In A Day With... Clara Privat Vives

Firstly, are you able to tell us a little about you and your family; where is your hometown, where are you living at the moment and what do you do ?

My roots are from a Catalan little coast town, not far away from Barcelona, Spain. More of my ancestors come from there and they lived their entire life there. The generation of my parents/uncles started to travel and expanded. Now I have family in Italy and United States a part of Catalonia, Spain. Actually I was born in Usa (Phoenix, Arizona) but I’ve been living my whole life in Spain except some shorts periods of times living in others places like NYC, Australia, and so many trips in the middle. I define myself as a Mediterranean women with personality, passionate, strong, loud..haha

I’m a mum of an 11 years old child. Now I’m about to have another one, another boy and actually I’m in my 39th week of pregnancy so I’m expecting him very soon. My partner is Australian and we are living in Barcelona at the moment, thinking to move somewhere soon.

I’m an actress and model specialised in advertising and with a strong influence in photography and image (I have such a big influence from my family that are all photographers and artists). I have worked on international and national projects in the entire advertising field and in fiction there are two short films that won awards at different short film festivals (Limón and Azul), and was selected for Cannes Festival among others. I combine my acting/model work with photography which I also try to keep a cinematic aesthetic. Also there are some personal creative projects, which I hope will come to light one day.

How do you usually start your day ?

I don’t have a ritual routine. Because some days I have my son and some no. When I have my son I start the day getting ready and taking him to the school. These last days I have been going to the gym and swimming pool which is helping me with my low back pains of pregnancy :)

When my son is not there I chill more maybe with my partner having a chill morning, going as well to the gym but taking my time.

When I’m working everything is in a rush.

Photo by Alvaro Arteche (@alvaroarteche)

What does your dream day look like ?

A day of laughing, with good music, dancing, good weather, feeling love, feeling gratitude wherever I am in the world.

What is your beauty routine ? Do you have any favourite natural products or skincare rituals ?

I clean and wash my face and body and use natural products. I’m addicted to natural oils and good smells.

Currently I’m using this brand: Amarta (@amar_ta_natural). She does beautiful skincare and oils really nice in her house around Cadaqués (north of Catalonia). The smell and the effects are awesome and she is the sister of a super good friend of mine.

Do you have a favourite scent ? If so, where does it take you ?

So many… plant scents (lavanda, rosemary, sage…) always are welcome but as well I like fragrances with woody and ethnic smell. Earthy scents.

Are there any food or health philosophies that guide how you and your family eat ?

No ultra-processed food please, that’s my rule. They trick us with so many products in the supermarket they are really dangerous for our system.

I’m trying to eat veggies and fruit as much as I can and as well some organic protein. And if is km0 better, and if it can be from the season better.

Now here it is autumn so it is the season of sweet potatoes, chestnuts, mushrooms, pomegranates…I love it :)

You are soon expecting a little boy, how have you felt through this pregnancy?

I was 26 when I had my first child (Uli). Now I’m 37 and I’m having a pretty different pregnancy experience, probably because I’m older. But definitely being pregnant is a unique journey in so many senses. So many emotional, hormonal and changing moments. Sometimes I’m really connected and sometimes I feel really irritable. It is definitely not easy, but at the same time it is almost a psychedelic and magical experience. And totally unique for women.

Rio, my little boy that we are expecting is moving so much in my belly like most of the times I feel he wants to communicate with us, and answer our questions.

Is there anything that daunts you about bringing a little one into the world? Are you feeling nervous or excited (or both!)?

I feel ready! I’m both, really excited and nervous. I’m curious how it is going to be this time. When I had Uli (my older child) I was so young or it’s what I felt it and I kind of had a blend of emotions, the situation was very big for me to become a mum and I enjoyed it too, but it was a difficult period. Now after 11 years of doing my masters in being a mama, I feel really ready to start again with more knowledge and adrenaline. I know it’s not going to be easy either, and I need to be fully dedicated and focus in my new child but I feel like starting this new chapter so much.

Life. Everything starts and ends mysteriously and you never know what’s going to happen.

What is your favourite way to move your body ? Does movement play a part in your everyday routine?

As I said before currently I’m going to the gym to do basic fitness and swimming in the pool which this is the best recipe if you are suffering from sciatica in your low back and legs. My currently ritual is when I finish all the exercise (fitness, swimming) I go to the sauna which I feel its like an award for me. I’m addicted haha going everyday for my award :)

When I don’t go to the gym I usually do pilates and yoga. I really feel connected to the type of movements and philosophy. Dancing as well is a good therapy for my everyday routine, lately listening some electronic dj sets of Shanti Celeste :)

When do you feel your most confident, beautiful and happy ?

When Im around family and friends that we love reciprocal and we all spend a great time together. This makes me feel good.

As well discovering new things puts me in a position of happiness and inspiration. I guess traveling and to be in a totally new beautiful place makes me feeling really happy and beautiful. I feel confident near the sea, the ocean…makes me calm and safe.

Photo by Clara of her partner, Adrian in Greece.

Photo by Clara, from travels in Morocco.

Are there any old-school natural remedies that you always have on hand for you and your family ?

Hot water, lemon, ginger and honey when you are sick.

Facial massage and put some oil in your front head before my sleep helps me to sleep better and wake up in a good mood.

Eucalyptus boiled water for breathing in your face for open your nasal-breathing issues and make kefir every day for my gut.

If there was one piece of advice that you could teach/instil in your children, what would it be ?

Tolerance, respect and love to everyone. Spread these three together and the combo is going to be powerful and successful :)

Humour as well!

If you were to choose 5 ingredients to have in your kitchen, what would they be ? (Practical or impractical !)

During my pregnancy: Olive oil, all type of greens, all type of fruits, nuts, eggs.

When I’m not pregnant or breast feeding: Olive oil, tomatoes, cheese, blueberries, wine! This combo :)

To part, are you able to leave us with a favourite recipe of yours ?

I love food and I would love to be a better cook hahah

My recipes are really simple but not quite Ottolenghi haha, it’s always a base of steamed veggies with protein (eggs or fish… I don’t eat meat) and a little bit of carbohydrates on the side, like whole rice or quinoa. Or a super salad with so many ingredients in it. Also veggies in the oven with yoghurt & tahini sauce.

Simple mediterranean food is my favourite. I think greek food is the top one for me. But as well I love so many traditional foods from so many countries in the world.