A Shift in Pace: Rituals for the New Season

The change in seasons usually brings a shift in how I move through my day. As the light starts to soften across Aotearoa, I find myself leaning back into the small rituals that keep me grounded—the weight of a favourite ceramic mug, the feel of heavy linens, and the simple act of putting on the jewellery I plan to wear all day.

I’ve always seen a routine as more than just a to-do list. It’s really about the framework we build for ourselves. I like to focus on the objects and spaces that encourage us to slow down, eventually becoming the pieces we lean on most.

 

The Morning Ritual

I’ve found that preparing matcha is the best way to find a bit of focus before the day gets busy. The ritual itself is what makes it special for me. I love Nomu Ceremonial Grade Matcha; I know I can rely on it and the taste is always the same high quality every time. I actually prefer to have it with almond milk, a little bit of ice, and some maple syrup. I rarely order matcha at cafes now, unless I know they use Nomu.

Carlo is incredibly discerning when it comes to coffee—he rarely settles for anything less than Be Specialty beans. He usually prepares it with a Chemex or V60. The methodical pour-over process has become a bit of a household staple. It’s a nice reminder that good things take a little bit of time, a philosophy we try to keep at the heart of our designs too.

 

Mid-day Breaks & Connection

I’ve been trying to make my mid-day transitions feel less rushed lately. I usually keep a few Betty Bars nearby—they’re plant-based and actually nourishing, which is exactly what I need when things get hectic. I usually pick up my Nomu Matcha and Betty Bars from Farro's during my weekly shop. It’s a small choice, but I think the things we eat should be just as considered as the jewellery we choose to own.

I’ve also been spending more time working with my hands away from a screen. I actually first got hooked on pottery using Modeletto’s ceramic pottery kit at our dining table. They are the perfect starting point if you’re a beginner. The kits come with everything you need, including all the tools, templates that take the guesswork out of shaping your first pieces. It’s a beautiful way to introduce a tactile, screen-free ritual into your home without needing a full studio setup. Carlo and I made a few pieces at home and then had them fired at my local kiln.

That experience led me to recently finish a five-weekend wheel throwing course at Eden Ceramics, which I very much enjoyed. It’s an incredibly welcoming space and feels like a genuine community hub. I find that pottery is the perfect weekend activity and a complete break from the digital world and allows for a different kind of focus. The tutors, Richie and Lisa, are wonderful. I highly recommend their studio if you're local, though I would suggests booking in advance as their courses tend to fill up quite quickly.

On the weekends, I’ve been looking toward Days in Motion for their Sunday Yoga sessions. They run from 9 to 10 am at The School of Modern Meditation in Freeman's Bay, and the teacher, Carolina, is wonderful! Since I don't have workmates in a traditional office, I find these sessions are a beautiful way to move, but also to socialise and reconnect with people outside of a work context.

Sunday’s Finest (and Every Day Between)

When the weekend calls for something special, we find ourselves at Moreno Cafe and Bakery in Northcote. Their hospitality is warm and genuine, the kind of space that makes you want to linger.

While they are a staple for our Sunday morning ritual, they are open Monday through Sunday, making a mid-week visit easy to justify. We always order the Kinilaw (market fish); it is fresh and well-balanced. And while the savoury dishes are standouts, the pastries—especially the Ube Donuts and buttery Señorita Bread—are reason enough to visit. It’s a local gem that values the same things we do: craft, heritage, and a bit of soul.

Entertainment & Winding Down

When it's time to switch off, we’ve been enjoying a few things on screen. We recently watched Nonna's on Netflix, which is just a lovely, heartwarming watch.

I also finally sat down for The Devil Wears Prada 2. I actually watched it with the Auckland Expat Girlies, A local community for women from abroad to find their feet and build genuine friendships in the city. They organised a private screening for their first anniversary. It was so fun, and it's always nice to support a group that brings people together like that. I particularly loved Andy Sachs bringing back pearls in such a modern way. Seeing her wear a classic pearl strand felt like a nod to the exact kind of effortless, daily luxury we value at BY TONIN.

To finish the day, we've been using the Ashley & Co Parakeets & Pearls scent. Carlo and I both really love this fragrance, and it's something we enjoy throughout our home. I love the whole range—from the hand wash and the Soothe Tube to lighting one of their candles in the evening, it has become a bit of a habit for us. 

 

The Daily Uniform

I’m a big believer in building a collection of pieces you don’t have to think too much about. Your jewellery should fit easily into your life and move with you. These are the staples currently making up my own daily uniform:

• La Clara Pearl Drop Pavé Hoop Earrings: These are incredibly versatile. I love the glow the pearls add, but when I head to Les Mills for a workout, I simply remove the pearl drops and wear the pavé hoops on their own.

• The Heritage Baguette Necklace & La Clara Bracelet: These pieces have a timeless quality that feels prefect regardless of what the day holds. They are the kind of essentials that elevate a simple knit or a white shirt.

• Slim Dome Ring: I love the simplicity and feel of this ring. It’s a smooth, minimalist staple that I rarely take off.

A small tip for your own ritual: I always apply my scents and creams first, allowing them to settle before putting on my jewellery. It’s a simple habit that protects the lustre of the pearls and the finish of the gold over time.

I hope these notes on my current routine offer a little inspiration for your own.

— Mia x