Volume 10

The Son of Man by René Magritte — Ice matcha latte — Lavo, London — American Psycho by Mary Harron — Motherhood

Happy Sunday and welcome to the tenth edition of Giselle daydreams!

Before I’ll tell you more about today’s volume, I have an exciting announcement to make. Giselle daydreams is officially launching a new section Daydreaming Stories, in which I will be interviewing creative and inspiring people sporadically. The first interview will be published next Sunday! xt

In today’s volume, I am writing about a thought provoking painting by an artist I already wrote about in Volume 7. I am also sharing my ice matcha latte recipe, one of my favourite films of all time, a restaurant I keep coming back to, and the newborn items that made my life easier!

---

Art

The Son of Man by René Magritte (1964)

At the request of a dear friend of mine, I changed my art content direction for today’s edition, and I did not write about a contemporary female artist. Instead, I am discussing one of René Magritte’s most famous work, The Son of Man. However, do not worry, I will discuss in a few volumes what I had initially planned.

The Son of Man is a famous painting created in1964 by Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte. This artwork has since become one of his most iconic and recognisable paintings. The Son of Man features a man in a business suit and bowler hat standing in front of a low wall, with the sea and a cloudy sky in the background. The most distinctive feature of the painting is that the man's face is obscured by a hovering green apple.

Magritte's work often explores the theme of mystery and the juxtaposition of familiar objects in unusual contexts. The Son of Man is no exception, as the obscured face of the man creates a sense of enigma and invites viewers to interpret the painting in various ways.

The title The Son of Man may allude to religious and philosophical themes, as the term is used in the Bible to refer to Jesus Christ. However, Magritte himself did not provide a specific interpretation of the painting, preferring to leave its meaning open to the viewer's imagination.

The Son of Man remains a symbol of Magritte's unique style within the surrealist movement, characterised by meticulous attention to detail, dreamlike imagery, and a touch of humour and mystery.

Art critics and academics have suggested various interpretations behind this enigmatic painting. 

The most prominent feature of the painting is the green apple that obscures the face of the suited man. Some interpretations suggest that this represents the artist's exploration of identity and the concealment of one's true self. This motif prompts contemplation on the nature of identity and the layers of self that individuals may choose to reveal or conceal. The hidden face might symbolise the mystery and complexity of human identity.

The figure in the painting is dressed in a conventional manner, wearing a suit and bowler hat. This may symbolise the concept of the "everyman" and conformity to societal norms. The bowler hat and suit contribute to a sense of conformity and anonymity.The ordinary appearance of the man contrasts with the extraordinary presence of the floating apple.

The painting's enigmatic quality contributes to a sense of mystery. Magritte was known for his interest in creating images that provoke questions without providing clear answers, inviting viewers to engage in their own interpretations and narratives.

Magritte often used everyday objects in his work, investing them with symbolic meaning. In The Son of Man, the bowler hat, suit, and green apple are laden with potential significance, contributing to the overall symbolism of the piece.

Magritte was associated with the surrealist movement, which sought to explore the irrational and imaginative aspects of the human mind. He often blurred the lines between reality and imagination. The Son of Man plays with the boundaries between reality and the subconscious, challenging the viewer's perceptions and expectations. The depiction of a suited man in an ordinary setting, juxtaposed with the surreal element of the floating apple, challenges conventional notions of reality.

The title The Son of Man has sparked various interpretations. It introduces religious undertones, drawing connections to the biblical term used to describe Jesus Christ. Others suggest a more existential interpretation, questioning the nature of humanity and individual existence.The painting's exploration of identity and concealment could be seen in the context of broader philosophical and existential themes.

Magritte frequently played with dualities and paradoxes in his work. In The Son of Man, the juxtaposition of a mundane, everyday scene with an inexplicable floating apple creates a sense of paradox. The coexistence of the ordinary and the surreal, such as a floating apple in an otherwise realistic scene, creates a tension that challenges viewers' perceptions and expectations. The ordinary and the surreal coexist in a single frame.

Some art historians speculate that the painting might contain autobiographical elements. Magritte's use of the bowler hat, for example, may hold personal significance for Magritte,, and the obscured face may represent the artist's desire for anonymity. This adds a layer of introspection and potential autobiographical exploration to the work.

Ultimately, the beauty of Magritte's work lies in its ability to elicit diverse interpretations. The Son of Man remains a masterpiece that invites contemplation and interpretation, and its themes resonate across a spectrum of artistic, philosophical, and psychological perspectives. Each viewer may find their own meaning or resonate with different aspects of the painting based on their own experiences and perspectives. The ambiguity of The Son of Man allows for a rich and open-ended exploration of its symbolism.

---

A recipe

Ice matcha latte

I have been an avid consumer of matcha for several years before it became trendy and offered in many places. Not to blow my own trumpet, but I was visionary when I purchased many Korean skincare products in their shops in Seoul 8 years ago. I remember when trying to find them online as I ran out, Amazon would sell them for an extortionate amount before I found some of those brands at Sephora or even Harrods a few years later for a more appropriate price. 

For those who are unfamiliar with this beverage, matcha is a type of powdered green tea that has been consumed in East Asia, particularly in Japan for centuries. It is made by grinding green tea leaves into a fine powder, which is then whisked with hot water to make a frothy beverage. 

Matcha is known for its vibrant green colour and unique flavour. Matcha is high in catechins, a type of antioxidant. Some studies suggest that the catechins in matcha can help increase metabolism and fat burning. Matcha contains a unique amino acid called L-theanine, which is thought to induce a state of relaxed alertness. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine in matcha can lead to improved focus and cognitive performance. The antioxidants in matcha may contribute to heart health by helping to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve overall cardiovascular function. Matcha is a source of various vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, zinc, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fibre. Finally, matcha is shade-grown, which increases its chlorophyll content. 

Now let’s move on the recipe! To make 1 ice matcha latte you will need:

ceremonial grade green matcha powder

milk (I use almond, cashew, oats, or coconut milk)

boiling water

cinnamon

ice cubes

collagen powder (optional)

maple syrup (optional)

I recommend buying a matcha kit containing a bowl, a chasen (bamboo whisk), a whisk holder (easy for storage), a matcha spoon, and a strainer for sifting matcha powder. This will elevate your matcha experience and you will taste a difference too!

Method:

1. Using your matcha spoon, take about 1/2 to 1 tsp of matcha powder and sift it using your strainer onto your bowl. You can also add cinnamon and collagen powder too. I don’t do this step, but this would be the moment to add 1/2 to 1 tbsp of maple syrup if you want a sweeter taste.

2. Pour about 40ml of boiling water into the bowl, and using your chasen whisk vigorously until a foam is formed.

3. In a serving glass, place a couple of ice cubes at the bottom. Add about a cup of milk of your choice.

4. Finish by adding the matcha mixture.

5. Give a good stir with a straw. You are done and ready to enjoy your ice matcha latte!

---

Eating in London

Lavo

I think I have visited Lavo far too many times since I discovered it in December last year. In the course of two months, I visited the establishment four times! You might probably think why on earth I keep coming back to this restaurant so often. I will tell you why shortly. 

Lavo is located at the BotTree Hotel, a new hotel which opened in September 2023 on Marylebone Lane. Its central location makes a great place for our Sunday lunch tradition as we like to do an activity post lunch, to burn all the calories and do something else than to devour an enormous amount of indulgent food. 

Lavo is a coastal Italian restaurant, and I actually knew about Lavo as it belongs to the TAO Group. For those who follow Melissa Wood Health, you probably know that her husband is behind this lavish restaurant. 

The elegant restaurant, split over two floors, presents a feature-wall which spans its two floors and is adorned with opulent green foliage. You will enjoy seating on the deep blue crescent-shaped banquettes and admire the bespoke lattice wall design throughout the ground level space.

As you come down the glittering gold stairway to enter the subterranean level, you will find another Mediterranean inspired dining area. The warm lighting invites us to admire the leafy branches of a striking olive tree. 

I think that I have talked enough about the interior design of the restaurant, and without further due, I will review my favourite dishes from their lunch menu. I only came for lunch, as being a mother of a young baby, I had to relinquish my evenings in order to master the evening routine…

I usually choose the yellowfin tuna tartare. The portion is generous and the Mediterranean flavours make me reminiscent of Italian summertime. I tried to reciprocate this dish at home as well. You will see my version in a few volumes! Afterwards, my husband and I enjoy sharing the penne alla vodka with the pizza. To end on a sweet note, and if we feel extremely indulgent, we do not share dessert, and each of us eats their ricotta bombolone with Oreo ice cream. However, I also enjoy their olive oil gelato topped with salt, like Dua Lipa does when she comes here according to our waiter. 

The service is always impeccable, and the attention to details and care is worth noting. I loved the fact that I can add citrus or cucumber to my sparkling water to elevate my fizzy drink, and that they offer you delicious seeded grissini served alongside aesthetically plated vegetable nibbles. 

I highly recommend you to experience a meal at Lavo if you are in London!

---

A film

American Psycho by Mary Harron (2000)

This iconic film is one my favourites, from Christian Bale’s impeccable performance and the way he immersed himself in the character of Patrick Bateman, an obsessive manic who is deeply consumed by his quest of personal perfection, to the stylish cinematography as well as its sharp social commentary. Of course, I have to tell you that I wish my morning skincare routine could look as flawless as his in the cult scene from Mr Bale’s romanticised routine at the beginning of the film. Moreover, he captured Patrick Bateman’s superficial charm, his underlying menace, and his moments of internal conflict remarkably. I am also avid of the dark humour and satirical take on the excesses of the 1980s, in which the film portrays the materialistic and superficial society of New York City. Despite the controversies around the depiction of violence, it remains a classic that one must watch.

American Psycho is a novel written by Bret Easton Ellis, published in 1991. The novel was adapted into a film in 2000 by Mary Harron and starring Christian Bale in the lead role as Patrick Bateman. The film follows the general storyline of Bret Easton Ellis's novel but omits or alters some of the more graphic and controversial elements. American Psycho is known for its graphic and disturbing depictions of violence, which generated controversy upon its release. Despite the controversy, the novel and the film have gained a cult status and is often considered a modern classic.

American Psycho is a satirical black comedy that critiques the excesses and superficiality of 1980s American society, particularly in the world of finance and business. The story is narrated by Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and successful New York City investment banker, who also happens to be a psychopathic serial killer.

The film explores themes of consumerism, narcissism, and the dehumanising effects of a culture obsessed with materialism. Bateman is portrayed as a shallow and emotionless character who is obsessed with his appearance, his social status, and his ability to fit into the upper echelons of society. The narrative blurs the line between Bateman's reality and his increasingly bizarre and violent fantasies, leaving the reader to question the reliability of the narrator.

American Psycho is a film that lends itself to various interpretations, given its complex and often ambiguous narrative. It is a thought-provoking film that invites audiences to explore its deeper layers and meanings. 

The film is a satirical commentary on the excessive materialism and superficiality of the 1980s, particularly within the world of finance and high society. Patrick Bateman's obsession with status symbols, fashion, and appearance reflects the societal values of the time. Patrick Bateman's character raises questions about identity and the dehumanising effects of a culture obsessed with surface-level attributes. The film blurs the line between Bateman's reality and his fantasies, leaving the audience to question whether the events are real or figments of his disturbed imagination.

The graphic violence in the film is often interpreted as a commentary on the desensitisation and dehumanisation resulting from a culture that prioritises wealth and success. Bateman's brutal acts are juxtaposed with his meticulous concern for his appearance and social status, emphasising the dark underbelly of a seemingly polished society.

The film leaves the reliability of the narrator, Patrick Bateman, in doubt. The ambiguity surrounding whether certain events are real or hallucinated adds an element of psychological thriller to the narrative.

The film delves into the themes of consumerism, with characters often discussing brands and products in great detail. This emphasis on material possessions highlights the emptiness and lack of genuine connection in Bateman's world. American Psycho serves as a broader critique of societal values, morality, and the pursuit of success at any cost. The characters in the film are portrayed as disconnected and indifferent, reflecting a society that values external appearances over internal substance.

The film's ending, like the novel's, is open to interpretation. The ambiguity leaves viewers questioning the reality of Bateman's actions and the consequences of a society that may be oblivious to the dark realities beneath its glamorous façade.

---

Motherhood

Newborn essentials

For my readers who are mum-to-be, new mums or just wondering what a newborn needs what you will read below is for you. I bought these products after doing my own research and the options I chose are what worked best for my needs and my baby in the first few months.

Bouncer I chose bouncer and this has been by far the best investment I made. Queen L loves sitting in her bouncer while we bounce her while listening to classical music or when she just wants to look at what we’re doing when she doesn’t feel like playing or doing tummy time. What is particularly useful for me is that there’s a newborn insert which means you can put a small baby early on and I find that it supports her back well, especially if she ends up falling asleep while being bounced. I didn’t opt for an electric bouncer with sounds as I prefer to play classical music directly through her and I also didn’t want Queen L to rely on electrical movement to be bounced.

Little anecdote, my husband decided to buy a second bouncer for his garden office and decided to purchase a bouncer which had electric settings removing the need to manually bounce her. She hated it so much that we had to return it!

Baby carrier I initially got this as I thought this would be life-changing when doing chores, but in the end, I didn’t use it as much as intended in the house as I wanted to preserve my back. However, when travelling, this is cutting-edge and simplifies your time at the airport and on the plane. I got the mini version as Queen L is petite like her mummy.

Muslins I was naive to think that I could survive with only 5 muslins, and I also bought these which are thick and absorbent. I use them mostly in the house, and I use embroidered ones when we’re out as they’re more eye-pleasing. I use many at the same time as I like to keep some in each room to avoid rushing to the nursery if I need one.

Moses Basket I bought this one as we initially liked the design and it was portable. Queen L is not massive therefore I managed to use it past 3 months and she slept in it until she reached 5 months. However, what I found genius is that I bring the basket in the bathroom without the stand and Queen L loves watching me taking showers, washing my hair and doing my skincare routine. She either looks at me or plays on her own. She just needs to see mummy, and this enables me to take care of myself without relying on someone. Queen L is now 9.5 months and I still manage to use it for this purpose, which also makes a good value for money.

Weleda Nappy Cream I like this brand and decided to give a go to their nappy cream. So far, Queen L never had a nappy rash. Therefore, I think this particular cream is perfect for her and I don’t intend to switch brands.

WaterWipes I only tried another brand prior to changing to these and I don’t think I will change anytime soon, as these are just perfect for Queen L. They’re also clean, keep wet, and they’re easy to pull.

Pacifier I was reluctant to introduce a pacifier due to nappy confusion, but once we established breastfeeding and Lior started to get in pain with colics, I had to introduce one. I planned to ditch the pacifier as soon as I can, but this is a personal choice and you do what works best for you. By the time she was 6 months, she did not want one anymore. Something useful to buy is a pacifier case to carry on the go if an accident happens and you need to use a spare pacifier.

Anti roll changing mat also known as wedge changing mat, this type of changing mat is perfect for changing your baby, especially if your little one loves moving and making your life complicated! I also like the material that can be cleaned by simply using a wipe. There are many designs you can choose from, but the wedge-changing mat is best if you want to add an extra layer of safety.

The items that I bought that are not featured in the moodboard:

Black and White Board Book this is the first book we showed Queen L while telling her stories about each image. Now we moved to colourful books but even my toddler nephew liked it when I showed it to him last summer. Therefore, I may re-introduce it to her in the future and see if she enjoys it again.

Tommee Tippee GroEgg2 Digital Colour Changing Room Thermometer and Night Light when you have a baby, you will learn that it’s fundamental to know the room temperature in order to dress your baby accordingly. I got this one and I’m pleased with it. Moreover, if you don’t like the colour showing based on the room temperature, you can turn this function off.

LED night light I liked this one so much for the nursery that I also got one for our bedroom. I still use it for the night feeds and to create a relaxed atmosphere before bedtime. You can choose the red light option which is what I go for when I’m reading or feeding her in the evening or the middle of the night, and a whiter option when I need to change nappies in her nursery.

Nappy bin this one is what responded more to my expectations and you may think it’s not useful to buy one, I would say the opposite as dirty nappies are malodorous and it’s nice to have a place that neutralises those unpleasant smells. This particular bin also doesn’t need refills, you can just use bin bags which was also the selling point for me.

I bought a neutral playmat which matches our sofa and dining chairs and since she was a few weeks old, we have been using it daily to practice tummy time.

We of course got a monitor, which we don’t use much as Queen L mostly sleeps on me or while we’re doing our daily walks.

We also purchased a beautiful changing table which is a nice addition to a nursery and your back will thank you. In the first weeks, I was changing Queen L directly (with some predictable accidents) on our bed and benching so low was hurting me that I made the effort to go to her room to change her, and my pain went away as soon as it appeared!

Finally, something that is more for weaning but you can buy it in advance if you plan to cook for your baby is a baby food freezer tray. I bought 2 of those, as when I batched cook I was making large quantities and it was easier this way.

I hope you enjoyed the tenth edition of Giselle daydreams.

Giselle xx