Newsletter No.9
We’ve been interviewing well known names for our newsletter, but we thought we’d take a break to answer our own Well Quick Questions so that you can get to know us a little better. First up, Cam.
Well Quick Questions
Camilla, co-founder of Well Curated, is a health and wellbeing writer who contributes to publications such as Departures and Country & Town House. She also leads our editorial team, commissioning writers for each issue. Here she shares her answers to our quick questions.
Photo: Trish Ward
Well Read - a book you’ve enjoyed recently
I’ve been taking a break from reading to focus on writing a book of my own. I’d never really considered how long I would have to live with the characters, so I will definitely be ready to read something totally different once I’m done. I often open Anna Koska’s book, From Coast & Cove: An Artist’s Year in Paint and Pen, as a bit of an escape; it’s the perfect gift for nature lovers.
From Coast & Cove: An Artist’s Year in Paint and Pen
Well Worn - an item of clothing or jewellery you wear again and again
My By Pariah earrings feel like an extension of me. If I ever take them off it’s as though a part of my personality has gone missing.
Well Nourished - a recipe or restaurant for a great plate of food
This is more of a lesson I’ve learnt on how to eat well…
In both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, dietary advice is based on an assessment of your individual constitution and symptoms, rather than general advice on what is considered ‘healthy’. I used to eat lots of raw foods - salads, grains, nuts, smoothies - thinking they were the best thing for my body, but I suffer from mild colitis, and my digestion struggled to break down these foods, meaning my energy reserves were low. This ties in with something I heard Jasmine Hemsley once say: ‘We are not what we eat, but what we can digest.’ After a visit to see TCM practitioner Ada Ooi, I shifted to a diet of warm, cooked foods and have found I suffer from far less pain than I have done in the past. In Chinese medicine they say cold, raw food can put out our digestive fire; this couldn’t ring truer for me. I’m not suggesting this approach is recommended for everyone; we all have unique constitutions, but with the help of a practitioner, you can really find out what food and food prep work for you.
Well Beautiful - a hair, makeup, or skincare product that makes you feel good
I’m a big fan of lymphatic massage, as well as giving visible results it also boosts the immune system. If I have ten minutes to spare I will use a Gua Sha with a good facial oil, I’m currently using Meditatif’s Serenity Oil. If you want some tips on how to use a Gua Sha I recommend following Elisa Lune, or even better, booking an appointment with her.
Well Being - a ritual that has kept its place in your routine
This year I was lucky enough to attend a retreat led by Deepak Chopra, and spending time with him really changed the way I organise my thoughts. I have always struggled with meditation; new thoughts would constantly interrupt, and I never found a great sense of peace or clarity. Deepak introduced us to prompts that have really helped me overcome this. He encourages asking reflective questions: Who am I? What is my purpose? What am I grateful for? What do I want? They’re BIG questions, but writing down the answers has helped me to see situations more clearly, recognise what I need to change, and become more decisive. I tend to spend fifteen minutes listening to a meditation and then ask myself those questions, not every day, but when I’m feeling overwhelmed or confused. If I could splurge on having a potters wheel at home that would be an organic way for me to switch off from the world for an hour or two, but it’s an expensive hobby.
Well Shopped - a second-hand shop for hidden treasures
Retold Vintage sells a beautifully curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories, all sourced by founder Clare, who knows where to find pieces still in perfect condition. If you sign up for the newsletter you will be sent a preview of upcoming items.
Well Fit - a workout that works for you
While I’m naturally drawn to cardio and run as much as my body allows, I know that barre and pilates really support the cardio I do by strengthening my body, especially as I get older. During the pandemic I got hooked on the free classes by Nourish Move Love on YouTube. There’s one class called Power Barre I must have done a thousand times, but I never seem to get bored of it. If I’m going to a class in person, I’m a big fan of Sasha Alex Morgan.
Well Travelled - where you go to feel well
Having written about travel and wellness for the past nine years this is a question I’m often asked. For mountain air and a seriously good spa, it has to be Forestis in the Dolomites; if I could wake up to the view from their rooms every day I’d be extremely happy. For a wellness retreat, Wylder and PACE at the Peligoni Club both offer amazing value for money and top-notch teaching. In terms of a destination, Norway really changed the way I travel. I used to lean toward beach holidays for relaxation, but I know I’m too restless for that. Cycling or hiking around the fjords has become my idea of the ultimate escape. Nusfjord is on my list of places to stay next year.
Well Heard - a podcast worth tuning in to
Most of the podcasts I listen to have a health and wellness focus; there is so much to learn, and I try to listen to a range of experts so that I have a breadth of knowledge when I’m writing. I love the ZOE podcast, and Dr. Rangan Chatterjee always has great guests. I discovered Helen Hall, a running and pain specialist, through his podcast, Feel Better, Live More, and have since interviewed her.
Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel has definitely helped me to understand people better. We all perceive situations differently, and listening to Esther’s insights into how we navigate relationships, romantic or otherwise, is something I wish I’d done years ago.
We hope you have enjoyed our newsletter. Cam & Kate x