Musings From The Shedio #10
Hello My Loves,
I know it’s been months and months - I’m sorry! Not that I’m sufficiently delusional to think you’ve all been holding your breath since the last one, but nonetheless, I’ve been slow, so… sorry. A combination of just being shattered really - kids, life, the constant juggle. I’m sure you’re all very familiar with this yourself, so I won’t elaborate. Let’s just dive straight in.
Here’s a round-up of stuff, recommendations, jewels and, well, stuff.
VR EXPERIENCE
In Pursuit Of Repetitive Beats
Whether you’re a former raver (🙋🏽♀️) or not, this is honestly the most amazing immersive experience EVER. We missed the opportunity to go when it was at the Barbican in London, so when it landed at Testbed in Leeds, we pounced on tickets.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but whatever expectations I had were exceeded tenfold. Described as an epic adventure into the euphoria of acid house rave, this docu/drama/adventure takes you on an incredible and fully immersive journey back to late-80s Coventry.
You’re transported to your bedroom, where you and your friends have to track down the illegal rave - following motorway journeys until you hit dancefloor utopia. Along the way, you hear stories from promoters, police and ravers, all delivered creatively within the experience (at one point you’re even in a police station!).
I went with two friends - one a fellow one-time raver, the other not. The latter was also the most sceptical about the whole VR thing. We all left totally blown away.
It’s currently touring the UK and now in Wales, I believe.
Follow their Instagram, and if you get the opportunity… GO RAVE!
WATCH THE TRAILER
PODCAST + VR EXPERIENCE
The Rest Is History + Titanic VR Experience
If you’ve got kids and are always looking for ways to engage them positively with their devices, this one’s for you. My son’s pretty good mostly, but there’s no escaping the draw of his phone. So, rather than fight it, I decided to tweak how he uses it.
I planned a night out for my youngest (12). The deal was: dinner anywhere of his choosing (sushi, obviously) and a night of adventure — but before that, he had to listen to a podcast. The podcast was the superbly put together and utterly engrossing The Rest is History — a fascinating deep dive into pivotal moments from the obvious to the obscure. They do an excellent six-part series on the Titanic.
The sinking of the Titanic remains one of those endlessly compelling moments in history — a mix of human hubris, the idea that no matter how rich or powerful you are, the face of nature will always humble you, and the heartbreak of the human stories. Presenters Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore everything from the origins of the White Star Line to the fateful voyage and the voices of those on board facing tragedy.
It’s aimed at adults, but the mix of humour and storytelling makes it perfect for slightly older kids too. My son guessed it had to be something Titanic-related but didn’t know what — and ended up completely hooked, spending four hours immersed in it (and two hours eating his bodyweight in sushi).
We then went to the Titanic VR Experience, which is available in various cities:
BOOK HERE
What did I think? It was good, but not amazing. The graphics felt clunky after the Rave Experience, and we didn’t have headphones. There was also a rather exuberant group of women nearby who were clearly having a blast, but I found it hard to switch off from their chatter (I’m that person who nearly combusts over sweet-wrapper rustling in the cinema 🤬😤).
Still, it was good. My son LOVED it, and it made for a fun evening. So maybe I’m just a grumpy old fart. If you do go, let me know what you think!
FILM
An Irish Goodbye
Have you started to feel like films are getting longer and longer? So many films running 3 hours long (not just marvel ones!), who has that amount of time?
If you’re like me then this ones for you. A film thats 19 minutes long. Yep. A whole 19 minutes.
Trust me when I say every single minute is beautiful, An Irish Goodbye - a beautifully heartfelt tale about two estranged brothers who are united at their mothers funeral. When enfolds will fill your heart - its poignant, funny, light hearted and yes, quintessentially Irish. It's won a gazillion awards including the Oscar for Best Short Film amongst so many other film accolades so basically, it's brilliant.
Please please watch it and let me know what you thought - It's on Disney+ and I'm sure you’ll be able to stream on other platforms.
WATCH ON DISNEY+
BEAUTY
Rodial Soft Focus Glow Booster Drops
My daughter had a bottle she hadn’t used, so she gave it to me. I tried it - she promptly took it back when she saw my face!
A few drops under foundation and tada: youthful, dewy skin. I didn’t notice the difference at first, but a few people commented on how great my skin looked - so either it works or I need another eye test.
It’s not cheap, but ladies, beauty costs 😂
Usually around £75, but I found it on Cosmetify for £55, and I'm sure you will find them for a good price around Black Friday:
SHOP ON COSMETIFY
Watermelon Soap from Lush
75% of the purchase price go to charities in Gaza, which for me was reason enough to buy it. But it also smells heavenly, and four weeks on, my bathroom still smells fruity.
It’s a super hard block, not one of those soaps that dissolves into mush in your soap dish. I’ve never really been a Lush shopper, but in a world where the ethics of so many businesses can leave you cold, it’s nice to spend with companies who genuinely put their money where their mouth is.
SHOP NOW
CRAFTING
Crafting with Your Kids
People who craft are happier - that’s not opinion, it’s fact.
Crafting has a hugely positive impact on mental health: it reduces stress (no one’s stressed while painting!), helps ease anxiety and depression (have you ever seen anyone look sad in a craft shop? Broke, maybe, but not sad), and boosts mood and self-esteem.
It absolutely encourages mindfulness. I crochet because it calms me. The repetition of stitches and counting quietens my brain. It gives a sense of purpose too, and helps drag us all away from our screens - something we could all benefit from.
Why women craft more than men, I’m not sure. My daughters have always loved making, but my son’s been more reluctant - perhaps because I approached it differently with him because he’s a boy.
Anyway, this weekend, in an effort to reduce screen time (and avoid going out in the rain), I talked him into a day of craft. His challenge: make me a cushion. He’s done some sewing at school, so he’s got the basics. We spent three lovely hours chatting, playing tunes, and crafting - and look what he made me!
My point: it’s good for you, it’s good for the kids, and it’s incredibly rewarding to make something with your own hands.
There are loads of YouTube tutorials for kids, I’ve linked one below - but I’d also recommend Domestika. It’s a brilliant online platform for creative courses- polished, professional, and filled with niche projects for as little as £5.
Plus, did you know I sell my own crochet patterns on Etsy now? Go check them out if you're a fellow crocheter!
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Or come craft with me...
Want something more guided then I'm you’re woman. I'm on my third month of jewellery classes at the shedio - right now you can come along and make a set of stacking rings, a bangle or come with your parter to make your own wedding rings. You’ll be in the bosom of my light filled and cosy custom built workshop where tea is on tap, the giggles are plentiful and with my guidance you’ll leave with memories and something you will be able to treasure forever.
BOOK A WORKSHOP WITH ME
WHAT I'M WEARING
Ear Pin Climber
And finally what I'm wearing! Mostly knits and my new ear pin climber thingy - yes yes, I need to work on a more catchy name for for now lets just call it a working title. A little bit of ear elevation - it's easy to wear and not ‘too much’ whilst really not being less either 🤦🏽♀️😂I have made a very very small batch and when they are gone - well, they are gone. They feed through your piercing and then hook on to your outer helix and Boom - instant Va Va Voom.
SHOP NOW
ON THE PLAYLIST
Listen Now
And here's my latest sounds from the shedio playlist.
Thats me for now pals, remember as we get closer to Christmas - Jeff Bezos does not need your cash, so before you head over to spend your hard earned cash, remember keep amazon for the practical everyday bits you might need but keep your gifts full of soul! I'm going to be back before Christmas with a handmade gift edit of my favourite small brands but feel free to share some with me too.
Much love to you all!
Ghazal x
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