Worthwhile Pursuits
Celebrating those who think outside the box to meet our everyday needs.
I can hardly believe it’s been one year since my husband and I arrived in London. Leaving behind a city we loved in the hope of falling in love with another one was a gamble, even without a pandemic adding its own complications. But I’ve been restless for as long as I can remember. I love to explore new countries and can easily visualize myself living in a lot of different places. I’m always in pursuit of the next adventure to challenge my understanding of myself and the world around me. With one year under our belt, I’m starting to wonder if this amazing city will be the place we finally put down some roots. Only time will tell.
This week I’m also thinking about those in pursuit of innovation, who heed the call to create something better. The people behind products that are functional, but also appealing in a visual, tactile and experiential sense. These three items were dreamt up by considerate minds who saw a common problem, but didn’t want to provide an common solution.
I wish you luck in all your pursuits, wherever they may take you.
1. Sarah Chapman Facialift (£32)
With its origins in both Asia and Europe, facial massage is one of the oldest beauty rituals. So to call it a “trend” would be misleading. There have, however, been lots of interesting tools brought to market in recent years to expand on this tradition. One that caught my attention (in this Vogue beauty video featuring Liv Tyler) was the facial massager developed by London celebrity facialist Sarah Chapman. Lightweight with 8 heads and 48 massaging nodules, it deeply works the cheeks, jaw and neck to tone, reduce puffiness and increase blood flow.
2. Dai Cream of the Crop Trousers (£165)
Most of us don’t like to get dressed up for a flight. But looking put together could help you snag an upgrade before takeoff and hit the ground running after landing. Enter these supremely comfortable, smartly tailored trousers from Dai, the apparel line launched in 2017 by American Joanna Dai. Made from four-way stretch, eco-friendly fabric, they won’t wrinkle or pill and can be tossed in the washing machine for easy cleaning. With pockets and a discreet elastic waistband, they’re as comfortable as athletic wear without looking sloppy.
3. The Singing Ant Moderne Krabbeldecke (€78)
If you read my interview in last week’s edition with Nicole Eissele, founder of The Singing Ant, you know her play mats are as beautiful as they are practical. Designed to provide comfort for you and your little one while blending effortlessly into your home decor, these mats are also durable and easy to clean. Their new, limited-release Hygge Collection features four elegant neutrals, all done in quilted vegan leather that’s also water resistant. I’m a big fan of the color Sienna, which adds warmth to any space. I think Scoop would feel right at home on one of these.
Something to think about …
The 26th UN Climate Change Conference is currently underway in Glasgow, Scotland. But there’s action you can take right now to look after our planet, starting with the Coalition for Rainforest Nations, a nonprofit comprised of more than 50 countries to help combat deforestation and the effects of climate change.