commission, Ravn s crackling prose is as chilling as it is moving, as exhilarating as it is foreboding. Wracked by all kinds of longing, The Employees probes into what it means to be human, emotionally and ontologically, while simultaneously delivering an overdue critique of a life governed by work and the logic of productivity.

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‘CURTAIN CALL’ BY VESNA GOLDSWORTHY

Milena is a Red Princess living in a Soviet Satellite state in the 1980s. She enjoys limitless luxury and limited freedom; the end of the Cold War seems unimaginable. When she meets Jason, a confident British poet, Milena is appalled by his political naivety and his poor choice of footwear. Still, they fall into bed together, and before long Milena is secretly planning to escape to Britain. 1980s London defies her privileged expectations. The rented flat is grim and the food is disgusting but she is with the man she loves and there are no hidden cameras to record her every move. But then Milena discovers that Jason's idea of freedom hurts even more...

With sharp wit and tender precision, Vesna Goldsworthy unpicks the failures of family and state. Iron Curtain is a sly, elegant human drama that challenges the myths we tell ourselves.

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‘FREE LOVE’ BY TESSA HADLEY

1967. While London comes alive with the new youth revolution, the suburban Fischer family seems to belong to an older world of conventional stability: pretty, dutiful homemaker Phyllis is married to Roger, a devoted father with a career in the Foreign Office. Their children are Colette, a bookish teenager, and Hugh, the golden boy. But when the twenty-something son of an old friend pays the Fischers a visit one hot summer evening, and kisses Phyllis in the dark garden after dinner, something in her catches fire. Newly awake to the world, Phyllis makes a choice that defies all expectations of her as a wife and a mother.

With scalpel-sharp insight, Tessa Hadley explores her characters' inner worlds, laying bare their fears and longings. Free Love is an irresistible exploration of romantic love, sexual freedom and living out the truest and most meaningful version of our lives.

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The Weekend Edit 02

Life 02Rebecca O'Byrne

The P O D C A S T // The Missing Crypto Queen. Dr. Ruja Ignatova led millions tojoin her “financial revolution”. Her ‘cult leader' status had people hooked. Then, she disappeared. Journalist Jamie Bartlett delves deep into the world of Dr. Ignatova’s criminally led world of greed, crime + the phenomenal mentality of herd following. I listened to this a while back + it had me hooked. This is a 9 part series.

The A R T I C L E // ‘What It Means To Be a Rebel Entrepreneur’ by Halyley at Made by Rove

The M O V I E // Swan Song. Directed by Benjamin Cleary + produced by Rebecca Bourke, both incredible Irish creatives, this is Apple’s big production of the last year + one that had me in floods of tears + deeply in love with the beautiful depth of human connections + the bravery of what it means to really love beyond anything else. Mahershala Ali delivers an astonishing performance + deserves incredible recognition for his portrayal of such depth of character. Also.. the set design + locations in this movie are literally my dream.

The B O O K // ‘To Paradise’ by Yanagihara. This is the book I am currently reading + if you loved Yanagihara’s previous masterpiece ‘A Little Life’, you’ll adore this just as much.

The P L A Y L I S T // ROADS February 22. The perfect, soulful chill to have on in the background as you get your weekend on.

The A C C O U N T to follow // Caroline Walls is an Australian artist who focused on the female silhouette in all of it’s beautiful forms. Her pieces are beautiful as in undertaking one of our personal projects in our first home right now, her work in high on my wish list.

The R E C I P E // Rhian’s Apple Crumble - This is a super delicious + nourishing delight to add into your life this weekend. Created by Rhian Stephenson of Artah

The M O V E M E N T // I have just started a five week digital masterclass with Camilla of The Practice + I’ve shared about Camilla’s energy + vibrancy before since I attended her classes in Stockholm last year but WOW.. you have got to check her out. I can’t put into words how deeply I connect with her vibe + am inspired by the energy she brings to the world.

 

Stockholm, A Total Love Story

TravelRebecca O'Byrne
stockholm city guide

Admittedly, upon meeting the city of my dreams, we were entirely on cloud 9 + enveloped in the love of us. However, I am entirely certain it wasn’t purely due to my just-married beaming heart that I fell absolutely head over heels in love with Stockholm. It was just 72 hours after we said “I do”, that my husband (I really love saying that) + I landed in Sweden for some time to ourselves following our wedding celebrations + magical time spent with loved ones, for what was a first time for both of us in this most stunning city.

As an aesthete + lover of beauty in all capacities, this city had always been high on my list of places I knew I would connect with on a very deep level. Beautiful, sleek + entirely a vibe, Stockholm exceeded all our expectations + currently sits as somewhere we loved so much that we’re considering an extended period of time there in the very near future. It’s chic.. like chic with a major capital C.

To be honest, as it was just following our wedding, all we really wanted of the time away was to be with each other + to step into a very chilled out vibe; the need to explore as I normally would a new + previously undiscovered city, simply wasn’t as burning as would be my standard plan of total immersion. This lack of urgency in our examinations of journeying through the city actually gave us another perspective of being in the moment, a total time for relaxation, something that can be quite difficult when taking in so much newness in new-to-you parts of the world yet we found Stockholm to be perfect for this type of aimless wandering while perfectly punctuated by beautiful landmarks, galleries + museums, stunning stores, boutiques + cafés worth popping into for yet another hot chocolate or coffee.

It was November + we were blessed to witness the first snowfall of the season which, in our romantic bubble, was so special to wake up to on our first morning along with the most breathtaking sunrise over Stockholm Harbor, witnessing it from our balcony at Hotel Diplomat where we based ourselves for the week. From Hotel Diplomat we ventured out to absorb, at our ease. From lunches + dinners in a variety of picks from some amazing recommendations + strolling the beautiful stores - some beautiful local finds + other well-known brands of Swedish heritage - to taking in the exquisite architecture + design that meets you around every corner, all amid the clear blue skies, crisp cold air + the dream of an evening back at Hotel Diplomat’s hammam + sauna. Each day a dreamy dip into the world of all that Stockholm has to offer.

Wrapping up to take in this sophisticated city is a must in November, it’s freezing but - of course - everyone makes it incredibly stylish. As someone who loves style, it’s truly hypnotic. People watching is breathtaking + there is an endless abundance of shopping - perhaps the best I’ve ever under taken - from (my all-time favourite) Totême (shout out to Elin, the HQ’s incredible manager + personal shopper who helped me further deepen my love of everything Totême creates) + of course, Acne to some of the chicest beauty brands like Mantle + Verso + the exquisite leather goods brand Palmgrens, not forgetting jewellery brand Ennui Atelier; quite frankly the elegant, cool, sleek vibe of Swedish brands is inexhaustible. Pack light as the temptations are all too tempting, trust me. All of these are linked below for your reference.

In terms of my daily movement practice, I found myself returning to Remedy each day which, by + of itself could make me move to Stockholm just to be able to soak up the positive energy of this incredible studio. Founded by Carita Lesche + Amelie Parchami of Stockholm Pilates Centre (the sister studio which is also incredible so try that too), Remedy is a self-care package for your mind, body + soul. It was here that my love of teacher Camilla Ahlqvist (of The Practice) was born along with the sound bath practices of Miriam Morgenstern + garuda classes by founder Amelie. A genuine sanctuary. Continuing my love of movement, classes at STHLM Barre are a must, I’m a huge pilates fan in general + the classes here are so fire! The barre burn is so real. IYKY.

And to top of the appreciation of some time spent delving into the realm of self-care, while my husband did his thing, I spent time treating myself to a treatment (or three) with the incredible Mia Hjalmarsson, owner of Mia Hjalmarsson Skincare, Beauty + Holistic Wellness which has treatment rooms in Hotel Diplomat, where we stayed. I also ventured to her other location at Villa Dagmar (sister hotel to Hotel Diplomat) to try a holistic energy + lymphatic massage with Linda who is also incredible.

So while I can safely say that yes we were on cloud nine on this post wedding trip together, I know that this city, beyond it’s meaning to us at that special time in our lives, is somewhere we’ll love again + again.


STOCKHOLM, THE HSF EDIT


H O T E L S // Hotel Diplomat // Villa Dagmar // Miss Clara // Ett Hem // Nobis Hotel // Berns

A R T // Fotografiska // Moderna Museet // Galleri Magnus Karlsson // Fargfabriken // Acne Archive

D I N E // The Restaurant at Villa Dagmar // AG // Café Nizza // Nosh + Chow // Nour // Ichi // Fotografiska // ChiÔi // FRÄMMAT // Naboterrassen //

C O F F E E S T O P S // Butiken Diplomat // Café Pascal // Vete-Katten // Sempre Espresso Bar // Schmaltz //

S H O P S // Toteme Flagship // Palmgrens // Grandpa Store // APLACE // COW Parfymeri // NK Stockholm // Acne Flagship // Svenskt Tenn

M O V E M E N T + W E L L N E S S // Remedy // Stockholm Pilates Centre // The Practice // Beaty treatments at Mia Hjalmarsson // STHLM Barre // HEAT by Sophia Lie //

B R A N D S // Mantle // Toteme // All Blues // Ennui Atelier // Acne // House of Dagmar // Byredo // Sachajuan // Palmgrens // Lisa Yang

W I N E // Cave Nizza (Drop in only) // Blanche + Hierta // Balzac

stockholm city guide
stockholm city guide
stockholm city guide
stockholm city guide
stockholm city guide
stockholm city guide
stockholm city guide
stockholm city guide
stockholm city guide
 

Wellness Books To Note // Part I

WellbeingRebecca O'Byrne

There is no one big answer in or to anything in this life. Having said that, there are undoubtedly lots of little lessons along the way that shine a light on deeper meaning to or a wider perspective on certain parts of life + our place within in. As a person, I’ve always been drawn to understanding things on a deeper level + as part of that personal exploration I’ve found certain self-development books to be hugely beneficial. I’ve found part of myself in + elements of the person I have become are, in part, thanks to the lessons such books have afforded me; some truly have really been a huge part of my journey thus far or in a moment, have helped me go deeper, whether I realized it at the time or only really grasped the depth of the books effect on my journey till later.

Acting as some classification of therapy for many, books that seek to teach at a personal level can contribute hugely to our healing processes + lend themselves as a unique perspective in the techniques we incorporate into our daily lives, ultimately enriching our experiences + very souls. As part of a longer list that I will continue to share, here are some of those books worth their weight in gold:


james clear atomic habits

A T O M I C H A B I T S

I read this book last January (2021) + loved it so much that I re-read it again at the beginning of the year. Atomic Habits is one of those books that speaks to the practical side of bettering our processes some can live the life we actually want. James Clear is an inspirational, honest + genius writer, piecing together a hands-on guide to understanding the science + meaning in routine + how to actually weave new habits into your life with lasting effects. It helped me greatly in creating a better mentality around habits + the idea that habits are simply choices repeated again + again. This is one that I will most likely re-read every year of my life..

Find out more // J A M E S C L E A R

THE UNTETHERED SOUL MICHAEL A. SINGER

T H E U N T E T H E R E D S O U L

This classic read delves into the truth of who we really are at a soul level + the possibility of what it is to live beyond the limitations of our conscious mind, the part of ourselves that can all too often hold us back from who we really are. It opens us to the potential of what life can be when we break through any + all boundaries we previously thought to be true while the author, Michael A. Singer breaks it down in manageable pieces so you can begin to discover more inner peace day by day.

This is one that, to grasp on a deeper level, I find I must read again + again. I have heard different things from it at various times + also have been able to receive distinctly transformational lessons each time I’ve opened this book.

Find out more // T H E U N T E T H E R E D S O U L

THE LAST LECTURE

T H E L A S T L E C T U R E

One of those books that has you smiling + crying in the same moment, The Last Lecture by Professor Randy Pausch is a must read for every human. Pausch wasn’t just imagining his last lecture when he wrote this moving + inspirational book, he was living it out as his own reality due to his recent diagnosis of terminal cancer. IN delivering his last lecture, entitled ‘Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams’, he imparts his wisdom around about the importance of conquering life’s challenges, facilitating the dreams of others + of making the very most of each moment we have - as he had eventually found out, we sometimes may just have a limited amount left to make anything of. This book is one to be read throughout the ages no matter your age + one that brings depth to what’s most important + a lightness to what can feel all too overwhelming sometimes. This book is a beautiful rendition of what it’s like to live.

Find out more // T H E L A S T L E C T U R E

THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE

T H E B O D Y K E E P S T H E S C O R E

Intense. Like really intense. Very real. Incredibly insightful. And remarkably beneficial in it’s approach to + treatment of trauma, The Body Keeps the Score is celebrated the world over for it’s holistic perspective on the stress trauma causes on the body + how, in real everyday ways we can shift away from it + cultivate a new power within to heal + deal with the parts that often lay stuck in our bodies from what has happened. In his widely acclaimed work, Dr Bessel van der Kolk goes beyond the traditional therapies of medication + talking that haven’t always proven entirely instrumental in healing or allowing one go beyond what haunts them - this book is a gift to yourself if you’ve found that no matter how much ‘work’ you’ve done on what happened, you still find the struggle real. It’s like a bible to understanding your stress responses in more depth + how you can bring compassion + action to the healing process.

Find out more // T H E B O D Y K E E P S T H E S C O R E

WIM HOF METHOD

T H E W I M H O F M E T H O D

I am a huge believer in cold therapy. A few years back my brother’s girlfriend (who is one of my best friends) + I started sea swimming. Thinking we were entirely mad, like full-on cray-cray, we would get up early to met before the day began + get our fix of the freezing cold winter sea. Each day we did it, as we lowered ourselves into the water I’d think we must be f*cking crazy, this is TORTURE. However, each time we got out I’d think, wow I can’t wait to do this again tomorrow, that was AMAZING. One of the most unexplainable feelings, bodies of cold water can literally change your life. Wanting to understand more I delved into the world of Wim Hof + his method of breath-work + cold therapy. I haven’t been able to do sea swims of late, however, I’ve continued the work in as much as possible as it’s SO effective in helping with anxiety, depression, low moods + generally my mental health. Wim Hof is a pioneer in the area + sharing his work with the world he is helping people help themselves with amazing, effective + free techniques that truly are transforming. I highly recommend his work, any podcasts/interviews with him +ultimately this book as a great gateway into his world.

Find out more // W I M H O F M E T H O D