1. Introducing The Dunn Diaries
My Favourite Chicken and Pumpkin Soup Recipe, Setting December Intentions, Behind-The-Scenes Of My First Vogue Hong Kong Cover and more
Hey Loves,
I’m so excited to welcome you to my brand-new newsletter! Whether you’ve been following me for years or just found me, I’m beyond thrilled to have you join me in this next chapter.
This is my little corner of the world, where we’ll dive into everything I’m passionate about—fashion, beauty, wellness, and beyond. From behind-the-scenes moments of my life to my latest obsessions, skincare secrets I swear by, nourishing recipes, and spiritual insights that keep me grounded, this space is all about embracing beauty in all its forms and living well inside and out.
I’ll be sharing exclusive updates, personal stories, and a whole lot of inspiration to help you align your body, mind, and spirit with the flow of the universe. Whether it’s wellness tips that keep me feeling my best, astrology vibes, or ways to cultivate peace in your daily life, you can expect a mix of everything that fuels my soul. Thank you for being here and for supporting me on this journey. There’s so much in store, and I can’t wait to share what’s next with you.
With love,
Jourdan x
Chicken and Pumpkin Soup
I don’t need an excuse to have soup, to me it's soup season every season! But it does hit differently during the colder months, like love in liquid form, nourishing and comforting your entire being with every spoonful. I don’t just love eating a bowl of soup, but it’s one of my favourite meals to make. I feel like an alchemist making a magic elixir to heal and uplift my loved ones.
Having Jamaican heritage means soup is a Saturday staple. From fish tea, red pea soup, chicken soup, mannish water, lamb neck and more. I’m big on keeping Caribbean traditions alive! As I feel it’s slowly fading in this generation so I feel it’s my duty to carry on the tradition for my family. So here is my recipe for my favourite Chicken and Pumpkin soup!
Ingredients
Soup:
6 skinned chicken legs and thighs
2 packets of Grace pumpkin soup mix
¼ fresh pumpkin, cubed
½ yam, cubed
1 Cho Cho, peeled and cubed
1 large Jamaican sweet potato, peeled and cubed
3 carrots, peeled and diced
4 okra, diced
2 large corn, chopped into 3 pieces
1 large onion, sliced
5 garlic cloves, crushed
3 inches of ginger, peeled and sliced
1 large scotch bonnet pepper
5 sprigs of thyme
5 pimento berries (allspice)
2 spring onions, bruised
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon of turmeric (optional)
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
Black pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste
1 Maggie cube (optional)
Water
Dumplings & Spinners:
1 cup of plain flour
1 tablespoon of cornmeal
Water (for dough)
Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Clean your chicken with water and lemon, then pat dry with a kitchen towel. Season the chicken with turmeric, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and thyme. (These spices add anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to the soup.)
2. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil (avocado, coconut, or ghee). Add your chicken and lightly sauté them. Then, add your onion, garlic, ginger, and spring onions, stirring well. Pour in boiled water, thyme, bay leaves, pimento berries, and scotch bonnet pepper. Cover and bring to a boil, then simmer for 30-40 minutes on medium heat.
3. In a bowl, combine your flour, cornmeal, and salt. Gradually add water, pulling the flour from the sides to form a dough. Knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth, then cover with a cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes to soften.
4. After 30-40 minutes, remove from heat and strain the stock through a fine mesh strainer into another pot, setting the chicken aside. Return the stock to the pot, then add pumpkin, yam, sweet potato, and dumplings. Add more water if needed, then separate the noodles from the soup mix and add the soup mix to the pot. Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes.
5. After 20 minutes, add carrots, cho cho, corn on the cob, and okra. Stir well and taste for seasoning, adjusting with more soup mix or 1 Maggi cube if needed.
6. Once the soup has thickened to your liking, add the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir well. Turn off the heat and serve hot.
A quick video tutorial is out now on my TikTok!
This month’s focus is on December's seasonal fruits and veg, which are fresher, more flavourful, and packed with nutrients. Eating locally grown, in-season produce is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. I also love that eating seasonally helps us reconnect with nature’s natural cycles, just as our ancestors did.
Here is the list of December seasonal produce; apples, beetroot, brussels sprouts, clementines, cranberries, carrots, celeriac, celery, chestnuts, chicory, Jerusalem artichokes, kale, leeks, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, pears, potatoes, pumpkin, red cabbage, swede, swiss chard, turnips, watercress and winter squash.
Here are two delicious winter juices filled with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits to keep you in good form this winter.
Detox Glow Juice
Let this juice be your secret weapon during the party season! Not only does it help shed belly fat it also elevates your immune system with the antioxidants and vitamin C packed from this triple threat produce.
The time to drink this is ideally first thing on an empty stomach, however, it truly depends on your circumstances and how your body reacts
¼ Red Cabbage – Contains vitamins C, A, and K, potassium, and fibre. Rich in antioxidants, it boosts immunity, supports heart and gut health, and enhances skin health.
2 Pears – Rich in vitamins C, K, and B, as well as fibre, copper, potassium, and magnesium. High in nutrients and low in calories, pears promote gut health, enhance skin and hair health, and may lower the risk of diabetes.
3 Clementines – High in vitamin C, they boost immunity, support skin and gut health, and promote vision health.
Juicing tips
Peel the clementines and remove the seeds to avoid bitterness
Core the pears but keep the skin on for added nutrients (if your juicer can handle it)
Start with 1\4 of cabbage as the flavour can be strong, you can adjust the amount based on your preference
Winter Glow Elixir
This juice helps nourish and protect the skin during the harsh winter months while promoting a radiant healthy glow
3 Purple Carrots – Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and carotenoids.
Fresh Cranberries – Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, they promote gut health and help prevent UTIs.
3 Red Apples – Rich in antioxidants and calcium, hydrates and brightens skin, offers UV protection, and reduces signs of ageing.
Keep an eye out on my TikTok to see me make it!
I love starting a new month with a new moon; it feels extremely invigorating! To kick start Sagittarius season, we have a bold new moon in Sagittarius (s/o to my fellow Saggi moons!)
New moons represent new beginnings, preparations, and intention-setting. Occurring when the moon aligns with the sun, making it invisible. When these two celestial bodies link up, it’s a powerful time to reflect, manifest, and focus on our personal growth.
Sagittarius energy encourages us to dream big, set bold intentions, break free from limiting beliefs, embrace the unknown, and welcome new opportunities. It’s a time to seek knowledge that aligns with your higher self, learn something new (a new recipe maybe😉), and embrace optimism. Reflect on your accomplishments, acknowledge what’s not working, and embrace the lessons. It is also a time to slow down, look inward, and trust that our inner wisdom is there, ready for us to tap into so it can guide us.
One thing about me is that I love a ritual, so here are my new moon ritual and journal prompts to help tap into the energy of this fiery new moon.
New Moon Bath Ritual
The first part of this ritual is all about cleansing, purifying, and recharging. For me, the best way to do that is to set myself a salt bath. If you don’t have access to a bath, a shower works just fine with a salt body scrub.
1. Cleanse the space: Clear your bathroom of clutter, as to me it represents blocked energy points and we want to invite new energy in! Use sage, Pablo Santo, or incense to remove stagnant energy, saying “I release all that no longer serves me and welcome clarity, expansion, and joy.”
2. Set the mood: Turn off harsh lights, light some candles, and play calming music.
3. Prepare the bath: Run your bath to your preferred temperature, add 1 cup of Himalayan pink salt, and a few drops of essential oil, I’ll be using a sweet orange for joy, positivity, prosperity, and abundance.
4. Dry brush: Gently dry brush your body, starting from your legs and moving upward in a clockwise pattern. Use affirmations like “My body is a work of art,” “I love my body,” and “I am thankful for my body.” Rinse off in the shower to cleanse your skin and release stagnant energy.
5. Soak and meditate: Relax in the bath, soaking up its nourishment. Practice visualisation meditation—close your eyes and imagine your desired outcome, feeling all senses and related emotions. Once I’m done I unplug my bath and stay in until all the water is gone.
6. Moisturise and set intentions: After your bath, anoint your body with oils and butter. Cleanse the space where you’ll be journaling and light candles to set the mood. I love having the energy of crystals around me. For this new moon, I’ll use clear quartz, citrine, and tiger’s eye.
7. Write your intentions: List your goals, dreams, or areas for growth. Being specific is key!
8. Close the ritual: Visualise living out your intentions with joy and fulfilment, and say “I align with the energy of expansion, truth, and adventure. I trust the journey ahead” Blow out your candles and give gratitude for the new moon.
Journal Prompts;
What bold dreams/goals have I been delaying to pursue?
What unlimited beliefs are holding me back from living my most expansive life?
If I could go anywhere or try anything, what would it be?
How can I bring more adventure, joy, and spontaneity to my life?
What knowledge or skills do I want to expand in the coming months?
Affirmations for the Sagittarius New Moon
I am open to endless possibilities and opportunities
I trust in the journey and embrace new adventures
I release limiting beliefs and expand into my highest potential
2. Bath Brews by Clarity Blend
1. Merit Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
2. Le Silla Courtney Boot 120mm
“Drop the skincare routine sis” is a comment I’ve seen over the years. I’ve only shared bits and pieces here and there, not out of secrecy but more because my skincare journey has been, well …. A journey lol.
From being burnt with a peel from a “trusted” Instagram dermatologist to discovering products and rituals that felt like magic, it’s been a process of learning through trial and error. Skincare isn’t just about the products; it’s about understanding your skin, listening to it, and finding what works for you.
Now feels like the right time to share that journey—what’s worked for me, lessons learned, and the routine that’s boosted my confidence. I’m not promising I can be your skincare saviour; I intend to simply inspire you to explore and embrace your skincare journey. It’s time to get skin deep!
Growing up, my skin was pretty blessed—no acne, smooth and low-maintenance. My mum taught me the basics: clean your face before bed and drink plenty of water. Back then, Clean & Clear was my go-to and the good genes of the women in my family did their thing. But then came womanhood with hormonal acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Hormonal acne affects more than your skin—it impacts your confidence, routines, and your relationship with self-care. What worked in my teens didn’t stand a chance against adult breakouts.
From 2022 to 2023, your girl was going through it! Life was doing its big one on me, and it showed. You could see the toll it was taking on my skin—this was me last May 2023.
I wasn’t consistent with self-care and had to prioritise myself again. Consistency truly is magic, it’s been the real game-changer in my skincare journey—committing daily, even on tough days has been key to healthier, beautiful skin. Once I made time for myself, my skin began to clear. A year later, while I still have some PIH, it’s so much better.
My Skin Saviours
Exuviance Gentle Cream Cleanser – Exuviance is a brand I truly love and will always ride hard for. It leaves my skin feeling nourished, clean, hydrated, and soft—perfect for sensitive, dry, and combination skin.
Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier – A multitasker that purifies, protects, balances, soothes, and calms the skin from environmental pollutants that cause breakouts and irradiation.
Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe – My favourite vitamin C, she’s velvety soft giving an instant radiant glow and reduces the appearance of dark spots and fine lines.
Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides – I kid you not when I say this delivers results fast for hyperpigmentation. I use it before my vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening.
Topicals Faded Cream – The smell won’t keep me away from this Consistency is key for real results. I apply only on dark spots and alternate with retinal. NEVER USE TOGETHER!
Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish – A powerful blend of chemical, physical, and enzyme rejuvenators that gives instant skin resurfacing. I use it once a week.
Medik 8 Crystal Retinal – I’ve used this for years and doubt I’ll be switching anytime soon. It works 11x faster than the standard retinal with unmatched potency. I love that they have different strengths so you can work your way up. I’m now on strength 20.
Exuviance Age Reverse Hydrafirm – This moisturiser feels extremely luxurious on my skin leaving it feeling plumper, smoother and brighter. My top pic for anti-ageing.
Lyma Laser – I was gifted this cold laser device a couple of years ago and it has elevated my skincare ritual to another level, helping to rejuvenate my skin after travel and work.
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Accumax – These supplements helped reduce hormonal spots during my cycle and also support back and chest acne. Highly recommend!
Infrared Sauna – One of my favourite ways to reset my whole body. It boosts my skin, lightens my body, and clears my mind. It’s like hitting the refresh button on every level.
Dr. Thomas Clinic – I’ve been seeing Debbie at Dr. Thomas Clinic for laser treatments for years because she truly understands my skin. Her tailored, advanced approach enhances the health and glow of my skin from within. They don’t call her the queen of laser for no reason. The whole team is passionate and knowledgeable. I highly recommend them for their innovative skin treatments that truly transform your skin.
Imagine this—getting a call on a Tuesday morning to shoot a Vogue cover that needs to be captured the very next day for print. Then you're off to Hong Kong to celebrate the release of your 5th anniversary cover of Vogue Hong Kong. Talk about a whirlwind of excitement and fashion!
A massive thank you to my incredible manager, Jamie, for pulling everything together on such short notice! To my amazing glam team—Isaac Poleon, Mata Mariélle, Saba Khan, and Kate Williamson—you guys did your big one. Special thanks to my talented stylist, Justin Hamilton (first of many Vogue covers to come!), and his team for curating some seriously stunning looks. A big shoutout to Brendan Freeman and his team for capturing the magic, and of course, Vogue Hong Kong for not only gracing me with their cover but also for hosting me in Hong Kong. This trip was my favourite work adventure of the year! 😊
I think your skincare products might save my face. I will simply have to work harder in 2025.
Lovely! I look forward to reading more 😊