We have discussed wabi-sabi before. It bears repetition. This poetic Japanese theory says everything is transitory and in a state of flux, and there is unique beauty in what we are often told to regard as imperfection. Simplicity, maturity and irregularity are to be celebrated. While we applaud those who strive to improve themselves, we encourage you to accept yourself throughout your progression. Love and respect yourself. Drink pure water, eat fresh food, sleep as much as possible, and take good care of your skin. Above all, steer clear of propaganda that encourages you to focus on perceived flaws and failings.

DRINK
Pieropan La Rocca Soave Classico. This Italian wine is golden in colour, liquid gold in taste. If you haven’t ventured into Soave territory before this is a perfect starting point. Granted, the single-vineyard production bumps up the price tag, however if you find yourself aching for something more accessible their Soave Classico (now sadly declassified due solely – and ridiculously – to arcane DOCG restrictions on usage of screw caps) is worth sampling.

SUPPORT
The Country Women’s Association of Australia, regardless of your political leanings, for their enduring ability to keep communities together and help in times of crisis. While they are famed for their jams, scones and no-nonsense lobbying, the CWA is looking quite modern of late. Their collaborative approach and interests as a group are being echoed by the young and hip across Australia. Tea and needlework anyone?

EAT
According to the advice of Sunday Times’ reviewer A.A Gill. Witty, erudite, impossibly bright and awfully hard to please, Gill informs and amuses us. When he reviews a restaurant he writes about all that surrounds it, from the city in which he ate to the cultural events that allowed such a meal to come to life. We trust that if something finds favour with him it must be astoundingly good.

ENJOY
Our two new travel cases, Basel and Adelaide, each of which contains pint-sized essentials to care for skin, hair and body while you’re away from home. Inspired by Aesop signature stores in South Australia and Switzerland – our first store in Basel opens this month – these sturdy, black microfiber cases contain a combination of favourites including Fabulous Face Cleanser, Oil Free Facial Hydrating Serum and Gentle Scalp Cleansing Shampoo.

LISTEN
To Frank Schirrmacher on The Edge website discuss how the Internet, with its mass of information and social networking sites, has changed the way people interact and communicate with one another in the real world. His engaging lecture, ‘The Age of the Informavore’, is a partial response to historian George Dyson's question ‘What if the price of machines that think is people who don't?’

DISCOVER
Vincent Van Duysen, whose Antwerp practice generates sophisticated and relevant contemporary architecture. Van Duysen is a master with space and volume, and delivers confidently integrated design that values discretion and humility. His buildings age with dignity and provide respite from the excess of overbearing twenty-first century design. The Phaidon book that documents Van Duysen’s output is worth the outlay.

WATCH
Any of Jane Campion’s films, from her early foray into dark comedy, Sweetie, to her poignant biography of poet Janet Frame, An Angel at My Table, and her internationally acclaimed art piece, The Piano. Her discerning eye and capacity to capture the essence of a particular time and place is extraordinary. At the risk of sounding parental, we’re terribly proud of her.

ATTEND
The ballet Don Quixote at La Scala, from 13 February, choreographed by Rudolf Nureyev, with music by Ludwig Minkus. Should you prefer opera, there will be six performances of Don Giovanni this month, conducted by Louis Langree. Regardless of your chosen form of entertainment, do visit Teatro alla Scala to admire this remarkable building, which has been the home of opera in Milan since 1778.

HEAR
Greek folk singer Marinella performing ‘Stalia Stalia’. Since releasing her first song in 1957, Marinella has been popular in her homeland for her solo work and collaborations with other singers, including Stelios Kazantzidis, George Dalaras and Antonis Remos. We enjoy her powerful voice and fabulous haircuts – especially her dos of the late fifties through to the early seventies.

‘Beauty is only skin deep but ugly goes clean to the bone.’ Dorothy Parker