Journal

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Irene, wearing Diana, is a wonderful friend, wife and mother living in Cyprus. She is a former attorney who is raising two children to be the best versions of themselves!

FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT?  

In London, Pavillion Road in Chelsea and the beachfront in my hometown of Limassol, Cyprus.

SECRET WEAPON? 

Friends who become family.

CURRENT BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

What we are living in now with the global pandemic-not being able to travel and be with our friends and loved ones for so long!

WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

All women who are working so hard either to maintain an effective career or by using their own life values to raise their children.

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“Everything happens for a reason.”

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Mariangela, wearing Kaja, is a blogger based in Milan. She is a mom of a girl and boy and her mantra is “do more of what makes you happy.”

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

I am thankful for the balance I have reached between my professional and personal life.

FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT?  

Bistro Almo e Nadia, a lovely bistro near my house where I go for aperitivo and excellent food.

SECRET WEAPON? 

Irony: to face the ugly stuff that happens in everyday life (including my husband’s complaints!) And trainers-my faithful companions to run around town with my kids!

CURRENT BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

To raise confident and decent kids.

WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

My mother: strong, beautiful, free and yet so loving and caring.

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“Do more of what makes you happy.” This helps me bring positive energy in my everyday life.

Follow Moms About Town on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/momsabouttown/

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Ayca, wearing Diana, is an amazing floral designer based in Chelsea. Her shop, Penny, is located in Chelsea Green and when it comes to floral arrangements she has the magic touch. From succulents to creative floral bouquets, she is our go to girl!

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

I am thankful for my family, have always been and especially now in these dire times, I even feel it deeper than before.

FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT?  

Chelsea Green where there is a lovely pizzeria, organic market, fishmonger, pharmacy and more.

SECRET WEAPON? 

My flowers, I can put a smile on anyone’s face…it’s almost like my superpower. I love to design them, transform venues with them and lose track of time as I work with them.

CURRENT BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

The value of now. Time is the only thing we cannot reverse, we cannot change. Once it’s gone it’s gone forever. So we have to try and make the most of the moment and be grateful for it. I try to teach it to my kids and it’s my current and probably forever biggest challenge.

WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

Sophia Loren, she has been a muse for me all my life. Her family values, love for her work and her discretion.

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“There are two things in life that don’t get smaller as you share…they get larger and bigger and more valuable: knowledge and love! Be wise and generous about them!”-my late grandfather

Shop Penny http://www.pennybb.com

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Cristina, wearing Sienna, is an ex institutional stock broker who is now focusing on trading stocks for herself as well as creating beautiful content on social media. She has a passion for travel, interior design, foreign policy, architecture and fashion.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

I am thankful for my health, that I have a roof over my head and enough food…and that I have a wonderful supporting family

FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT?  

Any park in London…in my case my local Bishops Park.

SECRET WEAPON? 

That’s a difficult one. I would say my drive and ability to speak up as I am a fighter…I never give up!

CURRENT BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

The current Covid 19 situation and all the uncertainty that it brings. However, I try to be positive, take one day at a time and work hard in the capacity that I can focus on what I can control at the moment.

WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

Oh so many…but two women, who sadly are not with us anymore and whom I will forever admire and believe are such strong women and role models: foreign affairs correspondent Marie Colvin and former US Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. However, any woman who goes after her dreams and has a backbone to speak up deserves to be admired.

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Follow Cristina on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cristinaaldrin/

Janet, wearing Kaja, is married and a mother to a fine young man and the coolest dog. She lives in Los Angeles and is the founder of The Grateful Gardenia, a lifestyle blog and she is also a monthly contributor to Who What Wear.

FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT?  

Zinque, a cozy spot that’s around the corner with a European feel, great food, vino and they love dogs!

SECRET WEAPON? 

Gratitude. The minute I become stressed, fearful or anxious I simply close my eyes and download everything I am grateful for.

CURRENT BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

Finding balance between being creative and staying organized on the business side.

WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

It’s so hard to narrow it down but overall it’s Texie Waterman. She was the choreographer who changed the image of professional football by helping to create the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. I spent a few years as a cheerleader and to this day she is one of the most magnetic, beautiful women I’ve ever met. Her words of wisdom to me were priceless.

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe.”-Marcus Aurelius

Follow Grateful Gardenia on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/janetgunngratefulgardenia/

Subscribe to her blog http://www.gratefulgardenia.com

Lani is a copywriter based in Chicago and loves wearing her Livotte Laurence as it’s an elevated basic and her “go to” top to take her through a busy day!

FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT?  

At the moment, my patio. It’s perfect for a cup of tea in the morning or a glass of wine with my husband at night.

SECRET WEAPON? 

A fake-it-till-you-make-it attitude!

CURRENT BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

Time management. What is time anymore right now? Balancing work with everything else all while being home with my family has kept me on my toes.

WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

Michelle Obama

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“Everything will be ok in the end. If it’s not ok, it’s not the end.”

Cassandra is Omnichannel Director at John Lewis and a mother to three children. She is a California girl at heart but has made a fantastic life for herself and her family in London. She is an inspiration to all of us trying to do it all effortlessly with a smile.

FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT?  

St. Clements at Parsons Green, but haven’t gotten to hang out there for a while!

SECRET WEAPON? 

Humour!

CURRENT BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

I have started a new job and it’s a fun challenge but balancing it and three kids is a lot!

WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

Everyday women. Everyone has a story, something they are dealing with and yet they still get up everyday and do their best.

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“Remember when you wanted what you currently have.”

Aya, hanging out in her beautiful West London home wearing Jacqueline.

FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT?  

Carpo for my daily coffee fix! Such a cute local with the tastiest nuts and chocolate and of course the best coffee in London!

SECRET WEAPON? 

Dr Barbra Sturm’s hyraluronic acid serum. Magic.

CURRENT BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

At the moment and always, raising my boys to be good men.

WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

Ahed Tamimi, a Palestinian icon and inspiration for the resistance and the fight for liberty. A true fighter for justice and freedom.

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“When you have more than you need, build a longer table not a higher fence.”

Ans, wearing Isabella, can always be found on her bicycle. She recently relocated back to the Netherlands from London and is redefining herself once again. She has a new job as a tourism advisor. She meets lots of entrepreneurs and is doing her best to support them during the Covid 19 crisis.

FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT?  

Moving back we discovered a lot of new places. “Groenwoud” is my new favourite for drinks, lunch and dinner. Mostly because they are super child and dog friendly but still serve good food.

SECRET WEAPON? 

My bicycle. It’s good for the environment, my health and it’s a great way to get around.

CURRENT BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

To settle back in my home country. It is very familiar but very different all at the same time. Or maybe now I’m different. Still figuring it out.

WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

My friends, all of them inspire me in one way or another.

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“In the end you only regret the things you didn’t do.”

Kelly-anne, wearing Sienn, is an actress, model and American mom living in SW London. She always has a smile and an amazing outlook on every situation.

FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT?  

The Northcote Road-there is a wonderful choice of local restaurants and boutiques. Now that the road is pedestrianised on the weekends, it feels like a mini festival.

SECRET WEAPON? 

The Hawaiian practice of Ho’opononpono. There are few things that cannot be solved by saying “I love you”, “Thank you”, “I’m sorry”, and “I forgive you.”

CURRENT BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

Toddler proofing my house. I was hoping instilling a knowledge of household danger would allow us to avoid the ugly foam edging and baby gates. Despite being aware of the danger as she imitates me shaking her pointer finger and acknowledging “no, no no”, Bella then proceeds to laugh and do it anyway!

WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

My mom. As a kid, she dreamt of being a teacher and worked multiple jobs to pay for her education. She retired from teaching when my brother and I were adolescents, but returned at age 58 adjusting to new teaching approaches and technology with courses at Columbia University. She is a living example that you are never too old to reinvent yourself or continue living your dream.

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.” -Henri David Thoreau