Spring is finally here and after the longest winter, nine puppies and what feels like the longest hibernation I can remember, I am so ready for it. Here is what has been lifting my spirit this season..."
What I've Been Reading
This season I had the joy of meeting Gill Whitty-Collins at my lovely friend Britt's salon, Beambirds, an inspiring and supportive gathering of friends and colleagues that I always leave feeling energised. Gill spoke about how successful women know their strengths and lean into them rather than trying to fix their weaknesses, and it really stayed with me. Her book How to Win at Work is a must. If you have daughters, buy it for them. If you don't, buy it for yourself. It belongs on every woman's desk.
What I've Been Watching
Love Story on Disney+, the series following John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, has completely captivated me. Partly the story, which is heartbreaking and fascinating in equal measure. But also the style. Carolyn Bessette had a kind of French girl cool that was so of its time in the 90s and feels completely relevant again. Minimal, effortless, quietly confident. The slip dresses, the loose trousers, the ballet flats. The way she wore everything. Very inspiring.
At the Gallery
If you can get to the Royal Academy before 19 April, go and see Rose Wylie: The Picture Comes First. she is the first British female to have a solo show at the RA and it is a joy. Rose Wylie found real success as a painter in her fifties after bringing up her children. Her work is bold, funny, alive and has a wonderful youthful quality to it. It is the kind of exhibition that makes you feel totally uplifted.
A Well Kept Secret
We recently discovered Furnishhh and are slightly obsessed. They sell beautiful pieces, Pooky lights, stunning furniture, from some of the finest interiors brands at amazing prices. The catch, and also the thrill, is that you have to buy tickets to their warehouse in the Cotswolds to get access to the best finds. It feels like a proper insider secret and I love that. One for your spring weekend plans.
On My List
The Marlborough in Mayfair is a hit on my spring list. The brainchild of the teams behind The Devonshire and Crisp Pizza, it is a beautiful Victorian pub with the best Guinness in town and legendary thin crust pizza in a speakeasy downstairs.
In Nature
Richmond Park is always worth a visit but over the next two months the Isabella Plantation comes into its own. Tucked inside the park, it is a 40 acre woodland garden that has been there since the 1830s. In late April and early May the evergreen azaleas come into full flower around the ponds and streams and it is one of the most beautiful things you will see. It has an abundance of rhododendrons too and a peaceful quality that you will love. Dogs have to be on leads.
The Wellness Edit
I am super excited to have booked a mother daughter spa day at Bamford at Daylesford in the Cotswolds and I cannot wait. Both Lola and I are feeling a little burnt out, her from work, me from juggling work and nine puppies, so this feels like the most well-timed treat. We are having sound healing with alchemy crystal singing bowls, steams and sauna, and a massage, totally spoiling!
It also happens to fall on 2 April, the Pink Moon, a powerful time to let go of what is no longer serving you and reset. You can read more about this in this season's Spirit Notes. Taking some time out for yourself on this full moon is a great thing to do. And if a trip to the Cotswolds isn't on the cards, you can always create your own spa moment at home. Our Dreams candle with its grounding and clearing fragrance and that warm glow through the glass is perfect for a mediative chill out.
.From the Studio
I am so excited to share that we are making another super small run of our After Midnight Radiant Body Oil, this one will be ready just after Easter. Its my absolute favourites and we don't make it often, so if you have been waiting for it, now is the moment. Spirited and seductive, it combines playful Jasmine Sambac with the bright delicate note of Neroli and smooth velvety Sandalwood, blended with a powerhouse of nourishing oils including Camellia, Rosehip, Argan and Borage. It is deeply nourishing, easily absorbed and so good to put on your skin after a bath or shower. I use it whenever my skin needs extra hydration or my mood a little lift. We only have a very limited number so do order now if you want to catch the last few. 100% natural.
"You can shop our full spring collection at ajabotanicals.com."
And Finally, a Most Important Announcement
We have been blessed to have had a litter of nine flat coat retriever puppies and I am really loving looking after them. It has been so wholesome and full of joy. They are ridiculously cute, now six weeks old and all finding their forever homes. We still have only have one girls and one boy left, all beautiful liver coloured so if anyone out there is looking for the most gorgeous retriever puppy please do get in touch.
With love, Tilly x
