Table of contents for Issue 80 April/May 2022 in Good

keeplookingup.co.nz exislepublishing.com Wendyl Nissen Wendyl is a writer who lives in the Hokianga. She has written 11 books, mostly about natural living, and aims to write more, mostly fiction in the future. She has edited magazines, produced television shows and worked as a broadcaster, but these days she is happiest swimming in the ocean most days with her two dogs, chasing chickens and being a good mum and grandmother. She has also just joined Good as our sustainable living editor! You can read her first column on page 24. GiGi Sosnoski GiGi is a motivational astrologer, coach, speaker, workshop facilitator and a TV, radio and print media contributor. Originally from NYC, she now resides in NZ. As a “life enthusiast”, her passion is sharing upliftment and inspiration. Encouraging people to…

WARDROBE HEROES Eco-conscious fashion label Esse is taking a new approach to tackling the garment industry’s overproduction problem by restructuring its business model with the launch of Wardrobe Heroes and a made-to-order model. These all-occasion classics are meant to make a statement, focusing on refined tailoring while staying true to Esse’s ethos of creating minimal and enduring styles, and ordered on demand. “Overproduction and waste is such a huge issue for the fashion industry and we need to make changes in a bold and radical way,” says Esse designer and founder Alicia Tsi. “Only by reducing our impact can we grow in a sustainable way that ensures our brand and the planet’s long-term future. “We have decided to streamline our current range and cut back on product launches, launching only…

Just as the ancients looked to the stars for guidance, more and more people are looking to astrology in the wellbeing space. Its revival globally is understandable given the turbulent times we live in as people seek reassurance in the now, and future. Past research has found people are more likely to embrace astrology when they are under stress. “One of the things that makes us human is that we are always wondering, searching; we’re always asking ‘why?’, and so certainly in times of challenge or difficulty we’re looking for answers,” says Keep Looking Up! motivational astrologer and life coach, GiGi Sosnoski. “People down through the ages have turned to the holistic or esoteric arts for answers, especially in times of turmoil, because the ‘reality’ of their current situation isn’t…

In my past columns, I’ve talked about three routes to happiness. You can strive for a happy life, a meaningful life, or a rich life (one that’s filled with variety and experiences that change your perspective). These pathways are mostly based on what you do. There’s another, more internally focused route to greater happiness that deserves attention: self-knowledge. Here’s why. 1. Self-knowledge leads to better performance. In my new book, Stress-Free Productivity, I help readers learn how they work best. When you understand this, you can devise strategies based on your self-knowledge. For example, if you procrastinate doing tasks that bore you, your strategy might be different than if you procrastinate tasks that make you anxious. If you resent a task or it bores you, then you might need to…

A hydrator, brightener, exfoliant and antioxidant, seaweed is a skincare hero ingredient that you’ll find in many of your pots of gold in your bathroom cupboard for good reason. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, amino acids and proteins, and regulates oil production, exfoliates, brightens and moisturises dry skin. And it’s compatible with many ingredients, making it a winner in many formulations. There are more than 30,000 known species of seaweed in our oceans – red, green or brown – and each have different properties that can benefit our skin health and appearance. A key ingredient of Aleph Beauty Concealer/Foundation is Alaria esculenta, a kelp extract found in Greenland’s glacial waters known for its long, golden-like fronds. It has been extensively studied and is shown to promote elasticity and suppleness by…

This simple cube cabinet had outlived its dark look – but not its usefulness. Still a sturdy piece of furniture, the cabinet was easily transformed using fresh paint and a set of castor wheels. I chose the subtly contrasting Resene Half Duck Egg Blue and Resene Black White. You need 2 litres Resene Enamacryl in two colours of your choice (1 litre each) Medium paintbrush Resene Smooth Surfaces Microfibre Blend Roller Kit Dropcloth 4 x castor wheels Screws and screwdriver Method Step 1: Clean all paintable surfaces to remove any dirt or loose material. Lay the cabinet on its back. Progressively pour a little of the paint (Resene Half Duck Egg Blue) into a container, then paint each cube inner. Check for dribbles before leaving to dry. Step 2: Stand…

Autumn may not be the most exciting time for the garden, after the bounty of late summer – but it’s an optimistic season of looking forward to new growth to come. Below, we partner with King’s Plant Barn to share some tips for autumn gardening. Gardening in April Get rid of any summer flowering annuals that have done their dash and plant your winter flowers – think primulas, calendula, hollyhock, snapdragon, violas, pansies, mini cyclamen, Iceland poppies, and nemesias. Harvest any pumpkins, potatoes, onions and marrows coming through and store them somewhere cool and dry for the coming winter. Plant sweetpeas somewhere sunny so they’re looking sweet come spring. It’s also the right time to sow seeds for English daisies, cornflowers, cineraria, lobelia and lupins. And you can plant daffodils…

Referred to as the body’s “second brain”, the gut is a booming research area right now. But why is it so important? “A healthy, well-functioning gut gives a good indication of how things are ticking over in the body,” says Nickie Hursthouse, a registered dietitian specialising in gut and digestive issues. Scientists have found that the health of your gut – including the diversity and activity of your gut microbes – influences your wellbeing in multiple ways. “Our gut plays a major role in regulating our immune system, so when it’s not working properly, it can definitely impact how well our body can fight infections,” says Hursthouse. The science shows that good gut health can lower the risk of developing bowel cancer – and developing research even suggests a link…

A Southern sojourn could be all it takes to provide the perfect reset. There’s no better way to do that than a stroll among some of the world’s most incredible views. Think mountains, lakes and watching the sunset over alpine vistas for a real melt-your-troubles-away moment. With a plethora of short walks, day hikes and multi-day tramps on Queenstown’s doorstep you will have no trouble letting mother nature heal you. Queenstown in autumn is also a show not to be missed! So, if a night or two at an ecolodge in the mountains, soak in a hot spa, glass of outstanding Central Otago pinot noir and hot stone massage sounds appealing, why not book a mountain mini-break? Here are Good’s suggestions for where to stay, relax and fill your cup.…

Green Thumb Craig Miller-Randle, MacMillan, $45 No one is born with a green thumb but anyone can grow one, according to indoor “plantspert” Miller-Randle. He provides a step-by-step guide to growing your own lush indoor jungle. Home Stephanie Alexander, MacMillan, $65 More than 200 original recipes by Stephanie Alexander for the more ambitious home cook. This is the perfect book for anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of food. Yates Garden Guide ANZ Edition Angie Thomas and Yates, HarperCollins, $50 The ever-popular practical Yates Garden Guide has been fully revised and updated. It includes chapters on planning gardens, choosing feature plants and growing trees, lawns and more. Thrifty Cooking The Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc, Murdoch Books, $28 This wee book is crammed full of money-saving tips;…

The Good team is delighted to bring you our mood-boosting issue, which we hope will light you up. It’s certainly been a joy pulling this issue together. In these times we felt we could all do with a dose of good vibes, us included! Inside we look at the best ways to boost personal day-to-day happiness on page 14. Some advice that really resonated with me was “finding happiness in the everyday, rather than always chasing it”. When I live in the ‘now’ I know I feel happier and calmer. These feel-good moments range from catch-ups with friends, time alone in the garden, reading a book, walking in nature or binge-watching a series on Netflix. If you have furry friends in your life, we have a great piece on how…

The most popular course in the history of Harvard University is, famously, a course on positive psychology. The New Zealand government made a commitment to measuring “gross domestic happiness” and allotting a national wellbeing budget in 2019. You can now download happiness apps, listen to happiness podcasts and take part in happiness workshops all around the world. Clearly, we want to be happy. And just as clearly, we’re not sure how to be – there’s a market for all those how-to guides and meditation apps. But as we adapt to living with Covid, we could all use a little extra help feeling our best. I chatted to a couple of happiness experts to get the scoop on how to find, grow and sustain a sense of personal happiness and was…

Dear reader, proceed with caution. I began trialling these rituals sure none of them could work. But after eight weeks of all kinds of voodoo, I’ve actually found a couple I might keep. You’ve been warned – ditch your preconceptions now! Ice bath face dunk – Kate Hudson What would possess someone to put their face in a bowl of ice water first thing in the morning? All it takes, as it turns out, is a persuasive editor. Either that, or a close look at Kate Hudson’s skin, which is flawless, and apparently largely due to a daily freezing dunk. The first day I did this ritual, I gasped at the cold and inhaled a bunch of water, which is certainly an effective way to wake up. But after the…

Happiness is what most people want for their pets but often what we think is best does more harm than good. If your dog is happy, it’s relaxed and calm, says Selina McIntrye. She’s speaking from experience, as she runs a dog behavioural consultancy and dog training business, Dogs Best Friend, in Waikato where she lives with her family – her husband, two kids and two border terriers, Trev and Lily, as well as a mostly tolerant black-and-white moggy, Isobelle. She’s also the author of Big Dog, Small Dog: Make Your Dog Happier by Being Understood. An animal lover, she started out working with cats as a teen – lions, in particular, at a local wildlife park – but decided to make her career working with dogs because it was…

For more than five years now, I’ve been honoured to be a contributing columnist for Good magazine, and after nearly 18 years travelling, teaching and assisting people to be healthier, I’m stepping back from some duties in my life to spend more time with my family and to just generally “be” more, rather than “do”. So, this will be my last column for Good. Before I impart some leaving advice around health and nutrition, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, the reader, for your attention over these years. I’ve always enjoyed meeting many of you and it always made me smile when you mentioned something I’d written in this magazine. I would also like to thank Carolyn, the editor of Good, for taking me on over five…

Pot of gold Antipode’s new Diem Vitamin C Pigment-Correcting Water Cream, $59, is truly luxurious to use and helps to even skintone. It contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, tone-correcting peptides that inhibit pigmentation and skin-brightening Kakadu plum, nature’s richest source of vitamin C. antipodesnature.com Super nice moisturiser When I first applied Evre Super Nice Mānuka Honey & Vitamin E Face Moisturiser, $32, I exclaimed “this is very nice” as I revelled in its scent and texture. Then I noticed its name! I was drawn to this moisturiser because of its skin-loving key ingredients – mānuka honey and vitamin E. It’s formulated in New Zealand for younger skin and two per cent of net proceeds are donated to Youthline. evreselfcare.com Consciously crafted faux lashes Ardell has launched ECOLASHES! Made from natural fibres…

Ever since he was a puppy, our labradoodle, Rocky, has loved being in the garden. And when I say in, I mean in – trampling all over our freshly sprouted little seedlings with his clumsy puppy paws. He’s got a special fondness for strawberries; at first I thought it was my kids eating them, but it seemed strange that the fruits were still attached to the plant, with big bites out of them. Rocky also quite likes herbs: he’s a very sophisticated sort of dog. When we think about creating a garden, let’s not forget about our furry friends – those beloved four-legged members of our family. Creating a pet-friendly garden will ensure they have a happy and safe environment to enjoy. Animals often spend more time outdoors than us,…

Butterfly Chia with Whipped Cream Topping This dessert is a little bit different. It’s full of good-for-you ingredients and the whipped cream just gives it a finish of creamy indulgence! Scale up the recipe as needed to serve more people. Serves 1 1 teaspoon of The Tea Thief’sTickety-Brew tea1 cup freshly boiled water3 tablespoons white chia seeds½ teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons maple syrup Second layer 2 tablespoons oat milk Topping 1 can whipped cream Put the blue pea tea into an infuser, place in the water and leave for 30 minutes to infuse, cool (and colour!). Remove the infuser and put the blue tea into a large bowl. Add the chia, vanilla and maple syrup and stir gently to combine. Place in the fridge for 3 hours to set.…

dish FAST is chock-full of quick and easy classics and up-to-the-minute recipes, specially developed to help Kiwis get food on the table in double-quick time. The collection of 100+ seasonal recipes from dish magazine offers a wealth of super-speedy, simple and delicious dishes. Whether you’re a couple, a single, a family or a group of friends, this book offers maximum impact food with minimum fuss. On sale NOW RRP $49.99, available from all good bookstores, and online at dish.co.nz…

Happy garden After pruning weeds like daisies, knapweeds and dandelions, shake them over a sheet of paper to collect any seeds that drop. Mix the seeds with some wet soil and roll into little balls. Squash the miniseed bombs into the cracks in your walls or paving to let the wildflowers soften man-made edges. Into Green by Caro Langton and Rose Ray of RoCo Potato wisdom Never store potatoes and onions in the same container. The onions make the potatoes go soft. Always store potatoes and onions in a dark airy cupboard to stop potatoes going green. Light also makes potatoes and onions shoot. Never eat the potatoes if they have gone green. Green = toxin solanine. Thrifty Household – Collected wisdom from The Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc.…

Watch this! Blind Ambition is an uplifting documentary film and true story about four unlikely sommeliers from Zimbabwe. The four refugees – Tinashe, Pardon, Joseph and Marlvin – not only conquer the odds to become South Africa’s top sommeliers, they also form Zimbabwe’s first ever wine-tasting team to compete at the World Wine Blind Tasting Championships in Burgundy, France. In cinemas now. Buy one, give one Sharing warmth throughout Aotearoa one blanket at a time, CommonKind is a new social enterprise we wanted to shout out about. With every purchase of a CommonKind NZ-made wool blanket, one is also gifted to a child in Aotearoa through community organisations using the buy one, give one model. CommonKind co-founder Kelly Olatunji says they aim to share the joy of bright and warm…

We asked you, our wonderful Good readers, to share your favourite happy books, movies, songs and podcasts, what makes you feel happy – and the results are in! Big thanks to those who responded to our online survey. We believe you can never have too many suggestions for creating more feel-good moments and hope each of you makes more happy discoveries here. Your fave feel-good films · Love Actually · Mamma Mia · Downton Abbey · The Castle · Shirley Valentine · The Holiday · Grease · Labyrinth · Under the Tuscan Sun · Mrs Doubtfire · Four Weddings and a Funeral · The Sound of Music · Dirty Dancing · Bridget Jones’s Diary · 10 Things I Hate About You · Flashdance · Bridesmaids · Amélie · Robin Hood: Men in Tights Pick-me-up TV shows · Call the Midwife · Friends · Virgin River · Escape to the Chateau · Emily in Paris · Are…

Inflation and interest rates are buzzwords peppering headlines, and some commentators are painting a grim picture. So what’s inflation, can interest rate hikes cool the inflation jets, and how can we be mindful with money? Strange economic forces have been at play since the global financial crisis, which exposed banking issues. Since then, we’ve benefited from cheap energy, cheap goods from China and all the components that grow business profits. While Aotearoa side-stepped the worst GFC ripples, we weren’t immune to a global pandemic. Covid triggered a domino of problems. It slowed once-flowing supply chains, created shipping bottlenecks, caused immigration-related labour shortages fueling wage hikes and saw central banks like the US literally print money. As a result, the New Zealand dollar’s been on a rollercoaster. Last month our Reserve…

At the end of 2020, I gave my garden a thoroughly good soak, shovelled out a truckload of mulch, deadheaded the dahlias and rabbit-fenced my new rose garden. Then I locked the front gate behind me and took my family to the beach for a month. For the first time in many years, I have decided not to open my country garden at Foggydale Farm, in the foothills of the Hunua Ranges southeast of Auckland, for any summer events or garden festivals. There was no need to stay at home, lugging the hose around parched plants and panicking over page-long “to do” lists. Instead, I packed my two sons and our two dogs into the car and set off for the Coromandel Peninsula, where we stayed for most of the…

SUBSCRIBE TO GOOD AND RECEIVE Trilogy’s NEW Vitamin C Ceramide Night Cream, valued at $58.99. Trilogy’s NEW Vitamin C Ceramide Night Cream is a luxurious rich cream that gets to work while you sleep. Hydrating, protecting and brightening skin. With lipid ceramide III to help hydration recovery and strengthen skin barrier, antioxidant-rich vitamin C brightens and evens skin tone, and kakadu plum helps smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Suitable for all skin types, this certified natural cream is the final step in a routine ready for some serious beauty sleep. @trilogyproducts #CleanNaturalBeauty #DiscoverTrilogy trilofy. Magazine subscriptions from $26. Go to goodmagazine.co.nz/subs to subscribe. *Offer ends 27 May 2022. T&Cs apply. *Terms and Conditions Subscribe and receive a 60ml jar of Trilogy’s NEW Vitamin C Ceramide Night Cream…