LIVING, THINKING + BEING

LIVING, THINKING + BEING SOFIA ROGER WILLIAMS: VEGAN VIBE

With the summer and Christmas season fast approaching - or for some enthusiastic elf types, already here, it’s become the time of the year where many a vegan brings out their chef hat to present their cooking skills to their skeptical families in hopes to show veganism in its best light.

Or if the kitchen brings too much stress and you feel like your chef skills just might not cut it, a bit of cheeky Tart bakery always goes down well.

With two bakeries in Auckland now, the most local being in Grey Lynn, and the other being a hop, skip and a jump away at Commercial Bay, your childhood cheeky favourite pie and pastry joint is available and veganised with plant based deliciousness. Taking on all of the classics, such as a range of deliciously realistic mince and cheese, creamy mushroom and butter chicken pies, as well as your favourite pastries, doughnuts and sandwiches, Tart serves up New Zealand's finest options which you never thought could be vegan and taste so good.

My personal favourite is the savoury brioche. Growing up, before going vegetarian and then vegan, I spent most of my Saturdays at my mum’s work. It was a tradition for us to get our day’s lunch from local cafes and delis, where I almost always got the classic cheesy savoury brioche from Ripe. It wasn’t until discovering Tart, that I realised that going vegan didn’t mean that I had to miss out on delicacies such as these.

With Christmas in sight, we are all reminded of the Christmas classic - the mince tart. Although not a fan myself (unpopular opinion), Tart is the place to go as these family occasions arise. Those mince tarts, pastries and slices we all love to indulge in are consistently a hit. In previous years I have put these among other slices and treats on the table for my friends and family, never to not have them question whether they are truly plant based. Believe it or not, they are.

Food aside, one aspect of Tart which has always impressed me too, is the way they advocate for veganism. Living nearby their Grey Lynn location, I frequently have the opportunity to read their ever changing notice boards promoting veganism in a progressive, factual and encouraging way.

Throughout my own growth and journey of eating plant based, I have increasingly found that the only way to promote the lifestyle is through connecting with people by approaching the idea with a lack of judgement and an open mind. I’ve found that it’s better to be supportive of the small choices people make, such as choosing places like Tart and plant based alternatives in one's daily decisions. Afterall, at the end of the day every small change and choice to eat plant based, is a step towards making a huge difference both sustainably and ethically. It can start with you and with options such as Tart. It’s not a compromise at all. (SOFIA ROGER WILLIAMS)  PN

She always loved some glamour. We’ll help you say goodbye in style.

There are certain people in life who shape who you are. Special people who were always there to give you advice, support, comfort and love. When the time comes to bid them farewell, make sure to farewell them properly. Talk to us we’ll help you do exactly that.

KIND PEOPLE ARE OUR KINDA PEOPLE

As novelist Henry James tells us, “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind.”

World Kindness Day in November also reminded us (in case we need it) to take a breath, and be kind to each other, to ourselves, and to the world. But with the stress of Christmas approaching, we think it’s a good idea to bring a bit more kindness to life in general.

Finding ways to share kindness Turns out there are heaps of opportunities to add a dash of kindness to someone’s day that aren’t extravagant or expensive.

With those we know Demonstrating kindness face-to-face might be more challenging for a while, but most of the ideas below won’t break social distancing rules.

· Send flowers to a friend, just because · Ask an elderly neighbour if they need any help with chores, errands or shopping · Help a friend pack (or unpack) for a house move · Send a handwritten thank-you note or handmade card · Offer to babysit or dog-sit for a friend · Tell friends and whānau (family) how much you appreciate them · Check in on someone who’s doing it tough · Support a friend who wants to reach a life goal (like getting more active) · Bake cupcakes (and give them all away)

And those we don’t Kindness is like a boomerang. Throw it out into the world and somehow it always comes back. Here are a few kindness ideas to try a little further from home.

· Give blood (or plasma, which is basically liquid gold). In

New Zealand, call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325). · Take an extra umbrella with you, to give to a stranger on a rainy day, or donate a reusable bag to a forgetful supermarket shopper · Buy a meal for, or give a coat to, someone who’s sleeping rough · Leave your favourite novel at a street library · Volunteer for a foodbank, the SPCA, or tree planting

Of course, while reflecting on World Kindness Day is a great idea, the kindness well doesn’t run dry when we draw from it every other day of the year. Here’s to being kind this festive season - especially to ourselves.

ECOSTORE, 1 Scotland Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 360 8477, www.ecostore.co.nz

May you all have a wonderful time with your family and friends. These are special days for all.

They should be days of solidarity, not fragmentation - of pulling together in ways that enable us all to flourish. We live in interesting times, let's work to improve things. So, Hempy Christmas. I hope it's glorious.

What would Jesus Christ do about Cannabis?

Well… Jesus was socially progressive. He was concerned for the well being of all, and big on forgiveness. Scientifically, several of his miracles seem potentially cannabis related; this is supported by scripture and archaeology. I think that he would be outraged by its prohibition. eg.

1. Kaneh Bosem (Cannabis) is in the Torah as the Holy Oil of the Jews (1500BC).

2. The Nag Hammadi/Gnostic scrolls talk about how Jesus gave them the pouch of medicine and said, "Heal all the

Sick of the city who believe in my name." (2AD)

3. A 1000 year old Roman Catholic Cathedral of Monreale (pictured) has 'Jesus healing the Blind under the cannabis tree'. Cannabis is rampant in that cathedral; from Genesis to the New Testament. (1174AD)

A sacred plant for millennia, it has been pushed down the memory hole by the political classes of the Anglo-US empire since, and kept there by our noble leaders.

Funnily enough, both Labour and National are now to the Right of even Donald Trump's Republican Party on cannabis. That’s how backwards New Zealand is.

After all, because our own internal cannabinoids regulate normal function; we can potentially use them to treat, or prevent, inflammation, cancer, pain, menopause, epilepsy, psychosis, anxiety/stress/depression, dementia and more.

Autoimmune diseases Hemp cannabinoids can act in many ways to reduce the self abuse of autoimmune diseases because they reduce inflammation (can inhibit proliferation of leukocytes, induce apoptosis of T cells and macrophages and reduce secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines). Although their actions are broad, particular cannabinoids also have particular effects and for autoimmune diseases a combination of full spectrum CBD, CBG, CBDA/CBGA oils might help.

I suggest interested people consult Dr Anna Harvey of the Cannabis Clinic to discuss a possible prescription. anna.harvey@cannabisclinic.co.nz, or Dr Graham Gulbransen of Cannabis Care doctor@cannabiscare.co.nz

Another cannabinoid type molecule that is freely available at chemists, (Palmitoylethanolamide or PEA) could also be potentially considered as additive therapy. PEA is a “first responder” anti inflammatory / pain controller but it needs to be (um) ultra micronized for efficacy, and given time.

Happy New Year folks. (TADHG STOPFORD)  PN

www.thehempfoundation.org.nz

TIGERDROPS HOLY HEMP

Use religiously

Prohibited food. Not intended for the treatment or prevention of any disease or condition.