031524: Things that made life special this week
Spring sneakers, a new kind of body moisturizer, English decoration, one of the last stews of winter, a yoga challenge, and more
Hello and welcome to Things That Made Life Special This Week, a celebration of the pursuits that add a little something extra to the everyday.
First, I want to say welcome to the new subscribers who found The Bell when my carry-on packing guide got shared around Substack this week. I hope you feel right at home in this community, where we talk mostly about hospitality, craft, and skills, with some travel and interior design peppered in—and plenty of French flavor. (I live part-time in France.) Learn more about this newsletter here!
Wednesday newsletters are the main content, and Friday newsletters share recommendations from my week.
Next week, I’m sending my fourth quarterly bonus edition to paid subscribers, full of seasonal spring recommendations. Be sure to upgrade to paid if you want to receive that as soon as it comes out!
Buying: New Veja sneakers (trying these: 1, 2, 3)
I’m always in the mood for new sneakers every spring! Last year I got these in the color Juta Ice, which I still love. This year I ordered these, though I’m wondering if they’re too similar. I’m a little one-note with the light blue trim.
And for something different, I’m also trying the new Volley in navy/white leather and beige/natural suede. They look very low-profile, almost like Converse. Curious to see what they’ll look like on and I will report back!
See the Veja website for more styles and colors.
Trying: The Daily Stone by Kate McLeod - Use this link for 20% off
I first heard about this body moisturizer via
, expert in all things skincare and beauty. It’s solid at room temperature (like bar soap) and melts into a body oil in contact with your skin. And it’s made from 100% all-natural ingredients with no dilution, chemicals, or preservatives. Plus, it smells heavenly.Reading: English Decoration by Ben Pentreath
My latest interior design coffee table book purchase, and I don’t know what took me so long to get it! Ben Pentreath is one of my greatest inspirations in the design space. He’s an architect of new buildings that are just as beautiful (and high-quality) as old ones,
Making: Moroccan-style beef and lentil stew from The Real Food Dieticians
I was craving something hearty and spiced earlier this week, so I made this beef and lentil stew. The flavors are great—the squeeze of lemons and addition of dried apricots or dates at the end are key. I don’t have a slow cooker, so I made this in a Dutch oven, in a 350° oven, for two hours. It could easily have gone longer to further tenderize the meat!
Using: Dr. Idriss Major Fade Solution System
Dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss recommends choosing one skin issue to address at a time, rather than mixing a bunch of products in your routine to address multiple issues. I find this approach really effective.
A lot of freckles and skin discoloration came out during my week in Florida, so my skincare focus for the next month is on evening out my skin tone again. This is the second time I’ve bought these three products since they worked so well the first time I used them, last year.
The idea is that you use the serum and moisturizer every day, morning and night, and the mask 1-3x per week, until you achieve the desired results.
Moving: 12-day yoga challenge with Rachel Brathen
Today is day 7 of a challenge I’m using to get back into my yoga practice. If you want to join me, it’s not too late! Rachel (formerly known as Yoga Girl) teaches exactly how I like to practice these days: fewer postures per class, but spending a lot of time in each posture so you can really explore it.
It’s such great discipline to come to the yoga mat every day—really teaches you to meet yourself where you’re at, and not wait for the perfect time.
Listening: Rachel Brathen’s yoga playlists on Spotify
Whether you’re joining the 12-day challenge or not, Rachel has dozens of yoga playlists that you can put on as the soundtrack to your home practice. When I’m not taking a class, but just doing my own flow on the mat, I’ll choose from one of these playlists to save the time I’d spend making my own.
Join me in the open recommendations thread on Substack Chat, where I’d love to hear what’s making your life special this week. Here’s how to download the app if you don’t already have it.
I hope you have a great St. Patrick’s Day weekend!
xx Jane
This newsletter includes a few affiliate links. I like to shop small and don’t exclusively feature brands that are part of an affiliate program, so not all links will earn me a commission. But some will! If you plan to buy something featured in this newsletter, using my link will help support the time and love I put into writing these for you. I appreciate your support so much!
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