In search of the finer things in life — because the finest ones still cost too much.

Take Me Back

A trio of finds inspired by three of my favorite places.

Aug 22

Sensō-ji temple, Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Ryutaro Tsukata.

Certain places stick with us forever. The memories we create in these spots find a home in our hearts we can draw on whenever we need to. These are places where we stepped out of our comfort zone, fell in love or saw something that changed the way we understood the world. Allowing a place and its history, culture and people to alter our fabric helps us grow in new and unexpected ways.

The three products featured this week are all nods to places I feel immensely lucky to have spent time in. They remind me of sights, smells and sounds I hope to experience again soon. They’re also all well-made by brands with missions at the core of everything they create.

Let your heart be a map.

1. NatureLab. Tokyo Repair Leave-In Treatment (£14)

naturelabtokyo

A post shared by NatureLab Tokyo Haircare (@naturelabtokyo)

Ever since I found this product from NatureLab. Tokyo, the botanical haircare line co-founded by Rosa Takagi in 1997, my heavily bleached hair has never been happier. The key ingredients are vegan keratin, argan oil and prickly pear cactus seed oil to nourish and strengthen the hair. I honestly think it’s witchcraft. The first time I used this weightless foam was during a stay in a hotel without any conditioner. My hair blew out so soft, shiny and bouncy, that I’m starting to consider scrapping that in-shower step altogether in favor of this treatment, which works well with my go-to hair serum.

2. Roots Sweatpants (£64 and up)

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A post shared by Roots (@roots)

I grew up just across the border from Canada in Metro Detroit and have been lucky to visit several Canadian destinations including Vancouver and the Lake Erie North Shore region. When I moved back to America from Japan in 2016, I was thrilled to find a Roots shop in my town so I never had to go without their plush separates. The Toronto-born brand released its first fleece sweatpants in 1979, expanding the line to include other styles in their signature soft fabrics. You can’t go wrong with a pair of their Original Sweatpants, and I also love their Easy Ankle Sweatpants.

3. lovescottish Soy Wax Scented Candles (£12 and up)

love.scottish

A post shared by Love Scottish (@love.scottish)

A scented candle is an excellent way to take a place back home with you. The moment I smelled the Black Raspberry Soy Wax Scented Candle from lovescottish, I knew it was the perfect one to capture my first visit to Scotland. The smells of nature—flowers, grass and rain—instantly transport me back to this lush, green country. The brand was started by Lesley Landels in 2016 and now has a retail store in Melrose. All of their products are produced within Scotland and the line includes home fragrances, bath and body care, clothing accessories and more.

Something to think about …

On a recent trip back to America, friends and family had many questions about the royals. If you’re interested in the history of this monarchy, I highly recommend my current read, Traitor King, by historian and literary agent Andrew Lownie.

Last week on MIDDI …

MIDDI

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