Today I present to you Alexa. I've known Alexa since I was little; our parents are friends. I've always admired her for being "cooler," more interesting, and older. With a Portuguese father and an English mother, she lived in Portugal and Brazil before returning to England.
I met her again when I lived in London (20 years ago), I would meet her at Spitalfields Market every Sunday, she sold art/design pieces with lighting there.
But what really made me want her to be part of DDPF is this incredibly important work she does today... called QUINTA . It's about demystifying what menopause really means for women. Something that, I don't understand why, is completely taboo in many circles. We women aren't taught about what menopause really is, what it can mean for us... for our bodies, emotions, and minds. I believe that's changing, BUT there are still many prejudices... a lot of lack of information, but especially support to understand the changes happening in our bodies as this time approaches. Alexa's work is all about supporting women in their middle age, to help them feel better about their bodies, their transformations, and their decisions.
That's why I'm really happy not only to share her work but also her tips! So many precious insights. I hope you enjoy them, visit her website, and if you're lucky, become part of her FARM too.
TO BE
Zodiac sign: Capricorn
Season: Autumn
One color: Coral a mix of orange = joy and pink = love
A book: The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate and Daniel Mate
A film: Hunt for the wilderpeople
A song: Baby Love , Petite Meller
A podcast: The Diary of CEO Steven Bartlett
An object: Crystals
Favorite place in the world: The Ocean
TO CREATE
Who and what inspires you? My future self/Adventure
What else do you want to create? So much, so much! For now, I'm working on an ANTIDOTE program for women to reclaim their innate bodily wisdom through menopause.
How to maintain creativity: For me, cacao is a ceremonial and meditative practice where I find a deep connection to my inner world. I associate myself with the energies of my work, which hold the energy of transformation, sovereignty, and love.
TO LIVE
First thing I do when I wake up: I exercise outdoors, swim in the ocean, drink cacao, and meditate.
How to relax at the end of the day: I use this time of day to listen to podcasts, read, and learn.
A place to disconnect: In nature / In the ocean
Preferred physical exercise: Currently, weight training.
How to relieve stress: Breathing exercises, nature, swimming in the ocean, hugs, meditation, listening to music, and dancing around the kitchen table.
A woman who inspires me: my mother, she's a pioneer.
NOURISH
Your ideal diet is… beans.
What you always have in the refrigerator: Fermented food
Dinner-saving recipe: Seafood rice
Favorite drink: Cocoa
Favorite snack: Dried fruit
Favorite restaurant: Anything Middle Eastern, tapas style.
Favorite cookbooks: Simple Ottolenghi
TO CARE
Beauty icon: Lauren Hutton
An essential piece of clothing: A colorful bra.
What's always present in her beauty routine: Working from the inside out, true beauty comes from within and shines brightest.
MPL'beauty's favorite product: Super Woman capsules, pure sunshine because there isn't enough sunshine in the UK.
How do you feel more beautiful? Exercise, nutrition, ritual.