What added value in November

How to get through Christmas in peace, the essential wardrobe item to make clothes last longer and face masks for winter pampering

Hello you

The Christmas decorations are going up all over Paris and I’m polishing my camera ready for 12 days of Parisian vlogmas starting on my YouTube channel tomorrow!

There’s still time to share what’s been adding value this last month and remind you that today is the last day to get a 50% discount off my simple living ebooks, paid substack memberships as part of black Friday offers.

I hope you’re doing well, not feeling too stressed or overwhelmed about the Christmas period and leaning into some peace. Over the years I’ve written a few notes about embracing a simpler slower Christmas and I thought this letter was the ideal time to share them in case you needed them.

Embracing a simpler Christmas

A Christmas to do list when it isn’t the most wonderful time of year for you

Tiny changes you can make to simplify your Christmas

Here come the November recommendations…

Pussy: A Reclamation by Regena Thomashauer is an empowering manifesto encouraging women to embrace their femininity, pleasure, and self-worth. Combining personal stories, humor, and tools for transformation, it challenges societal taboos, celebrates feminine energy, and inspires us to live authentically, reclaiming joy and confidence in our bodies and lives. A fascinating read or listen!

The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes is a book recommendation from my mum and oh what a beautiful read. It’s a dual-timeline novel intertwining WWI-era France and modern-day London. It follows Sophie, whose portrait captivates a German officer, and Liv, who inherits the painting a century later. Both women confront love, loss, and resilience, connected by the painting’s extraordinary story.

Tea with Alana is a new favourite substack find I think you’ll also enjoy. Alana is based in Paris like me and writes about all things life and art…over tea. This article about Christmas trees a dreamy read.

Intuition incense by thelma Paris is my favourite scent to fill my apartment with right now. The name and branding give it extra points.

Steamery fabric shaver - ‘Jess, how do you not have one of these?!’ were my friend Emma’s words when debobblers came up at a recent get together. She had a good point and now I do have one I’ve no idea. Owning fewer clothes in a capsule wardrobe setting means you have to take care of what you have so it can stand more wear and ideally last longer.

How how how I’ve only just discovered Celine Dion songs in French is beyond me…but omg! They’re on repeat, especially Parler à Mon Père. The French language just hits differently.

Angel rinse is a new conditioner I’m trying. I’ve been a fan of Kevin Murphy products for years. They’re cruelty free, vegan and come in scrumptious packaging. They work a treat most importantly. I’ve definitely noticed softer locks since I started using this and love that it’s designed specifically for fine hair so it doesn’t weigh it down.

These Mitomos face masks were a decent price and gave a nice glowy result. I like to tie a sheet mask in with the autumn or winter phase of my menstrual cycle which is when I feel in most need of some pampering.

Lady J is a French film I watched as part of French learning homework but I think you’ll like it, especially if you’re into Jane Austen or Bridgerton type dramas. It tells the story of a French aristocrat widow who’s seduced by a Marquis and goes on to explores the realities vs fantasies of love all in poetic cinematic style.

Rewind the '90s on Disney plus is a great watch for any of the fellow 90s obsessed. It’s a six-part documentary that explores the transformative impact of 1990s fashion, blending insights from Vogue editors like Anna Wintour and Edward Enninful with stories from supermodels, designers, and cultural icons. Each episode is centred around defining moments, from the rise of grunge and the supermodel era to the globalization of American fashion. The interviews include icons like Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Marc Jacobs.

Before I go I wanted to let you know that I’ll be hosting a live end of year journaling session on 21st December in line with summer solstice so we can all lean into some gentle reflection alongside the seasonal change. More details coming soon but mark it in your calendar if you want to join. It’ll be yummy.

Lots of love

Jessica xxx

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