Hello hello!

As we approach the middle of February, work has resumed, and there's the probability of Omicron—and so this month, we're featuring a guide to supplements, a formula for creating a balanced meal—sharing our love for lentils and a method for preserving this seasons' tomatoes. There's also a guide to Vitamin C—an ingredient that does work to brighten, maybe give you cherub skin.

This past year has kept so many of us tied to our homes and challenged us in ways we've never experienced before, but the world is opening up, winding down on the masks. Amandine and her partner, Benoit, got engaged! Preparations have begun, celebratory, but make it low impact. Also expect some reporting here, hopefully demonstrating that not all celebrations of love need involve hyperconsumerism.

Using less of our earth's precious resources is always on our minds. In this world of rapid consumerism and the obliviousness toward the impact, we have on the planet, nurturing our local connections and community, that ability to keep moving forward no matter the situation is vital. 2022 is a beautiful blank slate of potential. No more putting off happiness. No more settling.

Increasingly conversations discussing food affordability are being platformed, and so, while it does nothing to address the current issues, I can suggest eating more lentils. High in protein, I’ve included a guide for soaking, increasing nutrient bioavailability and a formula to create a nutrient-rich, delicious and satiating meal.

If you are a member of the acne subreddit you will fully appreciate the efficacy of Vitamin C. We do. Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants for your face that stimulates collagen production, lightens pigmentation and protects from environmental stressors. If you’re looking to achieve filter level skin, hit the link below for a list of natural, cruelty-free, vegan options available. ⁠

Inspired by the Grown and Gathered team, we share all the steps to make a tasteful passata tomato puree at home. Far from being difficult, it is about cooking a bunch of tomatoes for a couple of hours, then sterilising your containers, pouring the puree in and screwing the cap. Nothing like enjoying the flavours of Summer during the Winter months, so let's prepare.

Which plant lover didn't hear this fake truth at least once in its life? The misconception that tofu consumed by humans is highly responsible for global deforestation is a common belief that needs to be addressed—all the answers on what to respond in the link below.

1. Read from last week, Please stop mowing your lawn by Athena Rhodes in The Spinoff website. I’ve never understood the passion for the green, perfect lawn in New Zealand. Maybe because where I am from in France, it burns when the sun is out. Anyway, there is no point in a lawn, and Athena thoroughly demonstrates why. Follow her suggestion and turn your lawn wild to support biodiversity. You won’t come back!
   
   
2. The Regeneration International website is an excellent resource for everything related to, would we guess, regenerative agriculture. A non-profit organisation, Regeneration International promotes an agriculture that goes away from the extractive, conventional way of growing food A network of multiple small-scale farms can feed the world while mitigating climate change impacts. They also have a Regenerative Farm Map that will help you find an adequate place to source your food, wherever in the world.
   
   
3. I discovered through my favourite newsletter the wonderful Helen from @ethiopanfoodie on Instagram. She shares colourful and nutritious vegan and gluten-free recipes from her birthplace Ethiopia, a cuisine that helps her stay connected to her culture. And with her grandmother, Amaarech, she now develops and sells small-batch spice blends. I am getting her ebooks.

1. While researching for a recent piece for Ecoware on the single-use plastics phase out, I discovered crafting plastics! studio. Based between Berlin and Bratislava, product designer Vlasta Kubušová and production designer Miroslav Král take an interdisciplinary approach designing solutions for closed-loop systems in various fields utilising bioplastics derived from plants. Projects range from eyewear to Nuatan bioplastic sheets producing “The Arch”, which reconsiders architectural interior materials and approaches. This studio shows us that there are solutions and there are people pursuing progress towards sustainability.
   
   
2. During the holidays I discovered Good Drinks by Julia Bainbridge via Gossamer. It’s a manual for making better drinks, minus the alcohol. Ultramodern, featuring recipes from bartenders across the globe, it is a book of alcohol-free beverages for “when you’re not drinking [alcohol] for whatever reason.” Organised by times of day: Sometimes you drink to relax, to connect, to let loose, to toast the end of the day, etc. I do not drink alcohol and never have, so for me, this book presents opportunities for making better dinks minus the alcohol. No more sugary syrups and premixers.
   
   
3. Over the long weekend Amandine and her partner went to Raglan and returned, engaged but also bearing gifts—two of my favourite things, chocolate and coffee. I had never tried Raglan Chocolate, Amandine gifted me Peru. I had been missing out. Subtle sweet fruit notes create a simple yet layered chocolate, it is a 75% cacao and raw sugar. That is all. Incredible. All bars are organic, bean to gar, and ethically traded. Select bars are vegan.

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

Tracey Creed & Amandine Paniagua