From versatile tinctures that'll ease the mind and body to thoroughly practical fashion that'll protect you from the elements: we've got you covered with these very good things we actually spent our own money on! Because we know how much you love a personal recommendation, and one that isn’t #gifted or #sponcon.

Mina x Companion Broad Brim Hat, $129

There is something innately nostalgic about gingham. It also seems to be intrinsically tied to warm summer days. Few things are more joyous than a large floppy hat that keeps the tip of your nose, neck, décolletage and even your shoulders shaded. This hat collab between two community focused local brands, Mina and Companion, celebrates the joy of the season whilst also acting as a functional item that’ll protect you from our harsh summer sun - and any sudden gusts of wind with its in-built ties! The chartreuse gingham is super fun and surprisingly neutral. 

‍Colleen home hair dye kit, $90

‍Even though we are wearing our lockdown hair with pride, we’re definitely feeling like 80 days of lockdown added 80 years to us, everytime we’re confronted by our gray roots in a video conference call. So we were excited to receive an email from Auckland salon Colleen asking if we wanted to purchase a home colour kit. The application may have tested our heterosexual normative relationship but the result is a refreshing update. As they say, a change is as good as a holiday? And no one is around to see all the splotches of dye around our neck, hairline and ears.

Tracey Tawhiao 'Blessed' cushion slip, $120, from Aroha + Friends

We're big fans of artist Tracey Tawhiao (Ngāi te Rangi, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), and while our dream is to one day own one of her works, for now we'll scratch the itch with a cushion featuring a print of one of her distinctive newspaper paintings. The large hemp and organic cotton throw cushions are available for pre-order until November 12, with three other prints available too.

‍Nisa bike shorts, $121

‍Speaking of influencing ourselves, after writing on this new offering from much-loved ethical brand Nisa we wanted to try them for ourselves. The bike shorts are made to order which put us off a little at first, to be honest, but once we forced ourselves to push back against our societal expectations for everything to happen instantly, we’re so pleased we did. In the end, they arrived as fast as anything else we’ve ordered lately, due to the inconsistency of courier deliveries, and they’re as comfortable as wearing virtually nothing. But much more suited for walking the dog in. 

‍Hoe Hin White Flower Embrocation, $5-15

‍Having spent weeks working from home offices that may or may not be appropriately set up, many of us will be struggling with sore and tight backs/necks/shoulders. Stretches can help a lot (and they’re free!) but this concoction, available from most Asian supermarkets, might too. It’s like some sort of magical potion in a tiny glass jar with a sweet flower illustration on the front; made with wintergreen, eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender oils. Use it for sore muscles, or for stress headaches aka the ideal lockdown item to have on your desk…

‍Videris sleep mask, $35

‍We’ve been fans of Videris lingerie since it launched last year; the silky soft tencel feels so effortless and luxe against our skin. The sleep mask is made from the same tencel, double sided to block out light and we’re fast finding it the best thing to block out the woes of the world as we fall asleep at night. 

‍Zoku Mod Pops, $32 

This past weekend in Tāmaki Makaurau felt like the first true days of summer (complete with late afternoon tropical rain storm), and with that comes all the fun associated things like afternoon dips, freezing cold beers and ice blocks. We’re partial to a classic Fruju from the local dairy, but have also prepared for the summer ahead with this DIY ice block maker that’s reminiscent of the ones we had growing up - but much chicer.

‍Aotea Road deodorant, $11

‍We’re particularly fussy about our underarms and what ingredients we do and don’t put on them. After falling in love with an American direct-to-consumer brand that doesn’t deliver here (and no trips to the US on the horizon) we’ve vowed to make our way through the local varieties. First stop, Aotea Road. Easy to apply, not overly scented and as kind to the environment as it is to our endocrine system.

‍Personal Space Please face masks, $40, and Kate Sylvester face mask, $39

‍They say reusable masks are like underwear and should be changed daily. We also assume that like underwear, they shouldn’t be shared yet some household members have a loose interpretation of that rule. So we’re stocking up in bulk. Our favourites so far are these double lined ones from Personal Space, and we also couldn’t resist buying the Kate Sylvester one after being influenced by our own fashion shoot.