Volume 1

The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch — Current haircare — Cucumber salad— Lullaby (Chanson Douce) by Leila Slimani — The Skin I live in by Pedro Almadóvar

Happy Sunday and welcome to the first edition of Giselle daydreams! I plan to send a new edition of the newsletter fortnightly to keep it consistent. I hope you’ll enjoy the content on here, and please subscribe and share Giselle daydreams if you like it.

This first edition features an intricate and provocative artwork, my favourite salad recipe, a French book, a Spanish movie and the products I’m currently using on my hair.

Everything you read here is written by me and the opinions are mine.

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Art

The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch (1490-1510)

When I decided to create Giselle daydreams my initial intention was to solely write about art but I realised that there was so much more I wanted to share from beauty, recipes, lifestyle etc... Nonetheless, sharing about art and art history is something that is important as I miss my art history study days and this platform is enabling me to still research, read and muse about art. 

I chose to write about The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch as that was a painting I was looking forward to seeing in real life for a very long time and I was very excited to finally see it at El Prado in Madrid last summer. I remember dragging my husband throughout all the rooms and when we got to see this awaited artwork towards the end of our visit, I was not disappointed. I spent a long time admiring and scrutinising this masterpiece in every possible detail. I was amazed by the genius of Bosch and I felt that I ticked a must-see painting from my bucket list. 

The Garden of Earthly Delights is a famous triptych created by the Early Netherlandish painter Hieronymus Bosch. This masterpiece is renowned for its intricate and surreal imagery and is considered one of the most enigmatic and iconic works in the history of art. 

The left panel of the triptych - Heaven - depicts the Garden of Eden and the creation of Adam and Eve. It shows a tranquil, idyllic landscape filled with animals and surrounded by a walled garden. God is seen presenting Eve to Adam, surrounded by angels. 

The central panel - Earthly Delights -  is the most complex and bizarre of the three. It presents a surreal and fantastical vision of humanity's pursuit of lust, pleasure and indulgence. The central panel is filled with a multitude of bizarre and grotesque creatures engaged in various acts of hedonism and debauchery. There are scenes of people feasting, dancing, and engaging in all sorts of unconventional and often sinful behaviour. In the midst of this chaotic and surreal landscape, there is a giant fruit resembling a strawberry, inside which people cavort. The central panel is a visual representation of earthly temptation and indulgence. 

The right panel of the triptych - Hell - depicts the consequences of humanity's sinful behaviour from the central panel. It is a nightmarish and hellish landscape filled with tormented souls, demons, and monstrous creatures. People are shown being subjected to various forms of torture and punishment. It serves as a warning of the consequences of sinful behaviour. 

This masterpiece is known for its intricate detail and the rich symbolism contained within each panel. Bosch's work is open to various interpretations, with many art historians and scholars speculating on its meaning. Some see it as a moralistic warning against sinful excess, while others view it as a commentary on the human condition or a representation of mediaeval religious beliefs. Bosch's work remains a captivating and mysterious artwork which continues to intrigue and inspire artists and viewers throughout time.

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Haircare routine - the products I’m currently using

I’ve been using Leonor Greyl products for many years and I love that they are a natural haircare brands that also offers products for most types of hair¹.

L'Huile De Leonor Greyl I can’t tell you how much I love this pre shampoo oil. I’ve literally purchased it numerous time for the last few years. Literally as soon as I’m about to run out, I buy a new one. It works really well on my hair and I like to apply the oil on dry hair prior to washing from 20min to a couple of hours depending when I end up washing my hair. I massage my scalp first and then I move onto the lengths before finishing by putting my hair in a bun. This oil is made of natural Copra oil and Mongongo oil, and it also helps to detangle and soften your hair. Beware that the oil hardens when the temperature goes down, therefore you might need to put the oil in a bowl with warm water to render in its liquid form.

Argan Oil sometimes I like to switch from the Leonor Greyl oil mentioned above or if I’m travelling and I want to avoid taking a big bottle for a short time. Argan oil comes from the Atlas mountains in Morocco and is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids and carotenes. It’s also great for anti-aging and hydrating. It can be applied to skin, hair and nails. However, since it’s comedogenic, I don’t really use it on my oily skin. I like using the Ordinary oil because it’s pure Argan oil and it’s also very affordable if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, as the Leonor Greyl oil is definitely more expensive. I also use it on my nails but I’ll leave the nail topics for another edition. I apply it in a similar way that the previous oil, and I also find my hair healthy in shiny.

Scalp massager I recently starting a scalp massager and I feel like I’m pampering myself and I love that feeling of massaging my scalp. I didn’t think that would be game changer that would elevate my pre and shampoo routine. This cute tool is also aimed at exfoliating, promoting hair growth and of course boost scalp circulation. You can also use it on dry hair, but I tend to forget about it and I usually use mine when I do my pre washing her treatment and I also use it when I’m washing my hair in the shower. You don’t need an expensive one, and you can find very affordable options on Amazon. Never underestimate the power of small tools as part of you self care routine.

Leonor Greyl Crème régénératrice for some reasons I’ve been buying this conditioner on repeat as it does wonders at detangling my hair while not contributing to much loss while combing it while wet. I have to say that I’ve been forgetting to leave it as indicated for 2-5min but I can confirm that it still works and my hair is also shiny. Something worth mentioning is that the smell isn’t pleasant but I don’t mind it.

Leonor Greyl Masque Fleurs de Jasmin I’d like to reiterate that I’m by no mean sponsored by Leonor Greyl, although I wish was as I’ve been buying their products for like a decade! I only bought this mask probably twice as who has time for hair mask these days?! However after my last visit to the hairdresser as a new mum, I was told that my hair was dry and I decided to indulge in this mask which nourishes thin and dry hair. After a couple of use, I can slowly notice a difference and my hair is becoming stronger despite experiencing what I was dreading… the unwanted postpartum hair loss. I use the mask on dry hair on the lengths while I apply the oil on my scalp and put my hair in a bun for at least 20min but usually it’s more 2hours as my schedule is all about what Queen L decides for me!

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo I’ve been using this shampoo for many years and I keep buying it once I ran out. It’s probably TMI but when I’m stressed I literally can’t help scratching my scalp and I end up having a mix of dandruffs and dead cells and this isn’t sexy. This shampoo comes to the rescue and after every single use, my scalp is back to its healthy state like magic! Like the other products mentioned, the haircare I use is not cheap but it’s so worth it on the long run and since you only use a small amount on your scalp, this will last you several months. I’ve tried cheaper and more expensive options, but this is by far my all times favourite.

Leonor Greyl Bain Volumateur aux Algues I’ve been buying this shampoo a couple of times and it works for my hair. If you have beautiful thick hair, this one isn’t for you. But if you haven’t been blessed with voluminous hair this shampoo will do the trick. Something that will surprise you if you aren’t familiar with shampoos from the brand is that it will not foam like your usual shampoo. Nonetheless, the shampoo will effectively clean your hair. Finally, if you don’t like to use conditioner, it has also a detangling feature which remove the need to use a conditioner afterwards, as conditioner often have the reputation to weight down your hair. Something someone with thin hair certainly not want!

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A recipe

Cucumber salad

I’m obsessed with this cucumber salad that I genuinely eat every single evening when I eat dinner at home and with Queen L (this is the nickname for my lovely daughter Lior) I do eat most evenings at home. And for those who know me, when travelling I’m still searching for cucumbers in supermarkets and restaurants in Montenegro, even if their prices are astronomical. Believe it or not, cigarettes, meat and dairy are cheaper than cucumbers!

I love this crunchy and refreshing cucumber salad which somehow comforts and also hydrates me as cucumbers are like 95% water. It’s therefore a great way to stay hydrated for health and skin purposes. I genuinely feel like this salad helps me with my skin goals on top of my daily ritual. 

Anyway, I hope I haven’t bored you with this monologue on cucumber so I’ll tell you how I make it.

I eat this all myself because my husband prefers cucumber and tomato salad rather than this, which actually makes me happy that it’s all for me!

To make one big bowl you will need:

1 large cucumber peeled and thinly sliced (I am aware that the skin has all the nutriments but I prefer it peeled but you do you)

½ lime squeezed

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 

⅛ tsp sumac

⅛ tsp zaatar

Sprinkle of pink Himalayan salt and black pepper

Instructions: combine all the ingredients in a serving bowl and mix well. It’s ready to eat.  Let me know if you like it too!

Something great about this salad is the choice of ingredients which have numerous health benefits on top of being nutritious and delicious! 

Sumac is rich in antioxidants. Meanwhile zaatar is anti-inflammatory, boosts the immune system, it helps clear your skin, improves your circulation, builds strong bones and treats chronic diseases. 

My diet is mostly Mediterranean and the consumption of EVOO in my household is definitely noticeable, but it’s all worth it as it’s super rich in antioxidants, helps fight inflammation and chronic diseases as well. Moreover, it’s good for your skin. 

Tip when buying EVOO: buy a blend from one country rather than a mixed blend and organic if you can. I also buy a cheaper EVOO for cooking and a more expensive one for dressing and seasoning which is also richer in flavour but it would be a shame to waste it on cooking in my opinion.

Despite lemons having a higher percentage of vitamin C, I prefer the bitterness of limes rather than the sweeter taste of lemons. Nonetheless, you can easily swap lemons instead of limes if you prefer. Both improve immunity and reduce heart disease factors and so much more.

Finally I not only like pink Himalayan salt for its attractive colour but also it supposedly contains more than 80 trace minerals, improves digestion, reduces inflammation and helps regulate blood pressure. Nonetheless, it’s best to be mindful of your salt consumption so I don’t put too much when cooking and I let my guests help themselves if they want to add more in the dishes I serve but usually it’s not the case if you find a nice harmony with your seasoning. 

Disclaimer: I  am no way a health professional, just deeply interested in eating mindfully while still making delicious meals. 

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A book

Lullaby (Chanson Douce) by Leila Slimani (2016)

After graduating from university, I spent a lot less time reading than in my years studying and as a teenager as I was more attracted to going out, visiting art exhibitions and wandering around. I used to walk a lot and I wasn’t spending as much time commuting to work. However, when my tube journey became longer, I decided that it was worth taking a book and read some pages on the tube. This way I managed to actually read about a book a month by simply reading on the tube, I was amazed! If I took the bus, I was drawn to call my mum or scrolling on social media (oops!).

This unsettling and eerie novel is the first one I read by the author and I wasn’t disappointed, although I didn’t enjoy the film I watched afterwards. However, this isn’t relevant and I’m straying for the main focus - the book.

Chanson Douce is a psychological thriller that explores themes of class, race, motherhood, and social inequality. The novel begins with a shocking event: the murder of two young children by their trusted nanny, Louise. The story then delves into the lives of both the nanny and the family she works for, the Massés.

Louise is the seemingly perfect nanny who takes care of Myriam and Paul Massé's two children, Mila and Adam. Her impeccable skills and devotion endear her to the parents, who are initially overjoyed to have found such a wonderful caregiver. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there is much more to Louise than meets the eye. Her behaviour grows increasingly erratic, and a sense of unease permeates the household.

The novel explores the complex relationship between Louise and the Massé family, particularly Myriam, who grapples with the guilt of leaving her children in someone else's care while pursuing her career. It also delves into Louise's troubled past and the societal pressures that contribute to her descent into madness.

I decided to choose this first book for Giselledaydreams as one of the most prominent themes is motherhood, and I now feel ever more conscious of the challenges and expectations placed on mothers, particularly working mothers, in nowadays society. Myriam's struggle to balance her career and motherhood is a central theme. This will soon become a struggle of mine. 

The book also touches on class and inequality and this theme is also very fundamental in today’s contemporary society. Chanson Douce highlights the class divide and the stark differences in the lives of the Massé family and Louise. It explores the power dynamics and tensions that arise from these disparities. Furthermore the novel tackles trust and betrayal. Trust is a central theme in the story. The Massé family places their trust in Louise, but this trust is ultimately shattered, leading to tragic consequences. The characters in Chanson Douce grapple with feelings of isolation and loneliness, despite their close proximity to one another. This sense of isolation plays a significant role in the unfolding of the narrative. Lastly, Louise's character raises questions about identity and the desperation that can result from feeling marginalised and powerless.

Chanson Douce is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the dark undercurrents of domestic life and the complexities of human relationships. What made this novel so powerful is its incisive commentary on contemporary society and its ability to generate intense discussion and reflection when you read it.

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Cinema

The Skin I live in by Pedro Almadóvar (2011)

I’ve also been drawn to more independent movies since my teenage years. Of course, I’ll see popular films but what I particularly enjoy is complex and psychologically challenging films that make me escape and transport me to a state of daydreaming. I like to feel deeply connected to a thought-provoking narrative.

The film is based on Thierry Jonquet's novel Mygale and features a complex and suspenseful narrative. The story revolves around Dr. Robert Ledgard, a skilled and enigmatic plastic surgeon who is conducting controversial and secretive experiments in his secluded mansion. His obsession is to create a synthetic skin that is both resistant to damage and has a realistic appearance. This obsession is rooted in a tragic event from his past; the severe burns suffered by his wife in a car accident, which ultimately led to her suicide.

In his quest to develop this synthetic skin, Dr. Ledgard keeps a beautiful and mysterious woman named Vera, captive in his mansion. Vera's appearance is altered through a series of surgeries, and she is kept isolated from the outside world. The reasons behind Vera's captivity and her complex relationship with Dr. Ledgard are gradually revealed throughout the film.

As the narrative unfolds, the audience is taken on a twisted and suspenseful journey into the depths of Dr. Ledgard's psyche. The film explores the themes of identity, control, manipulation, and the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.

This film delves into the themes of identity and transformation, as the characters undergo significant physical and psychological changes. The film challenges the ethical boundaries of altering one's identity and appearance. Dr. Ledgard's actions are motivated by a deep desire for revenge against those he holds responsible for his wife's suffering. The film examines the destructive nature of revenge and its repercussions. Both Dr. Ledgard and Vera are isolated characters, trapped in their own worlds. Dr. Ledgard's obsession with his work and Vera's captivity highlight the isolating effects of their circumstances. The film also touches on themes of gender identity and fluidity, as well as issues related to sexuality and desire. Finally, this film raises ethical questions about the boundaries of scientific experimentation and the responsibilities of those in positions of power regarding the themes of ethics and morality.

In this masterpiece that I watched for the first time probably 14 years ago, one can recognise Almodóvar’s striking style, intricate storytelling, and the complex performances of its lead actors. It is a provocative and psychologically intense work that challenges the audience's expectations and explores the darker aspects of human nature. This is why I simply love Almadóvar’s beautiful cinematography and visual aesthetics.

Thank you if you read it all the way and I hope you enjoyed reading this first edition.

Giselle xx

1. I bought myself all the products I’m referring on my moodboards and I genuinely use them on a regular basis. Obviously everyone is different so what works for me may not work for you.