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.
‘V on Wheels’ in Huckleberry
We’ve been huge fans of the local vegan delivery ‘V on Wheels’ for a long time. Nothing proves our love and devotion more than the impressive amount of articles we’ve already developed for this brand and its founder, Mila Arena: we have tried her ‘Detox Box’, asked her for some kitchen tips & tricks and shared the story of how she launched her business from her kitchen.
And here’s yet another great opportunity to remind the world how awesome this local talent is! Because you can now find ‘V on Wheels’ meals not only on her website but also in the well-known healthy and organic food store Huckleberry! Pop into their Mount store to stock on these delicious, ready-to-eat vegan meals.
Nutra-Life Ester-C
At focus HQ, we are great believers in upping our Vitamin C intake to keep away those winter sniffles, especially when deadlines are looming.
Humans aren’t able to produce vitamin C so it’s essential that we get this from our diet, especially by eating citrus fruits. Evidently, scientists have yet to prove that Vitamin C protects us from colds but it’s proven to fight infections and help in the body’s healing process and to form blood vessels, cartilage and collagen and increases the absorption of iron. It’s also well-known for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties in skincare so we’re keen on that aspect too.
Formulated without gluten, wheat, animal or dairy products, egg, soy, artificial colours or sweeteners, Ester-C, a high-strength Nutra-Life product, is an effervescent, non-acidic, naturally sweetened and pleasant formula that provides 24-hours of immune support. The study showed that a dose of Ester-C results in a higher increase in Vitamin C concentration in the white blood cells and is retained in cells longer, compared to standard Vitamin C. Due to its neutalised pH, Ester-C is suitable for people who are sensitive to acidic food.
It comes in easy-to-open sachets and has a natural, mild flavour. So far, we’re pleased to say, we’re keeping healthy and meeting those deadlines.
Transforming gender, sex, and place. Gender variant geographies – Lynda Johnston
Published at the end of last year, this book explores relationships between transgender, gender variant and intersex people and places where they live, work or socialise. Lynda Johnston interviewed people in New Zealand and the US to find out how different spaces affect their life and mindset and how they transform the places. She keeps their answers absolutely raw and unedited, with a whole range of emotions – from incredible vulnerability to acceptance and comfort, to sometimes even anger and deep confusion. Dialogues are delicately mixed with her intelligent, academic style of writing, explaining in more depth the trends and patterns in social behaviour.
Lynda managed to find the balance between sounding too scientific and turning the book into an emotional whirlwind – something you would expect from a novel rather than a research manuscript – which makes this book really interesting and easy to read.
By the way, Lynda Johnston currently lives in Tauranga and works as Professor of Geography at the new University of Waikato Tauranga Campus. She is also the Chair of the International Geographical Union Commission on Gender and Geography and an incredibly interesting person to talk to. You’ll find our interview with Lynda in the October/November 2019 edition of focus.