wellness - House Of Coco Magazine

Fashion November 9, 2023

Oxford Street Shopping…and Chill? Headspace’s Meditation Cab saves Christmas

How many times have you heard the phrase ‘I’m so excited about Christmas; I just need a break’ since we tipped into December? According to new research by Headspace, 67% of Brits say they are more stressed than they were just 5 years ago. And let’s not even talk about Brexit…70% of us are more stressed about current affairs than we were in 2013.

Incredible #GirlBoss Dr Megan Jones Bell, Chief Science Officer at Headspace says “we’re more aware of stress than ever, but we’re not reducing our stress as effectively as we could”.

With Christmas providing a lot of stressful situations, as well as chance to wear PJs 24/7 and rekindle your love affair with Terry’s Chocolate Orange, Headspace have launched the world’s first meditation cab which has taken to the streets of London to provide us with a restful space away from the crowds and Mariah Carey.

Guided by the voice of Andy Puddicombe through the Headspace app, taxi riders can enjoy a Headspace session throughout their ride. The Mindful Cab is open to anyone in London until Thursday 6 December; to request a ride, share your desired pick-up and drop-off on Instagram of Twitter along with the hashtag #mindfulcab.

Head over to headspace.com for a special UK collection of meditations addressing common sources of stress in Britain. Merry Christmas, indeed.

Beauty November 9, 2023

#CocoBeauty: 6 Beauty Subscription Boxes to Sign Up For

The world is totally going cray over all the different subscription boxes that are available to order online these days. Resident #TeamCoco beauty writers are into every kind of box from make-up to haircare, skincare to scents and every other beauty box around.

We have compiled a dinky list of our fave top 6 subscription boxes for you to cast your eye over, maybe one will be perfect for you!

Glossybox

Glossybox is one of the more well-known subscription boxes and it has a huge following both in subscription numbers and across social media channels. Glossybox arrives through your door in an iconic pink box, packed with beauty products ranging from makeup to skincare to haircare and more. Priced from £10 per month.

Secret Scent Box

Secret Scent Box is a little black box with three surprise fragrances (each 3ml – 30 day supply), which arrive each month. The scents are tailored to your preference, whether male, female or as a gift. The scents are guaranteed to be 100% authentic designer and brand name fragrances. Priced from £13 per month.

The Natural Beauty Box

The Natural Beauty Box is a natural, vegan and cruelty free subscription box filled with natural skincare brands and eco-luxe artisans products. Each month the box is themed and will include details on every product and how to use correctly. Priced from £12.50 bi-monthly, or £24.95 monthly.

Awebox

Awebox is a build-your-own subscription box and can include anything from a number of categories including; beauty and haircare, food and protein, sweet treats and vegan, alcohol and animal treats, to stationery, candles, coffee and more. And, best of all is that you can chop and change your preferences monthly. Priced from £20 to £28 per month.

Birchbox

Birchbox is the UK’s number one subscription service for beauty boxes. This subscription service offers collections, exclusives, plus special limited editions and so much more, they even have an online shop to purchase the products that you’ve fallen in love with once you’ve sampled them through your subscription box. You can expect to receive 5 products each month per box including; make-up, hair care, skincare and body care. Priced from £10 per month.

Skinbox

One for the skincare lovers. This subscription beauty box is filled with natural MONU British made skincare products that help to transform your complexion. Each box is tailored to your specific skin type and can be matched for a man or a woman. Priced from £14.99 to £29.99 per month.

Search online for each subscription box by name.

Fitness November 9, 2023

Reasons to be cheerful on the glummest day of the year

Tomorrow is Blue Monday, supposedly the most depressing day of the year. I’ve got to admit I’m a bit cynical and often wonder who makes up these days. However, there’s no denying it, January can be a tough month. Some of us bounce right into the New Year armed with a long list of good intentions and a spring in our step. For others it can be a struggle, leaving you feeling unmotivated, skint and overindulged. The good news is, I am on a mission to brighten up your January with some instant mood boosters. Here’s my round up of things to do to put a smile on your face and kick January’s ass.

Borrow a dog for the day
Borrow My Doggy is a bit like online dating but instead of matching you to a potential suitor it connects you to a dog in your local area that you can borrow for walks, weekends and holidays. There’s lots of research that shows owning a dog can reduce your stress levels. Spending just a few minutes stroking a dog can lower anxiety and blood pressure, and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, two neurochemicals that play big roles in calm and wellbeing. As well as this getting outside in the fresh air and walking a dog is good for your health.

Wake up to your theme tune
You know that feeling when you hear a song for the first time in ages and you’re instantly transported back to a moment in time when you felt great?! Recreate those moments by kicking off your day with the ultimate feel good playlist. Music has the power to give us an instant emotional hit and boost your mood. According to research by Spotify and Cambridge University psychologist David Greenberg, the ideal wake-up tune will “start gently (even for just a few seconds) and then build,” and will contain positive lyrics “to get you out of a grumpy state and shift towards a feel-good attitude”. Be prepared to be dancing around the kitchen with your coffee.

Have a glass of sunshine delivered direct to your door
Forget about the freezing temperatures outside and take yourself off to sunnier climes with the ultimate summer cocktail. Aperol Spritz will be whizzing around the streets of London on Blue Monday delivering glasses of the lovely orange stuff direct to your door. Invite a friend over and start planning your summer break over a couple of glasses. All the details on how to get your delivery are on their website.

Hit Me Baby One More Time
Who ever said they didn’t want to know the dance moves to Britney Spears, Baby One More Time is lying. Let loose and have a laugh down at Frame, where you can learn the dance moves of all your favourite artists, including Britney. All the dance routines are based on the music videos so unleash your inner pop star and shake your booty down at your local Frame studio.

Start the day laughing
Comedy AM is the world’s first morning comedy club. These guys are on a mission to boost your wellness through laughter. Research shows that laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells, it also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel good’ chemicals so there’s a couple of good reasons to get along to one of their events. With stand-up sessions kicking off as early as 6.30am, you can easily squeeze in a giggle before work.

Whatever you do this Monday, have a good one.

Beauty November 9, 2023

5 Ways To Sleep Better

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!

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

Sweet like chocolate: Q&A with Samantha Aquim of Q Chocolate

. Easter is approaching, team! We’re sure that you are salivating over all that chocolate you’re going to consume. You may remember our coverage of incredible Brazilian chocolate brand Q Chocolate last year and we recently caught up with Samantha Aquim, the lady behind the bean to bar brand to hear more about the brand’s growth. Chocolate and badass #GirlBoss vibes, what more do you need? .HOC: Hi Samantha, lovely to catch up with you again! Tell us more about Q Chocolate; how does your brand stand out against the flood of chocolate we’ll be seeing in shops this Easter?SA: This is one chocolate bar that deeply honours the primary flavours of the cocoa it was made with. Every year the we adjust the process for the edition to bring out the freshness of that specific cocoa harvest. So even though the recipe does not change and the quantities of cocoa and sugar will be constant, the point of roasting and conching will always be adjusted to bring out the best. We follow what natures gives us every harvest and aim to do as little as possible to it, so that its raw beauty can emerge as bright as can be.

HOC: We love your mission to create eco friendly chocolate. We’d love to know what other foodie habits we have that we could tweak to be more conscious?

SA: We’ve recently started producing our own coffee and our partner on this venture, Marcos Oliveira Santos, has an excellent analogy on the chain a product goes through until it reaches the final consumer.

He says that the product chain is made up of by various actors and that unveiling the lives of each person behind the scenes is a good place to start. These craftsmen tend to be strict with the quality of the raw material they work with and I like to consume products crafted by these few passionate hands.

HOC: Can you tell us about a recent Girl Boss Moment?

SA: Taking part in the Parabere Forum was undoubtedly a very good experience. I take great pride in inspiring these woman with my life story. The world of chocolate is a male world, it is a male-controlled market and I am proud to lead a change in this industry.

HOC: It’s interesting you say that. We’ve interviewed ladies in the food production industry and they’ve commented that it is often seen as curious and difficult to be female in the industry, what are your thoughts on this?

SA: I am a woman with a strong personality and I come from a lineage of powerful and pioneering women. I was fortunate enough to grow surrounded by good examples. And I have the privilege of having the support of a wise family where brothers help each other in their difficulties and strengths. Women who have already broken the barrier should be committed to helping those who have not yet succeeded.

HOC: Hear, hear! You’ve been running Q Chocolate since 2011, how has it evolved and what are your plans for the future?

SA: We’ve achieved very important milestones, perhaps the biggest of them is just remaining in a market still dominated by chocolates with little content of cocoa and a lot of filling! It still surprises me to think that we are perhaps the only brand of chocolates in the world that sells chocolates with cocoa and sugar only.We do not have a single bar mixing cocoa with flavours or adding fillings.

We have achieved other very important milestones like entering the tough UK market. Soon we will open a corner at a concept store in Lisbon called OBA and we intend to expand from the Portuguese capital. Our growth, however, is always limited due to the production of a chocolate primarily based on the quality of the cocoa.

HOC: Sounds incredible. We know the path to success is not always totally linear; as anything unexpected happened with your brand as you’ve grown?

SA: For a cook who never dreamed of producing a chocolate bar, what we’ve achieved was totally unexpected.

But once the brand was up and running, one of the most unexpected factors was being able to gift HM Queen Elizabeth II with a specially tailored Q chocolate box. This milestone was certainly unexpected and filled us with pride and joy.

You can find out more about Q Chocolate online at https://chocolateq.com and pick up your own bar at Selfridges.

Cambodia November 9, 2023

The Best ‘Eco-Luxury’ Resorts in SouthEast Asia : Luxury retreats with a soul

Eco travel doesn’t always necessarily involve a backpack, and there are certainly ways you can put your feet up without having to go completely off the grid. In many local island communities, eco luxury resorts have actually stepped in where local governments couldn’t; conserving endemic species, supporting ethical local trades, and educating the local communities. I want to do a round-up of the best eco-resorts in South East Asia, not just for their picturesque poolside aesthetic, but also for everything these resorts have done to conserve the tropical islands they call home.

EL NIDO RESORTS, PHILIPPINES

Located amidst the natural limestone cliffs and lagoons of the Philippines’ beautiful Palawan region, El Nido Resorts is a group of four island properties with sustainability at its core. Each island has its own unique personality that explores a different aspect of island Eco-tourism. Apulit is an Eco-adventure island with a variety of thrill-seeking nature activities on offer, while Miniloc is an Eco-discovery island where you can learn about Palawan’s ecology, and even swim with giant Jackfish. Lagen is an Eco-sanctuary island nestled in a four hectare lush forest, while Pangalusian is an Eco-luxury Island, with its own seven hundred fifty metre white beach.

TONGSAI BAY, THAILAND

At Tongsai bay, all wildlife is protected. The resort is home to monitor lizards, monarch butterflies, dolphins, and a total of sixty-seven different bird species. In fact, their green policy dictates that no plant or tree may be cut down without permission. This policy encourages wildlife to the hotel, making Tongsai Bay the perfect sanctuary for both travellers and local indigenous species.In addition to this commitment to wildlife conservation, the hotel also has a number of note-worthy sustainable practices. They have replaced all plastic straws with lemongrass, produce their own natural cleaning agent with local fruits and vegetables, as well as offer a completely plant-based menu. It is no wonder why Tongsai Bay’s environmental credentials are so substantial, and why it has led the way for Koh Samui’s ecological preservation.

PHUM BAITANG, CAMBODIA

The Phum Baitang is sustainability at its finest; a green oasis deserving of its name. The resort is equipped with an autonomous water treatment facility, which provides guests with fresh and drinkable water throughout the year. They have also replaced all plastics with reusable Glosch-top purified bottles, and have banned fuel powered vehicles in and around the resort. The Phum Baitang also takes the farm to table concept to another level by serving locally farmed “Sen Kro Ob” rice among other herbs and vegetables. All of which are grown on site in the resort’s paddy fields. Guests are encouraged to immerse in the local community, with the unique opportunity to interact with the local farmers. Helping them understand the farming culture of Cambodia; and learn more about rice cultivation and processing. All this and more make the Phum Baitang a truly unique retreat, right in the heart of mystical Cambodia.

Lifestyle November 9, 2023

How to travel happily if you struggle with anxiety

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.

Lifestyle November 9, 2023

5 Reasons Why You Should Stop Making Excuses and Travel

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!

Mind November 9, 2023

#WomenWorldwide: Talking Yoni Eggs and alchemizing negative into positive with Star, founder of The Woman Whole

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

Arts November 9, 2023

I’ll sleep when I get home: A crazy weekend in Los Angeles

Welcome, welcome to the final part of an epic solo adventure in California. In Part 1 we shared the madness of the Girl Boss Rally and foodie adventures , Part 2 saw us head out of the city in search of some spiritual peace.

So here we are, the final jampacked days of the trip – just a #TeamCoco writer, access to the internet for Uber, Yelp and recommendations powered by jet lag and caffeine!

FRIDAY

7am: Up and out (jet lag, my old friend!) means Yelp-ing the closest open coffee shop which just happens to be the fantastic Go Get Em Tiger (4630 Hollywood Blvd).

Caffeinated, we discover that it’s entirely possible to walk up to the iconic Griffith Observatory from where we are. So we did.

8am: Winding through the Hills, hearing snippets of agents’ conversations about how they can get their guy to be the ‘next Gosling’ and catching glimpses of wild back gardens of villas that smell like eucalyptus and thyme, we could be in a dream.

8:30am: We pass a pink villa and are on the dirt track to the observatory itself with Los Angeles a sprawling dusty but sparkling city below. Dog walkers (who we are sure have Golden Globes in their bathrooms at home) cheerily say hello.

9am: How on earth it is so hot at 9am in early March, we have no idea. After recouping in the shade we realise the Griffith Observatory doesn’t open for hours so we console ourselves wandering around the outside perimeter pretending we’re in La La Land and grab an Uber back down into town.

11:30am: We head to the incredible The Broad museum (for more on this click here) . In between Jeff Koon’s balloon dog, Andy Warhol’s Marilyn and Roy Lichenstein’s pop art we queue for Yayoi Kurama’s Infinity Mirror Room. Check out the WRDSMITH street art just outside (the cover image for this post)

1:00pm: We’re met at Grand Central Market for a quick tour, an Egg Slut sandwich and green juice. After nosing in the stunning Bradbury Building we’re off again to another iconic destination…

4pm: Arriving at Crumbs & Whiskers (7924 Melrose Ave) , LA’s first rescue cat cafe we know we’ve come to the right place to recharge our literal and figurative batteries.

Since opening last autumn 50 amazing kitties have been adopted from this location. Armed with a cat brush and toys we set about making friends and trying not to fall in love with them all. This was impossible.

6:30pm: Back to the Farmers Market LAand we grab a flight of local beers and some live music, getting up the energy to hit the famous shopping centre, The Grove (189 The Grove Dr) for last souvenirs from Sephora and independent magazines from Barnes & Noble.

8pm: We finish the night with dinner at The Grove outlet of gourmet burger heaven Umami Burger. We had the trio of sliders and some more of those delicious truffle fries.

SATURDAY

7am: The waking pattern continues and we are once again up with the larks, enjoying the $5 off voucher we got sent from Go Get Em Tiger from our breakfast the day before!

Fuelled up, we idly look at the local area and realise that we are a half hour walk away from one of the most iconic high schools in America; John Marshall High which you might recognise from the Buffy The Vampire Slayer film and 100s of other pop culture music videos, TV shows and films…

9am: Again, consulting the map we realise there’s a coffee shop just down the road so sauntering along we stumble across the incredible ‘Make Art Not War’ mural by Shepard Fairey (on the wall of Baller Art Ware, 3714 Tracy St Los Angeles) . Not something you see everyday!

10am: After coffee in Square One (2630 Hyperion Ave) we are in another cab back to Venice for brunch at hyped spot Gjelina (1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd) – the blueberry pancakes are worth the wait for the communal table and we have a great chat with the chap sat opposite about vintage shops!

1:30pm: Back to Los Feliz to check out of our low cost hostel PodShare as we’re going big for our last night in town.

But first gel glitter nails at new, impossibly cute Korean nail bar Pink Baby for You (1718 N Vermont Ave) and late lunch with chorizo, pork and beef tacos on the patio at Tacos Tu Madre (1824 N Vermont Ave)

6:30pm: We check in at hip French hotel chain Mama Shelter ( 6500 Selma Ave) and head up to our spacious room, complete with Star Wars lamps and another view of the Hollywood sign.

8pm: A relaxed pizza and cocktail evening night out in Culver City at Wildcraft (9725 Culver Blvd) is just what we needed as the clocks change tonight and we’re up early for the final piece of our adventure puzzle…

SUNDAY

7am: Teaming up with a friend we dare each other to wake up early early to get a cab out of the city to Pasadena to check out the huge once monthly vintage, furniture and bric a brac flea market at the famous Rose Bowl.

8am: At first we felt foolish getting their so early but the early bird catches the worm and the vendors appreciated that we were serious buyers, not people just looking for a day out.

After some amazing impulse buys (when else might you get to be the owner of a vintage, velvet and sequin mariachi hat?!) we indulged in an authentic breakfast burrito and watermelon lemonade.

2pm: After late check out from Mama Shelter, who graciously looked after all my purchases, I headed to much hyped Sweetgreens (6115 Sunset Blvd) for another accidental vegan lunch (in my defence there were too many options to customise my chicken salad and I took one option too far!)

A final coffee of the trip is needed so I popped next door to Rubies and Diamonds (6115 Sunset Blvd) for their famous sea salt cold brew which sounds like it shouldn’t work but it definitely does.

4pm: There’s just about time for a run around the fantastic Hollywood Urban Outfitters in quirky mixed use space Space 15Twenty (1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd)

Then a quick drink on the roof of Mama Shelter which boasts 360 views of this crazy city (including THAT sign!) that has looked after me for 10 days and hopefully inspired me for much longer than that!