Innehållsförteckning för Winter 2015 från Peppermint Magazine

Follow your dreams! Quit your job! Buy a new car! Find your one true love! Believe and the money will follow! You can do anything! There’s a lot of inspirational pep talk floating around at the moment, with the purpose of assisting us in the pursuit of happiness; you only need to look up #inspiration on Instagram to see the 32 million tagged posts (I’m guilty of hashtagging my own snaps). And while some of it is definitely worthy of driving a happy revolution, I can’t help but feel that it’s all still very ‘me’-centric. In many ways, it’s still the same belief that if we only get this, or do that, or have this, we will ultimately be happy. I recently did an online course on ‘The Science of…

swirl girl One of Sydney’s own resident ceramicists, Milly Dent has been making waves of late with her trademark indigo swirls. Handpoured in her studio, Milly’s pottery is ‘usable art’; each vessel is a delightful combination of matte porcelain and glossy marble textures, splashed with patterns reminiscent of Bondi’s rolling surf. Moulded into plates, cups, tumblers and bowls of all shapes and sizes, you can find your own piece through select independent stockists. millydent.com cream of the crop Many of us spend the better part of the day dressed in our work garb – some of us more time than we’d prefer! But Cream Workwear uniforms are made to embrace the same values as you. Designed with those who work with organic produce or natural beauty in mind, their fully…

{SHOP} The Hills are home to a veritable treasure trove of markets, op-shops and antique stores. Head to SA’s unofficial antiques capital, Strathalbyn, to browse stores such as Harrington’s, Bowerbird Antiques and Collectables, High Street and Antique Bazaar of Strathalbyn for a variety of jewellery, ceramics, furniture, glassware, books and more. Get your market fix at any of the regular events held across the region – try the weekly Adelaide Hills Farmers Market for fresh produce or the Penny Lane Market for an assortment of locally made treats and gifts. The monthly Stirling Laneways market injects hustle and bustle into the leafy town, with stallholders offering tastings of locally made food and wine among other wares. While there, browse Wolfie’s Records, ideal for the vinyl-loving visitor. The main street of…

1/ SOMA ORGANICS YOUR SOMA BAR A collaboration between Your Tea and Soma (makers of the popular Soma Bite), Your Soma Bar is a Certified Organic snack that packs a serious protein punch. Containing as many superfood ingredients as you’re likely to hold in one hand at any time, Soma’s new Lean Bars are flavoured with cinnamon and yourtea.com $3.50 each $17.95 for a box of 6 2/ FAIR SPIRITS COMPANY ALCOHOL This is the world’s first line of Fairtrade Certified spirits, distilled from premium, ethically sourced ingredients. FAIR quinoa vodka, goji and coffee liqueurs and organic sugarcane rum are available from select bottle shops via Australian distributor Noble Spirits – with organic gin soon to follow. We’ll drink to that! noblespirits.com.au FROM $31 3/ BREWSMITH BACONSMITH KIT This kit…

“It stands for freedom, and the independence we’re bringing to the workers at our factory by paying them a living wage and benefits” There are few people who can appreciate the value of hard work like Tal. Born to Russian immigrant parents who arrived in Canada via Israel in the 1980s, his formative years were spent helping the family overcome every economic, social and cultural barrier cast in their way to build a successful small business. Learning fearlessness by example – and with an inquisitiveness all of his own – Tal left home soon after his seventeenth birthday to work in the jungles of Belize, ‘planting trees and learning about other cultures’. It was here, cocooned inside one of the planet’s oldest living ecosystems, that a young Tal first dreamed…

“That’s what Coco Bliss is about - not about going cold turkey and forcing people to completely change their lives overnight, but to add nutrient-rich food to their everyday life whenever possible” “After my mum passed away, I became even more serious about learning how what we consume affects our bodies,” says Candice. “Daily, I was making things at home like açaí bowls, raw treats and sneaking superfoods into baking – and making Mellita try it too.” The duo had just come out of their previous food business, Happy Little Dumplings (Coco Bliss is the second entrepreneurial venture of their 14-year friendship), and were looking for their ‘next adventure’. Candice reflects, “we realised there really wasn’t anywhere at the time to buy that sort of thing and how visually beautiful…

founder, one million stars project “There is still reason to be light in the world. There is still opportunity to have courage and to speak up or protect someone who needs it.” I started the One Million Stars project at the vigil for Jill Meagher, a young woman who was raped and murdered around the corner from our church and my studio in Brunswick, Victoria. We didn’t know Jill, but we agreed to hold a vigil for her at the request of two local women. A few of us from Brunswick Baptist Church volunteered to collect written messages for Jill, including myself. I realised that I didn’t know what words to write, but I was conscious of all the grief, anger and helplessness that people were feeling. I’ve never witnessed…

founder, i like giving “Research tells us that when we give, we experience deep joy, the receiver experiences deep joy, and those who witness generosity experience deep joy” I grew up with great mentors in my life and my grandfather modelled generosity to me as a child in a very real way. I always admired his generous spirit. Fast forward to adulthood and I had created a successful business that provided my family with a comfortable lifestyle, but my wife and I knew there was something more to life. We began listening for opportunities to meet the needs of others; we even got our kids in on the fun. When giving became our idea, rather than something we felt like we had to do out of obligation, we came alive.…

“We endeavour to make our shop more than just a retail space; we try to make it a journey for those who share our interests” owners: ROSS AND EVE HEATH address: 12 STATION ST. BANGALOW, NSW 2479 - (02) 6687 7222 HEATHSOLOWARES.COM.AU wares: COLLECTABLES, MEMORABILIA, ANTIQUES AND INDUSTRIAL ANTIQUES How would you describe your shop? At Heath’s Old Wares we stock antique, deco, retro and vintage treasures, often in bulk – everything from wooden crates and old soda bottles to watering cans and vintage Akubra hats. We established the business in 1990 and provide props for movies, TV and photo shoots as well as selling to the general public. “Grandpa’s shed, nostalgic journey, remember when...” these are the kind of comments we hear from our customers the most. It’s very…

PENCIL ME IN With its sleek silhouette and classic zigzag print, this gorgeous pencil skirt is a sophisticated nod to the sixties. Add some vintage va-va-voom by pairing it with a classic black top, red lipstick and a pair of blackrimmed glasses, or embrace a more modern approach with the addition of a polka dot top and a pair of colourful, eye-catching ankle socks. With its reinforced waistband, invisible zipper and subtle darts, this calf-length, fully lined skirt can be crafted from light- to heavyweight wool depending on your preference – we used this thick, soft wool blend from The Fabric Store for maximum cold-weather cosiness. Download our free pattern and pencil in some time on those long, dark evenings to make yourself one of these in every colour. Winter,…

Cookin’ Up a Storm Laura Dakin The Sea Shepherd’s chief cook on their flagship Steve Irwin vessel serves up a bevy of nourishing vegan recipes alongside tales from the crew’s adventures on the high seas. Plenish Kara Rosen Detox the delicious way with Kara Rosen - founder of British organic juice company Plenish - whose gorgeous book has over 40 healthy juice blends. Too Much for Turtle Cat Rabbit & Isobel Knowles This cute picture book tells the tale of a shy turtle who comes out of his shell. You can even make your own turtle using the free pattern! River Cottage Australia Cookbook Paul West Feast your eyes on the first book from Australia’s answer to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, which is full of farm-fresh recipes from the River Cottage TV…

NIRRIMI FIREBRACE photographer I’m a 22-year-old nomadic photographer, writer and mama chasing human connection, life lessons and my dreams. I march to the beat of my own heart with my best friend (my daughter Alba) by my side. Kindness is... my secret weapon. It’s so powerful that when I use it, I can never lose. theroadishome.com MELINDA HALLORAN writer I’m a freelance writer based in sunny Brisbane. When I’m not penning stories, you’ll find me with a cup of tea in hand, dreaming of adventures near the equator. Kindness is... a thoughtful intention. It warms the heart like a bowl of homemade soup or a bear hug on a bad day. melindahalloran.com KIRSTEN HYAM writer I’m a Perth-based subeditor and freelance writer who enjoys singing loudly in the car, loathes…

“When I relocated here, the first thing I was attracted to was the art... and I thought it would be amazing if I could produce different types of textiles with it.” “I’M DEEPLY, MADLY IN LOVE WITH AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS ART,” explains India-raised, Melbourne-based Roopa Pemmaraju. Her fascination with the shapes, colours and motifs from the work of Aboriginal Australian artists, combined with a deep respect for the artisanal skills and natural handwoven fabrics from her own country, led the experienced designer to start her eponymous label back in 2011 – bringing together elements from two very different cultures to create a story and aesthetic that’s all her own. At first glance, Australia and India seem worlds apart. But both countries have used ancient artistic traditions for centuries, albeit to very…

PITANGO Hailing from New Zealand, Pitango is a strong front-runner in the race to get a healthy dinner on the table in the least amount of time possible. Found in the chillers of most mainstream supermarkets, you can have an organic spring lamp soup with rosemary and red wine ready to go (those are actually the soup ingredients, but hey, if it’s been a long day...) by the time you’ve changed into your pjs and pressed play on Netflix. Made with fresh, ‘honest’ ingredients, this flavourful range of soups, curries, pastas and risottos caters to gluten-free, vegetarian and dairy-free diets, and often features freerange and organic meats (and real bone broth stock bases) alongside lots of veggies – minus any additives or preservatives. Great for keeping in the fridge or…

YOGA STUDIO Ready-made or custom video classes with simple, clean graphics for newbies or experts – become a guru in the comfort of your own home. yogastudioapp.com $4.99 LAZY MONSTER 7 MINUTE WORKOUT A cute cartoon character takes you through a fun routine of 10 exercises in seven minutes that you can complete anywhere you like. itunes.com FREE JUST DANCE NOW Dance your heart out to choreography. It’s not actually a fitness app, but channel your inner pop star and you’ll burn up those calories! justdancenow.com FREE + ADD-ONS DOONYA Doonya, AKA ‘The Happy Workout’ from NYC, will have you learning Bollywood dancing while getting fit, from beginner to high intensity-levels. doonya.com US$12.99 CODY Online fitness, strength and yoga videos that allow you to train with top coaches and be…

“If you start with just one girl and get her educated, it creates this ripple effect and she could literally change her entire community” IT’S A SHOCKING STATISTIC FOR ANY WOMAN TO CONTEMPLATE: A GIRL IN SIERRA LEONE IS MORE LIKELY TO BE RAPED THAN TO GO TO HIGH SCHOOL. Seven years ago, Melbourne entrepreneur Chantelle Baxter saw the results of this terrible truth first-hand while volunteering in the impoverished West African nation — and decided to act. After co-founding one of Australia’s fastest growing non-profits, One Girl, Chantelle set her organisation the mammoth goal of educating one million girls across Africa by 2020. With just five years to go, and with big names such as Oprah behind the cause, Chantelle looks on track to reach her ambitious target. The…

“I think the people we work with want to know exactly where their rings come from” What is your background and how did you get into jewellery making? I’d been working as a chef overseas and was at a bit of a loose end when I returned back to New Zealand; my mum suggested a jewellery course as a distraction and it struck a chord with me straight away. I really loved the way the materials influenced the design and vice versa. There are limitations in working with metal that help determine what you can and can’t do – I’m a bit of a dreamer, so that helps to reign me in a bit. Can you describe your creative process? I don’t feel a desperate need to always be coming…

science director, the greater good science center “The same areas that respond to monetary awards or chocolate cake also come online when people give their own resources away in the service of others” Kindness is something of a holy grail. In the ‘How to Survive Academia’ seminar I went to in graduate school at the University of California, one professor explained that he was content with the work he’d done and was most invested in teaching these days; his most compelling advice was ‘Just be nice’. That stuck. In my view, taking the kind road at all the junctures we face every day is an incredibly valuable, habit-forming exercise that can improve health and wellbeing for all of us. I became interested in the intersection of emotions and thinking as…

founder, peach’s neet feet “To ‘pay it forward’ is to take action, and that is what we need in this world. We need more people believing in the power of kindness.” I was inspired to start Peach’s Neet Feet for many reasons. I wanted to create a platform of giving and paying it forward. I wanted to celebrate our children who are faced with adversity in the most unique way and celebrate them beyond their diagnosis. I wanted to give them something that would tell their story and would continue to do so as they continued on their journey. I wanted to build a community on the foundation of kindness. Peach’s Neet Feet’s mission is to bring joy to children suffering from chronic illnesses and disabilities. Some of the things…

“I want to generate the relationship people used to have with clothes, even 20 years ago, when you saved up all your money just to buy that one item from your favourite designer” What is the philosophy behind Lois Hazel? I’m an avid supporter of ethical practices within the fashion industry, as well as supporting the Australian Made community. Launching my womenswear label Lois Hazel last year, I focus on providing my customers with timeless pieces of quality and intricacy as well as allowing them to see exactly where and how their garments came to life. With my transparent pricing structures, all costings and manufacturing information is up for public view on my website, where I break down exactly what goes into the final garment and how much each piece…

“The thought of being able to light up a child’s life with love and kindness, even if just for a minute, with something as small as a doll, makes my heart so happy” “My daughter Willow started Kindy at the beginning of this year. She was a bit nervous about going and being there without me, so I decided to create something small and precious that she could take to school with her in her lunchbox or backpack, which would make her feel comforted when she missed me or was feeling sad,” explains Fleur of the inspiration behind the project. “I talked to her about how my love would pour out of the mama doll’s little heart all day long, even when she couldn’t see her. After I had made…

“Someone once told me I was visually greedy and I thought it was actually quite the compliment. I’m okay with that – I’ll have all the visuals.” For Erin, who lived directly above her livelihood for almost a decade, the personal and professional have long been intertwined. The short history of the cottage she’s now called home for two years is inextricable from the story of Retro Metro, a Brisbane icon that’s successfully weathered both the 2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and an increasingly challenging retail landscape. The shop began life as Boy Girl, a popular stall at the Fortitude Valley Markets run by Erin’s partner, Colin. The two met when Boy Girl had been running successfully for around three years, and their interests intersected with uncanny precision. “I met…

“The hardest part can be figuring out where to start, and sometimes it can be as simple as asking yourself the question, ‘what makes me come alive?’” KATE RIZZO AND ANTONEA GILOPIDIS ARE FOUNDER AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER OF THE KINDNESS EFFECT - AN AUSTRALIAN ORGANISATION CREATING CHANGE THROUGH WORKSHOP AND COMMUNITY EVENTS. thekindnesseffect.com.au Aristotle defined kindness as a virtue, chade-meng tan believes “kindness is a sustainable source of happiness,” and Aesop reminds us that “no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Kindness is often perceived as an external act or a characteristic of someone’s personality. But we believe that kindness is a lifestyle choice that all individuals can make, and that it starts from within. Our philosophy towards living a kind life is comprised of…

“The global economic growth our leaders so yearn for is simply an increase in how much stuff we buy and sell, regardless of its merit” TIM JARVIS AN ENVIRONMETAL SCIENTIST, AUTHOR AND ADVENTUREU WITH MASTERS DEGREES IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAW. HE IS COMMITTED TO FINDING PRAGMATIC SOLUTIONS TO MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RELATED TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND BIODIVERSITY LOSS. timjarvis.org Economic growth. The media is full of commentary about where you as an individual can find it, and how the powers-that-be might restore it to a global economy stalked by recession. China’s apparently slowing growth rate and what it means for Australia is the subject of endless analysis. The recent G20 Forum, meanwhile, culminated in attending governments committing to grow the global economy by at least two percent per…

A celebration of yoga, music and mindfulness, Wanderlust is much more than your average festival! Started by three American college friends before spreading its good vibes to our side of the world, this unique event is designed to help you laugh, relax, rejuvenate and ‘find your true north’ through a range of inspirational speakers, workshops and activities. We spoke to husbandand-wife team Australian Festival Director Jonnie Halstead and Brand Manager Jacque Halstead to find out what we can expect from their four-day Sunshine Coast extravaganza this October... Why does a mindful living festival appeal to so many people? Jonnie: We all lead such busy lives. We seek ways to create calm and space amidst the urban madness and routine that bombards us with information and stress. We challenge ourselves to…

It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see hands up For social entrepreneurs Bill and Courtney, business goes hand in hand with charity – and that’s why they founded Hand in Hand, a soap company based on sustainable giving and goodwill. Their stunning collection of triple-milled shea butter soaps, lotions and lip balms are all handcrafted in Philadelphia, USA using vegan, cruelty-free and ethically harvested ingredients, and come in a glorious selection of scents, including Wildflower & Fern, Sea Salt, White Tea and Rose Water. It’s not just your mitts that’ll benefit from Hand in Hand soap – with their belief that “a product that is truly eco-friendly means more than just having natural ingredients,” Bill and Courtney have created a business that’s helping save lives…

You need an ecosystem. We need to give back. You can’t just keep taking The story runs like a cliché: university dropout travels overseas in search of adventure, has an epiphany and comes home full of big ideas and an even bigger confidence. Dwayne was 21 when he returned to Western Australia a changed man, ready to start his own venture. He went into the frozen fruit business, supplying goods to local cafes, but nobody wanted the exotic varieties of berry that he had purchased and he lost all his money. Not to be deterred, Dwayne started a mobile juice company and had grand plans to take it national. Well, you know what they say about life being what happens while you’re busy making other plans – the frozen açaí…

“Creating pieces with my own hands and with integrity results in timeless, wearable pieces that allow for transitions in a person’s own style” What is the story behind your label? Good Night, Day is a small, independently run knitwear label that emphasises sustainability and incorporates traditional hand-knitting skills with a modern and minimalist approach. Each piece is handcrafted in small, exclusive batches out of Canada, with staple pieces including timeless hand-knit items such as shawls, blanket wraps, ribbed toques and raglan-shaped sweaters. It’s my mission statement that my items will be part of the slow fashion movement: creating pieces with my own hands and with integrity results in timeless, wearable pieces that allow for transitions in a person’s own style. What is the inspiration behind your designs? I am deeply…

“I wondered how many women were feeling a bit crap and tired from overloading themselves with all these chemicals. That’s when I started to put a blog together.” “The front of the label may say natural, but you have to look at the back of the label and research those ingredients,” Irene explains of the golden rule when purchasing natural products. She learned this the hard way when she first began buying what she thought were chemical-free beauty products. Not one to be fooled twice, she heeded the lesson and decided to give the natural beauty industry the shake-up she thought it deserved. To challenge the perception that “green is boring” and also to make natural beauty products more accessible, Irene created the vibrant Nourished Life website, where she actively…

buddhist monk “The most important time is now. It is the only time you ever have. If you want to tell someone how much you love them, please do it now. This moment may not come again.” When I was 13, my father took me aside and said, “Son, however you turn out, a good man or a bad man, wherever you go and whatever you do, always remember that the door of my house will always be open to you. You are my son and that is enough.” I didn’t understand what he meant. Only many years later did I realise that it was the most eloquent expression of unconditional love I would ever hear. My father was a very poor man. We lived in a government-subsidised apartment in…

“We’ve benefitted enormously from the knowledge, experience and generosity of others who’ve gone before us and alongside us, and feel a strong obligation to share our skills” “We mindfully practice ethicureanism – we seek a pleasurable life for ourselves, our animals and our communities. Articulating that philosophy helps guide our every decision,” Tammi says. It was as a student at the University of California that she first became a vegetarian, beginning her journey into conquering the ills of industrial agriculture. A small stint of meat eating followed, but Tammi reverted to vegetarianism due to the lack of information available about ethical meat choices. During her third pregnancy, she returned to meat when she became very anaemic. “My first meat after seven years was a burger on Smith Street in Collingwood…

you will need: • FABRIC STRIPS, ROPE, RATTAN OR YOUR PREFERRED MATERIAL (for a small rug, you will need approximately 40m; we used recycled sari silk ribbon from SheerEthic.com) • JUMBO CROCHET HOOK (at least 19mm, depending on the weight of your fabric) • SCISSORS 1 If you’re using old sheets or recycled material, start by cutting your fabric into strips about 5cm wide. You can tie all the ends together now to make one giant strip, or just tie the strips together with small knots as you go. 2 This rug is based on a giant spiral design. Start by making the centre of the spiral using a simple chain stitch with your crochet hook. To do this, select your first strip of fabric and tie a knot in…

HAPPINESS BY DESIGN Paul Dolan Is happiness more than just a feeling? According to international happiness expert Professor Paul Dolan, the answer is yes – because being happy doesn’t just come from how we think, but how we act. This lively and compelling book is split into two parts: in the first, Paul explores what happiness is, what we know about it and what causes it; in the second, he draws on fascinating research to offer thoughtful suggestions about how you can make yourself happier. What’s particularly interesting is how often we’re mistaken about what can make us happy – our relentless commitment to achieving the goals we set for ourselves, and our belief that attaining them will bring a permanent smile to our faces, often falls surprisingly short of…

Being kind is good for our health, for the planet and for each other. One thing’s for sure – a little bit of kindness can be, well, kinda great! But it’s hard to know where to start. That’s the beautiful thing about kindness: it’s a universal virtue, but ultimately it’s up to you to decide how to be your kindest self and what actions you choose to express that. Often you’ll find that the smallest things have the biggest, most enduring positive effects. We want to set you on track to incorporate more kindness into your life. That’s why for this Assignmint, we’re challenging you to participate in Peppermint’s 10 Week Kindness Challenge. Between 4 June and 13 August, we’ll be posting ideas on our social media accounts for you…