Our picks

10 things luxe loves

10 things luxe is loving this season… Compiled by Mariel Jones

Living by >> If 2020 taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected and live each day as it comes. With that in mind, we’re spending 2021 living by this quote from the former First Lady:

“If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavour.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

Pampering with >> OROGOLD COSMETICS 24K MAGMA PEEL Peel your way to beautiful, glowing skin with Orogold’s Magma Peel - a pampering product perfect for your 2021 cosmetic bag. It works wonders when it comes to banishing dry, flakey skin after winter has taken its toll. A non-abrasive, cruelty-free exfoliating gel that is remarkably gentle and delivers results quickly. Your skin will be left feeling renewed, refreshed and fully revitalised. £118. orogoldcosmetics.co.uk LIMITED EDITION HEATHER SPARKLING MEAD Created from a passion for honey, bees and champagne, Northumberland Honey Co. have worked their magic with a unique Sparkling Mead, the perfect prelude to a moment of pleasure or celebration. The 2017 Mead is a seriously rare and collectable edition, quintessentially British, elegantly presented and the perfect winter warmer. A not-so dry January at our Luxe home office. £38.50. northumberlandhoney.co.uk Dreaming of >> SIX SENSES, FIJI The spectacular Six Senses Fiji resort is a paradise for those seeking an out-of-this-world encounter with nature, complemented by untouched beaches, crystal clear reefs and first-class dining. Situated on Malolo Island, this Pacific treasure ticks all the boxes for a luxury retreat, whether you’re stepping straight into the ocean from a private villa, riding the waves at the surf school or keeping your feet on the ground with a sunset stroll. We may not be jetting off just yet, but it’s certainly top of our do-this dream as soon as we can take to the skies once again. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of wanderlust.

In our basket >> blacktomato.com

Watching >> L’ARTISAN PARFUMEUR Looking for a winter warmer to light up those long nights? Time to glow and thaw out in the warmth of this L’Artisan Parfumeur candle. Think cedarwood, blackcurrant bud and calming lavender notes as you relax, unwind and enjoy a bit of January R&R at home. £46. artisanparfumeur.com

THE DARIN OLIEN SHOW Start the new year with a new perspective on contemporary life. Darin Olien’s self-titled podcast provides a fascinating insight into the history of climate change and society’s other fatal conveniences that are key contributors to the ever-changing and evolving world we live in today. Each episode is packed with honest, inspiring and enlightening conversations with fascinating people from all walks of life. Darin and his guests hold the same ultimate goal - to save the planet one conversation at a time. darinolien.com/podcasts REBECCA A must-see movie for 2021. Make sure you check out the new Netflix adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s novel starring Lily James as a young woman who falls in love and marries George Maxim de Winter, played by Armie Hammer. Sounds like the perfect love story? You’d be wrong. Mrs de Winter is quick to learn that her husband’s home, now her humble abode, is haunted by memories of his late wife, Rebecca. This one is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. Duvet day in front of the TV anyone?

Perfect scent >>

Listening to >> netflix.com Kitchen inspo >> SALT, FAT, ACID, HEAT: MASTERING THE ELEMENTS OF GOOD COOKING Whether you’re after fuss-free foodie inspo, or a recipe that is tailored to those with a bit of culinary experience, this is the cookbook you need in the heart of your home. A simple yet comprehensive guide to kitchen confidence - teaching you how to balance the four fundamentals of salt, fat, acid and heat - featuring recipes that suit everyone, from beginners to qualified cooks. A great way to start experimenting in the kitchen. £30. waterstones.com

Following >> REBECCA.IRIS A lively feed celebrating all the lovely little moments that come with being a new mum. Rebecca is a Lake District girl living in North Yorkshire, making her way around the quaint towns and villages between the two beautiful areas. Expect everything from adorable baby shots and family portraits, to food inspiration and day out ideas. instagram.com/rebecca.iris

Reading >> THIS IS NOT A FASHION STORY: TAKING CHANCES, BREAKING RULES, AND BEING A BOSS IN THE BIG CITY WeWoreWhat’s founder, Danielle Bernstein, has launched her autobiography, This is Not a Fashion Story. Danielle is an entrepreneurial whirlwind whose business and creative inclination has been instrumental in redefining an industry, building a brand through the power of social media, becoming a household name in Forbes 30 Under 30 list and having a charitable conscience. The perfect stylish coffee table book for 2021. £17. amazon.co.uk

GETTING TO KNOW YOU >> Name: Francesca Bolam Title: Writer/Actress Where is home? Home is Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York. Originally, I’m from Darlington and grew up in Stockton-on-Tees. Three reasons you love where you live? There’s a certain magic about New York and the place is buzzing with creatives in all industries. In my neighborhood there is such a mixture of different cultures - it’s a beautiful thing to experience. There’s always something exciting happening in New York and so much opportunity available.

THE DAY JOB >> What do you do for a living? I’m a writer/ actress, which seems very different to how I imagined it to be in a global pandemic. I went back to school in 2018 and graduated at the end of 2019. I was ready to rock and roll with auditions but COVID shook that up. I also work for a Broadway Theatre company in the fundraising department. A day in the life of you? My days rarely look the same. It depends what project I’m working on. But usually, I get up and practice Nichiren Buddhism with chanting and morning meditation. On a good day, that is followed by yoga or a workout. Then I’ll usually work most of the day. When I get time off, I’ll often write, take a class or hang out with friends. I miss the days of constantly running around all day and catching a show at the end of it. Any ongoing or upcoming projects we should know about? I recently filmed my play ‘Untitled Monologues’. This was a project I had been working on during the pandemic. Initially, I was asked to submit work for a live play festival called Rogue Theater Festival at 13th Street Repertory Theatre, an iconic off-Broadway theatre in NYC, however it is now streaming online. It’s been really exciting to be able to be creative during this time. I wrote, acted in, directed and edited the piece. It was interesting to have an idea solely for theatre and then make it translatable to screen in a short amount of time. I remember when I was auditioning for stage school, I always found it difficult to find monologues I connected with, so I think this piece would be perfect audition material. What does downtime mean to you? I think I’m still learning what that means. Sunday is probably the only day where I plan in some chill time - that’s usually spent with friends, or at the park. Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is right by my apartment and is one of my favourite spots to relax.

LESSONS IN LIFE >> What did you want to be when you were growing up? Initially, I wanted to be a doctor and now I have a secret dream that one day I’ll play one on Casualty. Yes, I’m still watching Casualty and have done forever! What is the most important lesson life has taught you? To never give up and just keep pushing. I think we spend too much time standing in our own way, so I’m trying to stay out of my head and just have faith that I have everything I need to create the life I want. What is your greatest fear? I don’t think I actually have one. Which living person do you admire most and why? This is a really difficult question because I admire so many people for different reasons and some of them aren’t alive. So I’m cheating when I say Ntozake Shange, playwright and poet. As a black feminist, she addressed issues relating to race and black power in much of her work. Her choreopoem ‘for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is THE LUXE LOWDOWN: FRANCESCA BOLAM

From Billingham choir to Broadway stage, Francesca Bolam is doing big things in the world of writing and acting. She grew up in the North East but now calls Brooklyn home, where she continues to succeed in the arts. Pandemic aside, the show must go on - and she’s doing exactly that with her latest play, ‘Untitled Monologues’, which made it to the Rogue Theater Festival 2020’s online streaming outlet. Elysia Fryer gets the lowdown...

enuf’ stands out to me creatively because her work confronted issues that weren’t being talked about. She was revolutionary and her work also uses many different mediums and has so many layers to it. I was fortunate to see it performed twice at The Public Theatre last year. On a personal level, my friends really inspire me, I have a really good circle of strong, badass creatives who are all doing really exciting and meaningful work.

LIVING LUXE >> What is top of your bucket list? Definitely to win an Oscar or a Tony Award. What is your most treasured possession? I practice Nichiren Buddhism with the SGI (Tina Turner does too!), which is a philosophy based on respecting the dignity of life. We chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to a mandala called the Gohonzon, this is an object that acts as a mirror for our internal self. My Gohonzon takes pride of place on the altar in my living room. My practice has really got me through some horrendous times and I don’t think I’d be where I am today without it. What does the weekend mean to you? Weekends mean brunch, long walks in Brooklyn and personal writing time with candles on. I love my Sunday evenings - it’s the time I take to plan my schedule, journal and set the week’s intentions. It keeps me sane! A memorable holiday? I definitely left a piece of my heart in South Africa. The first time I went my friend and I drove from Johannesburg to Cape Town and stopped off everywhere in between. We went to Grahamstown Arts Festival and the level of passion and creativity still inspires me to this day. The country is beautiful, the people are so warm and the food is amazing. Best dress? Although my wardrobe is full of floral midi dresses, I really am a leather pant kinda gal. Who would be your top three dinner guests? This is so hard to choose. Michaela Coel, Florence Welch and Cynthia Erivo. The last place you ate? My all time favourite spot, Otis. A beautiful chef-owned restaurant in Brooklyn. The buratta is to-die-for. The last book you read? All About Love by Bell Hooks. The last thing you listened to? One of my friends introduced me to Sh**ged Married Annoyed and it is incredible. If you haven’t listened to the podcast you have to! Chris and Rosie Ramsey are hilarious. It’s really refreshing to be so far away from the UK and the North East and be able to laugh like you do with your mates. The last thing you watched? The Queen’s Gambit is the best thing to have graced my screen in years. The cinematography is beautiful, Anya Taylor-Joy intriguing and the writing genius. Three luxe things in life? MAC lipstick, Alien by Thierry Mugler fragrance and fresh flowers in the apartment every week.