22. On current events

Brat, sale sunglasses, and an attempt not to trivialise the elephant in the room right now

It’s been hard writing these last few weeks. I don’t mean to make this about me—it’s really anything but—and yet, for so long, I felt that this platform, this space, wasn’t somewhere to share what’s going on in the world. It was meant to offer a reprieve from all of that.

But more and more so, I find myself with a pressing urgency to talk about the situation in Palestine here. It would be ignorant not to. It would be ignorant to pretend that my musings on friendship breakups and the best places to buy Prada sunglasses on sale held any iota of importance on what is going on in the world.

Those of you on this list are those closest to me. I’m not going to pretend you’re unaware, or have little idea of what is going on. I’m not going to over-explain the situation to you in the most rudimentary ways that affirm the understanding you already have.

Instead, among the recipes, the new beauty products, and my favourite books, I plan to share new resources, new ways to donate and support, and new information that furthers the intention to support a ceasefire.

I don’t want to fatigue you. But I must stress the importance of this all. I can’t pretend that it doesn’t fold into it all anymore.

Ngā mihi nui,
Tessa x

The album I’m listening to on repeat right now:

As if there was anything else on my speakers other than Charli xcx’s ‘Brat’. 365 is proof that a party mix of one’s own song is just the right level of self-love.

3 hyperfixation recipes that I’ve had on rotation:

1. Anna Jones’ green pea soup with coconut and fresh herbs
   Friends have heard me talking about this soup like a broken record since 2016. But it’s so easy to make, normally with ingredients you already have around the house. Perfect for when you’re sick and can hardly summon the strength. But this one, given it’s lighter flavours, is delicious well past spring and right into summer too.

2. A lemon risotto with parmesan, leeks and tarragon

   Again with the peas, but they’re just so good any time of year. This is an easy one when you have friends over for dinner. Just make sure they have a strong arm to help with stirring.

3. Wishbone Kitchen’s grilled chicken parm
   I had an unbelievably delicious parmy at Wellington’s The Ram the other weekend, and I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. This is a bit more of an everyday version, which my tummy appreciates.

4 things hanging out in my shopping cart right now:

1. These orange Prada sunglasses.
   Orange is my new fun colour. These have been on my wishlist since I stumbled upon them in duty-free back in March. Unfortunately, finding them on sale today is the final nail in the coffin.

2. The Sebago Womens Dan loafer in black
   A tidy and trans-seasonal everyday loafer that actually withstands the pavement.

3. A pleated skirt from Georgia Currie’s new label, Flowers
   I’m big on a pleated moment. Imagine this with some riding boots and an oversized knit.

4. This keffiyeh made by Palestinian refugees in Jordan
   I purchased mine at a recent rally, but here is a good place to order yours from. It’s a lovely extra layer of warmth, and as a symbol of solidarity, its intent is very special.