The Ritual: Finding Joy in October
Last week, I had a whole post written about my “ritual” ways of dealing with eczema, but for some reason, it just felt too raw to share. By the way, if anyone is reading this and wants to have an “eczema chat,” feel free to email me at hello@bastetrituall.com—I’ve tried almost everything!
Just a quick update about Bastét: it’s now a waiting game. Everything is in motion, and we’re currently in the queue for production, which is really exciting. As you may know—or maybe you don’t—because we’re a new brand producing with the same manufacturers as some of your favorite brands, we sometimes have to wait our turn. Larger brands, with minimum order quantities in the tens of thousands, understandably take precedence.
We’ve finished our website design, and this week we’re finalizing our email flows, polishing our assets, and starting to reach out to some of our dream retailers.
On a personal note, this month has been metaphorically difficult, and I’ve had to find ways to bring myself joy. So, while we both wait for more updates on Bastét, I thought I’d share what quite literally helped me get through October.
Starting off strong with the Sophie Lou Jacobsen Squiggle Pitcher—I’ve mentioned this before in previous letters. There’s truly something so special about having a beautiful object in your home, especially one associated with people or memories you adore.
Of course, I’ve been loving all the squash and gourds lately—their fun shapes and colors! They’re delicious in soups, salads, or simply roasted with a drizzle of olive oil. Chic, seasonal decor, and beautiful in abundance adorning doorsteps. As some like to say, it’s the beginning of the “biblical fruit season”: figs, pomegranates, and dates.
This may sound random—or perhaps extremely helpful—but let’s talk about the nervous system and tongue movement. I recently learned a new technique to stimulate the vagus nerve (a.k.a. the “calm, rest, digest” nerve) by slowly moving your tongue side to side along the roof of your mouth. It’s so simple yet incredibly effective. You can actually feel your breath slow and your shoulders release tension. I highly recommend trying it.
I’ve also been making an effort to take long baths with generous pours of magnesium salts, reading in the dry sauna, or watching RHOSLC in my sauna blanket at home.
Reading list:
The Covenant of Water — a long, rewarding, and deeply captivating read that carries you away to rural India on dimly lit evenings.
Demon Copperhead — a bit dark but beautifully written; it felt like reading a longform version of Soft White Underbelly.
Heartburn by Nora Ephron — what complete and total joy this short, witty read was! It felt like living inside one of her rom-coms.
If you’re looking for a new show, try Karen Pirie on BritBox. We’re huge fans of British detective series in this house, and this one was utterly captivating.
I also recently picked up Dr. Jason Diamond’s Metacil Moisturizer. Honestly, the packaging alone is almost worth it—just kidding (not for that price). But truly, the product is incredibly hydrating. I find Augustinus Bader’s Rich Cream a bit irritating and prone to pilling, but this one doesn’t. It hydrates exactly as promised. A bit of a savior—I imagine we’ll start seeing it pop up in more “rescue kits” on socials soon.
And yes, I know… the Sephora sale. You’re probably tired of hearing about it by now, but if I were to recommend anything, it would be the Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation and Concealer. A friend recently mentioned that much of Dior’s makeup line is actually quite clean in composition. Amazing products I think I might grab their bronzer next.
Lastly, the Skinfix Triple Lipid Cream. I love this time of year, but it’s so dry. This cream works wonders, especially on parched or irritated skin.
I know this was kind of short and kind of all over the place, but as always this space holds me accountable in ways and allows me to pause and I guess vent?
This weekend, I am making it a point to check out new spaces in Montreal. I am curious would anyone be into a Montreal Guide?
-Ally