JANUARY DROP /

HITTING THE RESET BUTTON

As we step into this brand new year, I couldn't be more thrilled to share January's focus: hitting that glorious reset button.

There's something undeniably magical about the start of a new year, isn't there? It's like we're handed a fresh canvas, ready to be painted with the vibrant colors of possibility and change. This month is all about embracing that spirit. Here, we’ll be escaping the ordinary, venturing into the unknown and moving with intention in all corners of life.

Each drop is a carefully crafted experience. And to kick things off, I wanted to get personal, which is why each story this month is deeply connected to me. Because hitting reset is not just about resolutions—it's a mind shift, a chance to recalibrate and realign with what truly matters.

This month, you're in for a treat. From the delectable recipes of my dear friend Anna Barnett to a custom lo-fi sound bath that's been crafted with love, each piece is designed to inspire, uplift, and set the tone for the incredible journey ahead.

But there's one story I'm particularly excited to share – the introduction to Mr. Woodhouse. Trust me, you're in for a delightful surprise! This month is all about laying the foundation for the fantastic discoveries yet to come, and Mr. Woodhouse is just the beginning.

So, buckle up, reset enthusiasts! We're embarking on a journey of intentional living, creative inspiration, and the joy of discovery. Here's to hitting that reset button and designing a year that's truly magnificent.

With excitement and anticipation,

INTERIOR MOTIVES / NEW YEAR, NEW VIBES, NEW CANDLES

Meet Karissa and Neal, the creative brains behind Dreamour, a candle company fusing design and fragrance. Just over a year old, Dreamour aims to redefine the market with a nod to French perfumery. The name Dreamour sums up the brand’s ethos—blending design and bespoke scents for a dreamy atmosphere. Karissa, a Parsons grad, turned sketches into 3D vessels during the pandemic, making each one a work of art. Their scent strategy? Tailoring fragrances to spaces. Entryways get warm and musky, kitchens get citrusy, and bedrooms get a gentle floral touch. It's about crafting a mood for each unique spot in your home.

Neal sees fragrance as an art, like "painting with aromas." Dreamour's scents, like Mon Chéri, Sweet Vinyl, and Dhabi, transform spaces into rooms of love, nostalgia, and sophistication. Looking forward, Dreamour plans to expand with new fragrances, sustainability, and a leap into home goods, bathroom essentials, and personal care. Setting a mood at their home looks like… warm lighting, textured paint, and, of course, lighting up a Dreamour candle

Karissa's ultimate mood? Lighting a candle, playing classical jazz, and keeping it low on overhead lighting. Their glass-blowing method ensures you enjoy both the flame and the glass itself. Dreamour's goal? Catering to interior enthusiasts, blending calmness with individuality through their artful, fragrant decor.

How did you develop your signature artistic voice behind Dreamour? Are you still forming it? Dreamour was founded to integrate fragrance and design. At just over a year old, our brand is in a stage of growth and refining its place in the market. Our vision with Dreamour is to make a significant foray into the realm of design while paying a profound tribute to the savoir-faire of traditional French perfumery.

Is there a special meaning behind the name? The name Dreamour symbolizes the brand's ethos of merging artisanal design with bespoke fragrances to create a serene and dream-like atmosphere.

Talk to me about the stunning vessels that house each scent. How do you dream up these shapes? Karissa: Having graduated in design from Parsons School of Design, my passion has always been drawn towards the allure of shapes and the aesthetic beauty of silhouettes. The pandemic period provided me with an opportunity to dive into bringing my sketches to life by creating 3D renderings, leading to the creation of our very first design sample.

Is there a recipe for how we should bring scents/candles into our homes? Karissa: Our recipe involves dividing candle fragrances into three key areas: the entryway/living room, the kitchen, and the bedroom. For the entryway, I recommend choosing scents that are warm and slightly musky, with a hint of exotic spices; our Dhabi fragrance is an excellent fit for this space. In the kitchen, fragrances with citrus tones are ideal for refreshing the air, especially after cooking, and for this, we recommend our Sweet Vinyl scent. As for the bedroom, a gentle and fresh floral aroma is perfect, and our Mon Chéri scent is just right for creating a serene ambiance.

How does incorporating scent into your home affect the environment? Neal: Fragrances have such a powerful effect on the olfactory. As we see it, the art of scent is like painting with aromas; it's about creating a unique essence for each space. I love using candles as a dynamic and budget-friendly way to infuse every corner with its own unique vibe.

Can you describe the transformative qualities that your scent profiles bring into a space? Mon Chéri is an olfactory embodiment of the delicate interplay between love and trust. This scent captures the essence of a passionate rendezvous, evoking a cherished memory of sweet sandalwood, gently softened by the floral notes of white rose and orris. It's a fragrance that delicately whispers of warm & evocative moments.

Sweet Vinyl is a transformative scent that evokes the ambiance of amber-lit rooms resonating with the soft crackle of vinyl records. It blends the bright, sunlit notes of Bergamot and Mandarin with the nostalgic whispers of Incense. At its heart, a harmonious mix of Vetiver and Leather recalls the familiarity of a favorite song. As it settles, the warm undertones of Amber, Cedar, and Musk create a lingering, comforting presence, reminiscent of a classic track's embrace, transforming any space into a haven of musky, nostalgic memories.

Dhabi encapsulates the Middle Eastern essence, drawing inspiration from the captivating depth of Oud. Its citrusy opening evolves into a symphony of sweet and spicy notes, intertwined with a creamy floral heart. The base of spices, woods, and sensuous elements unfolds into a warm, complex aroma, mirroring the enchanting allure of the desert. This fragrance transforms any space into a calming & sophisticated atmosphere.

Should scents vary from space to space? Neal: Absolutely, scents should vary from space to space. Each area in a home serves a unique purpose and, as such, deserves its own olfactory identity. Selecting fragrances for different spaces is about more than just smell – it's about setting the right scene, crafting a specific mood, and expressing an individual style. A signature scent for each space speaks volumes, creating an atmosphere that aligns perfectly with its intended use, all without saying a single word.

What’s on the horizon for the brand? Dreamour is set to introduce new candle fragrances and expand our product range, while earnestly embedding sustainability into every facet of our operations. We're delving deeper into the home goods sector, transforming home decor objects into decorative pieces with innovative design. Additionally, we're set to branch into bathroom essentials and personal care offerings.

in partnerhsip with THE PROVOCATIVE INTUITIVE

MANIFESTATION / INFINITE ABUNDANCE AWAITS

Have you ever wondered about the immense power hidden within your own thoughts and desires? What if you could shape your reality simply by tapping into your innermost dreams and aspirations? Well, get ready to join me on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and manifestation with my dear friend, intuitive healer and magic maker Daniel Tuttle. We are teaming up for a special service that explores and unlocks all the manifestor in us all. Here’s a snippet from my recent class with Daniel.

If this piques your interest, receive the entire session for 50% less than the original offer—let the magic manifest!

LET'S MANIFEST

WELL-BALANCED / FOOD FOR THOUGHT WITH LONDON CHEF ANNA BARNETT

Anna and I go waaaaaaay back. All the way to my East London days when we were just a couple of kids figuring out what our next moves were. Now she’s a successful chef, podcaster, Sunday Times Style contributor, wife and mummy producing the most delicious and beautiful recipes around. Meet Anna and indulge in one of my favorites…

COOK TIME // I’ve cooked for as long as I can remember. I was cooking the family Sunday lunch from the age of 10 and haven’t stopped cooking since.

LOVE LANGUAGE // I grew up in a big family, I was one of six siblings and I distinctly remember that if you cooked you didn’t clean so I’m sure this played a part in steering me towards food. Aside from that, I’ve always loved eating, trying new cuisines and flavours. Apparently, as a toddler, I was a fan of blue cheese, something which has most definitely stuck with me,

NEW YEAR, NEW EATS // January for me is all about hearty, warming dishes. It’s all about batch cooking and just getting through these dark, winter months.

SAGE ADVICE // Be brave, give everything a try. The worst that can happen is that you’ll have to make it again.

OFF THE CUFF

Favorite Color… Black
Go-to Music Genre…really varied, from classic indie, 60’s rock ’n’ roll to psychedelic folk
Creative Muse… Massimo Bottura
Design is… everything
Art can… cost a lot!
Dream Dinner date…My twin toddlers, they’ll try anything!
I’m a firm believer in…mealtimes around the table.
The world needs more… equality

Follow Anna on INSTA for more yummy content

LET THE COOKING BEGIN

RECIPE No. 1
ONE-POT CHICKEN ORZO

A truly comforting winter warmer. Simple to cook with just the one pot, with heaps of flavour and all the deliciousness. Rule 101 use up your @granaPadanopdo and always keep the rind. Throwing it into stews, soups and sauces creates a unique depth of flavour, adds seasoning and once stewed can even be chopped up and eaten as part of the meal!

Preparation time // 15 minutes
Cooking time // 1 hour 20 minutes
Feeds // 4-6

INGREDIENTS

120g Orzo
Good Glug of Oil
2 stalks of celery, finely sliced
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
100g olives - I’ve used Nocellara here
2 bay leaves
2 leeks, cleaned, halved lengthways and halved again
1 rind of Grana Padano
850ml good quality chicken stock
sprinkle of sea salt flakes
several turns of freshly ground black pepper
1 medium organic chicken around 1.4/5kg
30g butter, with a sprinkle of salt

GARNISH

small bunch of dill, finely chopped
2 lemons halved, zest of half
40g Grana Padano, finely grated

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prepare all ingredients as noted in the instructions.

Place a large casserole dish over a medium heat and once hot add in your oil followed by the celery, garlic and bay leaves. Allow to sweat for 3-4 minutes then add in the olives and leeks followed by the Grana Padano rind, chicken stock and seasoning.

Combine the butter and seasoning and gently raise the skin of the chicken across the breast then add in a thick layer of butter.

Place the chicken on top of the leeks and place in the oven for around an hour depending on the size of your chicken- ensure it’s cooked by cutting into the thigh, the liquid should run clear.

Ten minutes ahead of removing from the oven, add in your orzo, stirring through the liquid. Allow to cook for ten minutes then remove from the oven. The orzo will continue to cook once removed so avoid overcooking.

Remove from the oven. Remove the chicken from the pot and once cool enough to handle remove the meat from the carcass and return the meat to the broth (you keep the carcass to make some homemade bone broth). Chop up the Grana Padano rind and add back into the pot.

Squeeze in lemon juice and finish with a scattering of roughy chopped dill and of course an extra helping of Grana Padano.

WELL-BALANCED / ANYONE UP FOR A LO-FI SOUND BATH & A LITTLE NSDR SESH?

Last year, I took my first dive into the world of breathwork with the master of mindfulness, Michael McCaffrey. (He's since been on my speed dial!) I’ve always been a very open person when it comes to alternative forms of healing, so naturally, I jumped at the chance to work with Michael after stumbling upon one of his in-demand classes. From there, we became instant friends and I knew I had to bring him behind the velvet rope. You heard it here first: His fresh, modern take on a sound bath with a lo-fi twist is sure to make his practice the hottest thing on the wellness scene this year. Give it a whirl… (or rather, a deep breath!)

Michael is the visionary behind AltrdxStates—a musician, mindfulness teacher, and breathwork instructor, Michael’s early years were immersed in touring and recording as a guitarist, percussionist, and singer, where music became an intrinsic part of his life. However, a deep yearning for fulfillment prompted him to leave it all behind to embark on a profound spiritual exploration that led him to the Himalayan foothills, where he lived in a Buddhist monastery and studied meditation, immersing himself in a newfound way of being.

Upon returning home to London, Michael became a mindfulness teacher and revered breathwork instructor, guiding others through life-changing practices inspired by his transformative journey.

Eventually, he would come to recognize the profound impact of carefully crafted music on the brain and nervous system, and how his first love of music could be complementary to his newfound path.

Michael came full circle, birthing AltrdxStates—a synergy of introspection, sound, and transformation. This platform reflects his journey from the heart of the music industry to the spiritual depths of the Himalayas, offering a unique blend of mindful practices and Lo-fi music to foster profound personal growth and well-being.

BUT FIRST, MEET MICHAEL

SO… WHAT EXACTLY IS NSDR?

Non-sleep deep rest encompasses various practices aimed at guiding the mind into a state of tranquility and concentration, according to Dr. Andrew Huberman, the neuroscience professor at Stanford University credited with coining the term.

These methods are not designed to induce sleep but rather to facilitate entry into a dreamy, semi-focused state that precedes drifting off. In this state, one remains somewhat awake, yet the conscious control over awareness of space and time is diminished.

The underlying concept of NSDR is that temporarily achieving a sleep-like state allows the brain to undergo intense relaxation, contributing to a sense of rejuvenation for the challenges ahead in the day. Devoting time to such profound rest can indeed provide a significant energy boost.

LO-FI SOUND BATH?
PLEASE EXPLAIN

A lo-fi sound bath is an immersive experience that combines the atmospheric, soothing qualities of lo-fi music with the therapeutic aspects of a sound bath.

It typically involves listening to lo-fi beats or ambient sounds while incorporating elements of meditation or breathwork. The music is created using Ableton Live, rather than the traditional Gongs or Sound Bowls.

These gentle, textured tones of lo-fi music create a calming backdrop, using evolving pads, nature sounds, and binaural frequencies, allowing participants to relax, unwind, and immerse themselves in a sonic environment that promotes stress relief, mindfulness, and a sense of tranquility. The blend of these lo-fi elements in a sound bath offers a unique and contemporary approach to relaxation and inner exploration.

Create a super comfortable seated or laying down position. Support your body to be comfortable with blankets, pillows, blocks or bolsters. Use one or more yoga mats as your base.
Adjust lighting, perhaps using a scented candle.
Use Headphones to fully experience the benefits of the Sound Bath.
Use an eye pillow or eye mask if possible, otherwise, softly close the eyes.
Enjoy!

LET’S GET CHILL

Email Michael and reference code CWBREATHE for 25% off a 4-session course

BREATHE WITH MICHAEL

MR. WOODHOUSE / IN HIS OWN WORDS

Continuing to bring balance by offering a more cinematic skew to our design and lifestyle content, Mr. Woodhouse himself will be weighing in on the conversation—sharing artists, creatives and other tastemakers that turn his head.

With a commitment to a few good things, Dean Woodhouse takes us inside his creatively curious world. Hit play to get acquainted with CW’s creative counterpart.

CURRENT MR. WOODHOUSE MUSES

WEAR / Hiut Denim

Jeans makers in Wales. After clothing factories shut down in the small town of Cardigan, many skilled generations of families were out of work. So David Hiett realized he could make jeans with these incredible people and bring the town back to life. Do one thing well is his motto, and he makes jeans very well. They take ages to arrive, but that’s the beauty—not everything should be made fast, easy and cheap.

SHOP

READ / The Godfather Notebook

This is Francis Ford Coppola’s notebook on the entire script for The Godfather Part 1. It’s the Bible of film. It features his typed notes on each scene and what’s important to capture. He breaks it down so he never forgot the purpose of each scene, and he didn’t get lost or pulled in another direction, during the shoot. It’s a fascinating insight into filmmaking.

STUDY

WATCH / Zone of Interest

This has to be seen with an audience. Watching the film you can hear people forgetting to breathe. It’s more art than movie, so if you’re expecting something to munch along with your popcorn, you’re going to be disappointed. But if you want to try and understand the evil of the human spirit, you have to see this.

EXPERIENCE

2024 is Sounding Really, REALLY Good

That first sip of coffee in the morning, a warm fire on a rainy, cold day, the lapping of ocean waves with troubles miles from shore—these songs cocoon us and bring out the essence of home wherever you are.

ADD PLAYLIST to your Spotify Library

January always signals a sense of rebirth for us all—a chance to begin anew. I love that fusion of uncertainty and possibility that presents itself with every new year. Here's your soundtrack for all those big plans and magical thinking.