As we prepare this email, Auckland has entered level three lockdown and if anything the pandemic has provided us—globally, with a new perspective on our lives, needs and liberties. And while for many, the narrative of slowing down persists, the reality is life is in constant motion, we cannot all afford to slow down.

The pandemic has prompted us to rethink our approach to consumerism, to redefine prosperity, and this was our intent for Lagom. This requires us to be in motion—engaging with the government to push for radical change, from property tax reform to pesticides bans. Food security, poverty, pollution, climate are all issues that require activism in some form, whether engaging with the community or sharing online content that educates and inspires others to aspire to better.

The work we do is to inspire conversations about what we want to leave behind and cultivate re-emerging from this pandemic. What does this look like for you? Reply to this email and let us know where you are focusing your energies.

Celery juice is a medicinal drink, not a caloric one, and perhaps one of the most powerful healing juices available to us. If you are struggling with achieving your inner and outer glow, acquire some celery, fennel and ginger and create your own digestive tonic.

Vitamin A and C have made a big difference to our complexions hence our enthusiasm for sharing our vitamin serum guide this month.
Whether you are building your skin care routine or seeking new serums worth of a place on your vanity we’ve updated our guide on vitamin serums and curated the best natural, vegan and cruelty-free serums that can raise the bar on radiant skin!

Perhaps it’s the New Year, a time where resolutions and our commitment to ourselves come into focus, but last month Trace discovered two products perfect for taking off layers of 2020 anxiety and revealing a fresh face. For those new to or looking to find new and exciting ways to exfoliate, this post is for you.

We are excited to share with you our most recent collaboration, a piece in Sage Journal’s next issue! A beautiful publication based in New Zealand, Sage Journal is an online magazine featuring luscious gardens and botanical editorials, which aim is to engage with the wild world around us. Guess what we will be contributing? Here are some clues—it is based in Auckland; it is about the future and connected to food... Can’t wait to more share with you all!

1. Have you heard about Pearl Bar? This Australian brand came out with activated-charcoal teeth whitening products that are on the eco-friendly side. I discovered them last week as they pulled a new product, an electric toothbrush with biodegradable bamboo heads. Finally, someone started widening the range for powered toothbrushes. It is not yet perfect. Bristles are in nylon, the head insert at the bottom is a composite material, but still a step forward. I am contemplating getting one as our electric toothbrushes are getting tired—something to think about.
   
   
2. New Zealand is often perceived as a “clean and green” country, given how prominent Nature looks like here. But beneath the lush is another truth, which freshwater specialist Dr Mike Joy has been persistently reporting for years. The latest scandal, coming from national treasure and global milk exporter Fonterra, discharging nitrogen-polluted water into their farms, again revealed that something is not aligning here. According to this Danish study released in 2018, nitrates significantly increases bowel cancer risk by 0.87mg/litre of nitrate-nitrogen per litre of water. New Zealand standards put this level at 11.3mg/litre per litre of water. A recent study published last week confirmed that one New Zealander out of six is exposed to overloaded nitrate water, increasing the risk of developing bowel cancer. What is the government waiting for to take significant measures and protect the population?
   
   
3. Something lighter. Do you know Violette? Renowned French makeup artist, she came to fame with her short makeup tutorials filmed in the street. I found her approach, marketed as the “I don’t care” Frenchy attitude, aligns with minimalist, let’s-try-to-reduce values. She makes do with few products, precisely but simply. It’s cool to watch and to reproduce!

1. A recent repeat purchase, this Black Seed Oil takes centre stage for all the bread dipping and salad making. Spicy though somewhat pungent, it is cold-pressed and certified organic. An antioxidant and anti-inflammatory one worth adding to your fridge.
   
   
2. I’ve continued purchasing print magazines for years — mostly this one and this one but the love affair has gone deeper as of late, wanting to consume writing, photography and typefaces to fill my mind with inspiration. Recent purchases and new-to-me titles include The Weekender and Its Freezing In L.A.
   
   
3. These E G G S! Each night is spent replying to direct messages to the Pana Organic Instagram account and while I cannot confirm whether a shipment will make it here, I am super happy about photographing (and eating) them when the courier delivers some to my door!

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

Tracey Creed & Amandine Paniagua