BLOG etc.

Instagram is a funny thing.  It comes up in a lot of conversations with friends, colleagues, customers... it's a mood-board, a portfolio, it's a LinkedIn, a social calendar.  It is, in some ways, fascinating, and I genuinely learn from each conversation.  But whenever we're in doubt, it has a way of reminding us of the true meaning of a 'social media'; we've made some of the most brilliant connections via the platform.  One of which, is Megan, founder of packaging free shop, Re:Store in Hackney Downs Studio.  Also one of our most favourite customers; supportive, game to try all sorts of circular economy models, and source of the best customer review, possibly, to date.

It's simple, and humble in its appearance.  But, done right, it will blow anybody's socks off [this coming from a non-coffee drinker].  So we thought it could perhaps offer some inspiration for the forthcoming New Year's Eve celebrations.  You can make it in advance, you can upcycle any stale biscuit ends, fruit - poached/canned [the Italians might disagree here, but I was once served a white chocolate and berry version and it was pretty excellent], and bottom-of-the-bottle booze.  It really is the ultimate, bestover celebration dish.

Meredith is a qualified Meditation teacher, and holds regular Chocolate Meditations.  And only this month, launched the incredible hot chocolate brand that is Calm Cocoa.  Encouraging us all to take our Calm Cocoa moment.  And when it comes in the form of hand-grated, British-made dark chocolate, recycled glass jars [or home-compostable bags], it is what we want to be drinking this, and every winter.

December is a period of indulgence and huge expense.  Often getting caught in the trap of having the 'perfect' gifts, extravagant parties, new outfits and endless trays of food.  We can forget to make the most of what we already have.

The Pig.  Two words that have been circling my subconscious since I first planted them upon discovering them 4 years ago.  I longed to go. And now I long to go back.

Upcircle have been at the forefront of the upcycling beauty revolution.  They epitomise authenticity, and really, their products speak for them selves.  To see how far they have come, so quickly - they even appeared on Dragon's Den last year - is hugely inspiring.  Whether you are an aspiring/existing entrepreneur, customer of theirs, passionate about skin care, avid sustainability advocate, or never even heard of them (have you been living under a rock), UpCircle are the ones to watch.