Hello, hello!

The winter season is the most yin time of the year according to Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine, associated with quiet, darkness and introspection. And so, this month we are considering rituals and our wardrobe; focused on utilising what we own and taking a deeper look at the impact of our material choices—the hidden plastic in our clothing which feels apt as it is NZ Fashion Week. We also share our favourite bolognese sauce to pair with your favourite pasta for a meal in under 15 minutes.

Winter feels different because it is different. Winter gives us less heat, less hours of daylight, and sunlight. Seasonal Affective Disorder is much more common than spoken of and during this time of darkness we all need to be filling ourselves up with love, nourishing foods and ecstatic experiences. We all deserve that and then some.

If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, when Yang energy is at its peak, you will still benefit from draw your energy in, to be introspective and insightful and getting plenty of rest. We hope you find something here that inspires you, grounds you and that you create space to know the light and dark within yourself. What will September hold for you? In the coming month we are preparing for a change to our email format and content which we look forward to sharing with you very soon!

Candle making is a creative outlet that incorporates using essential oils, and taking time to nourish the body and mind. It is something generous we can do for ourselves. And when the process involves others, you share that nourishment, share in conversation, and it is so uplifting. Here we share our process, including tips for working with soy wax and notes on essential oils. Expect to be transported!

It’s Winter here in Aotearoa, and so it is time for another “Style your closet”, featuring an outfit for each day of the week with a limited amount of garments, cold season special. Another opportunity to dive into your closet, learn how to make due with what you have but with inspiration and style. Time to browse and play!

The problem of plastics in clothing encompasses more than materials and manufacturing. It is also about over-production and overconsumption. Here, we discuss microplastics and microfibres and how, as consumers, we can exercise choice and shift demand.

This vegan lentil bolognese is a simple everyday recipe. It is a rich, satisfying and delicious comfort food. Inspired by Italian cuisine, this plant-based meal is a wholesome dish without much fuss, easy to include in a meal-prep routine and batch prep to freeze for those tired days. And affordable! Give it a try.

1. If you are in Auckland on the 17th of September, the Auckland Permaculture Social Club (which I volunteer with) is organising a gathering at the Puhinui Reserve, Auckland. This reunion will include Deep Listening—a practice to help you connect with your senses and feelings of the present moment. This deep listening session will be facilitated by artist, designer and educator Xin Cheng, followed by a landscape reading walk at the reserve guided by Resilio Studio's Gary Marshall. If you feel overwhelmed and disconnected, this event is an excellent opportunity to rebond with your heart and mind.
   
   
2. In keeping with last month's vibe, I have another TV show in the context of society's collapse. Featuring high-end actors such as Game of Thrones' Kit Harrington, Oscar winner Meryl Streep or Friend's David Schwimmer, amongst others, Extrapolations is a 2023 US TV Apple TV+ show narrating the effects of climate through the point of views of different characters and their interconnected stories. I have yet to see it, and online critics are pretty severe, but I look forward to watching Extrapolations, nevertheless. We need regular reminders of where we are heading.
   
   
3. I've already talked about Wild, the profoundly thoughtful podcast of Sarah Wilson, but some episodes are so striking it's worth sharing again that this podcast exists. The latest I listened to was with Gaya Herrington. A global collapse expert and Club of Rome adviser, Gaya is renowned for her 2021 review report of the best seller, The Limits of Growth. She demonstrated that the 1972 MIT study was on track with its analysis of civilisation collapse by 2040. In the podcast, she explains why the endless growth approach cannot work on our limited-resourced planet, what collapse intakes, and what should come as viable solutions to save ourselves in time. She also points out who prefer business as usual instead of necessary change. What I loved the most about listening to her was how factual she is, honest and straightforward. Our future is already led out; we simply need to act on which direction we want to take collectively. It's an episode that is worth listening to.

1. Fara Homidi, the lip obsessed makeup artist behind countless campaigns, magazine covers, and fashion shows launched five months ago an infinitely refillable Essential Lip Compact, buttery lip pencils and a lip brush. Prioritising quality over quantity—a press release sums up her approach: "Fewer, better products, suitable for everyone." From its conception, Homidi ensured that all products and materials were sustainably sourced and that waste was minimised. All Fara Homidi products are clean and cruelty-free. For those of us outside of the United States, parcel forwarding services are our only option.
   
   
2. The other week YouTube suggested I watch a video from the Mountain Rug Cleaning channel. I did and it was 15 minutes of ASMR. This rug was covered in dirt and frozen. This guy rescues decrepit rugs, cleans them, and breathes new life and meaning into them, providing a sense of emotional sustainability in some way. There are limitations on materials, resources, and, more generally speaking, so if you find a discarded Persian rug in a second-hand store, these are the things we need to save that can be saved.
   
   
3. Not surprising, but recent research has indicated artificial grass is linked to cancer, the term 'artificial' already has negative implications. In addition to benzene and lead, the list of toxins discovered on artificial turf fields includes mercury, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, arsenic, and other carcinogenic compounds. While further research is required, artificial turf is potentially linked to the cancer deaths of six Phillies ball players. So if you're ever searching for rentals and the artificial lawn is involved, avoid it.

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

Tracey Creed & Amandine Paniagua