Welcome to The Weekender: a new series dedicated to trips you can actually take in three days or less. Think of it as a curated guide to making the most of a short escape.

My scent of the trip:

Lust in Paradise - Ex Nihilo

Notes: Peony, pink pepper, litchi & musk

Where to stay: La Playa Hotel

Once a luxurious mansion built in 1905 by an artist as a gift for his wife, a member of the Ghirardelli family, the property has been part of Carmel’s story for more than a century. Today, the hotel still carries that sense of history, with beautiful design details, cozy rooms, and the most incredible gardens. There’s something special about wandering through the property and realizing that you’re staying somewhere with more than 100 years of stories behind it!!

The rooms are perfectly designed. Charming, romantic and surrounding by the views and sounds of the ocean as well as the perfectly manicured gardens. There are le labo products in the bathroom and super plush robes to lounge around in.

The location is really hard to beat. La Playa is just a short walk from Carmel Beach, making an early morning walk along the water a must. Each evening, warm chocolate chip cookies are set out for guests in the lobby, fresh from the oven and a sweet nod to the Ghirardelli family. Breakfast is also included and it’s sooooo good.

Where to eat

La Bicyclette is a little bistro is filled with petite wooden tables, rustic art and copper pots, giving it that wonderfully lived-in feeling. The menu leans French and Mediterranean and is cozy and unfussy.

What to order: the spinach gnocchi & wood fired pizzas (and the seafood pasta if it happens to be on the specials menu)

With only a handful of seats, limited hours, and a tiny team, Akaoni keeps things simple. All the fish is incredibly fresh and beautifully understated. Details matter, from the freshly grated wasabi to the mismatched ceramics.

What to order: the chef’s choice sashimi & nirigi

What to do

Just steps from La Playa, walking along Carmel Beach is the perfect way to start the morning or end the day, with soft white sand, crashing waves, and that unmistakable California coastline.

Spend an afternoon wandering through the storybook cottages, admiring the architecture, popping into little shops, and letting yourself get a little lost. The town is filled with charming boutiques, galleries, and tiny details that make even a simple walk feel like an activity. Leave the itinerary behind for an hour or two and just see where you end up.

For a little more nature, head to Point Lobos, just south of Carmel. The coastline here is absolutely beautiful, with rocky coves, turquoise water, and trails that wind along the cliffs. You don’t need to be an avid hiker to enjoy it either. Pick a trail, take your time, and keep your eyes open for sea lions and other wildlife along the way.

Taking the scenic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach is a must. It opened in 1881, originally as a tour from Monterey’s Hotel Del Monte around the coastline. Even though the route has changed over the years, it remains exactly 17 miles. The route winds along some of the most beautiful stretches of California coastline, with ocean views, beaches, forests, and plenty of places to pull over along the way. The lone cypress was one of my favourite stops. Over 250 years old, it sits dramatically on a granite outcropping overlooking the Pacific.

If you have an extra day, Big Sur is absolutely worth the drive. The coastline is dramatic, wild, and almost impossibly beautiful, with winding roads, towering cliffs, and endless views of the Pacific.

Xx

A

I hope everyone has had a fun & restful weekend!

I’m absolutely in love with this week’s flowers. I went to the florist with a very specific vision in mind: green hydrangeas, peonies, and light pink roses. I was originally hoping for pale pink peonies, but they didn’t have any in stock, and I ended up choosing white instead, which actually turned out to be even more beautiful than I imagined.

Currently reading/listening/watching:

Reading: I’m currently reading The Feast by Lucy Foley, and so far it’s exactly the kind of atmospheric thriller I love getting completely immersed in. It’s set around the opening of a luxurious seaside hotel on a remote island, and there’s already this growing sense that everything is slowly beginning to unravel. The whole book feels tense, dramatic, and slightly claustrophobic in the best way possible. Lucy Foley is so good at creating glamorous settings filled with deeply questionable people, which makes her books ridiculously fun to read.

Listening: Blake Whiten, on repeat! I’m already counting down to his album release in July because if the recent songs are any indication, it’s going to be incredibly good.

Watching: I started Young Sherlock on Prime this week. I’m only two episodes in so far, but it’s been such a fun watch. One of the biggest highlights for me is the production design. Everything feels incredibly detailed and lavish in a way that makes the world feel fully immersive. The costumes, interiors, lighting… it’s all beautifully done and honestly half the reason I’m enjoying it so much.

So much of my inspiration comes from offline things. I love watching visually beautiful films/tv shows and paying attention to the styling, interiors, colour palettes, and overall feeling they create. Some of my favourites are Marie Antoinette, Downton Abbey, The Grand Budapest Hotel and basically anything by Denis Villeneuve.

I’m deeply obsessed with print media. I will always buy the glossy magazine, the coffee table book packed with interior inspo, the art book…I also have a pretty extensive collection of cookbooks. I also love going to museums and galleries, it always leaves me feeling creatively recharged. I think there’s something so cool about physically collecting inspiration instead of constantly consuming it digitally.

Fave bites of the week:

Pasta pooks still has my favourite pasta in Montreal. Their menu changes frequently, which I honestly love because there’s always something new to obsess over. This time, the cappellacci alla genovese and the ricotta gnocchi with ramp and pistachio pesto completely blew my mind.

The radicchio salad & pepperoni pizza at Au Coin - The interiors are also so magical and cozy, and they bake all of their pastries and baked goods on site, which makes the whole space smell incredible the second you walk in.

Over the past few months, I’ve developed a hair routine that I’ve genuinely been loving. I’m definitely someone who enjoys the ritual of doing my hair and I feel like hair products/tools are one of those things where once you find the right combination, it completely changes how your hair behaves.

These are a few of the products & tools currently in heavy rotation for me:

1. Oribe signature shampoo & conditioner

2. Dyson airwrap + Bio ionic 1.5 inch hair curler for styling

3. Oribe hair plumping mousse

4. Color WOW thicken & lift spray

5. Oribe heat protection spray

6. Oribe superfine hair spray

7. Oribe dry texturizing spray

8. JVN shine drops

9. K18 airwash dry shampoo

Xx

Aria

How is it almost mid-May????

Currently reading/listening/watching:

Reading: The Main Character by Jaclyn Goldis. It’s a tribute to Agatha Christie and her classic "Murder on the Orient Express. A thriller centred around a reclusive author named Ginevra Ex, who invites a group of people she’s fictionalized in her novels onto a luxurious train trip through Italy. It’s dramatic, slightly chaotic, and exactly the kind of escapist read I love winding down with at the end of the day.

Listening: Not Just the Tudors Podcast & Kacey Musgraves’ amazing new album Middle of Nowhere.

Watching: Lots of British detective shows, courtesy of a new subscription to Britbox. Currently watching Happy Valley which is keeping me on the edge of my seat.

Inspiring me lately:

Fun pants, specifically with a Western flair

Mandarin collars

I started the week with a fresh hair gloss, and I truly don’t think enough people talk about how much of a difference they make. I try to book one every six-ish weeks, especially when my colour starts to feel a little flat. It gives my hair that expensive-looking shine and makes everything look richer, healthier, and way more vibrant without doing anything too dramatic.

I’ve been trying to take a few extra minutes every morning to do my makeup while I drink my first coffee of the day. I get this quiet little pocket of time to sit with myself, be creative, and ease into the morning a bit more slowly. Here are a few things I’ve been loving:

• The Westman Atelier cream bronzer duo. I have the lightest shade, but I think I want to try the medium shade as well. The texture is divine.

• The Chanel les beiges water fresh tint gives the most beautiful sheer coverage and somehow manages to make your skin look like your skin…just significantly more rested and expensive.

• The Chanel lip and cheek balm is a really gorgeous multi purpose product. I especially love the shade “vital beige” which gives you that sunburnt look!

I’m planning to share all of my summer makeup faves in an upcoming post so keep an eye out for that!

Friday afternoon, I was out on a little hot girl walk and somehow ended up inside the Maison Francis Kurkdjian boutique. Completely accidental behaviour, obviously. They happened to be running a promotion on Gentle Fluidity Gold, which I’ve been wanting to add to my collection for ages, so I took it as a sign.

It’s such an elegant vanilla scent. Soft, airy and slightly spicy. I learned that Francis Kurkdjian actually created his own vanilla accord for this perfume, which gives it this incredibly delicate, enveloping warmth. It features vanillin which adds that creamy softness, while the juniper berries, nutmeg, musks, and amber woods keep it feeling elevated and balanced.

It’s so ethereal, and I’m so excited to have it in my collection. The boutique also offers custom engraving, which makes the whole experience feel even more special. I’m such a sucker for little personalized details like that.

One of my favourite parts of every week is deciding what I’m going to eat over the weekend. As I’m writing this, I’m finishing some really gorgeous takeout sushi on the couch and watching Downton Abbey (my comfort show) for the 100th time… which is my ideal Sunday night. I’m definitely more of a nigiri / simple roll girl. I don’t love all the extra crispies, sauces etc.

Fave bites of the week:

Take out sushi from Hidden Fish

Earle Grey focaccia from Miette

Cardamom & rose tres leches cake from Velora

Papaya salad + char kuay toew noodles from Satay Brothers

Every Sunday, I do the Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant. It looks questionable, smells even worse, and somehow remains one of the best things I’ve ever used on my skin. I’m very loyal when it comes to skincare, and once I find something that genuinely works for me, it earns a permanent spot in the rotation.

Other products I swear by:

Tatcha dewy skin cream

Biologique recherche P50 lotion

La Roche Posay pure vitamin C12

Vichy mineral 89

La Mer treatment lotion

Skinfood carrot carotene calming water pads

<3 See you next week <3

Xx

Aria

I started the weekend by visiting the Torlonia collection, which just touched down in Montreal for its only Canadian stop. It was simply put, a breathtaking exhibit. I’m always blown away by what artists are able to create with marble. It’s on until July 19th, and is definitely worth checking out if you live in Montreal or are planning to visit!

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I am a Diptyque GIRL - but I must admit I haven’t been super excited by any of their new candle launches recently. (I think last time was in 2024, and Diptyque..if you see this PLEASE bring back Chantilly). They’ve recently released five new candles and I decided to do some boots on the ground journalism and smell all of them for you!!

Here’s my ranking from fave to least fave:

1. Rhubarb - The standout for me. Bright, crisp, a little tart. It gives sunny farmer’s market energy. The carrot seed and patchouli add this unexpected tomato leaf feel that makes it really interesting.

2. Cafe - Warm, cozy, smells like a beautiful cup of coffee. I would burn this all morning. However my favourite coffee candle remains DS & Durga’s Breakfast Leipzig, which combines Javanese coffee with gorgeous notes of almond pastry, tobacco leaf and leather.

3. Shiso - I wasn’t blown away, but it was pretty. The almond note is a nice touch. Overall, I think this is one that a lot of people would enjoy.

4. Ortie - This was very herbal and smells like cut grass to me. Not really my thing.

5. Black Sesame - As someone who loves black sesame desserts, I was really excited for this one. Unfortunately I didn't get all the richness and yumminess I was expecting. It was so powdery that it almost smelled dusty to me. I’ll definitely pass on this one.

I didn’t end up leaving with any candles, but I finally picked up a perfume that’s been on my wish list for a while. Fleur Narcotique is one of the dreamiest fragrances I’ve ever smelled. It’s also apparently Hailey Bieber’s go to. Notes of bergamot, lychee, peach, jasmine and peony. I tried it again last week and not only did it smell incredible all day, it clung to my clothes for days after and somehow smelled even better. Love her.

Best bites of the week:

• Sourdough pizza at Elena Pizzeria

• Iced banana bread latte at BRUT cafe

• Sourdough bread from Miette

• Cardamom knot from Automne bakery

Weekend flowers are kind of my thing. This week I went with a soft pink palette and included some lovely butterfly ranunculus. I’m obsessed. They’re so delicate and pretty I think next week I’ll do a full bunch of just those.

I had so much fun writing this post and I’m really excited to make it a weekly thing. Keep your eye out for a new one every Sunday!

xx

Aria

I became obsessed with Haggo’s Tacos. They make the yummiest, organic & seed oil free tacos

Also took many sunset walks (have been living in this t-shirt)

Perfect birthday flowers

Pizza @ Tribute Pizza in San Diego for date night!!

Drove up to Julian, CA for the day and it was so cute!!

And I got to try their famous pie (also strawberry rhubarb is the most underrated pie)

Been really into fun bags recently, and this bag is the most fun

Post dinner beach walks

Tried lots of cafes, but Coffee Coffee in Leucadia was my fave, it was such a good vibe and very dog friendly

They also had the most insane cinnamon rolls

lovely flowers at golden hour

Also tried Bump Coffee for the first time and LOVED!!! The empanadas are delicious

XX

Aria

Flowers and a beautiful card are a must. Always start there. I started painting and drawing again this year, so I’m making my mom her card which feels really special.

When it comes to gifting, I always come back to two directions

1. an experience

2. a more elevated version of something she already uses all the time

A spa day somewhere really nice for both of you, then lunch after. Simple but so good

A class that leans into her hobbies. Pottery, cooking, floral arranging. Something she wouldn’t necessarily book herself

An annual pass to her favourite museum

A few other ideas I like:

Upgraded everyday things. Think better versions of what she already loves. Nice skincare, a really good robe, a candle she’ll actually want to light

Love this body oil from OSEA, it smells and feels so luxurious. The 111 eye patches are also such a treat. I bought my mom a Brooklinen robe last year to match mine, and I can’t recommend them enough (they’re also 25% off right now!) The Crown Affair hair towel is truly incredible, and maybe not something she would think of investing in on her own. I love pretty much all the Loewe candles, but this tuberose one smells so beautiful for the spring. And how stunning are these PJs? Literally perfection.

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You can also elevate her beauty bag. Choose a few of your all time favourite products, and gift her a gorgeous makeup bag to go with!

I will always have a special place in my heart for the Louis Vuitton vanity. I think it’s so chic, and fits so much. (But there are also so many gorgeous, handmade options on Etsy or at local shops!) Speaking of chic, the Farah Homidi lip compact is literal perfection. Other splurge worthy makeup items IMO are the Sisley eye palette (specifically in Bois de Rose) the Hourglass ambient lighting palette and the Westman Atelier cream bronzer duo.

La Bonne Brosse makes the most gorgeous brushes, in a variety of colours. Choose one fit for her hair type and consider engraving it for an extra special touch!

Hermes also makes this absolutely amazinggggg nail oil. It’s absurdly priced at $70, but it’s so darn luxurious.

Hopefully this gave you a few ideas!

xx

Aria

I do my makeup in lots of thin layers which I think gives the nicest result, so there’s very few worlds in which I do two products and walk out of the door. Because of that, this list is not going to be teeny tiny but it also won’t be a million things. I’ve really included all the products I truly love and would always repurchase if (God forbid) my makeup bag got lost.

Sephora Sale Key Dates:

APRIL 10 - APRIL 20 Rouge, 20% off

APRIL 14 - APRIL 20 VIB, 15% off

APRIL 14 -APRIL 20 Insider, 10% off

Skin prep:

I always keep it simple under makeup:

Starting with under eye patches, I like the Rhode or Summer Fridays

The Ilia Face Base or the Rhode Glazing Milk

And my go to moisturizer which is the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream. In the warmer months I swap over to the Tatcha Dewy Milk Moisturizer.

Skin tints, foundations, all the things:

I rarely do my makeup without the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter

If I want a skin tint, I usually reach for the Ciele Tint or the Summer Fridays Skin Tint

For foundation I love the Haus Labs Foundation or the Armani Luminous Silk

Concealers:

For a more natural look, the Armani Luminous Silk concealer or the Patrick Ta concealer.

For full glam, my go to has been the Natasha Denona concealer for yeaaarsss.

Setting powders:

I’m OBSESSED with the Hourglass Ambient Light Powders - please do yourself a favour and grab dim light (or really any shade they’re all incredible)

For loose: The Kosas Cloud Set Powder (I love the shade “candy”) or the Makeup By Mario Soft Blur Powder

For pressed: Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Finish has been a go to for years I also love the One Size Boucle Powder and the Saie Beauty Baked Powder

Cream bronzer/contour:

The Westman Atelier Contour Stick is the best on the market, in my opinion. I also love the Makeup by Mario Skin Enhancer

I’ve also really been enjoying the MPH Underpainting Palette

Powder bronzer:

The Gucci bronzer is a huuuuge splurge. But It’s worth every penny. I also love the Westman Atelier Butter Bronzer for a natural every day option the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer for a really gorgeous, luminous option

Cream blush:

Westman Atelier Blush Stick in shades Garconne, Petal & Couchette

The Patrick Ta Blush Duos are so good. I love Just enough, Not too much and She’s seductive

Rhode Blush in shades Sleepy girl, Tan lines & Toasted teddy

Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Blush in Rose crush

Summer Fridays Blush Balm in Toasted terracotta

Charlotte Tilbury Glow Blush Stick in Rosy Glow

Aaannnddd the Armani Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer in 11 Bronze blush, which is a gorgeous multi use product

Powder blush:

The Kosas Baked Blushes are perfect. My fave shades are Dreamland, Swoon and Hype but really all of them are beautiful

Westman Atelier makes these really lovely Baby Cheeks Blush Duos but I think the shade Sable & Suede in particular is incredible and just makes your makeup look SO good

Saie Beauty SuperSuede Blush in the shade Mia

YSL Make Me Blush in shade 44

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in shades Sublime flush & Mood Exposure

Highlight:

The Dior Forever Glow and Glow Maximizer Face Palette are my go to’s for powder

For cream I love the Westman Super Loaded Cream Highlight (all the shades are great)

Eyeshadow:

For palettes you can’t go wrong with the mini Patrick Ta ones (they are the BEST for travel) Ethereal Eyes from Makeup By Mario is also back and it’s stunning!

I also think Space Cowboy is really worth picking up, it makes every look so special

Mascara:

I really only wear brown mascara these days and I love the Westman Atelier Eye Want You (Day) and the YSL Lash Clash (Evening)

Brows:

For brow gel my go is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze (the one in the tube ONLY).

Then I love either the ABH Brow Pen, the REFY Brow Pencil or the Kosas Brow Pop pencil.

Lip liners:

You can’t go wrong with the Makeup By Mario lip liners (Toasty, Smokey Pink, Dmitry are all great!) as well as the Rhode and the Charlotte Tilbury ones (Iconic nude is my fave!!!)

I’ve also been really into the Summer Fridays Lip Stain in Almond and their lip pencil in Toffee

Lip balms:

Currently obsessed with the Rhode Lip Boost in Sugar mint

Alllll the other lip stuff:

This is hard. Going to go with…

Westman Atelier Sheer Tinted Lipstick (Ballerine & Creme)

MPH Lip Ciggy (First base, Overdrive)

Kulfi Lip Staining Oil (I love Rose)

Benetint

YSL Lip Plumping Oil Gloss (They’re all so good but i’m OBSESSED with Honeymoon for summer)

Makeup brushes:

The Makeup by Mario F4 is one of the best brushes I own. If you plan to get one brush from the sale, make it this one. It’s so versatile, you can use it for foundation, cream bronzer/contour, blush etc. SO good!

Patrick Ta makes a ton of great brushes as well. I reaaallly love the precision blush brush, the concealer brush and the nose contour brush.

I also really like the Saie Beauty brushes, especially the all over powder brush (my go to for bronzer!)

What are you adding to your cart? And what do I need to try? Share in the comments!

I always look forward to going back to the hotel after a full day of exploring, and settling into a perfectly tidied room, shimmying into a robe and doing a full skincare routine.

And through this passion for finding the perfect hotel for every trip, I’ve learned that comfort is something you can design. I like to think i’ve imagined the perfect at-home turndown service: luxurious, impossibly calm, and cooler than it has any right to be.

Dress the Bed Like It’s the Main Event

Great bedding is worth the splurge. Period.

Sheets Go for crisp cotton percale if you love that cool, hotel-bed feeling, or sateen if you want something softer and a little more indulgent. I also really love the look and feel of linen.

Duvet Down-alternative works best if you sleep warm, pure down is for anyone chasing that cloud-like, never-want-to-leave-bed energy. (I’m definitely option # 2)

Pillows Two supportive kings for reading or scrolling, plus one ultra-soft euro pillow purely for sinking into. If you’re like me (a pillow thief) maybe add an extra one.

Palette Soft neutrals always win for me! I love layering with subtle texture or an unexpected pattern to keep things interesting.

Ten-Minute Morning Reset

Luxury is often pre-meditated. Before that first coffee is even poured, make the bed and leave your PJs neatly folded on the pillow. (Also, invest in great Pjs!) Set out your robe and slippers as well. I live for a good robe! I love the Tekla classic bathrobe. It’s so cozy and comes in really fun colours. I also love the Brooklinen robes for the same reasons. There’s no excuse not to devote 5 minutes a day to resetting your space. I promise future you will thank you!

Claim a Signature Scent

Great hotels smell like themselves and nowhere else. Choose one scent that frames the evening. I tend to make little seasonal changes, but “figuier” by Diptyque is an all time fave and constant go to! It’s such a beautiful, calming scent and evokes the feeling of walking through a sunny grove of fig trees.

Curate a Capsule Shower

Hotels crush decision fatigue with a trio of matching bottles. Edit your shelf to a few luxurious options.

Here are a few things I currently have in my shower:

Sidia “braless” body wash or Lush sticky dates when I want something ultra gourmand

L’Occitane almond shower oil (will never ever ever stop buying this, it’s divine!)

Josie Maran “vanilla vibes” body scrub

Oribe shampoo and conditioner (I switch up the line depending on what my hair needs)

Crown Affair renewal hair mask

And for after the shower, my current go to combo is the Josie Maran “vanilla vibez” body cream (I’ve gone through 3-4 jars already) and the Saltair vanilla body oil

Let There Be (Low) Light

Overhead bulbs are a big no-no in my house during wind down time. Swap in warm-white smart lamps set to fade at eight or nine, or plug dimmers into what you already own.

Curate Your Nightstand

Your nightstand should feel equal parts practical and calming: a small setup that supports how you actually wind down.

Here are some of my must haves:

• I love my hatch, it’s changed my night time routine, and is worth every penny

• Fresh flowers

• A really good candle

• Your fave hand cream

• A lip mask (I love the la neige and the new rhode one)

I’m dropping a full bedside styling guide in an upcoming issue, so be sure to keep an eye out for that.

Roughly 20–30 minutes from start to finish.
The kind of upgrade you notice every single night.

What I don’t love? Checking the time halfway through dinner because your table is only yours for two hours. Or panic-refreshing Resy three weeks in advance for the perfect reservation…that a dozen other couples are trying to secure.

For the last few years, my boyfriend and I have done Valentine’s at home, then booked a romantic dinner the following weekend. Which, if you think about it, is just a strategic way to get two celebrations.

So consider this my official case for staying in this year.

The Night-In Formula

Something soft to wear.
For a Valentine’s Day night in, I love a really chic set. It’s a fun way to dress up a little, while still feeling comfy. I love this satin set from Reformation. Or, if you want the best of both world, this Sleeper set is so fun!

Set the mood
A night in is the best excuse to bring out all of your nicest things and actually use them. Set the table like a Michelin starred restaurant. Light a few candles. Dress your bed with your best sheets, and get some cozy bathrobes ready! After dinner pop on a movie - I love Marie Antoinette by Sophie Coppola or Notting Hill! (Or any Hugh Grant movie, really!)

Yes chef!
Last year, my boyfriend and I decided to cook together. We really got our Ratatouille on, and it was such a great way to spend time together. We both love cooking, and we made the experience even more fun by creating a custom playlist and dancing around the kitchen as we cooked. I picked up this cookbook from Missy Robbins who is the genius behind Lilia and Misi in NYC - and I highly recommend it if you want to make some truly gorgeous pasta dishes.

Other years we have also ordered in. Pick up sushi from your favourite spot, top McDonald’s chicken nuggets with caviar, get pizza if you’re in the mood for it.

And don’t forget dessert
No celebration is truly complete without dessert, so indulge. Last year we did a Sundae bar, with all the fixings: maraschino cherries, brownies, vanilla bean whipped cream from France, sprinkles! You can also pick up a cake at your local French bakery, make a tiramisu (I swear by this recipe) or enjoy a few chocolates!

Cool gifts for cool girls

I think Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse for something chic, a little indulgent, and completely unnecessary. Here are a few gifts currently living rent-free in my head. Feel free to “accidentally” send this list over to him!

• You can never go wrong with a great candle. I love Tuileries from Trudon (rose, white flowers, vanilla) which is inspired by Marie Antoinette’s favourite flowers. It’s delicate, romantic and really elegant.

• I’m absolutely enchanted by this gorgeous mother of pearl caviar set by Gohar World.

• Did you know Emperor Napoleon III owned a 4,000 piece set of Christofle tableware? Maybe that’s a bit excessive but this espresso spoon set is the perfect gift for the coffee lover (and you both get to enjoy it together!)

• Valentine’s day screams sexy heels doesn’t it? I’ve been lusting over these incredible YSL heels from SS26.

• I know the Chanel 25 has been somewhat of an “IT girl” bag lately - but I genuinely love mine and if he wants to treat you to a special bag, this is perfect!

• Celine Dans Paris is beautiful choice for a fragrance. It’s a gorgeous, adult vanilla. Mojave Ghost Absolu from Byredo is another perfect choice. It’s deeper and more mysterious than the original. Another Byredo fave is Vanille Antique which is the most gorgeous, striking vanilla fragrances, and a personal favourite of mine!

The Chicest Valentine’s Move? Opt Out.

Instead, choose a very good night in.

xx

Aria

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about learning and creativity… and about how narrowly we tend to define both.

Learning is so often framed through the lens of productivity: outcomes, efficiency, monetization. What will this lead to? How will it pay off? How can it be optimized? Somewhere along the way, curiosity becomes a means to an end rather than an end in itself.

I’ve been trying to reframe learning as a practice: one that nourishes curiosity instead of extracting value from it. For once, I don’t want to optimize learning. I want to enjoy it.

So I’ve started designing a monthly creative curriculum for myself. Not an academic schedule. Not a self-improvement plan. But a gentle, intentional practice, a way of spending a month in conversation with a subject that genuinely interests me.

I built a simple framework so you can do the same. Something flexible, and easy to fit into your day to day life. The goal isn’t mastery. Its presence. It’s excitement. It’s remembering that learning can feel alive.

The Subject

This is the theme of the month, the anchor.
The idea you’ll be living inside for the next thirty days.

I choose subjects based on where my curiosity takes me, or where something feels underdeveloped in my intellectual or creative life. Sometimes it’s expansive. Sometimes it’s very specific. The only requirement is that i’m excited about it.

Course Material

This is what you consume, with intention.

Once I’ve chosen a subject, I build a small, thoughtful syllabus around it. A few books. Essays. Magazines. Films. References that feel aligned.

It’s about consuming on purpose, rather than endlessly scrolling. Letting what you take in support what you’re exploring.

Homework

This is where ideas leave your head.

I give myself small assignments throughout the month, gentle prompts that translate theory into action. That might look like writing, drawing, painting, or taking photographs. It might show up in how I dress, how I do my makeup, a ritual I try to recreate, or a recipe I share with family or friends.

The Field Trip

This is learning through presence.

Whenever possible, I plan a field trip, a way to experience the subject outside of my usual environment. A museum, a live performance, a screening, a restaurant.

Take your curiosity seriously.
Make time to learn and to create.
Design your own education.

Learn slowly.
And on purpose.

C’est la vie means “that’s life” in French. It’s the understanding that life will move, shift, surprise you and that your role isn’t to control it, but to meet it with intention and delight.

I’ve always been drawn to the phrase for its effortless rhythm, its simplicity, and its quiet power. There’s something liberating in saying it aloud, in letting it hang in the air like a promise: the promise that not everything has to be managed, perfected, or understood. Some things simply are, and they are yours to encounter.

To live by “c’est la vie” is to embrace the art of showing up. It’s the small decisions made with attention, the soft rituals that make days feel like yours, and the gentle willingness to allow space for life’s unpredictability. It’s noticing the golden light in the kitchen at 6 a.m., the feeling of clean sheets at night, the taste of something that delights your senses without a plan. It’s turning down the bed for yourself, lighting a candle, letting the day conclude with care and in those moments, understanding that life, in all its motion, is happening for you, not against you.

C’est la vie doesn’t mean passivity. It’s the balance between letting go and curating the life you want to live: the intention in the small choices, the mindfulness in the ordinary, and the grace in accepting what cannot be changed.

This newsletter, in its quiet way, is a practice of c’est la vie. It’s a space to notice, reflect, and experiment, a gentle reminder that life is happening, now, and that each moment is yours to meet, fully and beautifully.

Because the truth is, you can’t control it all. You can’t predict what will come. But you can choose how you move through it. And that, perhaps, is the closest thing to mastery there is: living fully, with intention, in the midst of the unknown.

C’est la vie. And it is, always, enough.

Xx

Aria