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Today (8th March) is International Women’s Day and, being a Brit, sat in California pulling together this article, after 4 days of adventure with female entrepreneurs I hadn’t met before I’d say that last week’s inaugural Girl Boss Rallyhas made waves amongst young women across the world.

SPOILER ALERT: we’ll touch on a number of the speakers from the event but, as it was a huge and multi-stream affair, we would recommend picking up a digital pass to all the content from the event at www.GirlBoss.com

In case you missed it Sophia Amoruso is the OG #GirlBoss; the woman behind the cult brand Nasty Gal, author of New York Times bestselling #GirlBoss and Nasty Galaxy. Sophia is a smart, passionate and driven business person who owns her failures on her sleeve. Since the release of the book #GirlBoss there has been a entrepreneurial podcast, a Girl Boss Grant founded and this event, a packed day of Girl Boss-dom for 50 speakers and 500 attendees in Los Angeles’ DownTown.

With tickets sitting at around 300 dollars the event had a barrier to entry that meant only serious entrepreneurs would be attending and also meant that attendees brought their A – game. We started our Girl Boss experience the day before by hosting a mixer for attendees in town at a space in Hollywood provided by the incredible Breather (breather.com), they even sprung for cupcakes so check them out when you next need working or networking space!

On the actual Rally day we arrived bright and early at the stunning and overwhelming Hudson Loft; a repurposed warehouse building nestled in DTLA that had be turned into the interiors that any Girl Boss would crave. After a power bowl breakfast which left us in no doubt as to what city we were in, we got the party started on a Saturday morning…

A mix of guest lead talks, panels and workshops sat alongside more technical support with Squarespace running clinics, Bumble hosting makeovers and professional head shots and healthy delights from cult LA faves Moon Juice and Sweetgreens.

After an emotive opening speech from Sophia herself we were all treated to Gaby Bernstein’s caveat to the day that success doesn’t equal love and that loving ourselves remained important over anything else we want to achieve. We chose the ‘Hustler Hall’ stream for the day and heard from cult speakers such as Jane Buckingham on millennials, Jess Weiner on vision achieving and Sallie Krawcheck on well, how to be generally badass and bounce back from being fired.

It was a long day spanning from 8am – 8pm but never fear, #TeamCoco held on until the end, being in the last 10 or so Girl Bosses to leave cocktail hour on the rooftop overlooking all of DownTown LA’s city of stars. But before cocktail o’clock was our favourite session of the day of @Kevin (seriously, check him out on Twitter and Insta, he got in there early for that handle! haha!) in conversation with our girl, Sophia about Instagram’s mission (to bring people closer together) and how it was his then girlfriend, now wife’s idea to bring filters into the app to break down the barriers of people feeling nervous to post their photography. You might be surprised to read that there were male speakers and there were a number who brought some balance to the day. If we were to give feedback, we would have loved more guys present to diversify things but, for a first year event, nothing to worry about.

The day wrapped with a panel discussion about the new Girl Boss series, coming to Netflix and we managed to steal a minute with Sophia (where we pledged to help bring the Rally to Europe, so watch this space!). Meeting our girl crush was sweet, and hearing all these amazing speakers was truly inspiring but what really lit a fire in our hearts was the pure connection with girls from across the world, our lives changing as one as we invested in ourselves at this event. Compliments were aplenty, strange kismet connections were uncovered by turning to the girl adjacent waiting for coffee, tears shed and plans made.

Our emotional cups full, we all dispersed into the night, this overachieving Girl Boss with a new friend on to a birthday party at a hookah bar, as you do.

The atmosphere was absolutely electric and we can’t wait to bring you Part 2 of our Girl Boss Rally review where we’ll share some of our favourite co-Girl Bosses’ stories, along with our top tips for navigating an event of this size! Clue: it involves buying a super recognisable, magpie-friendly piece of clothing. Could you guess what ours was?!

Don’t give up on your dreams!

Get the best sleep of your life in 5 steps

Sleep, it’s a simple concept and we all know it’s the key to feeling and looking your best, as well as giving you the get up and go to be your most vibrant self in work and play. Yet a recent survey by the Sleep Council tells us that the over 30% of Brits are suffering from poor sleep. From insomnia, a snoring partner, anxiety or the dreaded blue light, otherwise known as a last minute social media fix before bed, focusing on sleep is the latest trend.

The wellness industry is taking sleep more seriously than ever before as it goes back to basics and promotes slumber as the ultimate luxury. From old school relaxation methods to supplements, wearable tech and a race for the most comfortable mattress or your own personal sleep coach, the options are endless. Getting a good night’s sleep under your belt can boost appetite, memory and sex drive, so schedule in some serious nap time.

Here at #TeamCoco we are dedicated to our beauty sleep and we have put in in the hard zzz’s to bring you our 5 top tips on sending you straight to snoozeville.

1- THE BED TIME RITUAL

Finding a ritual that really works for you can transform your bedtime routine, although this may not be possible every night, incorporating small touches into your evening routine can help you relax and unwind. From lighting a scented candle whilst you prepare for bed, to investing in a pillow spritz infused with scented oils, create a Sunday Sanctuary in your bedroom to start the week on the right foot and bounce out of bed come Monday morning. We love Neom Organics Scent to Sleep range, made with essential oils including English lavender and chamomile. If you are a jet-setter you can also recreate your bed time ritual wherever you are in the world to overcome jetlag and maintain sleep patterns.

2- GET COMFORTABLE

Whatever your bedtime attire, from a favourite pair of pjs to those who prefer au naturel, get comfortable before bedtime. Picking out an outfit for bed, not only mentally prepares you for sleep but ensures you will have a more restful night’s sleep. Want to up your sleepwear game? Check out Desmond & Dempsey who offer a range of luxurious options. Mentally and physically do what you need to wind down, make a cup of herbal tea or pop on your favourite face mask and also check the temperature of your bedroom. Hot, cold and draughty rooms can impact on sleep, the ideal temperature is 16-18 C (60-65 F).

3- AVOID THE SCREEN

Try to substitute the hour before bed of work, TV or scrolling through social to something more relaxing. Not only does the blue light stop you from releasing melatonin, it also throws off your biological clock. Instead, reach for that book you have been meaning to read for the last 3 months, or should you feel tiredness setting in already (excellent!) then why not give an audible book a go. Expect a huge selection of titles and some very soothing tones to help you drift off without even having to turn the page.

4 – TAKE A MOMENT TO YOURSELF

Using the time before bed if you have it can be a great time for self-reflection, to prioritise goals, realign yourself and to enjoy a moment of calm. Anxiety is one of the main reasons for sleepless nights, so keep a pad and paper by the bed to jot down notes before you go to sleep. Put down whatever you like, challenges, to do lists, anything which is on your mind at that moment in time, or during the night. This is also a great time to meditate to calm an energetic mind, or for those of us who find meditation a challenge rather than a release, simply listening to a relaxing piece of music or trying a basic breathing technique can also be a great start.

5 – THE FUTURISTIC OPTION

If you have tried everything and you still aren’t feeling snoozy, try reaching for a Somnox Sleep Robot, founded by ex-robotics engineers, they have designed the robot to incorporate four key functions; breathing, sound, affection and comfort. The Somnox Sleep Robot’s breathing function subconsciously influences you to breathe with the device. This slower, regular breathing pattern, paired with soothing sounds promotes a more meditative state of mind, which in turn encourages you to fall asleep faster, minimising stress and allowing for a longer and better night’s sleep. Not convinced? You can even try one out at Somnex, London’s first ever sleep show, coming in October!

This #TeamCoco writer just got back from a crazy old time away in Los Angeles. A chronic over-researcher with a huge fear of missing out (HUGE!) I did too much and came back a shattered but very happy person. Originally this trip was all about the Girl Boss Rally (see this post) and a few nice foodie things to tell you all about but it seemed to organically turn into so much more…

Incredible people were met, Native American rituals attended, many taco salads wolfed down and lots of embracing jet lag and seeing the dawn happened. Maybe some of this list will be helpful, maybe you’ll just think I’m totally loco and go and have a sit down. Your choice!

Whatever you take away, please know that it is completely possible to travel solo in Los Angeles and without a car. We’re big fans of solo trips here at House of Coco and would love to hear your stories too!

This is Weekend 1 of my adventure, keep your eyes peeled for more of the journey later this week….

FRIDAY

2pm: Landed at LAX, grabbed a ‘Pool’ Uber (you’ll usually save 30% on the price of a cab to yourself but your journey will take much longer!) to Sunset Boulevard to set up for a networking event at an incredible Breather.com meeting space

10pm: After an incredible evening of networking it was time to grab a Lyft (another Uber type app) back to Venice Beach to a friend’s for the night.

SATURDAY

7am: Cab to DTLA (Downtown LA) to attend the Girl Boss Rally at Hudson Loft, 1200 S Hope St (see full write up here)

8pm: Cocktails on the roof of the Hudson Loft followed by a quick drink at Lotus Hookah Bar (3742 S Flower St)

SUNDAY

7am: Yay for jet lag! Up, showered and scratching at the door of motorbike shop / cafe Deus Ex Machina (1001 Venice Boulevard) for cold brew and avocado on toast

9am: After walking down to Abbot Kinney Boulevard (a fantastic shopping street) I got the greenest juice I could possibly find from Pressed Juicery (1653 Abbot Kinney Blvd) and warded off aeroplane germs with it, in between snapping the famous ‘colour walls’ of the street.

10:00am: Following the vague direction of the sea, I spied the ocean and sat amongst ladies in athleisurewear meditating in front of the surf.

10:30am: Even in March, the sun is beating down so I wandered off in the direction of the architecturally stunning Venice Canals, then jumped in a cab to Sephora (Waterside, Marina del Rey). When will they open Sephora in the UK?!

12:00pm: After purchasing sun screen at Sephora our outside brunch at Sunny Spot (822 Washington Blvd) is well, not very sunny and we end up in the cosy Venice Alehouse (2 Rose Avenue) with mimosas, tacos and a view of the beach.

2:00pm: Back on Abbot Kinney Boulevard we pop into fantastic stores and sample a Blueberry and Bourbon donut from infamous fried treat providers Blue Star (1142 Abbot Kinney).

4:00pm: We leave Venice and head up to hipster hangout Los Feliz. We fight the urge to buy all the #GirlBoss vibed items at feminist store OtherWild (1768 N Vermont Ave) but do give into incense at beautifully curated BellJar (1764 N Vermont Ave).

8:00pm: Post a very long ‘Pool’ journey back to Venice Beach we order TenderGreens salad takeaway and crash out.

MONDAY

6am: Yay jet lag again! The only coffee shop open at this hour is Stumptown Coffee in the Arts District (806 S Santa Fe Ave) so off we went to soak up the industrial vibes and try to mainline Cold Brew coffee with chocolate milk…

10am: You can’t visit Los Angeles without checking out Bottega Louie (700 S Grand Ave) It’s an astonishing grand cafe style restaurant that makes you feel like you are in the Hotel Budapest. The macarons are legend.

11:30am: We geeked out a crazy amount at the incredible California Science Centre (700 Exposition Park Drive) with the Science Behind Pixar exhibit and epic IMAX feature ‘Dream Big’. Told you we were massive geeks.

1:00pm: Accidental vegan lunch at Wild Living (760 S Main St) Foods gives us enough energy to check out The Original Farmer’s Market (6333 W 3rd St, more on this in another post soon!)

7:00pm: Back to Venice Beach for truffle fries and local craft beers at quirky Hotel Erwin (1697 Pacific Ave)

Want more mad adventures? Come back later this week for more from this kooky trip to La La Land. In our next instalment, we’ll share more about spiritual home, Ojai in Ventura County. And yes, you can get there on public transport!

Since everyday is #mentalhealthday here at House of Coco, we’ve been racking our brains to figure out how we can get our jet setting; career loving readers enjoying travel even more than they already do. We get that is isn’t as easy as pie for everyone, especially if you’re struggling with anxiety.

For many-a-sufferer, holidays can highlight one sad truth: panic doesn’t take a vacation just because you do. The reality is quite the opposite. New places, new people, new sights and new smells can mean travel depicts more images of worry and fear than it does excitement. Sigh.

What’s worse, it’s easy to think you’re alone in your (occasional) holiday hatred. Let’s face it: most people wouldn’t understand that going to the corner shop alone can be your week’s biggest achievement.

In a bid to make it better, we’ve compiled a list of top tips for enjoying your holiday even if you are feeling anxious. Follow these steps and you’ll return being able to give yourself a big old pat on the back. Why? Because you stayed calmer than you did on your last holiday, and that, we tell you, is the biggest achievement of them all.

Plan, prepare and give yourself time.

First things first: a great way to deal with any potentially anxious situation is to give yourself time to prepare. Whether that anxious situation is airport security, a day trip away from your resort or lunch at a hot and busy restaurant, preparation is key.

Pack the essentials before you even leave; by essentials I mean anything that’s going to make you calmer. Headphones to listen to music or meditation when you’re feeling stressed? Check. A good book to help you escape from your surroundings? Check. Mini toiletries for a pamper whenever you’re needing to press refresh? Check again. Seriously. These things will help you out.

Anticipate a potentially anxious situation and fight it head on. Wake up an hour earlier than everyone you’re with, because believe me, staying in bed til the latest moment will only add to your stresses. Organise your things, do your hair, choose an outfit and put some make up on. You’re not getting “too dressed up”, you just know that if you feel your best, then you’re channeling the best version of yourself who CAN face the anxious situation you’re about to. You’re waving goodbye to the worser, bedraggled version who’s really going to struggle. Look good, feel better and stand yourself in good stead.

Maintain a routine as much as possible.

Step two: if you manage your anxiety at home by sticking to a routine, then be sure to maintain that whilst you’re away. Three meals a day, a good nights sleep and regular workouts have a hell of a lot to answer for, so don’t be embarrassed to sneak off to bed when the time feels right. Stop for lunch if fuelling up will make your afternoon more enjoyable, and try and squeeze a few workouts in now and then. You don’t have to throw all routine up in the air just because you’re away. Trust.

Take a travel buddy.

A no brainier, perhaps, but important nonetheless. Make sure the person you’re travelling with knows about, and understands, your worries. Someone who doesn’t understand your anxiety is not going to be a good travel companion, so choose your sidekick wisely and go with someone who can really empathise. After all, what’s worse than Mrs Level Head telling you to calm down? Absolutely nothing.

When things get tough, take a mental health day…

We’re firm believers that these fix *pretty much* everything. If it all gets a bit too much, take a day to have a lie in, pamper yourself and not move further than a 5 meter radius of your bed. And cherish it.

Find a safe haven…

If you’re away from your room and can’t yet make it back, then there is just as much power in finding somewhere you feel safe in everywhere you visit. When you arrive somewhere new, for a day or a week, hunt down where that place might exist. It could be as simple and downright dirty as a public toilet cubicle, but if that is the place you can escape to and gather your thoughts, then you know you always have somewhere to turn.

And don’t feel pressure to be calm just because you’re on holiday.

More important than trying to stay calm in the first place? Riding out anxiety if you can’t. There’s a bit of a stigma that when you’re on holiday you’ve got to be the happiest and most relaxed you ever are, but don’t worry if you do all you can and still feel rubbish. There is no pressure, and fighting an attack will only prolong the process.

If you feel yourself on the edge of an attack, try thinking of yourself in a future place. In a couple of hours or days to come, you’ll get to the point of an evening in or a meal out where you won’t feel as bad as you do now. Look around. Everything is still happening as normal. The girl in the room next door is still getting ready for dinner, and the man in the room below is still excited to see his girlfriend tomorrow.

You’re going to get to your calm and happy point in the future, so remove yourself from the moment. Oh, and one anxious day does not equal a bad holiday. Trust us: you’re doing great.

For support with anxiety and with all other mental health questions, visit Mind today.

Travel. It’s one of those things which we um and ah about, wondering how, if and when we can do it.

Here are 5 reasons why the excuses need to stop!

Travel is an experience like no other

Travel is one of the most nourishing and enriching experiences a person can have. There’s nothing like jumping on a flight, zooming through the clouds and landing in an area completely un familiar.

From different cultures, foods, surroundings and communities, each destination can offer something completely new, only resulting in your knowledge of the world and the growth of yourself.

Travel is something that everyone should experience at some point, because staying in one place your entire life is just madness. There’s a whole world waiting to be explored and the perfect trip is there at your fingertips.

City break? Tropical paradise? Forest getaway? Take your pick!

Time is not guaranteed

Why do we wait so much? We act like we have tomorrow, next week and next year to start and accomplish things, but that time isn’t guaranteed. The only time we have is right now, right this second, and the rest… who knows?

Dreams, goals and adventures should never be put on hold and they should always be at the forefront of our minds, because those are what make us the most happy, right?

Of course, there will always be worries, doubts, obstacles and reasons why we put things off, but that’s when time is sadly taken for granted.

Start working towards what you want now because adventure awaits! Anything can be accomplished with determination, passion and focus.

Wake up your mind

Stepping out of what you know to be normal can be hugely beneficial to the mind. Whether you’re in a creative rut, you feel lost for direction or you simply want an exciting change, waking up in a different country with different surroundings and experiences can help you to see things from a completely different angle.

I sometimes feel that it’s easy for us to slip in to a robotic life, doing what we think is right, when really, it’s only when we push ourselves to live the life we want, that we realise what we’ve been missing.

Travel has a great way of expanding us, giving us that wake up call we need.

Endless Adventure

If you’re like me, living in one spot and walking the same streets every day can get boring pretty quickly. It makes me feel restricted, like I’m not taking full advantage of the world at my feet. Do you ever feel that way?

Having a base to call home is great, but stepping out of that once in a while is important. Imagine the amount of adventure out there… it’s impossible to comprehend!

Living in a world which has 195 countries is simply crazy, and means that the list of adventures can never really come to an end.

What do you fancy? Wine in Paris? To zip wire through the jungle in Mexico? To ride horses through the mountains in Norway? … You have a lot to choose from!

Uncovering the real you

Many of us seem to think that there’s only one way of living, and sometimes it just takes one person to open the curtains and reveal a whole new world, one that you never thought really existed. That person is me, here, telling you to travel someplace!

Choosing to explore that new world can show you a brand new side to yourself. It’s so important to seek discomfort and step out of your comfort zone because that’s when magical discoveries are made and the truth is unveiled! That little box of safety we all have doesn’t allow growth.

Whether you go on a 6 month travel trip or even book a couple of holidays for the year, all travel contributes to self discovery.

The world is a beautiful place. Happy exploring!

Here at Team Coco, we adore embracing the more spiritual side of life, challenging our preconceptions and expanding our understanding. We recently sat down with Star Brodie, founder of The Woman Whole, an online boutique that specialises in beautiful crystal yoni eggs.

What’s a Yoni Egg, you ask? Well, read on as we were not ashamed to ask that important question…

* Star would like to note that throughout this interview the term “woman” is used as an inclusive and intersectional term, representing individuals who were born, assigned, and/or identify as a woman and whose experiences represent various and unique cultural backgrounds, social systems, and challenges.*

HOC: Hi Star! Let’s start with the trickier one, what’s your elevator pitch for your business?

Star: Thank you, I’m so happy to be doing this interview! My name is Star Brodie, and I am the owner of The Woman Whole, an online boutique that specializes in luxurious crystal yoni eggs. Through this platform, I invite women who wish to know themselves on a more intimate level to dive deeper into self and to connect with their inner goddess by providing tools and resources that encourage self-love and discovery. Receiving a package from The Woman Whole is an enchanting experience, and people are raving about the love and attention that shines through. Visit www.yoniegg.life/shop and find your special treasure today!

HOC: Can you tell us about your personal background and your journey to running your business?

Star: I grew up in a home that embraced magic, and crystals have always been a part of my environment. When I was eight years old, I received my spiritual initiation and began this ever-evolving journey that has led me to where I am today. I have always been fascinated with the concept of the cosmic egg and the symbology of the egg in general. In 2011 I dreamt of a cosmic bird releasing millions of golden eggs onto the earth as she flew through space. A year later, an elder who I hold in high esteem shared her vision that confirmed my dream of these cosmic eggs which were coming to earth to restore balance and to bring healing. It was at this time that I began to develop a deeper relationship with the divine feminine, with myself, and with the crystal yoni eggs. This energy grew into a magnetic pull, and I felt the universe calling on me to help birth these eggs into the world.

I am also proud to have integrated this passion within the academic world. I graduated from Eastern Oregon University (Magna Cum Laude) with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with Minors in Anthropology/Sociology and Psychology. My culminating essay and final works, which received high honors, was directly connected to the work that I do and focused on the disestablishment of menstrual shame, the importance of female sexual sovereignty, and examined the yoni egg practice from within my fields of expertise. Analyzing these concepts from an academic point of view establishes a greater understanding of their significance and validates the impact that they have on the world around us.

HOC: Sorry to ask the obvious, but what is a Yoni Egg?

Star: Absolutely, yoni eggs definitely inspire intrigue! The word yoni is a Sanskrit term that refers to the macrocosm of divine feminine energy as well as the microcosmic lifeforce reflected in the womb, vagina, and vulva. A yoni egg is a sacred instrument that is carved from a healing crystal into the shape of a small egg.

The egg is a symbol of goddess energy, transformation, rebirth, purity, creation, fertility, and is an expression of the great cosmic egg that exists in creation stories worldwide. The yoni egg is used internally through various meditations and exercises to infuse, strengthen, and activate the yoni with this powerful energy. The specific crystal yoni eggs that I provide and recommend are Nephrite Jade for blessings and prosperity, Rose Quartz to cultivate unconditional love, Clear Quartz to stimulate healing and amplify energy, and Black Obsidian for protection and clearing negativity.

HOC: Thanks for that compelling introduction – what are the benefits of using a Yoni Egg?

Star: The yoni egg practice provides a beautiful marriage of physical and spiritual benefits that are unique to the experience of the individual. This transformational practice is held sacred in its power to activate vaginal reflexology points, engage the pelvic floor, increase sensitivity, strength, and body awareness, awaken orgasmic energy (which is life force energy and not necessarily sexual), inspire expressions of self-love, and cultivate a deep connection with the divine feminine on both a personal and universal level.

I have also observed that through this practice, women have come together and created relationships, alliances, and entire communities that are supportive of one another in growth and development, which is an integral aspect of the health and success of not only the female population but the entire human population as well. This practice also invites the individual on a journey of empowerment through self-discovery, which leads to a stronger sense of self and has a direct impact on the choices that are made. The benefits received through the yoni egg practice have the power to extend beyond the individual and to impact our environment and relations in a positive way.

HOC: Where are you based and how does your environment influence your work?

Star: I am based outside of a small village on the Oregon Coast. I selected this place to live because I consider it to be one of the most beautiful and healing places on the planet. This environment inspires and nourishes me every day. I feel very blessed to live so close to nature. Even if I am not in my office working, the time that I spend at the beach, in the forest, or by the creek side is directly connected to the love and energy that I pour into every single package that I prepare.

One of my favorite things to do is to collect agates along the coastline and include them as gifts with each order. This activity is a meditation for me. For each agate that I pick up, I like to say a little prayer or affirmation for the individual who will receive it. Incorporating practices such as this is incredibly important to me as it facilitates a symbiotic relationship of mutual healing.

HOC: If you weren’t doing what you do now, what other paths could you have taken?

Star: I suppose the possibilities are endless! I have always preferred to be self-employed, so I would imagine that whatever path I found myself on I would find a way to make that work. Before the creation of The Woman Whole, I was considering a masters program in Women’s Spirituality. I knew that this was the field that I wanted to work in, and I love learning. However, the program I was interested in ended and other options became available to me. Art is another passion of mine and was actually my original major in college. Although I chose not to go down the path of a professional artist, I really value being able to incorporate artistic elements into the work that I do now through various visual outlets such as image and video production. It is hard to predict exactly how my life would have differed if I had not chosen this path. But I am confident that whatever unfolds is meant to be!

HOC: We absolutely love that affirmation! What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Star: My work is what motivates me. By this, I refer to both my business and my own spiritual/personal work, which are intimately intertwined. I am naturally an early riser and a morning person… as long as I don’t have to be anywhere. The dawn is a very magical time, and I like to greet it by taking an hour or two to journal, read, and meditate outdoors.

Working from home allows me the time to take care of myself first before taking on the rest of my day, and I am very thankful for that. Spending quality time with my amazing and magical daughter is also a primary motivation and is the main reason I choose to work from home.

I am also very driven to provide outstanding customer service, and I am passionate about what I do, so there are also mornings where I am answering emails and preparing packages before I can rub the sleep out of my eyes. Of course, I can’t always do that and finding a balance between work and personal time does take a conscious effort.

HOC: What personal achievement of yours means the most to you and why?

Star: The personal achievement that means the most to me is not a specific event, but rather an ability that I have cultivated to alchemize negative into positive. There have been many times throughout my life when I have been underestimated, told that I wouldn’t succeed, or had to start all over again. I have learned to take this negativity, extract the energy from it, and inject that energy into the creation of something positive.

I owe many of my accomplishments in life to adopting this mentality. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do this interview if I had not believed in myself and my inner strength. Perception is the key that gives you the power to transform the word “challenge” from a hardship that is inflicted upon you into a dare to become your most powerful self.

HOC: Entrepreneurial souls are often burning the candles at both ends, what tips do you have for our readers when they are feeling emotionally exhausted?

Star: This is such an important question. It is essential for anyone who is perpetually working to take care of themselves. You won’t have anything to give to others if you are running on empty, and your energy will be depleted if you try.

As entrepreneurs, we are always fighting this battle. Emotional exhaustion happens… and I think it’s important not to feel bad about yourself for experiencing it. What matters is being able to recognize when you need to unplug and relax. Get into nature if you can, spending just a few minutes in the elements can help reboot your brain and give you a whole new perspective.

I also think that it is helpful to set boundaries with yourself. It’s tempting for self-driven people to overwork themselves. But try to set specific times and days that are dedicated to your own personal needs and spending time with the people you love. If you are a person who menstruates, try to respect the first three days of your cycle by not taking on too much and practice as much self-care as possible.

The last bit of advice I’d like to share is to take advantage of downtime! If business is slow for a day or two, take it as a hard-earned vacation. Enjoy that time. Realize that there will always be an ebb and flow, and learn to work in harmony with that natural rhythm.

HOC: What wonderful advice – thanks Star! What’s your ambition for the rest of 2019?

Star: Well, so far this year has been amazing. I am incredibly honored that House of Coco has selected The Woman Whole for this interview. I have also recently been featured in Tatler Magazine, and will also be in upcoming issues of Vanity Fair as well as London Life Magazines. You can also find my shop featured in Stilorama Luxury Fashion Marketplace.

This has all taken me by surprise. I tend to stay below the radar, I don’t invest in social media too much or have a large following. I focus on my own business and work hard to provide a unique and magical experience for each of my customers, to whom I am forever grateful for. I receive so many beautiful reviews which fills my heart and makes all the hard work completely worth it.

For the rest of 2019, I am looking forward to upgrading and expanding both the products and service I provide. I plan on producing more video content and am considering some possible collaborations as well. I am always looking for ways to improve customer experience and am excited to continue to add even more value to each purchase!

To learn more about yoni eggs and shop visit YoniEgg.life

Connect with Star and The Woman Whole on instagram at @TheWomanWhole

Here at HOC we are always consuming content, whether it’s a quick Instagram scroll, a good book or a magazine flick, we’re forever searching for our next dose of inspiration.

Our latest place to source motivation and creativeness from are Podcasts. They lift us up, make us feel connected, inspire us, make us laugh (sometimes make us cry) and have enriched our commutes on the daily.

So, say hello to the latest list of our go-to podcasts…

The High Low

This weekly pop-culture/news podcast hosted by journalists, Pandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton, is HOC’s favourite way to get the latest lowdown on current affairs. The witty views of this fabulous UK double act are a great mix of politics and trivia and gets us to work with a sprinkle of intelligence and joy.

You, me and the big C: putting the can in cancer

This wonderful podcast is bought to you by Lauren Mahon and Deborah James. We of course have to mention Rachael Bland too, whose vision was to create a safe place where all kinds and all sides of cancer can be nattered about – sadly Rachael died after her battle with cancer ended in September 2018. The original trio bought light and laughter surrounding anything to do with cancer – they are sassily breaking those cancer taboos. Deborah and Lauren will continue to host the pod – with Rachael’s wishes – and candidly discuss cancer in their loving and witty ways. Whether you have, had, or know someone with cancer it is an essential listen; they chat about dating, sex, death and their dear lovely Rachel. After one listen, they will feel like your BFF’s, your sisters, your daughters and your mothers.

Happy place

Happy things, happy chats and happy thoughts, all in one place and presented by one of HOC’s icons, Fearne Cotton. This is a podcast that truly makes you feel good and features interviews with the likes of Dawn French, Paloma Faith and Alexandra Shulman. Put the kettle on and find your happy place, you’re in for a treat.

Keeping it Candid

Blogger and Journalist, Sophie Milner and DJ and Blogger Millie Cotton present a weekly podcast chatting all things pop culture and current events with a millennial edge. Their frank discussions on men, Instagram and how much influencers earn are insightful, funny and smart. Go download!

Have you ever felt that everything always happens at once? It’s great when what happens is good but when it’s well, not so good, it can all become a little overwhelming. Family debates, relationship woes, work problems, friendship tension, money worries; the list of reasons of why life can get you down can be endless, so when everything is falling apart how can you stay together?

After having her fair share of hard times and then completely changing her life around to the amazing whirlwind it is today, we turned to our editor-in-chief, Laura, to ask her advice on how to do just that.

How do you stay positive when life gets a little overwhelming?

‘I make sure that I avoid negative situations, I don’t watch the news and I try to keep in control of what outside influences I let in. For example, I put my phone on airplane mode each evening so that when I wake up in the morning I am not letting negative notifications depict the start of my day.’

What do you think is the key to your success and positive mind-frame?

‘I think the key to success is making sure that you never quit! There will be failures along the way but as long as you consistently work on your idea, always believing in yourself, then you’re likely to reach success.’

How do you deal with negativity?

‘I try to surround myself with positive people. If I spend time around negative people or friends, it doesn’t take me long to make the decision not to see them again. ‘

How you do control your emotions and channel them into something productive?

‘I am not a very emotional person anyway, I tend to keep life in perspective so if for example I am having stresses at work or money worries, I remind myself that nobody died and that everything else is trivial!’

If you could only give one piece of life advice what would it be?

‘Be true to yourself!’

So there you have it, our ed’s top tips on how to keep yourself together! Of course it’s a little by little, day by day process but focus, perspective and positivity can do wonders on making the much needed progress to pull your life together again.

This time of year, a combination of cold weather, central heating and lack of vitamin D can leave our skin dull and a bit lack lustre. My winter skin was desperately in need of a boost, so I booked into LondonCryo for their signature Cryofacial.

A Cryofacial uses cold temperatures to rejuvenate the face. The increase in oxygen supply boosts collagen production, improving the circulation and elasticity of the skin. Muscles retract with the cold and it has a tightening effect on the skin leaving your face looking fresher and younger. Jennifer Aniston is a big fan and credits her youthful glow at 50 down to regular treatments.

I have sensitive, breakout prone skin so I’m always cautious when it comes to trying something new, but I’d heard so many positive things about cryotherapy and its benefits, I wanted to give it a go. The Cryofacial is good for lots of skin complaints like acne and rosacea as the cold reduces the inflammation in the face.

Cryotheraphy is quickly working its way into wellbeing routines due to the mental and physical benefits it offers. LondonCryo is run by girl boss, Maria Ensabella. She is on a mission to highlight the positive impact of cryotherapy and how it can help you feel better and look better. The LondonCryo ethos is all around being your best self by proactively looking after your body and mind. The treatments they provide target sports recovery, overall wellness and anti-ageing skin treatments like the Cryofacial.

The treatment room has a spa like feel about it with low level lighting and aromatherapy scents. My therapist instantly puts me at ease by explaining what all the hi-tech equipment is and talking me through the process step by step, assuring me I won’t get frostbite. My facial is around 20 minutes and begins with cleansing and toning my skin before having a hydrating serum applied to my face. I brace myself for the cold as a metal wand with a flat, round tip is rubbed across the surface of my face, each stroke is followed with my therapist gently massaging the skin to aid lymphatic drainage. This wand cools down the skin rapidly to about minus 10 degrees and stays on each area of the skin for only a few seconds. It feels a bit like an ice cube gliding over your face, it’s not at all uncomfortable, in fact I found it quite relaxing. Halfway through the treatment the therapist passes me a mirror so I can compare the skin she has treated. The pores have minimised, my complexion is brighter and I look fresher. I can see a visible difference compared to the untreated skin. At the end of the facial another layer of serum is applied to my face and I’m all done. My therapist brings me a glass of water and turns up the lights so I can get a better look at the results. The redness from my rosacea has quietened down and my skin looks smoother, but the best bit is the results continue across the week. My make-up goes on better, a breakout I had pre-treatment fades and my other half tells me I’m glowing.

The cryotherapy facial definitely boosted my tired, winter skin and the fact it only takes 20 minutes and is non-evasive means it’s a great treatment if you’ve a big event or special occasion coming up. The Cryofacial costs £160, to book an appointment contact www.londoncryo.com or 0203 371 8900.

If you are looking to reflect and reset but struggle to find the time, then the Rest and Restore retreat at Huntsham Court is perfect.

Set in the rolling Devonshire countryside and easily accessible by rail or car, Huntsham Court is the retreat for busy people who are feeling a bit jaded, want to realign their energy and in need of some me time. House of Coco was invited along to experience this one-night mind break.

I arrived at Huntsham Court to be greeted by Anoushka Emson and her team. While this large, 19th Century gothic mansion is spacious and grand there is something cosy and welcoming that instantly hits you as you walk through the entrance. Many country piles give off that ‘look, don’t touch’ air however Huntsham has more of a ‘chill and make yourself at home’ vibe.

The ground floor is made up of a series of reception rooms, a dining room and a bar come social space. The house has been lovingly renovated by owners Christopher Badham and Damian Llambias. Each unique room has been designed by Llambias who has embraced the existing interior while adding a splash of personality by mixing up luxe fabrics (some which he personally wrestled out of the hands of Joan Collins and now adorn the main bedroom), with vintage wallpapers.

After a warm drink and a chance to take a breather we are given a tour of the house and it does not disappoint. High ceilings, dramatic sweeping staircases, big comfy sofas and roaring open fires are peppered around the house.

The bedrooms are all grand and luxurious, each one has its very own bespoke theme. I’m staying in The Baron, a spacious room with a big four poster bed and views across the grounds and sprawling countryside. All of the eclectic bedrooms mix traditional with a modern twist. There are 27 rooms in the main house and across the adjoining buildings there are 40 rooms in total.

Emson and her team have designed a 24 hour programme that combines restorative yoga, life coaching workshops as well as informative talks on nutrition and essential oils. While the retreat only runs across one day, Emson has successfully achieved the right balance between a full schedule and downtime, allowing you to get the most out of your stay as well as an opportunity to rest.

The group session with the life coach is a chance to reflect and process things. Paula Fenegan brings her reflexology practise to the retreat, I’m offered an in-room treatment that instantly reduces any tension I’m feeling and leaves me a little sleepy. The yoga sessions were delivered to suit any level, with lots of focus on breath technique and switching off a busy mind. I especially loved the Yoga Nidra which if you haven’t tried it, is a meditation and conscious relaxation practice that induces total physical and mental relaxation. Emson delivered the session at the end of the day which left me floating all the way up the grand staircase to my plush bed.

There’s no clock watching here, it’s all very laid back and if people are enjoying a glass of wine over dinner then there’s no pressure or rush to get to the next workshop. Because of the intimate group size, people get to know each other quickly and this supports a friendly atmosphere.

The retreat nutrition expert, Miranda Lewis, has teamed up with Sam the chef of 20ate to create a balanced vegetarian menu that’s jam-packed with taste and flavour. Sam has an open kitchen door policy and you can drift in and out throughout your stay helping yourself to healthy snacks and drinks or ask him any culinary questions.

In just 24 hours I left Huntsham Court feeling all zen and ready to take on the rest of 2020. Anoushka Emson is running the Rest and Restore retreat at Huntsham Court on 15-16th March 2020 and 11th–12th October 2020. The cost for a two-person shared room: £650 p/p, a two-person luxury shared room: £750 p/p and sole occupancy luxury room: £850. Prices include accommodation in one of Huntsham Court’s individually designed bedrooms, three nutritious meals a day as well as snacks and drinks, all expert workshop sessions, as well as take home nutrition and yoga e-guides so guests can continue their learning.

For more information email: enquiries@huntshamcourt.co.uk telephone: 01398 361 277 or visit https://www.huntshamcourt.co.uk/retreats/