Blog

Andrew Williams is a humble expert in zen garden philosophy and design. Originally from the Washington D.C area, he has called Japan home for the last 10 years. He lives in Kyoto with his wife and two beautiful young kids. Before coming to Japan he was a professional garden designer, designing and building large-scale residential gardens in Denver, Seattle, and Kauai. I was so thrilled he agreed to share his knowledge of Japan with me, you're going to love our conversation. 

"The answer is not to ask the question about what you want to do in the future but rather asking yourself what do you love to do right now." I talk to Luisa about what brings her joy, what inspires her and how she got to be doing what she loves.

When we can embrace the season we’re in, life is easier. Lean into winter and give yourself what you need to be comfy and cosy. Winter is a reminder to turn inwards and go a little slower. It’s a welcome reminder that it’s OK to have a change of pace. The rain keeps me indoors and the cold keeps me bundled in layers of woollen knits and blankets. Slower days to contemplate, to reflect, to grow stronger and plant roots. 

Retreat at home with mugs of tea and autumn baked apples with cinnamon and maple syrup. Only ten minutes to prepare and thirty minutes baking and you can sit down to an indulgent breakfast. Though I'm not keeping it just for breakfast, I'd eat this all day.

Cooler days means retreating inside with warming bowls of soup. Filling your belly with homemade vegetable soup is a nourishing self-care ritual, it's maximum satisfaction from minimum effort. You can easily make this soup recipe midweek. And like all good recipes, you can substitute lots of the ingredients for whatever you have on hand.

I first had a smoothie bowl in Seminyak, back in the days when we could travel to tropical Bali. It was the most beautifully presented breakfast I'd ever seen –  vibrant pink berry smoothie topped with lush tropical fruit. Since then I've been making them at home every summer. I've tried lots of combinations of flavours and the chocolate banana combo is my current fave. You're going to love it too, I have no doubt. Plus it's wholesome and healthy!

What better way to say I love you than with a home-baked dessert. This cake ticks all the boxes for me, it's delicious, pretty as a picture and easy! I bake a lot and it's the first time I've used cardamom and rose water in a cake, coupled with the lemony flavour of the icing it's such a treat. I'm sharing the recipe here for you to make for someone special, and yes, that special person can totally be yourself!

This week I'm chatting to Australian stylist Jason Grant, "Home is my creative space, my sanctuary and a place to hide away. The way we live and decorate our home has never been more important. I like my home to be comfortable and creative with a focus on natural style."