Pleasure Edit – Harvest Moon

Pleasure Edit

Welcome to the first ever edition of the Pleasure Edit, where the pleasure is all yours

As the editorial arm of beauty and lifestyle brand, Majesty’s Pleasure, the Pleasure Edit is obsessed with anything that can even remotely be pinned down as a pleasure. Whether it’s a zen pleasure like a nature hike or a guilty pleasure like spending all day in bed with your lover (meow), or maybe the season’s emotional colour palettes or latest fashion trends, we’re interested in how people interact with the things they find most enjoyable.

After 10 years of being in the pleasure business, we’ve learned lots about guilty pleasures, beauty rituals, the pleasure benefits of socialization and life changing habits of alone time and self-care. We’ve created the Pleasure Edit to share with you the tips, tricks, life hacks and suggestions on how to bring more pleasure into your life.

So, whether it’s through nail inspiration, a cocktail recipe, or the products in our pleasure rituals, we’re curating each season of the Pleasure Edit with a special theme on how pleasure can fit into your life.

This season’s theme is Harvest Moon. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did making it for you.

Pleasure Edit

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Sara Kardan

ART DIRECTOR + DESIGNER

Lexie Tiongson

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Isobel Terry

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Isabella Sarlija

CONTRIBUTORS

Sasha Mei

Sammy Hyunh

HARVEST MOON

For all distribution or stocking inquiries, please contact hello@majestyspleasure.com.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s permission.

2023

Harvest

Before the cultural emphasis on wine tours and everything pumpkin spice, the fall season was all about harvesting crops for the winter. In generations past, farmers would pluck every last fruit and vegetable and pickle their foods before closing out their farms for the winter season. While most full moons only stay bright for one evening, the Harvest Moon during fall stays full for about three days each year, giving farmers enough light and time to pick their crops day and night—hence the name.

OK, harvesting actual food seems out of place for most people living in the city—you really can order a tomato to your front door despite the season— but the notion of gathering before winter remains. Today, we stock up on things like warm candles, nourishing skincare, and as many fuzzy socks as we can get our hands on. This fall, though, we want to emphasize harvesting as much pleasure as possible.

In this first issue of the Pleasure Edit we use the theme of Harvest Moon as a guiding light for collecting more pleasure before the winter and taking advantage of all the Fall season has to offer. Whether it means coming into our space for a rejuvenating manicure or gathering some of our best self-care tips, we’ll illuminate the path to prepping for the upcoming harsh winter.

This Pleasure Edit includes everything, from things you can actually harvest, like seasonal manicure ideas and transitional skincare, to lifestyle tips, like maintaining serenity, and even a guide on cuffing season. Not to mention, some insight interviews with some of our favourite taste-makers. It’s basically your modern harvest—so stock up on pleasure. And enjoy the Harvest Moon.

Harvest Moon

Inspired by the Harvest Moon

Your Next Fall Manicure

Inspired by the bountiful fall harvest of fruits and vegetables, we have curated our top fall nail colors and artwork to guide you on your next manicure journey. The next few pages were curated to be your ultimate source of inspiration for the perfect fall manicure. From warm and cozy hues reminiscent of a harvest sunset to rich and vibrant shades that capture the essence of the season, this collection is designed to complement your fall style. Happy Harvest Moon!

Celestial Cider

THE PERFECT PAIRING

REGULAR: VINYLUX CANDLELIGHT

GEL: LUXIO 116 INSTINCT

REGULAR: OPI IT’S IN THE CLOUD

GEL: LUXIO 115 SHY

Night Harvest

THE

PERFECT PAIRING

REGULAR: VINYLUX PHANTOM

GEL: LUXIO 93 AFICIONADO

REGULAR: VINYLUX WILLOW TALK

GEL: LUXIO 116 INSTINCT

Twilight Lust

THE PERFECT PAIRING

REGULAR: VINYLUX SIGNATURE LIPSTICK

GEL: LUXIO 62 DIVA

REGULAR: OPI EDINBURGH-ER & TATTIES

GEL: LUXIO 25 NEUTRAL

Sunset Honey

THE PERFECT PAIRING

REGULAR: OPI

CHOCOLATE MOOSE

GEL:

LUXIO 87

TRUFFLE

REGULAR: OPI DON’T BOSSA NOVA ME AROUND

GEL:

LUXIO 14

ALMONDLINE

Autumn Aura

THE PERFECT PAIRING

REGULAR: VINYLUX BRICK KNIT

GEL: LUXIO 117 ADOBE

REGULAR: VINYLUX CANDLE LIGHT

GEL: LUXIO 116 INSTINCT

Eternal Optimist

THE PERFECT PAIRING

REGULAR: VINYLUX POETRY

GEL: LUXIO 24 ETERNITY

REGULAR: VINYLUX WILLOW TALK

GEL: LUXIO 116 INSTINCT

Savoir Faire

THE PERFECT PAIRING

REGULAR: VINYLUX OXBLOOD

GEL: LUXIO 61 SAVOUR

REGULAR: OPI YOU’VE GOT THAT GLASGLOW

GEL: LUXIO 24 ETERNITY

Silky Spice

THE PERFECT PAIRING

REGULAR: OPI

CHOCOLATE MOOSE

GEL: LUXIO 90 RELENTLESS

REGULAR: OPI MY VAMPIRE IS MY BUFF

GEL: LUXIO 6 SENTIMENT

Harvest Muse

THE PERFECT PAIRING

REGULAR: OPI

MALAGA WINE

GEL:

LUXIO 61 SAVOUR

REGULAR: OPI JUST LANAI-ING AROUND

GEL: LUXIO 35 VIBRANT

Autumn Roast

THE PERFECT PAIRING

REGULAR: OPI

ESPRESSO YOUR INNER SELF

GEL: LUXIO 92 COCOA

REGULAR: OPI CHOCOLATE MOOSE

GEL: LUXIO 87 TRUFFLE

Harvest Haze

THE PERFECT PAIRING

REGULAR:

VINYLUX BRICK KNIT

GEL:

LUXIO 117

ADOBE

REGULAR: VINYLUX SELF-LOVER

GEL:

LUXIO 23

BOSSY

Eternal Moon

THE PERFECT PAIRING

REGULAR: VINYLUX MAUVE MAVERICK

GEL: LUXIO 24 ETERNITY

REGULAR: VINYLUX PHANTOM

GEL: LUXIO 93 AFICIONADO

STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU ON THIS

Harvest Moon

STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU ON THIS

Harvest Moon

STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU ON THIS

Harvest Moon

STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU ON THIS

Harvest Moon

STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU ON THIS

Harvest Moon

CURRENTY LISTENING

Harvest Moon

a spotify playlist SCAN

Midnight Light – Espresso Martini

The Harvest Moon is a time to gather what you need to feel safe, secure, and grounded through the cold weather. While it can be fun to stock up on knit sweaters and rich moisturizers, it’s also exhausting to get your space, emotional self, and work-life balance ready for the upcoming winter. This is perfect if you need a break that won’t slow you down.

Build

Shake + Strain

Glassware

Coupe

Ingredients

2 oz Fresh Espresso

1 oz Vodka

1 oz Kahlua

0.5 oz Creme de Cocoa

Directions

1. Pull a double espresso shot

2. Pack cocktail shaker with ice and add Vodka, Kahlua, Creme de Cocoa and Fresh Espresso and shake hard for 15-20 seconds

3. Double strain into coupe

4. Garnish with a single espresso bean

Midnight Light

Pear ‘n’

Amaretto

Pear ‘n’ Amaretto

Though summer is officially over, you don’t have to say goodbye to bright drinks just yet. This cocktail has everything you want from a fruity summer cocktail—crisp pear and citrusy lime— with grounding almond notes from the Amaretto aperitif and Angostura bitters that usher in the Fall. It’s the perfect predinner cocktail, or if you just want something to remind you that there’s space in fall for lighter drinks.

Build

Shake + Strain

Glassware

Martini/Coupe

Ingredients

1 oz Vanilla Vodka

1.0 Amaretto

1.5 Pear juice

0.75 Lime juice

3 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Dash of Cinnamon Instructions

Directions

1. Chill Martini glass

2. Build all ingredients in shaker tin

3. Shake over ice

4.

5.

Double strain into chilled Martini or Coupe glass

Add a dash of cinnamon

6. Garnish with slice of fresh pear + baby’s breath

Sasha Mei A Dose of

“Self-care is moving your body, cooking delicious food for yourself, and learning to enjoy time alone”

– Sasha Mei

PLEASURE RITUAL

6am – wake up + make coffee, scroll on IG or read a book

7am – exercise time! I love running and pilates at the moment

9am – Emails and administrative work. My days never look the same, but this is fairly consistent for me

12pm – lunch!

1pm – Create create create, sometimes a meeting or two is thrown in there

6pm – I’m an early dinner kind of girl. I like to let my stomach digest before I go to sleep

8pm – wind down time. I try shut off social media at this time and focus on getting ready for bed, unless I have an event or function to go to!

10:30 – I’m usually in bed and reading at this time. I can’t fall asleep these days without reading!

HOW DO YOU SEEK PLEASURE FOR YOURSELF?

A long run early in the morning followed by a strong coffee

WHAT IS YOUR COCKTAIL OF THE MOMENT?

I am really into Vesper martinis at the moment. It’s named after Vesper from the James Bond movies, and is a delicious, floral interpretation of a classic martini.

WHAT IS YOUR DAILY SKINCARE + BEAUTY ROUTINE?

I use a lot of Rowse Beauty and Emma Lewisham products, so any simple combination of cleanse, hyaluronic acid/niacinamide serum, cream, and SPF

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL SPOTS?

Nutbar is a current favourite for their Skin Renewal smoothie, Sonndr cafe is my favourite for coffee, Dreyfus is my favourite spot for food, and I always find my best clothes at VSP Consignment

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SELF-CARE?

Self care is moving your body, cooking delicious food for yourself, and learning to enjoy time alone

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Relax a little bit!

To Cuff or Not to Cuff

How to Navigate Your Fall Romance

While our ancestors harvested gourds and tomatoes to pickle for the winter, this generation harvests love. Whether you attribute it to dwindling summer romances, testing out potential holiday party dates, or people simply wanting someone to cuddle during cold nights, there are *so* many chances this season to make your way into a serious relationship.

Cuffing season sounds just as 2012 Tumblr as sweater weather, but it’s a real thing. While this is great for people who feel they are ready to share their life with a partner, unfortunately, tons of people are susceptible to accepting love from people who may not fit their lifestyle or provide them the emotional support and freedom that they need.

Here’s what no one tells you during cuffing season: You don’t have to enter a fullon relationship with anyone—you can just have a fling. The difference? A fling can be exclusive, yes, but you and your partner can come to a mutual understanding where you don’t really have to account for anything other than having a good time. On the other hand, a relationship can feel like an emotional roller coaster at times, but it’s worth it knowing that you and your partner have come together and agreed to be each other’s rock in life. Now, it’s 2023—a fling isn’t better than a relationship, and a relationship isn’t better than a fling. You’ll just have to have an open conversation with the person you’re seeing to figure out what works best.

So, how do you figure out who to be with forever or for now? Try asking yourself the following yes or no questions:

If someone compared me to my potential partner, would I take that as a compliment?

Do we have similar life goals?

When I think of feeling special in a relationship, do I imagine this person next to me?

Can I see myself going down a serious path with this person (marriage, kids, etc.)?

Am I proud to introduce them to my family?

If most of the answers are no, you can either choose to go about a fling with this person or simply move on to the next. If most of the answers are yes, though, then follow up by asking yourself the next set of questions.

Am I still able to go about the routines and rituals that make me feel good while I am with this person, or does everything go out the window when I am around them?

Do I have to explain myself to them when I hang out with friends/family, or do they encourage me to hang out with other people?

Am I able to have alone time while seeing them, or do they blow up my phone whenever we’re not together*?

Can I freely express my feelings within the relationship, or do I always find myself apologizing?

Can I be myself when I’m around my partner?

If any of these answers are no, then congratulations; take this as a sign and avoid what could potentially be a toxic relationship down the road. If the answers to these questions are yes, then go forth and cuff by all means.

*Note: it’s cute to get a “miss you” text, email, or phone call when you two are apart. But 27 missed calls, 14 DMs, 42 texts, and three emails after you’ve told them you want to take the day to yourself? That’s a bit possessive.

The Fall Outfit Edit

There’s nothing better than dressing during the fall. You have every excuse under the sun to wear moody colors, layer up your favorite pieces, and, obviously, emphasize comfort above everything else. Here’s the thing, though: fall fashion has long been synonymous with chunky cable knit sweaters and over-the-knee boots—while there is literally nothing wrong with that outfit formula, it can feel a bit repetitive if you and your friends all wear different variations of the same thing. If you want to stand out this fall while still feeling cozy, here are the best trends to tap into.

Chrome Everything

As if there was some secret Cool Girl meeting that no one knew about, almost every celeb and influencer is wearing silver and chrome everywhere. This style is simple to put together: you can opt for pieces as extravagant as chrome crop tops and chrome leather pants or add touches of the metallic hue through bags, shoes, or even a silver manicure. These eye-catching choices will surely turn heads wherever you go.

Moto Boots

Last fall, it was bows; this spring, it was ballet flats; and this season, it’s all about buckle-adorned boots. Call it the Miu Miu effect, but everything the brand touts becomes the blueprint for the rest of the season—now, Miu Miu-inspired buckled moto boots are all over, and they’re great for adding a bit of grit to your clean girl vibe. We’ve seen people wear these boots with everything—as one does with their go-to fall boots—but especially with crisp skirts and graphic baby T-shirts or with an oversized jacket and shorts.

Racing Jackets

There’s been some sporty energy on #FashionTok lately, and we can probably blame Bloke-core for that. Last year, the fashion girlies were all about Puma zip-ups and Adidas Sambas as a way to add rugged touches to their generally coquette-leaning vibes. This year, the trend expands with racing jackets, and you can either dress it down with a sweater and blue jeans or dress it up by wearing a racing jacket over frilly dress.

Sheer clothing has been all the rage this year, and thanks to brands like Ekhaus Latta (see: the brand’s SS24 runway) and people like Devon Lee Carlson, sheer is taking on a sultrier look. Full-lace tops and dresses have been circulating the web, and they especially look amazing when paired with leather or layered over other sheer or lace pieces. With its delicate and intricate lace details, this fashion trend adds a touch of sophistication to any wardrobe all while having that romantic and edgy flair.

@JOHANNALAGER

For Fall

Beauty& Self-Care

Transitioning out of summer is always tricky. You trade romantic European getaways for time at your desk, your favorite linen dresses for layers upon layers of clothing, and your soft, dewy skin for a dry and irritated complexion.

In terms of products, transitioning from summer to fall means upping the ante on ingredients that will hydrate and calm the complexion while protecting it from cold weather. Furthermore, it’s the perfect time to introduce woody yet calming fragrances back into your routine. Ahead are some of the things we’ll be using all season long.

Agent Nateur Holi(sex) Intimate Oil

Intimate Oil can do it all, from moisturizing the most sensitive skin types to increasing stimulation during solo or partner play. This is a blend of coconut and sweet almond oils that moisturize intimate areas while rose, jasmine, sandalwood, and vanilla oils come together to create an aphrodisiacal aroma. But the best part? It’s safe to use anywhere on your body.

available on majestyspleasure.com

Fur Oil Mini

available on majestyspleasure.com

Whether you’re in a serious relationship with waxing or are into the idea of letting your hair grow, you’ll want to get your hands on this oil. Fur Oil helps to soften coarse hairs while also diminishing the production of ingrown hairs and keratosis pilaris. You can use this travelfriendly oil anytime, whether it’s after your shower, after the gym, or when you feel you need a boost in moisture.

Maison Louis Marie No. 4 Perfume Oil

This perfume oil is basically like a soothing forest bath in a bottle. Notes of sandalwood, cedarwood, and amber wood create an intoxicating woodsy aroma while earthy vetiver grounds the fragrance. Cinnamon and nutmeg give this fragrance a spicy kick that undeniably screams “fall.”

Fur All Body Wash

Turn your daily ablutions into a spa event every day. This pH-balanced oil lathers to a milky body wash to whisk away grime and soften the skin over time. It’s gynecologically-tested, helps to neutralize sweat all over, and locks hydration into the skin—all while looking chic and smelling fresh.

Sidia The Hand Serum

available

From Cowgirl Copper to Nepo Blonde

Here are the 4 Best Hair Colors to Try This Fall

Hair color is exceptionally nuanced. Sure, you can classify your hair as blonde, red, brunette, or black, but under each category lives what feels like thousands of sub-categories of color. Countless questionably-named hair colors have graced our TikTok FYPs this year—here are the top four that’ll be everywhere this season.

Cowgirl Copper

Red hair isn’t going anywhere. Just this year alone, Shay Mitchell, Megan Thee Stallion, and even Gigi Hadid all donned a variation of cowboy copper hair, which calls for a red color with vibrant yet deep warm tones. Think of it as the color in between strawberry blonde and cherry cola red—it’s bright with tinges of orange but has an underlying deep red color that’s perfect for the cooler weather.

Cinnamon Cookie Butter

Anything Hailey Bieber does is basically beauty gospel. Almost everyone copped her blunt bob and glazed skin this year, and now, she’s about to make everyone dye their hair. Her hairstylist coined the term “cinnamon cookie butter” for her new hair color, which is like the happy medium between a true brunette and a cowboy copper. It’s great if you want to try red hair but don’t want to stray too far from your naturally dark locks.

@SHAYMITCHELL

Nepo Blonde

If you’ve been all about icy platinum hair this summer, consider deepening your color with this blonde that screams “old money.” Celebrity hair colorist Tom Smith first coined this color, describing a richgirl blonde with bronde roots and bright, buttery highlights. It’ll help you enter the dark, cool winter while holding onto that just-came-back-from-the-Amalfi-Coast sun-kissed blonde you’ve been rocking all summer. Oh, and the best part? It grows out so well that you may even be able to go all winter without touch-ups.

Dark Chocolate Glazed

If you’d rather avoid light and bright hues, a dark, cool-toned brown will be your best bet this season. This brown is essentially as close as you can come to black hair without committing fully to black hair— if you find that your skin undertones are way too cool during the winter for warm colors, you’ll want to consider this.

Brace Your Nails

Your full guide for healthy nails, despite the frigid temps

Maintaining nail health is complicated. Unlike hair that can be thrown into a protective bun or skin that can be guarded from the world with the right antioxidant, your hands likely don’t get the same treatment. Whether you’re typing, doing dishes, or using your nails to open boxes (stop that!), regular wear and tear can do a number on cuticle health and nail strength. Add in the cool fall air that dries out every part of you, and it’s a recipe for brittle nails all season long. Here are some steps you can take to maintain nail health throughout the season.

Use a cuticle oil and hand cream: Your nails can only be as strong as your cuticles are healthy. To avoid brittle nails, you’ll first want to ensure that your cuticles and skin are moisturized and healthy. Use a vitamin E-rich cuticle oil every day, and make sure you use a hand cream or salve whenever you wash or sanitize your hands.

File and buff your nails every week: Do you ever notice that the longer your nails are, the more prone they are to breakage? If your nail goals include long, natural nails, consider filing and buffing them each week. Sure, this might slow you down as you reach your desired nail length, but regular filing will help you maintain structure and thickness throughout the entire nail plate.

Wear Gloves Everywhere: And all types of gloves, too. Protect your hands from the cold with leather or knit gloves as you step outdoors

to protect against cool weather. Once inside, though, use rubber gloves while you wash the dishes or use cleaning products. Finally, consider going to sleep with cotton gloves on to lock your hand cream in overnight.

Use A Nail Strengthener: If you’re a fan of the barely-there manicure, you can swap out your regular nude nail polish for a strengthener that fortifies your nails. If you are into more intricate manicures, though, consider using a nail strengthener under your base coat.

Eat Your Vitamins: Much like anything in skin-, hair-, or bodycare, nail health is heavily reliant on your overall health. To boost nail health, incorporate biotinrich foods like eggs, almonds, and avocados, as well as foods with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and chia seeds.

So, Is It Really Bad to Produce Lactic Acid During a Workout?

For years, lactic acid has been thought to be the culprit for the burning, aching, and swelling that comes along with working out. Here’s the deal: your muscles produce lactic acid during a workout—and while scientists used to think that excess lactic acid caused post-workout soreness (which scientists and doctors call Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS for short), a study as far back as 1983 show that lactic acid actually helps to signal to your brain where your muscles need healing. Yes, lactic acid is surprisingly good for you and helps your strong muscles heal.

Is it a surprise that one of the best skin acids out there is also good for muscles? Not at all. But, this revelation begs the question: if lactic acid isn’t the bad guy in this situation, then who is? It turns out that DOMS comes from inflammation and tiny tears in your muscle fibers, which cause pain and soreness until they’re re-bonded. Not to worry, though, as these tears are a normal part of working out.

One of the best ways to get rid of DOMS actually isn’t to get rid of excess lactic acid, but to continue working out and strengthening the muscles until the soreness eventually dissipates. Still, pushing through the pain can seem like torture—here are a few things you can do while your body adjusts to your workouts.

It seems almost too simple to think about in these terms, but it’s just the truth: one of the best ways to get rid of inflammation is by literally cooling off your muscles. You can use ice packs on your affected muscles, or if you want to go full Wim-Hof, try dipping into an ice bath.

The best way to get more healing nutrients to your sore muscles is to boost circulation, and there is really nothing better than a massage to get the job done. What’s more, massages have tons of benefits–they can, in real time, soothe muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and ease muscle pain. You can book a massage with us and throw on a body scrub to stimulate the movement of lymph to prevent injuries in the future.

Ice Dip Massage Enjoy R+R

Rest and relaxation aren’t just for your OOO days—it’s a pleasure you should indulge in every day. Remember, muscle soreness essentially indicates that there’s muscle damage going on, and the best way to restore your muscles to full health is to let your body reset. Get a total eight hours of sleep every night to help your body repair itself, and have a dose of chill during your waking hours to decrease cortisol levels, which will, in turn, help your body focus on healing.

Here’s How to “Peel” Without Wreaking Havoc on Your Dry Fall Skin

When thinking about the skincare products and rituals that’ll stick with you through the winter, your mind probably doesn’t immediately gravitate toward chemical peels. Sure, old-school chemical peels are excellent for diminishing scars, wrinkles, and even acne, but get it if you don’t want to purposely cause major cracking and peeling while your skin is generally dry.

Peels have a long-standing history of wreaking major havoc on the skin. Still, these days, there are so many gentle exfoliation options out there that can give you a glowing complexion without any downtime. Ahead, here are some of our favorite peel alternatives for dewy, clear skin.

Glycolic Peel

If you ask most estheticians, they’ll probably tell you that glycolic acid is the cornerstone acid for sensitive skin facials. Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that sloughs off dead skin cells from the surface and is especially great for helping prevent acne, diminishing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and upping the ante on your skin’s glow factor.

Salicylic Acid Fruit Enzymes

You may equate beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to the harsh anti-acne cleanser you used as a teen, but this acid type is excellent for dry skin types when used correctly. BHAs go deeper into the pores than AHAs, so it’s great for clearing build-up in the skin and improving texture—especially from acne scars.

While acids work to dissolve dead skin and pore gunk, enzymes eat away at these things instead. Fruit enzymes are particularly great for sensitive skin since they don’t do too much damage to the healthy tissue that’s hiding underneath. Our Nudeskin Vegan Skin Renewal Facial includes vegan papain enzymes from papaya to enhance your skin’s glow and diminish the appearance of fine lines over time. It also feaatures the Nudeskin Lemon-Aid Detox & Glow Micro-Peel. As a 3-in-1 peel, it works as a deep pore cleanser, skin renewal exfoliator and skin brightener for that extra glow.

How to Harvest

Serenity

During the Transitional Season

Fall is an intense time for most people. School is back in session, businesses gear up for the end-of-year madness, and the stressors of the holiday season are right around the corner. What’s more, depending on where you live, you’re forced to deal with these big changes while there’s less sunlight and more time spent indoors. The transitional season can be emotionally and mentally exhausting—but the worst part? Everyone just pretends that it’s not.

We don’t like to kid anyone, though— even the best of us feel absolutely drained during this time of year. In fact, we’ll go so far as to say that it’s OK to feel like your life has been turned upside-down during a time when practically everyone goes through major changes. In an effort to harvest serenity during this time of year, try the following tips.

Get Some Sun: It’s no secret that sunlight is one of the best ways to beat your seasonal mood woes. Along with boosting vitamin D levels, sunlight exposure can promote good sleep and improve mood. Consider going for daily walks while the sun is in the sky–if you’re stuck inside most days, though, favor letting natural light into your space over indoor lighting.

note to-do list) and follow it diligently. Eat and Cook Mindfully: Cooking can be a meditative experience, but sadly, not everyone has the bandwidth to make a full-on stew in the middle of a weekday. The best way to mimic this experience during your lunch break is to cook and eat mindfully, which means focusing strictly on preparing and eating your meal. Get rid of any phones, laptops, and background noise, and focus your attention on the sensations of eating food that you made entirely yourself.

Have Calming Supplements: Sometimes diet alone isn’t enough to provide every last vitamin and mineral you need to thrive—and that’s OK. Stock up on your favorite multivitamins this year, focusing on things like vitamin D, omega-3’s, ashwagandha, lion’s mane mushroom, and holy basil.

Make A

Schedule

And Stick To It: The summer is a fantastic time to get tons of things done in one day since there are simply *so* many hours of sunlight in the day. Alternatively, fewer hours of sunlight during the fall can make you feel overwhelmed to finish all your tasks before sunset. Make a schedule each day (whether it’s as intense as a Kanban board or as relaxed as a sticky-

Get It All Out: Emotions almost always follow the “better out than in” rule. Take time out of your day to vent about whatever is bothering you. You can phone a friend, family member, or therapist for this—but if none of them are available, jot down all your feelings in a journal.

“Self care to me is being able to slow down and recharge.”

– Sammy Huynh

PLEASURE RITUAL

[Ideal Saturday Schedule]

9am - Morning matcha and walk my dog

10am - Play Tennis

12pm - Head downtown for lunch in Yorkville with significant other

1:30pm - Self care day at Majesty’s Pleasure

3pm - Meet up with friends for a mid-day coffee

5pm - Go shopping at my favourite local spots

7pm - Dinner reservations at Sotto Sotto Restaurant

9pm - Grab a drink with significant other in Ossington

11pm - Night out with friends

HOW DO YOU SEEK PLEASURE FOR YOURSELF?

Traveling and exploring the world. Self care rituals for myself whether that’s a manicure, facial or spa treatments. Discovering new art whether that’s new architecture, interior, fashion or design.

WHAT IS YOUR COCKTAIL OF THE MOMENT?

Lychee Lime Fizz

WHAT IS YOUR DAILY SKINCARE + BEAUTY ROUTINE?

Double Cleansing with Decorté

AQ Washing & Cleansing Cream – I’m From Rice Toner

Decorté AQ EmulsionBrightening

Decorté AQ Lotion - Brightening

Caudalie Vinoperfect Instant

Brightening Moisturizer with Niacinamide

Summer Fridays Light Aura

Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream

– Beauty Counter All Bright

Brightening Facial Oil

– Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL SPOTS?

Emmer for coffee and their classic croissant. Milou for brunch and coffee. Sugo for classic Italian. Fattoush Sandwich Shop for their falafel hummus bowl. Shakers Club for their smash burger. VSP Consignment for vintage shopping. Dundas West for local boutique shopping. The Webster for designer shopping

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Everything will come with time.

The Harvest Soup

That we can’t stop making this season

Soup is an enigmatic food. No matter how refined your tastebuds are and whether you have Michelin-level culinary skills or not, everyone feels warm and homey after a good bowl of soup. The caveat? Most soup recipes can feel like a weekend-only type of thing since they can take hours to come together. This bright yet rich butternut squash soup, though, hits all your needs: it’s satiating, vegan, and takes only about an hour to make.

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 50 minutes Total Time: 1 hr 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash

1 medium carrot

1 celery stalk

1 Asian pear

1 medium yellow onion

4 cloves of garlic

3-5 fresh sage leaves

1 tsp fresh ginger

1 tsp tomato paste

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 32 fluid ounce container of vegetable broth

1 can full-fat coconut milk

1 tsp curry powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Roughly dice your squash, carrots, celery, Asian pear, onion, garlic and ginger and set to the side.

2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven—a large pot works just as well—and add in all the vegetables you diced in step one. Cook on medium-high heat until tender (about five minutes).

3. Add in your tomato paste, sage, salt, black pepper, and curry powder, and mix well to coat all vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

4. Add in vegetable broth. Once your soup comes to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Cook for 30 minutes.

5. After half an hour, add 1 can of full-fat coconut milk and cook for another 10 minutes.

6. Remove the Dutch oven or pot from the heat. Place the soup in a heat-safe blender and puree.

7. Serve the soup warm and enjoy.

5 Things to Have Instead of That Third Cup of Coffee

The fall and winter seasons can leave you desperate for a pick-meup just hours before the workday ends. (You can blame it on your bursting schedule or the fact that there’s less daylight this time of year.) While a mid-day coffee can feel gratifying at the moment, it can lead you down a vicious cycle. First, you drink coffee or an energy drink to perk up in the middle of the day, and then you accidentally stay up way too late because you’re caffeine-buzzed. The next day, you wake up having not gotten enough sleep, which inevitably leads you to need yet another mid-day pick me up. The cycle continues.

Rather than accepting this as fate, there are ways to feel invigorated that don’t require coffee. Here are some of our favorite things to have instead of having that third cup of coffee.

Drink Your Shrooms: Adaptogens and functional mushrooms are having a moment right now and for a good reason—they can help to lower cortisol levels, increase energy, and even help to balance the gut. On the energy front, reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga are the ones to look out for. You can either take these as a supplement or mix a powder form into a latte to give you that same “coffee” feel.

Have a Snack: Our elementary school teachers knew what they were doing when they sat us down for snack time every day. Food is your primary energy source, and having a simple snack like hummus and veggies, yoghurt, or even a smoothie can provide you with the energy you need to close out the rest of your day.

Take a Hike: OK, maybe not a literal hike—but a walk should do the trick. Sometimes, we can confuse boredom with fatigue, and one of the quickest ways to tell your brain, “Hey, here’s something fun to do” is to change scenery. You can make your walk short and leisurely or make it brisk for some added endorphins.

Move your Body: Regarding endorphins, moving is one of the best ways to spike your energy levels. Movement can be as simple as completing basic stretches for five minutes or doing a full HIIT workout during your lunch break.

The Power of a Power Nap: And if all else fails, reset yourself with a 15-minute power nap. If you find it difficult to fall asleep, consider doing a guided nap meditation.

Harvest Moon

Virgo

Virgo, did you know that you’re *literally* the harvesting sign? It’s why you’re so organized and goaloriented. The fall will kick these aspects of you into high gear, and you’ll notice an emphasis on getting your mental, physical, and

Scorpio Libra

Libra, you tend to really love the people you love, and this season will be all about finding new true connections and balancing your existing interpersonal relationships.

In general, no one can tell you what to do, Scorpio— you’ve always marched to the beat of your own drum. This season, you’ll want to hold onto this strength and follow your gut despite what others expect of you. It’ll help you make the right decisions and

Sagittarius

While others may find solace in staying put during the fall, you likely have travel on your mind, Sagittarius. If you don’t have any *actual* travel plans lined up this season, you’ll want to find ways to explore locally, like joining a new fitness class, getting into a new hobby, or going on a weekend hike on the

Capricorn Aquarius

As the unofficial CEO of the astrological signs, it’s no surprise that this season is about your career and ambition. Whether it’s as simple as organizing your long-term goals or as grand as entering a new field, get ready to put on your power suit and harvest everything you need for you and your

Aquarius, you’re the epitome of a social butterfly, even if not everyone understands your alternative ideas. This season, you’ll feel inclined to use your social skills to help others—so don’t be surprised if you get involved in volunteer work or creative group projects.

Pisces

Pisces, you may feel particularly introspective this season — and that’s OK. The fall will serve as a time for you to harvest inner growth and healing, so make sure to spend a bit more time with yourself, whether you’re meditating more, headed to the salon, or taking yourself out to dinner.

Astrology

Taurus Aries

While other signs may go into hibernation mode, the fall season can bring a burst of energy for you, Aries. Use this time to re-hash your passion projects and search for new opportunities before the winter arrives.

Taurus, you thrive the most when you build off your existing foundations. This fall, you’ll want to focus on building, building, building, from your personal relationships and finances, to your career goals and beyond.

Gemini

Gemini, you’re not twofaced—you just get along with everyone, especially during the fall. You can expect to harvest new networking opportunities and friendships this season—so, RSVP yes to events.

Cancer

Fall can be emotionally draining for you, Cancer. You’ll want to focus on your self-care rituals and staying in touch with your loved ones this season.

Leo

Leo, you tend to experience a post-birthday high during the fall, which can provide feelings of confidence and creativity. Use that energy to show off your best parts this season through passion projects or art.

Introducing Majesty’s Pleasure Membership

We created the Majesty’s Pleasure Leisure Club to make it easier for you. Like any other membership club, the Majesty’s Pleasure Leisure Club is an all access membership that focuses on more of what you want: manicures, pedicures, time to yourself and time with friends, at a price that offers the best deal in the city. Pleasure isn’t a luxury— you deserve to experience it every day, even in the smallest of ways.