Greetings Followers! 

It has been quite sometime since I have engaged on this forum, for which I am deeply apologetic.

I have found myself "caught up" with consultancies and my son, that sitting in front of the laptop outside of work proved itself challenging--almost disruptive to the little bit of escapism that I could afford myself. 

However, as the COVID-19 Pandemic has become the dictator of our movements, fieldwork has alluded me. Working from Home--something that I have always done--has become my only norm, and gallivanting into the deepest crevices of the earth will have to be put on pause. 

In the meanwhile, revisiting the blog is something that I will prioritise. I have continued to have conversations surrounding sustainable, ethical lifestyles. Now, it is to continue to have them here.

A glimpse of my Fairtrade Mayamiko Shift Dress, Made in Malawi 

It was Yohji Yamamoto who said "Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. Black is lazy and easy--but mysterious. But above all black says this: 'I don't bother you, so don't bother me.'" It is hard to disagree with most of what he says, but surely I don't want to come across as arrogant or unapproachable (although, it wouldn't hurt sometimes). Wearing black represents a plethora of other traits and virtues. Some that come to mind are freedom, powerful, passion, fortitude, prudence, elegant, and the list goes on. 

As you might have gathered--either from my extended periods of absence or just from my posts--I travel a lot, mostly for work, and with such a lifestyle comes a rather systematised set up when it comes to my luggage. The majority is made up of....you guessed it...black. Black shoes, black tops, and black bottoms. Usually, at least two of each, then two items that offer a pop of colour and at least two white tops (a shirt is a must).  Most importantly, my suitcase is never complete without a ton of accessories. Usually, I throw in this old ASOS Africa top, but almost always I have a pair of leggings I bought from the Ethical Superstore. The necklace is actually a gift from my sister, which, initially, I wasn't too keen on, as it reminded me of something an anthropological academic would wear--oh, right, I AAAAMMM an Anthropologist. However, I grew to love it in all it's organic it with, and was so glad to have an outfit to pair  it with. 

Below, are photos of this little number along with some of my shots of a stroll throughout Cusco on the same day.

As with most of my ethical clothing, my dress and bag are made by initiatives that work towards helping disadvantaged women and children. The dress is by MAHAGUTHI, a brand that trains destitute women in Nepal, free of charge in weaving, sewing, knitting and literacy. In addition, it supports the education of the children of the women attending the programme.

 Stay tuned for the full post on Charleston, SC

I have finally decided to post recipes I use for my little one, which are adaptations of foods I make for myself. My little one, or my Polpettino, as I call him, has been sheltered from any sort of processed foods, refined sugar, additives, etc. Just like his mother did as baby, he has been enjoying home cooked meals with no salt, sugar or MSGs--only fresh organic produce from Wholefoods, farmers' markets (and Sainsbury's when we ran out of Wholefoods items), and seasonal as much as possible. 

For the first Curds + Whey post--the series dedicated to all things ethical baby--I thought I would introduce one of Polpettino's favourite treats, which I only make one to two times a month. I was inspired to make a chocolate inspired snack as my mother-in-law was looking forward to spoiling him with sweet treats (No Cadbury chocolate, please!). Instead of giving him refined sugar, I thought a take on a mousse would be ideal. 

What follows is an adaptation of a chocolate mousse for babies, that is healthy and delicious, and deserving for your petites enfants. Also, I would like to think that by feeding him healthy sweets this will deter him from its evil twin in the future. Here is to hoping. 

  Organic Fairtrade Ingredients:

1 ripe banana

1/2 ripe avocado

4-5 large medjool dates (can substitute with prunes)

1 tbsp unsweetened (at least) 70% cacao

1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice or coconut milk

Process:

Peel and cut in fruits

Add all ingredients to a food processor 

Whip to desired consistency

Add more juice or milk as desired

Suitable for:

8+ m, but I recommend it for 10+ m

Note:

Dates are great for babies as they have so many health benefits. For one, they help any intestinal disturbances, as they eliminate bad parasites and promote healthy bacteria needed for digestion. They also help to protect the liver--see ya later jaundice and hepatitis--and have a plethora of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium which assist in bones and brain development (respectively). 

Cacao is not as straightforward as Dates. I have found conflicting research on the use of cacao in baby food,especially as it is a stimulant. Also, the cacao industry has been marred by child labour and trafficking, which is why I only buy fair trade cacao. Cacao also has its fair share of benefits, as it is believed to protect against heart disease, cancer, and various other medical conditions as well as improving blood pressure and glucose metabolism. However, I only give him raw cacao once a month to ensure that the negative impacts do not outweigh the positive ones (if that makes any sense).

Check out Curds + Whey on Insta @theconsciencecollectivebaby. 

Photos taken in National Museum of African Art Gift Shop

This trip round I decided to really pay attention to where the majority of the merchandise--particularly in the Freer Gallery of Art, which specialises in Asian art, and the Museum of African Art--came from, and how much the galleries were incorporating their subject matter into their conscious ethos. What I found was a treasure trove of Fairtrade merchandise and transparency that could make anyone giddy. With clear labels as to which items were Fairtrade and who made them swinging from the tags of bags, musical instruments, clothing, accessories and home goods, amongst others, I found myself spending more time reading the labels and the backgrounds of the brands in the store than I did in the galleries themselves.
I had not only found brands that I had heard of, but there were others that were introduced to me there, as well as craft that I was so glad to covet, like stackable recycled plastic bracelets or handwoven fans, which I ended up buying for my family as well. There were also baskets made by the Wolof Weavers of Senegal, and the most stunning fine jewellery coming out of Egypt. I'm still coveting several pieces, that I am contemplating getting before I return to the UK.