The Haul: Eat Fresh, Support Local, Feel Good

Welcome to The Haul, where we give you a peek into our shopping bag (or the shopping bag of someone far more interesting than us) and an idea of what’s worth browsing and buying in Reykjavík these days. This time, we’re peeking into the “nice-to-have” list of Natka Klimowicz, aka Kosmonatka, an illustrator, tattoo artist and creative force behind multiple murals around town. Also, the artist responsible for the gigantic suspended underwear for the recent Smekkbuxur rave.

1. Veggie subscription from Reykjalundur farm — Iceland, I love you truly, but there is one thing about you that I refuse to accept, and that is the quality of fresh produce. All the mouldy, tasteless veggies that travelled from the other side of the globe give me nightmares (and a lack of nutrition). What saves the day is a veggie subscription from Reykjalundur farm, delivering a bag of handsome vegetables weekly to the nearest Pikkolo spot —  9.303 ISK per bag (other options available), order at reykjalundurgardyrkja.is

​​2. Any clothes from No No Yes Of Course — Designed in Iceland, made in Poland — No No Yes of Course is a small Reykjavík-based brand. Hoodies, socks, T-shirts, stickers — you name it — the quality and attention to detail is just 100/10. I have a couple of things, but I always want more. Might catch a nice event if you keep an eye on their social media — prices vary depending on the item – 2.500-24.000 ISK, order via DM on Instagram @nonoyesofcourse

3. Music from bbbbbb recors catalogue on Bandcamp — Goodbye Spotify, I will not shed a single tear for you. Not only is it a matter of stealing from your favourite artists, but a political statement at this point. Bandcamp introduced a playlist feature recently, and it is a game-changer. The Icelandic underground scene is one of the country’s biggest gems, and bbbbbb recors archives have all my beloved tracks, many of which you can’t access on other platforms. Bjarki, Volruptus, ex.girls, In3dee, let’s go! A vortex of coolness, please dive in — prices vary between single tracks and albums, available at bbbbbbrecors.bandcamp.com

4. Pickles at the Polish store — Polish stores have the very best pickles. It’s not an opinion; it’s a matter of fact. ‘Ogórki konserwowe’ are the sweet cucumbers in brine, ‘kiszone’ are the sour ones, full of probiotics. While you are there, check the selection of mustards, it might just blow your mind. You are welcome — 500+ ISK, available at Euro Market, Hlemmur

5. CBD at Reykjavík Headshop — Nature’s remedy for sleepless, bright summer nights. And for everything really. Sweetest staff and the good stuff — price starts from 2.760 ISK, available at Reykjavík Headshop, Ingólfsstræti 6

6. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castille Soap — THE soap. Clean yourself, your dog, your clothes and dishes. Also the best toilet read of all time. Sounds like a cult that I want to join, and apparently it’s one of the most fair companies in existence. Cleanliness is Godliness! All one or none, exceptions: ABSOLUTE NONE!!! — price starts from 664 ISK, available in different sizes with refill option at Mamma Veit Best in Kopavogur

7. Subscription supporting Matthildur Skaðaminnkun — Iceland’s one and only harm reduction organisation. I love everything they do and how they do it: their non-judgemental educational approach to taboo matters. If you are a party goer, you might have met them on one of this summer’s weekends. You can support their service with a monthly subscription — 2.000 ISK+ or pay what you want, via styrkja.is

8. Yerbata — hear me out: forget Club Mate, because the absolute best mate soda is actually Yerbata, imported from Poland — 600 ISK+, available at Melabúðin, Pétursbuð and Kemuri

Follow Kosmonatka on Instagram: @kosmonatka

For all your non-essentials, visit the Grapevine store here.