Love List ~ June 18

June 21, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Love List ~ June 18

In this edition of the Love List, I have six amazing products for you to check out. What have you discovered lately that you are loving? Let me know.

♥ Handshine Handwash

Aussie mums, Alisa and Danni from 123 Nourish Me have done it again with another amazing product made from quality organic ingredients. This time it’s hand wash called Handshine. But, it’s not just a hand wash, you can also use it as a shampoo, body wash and bubble bath.

We are loving it! It leaves skin nourished and soft and the pink grapefruit and organic apple make it smell delicious. 123 Nourish Me is fast becoming my favourite brand for not only their hard-working, effective products, but for their uncompromising quality and ethics.

Check it out here.

♥ Hippie Mamas Book

“Hippie in City” Rita Balshaw has just released a new book all about holistic pregnancy, birth, babies and beyond.

Hippie Mamas has a wealth of information about how to take care of yourself and your babies with aromatherapy, nutrition, herbs, natural remedies and self-care. There are loads of recipes for nourishing food and DIY beauty and health remedies that I can’t wait to try.

With beautiful illustrations and an easy-to-read format, Rita’s beautiful book is a fantastic resource for all mums and would make a really thoughtful and useful gift for a baby shower or blessingway.

You might even find Natural New Age Mum listed in the resource section! 😉

Get it here (on sale at the moment!)

♥ Mystic Essential Oil Candle

I am a huge fan of beautiful online store, Lemon Canary!

It’s actually quite hard to find good quality candles that are made with just pure essential oils and not fragrance oils. Fiona, a natural new age mum from the Gold Coast, has an exquisite range of 100% pure essential oils blends that she hand crafts into gorgeous high vibrational products like these candles, massage oils, soaps and mists.

I am loving the MYSTIC blend at the moment but well, I can’t really pick a favourite! All of the essential oil range is blended with lots of thought and love to create something quite special. You can also get LOVE, MEDITATE, DREAM, GRATEFUL and HAPPY!

Find them here.

♥ Note to Self Cards

Some of you know that my friendship with Alisha at Naughty Naturopath Mum stretches back many years now. She is a very special soul with a huge heart and I have often been the recipient of her wise, gentle and loving advice. Somehow, she always knows just what to say!

Well, all of you can now benefit from her wisdom because she’s just released a beautiful set of cards, Note to Self. These cards are like having Alisha as your personal life coach, friend and cheerleader all in a little box!

You can use them as oracle cards to give you guidance. Shuffle the cards while thinking of a problem or something you need help with and pull a card you feel drawn to. The front of the cards has a short message and on the back of the card is the sentiment explained in more detail.

Get them from Alisha here.

♥ Good Fat Mayo

This mayonnaise is the answer to all my mayonnaise problems. I love mayo and I love making it myself at home but it does take a little time to organise (the eggs and ingredients need to be at room temperature) and it doesn’t last very long in the fridge. Not great for spontaneously needing mayo!

Most mayonnaise you buy from the supermarket contains toxic seed oils, usually canola and usually contains a whole host of other weird things you don’t want to be eating either.

Good Fat Mayo is made with olive oil, free range eggs and all natural ingredients and it’s packaged in a glass jar. Woohoo!

Get it here.

♥ Elate Universal Creme

Are you a bit of a low-maintenance/minimalist person like me when it comes to makeup? Or maybe you just don’t have time to spend putting it on in the mornings? Well, the Universal Creme is our new best friend.

You can use this creme as a blush or lipstick and even on your eyes. It comes in five different colours so you can choose one that suits your skin tone. I love that it’s packaged in a reusable (and funky) bamboo container that you can get refills for. Zero-waste, plastic-free beauty!

Seriously, how has nobody thought of this before!?

Elate make a whole range of lush cosmetics that are vegan, cruelty-free and of course made from all natural, quality ingredients.

Check it out here.

How to have an aromatherapy bath, safely!

April 17, 2018 · 2 Comments

How to have an aromatherapy bath, safely!

Did you know that it’s very easy to burn yourself with essential oils in the bath?

I know because I did it!

And it was very, very painful.

Last year, I had a bad flu and in my haziness, thought a nice aromatherapy bath would help. I must have been really out of it because I got badly burned. I think I used too many drops of essential oils and I didn’t mix it really thoroughly with the magnesium flakes like I normally do.

After a few minutes in the bath, I had a terrible burning pain up and down the back of my body. It took quite a few hours, a tub of coconut oil and cold towels draped all over me for the pain to go away. It was excruciating and I was in a lot of distress.

Since then, I found out that the method I was using (mixing into magnesium flakes) wasn’t even recommended as a safe option !! I am so, so careful now about how I take an aromatherapy bath.

Baths are a great way to get the benefits of essential oils. As well as absorbing the oils into your skin, you are also inhaling the beautiful vapours of the oils while relaxing and taking time out. I try to have a magnesium aromatherapy bath at least once a week to keep my stress levels in check.

Here’s the safety issue with essential oils and baths : “Essential oils are not water soluble, and so pouring them directly into a bath will result in a film of undiluted essential oils sitting on top, waiting patiently for your tender flesh to enter the water.” Robert Tisserand

So, to use essential oils safely in a bath, they need to be diluted and dispersed. We don’t want them neat on our skin in a hot bath as the hot water can make the skin even more hypersensitive to the oils.

After reading up on this topic so as not to burn myself again, I came across a few different things that you can use to dilute and disperse the oils in the bath. I think that the easiest way is to use a foaming product like shampoo, liquid soap or castile soap. You add 5-10 drops of essential oils to 1 tablespoon of foaming product and mix well really well. I do this in a small bowl I keep in the bathroom. I always use this castile soap because it has no weird ingredients and it’s unscented so I can add my own blend of oils for the results I want.

You can use a carrier oil like fractioned coconut oil or vegetable oil instead of a foaming product if you thoroughly mix the essential oils in with it. However, this method just dilutes the essential oils to a safe, non-burny level when in contact with your skin. They do not disperse the oil through the water like a foaming product does and they will still sit on top of the water.

It’s recommended not to use water soluble bases like milk, epsom salts, bicarbonate of soda, witch hazel, glycerine or aloe vera. These products are not considered safe because they simply dissolve in your bath water and leave the essential oils undiluted and at risk of coming into direct contact with your skin.

So, you still want a magnesium bath with oils? Simple. Just make sure you mix your essential oils with your foaming product really well. Then add to your bath with the magnesium flakes.

In my research into aromatherapy bath safety, I came across another point of view from The School of Aromatic Studies. I think she does make some good points but as with everything, I always err on the side of caution and considering my terrible burn experience with the oils, I am going with Robert Tisserand on this one. Also remember that children are extra sensitive, so take extra care.

Here are some gorgeous essential oil blends that are great for aromatherapy baths:

For Sleep: Slumber, Siesta or Sleepyhead

For Sickness: Immune Boost or Wellness Warrior

For Relaxing: Serenity or Calm

For Reviving: Upbeat or Energy and Vitality

For Lovers: Romance and Intimacy

I also use magnesium chloride flakes in my baths for relaxation and detoxing.

Do you take aromatherapy baths?

‘There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.’ Sylvia Plath

Sources: Robert Tisserand, Tisserand Institute.

Introducing… Bosisto’s Aromatherapy Mists

February 8, 2018 · 147 Comments

Introducing… Bosisto’s Aromatherapy Mists

I use aromatherapy sprays every day! I think I might be a bit addicted.

It’s a great way to get the benefit of essential oils in an easy, convenient way.

The lovely people at Bosisto’s have sent me their new Aromatherapy range of mists to try out. They have recently released three aromatherapy room mists – Sleep, Energy and Breathe.

You might already be familiar with the Bosisto’s brand because their gorgeous eucalyptus oil with the parrot logo has been an Aussie institution since 1852! In fact, they are the oldest heritage brand that is still 100% Aussie owned and they know a thing or two about essential oils after being in the business so long.

♥ Sleep

The Sleep Aroma Mist is a relaxing fusion of lavender and chamomile essential oils. Use it in your bedroom or on your pillow to help you get to unwind and get a better sleep at night.

This one would also be great to calm down the kids if they are getting a little bit feral. Spray some around and change up the mood!

♥ Energy

Energy is a refreshing blend of rosemary, lemon and peppermint oils. Designed to be invigorating and energising, you can use this blend first thing in the morning to get going or if you are having a mid-afternoon slump!

It would also be brilliant to spray around when the kids are doing their homework and need to focus.

♥ Breathe

The Breathe Aroma Mist is great if you are feeling a bit under the weather. It has a zingy blend of eucalyptus, rosemary and wintergreen to clear the head.

This one also works well as a spray for the sick room to freshen things up.

How do you use them?

So simple! Just pump 3-5 sprays into a room and use as often as needed.

As well as using them around your house, try them out in the car, class room, office or hotel rooms when travelling. You can also just use the aroma mists as an air-freshener in the smallest room of the house (aka the loo!)

While essential oils are all natural, they still need to be used with caution.

Spray into the room around you rather than towards you. As some essential oils are not suitable for pets, be mindful when spraying around your furry and feathered family.

As well as the therapeutic benefits of aroma mists and their nice smell, I always find that spraying a room with oils changes the energy too. Without going to woo woo on you, they are a great way to cleanse any negative energy and change up the vibe.

Whats in them?

Bosisto’s only use 100% pure essential oils, water and ethanol in their aroma mists. There are no nasties like parabens, pthalates or synthetic fragrances.

The verdict?

I think they are great! Not only are they very affordable, you can get them at most Woolworths, so they are easy to grab in your weekly shop.

My family are loving them too – I could not find the Sleep mist anywhere when I wanted to take a photo. Turns out my daughter had ‘borrowed’ it to help her sleep and make her room smell nice!

Bosisto’s aromatherapy mists are Aussie owned and made and never tested on animals. The spray bottles are also recyclable (or you could re-use them too).

I am a long time essential oils lover and it’s great to see natural aromatherapy products coming into mainstream usage. You don’t need to spend a fortune to experience the benefits of pure aromatherapy oils.

Bosisito’s have already done the blending for you, so you just need to spray and enjoy!

Where do you get them?

Most Woolworths stores stock the aromatherapy mists but Bosisto’s have their own online store where you can get them directly . If you shop at their online store, you can get 25% off until the end of February too!

Giveaway:

This giveaway has now closed. The lucky winners are: Tish, Lisa, Louise, Deborah and Debbie.

The lovely people at Bosistos are giving away five packs of all three mists to five of you!

How to enter:

Head to the Bosisto’s website and check out the sprays.

Leave a comment here and let me know which one you are going to use first and what for.

Terms and conditions:

This giveaway ends 16th February at midnite (AEST). The winners will be chosen using a random number generator from those meeting the entry requirements and notified by email. Sorry, only those with an Australian address are eligible to enter. Good luck!

(this post is sponsored)

Love List ~ October 2017

October 8, 2017 · 2 Comments

I haven’t done a LOVE LIST in forever.

Actually it’s been nearly a year to the day since I did the last one!

I had a bit of a break from posting this year while I was getting my health sorted out. Now that I am feeling a bit better, I am trying to keep up with posting once a week. Remember the days when I used to smash out three a week!?

Anyhooooo…. I have had so many things in that time that I have been wanting to share with you, so it’s a bumper edition this time around. I hope you enjoy it!

♥ Antipodes Juliet Cleanser

Antipodes is a gorgeous NZ natural skincare brand. This is the first time I have tried anything in the range and I love the cleanser so much. It’s a breeze to use and it leaves my skin feeling soft, clean and fresh. It combines exfoliating action into the gel cleanser so you are doing two steps in one!

My daughter who has blemish prone skin keeps stealing it too. I love that it’s in a big 200g size so it lasts longer and it’s affordable too.

Check it out here.

♥ Kinderfeets Kinderboard

How awesome is this!!! I need an adult one.

These stunning Scandinavian Kinderfeets balance boards are made from eco-friendly beech wood. They were created to help children develop a sense of balance, stimulate their vestibular system and gain a deeper awareness of their body and body parts. It can help improve mental focus and functional strength.

You can rock it. Balance on it. Push it. Spin it. Flip it and slide. Nap, relax and read on it. Use it as a play house for toys or as a bench seat. Let the kid’s imagination run wild with it!

Brilliant for kids with sensory processing disorders, on the spectrum or with special needs. These have been selling out around Australia so be quick if you are interested!

Find out more here.

♥ Mellow Deodorant Paste

The awesome peeps at Happy Skincare have released another in their Woohoo range of natural deodorant pastes. This one is a bicarb-free, essential-oil free version. It’s perfect for all you sensitive souls who react!

In their typically generous fashion, Aaron and Phoebe are giving away their new product whenever you order something over $50!

Check it out here.

♥ Lemon Canary Tea

With Pukka being taken over by Unilever (check out our convo on Facebook about it), many people are now looking for alternatives. Personally, I love buying things from small businesses that handmake their products – there is just that extra love and passion that goes into it.

I recently bought the sample pack of all the teas from Lemon Canary to see what they were like and I am not disappointed!!! Jasmin has hand-crafted an organic, loose leaf range of blends including Love, Mystic, Happy, Meditate (awesome chai), Grateful, Summer, Winter, Dinner Party and Australiana. The packaging is so gorgeous and they would make perfect gifts.

Check them out here.

♥ Tuff Stuff Stain Removing Soap

I bought some of this stain removing soap about 18 months ago at an expo and was wondering how I was going to get another one. Luckily Julie at Flora and Fauna is now selling them!

They are amazing! You just wet it and rub it on the stain – the mesh bag helps to get right into the stain as a scrubber and the stains just wash out. It even worked on a pair of my daughter’s work jeans that had some really black and greasy patches. Julie mentions that a lot of people are using it for nappies and reusable cloth pads. The Tuff Stuff is a great price and lasts ages.

Check it out here.

♥ Eco by Sonya Rosehip Sunscreen

Do you hate the ghost look when using sunscreen?? My hubby often walks around looking like something out of the Walking Dead much to the embarrassment of the teens. 😀

Sonya Driver from Eco by Sonya has a new sunscreen out that solves that problem. This non-zinc, non-greasy formula rubs in clear but sill has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, a SPF30 and a water resistant rating of 3 hours.

Find it here.

♥ Lilypad Reusable Covers

The lovely girls at Biome sent me out one of these to try and I love it!! It’s a BPA free, food-grade silicone cover (inspired by lily pads!). You can convert any bowl you own to an air-tight sealed container for the fridge. It fits onto any smooth rim bowl or pot including glass, ceramic, wood, stainless and more.

You can even put it in the oven or microwave if you want to and you could even use it as a splatter guard. Whack it in the top shelf of the dishwasher when you are done. So brilliant.

Check it out here.

♥ Free Gut Health Video Series

Cyndi O’Meara from Changing Habits has teamed up with Kirsty Wirth from Kultured Wellness to bring us a free four part information series on gut health. I am in the midst of my own gut healing adventure and I am starting to discover that bad gut health is the the cause of so many health issues. It’s not just poor digestion, it’s fatigue, brain fog, mental health and more. It all comes back to the gut!

I have registered and got my spot and can’t wait to learn more from these amazing ladies. When you sign up, they also give you a free ebook with healing gut recipes. Winning.

Check it out here.

♥ Aroma Leather Bracelet

This is on my Christmas wish list!! They are a leather and stainless steel aroma diffusing bracelet. A stylish and safe way to wear aromatherapy oils without touching your skin. There is a felt pad in the stainless steel locket bit that you put a few drops of oil on.

Find out more here.

♥ Low Carb Healthy Fat Cookbook

I’m not a Pete Evans fan in particular, but I do like his recipes! Having to do months of gut repair and a strict diet, I was getting really bored with it but some new recipes have really helped keep me motivated. You definitely don’t have to be attempting to lose weight or be on a low carb diet to enjoy this book. The recipes are just simple, family friendly type food (that just happens to be low carb and high fat).

I have made a few things already and everyone has been impressed. I usually pop the photos on Instagram if you are interested – but be warned, I don’t do fancy styling or anything, I just take a quick photo before we eat!

Check the book out here.

That will probably be my last love list for the year now as I gear up for my Christmas Gift Guides – which really are a love list with more of a gift giving focus. Let me know if you have something that would be perfect for a Christmas gift!

The Best Australian Natural Skincare Brands

June 19, 2014 · 43 Comments

The Best Australian Natural Skincare Brands

I often get asked what natural skincare brands are best, so I have made you a list with some of my favourites. Skincare is such a personal thing though, so try a few out and find something that suits your skin. Some places have options of sample packs or travel packs, which is a great way to go to see if you like a range. I have added in a few little discounts that I could find for you as well. For specific information, click on the links!

“The average woman uses 12 products containing 168 different ingredients daily” EWG

Why would you use natural skincare?

The skin is our largest organ and whatever you put on it, goes directly into your blood stream and to your organs. Much of the skincare in the marketplace is full of nasty toxins that have been linked with cancers, allergies, asthma, hormone disruption and so much more. There is also the accumulative effect to consider of using these products, day in day out over your lifetime.

Unfortunately, the labelling laws in our country are a little behind the times and products can use the natural or organic labels even if they only contain tiny amounts of natural ingredients. As consumers, we have to educate ourselves and be a little savvy. My top tip is that if something claims to be organic and it’s less than $10, it’s probably not. Good quality organic and natural ingredients are not cheap to produce so you do have to pay for the quality. But, to be honest, I can’t put a price on my health, so I choose to use great quality natural products and cut back on other expenses.

I use two trusted resources in working out what to put on my skin – The Chemical Maze books and the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. Do your research and learn what to avoid and what is safe!

♥ Twenty8

Twenty8 is a 100% natural range, free from all synthetic chemicals, preservatives and fragrances. Twenty8 is a truly holistic aromatherapy based range, working on both a cellular and psychological level. Kim uses only the highest quality products using therapeutic-grade, botanical ingredients which penetrate deeply into the layers of the skin to deliver exceptional results. I love these products – the aromatherapy oils really make it a special experience.

Check out Twenty8 online.

♥ Eco by Sonya

Eco by Sonya Driver started with one product – Eco Tan and it’s grown to become an Aussie favourite over the last few years. The gorgeous skincare range is certified organic and powered by fruits, vegetables and seeds. Vegan and cruelty free, Eco by Sonya has no synthetic ingredients and no SLS’s or parabens.

Get it online here.

♥ Kelapa Organics

Kelapa Organics is a boutique luxury organic skin care company with a hero ingredient of coconut oil. The products are 100% natural, made with certified organic ingredients, vegan friendly and accredited cruelty free. Kelapa Organics is an Australian owned family business and is based in Melbourne where all the products are made.

As well as skin care, Kelapa also have haircare, bath, baby and body care in the range. Get free shipping when you spend over $50 and $10 off your first order when you sign up. I found the skin care range to be great on my face – it’s beautiful quality and feels very luxurious.

Find Kelapa Organics online.

♥ Gaia Skincare

Gaia provides nourishing skincare products that feed your skin and keep it healthy. Gaia have the whole family covered with GAIA Pure Pregnancy, GAIA Natural Baby, GAIA Skin+Body and GAIA Made for Men. They are Australian made and owned and specifically tailored for sensitive skin, combining natural and certified organic oils and extracts. Essential oils, rather than synthetic fragrances are used. My family love this range – the boys use the men’s range regularly and the NNAD will not use any other shave gel. A very affordable natural range that is also great quality.

Check them out online and get some free samples or find a local stockist.

♥ The Jojoba Company

The Jojoba Company has created a natural range of skin and body care products with a strong focus on anti-aging and skin health.

The company are committed to not testing on animals or using animal derivatives, parabens, chemicals, sulphates, artificial fragrances, colours, perfumes, PEGs, mineral oil or petrochemicals.

Check out The Jojoba Company online.

Here are some other Aussie natural skincare companies to check out:

Black Chicken Remedies – All Black Chicken organic beauty products are hand made with natural ingredients, no parabens, no petrochemicals and no artificial ingredients. Black Chicken Remedies are free from animal cruelty and capture the powerful and anti ageing benefits of therapeutic oils and plant extracts.

La Mav – Certified organic, Australian made and cruelty free. Love the BB Creme!

Antipodes – These are a New Zealand brand (but I love them, so it’s okay!!) Inspired by the natural beauty in NZ, Antipodes do things with style, from the full traceability of ingredients from sustainably cultivated plants, to local production and recyclable packaging.

Mokosh – Fremantle brand, Mokosh is organic, preservative-free, certified organic, palm oil-free and fair trade. They take an unconventional approach to their formulations, using no water. The moisturisers are thus very concentrated – up to 5 times more than a standard lotion.

Vanessa Megan – Quality natural and organic products, certified cruelty free with recyclable packaging. The beautiful products are luxurious, scientifically proven, eco-friendly, and completely natural and organic.

MV Organic Skincare – Originally developed for those with extreme skin sensitivities such as eczema and rosacea, these products are very gentle and effective. Pure quality and enriched with rare and precious oils, this is a luxury skincare range.

Divine – Divine is a premium quality certified organic skincare range formulated by Therese Kerr in Northern NSW.

Where to shop?

You can find some of these brands in health food stores or eco-stores, but I prefer to shop online for the great range of products available.

♥ 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; skincare being just one of their lines. Tracey has a rewards program, free shipping over $130 and a 5% discount.

You might also like to read:

The Best Natural Makeup Brands

The Best Natural Perfumes

The Best Natural Sunscreens

The Best Natural Insect Repellents

{this post contains some sponsored content and affiliate links}

Make your own natural dog shampoo

June 10, 2013 · 14 Comments

Does your natural lifestyle extend to your pets?

Now that we have ourselves more or less sorted out, our attention is turning to our beloved doggie.

This is Wilbur. He is a long-haired dashchund that we rescued from the RSPCA several years ago.

When our dog shampoo ran out this week, we decided to make our own.

It is so easy and cheap, while still being made with all natural ingredients. The whole wash worked out to be around $1.50. I knew that tea-tree oil deterred fleas and I thought the lavender would be nice to chill him out while taking a bath (not his favourite thing). So we decided to add those two oils to our mix.

If your dog has a specific issue or ailment, google some aromatherapy oils to help or get a book. Some oils may not be safe for dogs, so please research well. Some research suggests that tea tree oil may have adverse effects on dogs, but I have not experienced this. Never use it straight – always dilute. Smaller dogs may need less drops.

Make your own natural dog shampoo

Okay, so this what you need:

50ml Dr Bronners liquid castille soap (I use the unscented one)

200ml water

5 drops tea tree oil

5 drops lavender oil

Okay, so this is how you do it:

Mix up all the ingredients in an old glass jar and shake well. The Natural New Age Dad used the whole amount on the dog and lathered it right in. Rinse off and doggie will be clean and happy!

post bath blissed out doggie

NNAD said Wilbur was much calmer during his bath and afterwards was very happy. He looks pretty happy to me and he smelt really good!

Is this something you would try?

Natural Headache Remedies

May 20, 2013 · 36 Comments

Natural Headache Remedies

I have been trying to cut out paracetamol for some time.

I have been trying lots of different natural headache remedies and I think I have cracked it.

Even though it’s an over the counter drug, paracetamol used long term can result in liver and kidney damage. Overdosing can be fatal. It can also be hard on the gut and nervous systems.

Of course, you have to try different things to see what will work for you, but here are some things you can try:

♥ Homeopathy. What really made the difference for me (and the decision not to hang onto that spare pack just in case) was Puraforce Headache drops. They work brilliantly!! You can also use them in conjunction with any other medication. They are easy to take and easy to keep in your handbag.

Like Chocoloate for Women Essential Oils

♥ Aromatherapy. Peppermint or lavender oil will both help a headache. Kim at Like Chocolate for Women says:

“Compresses on the back of the neck or across the forehead can be very helpful. Simply place 2 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Peppermint into a stainless steel bowl or sink of warm water, then using a cloth simply immerse and squeeze until excess water is removed. Compress onto most effected areas. A massage will always help to relieve tight neck muscles again using oils like lavender and peppermint – 1-2 drops of each into 10mls Carrier Oil. Or 2 drops of Instant Calm would be ideal too.”

Using a quality aromatherapy oil like Twenty 8 will have better results. You can get them here.

♥ Hydrate. Often headaches are caused from your body being dehydrated. Drink some water – not just one glass, several glasses. If you find water a bit hard to drink, jazz it up or drink some peppermint tea.

♥ Rest. A headache is your body’s way of telling you something is up. You might be stressed or getting sick. If you can, lie down in a dark,cool room and try to have a nap.

♥ Reflexology. There are several acupressure points on your body that you can apply pressure to, to ease a headache. Take a look here for more information.

♥ Adjustments. Persistent headaches might mean you need an adjustment from a chiropractor, osetopath or bowen therapist.

♥ Yoga. There are several yoga poses that can help relieve a headache. Take a look at these.

♥ Acupuncture. Needles can freak some people out, but acupuncture is well known as a cure for migraines. For some more information go here.

♥ Techno detox. One thing that sets me off is too much screen time and too much exposure to electro-magnetic radiation. Go outside and go for a walk in the fresh air. Allow your body to rebalance.

♥ Herbs. Herbs such as feverfew and willow bark may help. Consult a herbalist or naturopath to get a remedy and check if they are suitable for you. There are some conditions they are not recommended for.

♥ Apple Cider Vinegar. Have a glass of water with a tablespoon of raw honey and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Is there anything ACV can’t do?

♥ Ginger. Slice up some fresh ginger and make a tea. Ginger seems to help prevent blood vessels from getting inflamed.

♥ Magnesium. I was surprised at how quick this worked! You can take magnesium tablets or hop in a magnesium chloride bath.

Do you have any natural headache remedies?

Natural New Age Mums Chat About …… Aromatherapy

January 4, 2013 · 7 Comments

Welcome to “Natural New Age Mums Chat About…”

I am so excited to be featuring some amazing Aussie mums who specialize in their own particular natural and/or new age area. The aim is to give us a little bit of inside information into some new things we may not know about, but are curious!

Today, I am welcoming the beautiful Julie Nelson from Aromatique Essentials to talk to us about aromatherapy. Welcome Julie, tell us about yourself….

Hello I am Julie Nelson, I have one beautiful daughter, a young woman of 24. Being a mother has been one of my greatest gift and teachings. I am a passionate Aromatherapist and I have lectured at 2 of Sydney’s leading Natural therapies colleges and Ella Bache school of beauty. I now have an online Aromatherapy shop and business called ‘Aromatique Essentials’.

I absolutely love what I do! I am originally from New Zealand and have been living in Australia for over 30 years now. I have miniature horses, a Burmese cat and cashmere rabbit. I thrive on being creative, love growing my own vegetables, having chickens for their beautiful eggs and walking amongst fragrant gardens. All organic of course.What is your outlook on life?

Be kind to self and others – that includes animals, as I am a great animal lover. Always do the best that you can, be honest and be yourself. Respect our Mother Earth and all that is. I love my life and even when I have challenges I know that I will learn and grow from then, I have a very positive out look on life.

How long have you been an aromatherapist?

Aromatherapy is one of my greatest passions and I have been a practicing Aromatherapist for over 18 years and I love it more and more each day! It never ceases to amaze me how these precious gifts from our Mother Nature can change people’s lives.

What study or training did you have to be an aromatherapist?

I Studied at Nature Care College in Sydney and received my Diploma in Aromatherapy and Cert.4 in Natural Beauty, Cert.4, Cat.2 Training and Assessment, Cert 3 in Astrology, Cert. Bach Flowers. I have also completed 3 years of horticulture which gave me another aspect of our plant kingdom.So, what is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the controlled use of essential oils to improve our health and wellbeing psychologically, emotionally, physiologically and spiritually. Aromatherapy is recognised as one of the most successful treatments for reducing stress, uplifting our emotions and improving our health and wellbeing.

Smell has a direct link to the limbic system, this includes the thalamus and hypothalamus. This area of the brain is responsible for controlling various functions of our body for example, hormonal levels, sensory perception, fear anger, sexual enjoyment, eating, memories and emotional responses.

When we inhale an aroma that we like it will have an immediate and positive effect. Next time you use your favourite essential oil/s take notice of how you respond and feel. Is there a smile on your face? Do you feel calmer? Have any happy memories been evoked?

How did you discover aromatherapy?

I discovered Aromatherapy when my daughter was about 3. She was born with a life threatening congenital condition and was the youngest and smallest TOF baby born in Australia at that time and at 6 months was also diagnosed with chronic lung disease.

As a mother I was desperate to find away to give her more support and for a long time I had a feeling that there was something special out there for me to do. A friend introduced me to essential oils and that was it, I was totally hooked!

I went and studied, got my Diploma and haven’t looked back since. It is important to say that essential oils have been an amazing support for my girl and can be used in conjunction with most medications without any side effects.How does a session work?

Each consultation is individually tailored to suit each person wants and needs and it can depend on the product itself. I go through a medical history, discuss what you are wanting to treat or you may desire a custom handmade beauty product or perfume.

We look at your favourite aromas, and depending what you are seeing me for I may have a look at your Astrology chart, this is especially good for creating your bespoke perfume. Sometimes our sessions turn into very supportive sessions for people to release and let go.

How much does a session normally cost?

For custom products your first consultation is complimentary and is about 45 minutes, with Perfume blending we have one consultation and possibly 2 more mini consults if they are needed.

I also have a consultation form that can be downloaded from my website, filled out and emailed back to me and then we set up a consultation via phone, Skype or if in my area face 2 face which usually takes between 45-60 minutes for $130.

Most weeks a I give away mini consultations to those that join in on our Facebook Q&A sessions, this is because, sometimes I need to know more information to give the most appropriate recommendations.

What conditions does aromatherapy help with?

The question should be when should you not use essential oils (I am smiling) for they can be used, dare I say almost everything from emotional, psychological and physiological conditions.

Is aromatherapy suitable for everyone?

Mostly yes, there is a very small area in which one should not use certain essential oils and applications and that is why it is so important to seek the advice of a qualifies therapist. In saying that, when used correctly essential oils are safer than most over the counter drugs and medications

Where can we find out more about aromatherapy ?

I have comment boxes under each product in my shop where people can leave comments and ask questions. On my Aromatique Essentials facebook page I run 1-2 Q&A sessions every week, I welcome and encourage people to ask my anything about Aromatherapy.

You can find articles about Aromatherapy for many conditions, plus a myriad of tips and essential oils recipes on my blog.

I also publish a free online magazine focused on natural health and wellbeing for all. Why would you recommend aromatherapy ?

Aromatherapy is now being recognised as one the best support treatments for many psychological, emotional and physical conditions and chronic and terminal illness.

I have had years of first hand experience with seeing how essential oils work, which is on all levels. Aromatherapy is a wholistic treatment that can have an immediate effect in many cases.

I believe and know that Aromatherapy is an essential part of healing on all levels.

Do you have a favourite inspirational quote?

Smell is the potent wizard that transports us across the miles and all the years we have lived ~ Helen Keller

How can people get in touch with you?

Phone: 0263452361

Email: Julie@aromatiqueessentials.com.au or info@aromatiqueessentials.com.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/aromatiqueessentials

Website: www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au

Pinterest: pinterest.com/juliearomatique/

Thanks so much for giving us a peek into your world

as an aromatherapist Julie!

You might also like to read other interviews in my Natural New Age Mums Chat About series. Go here.

Like Chocolate for Women Giveaway

November 9, 2012 · 104 Comments

“Self care is not selfish, it’s essential”

I am so excited to announce that I am now working with the gorgeous girls at Like Chocolate for Women and Twenty8!

You know the line, I loved it so much, I bought the company? Well, I haven’t bought the company, but I do love them so much that I have joined the company as an affiliate. This means that I can make a little pocket-money and cover the costs of my blogging, so I can continue to do what I do! I thank you so much for your support.

I can thoroughly recommend the products to you, having been a fan for many years. Kim Morrison is one of those beautiful souls that walks the talk of a healthy lifestyle. You can’t help but be inspired by her fabulous energy and enthusiasm. A real natural, new age mum from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland!

The book, Like Chocolate for Women, is a must read for any woman who is in need of some self-care. Touching on subjects like aromatherapy, making yourself a priority, how to age with grace, finding simple ways to exercise, making hormones your friend and preparing healthy nutritious meals, this book is a self-care bible that I keep coming back to all the time.

The girls also have a fantastic range of natural skin care and aromatherapy oils, called Twenty8 and host in-home SPArkle parties and Weekend Retreats.

I am going to be sharing some of their amazing knowledge with you on the blog. As you know, I adore my aromatherapy and I really think it’s something that everyone should get into to for optimum mind and body health.

Anyway, to celebrate, the lovely girls wanted to do a giveaway and introduce you to their products! I have a gorgeous prize pack which will be:

* A copy of the life-changing book, Like Chocolate for Women by Kim Morrison and Fleur Whelligan AND

* A body boost pack. The perfect pack to get you started on your body boosting journey! This is one of the most incredible and life-changing rituals you will ever embrace. It’s time to honor and nurture who you truly are and be grateful for the gifts you bring. It contains 100 ml Cold Pressed Carrier Oil, 50ml Magnesium Oil, White Ceramic Bowl and 10ml Synergy Blend.

Okay, so this is how you enter:

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you everyone for entering! The winner is Cindy S.

* Be a subscriber of my blog. Add your email on the top right hand side of the blog.

* Head over to the Like Chocolate for Women website and find the Body Boost Products. Comment on this blog post and tell me which one of the eight synergy aromatherapy blends you would like to win as part of your body boost pack.

Terms and Conditions:

This giveaway is only open to Australian residents. It closes on Friday the 16th of November at midnite. The winner will be chosen using random.org from those who have met all the entry requirements. You must mention one of the eight synergy blends to be eligible. I will email the winner and also announce on this blog post.

Many thanks to the girls at Like Chocolate for Women and Twenty8 for their support! Good luck everyone!

“Beauty is being yourself but with a sparkle”.

Hosted by Three Lil Princesses

10 ways to wake up in the morning (without coffee)

May 17, 2012 · 19 Comments

Are you caught up in the cycle of using caffeine to wake you up?

If you find it really hard to get going in the morning without coffee, then consider some of these natural ways to wake up, to ease the reliance on caffeine!

10 ways to wake up in the morning (without coffee)

1. You woke up – hallelujah! Spend a moment giving thanks and gratitude that you are here on this earth. One of my favourite sayings is “every day above ground is a good day”. That should put a very big smile on your face and get your happy hormones working!

2. Do not touch the snooze button! It’s actually better for you to have the alarm clock way across the other side of the room. When you have it near your head at night, the electro-magnetic radiation can make you wake up feeling hung over.

3. Open the curtains, turn on the lights, get out in the sun. This gets your natural body clock switched on and the cue for your hormones to wake you up!

4. Hot lemon water. A glass of warm filtered water with a good squeeze of lemon juice every morning is fabulous! It’s good for digestion and it gets the bowels moving. Read more benefits here.

5. Salute to the sun. This yoga sequence is incredibly invigorating and refreshing. See how to do it here.

6. Massage your ears. All over. When you get to the rolled over bit of your ear at the top, flip it gently inside out as you massage. When you rub your ears, you stimulate lots of energy points that run through the ears and then into your body.

7. Green smoothie. A green smoothie is made with whole fresh fruit and some greenery like kale, spinach or asian greens. Whizz it all up with some ice and a dash of water. In this state, the goodness from the fruit and veges are absorbed into your body in a very short time. Try my very yummy Pineapple Mint Green-Tea Green Smoothie!

8. Dry skin brush. Guaranteed to leave you feeling very alive and zingy! It gets your circulation pumping and the blood flowing! See my blog post on how to do it here.

9. Peppermint steam. Before you turn the water on, put one or two drops of peppermint oil on the base of your shower. The beautiful aroma will waft up as you shower and give you a really refreshing blast!

10. Set your intentions for the day. While you are in the shower, visualize what you want to get done for the day. It’s also useful to affirm that today will be a good day, that you will have a good run in the traffic, that every interaction at work will be pleasant or that the kids are going to be really well behaved. It really does make a difference to your day when you send out into the universe what you want. A positive attitude first thing will put a spring in your step!

So, there you have it. Ten ways to wake up, get invigorated and energized in the mornings – all without coffee.

Will you give one or more of these ideas a go?