Non-Negotiable’s with the amazing Grace Chadd, Founder of kidswear brand, Irie and I.
Issue 28
What time do you usually start your day?
It really depends, if I’m lucky and Sparrow my Hubby is home then I can sleep until 10am. However most of the time I wake up when my kids wake up and that can be anywhere between 5:30- 7am.
I’m actually a massive believer in the 6 am club. I find i’m my best self when I’m up at 6. I get so much more done and my productivity is so much better in the day!
What’s one thing you always carry in your bag?
My Refy lip liner in Taupe and my by Terrys lip balm. It’s magic!
When life is really busy, how do you carve space to maintain peace
Ahh life is always busy! Between working and kids, you have to cling onto any moments of calm you can get!
I wish I was the type who could tell you a yoga or Pilates class gives me peace … but I’m not. A nice bubble bath and a big glass of vino is how I maintain my peace!
How do you take your coffee and how many a day?
I’ve recently switched to cows milk because apparently Oatly is the devil. I take my coffee with whole milk and ice about three times a day!
Are you most productive in the mornings or evening?
I’d say it completely depends on whether I’m working or not. I feel I’m most productive after I’ve dropped my kids off to school. Get a couple of coffees in me and a little list and I won’t sit down until I pick them up, which is, by the way, in the middle of the bloody day!!!!!
What is your ultimate indulgence that makes you more productive
Shopping LOL! Sometimes I get a day where I don’t have work or any plans, and when that comes around, I jump on the train into Oxford Street and Potter around the shops. I recently heard a girl saying she takes two days holiday a year to go shopping because it’s good for your mental health and it’s the best thing I’ve heard all year! Best believe Im using that excuse to my husband for my shopping addiction!
I also feel like a little getaway to charge my batteries makes me more productive when I get home!
Top 3 apps
Open - this is my top top app. It gives you breathing exercises and quick morning meditations. It really sets my day off in a good way. It also gives you little affirmations that remind me to be present!
Vinted- I buy most of my things secondhand, and I just feel like Vinted is the cheapest and easiest way to find amazing things!
Ticktock- I was late to Ticktock! But I’m not going to lie I love it! I feel like it’s a hub of inspiration! The amount of nice recipes I found on there, great places to eat, cool places to go to and even cheap hotels to visit! It gets a 10/10 from me!
What does wellness look like to you?
Wellness to me is having a cup half full. Wellness can look like yoga, coffee dates and long walks, but it can also look like a quick weekend in Ibiza dancing with my mates!
I need time to feel good!
Go to comfort outfit?
Trackies, T-shirt, and one of my Sea New York jackets. They really can do up any old look!
Go to recipe for a quick dinner?
Prawn orzo from the Ottolenghi simple cookbook. It sounds pretty ridiculous but it’s so quick and easy and it’s absolutely delicious. My kids are obsessed too. If you haven’t tried it, do it!
Perfect way to spend a day off?
My brother-in-law owns a caravan, and it’s my Family‘s fave thing ever. When we all have a day off we head to Southwold, eat fish and chips on the beach and watch the kids play!
Desert island beauty product
It has to be Elizabeth Arden eight hour cream! An oldie but such a goody!