Spring always feels like an invitation to begin again and notice the small rituals that make life brighter and lighter. In this Inner Loop, we’re sharing a few of the moments, musings, and milestones that have shaped our season so far.
Kirsty
It’s been a big few months, and I’m honestly a little proud of how much ground I’ve covered (figuratively and literally!).
I travelled to Adelaide and presented my Master’s research in soil health for my major review. Two years ago, I wasn’t sure I could do this… and now I’m almost there!
Hark & Zander was named a finalist in the Auckland Business Awards for Sustainability, which was a lovely piece of encouragement for the journey we’re on.
After feeling physically lazy over winter, I’ve managed to add an extra 20km of walking into my weekly routine, and it’s made a real difference. With my 50th on the horizon next year (how did that happen?), I want to stay an active, fun mum for my four-year-old — and that means looking after myself too.
I’d tried walking all the way from home a few days a week, pushing Isabelle in the pushchair. But wet mornings, her asthma flaring in the cold, trying to find somewhere dry to stash the buggy at daycare, or having to carry it back on the bus… when things get too complicated, they don’t last long!
Then I heard a tip on a podcast: the best way to build a habit is to attach it to one you already do. So now I park near her daycare each day and walk to work. It’s simple, achievable, and two months in - still going strong. Yay! I’m feeling great. I’ve even started adding in lunges and planks as I go… must look like an entertaining street walker. But it’s working for me 😄
You might recall I had my colonoscopy - that’s all fine and a relief to be done. A gentle reminder from the 20-year nurse in me: please don’t put off the check-ups. Smear tests, mammograms, mole maps, blood pressure, bowel checks… if something’s due or doesn’t feel right, get it looked at. It’s not always easy to prioritise ourselves when we’re constantly running around after others, but your body (and your loved ones) need you to.
Isabelle is doing well and keeps asking when she gets to go to big school. My encouragement not to wish life would speed up falls on deaf ears. Although I swear she’s skipping straight to teenager! We were stopping at a housewares shop quickly on the way home, and she asked if she could stay in the car and wait for me. I said, “No way.” So she replied sweetly, “Ok Mummy, I’ll just walk around and touch all the glass things.”
That’s all from me for now. Stay sane, look after yourself, and if you’re needing a little treat - I still swear by a 10-minute mall head massage 😀
Kirsty x
P.S. for those reading them, I have added a few more chapters to my Africa blog!
Founder’s Footsteps: True Stories From Another Life - Chapter Three
Cushla
August and September felt like a bit of everything... a mix of winter’s leftovers and spring’s early promise. The days started stretching out, and even with the very wet start to spring, there was still that unmistakable lift in the air. You can almost smell summer trying to break through the clouds.
Back in August, I was lucky enough to hear Rachel Paris, author of See How They Fall, speak. She was so articulate and engaging -the kind of person who reminds you why book people really are the best. Being surrounded by readers and writers was such a tonic, and I left feeling inspired and reconnected with my love of storytelling.
As the seasons shifted, I gave my pantry a bit of a spring refresh. Out with the tired staples and in with the good stuff. I stocked up on kiwifruit, leafy greens, ginger, herbs like parsley and mint, and plenty of frozen fruit for quick, healthy smoothies.
One that quickly became a favourite tasted like a sip of spring (even if it was pouring outside!):
🌿 Spring Immune-Boosting Smoothie 🌿
Ingredients:
- 1–2 ripe kiwifruit
- A handful of spinach (or kale)
- ½ cup pineapple (fresh or frozen)
- A small piece of fresh ginger
- A pinch of turmeric
- Your choice of milk (I like oat or unsweetened almond)
- Ice or frozen banana (optional)
Method: Pop everything into a blender, whizz until smooth, and enjoy. It’s fresh, zingy, and feels like hitting the reset button. For a little twist, add a few leaves of fresh mint - it brightens everything up.
🎬 What I’ve Been Watching
In early September, I caught up with And Just Like That. Bittersweet saying goodbye to Carrie and co! I also really enjoyed The Family Next Door, inspired by Sally Hepworth’s book. Set in a sun-drenched Australian coastal town, it’s full of secrets, family drama, and the kind of suburban intrigue that keeps you watching “just one more episode.”
My latest cinema outing was to see Prime Minister. It’s a fascinating, fly-on-the-wall look at leadership and the realities behind the headlines. The access was incredible; it’s not often you see such raw, human moments, from juggling motherhood to navigating the weight of public life. It really stayed with me.
Here’s to more glimpses of sunshine, a few less rainy days, and that lovely sense of renewal that spring always brings - even if it’s taking its sweet time to arrive this year.
Cushla x
Charlotte
Over the past couple of months, so much has been happening here at H&Z, and I am so proud of what we’ve achieved. A particular highlight has been being named a finalist in the 2 Degrees Awards for Sustainability, a milestone we’re incredibly honoured to celebrate (keep an eye out for a recap coming soon in our Journal and across our socials!). Right now we are also in the midst of testing out our new eye creams and I personally am putting together a fun account of my experience giving everything a test. If, in the meantime, you are interested in reading about my accounts on other skincare tests, you can read here about the week I tried Skin Flooding!
Outside of work, I’ve been embracing the last of the winter season by leaning into cosy rituals: heated Pilates classes to keep the chill at bay and plenty of evenings curled up with a good book or show. Lately, I’ve been devouring Frieda McFadden’s novels, with their twisty narratives and fast-paced chapters they are the best for when you want something that you can’t put down! The Locked Door has been my favourite so far, and I’d highly recommend it if you love a good mystery/thriller. On the screen side of things, I’ve been enjoying a rewatch of Abbott Elementary and, of course, following the latest season of Dancing with the Stars (team Andy because what a cutie!).
Charlotte x
