Sorry for the boring January purchase, but I did get it in our predicted colour of the year – assertive red. It’s the perfect small size and I appreciate the full page per day to fit all my scrawled handwriting, doodles and OCD to-do lists. - Lara Daly ‍

Breville Juice Fountain, $99 (on sale)

I housesat for Rebecca over the break and got really into making juices with her fancy juicer, so I bought my own cheapo version on heavy discount, egged over the line by three magic words: dishwasher safe parts. I’ve always been ruled by my temperamental tummy and have never been able to stomach a solid breakfast but can usually manage a glass of something green. I’ve been gravitating towards some combination of celery, carrot, ginger and citrus, but also used it to juice cucumber and lime for a Cucumber Gimlet one sunny evening. - Tyson Beckett

JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Pixie, $33

I’m giving gel nails a break this year - a hard decision for me - but one that will definitely spare up my time and money while I focus on eating more calcium-rich foods like canned sprats. I loved this nail polish when I worked at Mecca back in the day, it’s a sheer glossy pink sort of like the Dior Nail Glow effect that’s very low-maintenance and goes with everything. - LD‍

Ceramic mushroom, $20, from Flotsam and Jetsam

I love a mushroom motif, or any kind of mushroom really. Like this incredible book or the Mother Made mushrooms that I drink in my smoothie each morning. So I couldn’t resist this cute garden ornament from Flotsam and Jetsam which I’ve placed in my very wild, overgrown garden. The weeds are competing with the grapes to swallow it up. - Rebecca Wadey

Pips ‘n’ All chilli jam, $17

If there's a jar of chilli jam, oil or sauce for sale at the counter of a cafe or provisions store, it’s highly likely I’ll buy it. Case in point: this local version made in Kūaotunu, which enticed me while paying for pizza and drinks at Luke's Kitchen. I think I have about five different local chilli options in my fridge and pantry right now (including this hot honey and this chilli peanut oil from Daily Bread) and they're all delicious. - Zoe Walker Ahwa‍

Hand-painted 'I have worms' cap by Flesh Dozer, $50

I’m having a real ‘cap as part of an ensemble’ summer - they're a great accessory to hide grey, matted beach hair. This one is by the artist Flesh Dozer who I’ve interviewed before; I adore her work. She sold them at a Webworm event her friend David Farrier did at the Hollywood cinema (editor's note: she might do another bunch; follow her on Instagram to see when). I was out of town but had the Hollywood put one aside for me which I came home from holiday to. It’s so cute and sweet and subversive, a lot like Ensemble really. It’s fun watching people do a double take when I wear it. And the best thing about it is all proceeds went to the Sulla animal rescue in Gaza. - RW‍

Real fruit ice cream, $6

I am a fiend for real fruit ice creams, they are the only icy treat I eat now that the grapefruit Fruju is laid in its shallow grave. I have gone as far to investigate how much It’d cost to buy one of the machines myself and more than once, I’ve thought through the logistics of setting up a summer side hustle slinging them in Central Auckland, the greatest electorate in the country only held back by a lack of access to real fruit ice creams. My preferred combination is yoghurt and boysenberry, but this blackberry one, eaten on the side of the road halfway to the Coromandel, really the spot too. - TB‍

Dryer balls, $33

Sorry! I use my dryer a lot; a bad habit that I'm trying to reduce. This purchase was, sort of, part of that – big woollen balls that, apparently, cut down drying time by absorbing moisture and separating clothes as they bounce around. I'm not sure if they're working, but they're cute and also make me feel like I’m making an effort without having to actually make an effort. - ZWA

Swabbo foot washer, $60

A practical purchase, but a well-used one. This sits outside the bach to easily wash your feet so as not to trek sand through the house. It’s been very effective at getting sand off, plus it’s ideal for those on tank water as it only takes a small amount of water with no danger of anyone kicking it over (or the dog drinking it). - RW

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