Table of contents for issue 66 2018 in Good

@_elinmatilda @andrewcoffeyphotos @emilyjanebell91 Emily Bell Hailing from the UK, Emily has worked in publishing since leaving university. When she’s not scribbling or tapping away at her desk during the week, she’s jet-setting, café-hopping or exploring corners of New Zealand. Emily also loves to read, hike and is currently looking to learn how to compost. Elin Matilda Andersson Elin Matilda Andersson is a freelance illustrator who loves distilling information and ideas into illustrations that are both meaningful and filled with her signature playfulness. Originally from Sweden, she can nowadays be found in her bush-encapsulated studio on the NSW South Coast, Australia, assisted by her loyal assistant ‘Party the Poodle’. Andrew Coffey Andrew picked up an old camera of his grandmother’s when he was nine – a beautiful Nikkormat FTN – and…

How to Discover the simple pleasures of macrame. Learn how to make this beauty in seven easy steps. Drinks This Plant-Powered Green Smoothie is thirst-quenching as well as a great way to inject more greens into your day. Beauty Clean Beauty Collective’s Fleur Insley tells us about her beauty business focusing on no nasties. Zero-waste When packing your picnic hamper, take note of these handy tips for making your next picnic zero-waste. Digital subscriptions Get four issues of Good to read on your computer, tablet or mobile for $15. Subscribe at icgmedia.co.nz/product/good Five things to know Learn about five sanctuaries in New Zealand where you can explore, and see native birds. DIY Follow Alembics’ guide to making your own green citrus eau de cologne to use as a natural cologne…

Nut cheeses Made in Wellington, Terra’s tasty cultured nut cheeses come in a jar and are great spread on toast, in cheese sauce or pretty much anything, even in dessert. They are also certified vegan and contain whole cashews, purified water, New Zealand sea salt, probiotics, herbs, spices and are dairy-free. terranutcheese.co.nz Pantry partners Vogel’s new premium range of Hawaiian-inspired Aloha, and Kiwiinspired Aroha granola, $17 each, come in reusable, recyclable jars. vogels.co.nz Joy in a jar We are in love with Raglan Yoghurt’s new boysenberry flavour, which comes in a big 700ml jar size. Probiotic, dairy-free yoghurt packed with coconut goodness made in Raglan and carboNZero certified, too. raglanyoghurt.co.nz Back to the future Goodbye plastic and hello glass jars. Cathedral Cove Naturals’ new look for their range of delicious…

When you book an Earth Energies Sanctuary retreat, you’re not just signing up for a relaxing break away from the world, you’re signing up for a complete mindset shift. As owner and creator Marie Latus says, “A busy, over-stimulated brain can mean no peace and sky-rocketing stress levels. Taking a step back and ‘re-setting’ can be essential for mental and physical health and wellbeing.” And this is what Earth Energies Sanctuary is all about. Achieving a natural balance. Tucked away off State Highway 2 in Mangatarata, a beautiful lifestyle block awaits you. Try your best to arrive during the daytime as there is so much beauty to take in as you drive up the one-kilometre road to the gorgeous cabin at the top. Latus, owner and creator of Earth Energies…

There’s nothing like a bunch of blooms to stimulate the senses. Opting to purchase from local farm-totable businesses often means you’re plucking stems direct from the New Zealand countryside. Knowing their origin ensures peace of mind for a piece of the outdoors you’ll introduce to your home. But as global importation and exportation of flowers rise, increased pressure on the local flower industry means growers are looking towards alternate ways to focus on a sustainable future. To learn more, we meet local Kiwi growers who are passionate about their craft. Support local businesses at NZ Flowers Week 4–10 November 2019 nzflowersweek.co.nz Kumeu Flower Farm, Auckland As a landscape architect by trade, owner Angelique Lambermon runs Kumeu Flower Farm. It’s a business that supplies a variety of seasonal, freshly cut flowers…

Pocket garland Supplies • Rope • scissors • old jeans • eyelets (two per pocket) • eyelet pliers How to do it Cut the pockets out of the back of the jeans including the back of the pocket so they can hold items. Repeat with as many pockets as you wish to have on your garland. Insert eyelet either side of the pocket with eyelet plier. Thread rope through the holes. Hang on a wall. Coat hanger covers Supplies • Old jeans • sewing thread (cotton or wool in a fluorescent colour) • coat hangers • scissors • fabric chalk • embroidery needle How to do it Place coat hanger on the thigh of a jean leg and trace with tailor’s chalk leaving 2cm seam allowance; you should have two…

Dole Pineapple & Lime Crème Brûlée Serves 4 1 large Dole Tropical Gold Pineapple1½ cups cream½ cup coconut cream1 tsp vanilla bean paste2 makrut lime leaves5 egg yolks¼ cup caster sugar + ¼ cup caster sugar (approx) to caramelise½ cup mascarponemint leaves and lime zest, to garnish Preheat oven to 180°C and line an oven tray with baking paper. Remove ends and cut 4 thick slices from the pineapple. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh from within each slice, leaving a ring around the skin edge and a base to pour your custard into. Make sure you don’t break through that base at all! Place on oven tray. Take the flesh you scooped out (minus the hard, inner core), and puree using a stick blender or food processor. Place…

Eggplant Falafels with Tzatziki Sauce Homemade falafels can be tricky to get right. This recipe took us ages to perfect, but we’ve finally nailed it. Roasted chunks of eggplant mixed with smoky paprika, cumin and coriander create a falafel full of Middle Eastern flavours. The tzatziki adds a refreshing element, which goes beautifully with these pungent tastes. Leftover falafels can be frozen. Makes 18. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian. Tzatziki ¾ cup coconut yoghurt½ cucumber (½ grated and ½ small dice)juice of ½ lemonsmall handful fresh dill2 cloves garlic, crushedextra virgin olive oilsaltblack pepper Eggplant falafels 2 small/medium-sized eggplants, peeled and chopped into cubes2 tbsp coconut oil, melted½ tsp ground coriander½ tsp ground cumin½ tsp ground smoked paprika1 x 400g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (you can also use canned cannellini beans…

A heritage bank building in the centre of Blenheim’s township is the home of the gorgeous Herb + Olive, a family-owned café that focuses on seasonal and local products. With the mantra of “support locals and they will support you”, Herb + Olive thrives in Blenheim by offering produce from local suppliers every chance they can. “We’ve developed a concept where if people have an overabundance of veges and fruit, which often happens in the peak of summer, people can come in and we’ll do a swap for their produce in exchange for food and coffee from the café. The aim was to create a real community feel and a sense of belonging,” owner Richard Barton says. Herb + Olive’s menu is always changing, which makes the brown paper scroll…

It’s fair to say Kim Struthers and Stephen James know a bit about bikes. Both have worked in the cycling industry for more than two decades. Struthers’ father, John, created the Avanti bike brand in the 1980s, and James is a former New Zealand representative rider. Combining their experience and starting with a blank piece of paper, the pair have co-created Sinch, a range of quality, aesthetically pleasing bikes at great value. Each model has a comfortable seat, ergonomically designed hand grips and is equipped with a Shimano mid-drive motor and components. The top speed of 32kmph can be lowered for learners, then readjusted as riding confidence increases, and travel distance is an impressive 150 kilometres on a single charge. The other obvious yet revolutionary innovation is how Struthers and…

wallacecotton.com Sleep pretty Sleep masks don’t have to be boring. These pretty floral masks by Wallace Cotton, $9.90, will be sure to put “Spring” into your step. Dream in style The Ostrich Pillow Loop, $76.90, provides a portable blackout session wherever you are at the blink of an eye. Its ergonomic design enables you to comfortably wrap it around your head and cover your eyes. It’s also light, and adaptable to all head shapes and sizes. sourcehomeobject.com Award winning Weleda Lavender Bath Milk, $29.90, won ‘Best Sleep Product’ at the recent Beauty Shortlist Awards in the UK. Add this vegan-friendly formula to your bath and bathe in the calm. weleda.co.nz Between the sheets There’s nothing like climbing into a bed made with gorgeous freshly washed linen. We love George Street…

In 1980 seven of the 10 largest US companies were involved in fossil fuels. Today there’s only one, Exxon Mobil, which ranks at number 10. Technology companies like Apple, Alphabet (the parent company of Google) and Amazon now dominate. Fossil fuel businesses are widely seen as operating a sunset industry; one that is in terminal decline. And this view has gained momentum as the world increasingly recognises the environmental costs the industry imposes. At one extreme there is a strong emotional response to the industry. Who can forget the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010, when we watched in horror as enormous quantities of oil gushed into the ocean doing untold environmental damage? At the other extreme, investors are dispassionately calculating the financial challenges. Following the Paris climate accord, countries are…

If you’re feeling a bit bored and blah in your work life, you might find yourself dreaming of a career change or starting a side hustle. However, not everyone wants to do that or it’s not currently possible. Another route to feeling rejuvenated is to enhance your experience at your current job. The advantage of this approach is that you can start immediately without massively overhauling your life. Here are four practical tips. Focus on a higher purpose. People feel good when their work feels meaningful. Instead of thinking about your work day as grinding out your to-dos, change your focus to whatever contribution you could make in your current environment that would feel deeply fulfilling. It could be mentoring the next generation of professionals or creating lasting changes to…

On a recent visit to Fiji I marvelled at the crystal-clear water while snorkelling, and the beautiful beaches. So it was a bit of a shock when I ventured further around one bay after high tide. It started with one washed-up plastic bottle. Being a tidy Kiwi I picked it up, and then the volume increased until I could no longer carry all the bottles in my arms. I had two sarongs in my daypack that I fashioned into carry sacks and piled the plastic debris into these, and over the next hour I lugged four loads collected from a 400-metre strip of beach up onto higher ground and then called the resort reception for help. My haul included multiple deodorant spray cans, toothbrushes, asthma inhalers and even a wheel…

loclaire.com Ode to the ocean Loclaire’s ‘Reefs’ shirt, $429, is made from a dreamy organic cotton and silk hemp blend in the colour of ‘sea’. The cuffs can be unfolded and worn long. Loclaire’s mission is to educate and inspire through clothes; to encourage living in a more conscious way, with the least impact on people and the planet. Each piece is made to evolve alongside you as a lifelong friend. meadowlark.co.nz Halcyon days Meadowlark’s Claire and Greg Hammon have focused on the idea of classics for their Halcyon collection, like these stunning freshwater pearl earrings. All pieces (released November) are made in Meadowlark’s New Zealand workshop. Pearls are sourced from environmentally responsible farms. The sapphires in the collection are traceable from mine to market, and reclaimed white diamonds are…

The benefits of being grateful extend to physical and mental health, strong relationships with others and a happier life. From writing down specific details, to recording them on a voice memo, growing gratitude in your life starts with acknowledging the value of gifts bestowed on you from a source outside of yourself – the kind smile of a stranger, a peer helping you at work, discovering a rainbow, learning someone was generous to a loved one. Regular practice is key to achieving long-term positive effects. Gratitude can be cultivated with creative expressions of thanks through photography, illustration, craft or other visual arts. Here are seven ways to start. 1 Visual A popular way to practice gratitude is by keeping a gratitude journal, most often in the form of words. But…

Connector/change facilitator Founder and CEO of the Sustainable Business Network, Rachel Brown, 51, has been advancing sustainable business in New Zealand for almost 20 years through her ability to connect like-minded people and support them on the sustainability journey for a better future for people and the planet. In 2018 she was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for her years of service to sustainable business, and she’s not done yet. She’s busy helping lead a clean-up of the Hauraki Gulf via a three-year GulfX programme led by the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), supported by funding from Gulf Innovation Fund Together (G.I.F.T). Individuals, as well as businesses, can make a huge difference, once they know how, Brown explains. For example, did you know that it’s most common for cars…

A hero ingredient touted by cosmetic companies as a skin saviour, vitamin C indeed has many super powers. It helps to protect skin from UV damage, promote collagen synthesis and the formation of stable collagen molecules in the skin, fade scarring, brighten the complexion, while also reducing hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, redness and breakouts. It improves skin hydration, protects from damaging free radicals (generated due to exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun) and increases skin elasticity. Studies have shown that topical vitamin C preparations not only improve skin appearance by reducing fine lines and wrinkles but it is also good for wound healing. Plus, it protects from or lessens the severity of sunburn. So if a product says it contains vitamin C, that’s great right? Not necessarily. How it gets into…

It was an 8am start from the Kauaeranga Road end carpark. Straight off the bat my group started to walk briskly. I began to regret wasting precious energy enthusiastically singing and dancing in the car as well as eating the classic tearoom treats for breakfast on the drive. After some fun on the Kauaeranga River swing bridge things got a tad more serious on the steep incline on Webb Creek track. As my heart rate started to thump around and the tearoom cake threatened to make an appearance, I contemplated telling the group that I was going back to the car to meditate beside the river for the day. Instead, I said to go on without me as I needed a slower pace. After talking to myself about my feelings…

Travelling around the world and staying in all sorts of hotel rooms along the way, Stephane Garotin and Pierre Emmanuel Martin have discovered some inspiring ideas for balancing harmonious living with practicality in small spaces. The calm, serene and sophisticated ethnic décor of this light, bright apartment is very much a style anthology of the best features of some of those hotel rooms. It is also a fusion of the couple’s original design intentions, which hark back to their first business in home decoration – an interiors boutique called Hand, also based in Lyon – that specialised in combining handmade one-off items with a charming global mix sourced from all over. When the pair set themselves a design brief for this apartment, they drew on their elegant yet ethnic aesthetic…

Beef and Grain Salad Prep: 30 mins. Cook: 20 mins. Serves 4 2 x Greenlea Beef sirloin steaks Grain salad ½ cup white quinoa, very well rinsed½ cup Israeli couscous2 corn cobs, husks and silks removed4 small zucchini, cut into thick ribbons1-2 handfuls baby spinach leaves Dressing 1 tbsp lemon juice1 tbsp Dijon mustard4 tbsp olive oil To serve 1 tbsp sesame seeds, white or black, toasted¼ cup picked mint leaves, finely shredded¼ cup walnuts or pine nuts, toasted, optional Rocket aioli (see left) Place rinsed quinoa in a small heavy-based saucepan with ¾ cup cold water. Cover and bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer quinoa until the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Place Israeli couscous into a saucepan of boiling salted water, reduce heat and…

With a consistent focus on delivering customers innovative and curious creations, BurgerFuel is championing hemp on their menu in September and October through three limited-edition menu offerings: special burger Electric Pūhā; gourmet side Hemp & Broc Bites and BurgerFuel’s first-ever hemp smoothie, Kaitahi Super Green. With the rise of hemp seed as a versatile and sustainable ingredient, BurgerFuel is keen to jump on the culinary trend and bring it to the mainstream. Customers now have the opportunity to try a unique flavour in the familiarity of a burger or side. Delicious and good for the planet, hemp has a long list of health benefits, too. A natural way to consume iron, protein, iodine, zinc and omegas, both Electric Pūhā and Hemp & Broc Bites are packed full of hemp seed…

On a warm day, there’s nothing like an ice-cold slushy-style chocolate drink. To make it super chocolatey, I sometimes add a bit of extra high-quality cacao powder. Just use the amount to suit your tastebuds. If you don’t have flaxseed oil at hand, then this is still delicious without it. I love adding this ingredient, though, because it has omega-3 fatty acids. There are no preservatives in this cup. Just good stuff. Choc Honey Frappe Serves 1 1 tsp mānuka honey1 large frozen banana, skin removed pinch vanilla bean powder½ cup almond milk¼ cup dark cacao powder1½ cups ice1 tsp flaxseed oilpinch salt Put all ingredients into a blender and blitz until smooth. Then pour the thick mixture into a glass. I topped this one with bee pollen because I…

Feet are a complex mechanical wonder. One that is often overlooked. Each foot contains 26 bones, 38 joints, a complex network of muscles and ligaments as well as metres of blood vessels and nerve fibres. They carry us through each day. In fact, over a lifetime the average person walks about 160,000 kilometres. It should be no surprise then our feet wear the weight of time, and change in the process. “Like all parts of the body, feet will change as we age,” says James Baxter, clinical director of Foot Mechanics. “We may experience collapse of the arches, arthritic changes to the mid-foot and big toe (hallux) joints, reduced fat pad under the forefoot, more toe deformity like hammer toes and much more heel pain,” explains Baxter. “Often we may…

When looking to improve productivity we’re usually asked to focus on our time management, how we multi-task, the structure of our work and our working environments. These are all influential factors. However, there are other factors equally (if not more) important and these are the energetic factors. When we try to change tangible things by doing tangible things it works, but it can take a long time and often feel forced or stressful. In contrast, when we try and change tangible things by changing our energy as well, things can shift a lot faster and this is when we feel things are flowing. To reach your productive potential and to work efficiently and effectively, you must approach the task with the right energy, not just the right action. Productivity killers…

For many health-conscious people out there, the path to wellness can often mean isolating symptoms and treating them individually. If we want to lose weight, we focus on calories in, calories out. If we are tired, we turn to coffee to get us through. While in some cases this approach can offer great temporary solutions, it doesn’t truly acknowledge the deeply intricate and connected nature of our natural bodies. At BePure, our goal is to improve the wellbeing of the whole being. For us, this starts at a physiological level. It’s a simple but powerful way of approaching health and wellness – fronting up to the idea that if our bodies are adequately nourished, we will in turn feel more energised, grounded, think more clearly, sleep better and naturally regulate…

@lobes_by_outliv Love for Lobes LOBES by Outliv’s Mellie Earrings, $14, are part of a range of rad earrings made using offcuts from Outliv and other preloved stuff. Buy a pair and $1 goes to the local Women’s Fund organisation. Sudsy goodness Fair + Square’s Soapery Selection Box, $35, is perfect for a soap lover. Carly from Fair + Square uses the traditional method of cold process soap making, creating beautiful, natural soaps for everyday luxury. ohnatural.co.nz info@crombie-price.co.nz The Greenie Pack The moisturiser features a super greens blend to promote a radiant, glowing and healthy complexion. The detoxifying facial scrub leaves skin feeling smooth and free of impurities. Includes bonus gift of three reusable produce bags. $31. 3 in 1 Creaming Clay Cleanser A practical solution for your everyday self-care routine.…

Selling up all of our possessions and living in the USA for a number of years was a big change for our whole family. I grew to love the minimalist lifestyle of less possessions and clutter and decided to keep up that lifestyle on return to New Zealand. I had cancelled all of my magazine subscriptions before we left and did not intend to renew them on our return. When we came back, I happened to pick up the latest Good magazine while standing in line at the supermarket and realised I couldn’t do without the informative articles. It is important for me to keep myself and my family naturally healthy and happy and your magazine informs me of all the latest knowledge and products that are available. I even…

Bill Hammond NOW – 19 JANUARY 2020, CHRISTCHURCH More than 40 pieces by the renowned Canterbury artist. christchurchartgallery.org.nz World Of WearableArt 26 SEPTEMBER-13 OCTOBER, WELLINGTON The famed design competition is set to wow. worldofwearableart.com Chocolate & Coffee Show 5-6 OCTOBER, AUCKLAND This year wine and cheese are also in the line-up. chocolatecoffeeshow.co.nz Te Tairawhiti Arts Festival 4-20 OCTOBER, GISBORNE An artistic mix of paid and free events. tetairawhitiartsfestival.org Pedal4Prostrate 13 OCTOBER, HAMPTON DOWNS Open to teams of 2-4 riders to support the Prostrate Cancer Foundation. pedal4prostrate.org.nz Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival 15-28 OCTOBER, NAPIER Artistic masterpieces alongside good food. hbaf.co.nz Nelson Arts Festival 15-28 OCTOBER, NELSON A mix of theatre, dance, circus, visual arts and music including The Topp Twins. itson.co.nz Carnival of Lights 25-28 OCTOBER, WELLINGTON Transforming Riddiford Gardens into…

Funny As Paul Horan and Philip Matthews, Auckland University Press, $50. Explore the history of New Zealand comedy through the stories of many of this country’s talented comedians, including The Topp Twins, Billy T. James and Fred Dagg, to more recent funny folk, like Flight of the Conchords and Rose Matafeo. Eat Like A Fish Bren Smith, Murdoch Books, $33. Written by someone who has gone from being a commercial fisherman to a restorative ocean farmer, this read sheds light on the different ways the ocean could sustain us. The Talking Cure Professor Gillian Straker and Dr Jacqui Winship, MacMillan Publishers, $38. Through nine stories of transformation, you’ll discover how finding a relationship that works between a patient and a therapist can be life-changing. Choked Beth Gardiner, Allen & Unwin…

With the trend for all things natural booming, an explosion of products has created a world of chaos for consumers. How do we identify if a product is as good, clean and natural as it sounds on the label? What are some tricks to watch out for and how can we be more discerning as a consumer? Evaluating our own values for what we want out of a product is more important than ever so that we aren’t inadvertently being greenwashed. It is now a time-consuming challenge to be a discerning consumer. Trusting a label at face value is impossible in a world where the organic conditioner at the supermarket actually only contains five per cent organic plant material, and the rest of the ingredients are petroleum-sourced synthetics. Finding easy…

A three-hour flight from Auckland and a 45-minute boat ride is all it takes to arrive in paradise. Perhaps an obvious albeit wondrous epiphany the instant you’re enveloped by the climate in a tropical hug and dazzled by a Fijian smile. Six nights in the Mamanuca Islands exploring luxury resorts Vomo Island and Six Senses Fiji was my mission. Each with wellbeing and leisure activities, plus local produce and spa treatments on the menu; and each with environmental mantras played out among coconut palms, wild natural beauty and crystal clear waters. Six Senses Fiji and Vomo Island are beautiful playgrounds for nature and us, and it’s wonderful these two thoughtful retreats are doing their bit to protect it. The Vomo spell Prepare yourself for a royal welcome. Vomo Island has…

White distilled vinegar For 10,000 years this fermented alcohol (most probably accidentally stumbled upon) has had hundreds of different uses. The Babylonians discovered its preserving properties; the Romans drank it; the Greeks pickled vegetables and meats in it; and soldiers during the American Civil War used it to treat scurvy. It heals wounds, cleans glass and melts away limescale and grease. Altered hem and seam lines If you mind about holes left after taking down a hem or re-sewing a seam, iron the fabric over a cloth dampened with vinegar. Blankets To wash wool or cotton blankets, add 2 cups vinegar to the rinse cycle. This will make them soft, fluffy and free of soap. Brass and copper Mix 1 tsp of salt and 1 cup vinegar, stirring in enough…

Anyone who works in an office knows the benefits of a workplace that is clear of clutter and filled with natural light. Reception areas and shared breakout spaces also play a vital role in setting the mood. But not all organisations have money to spend on fancy office refits – especially those in the not-for-profit sector. Oxfam New Zealand is a development organisation working in the Pacific and elsewhere to help combat poverty, social injustice and the effects of climate breakdown. Thanks to a generous landlord, the team at Oxfam New Zealand recently had the chance to reconfigure their Auckland-based office layout, including knocking down a wall to create a light-filled reception area. The challenge was to refurbish this new space on the tightest of budgets. The solution? A pot…

Pani Puri For convenience puri can be purchased as a ready-made product from a local Indian food store. To make into an appetiser called pani puri, these little puri are filled with tasty ingredients – such as Fried Indian Potato and Tamarind Chutney. Makes 30 approximately. Ready in 45 minutes Puri 1 cup plain flour¼ tsp baking powder¼ tsp salt1 tbsp liquid ghee or sunflower/peanut oil¼ cup warm water, plus 1 tbsp1 cup of neutral oil, to deep fry To finish Fried Indian Potato (see recipe right)¼ cup roughly chopped coriander or mintTamarind Chutney (see recipe right)plain yoghurt, to dollop Puri: Preheat oven to 125°C. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together over a large bowl. Drizzle in the ghee or oil, rub into the flour using your fingertips…

What is organic wine? According to MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries), organic is a term for products created in line with organic production standards, which may be certified by a certification body or authority. This essentially means minimising the use of external inputs, avoiding or excluding the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, antibiotics, growth promotants, genetic modification and irradiations. An organic wine is grown on vines that aren’t maintained using weed killers or synthetic chemicals. More natural ways of promoting growth and controlling weeds are used. It relies on incorporating the natural rhythms of the land, seasons and weather conditions to produce quality growth even in challenging situations. Organic food and wine must also meet food safety standards. The dangers of pesticides At the recent Organic Winegrowers Conference, Dr Andrea…

Kirsten Taylor is an expert on sleep. She’s the naturopath who founded SleepDrops a decade ago, a herbal formula she created for her sleep-deprived clients, though prior to launching SleepDrops she’d never needed to take them herself. That was until the global financial crisis struck and Taylor found herself having a career crisis due to some unforeseen bad luck that resulted in losing everything, and gaining insomnia. “One night I was out on the balcony drinking red wine and thinking, ‘I’m not going to sleep again tonight’ and suddenly remembered the sleep remedy I used to make for people and how they raved about it. So I got up and made it, and boom, I slept all night. I woke the next morning gob-smacked. I remember the whole world being…

Until only a few years ago comfort was a dirty word on the fashion scene. Now, with the massive popularity of trainers for everyday life, we have become used to the comfort they offer and expect to feel the same level of comfort across all our footwear. That is where Ziera steps in and what excites its lead designer, Rosie Jamieson. The British born shoe queen was lured to New Zealand a year ago by Ziera to join its design and development team. Shoes have been her life since graduating with a Footwear Design BA (Hon) degree in 1995 and subsequently working for UK high street retailers such as Marks & Spencers, Debenhams, John Lewis and Hotter. “A great pair of shoes can make you feel confident, even unstoppable ……

More than 80 people attended the event with many travelling from Auckland and Tauranga to be there. An enriching afternoon that was also nurturing and inspiring. Guests finished the day with a relaxing wine and armed with great wellbeing, nutrition and natural beauty tips from guest speakers Linden Leaves’ Brigit Blair, BePure’s Ben Warren and Inspired Health’s Rachel Grunwell, as well as epic goody bags packed full of goodness. BOOK NOW! Auckland Venue: Five Knots, Tamaki Drive, Auckland Date: Saturday 19 October from 1pm Tickets: from $55 wellbeingauckland. eventbrite.co.nz You’re invited Next stop is Auckland on 19 October. Tickets are selling quickly so don’t miss out!…

Hugging another human a little tight, and for longer than a minute, is like chocolate for my soul. And I drink up that feeling from friends, my kids and family whenever I can. I used to find hugging a little awkward as a youth; I’ll blame my English parents. But now I’m a grown up, I know how much I love, and need, hugs, and so I give them out with any excuse. I also love to get them back. My friends know about my badass huggability. There’s no going past me without “a squeezing”. Hugs lift me up. They calm me and soothe me. They turn the corners of my mouth up. It’s a heart-connected thing. And it all comes back to my primary love language. I love physical…