The Best Natural Perfumes

September 11, 2016 · 16 Comments

The Best Natural Perfumes

I’m a natural perfume convert.

In my younger days, I was an Estee Lauder ‘Beautiful’ girl but once I learnt about toxins and how they affect us, I was more than keen to ditch it for something more natural.

Like I have said before about natural skin care and natural make up, perfume is very much a personal thing, so try a few and see what resonates with you!

Did you know that perfume smells slightly different on everyone anyway? That’s because it mingles with your own body chemicals.

Why would you choose a natural perfume?

“If you are serious about your health, the first thing you would eliminate in your home is perfume, air fresheners and all products that contain artificial fragrances” Nicole Bijlsma, Building Biologist.

Yes, it really is that bad! You may have seen recent articles likening fragrance to ‘second hand smoke’. Some of the major concerns are that fragrance may contain styrene which a panel of experts found compelling evidence to link it to cancer.

Check out this article my friend Laura Trotta, environmental engineer wrote about the health and environmental concerns about perfume.

So, it’s not all bad news, because there are some amazing alternatives out there. Here is my list of the best natural perfumes in Australia!

♥ Lhami

The lovely Natalie from Lhami sent me the Sweet Dreams scent from her perfume range to try out and now I know why it’s her best seller! As well as smelling heavenly, it also sends me off to sleep (that’s why it’s called Sweet Dreams!!) This is a lovely calming blend of pure essential oils including grapefruit, cedarwood, lavender and frankincense with a jojoba oil base, in a glass roller ball. Natalie also has five other perfumes in her range – Pink Lotus and Rose, Sandalwood and Orange, Frangipani and Lime and Vanilla and Rosewood.

Check them out here.

♥ Lemon Canary Chakra Perfumes

Fiona at Lemon Canary has lovingly created and infused with reiki, an organic perfume blend for each chakra! Based on pure essential oils, each roller comes with a gorgeous card and calico bag with information about the chakra. You can also buy them all together in a gift box.

Sublime! Get them here.

♥ Black Chicken

Famous for their Axilla Paste deodorant, Black Chicken also do a lovely perfume that has recently been revamped. I actually got it for my daughter this year for her birthday and it’s gorgeous. Don’t tell her I have been sneaking a little roll-on here and there when she’s at school! Called Transcendense, it’s a beautiful earthy, musky scent with notes of Sandalwood, Geranium Bourbon, Patchouli, Lavender, and Ylang Ylang. It is 100% natural pure plant extracts, no alcohol and no toxic chemicals in a roller ball.

Get it online here.

♥ One Self

You could easily imagine yourself on holiday in Hawaii with this luxurious fragrance. Made from flowers found in the traditional Hawaiian Flower Lei – Gardenia, Frangipani and Tuberose in a base of certified organic coconut oil. Each perfume is uniquely hand crafted by Hawaiian locals who collect the pure organic ingredients using sustainable farming on the Big Island of Hawaii. A very special gift for yourself or someone you love.

Get it here.

♥ Weleda

Hugely popular German brand, Weleda has three perfumes in their range. Choose from Agrume, Grenade and Rose. They come in a 50ml spray bottle and are all natural with an alcohol base. I found them to be light and fruity, changing over the day to a more subtle earthy fragrance. These perfumes match up with their other products, so you can layer your fragrance.

Get them here.

♥ ime Natural Perfume

Gorgeous Tonia has created her perfume range holistically from her background in natural therapies. I adore the concept – nine scents that are all different. Each has their own colour and ‘muse’ from Greek mythology, so you can choose one depending on your mood or intention for the day.

A great way to try them out is the collections set pictured with one of each perfumes. It makes a fabulous gift too. They are 100% natural with an alcohol base in a spray bottle. We have been trying them all out (thank Tonia!) and my daughter and I both decided that Polyhymnia is our absolute favourite – divine!

Check out Tonia’s natural perfumes here.

♥ Vanessa Megan

This range from Western Australia features five different scents to choose from, all based on certified organic essential oils in a water base. They are 100% cruelty free, vegan, alcohol free and use eco packaging. You can choose them in 100ml spray bottles or get a pack of all five in a trial size.

Get them online here.

♥ Flora Remedia

Flora Remedia is an Aussie range of perfumes quite unique in that they combine aromatherapy oils in a coconut oil base with flower essences. Creator Maddy Dixon says she has formulated them to provide different purposes, creating a beautiful holistic synergy that work on our emotions. Choose from Uplifting, Immunity, Calm Infusion or Let Go in a roller ball and apply to the pulse points. I have had a smell of all of these and they are sublime! Definitely one of my favourites.

Get them online here.

♥ LaVanila

La Vanila is a fresh and fruity range from the US using pure essential oils and botanicals, each starting with a warm base of Madagascar vanilla. Choose from coconut, grapefruit, lemon, blackberry, lavender, passionfruit, pure vanilla and vanilla summer in an alcohol base.

La Vanila comes in spray bottles or roller balls or get a trial pack with all the scents. You can also layer the fragrance with deodorants in the same range!

Get them online here.

♥ Tinderbox Breath of Blossom

Tinderbox is the ultimate earth-mother natural brand based in WA, showcasing a range of gorgeous aromatherapy products. Breath of Blossom is a light floral cream perfume using only botanicals and pure plant products. It is an earthy, sweet floral fragrance designed to invite intimacy and comes in a reusable bamboo pot!

Get it online here.

What about the guys?

Natural cologne especially for men is available! Here are some awesome ones:

♥ Aromantik’s Merchants of Menace
♥ Vanessa Megan’s Driftwood or Citrus and Spice

Where to shop?

♥ Beautiful Because.

This online store was founded in 2013 by Nina Weston and sells purely natural beauty products. Nina has a background in beauty and prides herself on exceptional customer service. She has a huge range with everything from sunscreen to kids’ bubble bath to luxurious aromatherapy skincare, makeup and perfume! You can earn loyalty points, get free gifts with purchase and free shipping when you spend over $39.

♥ Emporio Organico.

Kitsa’s online store is an extension of her very successful business, Kitsa’s Kitchen. She has sourced some beautiful, luxurious products that include a huge range of natural skincare, body care and make up.

♥ Flora and Fauna.

A gorgeous online store created by Julie Mathers – an animal, nature and planet lover. Julie’s mission is to sell the best natural, organic vegan skin care, make up, body care and lifestyle products out there. You can be assured that nothing at Flora and Fauna is tested on animals, ever.

♥ Biome Eco Store.

Founded by Tracey Bailey, this small family business is a favourite. They stock a huge range of things that are organic, natural, recycled and fairtrade. Tracey has a rewards program, free shipping over $130 and a 5% discount.

♥ Lemon Canary.

Natural new age Queensland mum Fiona has a gorgeous range of essential oils, candles, homewares, gifts, new age ritual tools, crystals and so many more beautiful things.

How to wrap a head scarf (and look really cute)

August 18, 2016 · 1 Comment

How to wrap a head scarf (and look really cute)

So, some of you might know my friend Allison Davies – she’s been on the website before. She’s an absolute spunk and a massive natural, new age mum.

I have been admiring her head scarves in her Facebook videos and wondering how on earth she looks so cute in them. When I try to do a head scarf my kids say no…… don’t go out like that!

So I hit her up to do us a video and show us how to tie a head scarf so we look super cute and not like we are bandaging a head injury or something.

Here is Alli and her tips for tying a head scarf.

Where do you get your head scarves?

I love scarves and lament summer time when it’s too hot to wear them. The best I have found are at op shops. You can get some amazing patterns!

I particularly love Alli’s tip that head wraps are awesome for bad hair days. If you have to go out and your hair needs a wash or it’s a bit of a mess, just wrap it. Throw on some big sunnies and you look will look chic!

Okay the challenge is out there now. Wrap yourself a head scarf, take a pic and hashtag on social media so we can see how cute you look. #nnamheadscarf

Do you wear head scarves? Got any tips for us??

About Allison:

Allison Davies is a Tasmanian based Registered Music Therapist working with young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through Oh My Musical Goodness, Alli aims to empower parents, teachers and specialists with the skills they can use to foster their children’s neurological, physical & emotional development.

She is currently touring her workshop Music, Sound & Silence throughout Queensland and looks forward to a national tour in 2017.

Kind Every Day

August 10, 2016 · 8 Comments

Kind Every Day

Could you be Kind Every Day for a month?

There is a lot of negativity and hurting in our world right now. I try to shield myself from it as much as I can, but stuff still filters through. Some of us find it really hard to comprehend or to know what to do about it. It can be so depressing and debilitating.

Without wanting to sound too woo, I often get what I feel are messages that just won’t leave me alone. So, I have to act upon them!! This one is just so simple but so incredibly powerful.

Be kind.

I thought it would be fun to do this project with all of you. At first I was like, yeah, let’s do this for a whole year and then my adrenals reminded me to whoaaaaa nelly. How about a month first and see how you go, yeah?

So, anyway, if you are up for the challenge, join me.

Let’s do at least one kind thing every day for the month of September.

It can be a big thing, a little thing, in person, digital, random or not so random. It’s entirely up to you.

I will be posting every day (well I will try) on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #kindeverday and would love you to do the same.

Also join us on the Kind Everyday Facebook Event page here.

I am going to share resources, inspiring quotes and have random giveaways and fun stuff happening too.

You don’t have to take a photo of everything you do (use my photo up there if you like or any photo) but just a quick sentence or so about what you did with the hashtag. If you would like your kind acts to be more private, you can join us in the secret Facebook Natural New Age Mum Group and share there! (email me sonia@naturalnewagemum.com to join)

Sound good??

The purpose is definitely not to show off (I was worried it might come across like that!!) but to share your ideas of kindness, spread happiness and positivity and create a ripple effect in your community.

I also believe that when you think about other people and how you can show kindness, it gets you out of your own head, away from your own problems. But, this project is not limited to being kind to other people. It’s also so important to be kind to yourself, so that totally counts! Maybe you want to do two acts of kindness every day – one for yourself and one for someone else.

Of course, we are not limited to September, feel free to be kind all the time! Keep using the hashtag as much as you want.

Okay, so what about some inspiration??

Here are some things you might like to do. Feel free to add to my list in the comments!

♥ Pay someone a compliment.

♥ Offer to collect your neighbour’s mail when they go on holidays.

♥ Leave a note on someone’s car or desk saying “you are beautiful”

♥ Love Bomb! Send someone a message on Facebook or write them a letter telling them all the things you admire and love about them.

♥ Pay for the coffee of the person behind you at the cafe.

♥ Make up some envelopes of cash and tuck them randomly into people’s bags at the shops.

♥ Offer to do some cleaning or ironing for a tired new mum.

♥ Give your partner a back massage.

♥ If you have kids, write them a love note for their lunchbox.

♥ Bake a cake and take it in for the teachers at your child’s school.

♥ Give someone a massive smile.

♥ When you are getting out a trolley at the supermarket, pass one to the person behind you.

♥ Check in with someone you know is going through a hard time. Shoot them a text with a message of support.

♥ Hop online and see if you can volunteer in your local area.

♥ Help a mum or an elderly person struggling with their groceries.

♥ If someone lets you into the traffic, give them a friendly wave.

♥ Show appreciation for people. Whether it’s someone on the phone who has helped you sort out a bill or a friendly sales assistant or the lolly pop lady. Let them know they are doing a great job.

♥ Drop some cans of dog and cat food in at your local animal rescue shelter.

♥ Offer to drive someone to the airport.

♥ Create a love bomb book! Get crafty and decorate and write a book listing the reasons you love someone.

♥ Make someone a cup of tea or coffee.

♥ Tuck in tags! I always do this. You know when someone is wandering around with their tags out of their shirt? I always tuck it back in and say something funny.

♥ Give away things you don’t need to help someone else in need.

♥ Support your friends’ businesses and projects by buying and spreading the word.

♥ Fill up the parking meter before you leave it.

♥ Someone new to town, work or your school? Invite them for a cuppa.

♥ Take the neighbour’s bin in for them when you do your own.

♥ Share your books once you have finished with them.

♥ Volunteer to do a shift at the school tuckshop or your local charity store.

♥ Buy some sanitary items for the homeless. Check out the Period Project.

♥ Invite a friend over for a meal.

♥ Leave a good review for a business you love.

♥ Buy gifts from a small business or market stall.

♥ Send a little card or gift to someone you love who needs cheering up.

♥ When someone helps you, thank them and let them now how useful it was.

♥ Snip some herbs and take them over to the neighbours.

♥ Buy your dog a really big bone!

♥ Visit an aged-care facilities with some old magazines or books and stop for a chat.

♥ Help someone jump start their car.

♥ Become a mentor for someone and share your knowledge.

♥ Take your kids out on dates (separately) and do something fun.

♥ Sponsor a child in need, either overseas or at home.

♥ If someone is unwell or has a new baby, ask if you can pick up some groceries on your way over.

♥ Offer the handyman or gardener a cup of tea or a cold glass of water.

♥ Send someone a funny joke or photo.

♥ Give blood or become an organ donor.

♥ Write a lovely note and leave it in your library book for the next reader to find.

♥ Babysit for someone so they can have a date night.

♥ Shout your friend lunch, just because.

♥ Let people go ahead of you at the supermarket if they only have a few items.

♥ Give out lots of hugs.

I can’t wait to see what you all get up to in September. Remember to use the hashtag #kindeveryday

Love List July 16

July 29, 2016 · 4 Comments

Love List July 16

My monthly love list is back!

I know I haven’t been writing as much as usual. It’s all part of the healing process, slowing down and spending more time with my family. I have had loads of ideas though, so once I am feeling more on top of this adrenal fatigue that keeps hanging around, I will be writing a little more regularly. I hope you have all been keeping warm and well.
Here is what I have been loving this month.

♥ Wholefood from the Ground Up

I was lucky enough to meet the whole food goddess herself, Jude Blereau recently. Her new book is an absolute cracker with lots of wisdom around eating whole food and of course some amazing recipes. The olive oil, lemon and rosemary cake is utterly divine.

Get it here.

♥ Bone Broth

The awesome people at Nutra Organics just keep bringing out really good things! Their latest is beef broth powders. Now you all know I love my broth but I tend to stick with chicken as beef is a bit smelly to cook. Well, you don’t have to worry with these dehydrated versions!

Just add to some hot water to make a cup of broth or use to sprinkle in your cooking. It will boost the nutrition and give you a fabulous flavour without all the nasties in stock cube powders. The broth is made from certified organic, grass fed bones and gently dried to preserve nutrients.

Get them here.

♥ Earthing Sheet

So a few months ago, my hubby read the Earthing book (pictured) and promptly went and ordered an earthing sheet kit from the lovely Laura at Earthing Oz. We have previously ordered some radiation protection devices from her and love them.

I wasn’t all that keen on spending money on something I wasn’t too sure about it but he was adamant it would improve my health! Well okay hubby you were right. I love my earthing sheet!

It feels exactly like a normal fitted sheet except this one has earthing properties. You plug it into the wall, switched off to connect to the earth. I haven’t told you much about it yet because I wanted to trial it for a while. I have been sleeping a lot more deeply and restfully and I really noticed when I went away for a week and didn’t take my sheet (lesson learned) that there was a noticeable difference.

One of my readers also got herself a set and she reported back good results also! I think earthing in any form is so beneficial. I am going to write more about this on the website soon, so keep an eye out.

If you want to check out the sheets, go here.

♥ Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser

So spoilt! I won this amazing Lively Living diffuser on Facebook the other week and I am officially in love. I do have five diffusers of various types already (what can I say, I am an addict that likes oils in every room!) However, I must say this surpasses them all in terms of quality and appearance. My absolute favourite.

It’s an ultrasonic cold diffuser. The ultrasonic technology utilises high frequency vibrations to atomize the liquid, meaning there is no need for heat source. Each micro sized droplet is coated with a fine layer of the essential oil. This cool mist becomes a vapour which spreads evenly throughout the room, and is easily inhaled and absorbed.
Find out more here.

♥ Pathfinder Wolves Pendants

So beautiful! These gorgeous pendants are the soulful creation of Melbourne-based sisters LJ & Anna from Love is Your Compass. They are a range of hand carved wolf talismans, each with a different name and purpose, infused with reiki and love.

“We wanted to create wearable sacred tools which would energetically support the wearer to explore their inner world.”

Find out more.

100% Natural Jojoba Lip Balm Review

May 4, 2016 · Leave a Comment

I’m a bit of a lip balm freak.

I use it all the time! I keep one in the bathroom, one in my bedside draw and one in my handbag. I am covered for all occasions. There is nothing worse than the feeling of dry lips (well okay there might be a few things).

When The Jojoba Company sent me their new lip balm to try, I was a bit excited, given that I am a huge fan of their other products. Our whole family loves the jojoba oil!

Well they haven’t disappointed! TJC have nailed the perfect formula for a beautiful lip balm.

It’s smooth, lightweight and goes on easily. I found my dry lips were hydrated and soft again very quickly. I didn’t have to reapply for ages so it has a long lasting moisturising effect. There is only a very slight hint of coconut flavour from the coconut oil so there is no strong taste or smell.

Some lip balms I have used are really glaggy (I’m pretty sure that is a word) and feel gritty and weird on my lips. Straight coconut oil tends to slide off and not have any staying power. Many lip balms also contain a base of petrochemicals, which is something I always double check in the ingredients.

This one is 100% natural and The Jojoba Company use their own Aussie grown jojoba oil as a base. Kakadu plum seed oil is also included and they both have naturally occurring vitamins A, D & E.

I am finding that this balm doesn’t separate or melt (yes, it’s always hot here in Queensland). Trust me, there is nothing worse than finding a sticky pile of lip balm or lip stick in the bottom of your handbag!

There is no beeswax, so this lip balm is vegan if that is something you like to look for. I love the little pot rather than a stick – they last longer and are more hygienic. The lid is a little hard to get back on (or maybe that’s me being unco!)

Overall, a fantastic product that makes a great basic lip balm for everyone in the family to use. My favourite feature is definitely it’s ability to moisturise deeply and effectively while still being light weight and smooth.

The Jojoba Company is a family owned, Aussie business and they never test on animals. Two big ticks for me. You can find their range of products online or in most pharmacies and health food stores.

And…. they have kindly given you all a discount code to use! Woohoo!

Use the code: KISS15 to get 15% off the new lip balm at The Jojoba Company’s online store but only until May the 17th 2016!!

{this is a sponsored post}

A night out with Elizabeth Gilbert

March 3, 2016 · 5 Comments

A night out with Elizabeth Gilbert.

You all know who Elizabeth Gilbert is right?

The best-selling author of Eat Pray Love? It’s been 10 years since that book was published and resonated with women across the globe.

Well I saw she was coming to little old Brisbane and the tickets were only $40. Too good an opportunity to pass up.

Now I am going to preface this article by saying I am not a huge girl fan. I read her book, I watched the movie, I follow her on Facebook, I like her but not in a gushing way, you know? I haven’t read anything else of her work (but after the talk so keen to read her fiction novel!) I don’t subscribe to the theory of finding gurus to direct your life, I like to take snippets of wisdom from a lot of people. I figure I will pick up the bits of info I am meant to learn with any interactions or readings.

Anyway, the event was part of The Brisbane Writer’s Festival and Liz was on stage in a chat situation, interviewed by Mia Freedman. I personally thought this was a really odd pairing and there was a sense of awkwardness throughout the interview, possibly not helped by a crowd member heckling Mia to get back on topic when she started waffling about cosmetic surgery!

In essence, the chat was to be focused on Elizabeth’s new book, Big Magic and all about the creative process. I don’t really think of myself as a creative person or work with the creative process but the information and wisdom shared by Liz was relatable to most aspects of life anyway.

She is a very direct, down to earth person. There is no fluff. There is just telling it like it is. That is pretty refreshing. She also dropped a lot of F-Bombs which made us all laugh.

So I wanted to share with you some gems, some pearls of wisdom, some aha moments that I experienced on the night. I am paraphrasing her here – I didn’t take notes!

♥ If you have time for television and Facebook, you have time to start doing those things that make you happy and that help you reach your goals. Be conscious of where you are spending your time and energy.

♥ You have to learn to be okay with disappointing people. Liz does not do book signings because they are too draining on her energy – she prefers to spend her energy on writing. However she is okay with the fact that people will be upset with her. I think a few of us were a little shaken by this. Women often learn to be people pleasers, don’t we? But in the process we sacrifice ourselves.

♥ When creating something, go for real not perfect. Nobody can replicate something you make, so put your heart and soul into it, without a need for perfection and love it for what it is.

♥ Embrace the fear. Okay, not a new concept but Liz explains it in a cool way. Fear will always be with you, so let it come along for the drive, but it sits in the back seat and doesn’t choose the snacks!

♥ Just do the thing. Negotiating with yourself about whether you are going to exercise or start writing or doing whatever is exhausting. Just do the thing.

♥ The difference between a hobby, a job, a career and a vocation. An interesting way of looking at your life. Read Liz’s Facebook post here.

♥ Inspiration and hard work are a beautiful collaboration. Those little whispers our soul gets – those beautiful moments of brilliance – harness those but don’t forget that you put the work in to make something happen.

If you want to see a video replay of the night, check it out here.

Have you seen Elizabeth Gilbert? Have you read her books? Are you a fan?

What is smudging and how do you do it?

November 3, 2015 · 6 Comments

What is smudging and how do you do it?

♥ What is smudging?

Smudging is an ancient practice of clearing negative energy from yourself or a space using the smoke of burning herbs, usually white sage. It is often associated with Native American rituals but ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians also used this type of practice.

♥ When would you smudge yourself or your space?

You can do smudging whenever you like but some of the situations you may want to do it include:

when moving into a new house or leaving an old house
if you feel sad, depressed, angry, anxious or just a bit flat and tired
you want to remove any negative presences or spirits
if you have had an argument with someone or want to remove energy left in your space by other people
before and/or after celebrations or rituals
to cleanse crystals
to mark each season or
just because you feel like you need it

♥ What do you use to smudge?

The easiest way to smudge is to use a smudge stick – this is a bundle of dried herbs (usually white sage for its healing properties) tied together to make a stick. Sometimes lavender or other herbs are added. You can also use a stick of Palo Santo. You can get them from health food stores, new age stores or online. If you are the crafty sort, you can also make your own smudge sticks.

There are ethical considerations in using white sage and Palo Santo, so please make sure you source from a reputable supplier.

♥ How do you smudge?

First of all, think about why you are smudging, the intention and what you want to achieve. Then, holding that intention, light the smudge stick and once it’s burning, gently blow it out so the flame is out but there is smoke curling out from it and it’s smoldering.

To smudge yourself or someone else, swirl the smudge stick gently around the person, from head to toe. This will cleanse their aura.

To smudge your house or office or any space, open the windows and walk through the area with the smudge stick, allowing the smoke to get into all the corners and cupboards.

You can say or think your intention for the smudging while you are doing it. Don’t worry if it feels a bit awkward, it’s the intention that counts.

Some people like to hold a heat proof bowl under the smudge stick to collect the ash (which you can take outside and bury in the earth). You can also do drumming, chanting or fanning the smoke with a large feather too.

When you are finished and if the stick is still smoldering, tamp it out on the earth or some sand.

I find the smudge stick lasts for several uses.

♥ How does it work?

Well, there is some actual science here, it’s not just all woo (but I do love the woo!).

The sage releases negative ions into the space – just like running water, the beach or the forest does.

If you aren’t keen on burning things for space clearing, you could also use sage essential oil in a diffuser.

Do you smudge? Have you noticed the benefits?

Love List ~ Oct 15

October 29, 2015 · 23 Comments

October – it’s well and truly lovely Spring weather now! One of my favourite months of the year. Here are the things I have been digging this month:

♥ Natural Pigmentation Oil

I have really bad dark under eye circles, like really bad. I know it’s mostly a genetic thing and it’s something I’ve always had. I have been using the new Natural Pigmentation Oil that The Jojoba Company sent me, for about two weeks. I was loving it anyway – my skin just drinks up jojoba oil and it has a really pleasant, slightly citrus smell.

Then the other day I was looking in the mirror and wondered what was different. It took me a while to realize that the darkness under my eyes had lightened! Holy moly, I didn’t expect that! Isn’t it amazing what Mother Nature can do – we don’t need toxic, expensive cosmetics to get results!!

So, then I was fascinated to see what was actually in this (apart from the beautiful jojoba oil base). TJC have formulated this oil to specifically target pigmentation, age spots, freckles and uneven skin tone. It contains rumex, carrot oil, absynian oil, burriti oil, vitamin c and vitamin e. I don’t know what most of those are, but they are magic! I don’t like to wear a lot of make up so this is great for giving me a smoother and softer look.

You can get it online straight from The Jojoba Company here or take a look in your local pharmacy or health food store.

♥ Happy Go Paleo

I love Irena’s eating philosophy – mostly paleo but with a relaxed approach! So in this recipe book you will see some rice, buckwheat, quinoa and a little smattering of cheese and yoghurt. All the recipes are gluten free and refined sugar free though. Beautifully styled and so much yumminess, this one is fast becoming a favourite in my house!

And yes, I can always use another (healthy) cookbook to add to my collection! Get it here.

♥ Pre-loved gift ideas.

Melissa from Frugal and Thriving wrote this great article with 15 second-hand items that make great gifts. I know a few of my friends that love a good op shop find as a gift! You could decide to do a ‘buy nothing new Christmas’ if you wanted to really get into the spirit of sustainability.

Read the article here.

♥ Pear and Cardamom Cake.

I don’t actually cook loads of cakes and treats but when I have someone coming over for dinner, I do like to make something yummy but still healthy for dessert. Well, I have had Brenda Janschek’s Cardamom Cake on my to-make list for a few weeks so I thought I would try it out.

I had to make it dairy free for my friend so I used coconut oil and coconut milk instead of butter and milk. I also added some thinly sliced pear to the top (as I had one that needed using up) and I didn’t use the cloves (because I hate them!) It was soooo divine. The texture is so light and fluffy and the spices mingled beautifully with the pear. It’s also super easy to make. Thanks Bren, it’s a winner.

Get the recipe here.

♥ Glass Lock Food Storage

Hubby asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year (he’s a gem isn’t he?). Is it a bit nerdy that I thought of this Glass Lock set??? I have been using Pyrex glass containers but the lids end up warping after a while and they are not leak-proof or air-tight.

I have heard a few people say how good these are so I am keen to try it out. I love the little locks on the side to seal it up, that the lid is BPA free and you can use them in the oven as well. I do this a lot – bake something and then the leftovers go in the fridge with the lid on – easy.

Andddd hubby if you are reading, they are on sale right now!! If you want to check them out, go here.

♥ Upcycled Jumper Dog Bed

I love this idea! So easy to make a little bed for your dog or cat. Just use an old jumper or go and find a funky one at the op shop, a little bit of stitching, filling and you are done!

Details here.

FREE eBOOK! Have you got your copy of my new eBook, How to Eat Healthy Wholefood on a Budget? Sign up to my monthly newsletter here and it’s all yours!

Okay that’s my monthly round up of awesomeness. What have you been loving?

Adult Colouring In: It’s a thing and it’s good for you!

September 10, 2015 · 5 Comments

Adult Colouring In: It’s a thing and it’s good for you!

Have you ever watched a child colouring-in?

They get completely absorbed in what they are doing and they aren’t worrying about anything else.

Well, that’s the goal of adult-colouring in. Just being focused on something in a mindful way, that is also relaxing can help your brain switch off and relax.

In our crazy, modern world it’s no wonder that colouring books are in the best-seller lists! Many people struggle with meditation so this quiet activity is a good way to start.

There is some debate on whether this is a serious ‘art therapy’ or not, but I think if it feels good, do it!

Neuropsychologist and neuroscientist Dr Stan Rodski says they started seeing changes in heart rates and brain waves of people colouring in. He believes three key elements —repetition, pattern and detail— are what is responsible for the positive neurological responses in participants.

Colouring in may also be of benefit to us because it’s fun and it reminds us of our childhood. There is no doubt that it’s a great way to unplug from the electronic world and just relax.

I asked my friend and amazing life coach, Kirri White from Kirri White Coaching what she thought of adult colouring in and she says:

“I’ve started recommending coloring in books for clients who appreciate the benefits of mindfulness, but are highly resistant to formal meditation practices. It’s all about sitting quietly and zoning out, plus – there’s something incredibly therapeutic about returning to one of our childhood domains.”

Monique at The Nourished Psychologist says:

“I think adult colouring books are a great tool. They can help to calm the mind and body and help you to be present in this moment. They are great for when you are feeling stressed, anxious or distressed. Pop on some calming music while you colour too.”

There are so many colouring books available now, but I have picked out five of the best for you:

♥ Secret Garden

For lovers of all things flora and fauna, check out this colouring book by ‘ink evangelist’ and Scottish artist, Joanna Basford. Ramble through the Secret Garden and find all sorts of things to colour and discover and to create yourself. This book has sold over a million copies!

Get it here.

♥The Mindfulness Colouring Book

A pocket-sized go anywhere colouring book by French illustrator, Emma Farrarons. Intricate and detailed for hours of peaceful colouring.

Get it here.

♥ Zentangle Drawing for a Calm and Focused Mind

Zentangle is a step up from colouring in that you draw doodles to make beautiful patterns. You can then colour them in or leave them black and white.

Get this one here.

My friend Tash from A Girl, A Guy, Fur Kids and Food is a huge fan of Zentangle and she says:

“I first looked into Zentangle for pain management and stress relief. Zentangle can be practiced in small doses which suited me as I can’t spend a great deal of time using my arm and shoulder due to injury. No artistic skills are required as the patterns are so simple to follow and the beauty is in the sense of Zen that you feel when you think of nothing but the page, the pen and the pattern. Colouring in was much the same. The mind stops wandering, stops being in the past and/or the future and stays in the present as you lay down colour on the page. Both are a lovely way to practice a more dynamic form of mindfulness”

♥ The Big Book of Mandalas

An ancient form of meditative art, mandalas are known for their restorative power as well as their ability to provide tranquility and a sense of self. There are 200 in this book to spark your creativity.

Get it here.

What to colour in with?

You are only limited to your imagination! Pens, pencils, gel pens, markers – whatever takes your fancy. Lyra colouring in pencils are top quality, non-toxic and forest friendly. Get them here.

Do you colour in? Tell us what you love about it.

Love List – August 2015

September 1, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Love List – August 2015

The month’s just seem to be flying by! Here we are at the end of August and winter all ready. Although we haven’t really had much of a cold winter here, who doesn’t love the start of Spring?

Anyway, here is my monthly round up of awesome things!

♥ Oxfam Spring Catalogue.

I am a huge fan of The Oxfam Shop and their Spring catalogue has some nice new things. There are great Christmas gift ideas (oh yes, I went there) and if nothing else, their fair-trade, recyclable, biodegradable coffee pods are a must have if you want to ease the eco-guilt of having a pod machine!! 🙂 When you spend over $80 you can get FREE shipping with this code: YV54T7.

Check it out here.

♥ Rolled Paper Beaded Bracelet

I love this easy and eco-friendly idea by Mandy at Sugar Bee Crafts. Use old magazines or paper and upcycle them into a pretty bracelet. A great activity for the kids these school holidays!

Find the tutorial here.

♥ The Fabulous Woman Project

Doors open today for this awesome 12 week online course from Sam Cannell, nutrition and lifestyle coach. I am loving the access to materials before the course starts, the easy payment plan and the lifetime access so you can go at your own pace.

Sam and her team of experts are going to be covering subjects to improve your health and happiness. Nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, meditation, motivation, reducing toxins, getting to know yourself and more!

Find out more details here.

♥ Golden Milk

Golden Milk is so hot right now! The always amazing Cyndi O’Meara has a great recipe for you. Pick the milk of your choice and infuse it with turmeric and other yummy things to make a super duper drink that eases inflammation in your body.

Get the recipe here.

♥ Lady Girl Vintage Blog

I am loving this blog! Lady Girl Vintage takes dowdy old dresses from the opshop and upcycles them into something modern and cute. As a sewing challenged person, I think this is remarkably clever (and eco-friendly).

Check it out here.

♥ Happy Gluten Free Kids

Without a doubt, one of the biggest challenges I hear from parents is when their child has to go gluten-free for health reasons. Bridget Pennington’s new book Happy Gluten Free Kids is the answer! Bridget has been through this herself and is also a clinical nutritionist and educator. So she is perfectly placed to help you with strategies from shopping to sleepovers and make the transition smooth and painless!

Find out more here.

♥ Mizpah

I am a self-confessed word nerd! I came across mizpah this month and I love it. Isn’t it amazing that there is a word to describe that deep, deep connection we feel with certain people. Do you have anyone you feel mizpah with?

♥ Small Steps to Wholefoods

Yes, Lisa Corduff is back with another round of her amazing online course, Small Steps to Wholefoods. As the name suggests, this course gives you small steps to eating more wholefoods for the whole family. Lisa has a great knack at being able to resonate with women all around Australia struggling to get their family eating well. She has a seriously star-studded line up of special guests helping out as well. PS I am going to be the Community Manager (sounds fancy doesn’t it?) for the course Facebook page so I will see you in there!

Find out more here. HURRY! Earlybird price ends tonite (1/9/15)

What have you discovered this month that you are loving? Share with us!