LAGOM - December 2024
Brothy miso butter beans, sunscreen reviews, hydrating skincare tips and celebration menu ideas
Happy New Year!
And somehow, we reached the end of the Gregorian year! In this last issue of 2024, which comes a bit later than expected, we share a delicious miso butter beans recipe, a few reef-safe, mineral sunscreen reviews because it is Summer somewhere, notes on hydration and eight approaches to getting better skin, plus a curation of plant-based recipes to receive and celebrate. December was, for us, a month to relax and enjoy on both sides of the world.
2024 was intense. At the end of last year, we pledged to move forward and commit to aligning our lives with our greater purpose, and so we actioned in 2024, moving countries, taking risks and giving a renewed chance to life. It is not always easy, but it is worth it. And there are deeper thoughts. In the words of French wildlife photographer Vincent Munier, this year, the feeling of eco-anxiety has reached higher levels, from witnessing how many individuals react to the poly-crisis, climate change, the suffering of other human beings, and how they scoff at what is happening globally. It feels like there is such ignorance and lack of knowledge about what humanity is genuinely losing—biodiversity, culture, and innocent people. It is difficult and tiring to watch, to see that some are insensitive, unaffected by pain.
So, what do we do to revert this crisis of care? Munier suggests making more space for grace, poetry, and a state of contemplation. From experience, reconnection with Nature and others is also significant; to feel the beauty and happiness in the small things making life, the rain falling through the light, birds graciously flying around, the joy of a loved one. New projects, new adventures. The New Year is for hopes and fears. We’re at the end—and a beginning offering possibilities. What will be set into motion, and what won’t be? What will fall apart that allows things to fall into place? So, how do we align our intentions with action? What will change? Now is all we have, so now seems as best the time as any to start. Here’s to an exciting new year ahead—one we can’t wait to share with you.
Brothy miso beans recipe
Coming together in under 25 minutes and wonderful served at any point, from immediately to room temperature (or out of the fridge), these butter beans spiked with miso are unfussy, requiring only one pan and are excellent as leftovers. Beyond the recipe, we discuss six things anyone can do to improve digestion and reduce bloating.
Mineral, zinc sunscreens reviews for Summer
It’s Summer in the South hemisphere, so being on top of your UV-skincare protection is essential. Fortunately, we have done the work for you to help you choose the product that will best suit your lifestyle, with a new in-depth sunscreen reviews article featuring a selection of the reef-safe, zinc sunscreens Amandine used over the years. Each review includes benefits, features, a breakdown of ingredients, and the overall experience. Remember, you can also dive into our evergreen list of current products available online here.
Hydration 101
Hydrated skin, what is it? How do we achieve it? We often associate it with youthfulness, so here we cover eight approaches to improve the hydration, plumpness and voluminosity of your skin that you can incorporate into your daily skincare routine.
Recipe round-up to receive and celebrate
Christmas is now behind us, but the start of the Gregorian calendar year and associated holidays are often the occasions to reunite with loved ones, so we thought it was an apt time to share plant-based menu curation and ideas. Works all year long!
Appetizers. Easy vegan mushroom pâté and sun-dried tomato hummus on toasted bread.
Main dishes [two options]. Hydrating salad with baked tofu and papas arrugadas with mojo picón salsa; or sautéed cabbage and onions with asparagus and its pea purée, paired with edamame and broad fava beans, sweet potatoes with miso butter and cooked mushrooms.
Dessert. Chocolate mousse or chocolate and citrus tart. Alternatively, if you’re not into chocolate, this chai cake with coconut frosting or this vegan olive oil cake with ginger that works with or without ganache.
Drinks. Anything from these five non-alcoholic colourful drinks and homemade ginger beer.
Amandine's edit
The Guardian did a round-up of the New Zealand Architecture Awards 2024 winners, perfect for checking out and staying up to date with the best of Aotearoa’s architectural design from afar. I found most of the projects quite elegant and connected to their environment, and I love those following Indigenous design principles. They beautifully stand out, like Te Taumata o Kupe Nuku by TOA Architects. Proof that there is an Aotearoa, New Zealand architectural identity.
I love populating my interior space with a touch of quirky objects or art. The other day, I came across this hand-painted soy sauce dispenser in the shape of a bird. It is a sophisticated and funny object that would probably spark conversation with friends at dinner. JOC Goods is based in Japan and specialises in food-related objects. Ships worldwide.
I discovered State: Breathing, a breathing exercise app, through nutritionist Simon Hill, and I am convinced such a breathing-enabler can add holistic value to our daily life and help manage stress. To prepare for labour and give birth, I have practised hypnobirthing, which includes similar deep breathing work, and I noticed that it really helps me feel calm and relaxed throughout the day. I will see what happens on delivery day, but I am hoping to keep the habit somehow after.
Trace's edit
Audaciously formulated with amino acids, growth factors and biologically optimised guava, rich in peptides and antioxidants, the AUTEUR Definitive Hyaluron Activator Serum will rebuild collagen stores (after the age of twenty, the dermis layer produces 1% less collagen each year) and support cellular repair. Depending on one’s budget and spending priorities, Auteur would be a worthwhile investment in your face.
I have an Aesop oil burner, a practical but visually pleasing (in my opinion) object designed by Henry Wilson of Studio Henry Wilson based in Sydney, Australia and the TSU LANGE YOR burner blends (I started with SASSAFRAS) are all I will burn now.
Vanessa Sposi creates timeless pieces intended to be worn for many summers to come. I have my eye on a few pieces. Made in the EU with OEKO TEX certified fabric and Econyl®, the ultra-soft swimsuits are antioxidant infused to retain your skin's moisture under the harshest sun.
Thoughts, questions, you can always direct reply to these emails. We look forward to hearing from you!
Tracey Creed & Amandine Paniagua
