Hello, hello!

This new month we spoke with Tania of Flint Chocolate about running a business alongside a day job, and got her thoughts on everything from inspiration to rituals. And, of course, chocolate. We also share two recipes we use fast and furiously—miso pan-fried tofu and sundried tomato pesto. And we've added a new Guide on Instagram, what we have and use in our home.

And speaking of, last month we moved house, which was, in many ways, an emotional reset, connecting us with who and what matters most. Also a time of rush, hence why we were quiet lately and had to skip this monthly update. Now Amandine is in France, and we are all in August, finding solace in our bonds and, through their sustenance, possibilities for expansion. We all crave the familiar. Home calls us now. And it makes you ask yourself, what is it that most makes us feel secure?

And so, this month we're shifting focus, sharing our rituals, meals and homes with others, our friends and here, with you.

Tofu is the ultimate veg- protein, controversial for those without a clue yet not at all complicated to prepare. And here, we just love tofu—we enjoy it maybe two to three times a week, sometimes more. This month, we share our favourite version, cooked in a pan. This is a fast still flavoursome way of cooking this delicious plant protein, adding a touch of umami to all your dishes.

Flint Chocolate’s gorgeous single-origin bars are small-batch, crafted in Tāmaki Makaurau from certified organic and ethically sourced ingredients. We spoke with Tania about running a business alongside a part-time position in finance and got her thoughts on everything from inspiration to rituals and balancing work with being present. And, of course, chocolate.

We cannot overlook the connection between health and physical space. It's alarming what chemicals you can find in everyday items like laundry detergent and non-stick coated cookware. So, we've compiled a Guide—a non-toxic universe of interesting and intentionally designed products for practical and healthy homes. We'll leave this here for you to peruse when in need.

For a simplified weeknight meal, one cannot go pasta. Simple, modern and super-flavourful, leaning heavily on garlic and pungent sun-dried tomatoes, we love this pesto served with our favourite pasta and cashew nut Parmesan, finished with basil and sea salt flakes.

1. I spoke about makeup artist Violette_FR in the past, and being in France at the moment, I finally got my hands on one of her skincare line best sellers, the Boom Boom Milk! This face spray milk is a probiotic formula made of 99% naturally derived ingredients, also suitable for the body and hair. Routine simplifier, Boom Boom Milk is a toner, serum and moisturiser all at once. The kind of multi-purpose products I love! The texture is light and gets absorbed at the right speed—quickly, but with enough time to massage your face so you can enjoy the moment. So far, my skin feels plumped, soothed and hydrated, as promised. This product also has potential for toning, texture improvement and firmness of the skin in the long run. I am addicted, and as Violette's line is not available yet in New Zealand, I am planning to buy litres before returning!
   
   
2. Following up on skincare, discussing this subject always relates to chemical components. What are they? Could they be damaging to us? Why and how? If, like us, you don't own a degree in chemistry, there are platforms, such as the Environmental Working Group, though controversial, that help you navigate product labels. Or beauty influencers, some more knowledgeable than others. So lately, I've been following people with credentials and nothing to lose. I found the amazing Lara Adler on Instagram. She also has a website. She aims to educate Health Professionals on Environmental Toxins, so she is a reliable source of information for us! One of my favourite posts is her take on genetic-related health issues.
   
   
3. You might have heard of the "Big Quit", a phenomenon happening now in India, China and multiple Western countries, where people resign in search of a better work situation. If you are into this wagon and looking for a more meaningful job to fuel your life, this article and its leading resource might help you channel your ideas and options. This piece is a take on Esther Perel's (the OG!) reflections on finding your way in the professional world, shared in her podcast, How's Work? With Esther Perel.

1. For those evaluating a sense of self, thinking about how others see you and how your personal aesthetic decisions might inform that view, you should read "On Being Perceived" by Kelsey McKinney. This essay prompts one to confront self-limiting thoughts to re-evaluation the structure of our lives and our relationship to responsibility. How do you want the future to look? Who do you want to be in that future?
   
   
2. Are you aware your computer screen emits blue light? If so, you can skip this part, but if, like me, you did not, read on. High Energy Visible Light (HEV) or blue light emitted from electronic screens is visible to us. It increases the oxidative free radical damage to our skin that we associate with ageing. Collagen breakdown, wrinkle formation, and pigmentation are a few of the skin issues that can ensue. Using mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, actives such as vitamin C and ferulic acid can protect against blue light damage. I’m adding the ILIA Blue Light Face Mist to my AM routine.
   
   
3. I discovered Unconditional Skincare Co.® photographing for I AM Co. Probiotics have been covered a lot on the Internet, though I was yet to incorporate topical probiotics into my routine. For the curious, this serum is currently on discount. I got mine. Take a wander through their website and decide if this product could work for your skin. It's a one-size-fits-all serum with the uniquely beneficial BLIS Q24® strain proven to inhibit the growth of harmful bacterias associated with different skin conditions—also an excellent tool in the fight against maskne. Unconditional Skincare Co.® is cruelty-free, clean and fragrance-free, made in New Zealand.

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

Tracey Creed & Amandine Paniagua