Collected & considered February recommendations
The only book on creativity you need, the best socks and a film to instil the hope of healing
Hello you
February felt like the real start to 2025. I’ve been overhauling beauty and health routines, discovering new podcasts as well as building momentum off the back of an inspiring new (old) book. Here are the little things that brought beauty and value to my days…
The Creative Act is a book I’m reading for the second time. I first listened to it two years ago but some books need to be owned physically and this is one of them. I picked up a copy at St Pancras station while visiting friends in London over Christmas and have been flicking through it since. This month though, I dove in deep. It’s a beautiful blend of zen like philosophy and tips for creativity. A must for any budding or professional creative in my opinion. A hand holder. If you only own one book on creativity this should be it.
The Safe Keep was recommended to me by the lovely lady who works at one of my favourite bookshops in Paris - The Red Wheelbarrow bookstore. It sits opposite the Jardin Du Luxembourg, all the books are in English and I think you’d love it if you’re ever in town. It’s always fun to talk books with those who love books and this is my favourite place to do it because it isn’t too touristy or busy so the staff have time. The Safe Keep is based in a post war rural Dutch provence and is Yael Van Der Wouden’s debut novel. Her writing is so inspiring to me. Sharp, clever with an heir of poetry. I was gripped from page one.
Never not know what to wear again is a genius article from one of my favourite style inspirations and substacker - Leandra Medine Cohen. I made a YouTube video on how I put her outfit formula to the test if you’d like to see.
Claire Rose has joined Substack and I think that’s just wonderful news for those of us who love timeless minimalist style inspiration.
This how to document life like a movie video is such a useful guide on how to take your videos from basic to story infused and overflowing with personal memories. I’ve been using the tips in my vlogs and I feel like they’re coming more and more alive as a result.
Misako Envela’s Youtube channel was a happy accidental discovery thanks to the algorithm. I love her slow solo travel vlogs and how she shares her personal development story alongside gorgeous visuals.
Bliss is a film from the 90s about intimacy in relationships that I really enjoyed. It’s beautifully filmed and the themes are timeless. It might be triggering for those with trauma but the ending has a beautiful message that gives hope to healing.
Technically a listen but I’ve been watching episode after episode of fashion neurosis and the episode with Zadie Smith was a standout favourite. It was only last month I thought how rare it is to find style content that focuses on the emotional side of getting dressed and then poof, this popped into my recommendations. I prefer to watch than listen because of how cinematically it’s filmed and I enjoy the expression on the guest’s faces.
This French Jazz cafe playlist on Spotify has been a much loved background soundtrack to my walks around Paris and eating dinner. I’ve started eating my dinner by candlelight to add a little romance and it’s made mealtimes extra special. Baby I’m a fool by Melody Gardo and desire by Cleo Sol have been the most played.
The Ulike Air 3 is how I’m planning to slowly turn myself into a dolphin. It arrived a couple of weeks ago and I can confirm it’s a painless process for hair removal. I have to use it three times a week for four weeks and then once a month for maintenance. I’ll report back with the final results but after a lot of research I feel confident about deciding on at home laser hair removal as my method of choice. Goodbye razors!
Colour Wow dream coat has changed my view of smoothing hair products. I have very thin natural hair amidst my extensions so I’m incredibly hesitant about what I use on it for fear of being turned into a slicked back greaseball, which can happen very quickly. This means I’m forever fighting the frizz, which given the choice I’d choose over the results serums have given me in the past. Still, I long for shinier smoother hair that can remain in tact throughout the day even if I spend it wandering around Paris. Even if there’s a little rain. This has done exactly what it promised; glossy shiny humidity protected locks. The best thing about it is that you only need to use it every two or three washes. I bought the mini travel size because I was so unsure and didn’t want to waste money on a full size product I only used once, but I already know I’ll be opting for the full size next time. It also includes heat protection.
Aime is a new brand I discovered and can’t get enough of. It’s French founded and after visiting the store I walked out with their body brush and scalp massager as well as 3 months supply of hair vitamins. I can’t comment on the hair vitamins until I’ve taken them for 3 months but the brush is the softest I’ve ever tried so I’m actually using it and I love that the scalp massager has a little handle which makes it effortless to use in the shower when I’m shampooing my hair.
I also paid a visit to Sezane this month, always a joyful experience, and walked out with a new pair of socks (my first pair from them), some rose soap and a box of pretty matches for those solo candlelit dinners. All three have been delightful. Socks have been a thorn in my side over the winter but these are the best I’ve tried so far. No slip! Calzedonia socks also deserve an honourable mention as a good quality well priced option.
This full body pilates workout combined with intention setting had me in tears both times I did it. I don’t know if it’s the way the movements shift energy in your body before but wow, the emotions flowed out at the end. I love how positive Bailey is and her videos are so calming aesthetically.
A thought to leave you with…
Here’s to moving into spring with intention, letting our energy levels increase alongside the rhythms of nature and savouring the magic we’re about to see unfold before our eyes. The buds of the trees turning into blossom, the once bitter wind softening into a cooler breeze.
A favourite French saying I learnt here in Paris is ‘until April do not take off a layer’ or en Avril ne te decouvre pas d’un fil. So while it’s tempting to rush ahead, maybe don’t. Rest in the season we’re in, accepting the tiny leaps and glimpses from the beauty of what’s to come doesn’t mean we’re quite there yet but it’s surely on the way.
Lots of love
Jessica xxx
There's also a scottish saying 'n'er cast a clout til May is out'. It basically means don't shed any layers til the end of May, a bit like your Parisian saying but a month later to take the Scottish weather into account! x
I loved that you added this french saying (we say it too here in the french part of Canada) and it's a beautiful metaphor to take it slow, one thing at the time and every thing in its time :)