Present Joys Featured Guests: Fred and Emily L'Ami
This week we welcome Fred and Emily L'Ami of Studio L'Ami and Bodha to share their present joys with us.
This week we welcome Fred and Emily L’Ami to share their present joys with us. Fred is the Founder and Creative Director of Studio L’Ami, a design studio specializing in the creation of unique brand identities, and Emily is the Founder of Bodha, a modern fragrance company creating sensory touchstones for the self and home. The duo brings a refinement and thoughtfulness to everything they do. Read on to discover what’s bringing Fred and Emily joy!
The Art of Simple Food by Alice Waters
Simple done well is my mantra and this book is its epitome. We just made the bollito misto (boiled dinner) and it’s the ultimate comfort chic.
Licorice
Licorice knows how to live. Her favorite things are snuggling, playing and eating - what more do you need?
Pillow Spray
When things feel ‘too much’ I reach for the most simple things, like a spritz of a calming scent on my pillows before bed. We made a free batch of LA Sleep Spray for any Angelenos who need it - get yours here.
Ocean Ritual
Every Sunday, our crew of four (occasionally more) meets for a dawny (sunrise surf), it’s become a ritual of sorts and something I look forward to. I grew up in a small beach town in New Zealand and ever since, a trip to the beach feels like reconnecting with my younger self. A dip in the ocean provides you with a renewed sense of self — perhaps it’s the combination of elements or maybe it’s the youthful joy you feel when you’re riding a wave with your mates.
Learning for the Fun of It
Devoting time to learning a new skill is all the things, intimidating, overwhelming, exhausting, but also incredibly fascinating, inspiring and gratifying. I recently decided to learn modular synthesis, it’s specific I know, but in reality, it could’ve literally been anything. I’ve been loving the feeling of knowing nothing, being present and getting lost in the meditative nature of this super fun space.
A few more joys from Michelle and Joyce…
Aunt Yvette’s Kitchen We went to dinner here with friends last week and it was both delicious and fun—perfect for a group outing or a date! Book ahead.
A Touch of Red Finding so much joy in this little red ottoman I recently purchased.
Miry’s List I started volunteering again, and this organization is so full of joy! Volunteering can be done in person in Eagle Rock or online.
Polish Cracking myself up every time I write an email in Gmail and the “Polish” ai bot comes up because I read it as Polish (the language) not polish the verb.
Kawai Kanjirō’s House Getting to see this artist’s home during our stay in Kyoto was so special. The childlike curiosity which Kanjirō sustained throughout his life is an inspiration. Love this quote of his: “What a wonderful Now! It is surely eternity.”
Halmunee There were so many reminders of my halmunee (grandma) during our Japan trip. I saw her features resembled in Kawai Kanjirō’s portrait, tasted her homemade donuts in the ones served at Rokuyosha, and held her memory as I ran by many an elderly spectator shouting “gambare!” along the marathon route. Having grown up during Japan’s occupation of Korea, she understandably had a complicated relationship with the country. She never got to reframe Japan for herself, but I hope she was finally able to experience the country and its culture in a positive way through me.
A Needle Woman Loved seeing this piece by Kimsooja at The National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo.