In focus is a fortnightly, online update on things that the focus team has loved. New places we have discovered, food we’ve enjoyed and events that have made us happy – here’s a glimpse into our lives from the past two weeks.
Tailor Makeup Remover Towel
Dee Collins: ‘Recently my online editor, Kseniia, gifted me a box of Tailor Skincare towels for removing makeup. She had been telling me about these amazing towels that she used. I was intrigued and, I have to admit, a little sceptical.
So, when her gift landed on my desk I couldn’t wait to try them out.
Although the towels can be used with or without cleanser, I opted to try them with warm water only. These towels really do work – they removed all my makeup, including mascara, effortlessly and easily – no residue left behind. So, for me, that means I will no longer have to buy single use makeup wipes or tubes of facial cleanser … good for my pocket and the environment.
There are two ultra-soft reusable towels in the pack, each the size of a face cloth. When you need to clean them, chuck them in the washing machine. Evidently you’ll get a few years use out of them and at $19 for the twin pack, they are really good value.
I am now a convert. You can purchase them online HERE.
New bodycare range by Designer Brands
Australian vegan and cruelty-free brand Designer Brands is on fire! Shortly after releasing a new makeup range, they also introduced a whole lot of new bodycare products!
The new range has two themes: KIND and GLOW. Both lines include everything you need in your bathroom – body wash, scrub, softening cream, body lotion, hand cream etc. – but the ingredients are different.
KIND products are infused with Kakadu plum, Inca berries (ancient berry rich in vitamin C for hydration and skin vitality), Nettle (folklore plant for inflamed and acne-prone skin) and Davidson plum (rich in anti-oxidants). These products have a light and pleasant scent of peony with a hint of apple and a very soft and comforting texture. They would make a perfect Mother’s Day gift!
GLOW is bold and daring with a vanilla and sandalwood scent. The Grapeseed oil helps prevent breakouts, liquorice root extract diminishes the appearance of pigmentation, orchid extract brings in much needed calcium, zinc, iron and magnesium and the Willow herb serves as an anti-inflammatory ingredient. Glimmering and shimmering, this line makes you smile and glow all day long!
The new range has been in stores since March. Prices range from $12 to $25 per product.
The Unknown Kimi Raikkonen, Kari Hotakainen
Here at focus we love cars and we love speed! Interviewing New Zealand’s fastest female driver, Karen Hay and sidecar flyer Lynne Herring for the April/May edition made us keen to learn more about the people who risk their lives on the track, what drives them and keeps them motivated. Luckily enough, a cool new book just landed in the Tauranga library – the biography of one of the most outstanding Formula 1 drivers in history, Kimi Raikkonen.
Kimi is also known to the wider audience as ‘Iceman’. He usually avoids interviews and only drops a word or two at press-conferences so the thoughts, emotions and personal life of the two-time World Champion have always been hidden behind a thick curtain of mystery. Last year he granted writer Kari Hotakainen full access to his garage on track and home in Switzerland. He observed, listened and asked questions and, subsequently, wrote this intimate, interesting and funny book about one of the most beloved Formula 1 drivers in the world.
Kimi was born into a fairly poor family. His worst childhood memory? Not even having a loo inside the house! And that’s in Finland, where winters can last for 10 months! He became a huge fan of racing at an early age and, once he started driving, was fast, very fast. He quickly outgrew the national championships and began travelling to European races. Often, he would only have $10 in his pocket, to last the whole weekend, and would sleep in a car because he couldn’t afford a hotel, but he never gave up and, in 2001, received a coveted invitation to one of the Formula 1 teams. Eighteen years and two World Champion titles later, he’s still in a car, driving as fast as ever.
Mr. Pickles restaurant in Hamilton
Hamilton is a true foodie’s paradise with so many awesome cafes and restaurants around. But Mr. Pickles easily beats them all! This restaurant is less than a year old but has quickly become a local fav because of the outstanding views over the Waikato river and the most delicious meals. It’s the perfect place for a quick coffee with girlfriends or a long family dinner.
Co-owners, Mat Pedley and Maurice Montero (who is also the chef), change the menu every three months and mostly use locally produced and seasonal products. Their latest creation, mozzarella and sun-dried tomato ravioli in a bath of garlic butter, is seriously to die for!
The food is exceptional but the best part about Mr Pickles is certainly the atmosphere. The interior, with its enormous central bar, indoor-outdoor flow and cosy little library, reminds of the trendy spacious lofts in Brooklyn, NYC. It’s energetic, but relaxing at the same time, and makes you feel inspired and keen to whip out your laptop and work for a few hours, taking an occasional break to admire the views.
