Hello, hello!

This month we've adapted our email sent to the end of each month, which inevitably made sense, sharing knowledge and inspiration from the month past, preparing us for the next. We see food as a medium for connection, healing, and expression, and so it was this month a pleasure to interview Maya Handley of Florets, whose interview covers these aspects of appreciation. And with the weather, we're returning to our comforts, cakes and reminding ourselves of the restorative nature of food, focusing on fibre and discussing the role of regularity in achieving healthy digestion and detoxification.

On another front, while we always try to stay positive here, the recent weather events in Auckland violently reminded us all, from those well aware of the climate system disruption to those still ignoring science, that the Earth's balance has changed. We, the people, are paying the high price while our governance responses remain inadequate. Listening to Auckland's Green MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, on the news, she reminded us that scientists predicted this past year's weather pattern in Aotearoa, New Zealand, a long time ago. We agree with her that it is political cowardice not to confront this reality and act with urgency to kick off the solutions that we know are necessary for resilience and adaptation.

The question for us now is, what do we want our future to look like? What are we fighting for? What kind of justice do we want here? Those who callously impact our environment, our climate and ultimately our lives, the people in power, must be held accountable for their actions or lack thereof. After the clean-up, it will be time for empowerment. We can do things like voting for relevant and skilled representatives, for example. Vocalising our concerns, again and again, is another. Let's start here. Put down in your calendar that the 3rd of March is the global strike for the climate. If we don't take the streets, we won't be seen, and we won’t be heard.

It is no secret that the weather in Auckland has been dreadful the past few days (weeks!), which means too much time spent inside. We thought, what could cheer up our minds? Maybe something sweet would help, and so with the idea of bouncing back into more joyful spirits, this month we have recompiled here all our cake recipes—the 100% chocolate, the mini-version, some bananas-based, high on pears, unexpected made of olive oil, or tea, we have a cake for all tastes, budgets and ingredients. Onwards.

Maya Handley created Florets to share the magic of sourdough and the promise of organic agriculture, supporting local producers in her profound offering. Florets sandwiches are in themselves, an art, and there’s the respect for her ingredients that is felt deeply in all she does. Bread has never tasted better.

Regularity is the gateway to glowing skin and inner peace. One to three times a day is a sign of healthy digestion and detoxification, and there are various foods that can help you go. We are discussing them this month.

Fibre helps move the products of digestion more efficiently through the digestive tract. Eating lots of plant fibre helps to create a healthy, balanced microbiome by increasing the prevalence of species like Faecalibacterium Prausnitzii that boosts immunity and decreases your risk of developing various gastrointestinal disorders.

1. Have you heard of the Doughnut Economics Theory? Pinned initially by economist Kate Raworth, it is a different, humanist economic model tool which aims to eradicate global poverty within the means of the planet’s boundaries, aka natural resources. I’ve found this piece about the Doughnut principles translated into Te Reo Māori and adapted to the indigenous worldview. Insightful.
   
   
2. Something relaxing on the internet—yes, it is possible, with this little online tool developed by some Google devs, showcasing the beauty of Earth in a very different way. It is slightly addictive.
   
   
3. My favourite writer and cook, Alicia Kennedy, spent the past year (and more) writing a book, No Meat Required: The Cultural History and Culinary Future of Plant-Based Eating. I just discovered that it would be available globally through Book Depository! The book will be about plant-based food in the United States, more precisely, the politics, culture and history of a culinary movement that has strongly shifted over the years. I cannot wait to dive into this masterpiece!

1. Suppressing a cure for more than 40 years! BURZYNSKI: THE CANCER CURE COVER-UP - FULL DOCUMENTARY. I'm just leaving the title here, and I highly recommend that you watch this. I cried. Often. This documentary exposes the level to which government officials are in the pockets of Big Pharma, where the pursuit of profit above all else, including human life, remains enduring.
   
   
2. The other day a friend of mine messaged me a photo featuring a ruched duvet asking if I knew where she could find one. And oddly, while on Pinterest the previous night, I had seen said duvet from the Koren brand Gata. In addition to duvets conveniently categorised by tone, they also sell towels. The 'SUNNE', produced in collaboration with STOFF STUDIOS, is OEKO-TEX certified and, likely, my next purchase. And all Gata is made in Korea.
   
   
3. Late last year Mecca announced something big was coming. That something is FaceGym. Founded by Inge Theron, a former beauty and wellness journalist, FaceGym is like a HIIT workout for the 40+ muscles in your face that promises the results of in-office procedures without any of the downtime. Next month, instead of a facial, I'll spend that money on some vegan collagen booster spheres—the first brand I had heard of offering vegan collagen. It is derived from fermented yeast. All FaceGym products are clean, vegan, and cruelty-free.

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

Tracey Creed & Amandine Paniagua