Latest news with #SarahMartin
Euronews
5 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
Can Europe make ecological farming competitive?
Simplifying some of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) rules could save €1.58 billion per year for farmers and €210 million each year for member states, according to the European Commission. To achieve this goal, the EU executive has proposed easier payments for small farmers, including increasing the annual lump sum to €2,500, and more flexible environmental controls, namely for the conservation of peatlands, wetlands and watercourses. Farmers will also benefit from an easier mechanism to be reimbursed in the event of natural disasters or animal diseases and will have a single digital system to reduce bureaucracy. 'The aim is to make life easier for farmers, ultimately contributing to their livelihoods and well-being,' said Gerardo Fortuna, Euronews' agricultural policy reporter. "It is also clearly a response to the large-scale farmers' protests that we saw last year in Brussels and in other EU countries," the reporter said, referring to the long and sometimes violent wave of farmers' protests ahead of the 2024 European elections. Farmers are happy, but environmentalists say the measures will be counterproductive. The latter argue that less environmental protection could lead to more climate change, which could harm agriculture. "What we need to understand is that agriculture depends on nature. So when the EU has been delaying or eliminating environmental rules for several years, it is also putting the future of agriculture and farmers' jobs at risk," said Sarah Martin of environmental organisation Client Earth. However, the European farmers' federation, Copa-Cogeca, insists that "environmental objectives remain in the CAP" but the Commission has intervened in areas "that have proven unworkable for our farmers". In the 2021-2027 EU budget, the CAP received €386 billion, about a third of the total budget. For the 2028-2034 budget, the Commission advocates merging the CAP with the Cohesion Fund, which is used for regional development. The new financial instrument, called National and Regional Investment Partnerships, could be announced when the Commission unveils its EU budget proposal in July, and farmers are resisting the idea. 'Europe needs to invest in agriculture, with a strong fiscal increase in the face of inflation. We call for maintaining a common policy capable of guaranteeing a single market, investing to achieve the transition that society wants and, in fact, supporting a strategic sector such as agriculture,' said Patrick Pagani. The Client Earth officer agreed that investment in agriculture is important for food security, but said that the CAP does not contribute to this. 'We don't have the resilience to deal with natural disasters caused by intensive farming practices; nor to address the causes that put farmers in these situations, which are climate change, environmental degradation, loss of pollinators and so on,' said Sarah Martin. The European Parliament also opposes this idea and, in a recent resolution, demanded that the CAP fund remain autonomous and receive even more funding in the next budget. Watch the video here! Journalist: Isabel Marques da Silva Content production: Pilar Montero López Video production: Zacharia Vigneron Graphism: Loredana Dumitru Editorial coordination: Ana Lázaro Bosch and Jeremy Fleming-Jones
CBC
28-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Food prices are still rising while inflation is dropping. Here's why
Political scientist Sarah Martin says the food supply chain is shaped more like an hourglass, rather than a straight line. At the top of that hourglass is a group she calls the "feeders," or the food producers. The "eaters," or consumers, are on the bottom. In the middle, where the hourglass is pinched, are corporations. "These corporations have a remarkable amount of control," Martin told CBC News on Monday. The associate professor said the big grocers and food companies are part of the reason as to why food prices continue to rise, even while inflation and energy prices are dropping. Canada's inflation rate dropped to 1.7 per cent in April, mainly driven by the removal of the consumer carbon tax, according to Statistics Canada. Meanwhile, another Statistics Canada report released earlier this month says the cost of food purchased from stores rose by 3.8 per cent in April compared to last year. Martin says companies are being defensive against economic shocks like that. One of the largest contributors to the year-over-year acceleration was fresh or frozen beef, which increased by 16.8 per cent according to the report. "Meat is an interesting market," Martin said. She said it's unique because there are only a handful of major players in the North American meat business, but also because animals can move across the Canadian and American borders "quite a bit." In many cases, livestock are raised in Canada and then shipped to the United States for subsidized feed and slaughterhouse labour, and then the product is sent back to Canada. "Decades of free trade have created these really tangled webs," Martin said. It's become an even bigger tangle since U.S. President Donald Trump launched a global trade war, imposing tariffs on various meat products like beef and pork. The economic uncertainty that resulted leads to some sticker shock for those at the bottom of the hourglass. Uncertainty is bad for business, as Martin puts it. "When there's an economic shock and the business climate is unpredictable, prices often rise," she said. "With that kind of market control, you can see that kind of corporate concentration — that pinch in the hourglass. You can see how sellers' inflation can move along very quickly." Martin added that any increase in food prices worsens an "already alarming level of food insecurity" in the province. Lesley Burgess is executive director of the Bridges to Hope food bank in St. John's. She says her organization is constantly aware of the cost of supplies. Bridges to Hope serves about 1,400 people a year, according to Burgess. The team has been trying to find creative ways of addressing food inflation to maintain their level of service. "Now is not the time to pull back or to reduce the amount of food that we're distributing," Burgess said. "Even if our food bank is also, you know, feeling that pinch." The organization implemented a choice model in March, and Burgess said that's helping. Clients are able to choose which items they need at a given time instead of taking home pre-packaged hampers. The food bank's executive director said the new model helps to provide people with food better suited to their needs and preferences— and it helps Bridges to Hope make the best use of its resources. Burgess said Bridges to Hope spends about $18,000 every month, and she's noticed that some of the regularly purchased items have increased in price as much as 25 per cent since December. She's still expecting a high demand leading into the summer months. "Every morning that we're open, which is four mornings a week, we're serving anywhere from 70 to 100 people," said Burgess. "Our job is to make sure that we're getting the best quality of food for the best price."
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Project Hip Hop - Empowering Young Dancers To Take The Stage
Project Hip Hop Dance Competition returns to Mercury Arena Baypark this King's Birthday Weekend, bringing more than 1,000 young dancers together from across Aotearoa for a two-day celebration of movement, music, and mana. Held on Saturday, 31 May and Sunday, 1 June, this high-energy dance competition gives young people the opportunity to grow, create, and express themselves - whether they're just starting out or competing at an elite level. Founder and event director Sarah Martin began this competition while teaching at Te Puke High School. At the time, her students didn't feel confident entering national dance competitions, so she created a platform where they could build their skills and self-belief. 'Project was designed to provide an opportunity for entry-level dancers to experience a high-quality dance competition event to gain confidence to enter other national events,' says Sarah. 'A full-circle moment for me this year is seeing Te Puke High School entering again for the first time in over a decade, led by their Head of Dance, Jennifer Cram, who was a student of mine back when it all began.' From humble beginnings at Baycourt in 2010 with just nine crews and 70 dancers, Project has grown and become a major event on the national dance calendar. In 2024, the competition attracted 1,004 dancers across 94 crews, drawing in more than 2,400 spectators. This year, the event is set to be even bigger, with 102 crews registered. This event is proudly supported by the Tauranga Event Fund, which supports arts, culture, and sporting events that enrich the city as a place to both live and visit, and reflect Tauranga's unique lifestyle and identity. Nelita Byrne, Manager of Venues and Events at Tauranga City Council, says the event is a great example of the creative, vibrant, and inclusive initiatives the fund aims to foster. 'We're proud to support events like Project Hip Hop. Dance - particularly hip hop - is a crossover between sport and culture, demanding the physicality and discipline of sport, alongside the creativity and storytelling of the arts. Events like this resonate with many young people in our city, reflecting their passions and giving them something positive to aim for.' Bay Venues Head of Events Amanda West says it's an occasion that truly reflects the power of youth-led expression. 'We're incredibly excited to welcome the Project Youth Hip Hop Dance Competition back to Mercury Baypark. This event is a vibrant celebration of Aotearoa's street dance culture, bringing together talent, creativity, and community from across the motu. We're proud to host an event that uplifts young people and showcases the power of dance.' Long-time MC of the event Hadleigh Pouesi says Project's impact goes far beyond the stage. 'Over the last 15 years, I've seen firsthand how this event shapes the dance industry and our wider community,' says Hadleigh. 'Project has launched the careers of international superstars, but it's also helped thousands of rangatahi unlock leadership, creativity, and confidence. The kaupapa has never changed, it's about giving young people a platform to express themselves, challenge themselves, and feel empowered.' Saturday will feature beginner and school-age crews in the Primary, Junior Novice, Varsity Novice, and Mega School divisions. Sunday sees top open division crews compete in Junior, Mini, Varsity, Adult, and Mega Crew categories, with $22,000 in prize money. To build the hype, a special preview performance will take place at the Tauranga Waterfront on Saturday, 17 May, as part of the Hoops on the Waterfront event with Whai Basketball. Local dance school Phoenix Performing Arts will be showcasing its talent, with dance crew Flame performing at 11am, followed by a short hip hop teaching session for the public. Sarah Martin says the success of Project Hip Hop comes down to a collective effort. 'I want to thank my whānau, who've been part of every event, my incredible event team; our sponsors, Tauranga City Council, TECT, Lion Foundation, Pub Charity, and Custom Tees; and the parents, caregivers, and teachers who give their all to support the next generation. And most importantly, the young people, for having the courage to show up, step up, and express themselves.' Event Details: Hoops on the Waterfront with Whai Basketball When: Saturday, 17 May, 10.30am to 12.30pm Where: Tauranga waterfront, basketball half-court. Project Hip Hop Dance Competition When: Saturday, 31 May & Sunday, 1 June 2025 Where: Mercury Arena Baypark, Mount Maunganui.
Buzz Feed
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
33 Products From Etsy You'll Probably Be So In Love With Your Partner Might Get Jealous
1. Ring Pop–inspired earrings that'll stir up some nostalgic emotions for that oh-so-romantic time your elementary school crush "proposed" to you with the sweet treat. Wonder what they're up to now... Bettys Crafting Crew / Etsy Bettys Crafting Crew is a small business that sells quirky polymer earrings. Promising review:"These are the cutest! They are lightweight and adorable. I already ordered other earrings. OBSESSED!!" — Sarah Martin Get them from Bettys Crafting Crew on Etsy for $14.02 (available in three styles). 2. A teensy porcelain hippo candle holder you obviously need if you're still raving about how darn cute Moo Deng looks while simply existing. BRB gotta buy a cake to put this baby on STAT. Camp Hollow is a small business that makes adorable porcelain creatures. Promising review:"Super cute with great details. I love the happy expression. The hippo is, however, not gray but has tones of brown and pink, which are closer to a real hippo. I bake a lot of cakes but am not keen on decorating and this will be so fun for a birthday." — Jacqueline Arent Get it from Camp Hollow on Etsy for $45. 3. A miniature mid-century modern LED fireplace for anyone who has always wanted one of these beauties in their home but doesn't quite have the space to install one just yet (keep that dream alive, my friends). 3DSpaceGarden is a small business! Promising review:"This is such a beautiful piece! Love how the logs diffuse the light from the flicker candle. For the price, it's amazing!" — Julia K. Get it from 3DSpaceGarden on Etsy for $30 (available in eight colors). 4. A sentimental art print that'll look darling above your coffee station or in the little nook where you usually enjoy your lattes in the morning. This will be the one instance you'll be glad someone didn't use a coaster. 😉 Eminilistic is a small business that sells eclectic hand-drawn designs. Promising review:"It looks exactly like the listing and is a beautiful addition to my kitchen." — Rosanna Todd 5. An oil dispenser bottle with no business being as gorgeous as it is. Seriously, why is it prettier than some jewelry I've seen? You can choose from various lids that'll match your kitchen *and* have your label personalized to your liking. Home Tailors / Etsy Home Tailors is a small business that sells home organization items. Promising review:"Really lovely item, a good size, and looks good on the counter. Really happy!" — Daniel G. Get it from Home Tailors on Etsy for $29.73+ (available in two sizes, with or without labels and eight lid types). 6. A trendy lil' lamp that'll create some mood lighting in your space. It'll look great on your bedside table, bookcase, or desk and will surely garner tons of "Where did you get that lamp?" and "Wow, love your new lamp!" WeBuildDesign / Etsy WeBuildDesign is a small business that sells eco-friendly lighting. Promising review:"Immediately loving the texture of this lamp! It's visually satisfying. I can't wait to put a bulb in! Looking forward to evening reading with warm light." — Mia Get it from WeBuildDesign on Etsy for $51.42+ (available in three styles). 7. Acrylic hanging window shelves to display all of the plant babies you've worked so hard to keep alive — let them soak up the sunshine while also showing off your green thumb to the neighbors. IndoorWindowGardens / Etsy IndoorWindowGardens is a small business that sells these genius shelving for plants. Promising review:"I have two two-shelf ones for myself and just bought a third for my boyfriend's house! I love these. Super easy setup and are super easy to clean!" — kowalcyzka527 Get it from IndoorWindowGardens on Etsy for $74.60+ (available in two, four, or six shelves and three mounting options). 8. A plant-shaped Nintendo Switch charging station that looks like it jumped right out of a Mario Bros. game — you can charge your controllers in the "leaves," dock your actual Switch in the "stem" and store your favorite game cartridges in the "soil." This is not a a NEED! This product popped up on my TikTok FYP and I am obsessed — I quickly shared it with every other video game nerd I know and we're all in agreement that it is simply genius. It can charge up to four joy-cons and store 10 games while also serving as a quirky piece of home decor. So fun. Additionally, 3D Gift Design is a small business that makes a variety of fun 3D printed items. Promising review:"So cool looking! My partner loves displaying her games and this is perfect for that and for charging her switch! Great quality and easy to assemble" — Maddywalsh14 Get it from 3D Gift Design on Etsy for $44.09 (available in a green, brown, or customizable pot color). 9. Plus a Stardew Valley –inspired seed packet poster to add a rainbow of color to the room you play most of your video games from. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have plans to meet up with my pals at the Stardrop Saloon. Artie Print Shop is a small business that sells hand-drawn art prints. Promising review: "Item shipped in about a week, was as described, nice thick feel to the paper and good color quality." — Hannah Get it from Artie Print Shop on Etsy for $22.40+ (available in five sizes and as a digital download). 10. A ribbon bookmark that'll have you tossing your Kindle aside so you can show off this coquettish beauty in a physical book. Can't you imagine Belle from Beauty and the Beast accessorizing her novel of the day with one of these?! The Bestie Booksleeve is a small business that sells cute book accessories. Promising review: "WOW!!! This bow bookmark is a charming addition to any book lover's collection. The delicate satin ribbon gives it a soft, romantic look, making it perfect for those who appreciate a touch of sophistication in their reading accessories. It securely holds your place without damaging pages and doesn't add bulk to your book.10/10 highly recommend! 🤍✨" — Bailee Get it from The Bestie Booksleeve on Etsy for $8 (available in 16 colors). 11. A reusable bowl cover to make leftovers look way more enticing after a long day, where the thought of cooking makes you want to cry. Thanks to these covers, you'll feel much more put together when you pull a beautifully accessorized bowl of yesterday's ravioli out of the fridge. Stacy Kitchen Decor is a California-based, woman-owned Etsy shop established in 2020 that specializes in handmade reusable kitchen towels, aprons and bags. Promising review:"Love this bowl cover! It fits perfectly and looks so beautiful. It's also sturdy, as I've washed it by hand and all the daisies are intact. I also appreciate the sellers prompt communication." — Nicoco Get it from Stacy Kitchen Decor on Etsy for $9.88+ (originally $14.12+; available in seven sizes and custom sizes, plus five patterns). 12. A three-piece loungewear set that'll have you thinking, "Well, orange, I'm glad to see you!" each time you pull it out of your drawer. 🍊 Elegant Design Curve is a small business that sells Promising review:"Very soft and pretty cotton." — marthacarpenter54 Get it from Elegant Design Curve on Etsy for $37.99 (available in women's sizes M–XL, with or without a headband, and two patterns). 13. A darling set of Mickey Mouse–shaped matte magnets (say that 10x fast!) to add some Disney flair to your fridge or any other magnetic surface. Be careful; these just might outshine your kid's carefully drawn stick figure family that's already hanging up there. 😅 Wish Upon Magic is a woman-owned small business that sells tons of Disney-inspired products. I've been proudly displaying their stickers for YEARS and also have their suncatchers in several windows throughout my house. Promising review:"I have ordered many times from this shop! Quality products that I love to gift and keep for myself! A Disney fan favorite!" — Denise Leong-Brattain Get a set of eight from Wish Upon Magic on Etsy for $9.99 (also available in pastel colors). 14. A floral desk mat will bring warm, soothing cottagecore vibes to your workspace — a must-have if you WFH, moonlight as a podcaster on the weekends, or retreat to play video games whenever you have a free moment. GameOverPixels / Etsy GameOverPixels is a small business that sells video game–inspired products and desk mats. Get it from GameOverPixels for $27.20+ (available in three sizes). 15. Or custom photo magnets that'll transform the largest appliance in your kitchen into a masterpiece of memories. Too lazy to frame and hang pictures on your walls? This is the ultimate solution. SnapMagnets is a small business that sells custom photo gifts. Promising review: "Everything I asked for. Beautiful pictures, fast delivery, wonderful customer service. Absolutely WILL buy again!!" — Shea164 Get it from SnapMagnets for $.99+ (available in three sizes and many pack sizes). 16. Under-cabinet containers to easily create more space in your bathroom, kitchen, garage, or wherever! Fill 'em with coffee beans, tea leaves, cotton balls, rogue buttons, thumbtacks, hair ties, bobby pins; the options are endless! Each jar is sold in a set of two or three and comes with its own magnetic rims and one stainless steel shelf plate. Vascito provides high-tech home storage and organization products. Promising review:"AMAZING! I love this product. The containers are of good quality, and the rims unscrew for easy cleaning. They really are tightly sealed, and there is no need for a lid. The customer service was fab, providing personalized labels, and the delivery was amazingly quick considering I'm in England!" — samhhawk99 Get it from Vascito for $44.96+ (available in four sizes and two colors). 17. A hand-pinched matcha bowl that might just convert you from an iced coffee–only drinker into a green tea guru. There's something so satisfying about literally whipping up a morning bev for yourself. Made By C Design is a Sydney, Australia–based small business that sells handcrafted ceramics. Promising review: "This is a beautiful matcha bowl. Unique and handmade. Arrived quickly to NYC from Australia. My daughter loves it, and I would buy it as a gift for any matcha drinkers! We also use it to pour espresso over our affogato!" — Vanessa Santaga Get it from Made By C Design for $43.18+ (available in six designs). 18. A fake cake jewelry box to satisfy your sweet tooth and store your baubles. Good luck to your partner who very well might think this is a real dessert and try to sneak a bite when you're not looking. 2 Faced Cakes / Etsy 2 Faced Cakes is a small business that sells fake cakes that double as other household items (dying over these tissue boxes!). Promising review:"So cute! I'm glad that I bought the jewelry case. It goes so well on my vanity. It's well crafted, too." — Marissa Sims Get it from 2 Faced Cakes on Etsy for $40 (available with or without glitter). 19. A tinned fish candle that'll have you scratching your head and debating whether to light it or cherish it forever. This is me giving you permission to burn it and enjoy it the same you would an actual tasty lil' sardine morsel. Don't worry; it doesn't actually smell like fish. 🫠 Dasha Flower Head is a small business that sells a variety of tin fish candles. Get it from Dasha Flower Head on Etsy for $26. 20. A cocktail-making kit for anyone who has always wanted to learn to make their own Instagram-worthy drinkies but typically settles for a can of spiked seltzers. With this "bartender in a jar" set, you'll feel like a master mixologist! Note: you will need to add your own alcohol to complete the drink. Kristins Koncoctions is a small business that sells cocktail infusion kits Promising review: "This was super fun to do. I thought the jars would be bigger but it was a great experience and I was able to use the mix more than once." — La'latina Chelle Get it from Kristins Koncoctions on Etsy for $12.50+ (available in two sizes and 29 styles). 21. Propagation vases you can mount directly on the wall for a unique upgrade to your home decor — why would you simply plop a plant on your end table when you could turn it into living art? Poethan is a small business that sells beautiful propagation vases. Promising review:"Absolutely love these!! Such a good, lively addition to a blank wall — I got the four-pack in a variety of colors, and they're beautiful!" — Meghan Get it from Poethan on Etsy for $10.62+ (available as a single vase, a set of two, a set of four, and five colors). 22. A keychain cap for lip balm babes who are tired of digging around their purses for their preferred tube — this genius item holds a slew of fan favorites from Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm to Glossier Balm Dotcom and all the options in between. Just the other day, my sister complained that she lost her fave lip treatment tube after popping it into her coat pocket. I'll be grabbing one of these for her birthday, that's for sure. GlossGrlCaps is a small business that sells various keychain caps to help prevent you from losing your lip gloss. Here's a quick reference of all the lip products the cap fits: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm Laneige Glowy Balm Ole Henriksen -Pout Preserve Tower 28 LipSofties Glossier Balm Dotcom Smiths -Lip Salve Topicals -Slick Salve Hanalei Lip Treatment Kopari Lip Glossy LA ROCHE-POSAY Barrier Preparing Balm M.A.C Lipglass Carmex Lip Balm Vaseline Lip Therapy Julep Beauty 24/7 Lip Treatment Jack Black Lip Balm First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy Marin Beauty GLOSSDRIP Promising review:"This is a very handy way to carry your lip gloss. The lid is very secure and the clip makes it accessible. Well made." — mljtalbot Get it from GlossGrlCaps on Etsy for $6+ (available in 32 styles). 23. A coffee cup trinket dish with a hidden compartment to stash your precious jewels inside while *also* honoring your one true love: lattes. illumimount /Etsy Illumimount is a small business that sells adorable trinket dishes and fidget sliders. Promising review:"Really happy with these! They look exactly as pictured and I just know the people I've bought these for will be over the moon :)" — Yasmin Walji Get it from Illumimount on Etsy for $52.28 (available in seven colors). 24. An inexplicably elegant faux oil painting on a museum-quality stretched canvas depicting the *ultimate* appetizer: fries and a side of ketchup. All I'd need is a Diet Coke and a Caesar salad to make this my *perfect* meal, TBH. Tiger Art Studios is a small business that sells original wall decor. You can even order this work of art framed! Promising review:"It's a fun piece of art. Everyone likes it when they see it!" — Janet Get it from Tiger Art Studios for $21+ (available in eight sizes, framed, unframed, or on a stretched canvas). 25. Sparkly holographic stickers for anyone with a goal of crafting a laptop case *so* fabulous you'll get stopped in coffee shops by onlookers who are just aching to know where you got your treasure trove of decorations. Pink Mango Print Co. is a small business that sells colorful stationery and sparkly party decor. Promising review:"Very sparkly and go well with my Barbie theme project. Arrived quickly and in a re-sealable pouch which is a nice touch!" — dhigdon05 Get a set of 10 from Pink Mango Print Co. on Etsy for $9.99+ (available in two sizes). 26. A dainty glass straw with a leeeeetle bow on it that'll make every beverage feel like it's dressed up and ready to go to the prom. Danielles Dazzled Gift is a small business that sells glass cups and accessories. If bows aren't your vibe, they also sell glass straws with butterflies or mushrooms! Promising review:"I ordered two straws with bows; they both came in timely and were packaged. I am thrilled with them. I have been using them daily since getting them and washed (hand washed), and they are holding up really well. I will be ordering more!" — Danielle Get it from Danielles Dazzled Gift on Etsy for $3.75 (available in four colors). 27. A crocheted hanging plant to hang from your rearview mirror because we haven't yet figured out how to keep a plant alive in the car. This will do the trick until science catches up with our grand designs to always have flowers around. Magic Touchs Shop is a small business that sells fun crocheted creations. Promising review:"So excited when this arrived, so beautiful, and there's something special about getting something handmade; love it!" — Sidney Get it from Magic Touchs Shop on Etsy for $11.96+ (available in 22 styles and with or without name personalization). 28. A curvy corner shelf with a glossy finish to it that'll make you feel like you've fully revamped your room even though all you've done is put up a shelf (and, yes, it comes with everything you need to properly hang it!). Now that you've decided to buy it, the next question is: what will you display?! Shop Curious HNL / Etsy Shop Curious HNL is a small business that sells funky and functional shelving and wall decor. Promising review:"The shelves are perfect! I asked if they could notch the inside corner to fit a cord through, and it worked perfectly. Such a cute touch in my daughter's room!" — Jana Get it from Shop Curious HNL on Etsy for $41 (available in eight colors). 29. A disco ball charm to place right in the middle of your turntable to turn every vinyl-listening sesh into a groovy party. Added bonus if you already have some Donna Summer or Gloria Gaynor albums ready to spin. Vinyl Charms 3D is a small business! Promising review: " Love this disco ball and really helps to make my records and player stand out. I hope to buy more vinyl charms from this seller in the future!" — Jesús Dejesus-Asiatico Get it from Vinyl Charms 3D on Etsy for $13 (available in three colors). 30. A fan-favorite Highland cow plush that'll have anyone who visits your home squealing (mooing???) with delight. It's just so cuuuuute!!! InMyField / Etsy InMyField is a small business that sells this adorable plush in addition to handmade kids' bow and arrows. Promising review:"My sweet, soft, cuddly, absolutely PERFECT lil' buddy arrived right on time (and incredibly quick!). My cow (Rosie) is perfection, and I nearly cried when she arrived. Thank you so much for the quick shipping and the amazing new stuffie." — Holly Clauss Get it from InMyField on Etsy for $29 (available in seven ribbon styles). 31. A miniature frog wizard who will stand guard on your shelf and make sure no visitors try any funny business like folding the corner in a page of one of your books or, gasp, returning one to the shelf out of alphabetical order. Grumpy Goblin Goods is a small business! Promising review:"I love my wizard frog. He is the best wizard frog there is. Quality is fantastic, and the seller answered a question I had very promptly. Would absolutely order from here in the future." — Robby Hamby Get it from Grumpy Goblin Goods on Etsy for $17.54+ (available in two sizes, as a set of five, and four colors). 33. And a stunning ceramic bouquet you can pop into your favorite vase and enjoy all year without the added pressure of trying to keep 'em alive. Phew, that's one less thing to think about. Alexa? Play "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus. Ceramic Florist PL / Etsy Ceramic Florist PL is a small business that, obviously, sells ceramic flowers. Promising review:"Absolutely beautiful ceramic flowers! The craftsmanship is stunning, and they arrived well-packaged and on time. Perfect for decorating or gifting. Highly recommend!" — Joelle Get them from Ceramic Florist PL on Etsy for $78.57+ (available in three sizes and four styles). Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
The Guardian
16-03-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
The billionaire who wants to make Australia great
Gina Rinehart is Australia's richest person – and as her wealth continues to rise, so does her power and influence. But what does she want? As the federal election approaches, Guardian Australia's new series explores the impact Australia's richest person could have on Australian politics. Senior correspondent Sarah Martin investigates decades of family history and infighting to make sense of how she became a mining billionaire, legal warrior and Trump admirer – and what she might do next.
