Trace's edit
I've been planning and researching my purchases since forever [or since I had money to spend after my student loan repayment!] and not just the ones I’ve needed to save for. We’re all searching for things—sweatpants, cutlery, a body exfoliator and I thought it would be helpful and interesting to curate the retailers, brands, and artists who are making/selling things that consider human and planetary health. Because if I am being honest, I am a materialist, I enjoy owning things, maintaining them, using them, and when I have spare screen time, I’m discovering, vintage, used and new. I like to collect and draw a lot of inspiration from magazines and websites, buying what feels comfortable and I’m sharing my page views here. And since our readers are from across the globe, while I am based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, I’ll share what is happening in our sphere of course but there is a lot out there, a lot worth supporting. We are the market. We have the capacity to shift it in better directions.
The Giuseppe — Fine Tooth Comb by Nonna’s Grocer
I have very fine hair and for the longest time have been looking for a comb. I’m prone to knots, so this wide tooth one is perfect. Designed by Nonna's Grocer, these combs are manufactured by Defy Design in Sydney, Australia, from local waste. It’s the circular economy in motion.
Abel releases scents for your atmosphere
Abel released their atmospheric scents this week. Three of them. I'm excited to see their vision expand beyond the skin. Scene 2, Fig, Marigold, Cedarwood that feels like golden hour sits high on my purchase priorities.
Chez Panisse Vegetables by Alice Water
Having led the farm to table movement eating since the 70's, when eating hummus was revolutionary, Chez Panisse Vegetables is Alice Water’s guide to plants. The recipes range from simple to not so much. It is a guide to cooking vegetables perfectly from the queen of California cooking. I found some copies on eBay.
Steamery’s Pilo No. 2 fabric shaver
I’ve recently come to the realisation I need a fabric shaver, this one by Steamery. And not just aesthetic. According to the reviews, it works brilliantly as well. It has a USB charging cord and removes pilling from fine wool textiles using six precision blades. We don’t need to live with lint.
Fits an Antipodes water bottle
This water bottle holder from RUTT is calling my name. Made in India from 100% cotton, it fits a 1-litre bottle, so you can go hands free. Sign up for emails and receive 10% off your first order.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
This has become a staple in my routine. And for good reason. It’s effective. Performance driven and botanical balanced, I’m observing the skin renewal process in real time. Amandine has been using Auto Correct, her eyes looking brighter than mine, and now I want to. I found a cost-effective duo on Amazon, so I think that’s my skincare purchase for this month.
Seed Probiotics are a science
I'm a big advocate for gut health and planetary health and Seed supports both these things. Loaded with 24 clinically and scientifically studied probiotic strains and a polyphenol-based prebiotic—the benefits go beyond your gut. Seed offers a refill system on subscription, the initial purchase arrives in an Aluminum Bactrac™ Container, and refills are shipped in a Biofilm sachet. Seed ships worldwide.
ba atelier
Presented as “woven art” Ba is bringing contemporary design to the traditional legacy of Egyptian kilim rugs, in the form of experimentation with local artisans in wool and 100% Egyptian cotton. All textiles are made in Egypt, financially empowering a female workforce and preserving artisanal craftsmanship. International orders are arranged by request.
Resin coasters
Coming Soon New York stocks a lot of cool objects, and these resin table-mates, designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design and handcrafted by Corsi Design are no exception.
Amandine's edit
I consistently read insightful newsletters, peruse the gram regularly, and listen to resourceful podcasts while on the road. Sometimes I read entire books. Most content is related to the environment, but I also read broad topics on entertainment, art, architecture, fashion, beauty and sometimes fiction or non-fiction stories. Anything that uplifts my spirit or teaches me something. I love a good Wikipedia rabbit hole. All this browsing ends up with me saving many links on my personal Discord lists, articles, essays, books, podcasts, some I read, some I don't find the time for, and always lots of ideas. So, instead of storing these links and keeping them for myself, I felt sharing them with the community was more interesting. Below is my curation of some of what the internet offers: five articles worth your time, three books to read, one podcast episode to learn from and one cause to support.
The End of Airbnb in New York
There is an Airbnb at the back of our owners' property, so we are in the first line to watch the ballet of short-term renters almost every week. While we used the service a few times in the past, we are reverting, as what is the point of using an expensive service that has lost its original purpose and quality and, most importantly, is responsible for exploding gentrification and displacement, worldwide. We need restrictions to control the profits of a few, and Wired is telling us that New York is calling off the party.
Beware the 'beige-fluencers', cheerleaders for a life of no surprises by Sarah Manavis
I don't know you, but I am getting annoyed by the aesthetic sold to us on social media, where everything is white, beige, grey, and dull, including the lifestyle of the people showcasing this trend—clothing, interior spaces, activities, ambitions. While I love a nice camel coat, I'm tired of seeing the same boucle off-white chair and the boring vibe that goes with it. The Guardian explored where this is coming from and more. Yes, to a vivid, spontaneous, colourful life, please.
Olive oil prices reach record highs as Spain's harvest is halved
This information is not a surprise for anyone following climate change-related news, but the olive harvest has taken a toll after multiple heat waves and very little rainwater in Spain this year. And other producers like Italy, Greece and California are also announcing tragically reduced yield, meaning price of olive oil is ramping up. We cook almost exclusively with this vegetable oil, so there is concern.
4 Practices for Hopefulness in the New Year
Checking the news can be depressing. I try to limit my exposure to information, but it is not just that. We often feel that nothing is improving—rent, work conditions, values clashing with desires. So, we need to cultivate positivity and hope. Life goes on, so Esther Perel shared some practices to cultivate hope. Though published earlier this year, her lesson can apply all year long.
Individuals and social pressure: how to change the world, by Julia Steinberger
An activist's reflection on winning a movement campaign and her lessons on how to make change happen. It is a great read at a time when a lot feels like a lost cause.
Rewi: Āta haere, kia tere by Jade Kake and Jeremy Hansen
Last week, I went to the moving launch of "Rewi: Āta haere, kia tere", a new book directed by Jade Kake and Jeremy Hansen relating the story of the late international architect Rewi Thompson, collating his work, projects and archives and the testimonies of those who were lucky enough to know him. A Māori visionary practitioner trained engineer in Wellington, Rewi marked generations of designers, opening up the way for indigenous design thinking in the heart of NZ's racist 80s. An acknowledgement of modern Māori architecture, his story is an inspiration for considered practitioners looking to find their place in the world. It also shows that Aotearoa, New Zealand, is much more than rugby, sheep and Lord of the Rings. Wherever you are, I think this book is worth diving into.
No Meat Required: The Cultural History and Culinary Future of Plant-Based Eating by Alicia Kennedy
I talk non-stop about Alicia Kennedy's newsletter, and still, her book is on my wish list. I don't know why I haven't bought it yet, but I can't wait to have it in my hands. I love Kennedy's writing, her way of explaining subjects with knowledge, clarity and humour. A first of its-kind, No Meat Required is a culinary and cultural history of plant-based eating in the United States. Prepare to read about food, culture and politics. I know I won't be disappointed.
Wear Next, Fashioning the Future by Clare Press
I had no idea that one of my favourite fashion authors, Clare Press, was preparing and publishing a new book until she posted about its launch on Instagram. As such, I am not sure what to expect on this one—a roadmap and a vision of the future of fashion, compiling the current forward-thinking innovations shaping what is next for the textile industry. Being an avid reader of her two previous publications, Wardrobe Crisis and Rise and Resist, I am confident it will be a fantastic read.
Gaya Herrington in Wild
When I make the two and a half hour journey to my current school construction site (no intercity trains in NZ), I catch up with podcasts, including Wild with Sarah Wilson. So many episodes stay with me. Listening to is always a highlight, meaning we get out of it wiser and prepared. Recently, this one with Gaya Herrington, Club of Rom adviser and global collapse expert, on how we are on track to witness the collapse of modern civilisation by 2040, particularly.
Seasick sunscreen Pledge Me
As part of this newsletter, I also want to share things worth our money without giving us the reward of a purchase. Giving to a cause we believe in is a great alternative. With governments constantly cutting funding and banks obsessed only with established businesses, there is a need for emerging entrepreneurs or organisations to get support. So we have to step in. This month, I'd like to introduce you to Natalie Jones, founder of Seasick Sunscreen, an amazing reef-safe, mineral sunscreen I used for over a year. She is raising money to upscale her production from her kitchen to a proper factory. The demand is there, but she lacks the cash flow to take this next forward for her sunscreen. And she gives rewards for any pledge.
Thoughts, questions, you can always direct reply to these emails. We look forward to hearing from you!
Tracey Creed & Amandine Paniagua
