Hello, hello!

With everything that's going on in the world, recent lockdowns, being forcefully grounded, many people are struggling, suffering in their personal lives or business. Perhaps both. We remain optimistic. This month is for discovery and deep health—we look after ourselves so we can look after one another. So we've included a guide for treating acne, the ingredients that are effective from cruelty-free, vegan and clean brands and for the health seekers, a batch of almond milk drinks. For those considering their next second-hand purchase, our guide to the best online consignment and thrift stores including a fresh batch of Etsy links.

Straight from the blender, or as things cool down, heated over the stovetop, house-made vitamin-rich almond milk makes an ideal base for all your smoothies and tonics. Seek out a rainbow of nutrition and indulge on the daily.

For those burdened with an erratic complexion, we all have our own regime for preventing, treating, and healing acne breakouts — though if you are seeking alternatives to prescriptions and excessive use of benzoyl peroxide, we've put together a guide of the ingredients (and products) to help you decongest.

People are increasingly priced out of big cities. Here in New Zealand, the ratio between median house price and median annual household income is 8.15 x; in other words, housing is inaccessible in the country we live in. So what does it mean to leave city life behind? Or to pursue alternative ways of living and working? We put together a list of books for city quitting or at least contemplation. And for those who will always find themselves in cities, use these books to guide projects within your urban boundaries and reimagine your city anew.

You may or may not remember the infamous Bryan Boy tweet of 2018 — "There's nothing sustainable about creating something new en masse. Just stop. Please. You wanna know what's sustainable? Wearing your old damn clothes, that's what. Bye." And he isn't wrong. As we approach Fashion Revolution Week, we're revisiting our guide to the best online second-hand and consignment sites, including a fresh batch of covetable vintage Etsy finds.

1. Last month, French architecture firm Lacaton and Vassal won the Pritzker Prize, the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for Architecture. The duo's design principles and building practices always contrasted with the Star Architects approach, such as Frank Gehry or the late Zaha Hadid. "Never demolish, never remove – always add, transform and reuse" is more relevant than ever in the context of climate emergency, and it finally got them the supreme award.
   
   
2. I recently came across Alicia Kennedy, a US writer that regularly publishes pieces on food culture, politics, and media. I immediately subscribed to her newsletter after reading snippets of her essay on veganism. Realistic praise on what it means to be vegan, from the history to the heritage, and why everyday vegan mockery is everything except relevant. A reality check.
   
   
3. I discovered French photographer Jonk, real name Jonathan Jimenez last week. He is soon to release the second version of his book Naturalia—a collection of images illustrating Nature's take over ruins, places left behind by humanity. These photos are breathtaking, emotional and put us right back in our place, below the force of Nature.

1. There's a stack of books gathering dust on my sideboard and at least 100 hours of unread articles saved to my Pocket. And yet I am halfway through this copy of Sigmund Freud Civilisation and its Discontent, I stumbled across at Dominion Books the other day that explores the incompatibility of civilisation and individual happiness.
   
   
2. I'm all for daily rituals that make me feel better in compounding ways. Incense, espressos in the morning in lieu of my "commute", at-home manicures and more recently foot baths. I soak with Dr. Singha's Mustard Bath for about 30 minutes and then massage my feet with either Everyday Oil or double down on the mustard seed with the Mustard Rub. An ideal way to recharge and recuperate, foot baths warm the whole body and draw out toxins through the soles of the feet. And apparently, help banish fatigue. Who's in?
   
   
3. My food philosophy — whole foods, one hundred per cent plants, plenty of ferments, organic and as much fresh, locally sourced produce as possible. And there's always chocolate. So if you're in New Zealand, I highly recommend buying yourself some Chai Guy Chocolate. The Roasted Single Origin is my new everyday favourite—Demeter Certified Biodynamic Organic, raw, and handmade in New Zealand.

Thoughts, questions, you can always direct reply to these emails.
We look forward to hearing from you!

Tracey Creed & Amandine Paniagua