Non Negotiable’s with Frances Costelloe
This weeks Non Negotiables with the amazing Frances Costelloe - an artist & brand consultant!
Issue 20
Frances Costelloe is an artist and brand consultant based in London. After working for luxury fashion and homeware brands notably Bella Freud, Frances founded her own eponymous brand in 2017.
3 things you always have in the fridge
I always have organic salted butter, some form of cheddar cheese and salad ingredients. I always have tomatoes too but they live outside the fridge to retain flavour. I am a butter addict- I have a theory it’s a health food.
When life is really busy, how do you carve space to maintain peace?
Walking sometimes feels like a real luxury. To have the time to walk somewhere not jumping on a lime bike or rushing around. Otherwise swimming always makes me feel better. I much prefer swimming outside so I go on a rotation of Park Road Lido, the West Reservoir, the Hampstead Ladies pond and the Oasis in Covent Garden.
How do you take your coffee and how many a day?
First off I have an English Breakfast tea. I have now started to eat first before coffee. Birdie Hall, who seemed like an expert on the topic, explained to me otherwise your body thinks it being chased by a bear. I’m not hungry first thing so have my coffee about 9 ish. I take it by pouring nearly boiling water over coffee in a metal reusable coffee filter cone. I drink it out of a large almost pint sized red and white cornishware mug. Then I top it up with a dash of cold milk. I’m not fussed at the temperature, it’s more about the effect.
What is your ultimate indulgence that makes you more productive?
I wouldn’t say anything that is an indulgence makes me more productive. I sometimes use the Pomodoro method when I’m really distracted. Another technique I use is that if I have a big piece of paid work I think of something that I will buy with a small fraction of the invoice. I am a big fan of rewards and have used them to make a game of things I find hard.
Top 3 apps
The FreeAgent app. It’s a great accounting app which means I can track my finances as a freelancer and invoice on the go. It’s free with Mettle bank accounts.
Zoom by Ocado - I kind of wish it didn’t exist but I now use it a lot. I’ve never been a massive Ocado fan but getting my shopping in 60 mins or less even on a Sunday is perfect when I’m house bound either kids and not organised for the weekend ahead.
Yoto- we are a big fan of Yoto in this family. It’s also very useful on long car journeys as you can play the app through the car speakers. You can also record your own stories and add them to the blank cards. I find Paddington one of the most relaxing. A code for anyone who wants 10% off:
( I get Yoto points )
What does wellness look like to you?
A combination of health, happiness and contentment. I don’t think you can buy wellness I think it’s more about a state of mind and a stillness.
Thank you so much Frances!
Follow Frances on Instagram here and or check out her website here
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