Hello, hello!

It’s the little things that matter.

We were discussing this lockdown in relation to the last. We had not paid that much attention when the virus first broke, but things have gotten a bit more complicated as of late. Unable to see family overseas, beyond that, the Pandemic threatens our lust to live a free social and beautiful life united globally. People are impacted in ways we cannot understand or fully appreciate.

We are eight at home, which might seem insane. In reality, it’s kind of like a hybrid of Full House and Friends, and we have a Shiba instead of kids. In the absence of more dinners with friends, going on a weekend trip, we have to take care of each other and embrace uniqueness and diversity. We also need to find a sense of empowerment. It’s also vital we celebrate the daily and be grateful that we can socialise on platforms that let us connect and support one another from a distance.

Beyond our full-time work commitments, we’ve begun working on new projects, which have been satisfying to the spirit— time and focus well spent. There’s still Move with Nicole and daily walks, a lot of cooking. You have to find what your well-being depends on. Last week we watched American Gigolo. I highly recommend giving $5 to Google for this one. There is this scene where Julian explains, “I gotta keep moving—forward, just move”. And we do. We have to become accustomed to changing plans and moving in different directions. We have to learn, grow and change.

Everyday celebrations call for baking—at least in our universe. And so here we give you a simple, quick answer with this easy and luscious vegan chocolate cupcakes recipe with chocolate ganache. Generously sweet, these cupcakes are decadent, fluffy, yet light, with an abundance of cacao powder and pure chocolate. Enjoy!

Hydration and exfoliation—a Drunk Elephant Duo (thank you Mecca), the Kosas promise of Brooke Shield brows and the hyped KNC Beauty Supa Balm were recent additions to my skincare routine last month. Want to radiate on Zoom calls? Here are a few products you may want to add to cart.

A week before lockdown we attended a Sustainable Coastlines tree planting session organised by White Associates in partnership with ASC Architects, the firm where Amandine works. It was a catalyst for this post, exploring ways in which we can channel our anxiety into empowerment. Taking action—whatever that means to you is one approach to prioritising mental and spiritual health and we’ve listed options, whether that is watching a documentary, signing an online petition or eating more beans.

This is an effortless pasta salad with a green sauce—avocado makes everything taste better, that boosts brainpower and hydrates. Each component adds a layer of nutrient density and we’ve put together a guide to heighten the nutritional benefits of your favourite meals—plant-based diets provide a strong foundation for vibrant cognitive health.

1. While reading his book, I also listened to some of Simon Hills’ recent podcasts, particularly this one with Dr Nitu Bajekal, covering endometriosis and reproductive health. Switching to a plant-based diet for me not only meant understanding how to better nourish ourselves but also questioning the established systems we are living in. And that includes women's health. I came to realise that for people menstruating, there is little education on how we function, the power of our reproductive system, and particularly what to do if we encounter issues there.
   
   In the meantime, if there is a dysfunction, the response from mainstream Western medicine—the only medical system I lived within, is too often about swallowing a pill or/and dealing with the pain. Thankfully, there are doctors that are also looking to give better answers to their patients, like Nitu Bajekal. As far as I know, I do not experience endometriosis, but I learned so much listening to this podcast. Rush to this Plant Proof episode, Dr Nitu is a wealth of knowledge, I would love to have such a dedicated practitioner!
   
   
2. More recently I've been browsing Instagram seeking ethical, responsibly made active and swimwear. Most of what I own is either aged or second hand, and I would like to own garments more fit to purpose and colourful. Over on stories, I’m sharing the brands I’ve discovered so far.
   
   
3. With lockdown geographically restricting our free time, we’ve been organising an 80’s film festival at the house, indulging ourselves in the nostalgia feeling of our early childhood, mainly to seek inspiration on dressing with style. So far, we viewed: “Perfect”—featuring Jamie Lee Curtis and John Travolta, which made us want to wear crop tops and leotards. “Heathers”—with teenage Winona Ryder, showed us you can rock patterns, prints and colour in one outfit. And American Gigolo—starring a young Richard Gere and beautiful Lauren Hutton, taught us the art of the right cut and colour paletting. Most of these stories take place in a pastel filter Los Angeles. Next on the programme? “Who’s that Girl” with Madonna and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” with Sarah Jessica Parker. Flick us an email if you have more suggestions!

1. Last weekend Amandine and I created new imagery for Flint Chocolate. Luscious, rich and utterly delicious, each bar is crafted with organic and ethically sourced ingredients here in Auckland by Tania Lincoln. It’s chocolate loaded with antioxidants and life-force minerals.
   
   
2. My love for incense goes deep. From the $7 packs, I pick up from the health food store to what I refer to as the incense of the leisure class are how I start and end my day. Fortunately for me, my friends and housemates agree—burning a stick of holy smoke grounds us down. My most recent additions, these from Mooma.
   
   
3. Health Lab has finally reached our shores. I had tried their highly coveted Holy Hazelnut nut-butter filled balls last year, a collaboration with Pana Organic, a client of mine. And yes, they live up to the hype. I found these on the shelves at Countdown and their coconut bars which are very much a modern version of a classic and worth every cent.

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

Tracey Creed & Amandine Paniagua