VIRTUAL TRAVEL: MALLORCA, SPAIN
A girl can dream, right? We travel back to this time last year when borders were nothing but a checkpoint to adventure and wanderlust ran free. We were in Mallorca, Spain, a majestic slice of the Mediterranean where sangria and sunsets are the ritual du jour.
Our team made magic with three beautiful models and some of MAURIE + EVE’s now most iconic styles. As always, we lived the moment exploring local hangouts in Palma and beyond. As we reflect, perhaps you’re planning, and so we offer our favourite places to drink, eat, sleep, beach, party and paella, and of course, the looks to make your memories shine.
TO STAY:
Finca Sa Carrotja, Ses Salines Bed and Breakfast
Casa de Pescadores, Cala Figuera
THE MANTRA PANT
TO BEACH:
Cala Santanyi
Calo des Moro
Cala de les Escoles
MAKE YOU WANNA JUMPSUIT + EL PASO TOP
TO EAT + DRINK:
Sa Roqueta Santanyi (Paella!)
Sa Botiga Santanyi
13% Tapas Bar, Palma
Sa Fusteria (Live music and sangria)
100% COTTON GAUZE THROW
SUNDRENCHED JUMPSUIT
ESTELLE DRESS
CATEGORIES:
INTERVIEW: WOMEN IN BUSINESS, PALOMA ROSE GARCIA
INTERVIEW
WOMEN IN BUSINESS, PALOMA ROSE GARCIA
SOMA DRESS
Whether it’s Paloma the woman or PALOMA the salon (slash mecca for seamless blondes, lust worthy layers and just about any international style icon in town) chances are you’ve seen, heard or admired the influence of one or the other. Single mother, successful business owner and local leader in sustainability, Paloma embraces the balance of employer, mum and woman like a true boss. An equilibrist existence recently challenged by COVID-19 – an upheaval of life and business as it was.
“COVID-19 absolutely presented challenges but as I reinforce in my staff, in the heat of the moment, it’s so important to remain calm. When emotion runs high, intelligence runs low, and clients were in some cases acting quite irrationally – influencing staff and the broader salon environment,” explains Paloma.
With growing uncertainty in climate and behaviour, Paloma made the difficult decision to temporarily close the salon.
“We were never forced to close PALOMA, this was my choice and a decision I made to manifest assurance and clarity in myself. I have a duty of care for my team and community, and this was all part of it.”
Paloma moved quickly on all fronts, closing the doors and doing everything in her power to ensure the safe arrival home of international staff.
“As a woman and mother, getting my three sponsored staff home to their families was the focus – the mental and physical health of my staff instinctively became a priority. There are moments in life that just can’t be about business, and this was one of them.”
INDUS KIMONO SET
"At the beginning I used to ask myself ‘am I riding a wave?’ But now I know that’s just the way it’s supposed to be. I’m still surfing, but I made the wave – I created it - and it’s my ride.”
Actions (never just words with Paloma), no doubt propelled by high empathy symbiotic of woman.
“I believe high levels of empathy absolutely influenced this reaction – a characteristic that has only ever proved positive for my business. But it’s a balancing act of course. Emotional maturity is essential for any business owner and allows me to be firm when I need to,” she says.
There were of course moments during the pandemic where Paloma questioned how to proceed. Times where she would call into long-time business mentor and quite simply, “shoot the sh*t.” Discussions, according to Paloma, integral to making great decisions.
“Having a business mentor is really about shooting the sh*t with someone … most of the time I think I’m on the right path, but just having that conversation and bringing thoughts to life, that’s when that small but crucial detail arises and makes all the difference,” says Paloma.
“For anyone looking to engage a business mentor, it’s so important to speak the same language … and this goes for any relationship in life.”
In 2017, Paloma made the decision to buy out of her current franchise arrangement and start anew with the dusty pink, light bright exterior and lifestyle-loving personality that is PALOMA salon. The previous relationship (while invaluable to Paloma’s growth as a businesswoman), had simply run its course – the language became less fluid – and the next chapter beckoned.
A woman as sure as she looks, Paloma applied fierce decision making when developing the PALOMA vocabulary – the way she speaks, feels and presents to the world. As a visual artist, this was the easy part, but with two beautiful boys, Charlie aged 5 and Teddy, 10, fear loomed around financial stability.
“When first opening PALOMA, I held onto fear around personal earnings and making enough money to look after myself and two children. These things I held back of mind, but I’ve since worked on personal development which has truly helped.”
“At the beginning I used to ask myself ‘am I riding a wave?’ But now I know that’s just the way it’s supposed to be. I’m still surfing, but I made the wave – I created it – and it’s my ride.”
Arriving to this destination has taken a lot of work, self-belief and importantly, a great team: People Paloma holds highly accountable for the success of the salon, and who she nurtures with development programs stemming from the values and perspectives of the brand.
With Paloma a local leader in sustainability, her salon is too, an influential duo educating all those around them for the greater good of Mother Earth.
“There is a level of care I have for planet Earth – I Iove her so much – and owning a business is the chance to make a change, it’s a huge opportunity to actually do something tangible,” says Paloma.
“Everything we do is consciously done. From the type of water we serve to the language we use, and our off-grid energy provider. We’re a proud member of Sustainable Salons Australia (meaning we recycle foil, hair, colour tubes … everything!), and our shower heads use 60% less water. It’s a mindset that filters through to our clients, and it’s something we’re really proud of.”
Paloma’s message to fellow business owners looking to be more sustainable, is to simply get onboard. Most of the time these small changes (with massive influence) come at no extra cost. Not sure where to start? Bank with people that don’t support the fossil fuel industry, switch to a green energy supplier (Paloma suggests Power Shop or Amber), and always work with likeminded businesses. Three changes you can make today.
We could all learn a little something from Paloma.
We were recently welcomed into Paloma’s beautiful home to capture a series of images featuring her favourite MAURIE + EVE pieces. We hope you love it as we do.
Follow @palomarosegarcia | @maurieandeve
CATEGORIES:
AN ODE TO OLIVE
Symbolic of growth and renewal, refreshment and security, earthly green evokes feelings of calm and abundance. Our fresh Olive colourway is a Maurie + Eve favourite, and makes itself at home across new core collection, Unwind.
Preview our favourite styles and explore the interior influence of this timeless shade. For the baker’s among us, try your hand at this delicious Olive and Rosemary Bread, the Sicilian variety bringing an authentic, creamy finish to this warm indulgence.
Ingredients:
310ml (1 1/4 cups) warm water
2 teaspoons (7g/1 sachet) dried yeast
2 teaspoons caster sugar
3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
450g (3 cups) plain flour
2 teaspoons sea salt flakes
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
20 pitted kalamata olives
Method:
Combine the water, yeast, sugar and 2 tablespoons of oil in a small bowl. Set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 5 minutes or until frothy.
Place flour and half of the sea salt in a bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon to stir until combined, then use your hands to bring the dough together in the bowl.
Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Brush a bowl with oil to grease. Place dough in bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp tea towel. Set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 200°C. Brush a 20 x 30cm Swiss roll pan with 2 teaspoons of remaining oil. Punch down centre of the dough with your fist. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 minutes or until dough is elastic and has returned to original size. Press into the prepared pan. Cover with a damp tea towel and set aside in a warm, draught-free place to prove for 20 minutes or until doubled in height. Use your finger to press dimples into the dough. Brush with remaining oil and sprinkle over rosemary and remaining salt. Press the olives into the dough.
Bake in oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden and focaccia sounds hollow when tapped on base. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Goditelo!
TUSCON TAPERED PANT + NIA OFF SHOULDER TOP
RUSKA SHORT
AVANI SHIRT
KELSO PANT
CATEGORIES:
EARTH: 7 CLIMATE ACTIONS TO TAKE NOW
EARTH
7 CLIMATE ACTIONS TO TAKE NOW
1.
Bank Green.
Is your super actively funding the fossil fuel industry? What about your bank? Some financial institutions essentially use your money to power fossil fuel projects, but some are making a conscious effort to avoid them. You decide where your money goes, choose the organisations acting with integrity, investing into renewable projects instead! Check where your bank sits here.
2.
Less Meat, More Local. Reduced Waste.
Everyone has unique diet and cultural needs (a plant based diet is certainly not for everyone!), but even the smallest change can make a change. A little less meat, a few more plants and dedication to shopping local (to reduce food transport emissions) is a great place to start. Did you know that if the greenhouse emissions omitted from livestock were their own nation, they would be the world’s third-largest emitter.
3.
Travel Sustainably.
Transport produces around 19% of our annual national greenhouse gas emissions. That’s a lot. Smart travel choices are essential in reducing energy for a cleaner future. Sure, we can’t all afford a Tesla, and walking or cycling to work is an unlikely option for most, however the recent COVID-19 pandemic has surely taught us that working from home (even a once or twice a week) is a viable (and generally enjoyable) option moving forward.
4.
Solar Rules.
According to our friends at The Climate Council, the biggest solution to the climate crisis is to meet our energy needs with renewable energy. Did you know that 2 million Australian houses are now powered by the sun? Amazing! And this number is only marked to rise. Join the movement and switch to accredited green power or better still, invest in solar panels.
5.
Shop Mindfully.
Purchase consciously. The environmental impacts of our industry are undeniable, and that’s why we’re doing everything possible to reduce our footprint (did you know we’re now 100% carbon neutral!). We ask our community to shop with intent, consider the journey of each piece you buy – not only where it has come from and with what fabric it is made – but how long you will cherish it? Will it last more than one season? Longevity over landfill.
EL PASO SHIRT
SOMA SET
6.
Know your Power.
Greta Thunberg is the perfect example of the influence just one human being can have on our world. Never underestimate the power of your voice and the opinions you share. Use this time in isolation to enrich your knowledge on the topic and gently discuss with friends and family whenever the moment permits.
7.
Email your MP.
The solutions to address climate change are ready and waiting, but they often lack the political backing required. Contacting your local, state and federal representatives about the importance of climate action is a great way to inspire change. They have a duty to represent us after all.
CATEGORIES:
INTERVIEW: AT HOME WITH NINA SKY
INTERVIEW
MODEL, INFLUENCER AND DESIGNER, NINA SKY
SOMA SHORTS + TOP
M+E: What does ‘home’ mean to you?
NS: I hope it’s not too much of a clichè to say home for me is wherever I can be with Ryley. I love going on long road trips and sleeping in his van, and sometimes this can feel more ‘homey’ than ever.
We were set to move to Bali this month and even though this has been put on hold, when the time comes I can’t wait to make a home there together.
M+E: What have you learned in this period of isolation?
NS: It’s ok to go with the flow of the world and not stress about the future. If you stay true to yourself and put positivity out to the universe, everything will work out.
M+E: New skill you’ve acquired?
NS: Something I’ve been working on for a long time, which is the ability to have confidence in my creativity. During #ISO I have been shooting and editing photos and videos with Ryley more than ever, and I feel like this is a glimmer of the life we are creating for ourselves.
INDUS KIMONO SET, LEMON
"I am completely in love with the Indus Pant and Kimono ... I forgot what it’s like to feel both sophisticated and comfortable at the same time."
M+E: We know what your #ISO date day looks like, how does your ultimate #ISO date night evolve?
NS: I love an #ISO date night! For us, it generally starts with a bottle of wine and Bella Bruta pizza on the rooftop of our local car park where we watch the sunset on the city. Then home for margis and a highly competitive game of UNO. When we’re at the right level of tipsy, we usually do something creative like painting or shooting photos in our house. If I’m lucky I can convince Ryley to learn a TikTok with me.
M+E: What are you watching/listening to?
NS: My every occasion playlist on Spotify ‘The Slow’ inspired by the Canggu hotel of the same name. It’s a leisurely mix of old and new smooth listening tracks … with a splash of disco for good measure.
I have been binging on the Netflix Doco ‘The Last Dance,’ and am hanging to read and watch ‘Normal People.’
M+E: Your ultimate M+E #ISO piece?
NS: I am completely in love with the Indus Pant and Kimono (in both Lemon and Turmeric). I forgot what it’s like to feel both sophisticated and comfortable at the same time.
AVANI SHIRT
100% COTTON GAUZE THROW
M+E: Your favourite #WFH Maurie + Eve piece?
NS: The Nomade Knit Pant and Top is #WFH tonal heaven.
M+E: What’s currently cooking in the Nina Sky kitchen?
NS: I am definitely entry-level when it comes to baking. Although banana bread is trending, my go-to has been focaccia. It is widely satisfying when you see that dough rise happening for the first time … and don’t even get me started on watching the yeast spring to life! (I imagine it’s much like successfully raising a child). I also get much enjoyment from thinking up new toppings. There is just something so wholesome about serving lavishly garnished bread. At the minute I love Sicilian olives, rosemary and flakey sea salt.
Follow @_ninasky | @maurieandeve
CATEGORIES:
BALANCE: INTERMITTENT FASTING
BALANCE
INTERMITTENT FASTING: SHOULD YOU, OR SHOULDN'T YOU?
M+E: What exactly IS intermittent fasting?
EH: The simplest way of explaining intermittent fasting is that you fast for a scheduled period and eat for a scheduled period. Our bodies use glucose as a main energy source, excess glucose is then stored in our liver in the form of Glycogen and fats. When the body is in a fasted state the liver converts the stored glycogen back to glucose which usually takes an inactive person approximately 10 – 12 hours but an active person can take much less. Once these stores are depleted the body then uses stored fat tissue thus resulting in fat loss. There are a few different types of intermittent fasting:
- 16:8 – eating within an 8-hour window and fasting for the remaining 16-hour window
- 5:2 – eating normally for five days of the week, and only eating one meal per day for the remaining two days with limited calories
- Extended periods of fasting, typically for 24, 48, or 72 hours
The most common and in my opinion easiest to maintain would be the 16:8 approach.
M+E: Why is it beneficial for the human body – and why isn’t it? What are the pros and cons?
EH: The reported benefits include cognitive improvements in concentration and memory, body composition changes such as fat loss while being able to maintain lean muscle and reduce blood pressure – it can also reduce inflammation and cardiovascular health improvements. However, the majority of studies documenting these improvements have been done on animals, and more recent studies show that the benefits of intermittent fasting are no more superior than any other energy restricted diet.
The negatives to intermittent fasting can include finding it challenging to function without any food until midday; a potential increase in lethargy and feeling less alert; and in some circumstances it can have the opposite effect and promote binge eating. Furthermore, we still don’t know if there are any negative effects of long-term intermittent fasting.
M+E: How does someone know if intermittent fasting is the right approach for them?
EH: There are so many variables involved in this and it isn’t a one size fits all solution. Firstly, is it easy to adopt intermittent fasting with your lifestyle? If the response is yes, then it will be easy to maintain. What are you eating in your scheduled eating times? Limiting eating time is not a green light to eat junk food – your diet should still consist of food that is nutrient dense. It is important to monitor your results to ascertain whether you are not only achieving the results you want but feeling better too.
“There are so many variables involved in this and it isn’t a one size fits all solution. Firstly, is it easy to adopt intermittent fasting with your lifestyle? If the response is yes, then it will be easy to maintain. What are you eating in your scheduled eating times? Limiting eating time is not a green light to eat junk food - your diet should still consist of food that is nutrient dense.”
M+E: For those who intermittent fasting is not suitable for, what are some other ways to achieve similar results?
EH: There are no quick fixes to changing body composition. If you are struggling with fat loss then it may not be as simple as restricting energy consumption. There are so many other factors that may affect this, such as underlying health issues, stress or anxiety, constant dieting or inconsistent exercise – all of which can make it challenging to get results. The best advice I can give is to eat a balanced diet with lots of fruit and veg and move as often as you can. Identify limiting factors like stress and health issues and try to adopt a healthier approach to looking after mind and body.
M+E: As a PT, how do you feel about intermittent fasting – do you recommend this for clients, and have you tried it yourself?
EH: There is no magic diet that works for everyone. I don’t go out of my way to recommend any particular diet to clients. If the then I will tell them about the pros and cons and my personal experience with it and let them decide if it’s something they want to pursue.
My personal experience with intermittent fasting was really positive. I was the leanest and fittest I had ever been, and it assimilated well into my lifestyle (as I was fasting until 12pm – 1pm naturally due to work). I stopped when I was pregnant and haven’t adopted it strictly again since Hart was born but I do find myself naturally fasting until midday without making a conscious effort.
M+E: What are your feelings on longer fasting – days or even weeks on juices/water etc?
EH: I think they are a complete waste of time and money. There is no quality clinical evidence to prove that longer fasts do anything except line the pockets of whoever is promoting them. If you are already eating a well-balanced diet, then doing a juice or water fast is redundant. In my experience people fall on juice and water fasts to detox their bodies because they binge on booze and other things on weekends, leading them to eat bad foods and be inactive for days/weeks. Then they decide to do extended fasts on just water or juice to help their bodies to detox, but what people don’t understand is how advanced the human body is to start with. Our bodies excrete toxins through our liver, kidneys, skin, gastrointestinal tracts and lungs. So if you want your body to function better, eat lots of nutrient-dense food and move more!
Reference List: Anton, S. D., Moehl, K., Donahoo, W. T., Marosi, K., Lee, S. A., Mainous, A. G., 3rd, Leeuwenburgh, C., & Mattson, M. P. (2018, Feb). Flipping the Metabolic Switch: Understanding and Applying the Health Benefits of Fasting. Obesity (Silver Spring), 26(2), 254-268. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22065
Follow: @esther.hesse.pt | @maurieandeve
CATEGORIES:
STYLE STUDY: THE POWER OF TURMERIC
There is much to love about the golden complexion known to elevate mind, body and now, style. New core collection, Unwind applies the powerful colourway to clean, classic silhouettes with a nod to androgyny. But the love affair doesn’t end here. Turmeric presents a calming quality for home and heart, too.
KIT MINI DRESS
INDUS KIMONO SET
INDUS KIMONO SET
CATEGORIES:
DESIGN: SMOUN JEWELLERY
INTERVIEW
SMOUN JEWELLERY X
MAURIE + EVE
M+E: Tell us a bit about the magic that is SMOUN.
CR: Smoun is a small label that creates unique jewellery from vintage materials. This is what makes each piece one of a kind. I love the process of finding beautiful materials to create something new, and reworking pre-loved pearls, gems, shells and everything else that catches my eye.
M+E: And your process as a creator?
CR: Most of the time I start with a vision and proceed to source the matching materials to bring it to life (this can be tricky!). Sometimes the process is reversed in that I create new designs based on the pearls and gems I have in stock – coveting inspiration from a treasured vintage piece, or in collaboration with the customer.
M+E: Where do you source your vintage materials?
CR: I spend a lot of time at vintage online markets and flea markets … a pastime I am missing in these crazy times! All SMOUN pieces are limited, or even unique, and for this quantities are small. This is what makes my work special … your piece of jewellery can only be found on just a few others in the world, if any at all.
M+E: How do you hope SMOUN wearers feel?
CR: I hope they love each piece as I do. For me it always feels like a treasure to wear on my body, connecting me to nature with the reminder we must take care of our environment through transforming old into new.
M+E: What stones are you most drawn to and why?
CR: Oh, that’s a tough question! I’m Gemini of Zodiac which means I like a lot and my opinion changes regularly! I especially love the unperfected freshwater pearls. Currently I am drawn to citrine or opals for their reaction with the light.
MAILA NECKLACE
“I think these MAURIE + EVE pieces represent the ethno era most … inspirations from all over the world. Ethnic jewellery is from different pearls and shells with large pendants, which should remind you of beautiful times on the beach.”
M+E: Tell us about the SMOUN pieces now stocked on Maurie + Eve – why are they the perfect compliment to our designs, and what era of vintage to they represent?
CR: Co-Founder and Designer, Kelly had the choice of a few pieces and chose beautifully. The Maila necklace is the first design I ever made. It eventuated during a creative evening with a friend, so I have a special bond with that. I think these pieces represent the ethno era most … inspirations from all over the world. Ethnic jewellery is from different pearls and shells with large pendants, which should remind you of beautiful times on the beach.
M+E: What piece are you currently working on?
CR: I am working on many orders at present, but one is a little extra special. It’s a necklace for a bride. I feel honoured at the chance to beautify her special day with a SMOUN creation.
M+E: If you could sit for dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be, and what piece of jewellery would you create for them?
CR: My Great Grandmother. She is perfect for long wonderful conversations. I would create a timeless shimmer necklace for her with an old cross pendant that I received for my communion.
M+E: What Maurie + Eve pieces are you currently loving?
CR: I love wearing my 100% organic cotton Soma top and I’ve fallen in love with the Kimono set in lemon.
Follow @maurieandeve | @the.smoun
