Sommaire pour Issue 56 September/October 2017 de Good

Dear Good magazine, I am just writing to tell you that I love your write up about sending letters. I feel inspired to get writing again and can’t wait to try out your templates! Thanks for being an insightful, down-to-earth magazine. Tessa White I enjoyed reading “Crystal Crush” [July/ August] as I like wearing crystal jewellery when I need help in different areas of my life. Your guide was helpful for identifying the various gemstones. I’ve coloured in the Good Thought illustration and hung it up on my bedroom door. And ‘Penned with Love’ was informative. It’s good to see writing a letter is an exercise in mindfulness. Audrey Shepherd (via mail) Your “Penned with Love” article [July/ August] inspired me to do the same with my students so thank…

Tips · Whisper sweetly to yourself. Say kind thoughts out loud. Laugh loudly and without restraint. · Write yourself a love letter. · Hug generously and often. · Be a ‘marble jar’ friend. · Smile as much as you can, especially in the moments you least feel like it. Need extra confidence and courage? Try power posing. · Be aware of your body language and facial expressions – make sure they signal good things. Romantics everywhere can rejoice. If we ever needed a reason to be more caring, kind, and affectionate, this is it. Experiencing happiness and love not only makes our hearts throb, our senses heighten, and our spirit soar, science has discovered another intriguing benefit. For the first time, Finnish researchers have mapped the neural circuitry of emotions on the human figure to create…

Condoms are on quite a few shopping lists, but how much thought do we put into the ones we buy? After all, we buy Fairtrade bananas and ecostore soap because we are thinking about the ethics, but when it comes to johnnies, we’re more likely to focus on the fun. But they’re called ‘rubbers’ for a reason – they’re made from latex, and unfortunately there is a whole can of conservation worms associated with their production. Rubber farming Condoms literally grow on trees. Rubber trees. Latex is a natural rubber product that is usually derived from the hevea brasiliensis plant (although a large range of trees and plants contain latex). It’s the same as the milky white substance that oozes out of a snapped dandelion stem, and the process is…

Royal touch New Zealand’s queen of natural lip colours Karen Murrell has released an exquisite collection of five new shades, named Princesses of the Golden Petals and inspired by the ballrooms of the Palace of Versailles. One of our faves is Blushing Rose, $32, a divine dusky pink. Two metallic shades are also part of the mix – copper and gold – but don’t worry, she uses the same natural ingredients. You won’t be surprised that a Karen Murrell lipstick is now sold every six seconds somewhere in the world. Gently does it Trilogy’s new Very Gentle Restoring Oil, $44 (30ml) is the first oil in Trilogy’s sensitive range. Fragrance-free and dermatologically tested, it’s suited to sensitive and highly reactive skin. Deeply nourishing and restoring, this pure plant oil combines…

The Abel Tasman may be New Zealand’s smallest national park but it punches above its weight with stunning vistas, golden sandy beaches, lush native bush, and native wildlife. And of course it is home to one of the most well-known of New Zealand’s nine ‘Great Walks’ run by the Department of Conservation (DOC). The Abel Tasman Coast Track can be done over a few days either staying in the DOC huts or the many campsites dotted along the track (book in advance). Alternately there are multiple tour companies that operate taxis to different points, making it easy to experience the park in one day if short on time. At the southern end of the park the walk begins in Marahau crossing over the estuary and then quickly heads into native…

Before After This basic and bland u-shaped kitchen was sadly lacking in personality. Adding colour, tiles and open shelving was a cost-effective way to inject some style as well as extra functionality. You need · Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen waterborne enamel in Resene Blanched Pink for the walls · Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen waterborne enamel in Resene Cloudy for the stools and under bench · Resene Lustacryl in Resene Alabaster for the windows, door and shelves · drop cloths, rollers, brushes · tape measure · tiles · tile cutter · angle grinder · tile trim · tile adhesive · grout · Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer (optional) Colour When choosing colours to use in any given room, it helps to start by considering the parameters you are working with. This kitchen desperately needed a splash of colour, but because it is part of a relatively small open-plan lounge it’s best if the colours…

The name ‘pineapple’ came about when European explorers first encountered the fruit in America and thought it resembled a pine cone. The difference in pineapple colours is usually based on where the fruit has been grown. A green pineapple can be just as sweet and delicious as a golden brown one. Many people believe pineapples are a hanging fruit, however, they grow in the ground and take 18 – 20 months to harvest. A pineapple is the result of many flowers whose fruitlets have joined around a core. A pineapple produces around 200 flowers that join to create the pineapple. The skins, core and ends of a pineapple are used in canneries to make a number of by-products such as vinegar, alcohol and animal food. A little green frog now…

Miracle fungus, gout jellyfish and Manchurian mushroom tea – these are all names that describe the popular fermented tea commonly known as kombucha. Global demand for this ‘elixir of immortality’ has bubbled well beyond the health food shops, into the mainstream market. Originating in the Far East, the naturally fermented health drink was used as a medicinal tonic for centuries. Recognised for its health benefits in aiding digestion and balancing the gut, committed kombucha fans say it also gives them additional immune support, better metabolism, increased energy and a sense of overall wellbeing. SCOBY 101 What is it? The SCOBY resembles a circle of pale colourless rubber and can be re-used for further batches of kombucha. Making your own SCOBY Take a third of the contents from a bottle of…

A wagging tail is how a dog smiles and when we see that wagging tail, it makes us smile too. It turns out smiling more is one of the top benefits of a pet-friendly workplace. Smiling, enhanced employee engagement, motivation and likability are all benefits of a pet-friendly workplace, according to a recent study by Purina PetCare. More than 60 per cent of employees agreed they liked their employers more because they offered them this benefit. At Tangible Media (publisher of Good) staff can bring their furry friends into work, and public relations company Pead PR has ‘Dog Day Fridays’. “It’s a great way to keep stress levels in check and boost creativity,” says Pead PR CEO Deborah Pead. “Having the dogs around is great for both mental and physical…

@vanessabaxternz @vanessabaxternz @vanessabaxternz From top Helen Manson A Kiwi humanitarian photographer and storyteller, Helen Manson lives in Uganda with her husband and two daughters. Helen’s job has taken her all over the world documenting famine, refugees, micro enterprise and disaster zones. She considers it a humble privilege to work with organisations such as Tearfund New Zealand to help tell stories that need to be told. When she’s not shooting in the field you’ll find her on her backyard trampoline with her daughters amidst the red dust of Uganda. Vanessa Baxter Vanessa, a former MasterChef New Zealand finalist and author of The Fearless Kitchen “always loved to cook,” and grew up creating menus for special occasions with loved ones. But it was while she was studying in Melbourne that her passion…

The Corsini Collection AUCKLAND, SEPTEMBER - JANUARY The private art collection of the famous Corsini family in Florence. aucklandartgallery.co.nz World of WearableArt SEPTEMBER 21 -OCTOBER 8, WELLINGTON A visual spectacle of international design, theatre, music and art. worldofwearableart.com Tauranga International Marathon OCTOBER 7 Partnered this year with Live More Awesome to reinforce exercise for optimal mental health. marathontauranga.co.nz My Favourite Murder SEPTEMBER 6, AUCKLAND The live show of the download record-breaking true crime-comedy podcast. myfavoritemurder.com Romeo and Juliet AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 24 The Royal New Zealand Ballet brings its most epic production of 2017 to a centre near you. rnzb.org.nz National Gardening Week OCTOBER 6-13 Dust off the gloves. Dig out the spade. Get your hands dirty! yates.co.nz/ nationalgardeningweek Once SEPTEMBER 8-16, WELLINGTON A collection of solo dance works created by…

Everyday Strength By Sam Mannering and Karen McMillan, Beatnik Publishing, $45 Mannering and McMillan share their personal stories and many tips, nuggets of advice, nutritious recipes and practical suggestions for families going through cancer treatment. How to Resist By Matthew Bolton, Bloomsbury, $20, available Sept 1. An eye-opening story that reminds us that we are all capable of achieving change in the world. The book introduces a set of seven principles for making positive, lasting changes in our communities. Slow By Brooke McAlary, Allen & Unwin, $37 McAlary shares the raw story of her struggle with post-natal depression, which led to her wanting a simpler, more fulfilling existence. Part memoir, part practical companion, Slow inspires us to create a life filled with things that matter. Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden…

For more on Kate and Tim’s love story and ethically conscious life follow @kategumbrell 20s Meet Good’s cover couple Kate and Tim Hall. At 20 and 27 respectively, they may be young, but they know a thing or two about what makes a healthy relationship. Here is their story. How did you meet? Tim: I’ve known Kate’s family since I was 11. Her dad, a vet, put my family dog down. So, growing up, I loosely associated Kate with that memory. But I don’t hold it against her… much. We had stayed in touch via the local youth group, but our friendship only began to take off when we started playing in a musical duo together, called Becoming Mesha. After hearing Kate sing I invited her to collaborate on a…

Lie back and relax If you don’t have the luxury of time to hike to a hot spring, float therapy is another option. Based on a scientific approach to deep relaxation called Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique (REST) , the approach involves floating in darkness in a pod of warm water buoyed by 40 per cent magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts). This affects areas of the brain devoted to processing sensory information, further increasing the depth of mental relaxation. While you float, your body is relieved of stress and you feel completely weightless. whitespa.co.nz parkcityyogaadventures.com Paddleboard yoga in a hot spring Paddleboard yoga is not new, but doing it in a 10,000-year-old crater fed by a natural, deep geothermal spring takes this popular practice to the next level. It’s one of many…

Mindful movement Bikes & Bends holds a weekly outdoor yoga session on the viewing deck of the ANZ Events Centre, Auckland. In September it’s hosting a Raglan Retreat with restorative yoga, meditation sessions and nourishing food. @yoga.delivery bikesandbends.com Danica Jones and Nick Tunnell are living the dream, with one foot in Auckland and the other in Raglan. They’re in love too, which is a beautiful bonus, and both peddling and pedalling their wares with their successful pop-up yoga delivery service Bikes & Bends. The pair met while working for travel company G Adventures, however, it was their passions outside of work – yoga and cycling – that have created the couple’s mobile office. Each week Bikes & Bends holds an outdoor Mindful Movement and Meditation class on the viewing deck…

Sydney, to me, has always seemed like a party town; a kindred spirit with Dubai or Malibu, a place for cocktails, sunshine and pure fun. But deep in The Rocks, the harbourside area sandwiched between the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, sits the Holiday Inn Old Sydney offering a rare combination of heritage, social responsibility and chic. “This site was a dairy farm, a catholic mission and a petrol station, before it was turned into a hotel in 1983,” says Jenny Quinn, business development director, who meets me at check-in. She is also keen to reference the land’s original owners, the Cadigal, the aboriginal people who were the first to live in close contact with the European settlers. “Holiday Inn acquired the hotel in 2000, and as it’s…

Between the lines Divide & conquer Room with a view Upstairs, downstairs Genius,” said Samuel Johnson, “is that energy which collects, combines, amplifies, and animates.” It’s a definition worth remembering now that ‘genius’ has joined ‘bespoke’ and ‘curated’ in the list of overused design jargon. ‘Genius’ in its true sense is the only word that can do justice to the spatial reconfiguration and astonishing innovation behind film director and editor Rob Nicholls’ loft-cum-studio in Sea Point – Cape Town’s most cosmopolitan urban strip. With the help of architect Michael Lumby of L+L Architects, what was a poky, dark and awkwardly proportioned studio is now experienced as a generously proportioned, airy and open multifunctional double-volume space. One of the most obvious decisions that adds to the illusion of space is the…

Signs of spring Use leaves with strong shapes and veins (for instance try puka, ladder fern and rhododendron leaves) to press into the clay. Roll a ball of dough between the backs of two large leaves (right). Drape the dough gently over a shallow dish to support it in a curved shape as it dries. Or press a thick layer of dough around glass jars to create a waterproof vase (below). Firmly press leaves into the sides. Letting the ideas flow Soda dough is so cheap and easy to make and is a very pleasing material to play around with. Your creations can be as simple or ornate as you fancy. Try rolling the dough on heavy lace or old doilies to create a textured patterned surface (above). Air-dry baking…

I don’t know if it’s my obsession with green smoothies or my love of nature, but there’s just something about the colour green that makes me happy – it’s so fresh and alive. So it’s no surprise there’s a lot of greenery around my house. Green plants are actually the ideal house companions, from making the air more breathable, to adding beauty. In many developed countries, it is estimated that people spend around 90 per cent of their time indoors, and indoor air pollution is becoming a serious health concern. As well as the most obvious solution of getting outside more, investing in some houseplants is a great way of making our time spent inside much healthier, and happier too. Plants release oxygen into the air and filter out toxins,…

BBQ Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork I love pulled pork and it’s such an on-trend dish at the moment. It’s often served on buns or in tacos but there are so many more ways to serve this delicious meat. A one-pot self-saucing dish, this is a super simple dish to make. Serves 6-10 Prepare 15 minutes Cook 13 hours 2kg boneless pork shoulder or loin 1 onion, sliced 2 apples, diced 2 large tomatoes, diced ½ cup water 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tbsp grated ginger 1 tbsp honey 4 dates, chopped 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar ½ tsp sea salt, plus extra for salting 1 tbsp maple syrup Place the pork in the slow cooker and cover with onion. Place apples, tomatoes, water, garlic, ginger, honey, dates, apple cider vinegar and…

01 Supernatural Green Glow Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Skin-fermented for two weeks and bottled unfined with minimal filtration, Supernatural Wine Company’s approach to sauvignon blanc is a million miles away from the textbook Marlborough style. With its characteristic crown cap and a label that glows in the dark, this is winemaking at its most daring. 02 Cellers Can ‘Blau’ Montsant Red Blend 2015 Gil Family Estates brings 10 small, artisanal producers from different regions of Spain together under one house. One of those is Cellers Can, located in Montsant, a mountain valley just west of Barcelona with slate, clay and limestone soil types all bearing the fruit that composes this unique red blend. 03 Pyramid Valley Earth Smoke Waipara Pinot Noir 2009 Pyramid Valley’s home block wines come from…

Every long-term relationship goes through periodic lulls – bad patches when you’re irritable and lack feelings of closeness and warmth towards each other. Here are some solutions to try. Take a break from discussing inflammatory topics When you’re feeling disconnected, there is a temptation to bring up topics you know are likely to lead to arguments. To re-establish closeness, press pause on mentioning these for a period of say two weeks, while you quietly work on restoring your bond. Don’t fantasise about jumping ship It’s easy to see leaving the relationship as the most obvious solution to problems. However, if you spend your time fantasising about leaving, you won’t fully invest in reconnecting, and that’s setting up a self-fulfilling prophecy. Leaving or staying is a deeply personal choice but make…

I believe experiencing full relationships with the people around us is one life’s most fulfilling experiences. We all know how good it feels to be in the presence of vibrant, positive and happier people, it just seems to make us feel better too. So what’s the key to being one of these people? It lies in our hormones and neurotransmitters. These are the chemical messengers that tell our cells what to do and everything that’s fun in your life is dependent on these, from cortisol for your daytime energy to sex hormones for a healthy libido. Neurotransmitters and hormones are made from the foods we eat through a variety of metabolic processes. So the better the nutrition we are ingesting the more able our body is able to make these…

Nespresso Barista Coffees Masters of innovation, Nespresso has created three new limited edition coffees, inspired by a barista’s craftsmanship. Chiaro and Scuro have been especially created to be prepared with milk, while the intense Barista Corto is ideal as a black ristretto. Whether you prefer a creamy cappuccino, a full-bodied espresso macchiato or an extra intense ristretto, there is a BARISTA limited edition coffee to satisfy your tastes. With more than 375 places to recycle your used Nespresso capsules in New Zealand, you can enjoy your barista quality coffee with a clean conscience. Available for a limited period from Nespresso boutiques for $11.30 (sleeve of 10). nespresso.com/nz Lifestream Magnesium Magnesium is one of the essential minerals for the human body. Lifestream Magnesium is a naturallyderived marine source extracted from the…

ON THE COVER To quote Tina Turner’s well-worn line “what’s love got to do with it?” Well, a lot it turns out! Mapping the neural circuitry of emotions, researchers in Finland have found that love actually causes activity throughout the body, with happiness extending even further to the feet. Quite simply love lights us up inside and out, helping us to feel more alive as Kyra Xavia writes in her excellent article Heart Mapping (page 30). These findings inspired us to look at love in this issue including love language and relationships. Kate and Tim Hall shared their eco-wedding plans with Good readers on good.net.nz recently so we didn’t have to look far for our perfect cover couple (read their story on page 32). We interview other inspiring couples too,…

For most of us the word refugee refers to a collective group of people. Them. Others. Far away. They pop up on our TV screens and on our phones. At first it was in boats heading into Europe, then it was fleeing for their lives out of Syria and right now another group are escaping both famine and war in South Sudan. But they are us. We are them. This heaving mess of humanity is ours. And behind the veils, behind the boats, behind the warzones are mums just like me, with kids just like mine. Because there’s really no difference in what we want for our children, only in what we can give them. Over the years I’ve sat with many refugees as they’ve shared their stories of surviving…

Non-toxic WE’AR yoga mats are made with 100 per cent naturally sourced rubber and embedded with jute for a non-slip, hard-wearing practice. They’re non-toxic, recyclable and biodegradable and come with a handy carry bag. we-ar.it Earth bound Soul Mat yoga mats add colour to the yoga studio and use 100 per cent natural, tree-harvested rubber for their base. The microfibre material used for the patterned top is printed with water-based inks. soulmatyoga.com Connect with nature Archeus textile yoga mats are made from natural and organic fibre and dyed with medicinal herbs including sandalwood, turmeric, nettle and neem. archeus.co.nz Biodegradable Yoga mats from Auckland company Dear Wknd are brightening up yoga studios and doing their bit for the environment too; they’re 100 per cent natural, biodegradable, recyclable and made of tree rubber and water-based inks.…

bikramyogachch.co.nz “Glow From Within” Kate Burford teaches Bikram Method yoga at her small studio in Christchurch. After discovering the healing effects of this powerful mind-body practice in Melbourne in 2005, Burford has been dedicated to this ‘moving meditation’. “It sounds like a cliché but I believe ‘beauty’ begins in the inside by learning to value and look after ourselves. There’s so much more awareness in the world today, acknowledging that everything we eat and put on our skin becomes us on a cellular level. When it comes to beauty, making conscious choices helps you glow from within. I tend to go more natural and minimal when it comes to cosmetics – less is more. I like my skin to feel fresh and moist. I do have a handful of must-have…

When a friend mooted the idea of cycling the remote wilderness of New Zealand’s high country, my immediate response was to sign on. An adventure involving stunning vineyards and isolated landscape was an easy sell. The friends in our group enjoy challenging adventures that don’t require excessive luggage or a rigorous training schedule prior to the trip, and the 170km Molesworth biking tour worked for all of us. Briefly scanning the checklist, I paid little attention to the minor detail requiring off-road experience cycling on shingle surfaces. Even if I had bothered to read it, the idea of a little uphill slog on gravel wouldn’t have fazed me, given there was an opportunity for some high-octane downhill cycling as well. You can bring your own bike or rent from the…

Cut your energy costs too Showerdomes can also render mirror demisters and extractor fans redundant, contributing to energy savings of around $250 per year in energy costs alone. In many ways, our bathrooms make us feel healthier and more refreshed – there’s nothing quite like that spick-and-span feeling after a long and steaming shower. But are our bathrooms actually inadvertently putting us at risk of contracting some serious health conditions? Damp, moist bathrooms are breeding grounds for mould, mildew, mites and other harmful microbes that can be detrimental to our health. Besides smelling funky and looking unpleasant, the New Zealand Ministry of Health identifies mould as one of the most common causes of allergies amongst Kiwis. It can also cause conditions including eczema and respiratory discomfort. Getting steam savvy One…

“Since the brand began in 1990, every product has been carefully created to enhance wellbeing” There’s nothing quite like a scented candle for creating luxurious ambience and a decadent sensory experience. As well as helping us to relax and de-stress, different scents can also express aspects of our personality. With this in mind, The Aromatherapy Company has created a citronella outdoor candle, which will be a welcome addition to your outdoor table now spring is in the air. Infused with sweet orange essential oils to help keep bugs at bay naturally, the candle comes in a reusable concrete vessel. Since the brand began in 1990, every product by The Aromatherapy Company has been carefully created to enhance wellbeing, using botanical and natural plant extracts. Sustainability is always kept in mind,…

Scallops with Burnt Butter and Sage Gluten-free There is no doubt this is a decadent dish, but when scallops are in season you will love the simplicity of this idea, which allows the scallops to shine as the hero. Sage and capers are the perfect salty match for this luscious gift from the sea. This is gorgeous served with a pea purée as pictured. Serves 8 3-5 scallops per person 200g + 60g butter a handful of fresh sage leaves 4 tbsp capers sea salt and black pepper, to season Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. Heat a heavy-based frying pan, and add the first measure of butter. Allow the butter to melt and start to turn brown. As the butter turns brown, whisk it, and add in…

One for the toilet bag Red Seal Activated Charcoal absorbs impurities and is a natural detoxifier. 300mg, $6.43, 45 capsules You’ve probably seen the videos sweeping the internet… guys and girls peeling black masks off their faces revealing smooth and supple skin, or rigorously scrubbing black powder into their teeth, to reveal perfect pearly whites after a quick rinse. What’s this black, magic ingredient? It’s activated charcoal. What you may not know about this amazing substance is that it has another incredible benefit, which seems to have flown under the radar among all the mask peeling and teethbrushing hype. Activated charcoal has actually been used since the 1800s for its benefits in assisting with intestinal upsets and absorbing toxins. This black substance is so effective, hospitals have it in their…

wilddispensary.co.nz A Dunedin company providing tonics to support wellbeing. Ingredients include traditional medicinal plants like manuka, elderberries and thyme, all sustainably, wild harvested from Central Otago and the foothills of the Southern Alps. wellnessretreatsnz.co.nz A premium one-day and weekend retreat and corporate wellness event company, specialising in crafting unique experiences of wellness, aligned with some of NZ’s most inspirational and talented wellbeing professionals, brands and venues. cottonandclay.co.nz Beautifully designed handcrafted homewares, decor and lifestyle products with a timeless quality. Every product is ethically made and celebrates natural materials and the exceptional skills of the artisans who create them. beesbrilliance.co.nz Looking your best starts with natural New Zealand skincare. The range from Bees Brilliance uses the old age proven ingredients our brilliant bees produce, including manuka honey, bee pollen oil and…