Collected & considered March recommendations

Change is inevitable but how we handle it isn't

Hello you

I’m writing to you on the train today. The sun is shining and I can see Paris fading away behind me. Italy awaits. This is a month long trip I’ve dreamed of for a couple of years now, but the timing has never felt right. Now though, all the lights are green. I feel excited and nervous though I know they’re different sides of the same emotion. Mostly I’m noticing how much calmer and steadier I feel compared to when I left for a month in Paris. Sometimes it’s worth waiting until you’re ready, and when you’re ready you’ll know.

The changing seasons have filled me with waves of hope, joy and anxiety too. My creativity has been in flux and I’ve felt eager to move forwards. Impatient almost. Watching Paris burst into bloom was a reminder of how fleeting moments are and how important it is to enjoy them while they’re here. Even though I spent a lot of March preparing for my trip so it goes as smoothly as possible, I still enjoyed a lot worth sharing.

Here come the March recommendations, thoughtfully chosen based on what has added value, moved or inspired me this month.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be scary by Alyssa Beltempo is a reassuring piece for anyone feeling overwhelmed or fearful of letting go.

I have all the pieces but I still can’t get dressed is a piece I really enjoyed and learned a lot from in terms of what pieces should make up a wardrobe from a place of practicality and feeling.

For dear life with Maggie Smith is a new to me substack I’m obsessed with. I especially enjoyed her hanging in there pep talk. It’s a nourishing one for creatives and writers.

Breathing space with Camille Styles is another new to me substack I’m loving and think you’ll enjoy too if you’re looking to expand your list. She writes beautifully about simple, slow and heartfelt living

Marissa’s interviews with parisienne’s are always a joy to read and full of insights. I’m so glad they’re back.

The new fashion woman has good sex by Leandra confirmed the purchase I made from YSE further down this list. Her fashion commentary is always on pointe.

The list is a fabulous debut novel by Yoke Adegoke. It tells the story of a couple due to marry in a month when a list of men accused of sexual abuse is released on the internet. His name is on it. Yoke’s exploration of feminism, love, relationships and the internet were insatiable. I hear it’s heading for the screen next and I can’t wait to watch.

The long game by Doris Clark gave me a slight ick in the beginning but I soon settled in. It felt a little type A masculine over achiever (hence the ick) on the surface but the points he makes I find hard to argue with and I learned a lot about how to implement a long term strategy in terms of life and career.

Spill is my wonderful friend Mitalee’s debut collection of her poetry. We all gathered at a Parisian cafe to celebrate and I couldn’t be prouder of her. The way she expresses her soul is a true act of creative courage.

Sunday natural vitamins were the brand I settled on after a lot of research on supplements. As I eat a plant based diet I know I should be taking a few regulars (but haven’t been!) Their prices are very reasonable, concentration is high and I like the way the branding looks on my kitchen shelves.

Leonor Grey volume mousse reassured me hair mousse is indeed making a comeback and we needn’t be afraid. This is light enough for my fine hair and gives it a puff without any crunch.

Ouai moisture mask is what I’m using once a week to deeply drench my dry ends. I wouldn’t want it to be any heavier but can confirm it’s a great option for fine dry hair.

Olaplex no3 hair perfector is what I’m also using once a week (the alternating wash to my mask wash) to restore and repair by hair. I’m seeing a big difference in terms of overall health and it always feels stronger after using this.

Aesop hand sanitiser has significantly reduced blemishes on my face by being in my bag when I’m out and about in the city. I dread to think how many times we touch our faces with dirt on them but I noticed a huge difference in my skin when I was back in the UK sans Parisian dirt. This doesn’t have the awful alcohol smell that usually turns me off such products

This 8 minute split stretches video has become part of my nightly routine throughout the week. I’m determined to get my splits this year and while it’s a slow process, the exercises in this video are helping a lot. I love the music in it, the lack of chatter, how short it is and the general soft vibe.

Zara home kitchen essentials have helped me organise and beautify my under sink cupboard all at once. Their jars, bottles and cleaning tools are just beautiful. Let me know if you’d like me to create a post about my cleaning essentials.

Rouje is a brand I mention a lot because it’s firmly on my capsule wardrobe brand directory. I added one of their summer dresses to my wardrobe this month and if you’re in need of a little material romance they’re worth a look

YSE underwear is the Sezane of the intimates world as described by my friend. I was pleasantly surprised by how flattering their pieces are and treated myself to one of their lace bodysuits. Normally I hate shopping for underwear outside of smooth no show basics because it tends to fit in all the wrong places but here I found an exception.

Lost in Paris is a French film I enjoyed one cosy Sunday afternoon in bed. It’s about a Canadian woman who comes to Paris to visit her sick aunt. The city soon shows the different plans it has in store - l’amour of course! The mix of French and English language used make it an easy watch with subtitles and I loved the French humour throughout.

Jazz for reading has been my happiest discovery of all this month. I listen in the park, on the metro and at home in bed - all when I’m reading of course. It helps me concentrate by providing a soft buffer between my literary world and reality.

Slow stories podcast is new to my ears and a comforting listen for the slow entrepreneur. Expect personal stories and ideas from writers, artists and innovators living, working and creating more intentionally. Rachel has a great substack too.

Astrology with Alice’s weekly forecasts are my new Monday ritual. I try to take a balanced approach to astrology but just like I enjoy checking the weather I equally like to know what cosmic energies are at play. Alice’s approach is balanced, free from pre-determination and always leaves me feeling lighter.

A thought to leave you with…

I’ve been thinking a lot about change this month, how we simultaneously crave it and fear it. How we can balance these two intense drives that affect our lives so significantly. Personally I’m trying to flow with it, because change is inevitable. Everything in this life is temporary and the more we try to hold on, the more we suffer. I’m also of the opinion that everything we want is on the other side of fear and learning to embrace change with fluidity as well as grace is simply part of the process. How we do this is through presence.

Anxiety can’t exist in the present. And that’s the intention I’ve set for my Talented Mr Ripley inspired Italian adventure. Be present. Also - finish my novel, but most importantly just be present. Be open to whatever comes my way, use the lessons I’ve learned so far. They all matter. Everything has been leading to this and I trust I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

How do you handle change? Does it excite you or frighten you? Maybe both?

Lots of love

Jessica xxx

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