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!

Love List {August}

August 29, 2014 · 6 Comments

August -where have you gone ???

Here is my monthly round up of cool products, people, blogs and books that I am loving!

♥ Kombucha is so hot right now! But, it can be so confusing to know where to start and how to do it! Well, the lovely Kristen from Naturally Better Foods has sorted it all out for you. They are now selling a Kombucha Starter Kit! You get a massive 4.25 litre glass jar, a scoby (that’s the mushroomy looking thing you need to make it) and three kombucha shots to get you inspired. They can deliver Australia wide and it’s on sale at the moment for $45.oo. It’s time to get brewing!

♥ This gorgeous post from Rachel Macy Stafford, author of Hands Free Mama, talks about children who shine from within – the fireflys. For every child who has ever felt ‘different’ this is a beautiful, uplifting read.

♥ Breastfeeding? Simone at Nourishing Hub has these new Tanker Topper lactation biccies from Franjos Kitchen. They are a yummy and nourishing way to keep your supply up. They are wheat, dairy and egg free and contain lots of superfoods and are developed by a naturopath (the Jo part of Franjo!). Get them in Choc Chip or Fig and Almond flavours. PS you don’t need to be a breastfeeding mum to eat them, anyone can benefit from them (Simone’s husband has been devouring them!)

♥ I love discovering new brands created by small, local, passionate biz doing the natural thing! Amanda at The Organic Store has found Noosa Basics and now has them in store. Noosa Basics are a boutique natural apothecary based in (you guessed it)….. Noosa. Their range includes lip balm, deodorant in a stick and a tub and *ahem* a pleasure enhancer at very affordable prices.

The products are all natural and organic and totally free of all nasty chemicals and toxins. I also love that they source all their ingredients and packaging and labels from Australian suppliers. Get them online from The Organic Store (and check out all the other cool things Amanda sells! I do a regular order!)

♥ Zanni Louise from My Little Sunshine House posted a fabulous blog about how to paint with flowers. What a totally natural paint to use! Absolutely beautiful.

♥ You might remember that I have mentioned I have suffered chronic fatigue for many years and this year I am also facing severe adrenal fatigue and very high estrogen levels. I am recovering slowly with lots of different things, but I really noticed a huge difference in the last few months after being on Puraforce Remedies’ Wellness Protocol. Now I am not needing a day time nap and can even go for a daily walk again. I also made it through winter without any colds, flu or bugs. Thrilled!!!

Nicole at Puraforce Remedies told me to start taking her Digestion Aid, Hormone Balancer, Stress and Immune Boost drops – 1ml four times a day. I put half in water bottle in the morning and half in the afternoon and sip on it all day. The Hormone Balancer drops are an extra for me in addition to the Wellness Protocol to get my estrogen levels down. So easy, so affordable and with amazing results. I am telling everyone to try this! It can’t hurt!

You can find out more about the Wellness Protocol here and get a nice discount too (thanks Nic!). Or if you want to chat about your ailments call Nic on her toll free number Mon-Fri 9-5 1800 244 449. The entire range of drops is also at the Puraforce Remedies website – we use her drops for everything now!

♥ Lee Holmes from Supercharged Food released her Heal Your Gut ebook! It’s a cracker and I am loving the recipes so much. I am going to review it on the blog soon, but if you want a sneak peek, then check it out here.

♥ What I did on the blog this month. Did you miss one?

– 22 Things to Make Out of Plastic Milk Bottles

– Real Breakfast Drinks for Kids

– 10 Healthy Winter Desserts

– Healthy Swaps – Toilet Deodoriser

– Cool Ideas for Father’s Day

{parts of this post are sponsored}

Five Favourite Things – March

March 27, 2013 · 10 Comments

My five favourite things that I loved this month are:

Amazonia acai raw food bar from my March Notox Box! Raw, handmade and filled with superfoods. Did I mention delicious?

Jewellery from Destiny’s Rescue. An amazing charity initiative where you buy jewellery that helps liberate child sex slaves around the world and provide them with employment. You can buy directly online or host a party and share the information with your friends. I love all the pieces that I got including this gorgeous bracelet inscripted with ‘follow your heart’.

Kitchen Scrubbie! Gentle scrubbing for stainless steel and all surfaces including cars! In kitchen stores or online from Super Kitchen Machine.

53 Shades of Chocolate! A healthy chocolate cookbook from two amazing QLD women, Kim and Cyndi.

$15 -bargain!! Find it here in the book category.

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Paul Kelly and Neil Finn together in concert at the Opera House, live streamed to you tube! Real singer songwriters. It was pretty magical. You can watch it here.

So those are my top five, what things have you discovered lately that you love?

You might like to read some of my other favourite things.

Five Favourite Things – February

March 2, 2013 · 6 Comments

Five Favourite Things – February

February – the month of love, sport sign ups, rain, rain and more rain!

These are some things I have been in lerve with this month.

Homeopathic Drops.

In the last few weeks, with the change of season, we have had cause to use most of these! I have found them to be very effective and gentle. Homeopathy is a natural way to treat common family ailments. Read the interview I did with Nicole who makes these remedies to find out more.

Papaya.

I have spent four weeks on a strict eating plan and fell in love with papaya and pawpaw again. If you don’t eat this fruit, consider it! As well as being very high in vitamins, fibre and antioxidants, it also contains two enzymes that help your digestion and reduce bloating. It’s also yummy!

Bug-a-Bug from ecokid.

This is one of the better natural insect repellents I have tried. It smells beautiful and it works. As with all natural repellents though, you do have to apply it liberally and regularly.

Colloidal Minerals.

Where have you been hiding all my life? Get all your vital minerals from one easy, natural source. Great tonic and it has really pepped me up!

Heart. ♥

I have a bit of a ‘thing’ for hearts, in any shape and form. I recently sent my good friend and personal seamstress, Vicki Lorraine, some of this funky fabric to make me some cushions. She whipped me up a couple of hearts as well to decorate my black and white themed office. Love them. Isn’t she clever?

Check her out on Facebook here if you need anything made.

Okay, so that’s my February round-up. What have you discovered this month that rocked your world?

Five Favourite Things – November

November 30, 2012 · 60 Comments

November was a month of spiritual growth and change for me.

How was it for you?

Here are some things that floated my boat this month.

Rose-Hip Plus’s new rosehip oil. I love rose-hip oil – it’s mother nature’s best kept anti-wrinkle secret! I was lucky enough to receive some of this new oil to try out. What I am loving the most is that it is not only affordable, Australian and certified organic, but it’s cold pressed. That means the oil is extracted from the seeds of the rosehip plant, without using heat, solvent and chemicals. You only need 3 or 4 drops, massaged into your skin, twice daily to see benefits. It is amazing for healing scars, keeping your skin nice and soft and minimizing the wrinkles! Unlike other rosehip oil I have tried, this one has a very light, pleasant fragrance. Have a read here for some more information about rose-hip oil. You can get it online straight from the company or find a local stockist. Throw away those expensive, chemical-laden wrinkle serums and embrace the rose-hip!

Would you like to try it? You can win a bottle for yourself! Simply make sure you are a blog SUBSCRIBER (add email to the top right hand side), go and LIKE the Rose-Hip Plus Facebook page (go here) and leave me a COMMENT on this blog post telling me what BENEFIT of Rose-Hip Plus appeals to you the most. Please read the terms and conditions at the bottom of the post too.

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER WAS CLARE!

Soul awakening program. I have spent the last month on the phone with Megan from Your Intuitive Family every Wednesday night, learning more about myself! It has been a life-changing experience. Starting with a soul-guidance blueprint, I learnt who I was at soul level and what I was here on this earth to do. Megan identifies any blockages and obstacles that are holding you back and how to eliminate those. I had several beautiful guided meditations where I met one of my angel guides (this blew me away) and my animal spirit guides. If you are feeling lost or confused, I really recommend thinking about doing this with Megan. I feel so much more confident in my abilities and the direction my life is taking. I know that I have a team of angels and guides helping me and I can call on them for assistance at any time. I am more at peace with myself and life. Megan is truly a special soul with an extraordinary talent (look at the cheeky grin too!) Check her out on Facebook here. Guess what the Natural New Age Dad is getting for Christmas!!

Vegie Smugglers new e-book. Wendy makes healthy eating ridiculously easy with her 6 week meal plans. Eat well with 38 recipes and shopping lists. Get the family involved on the Ipad or Kindle and pick your dinners together for a bit of fun. Great price too! I love a bit of vegie-smuggling, especially now my daughter is being fussy again at age 11. Go here to check it out.

Rawganic’s Hibiscus Raw Chocolate. What, you think I could go a month without chocolate appearing on these posts??? Raw chocolate is sooooo good! This one from Rawganic is no exception. I found it at my local health food store, but you can buy it online. Smooth and fudgy with a hint of tangy dried hibiscus flowers – very exotic! This is chocolate that you feel virtuous eating – raw, organic and vegan. Bring it on! Check them out on Facebook or on the web.

Chi Coconut Water. Scott from Chi Coconut Water contacted me this month and asked if I would like to try their coconut water. To be honest, I was less than enthusiastic! I have tried coconut water before and I wasn’t a fan – sure I could see the benefits and it’s okay in a smoothie, but it tasted pretty feral to me. Anyway, the Natural New Age Dad likes it, so I said, yeah, send me some and we will check it out. Well, it turns out I do like coconut water. But I like Chi Coconut Water! It’s really yummy and very different to that other brand (who shall remain nameless) that I tried. Chi is 100% Pure Coconut Water with no added sugar or preservatives. It’s high potassium and packed with electrolytes which keep your body rehydrated, especially if you have been exercising. It’s nature’s original sports drink. You can get in online or find a stockist.

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNERS WERE JADE, ADRIENNE AND KIRA!

Would you like to try it to? Scott is giving away 3 prizes of a case of 12, 330ml Chi Coconut water! Simply make sure you are a blog SUBSCRIBER (add email to the top right hand side), go and LIKE the Chi Coconut Water-Australia Facebook page (go here) and COMMENT on this blog post – tell me, after doing WHAT activity you would most need to drink Chi Coconut Water (keep it clean people! 😉 ) Please read the terms and conditions at the bottom of the post too.

So, those are my five most favourite things this month, before we head into the silly season. What were your favourites this month?

Please note: This post contains affiliate links.
Terms and conditions of giveaways: Only open to Australian residents. Closes on Friday the 7th of December at midnite. Winners will be chosen from those meeting the entry requirements using random.org. Please make a note on your calender to check your emails on this date to see if the winner was you! Winners are announced on this blog post and also emailed. Good luck!

Five Favourite Things – May

May 24, 2012 · 44 Comments

Five things I am in love with this month!

1. Gomasio! Gomasio (I just love saying it – gomasio, gomasio!) is a combination of sesame seeds, a few different types of seaweed and sea salt. It’s delicious. I have been sprinkling it on salads, soups, poached eggs, potatoes – everything! You can get it at your health food store or online at Organics on a Budget. Don’t forget to claim your 5% discount for being a reader of this blog, by adding the code: BUDGET.

2. Pink Himalayan Salt Lamp. I love my lamp! It stays on all the time in our house. The beautiful warming of the salt by the light, makes it give off negative ions (the same ions you get at the beach or in the bush). There are so many benefits – read about them here. I definitely notice it makes me feel better after a long day. You can buy them in the health food store or homewares store or online from New Age Child.

3. Coconut Scrub Pad. Yes, I do love a kitchen scrubber thingy! It’s awesome! Made from coconut fibres, it is biodegradable and compostable. It’s really hygienic and stays fresh for months. Amanda Rootsey says to consider the graveyard of everything we buy. Where will it end up? So, I love my Safix scrub pad! Find them in the health food store. You can scrub your pots and pans in eco-friendly style!

4. Bamboo/Silk handmade shawl. I have a thing about scarves and shawls. I always feel so Audrey-Hepburn-chic when I wear them. This gorgeous fair-trade shawl is so soft and luxurious to touch. I love that the dyes used to make it are natural botanical dyes. I have the soft pink colour – it goes with everything. Very glamorous, but still eco-friendly! Buy them online at 4 my earth.
5. Silk exfoliating towel. This unusual looking ‘towel’ feels so lovely on my skin and it’s really gentle. It’s like being in a day-spa! The towel is made up of many fine silk yarns twisted together to form a hard texture to scrape away dead skin. You use it with a moisturizing soap. I love that it is also organic, environmentally friendly, biodegradable and fair-trade. Buy it online at 4 my earth.

4 my earth is a Queensland owned online store, specializing in products that are environmentally friendly, as well as being useful. Rebecca, the natural, new age mum who owns 4 my earth sent me the shawl and the silk towel to try out. She generously offered to give me one shawl and one towel to pass onto you guys to try out too. If you would like to win either the Bamboo Silk Handmade Shawl or the Silk Exfoliating Towel:

*Comment on this blog post with which one you would like to win. If you want to win the shawl, pop on over to the website, choose which colour you would like and let us know when you comment.

* Like the 4 my earth Facebook page. Go here.

* This giveaway is only open to Australian residents. Entries close 30th May 2012 at midnite and winner will be chosen using random.org. I will notify the winner by email and also comment on this blog post. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook. Good Luck!

So, that is my top five things I am in love with this month.

What are your top five?

You might also like to read about some more of my favourite things.

Five Favourite Things – March

March 28, 2012 · 9 Comments

I am going a little “Sound of Music meets Oprah” today and sharing with you some of my favourite things. These are some things I have been in love with lately.

My essential oil diffuser and Young Living oils – these are food grade therapeutic oils and are very effective. I use it every night with lavender to help me get off to sleep. Addicted.

Peace, man! I have been wearing this gorgeous bracelet I got for my 40th birthday last year all the time….. I just love it. It’s very ME!

Baby capsicum… baby vegetables are just way cuter than normal vegetables! I just fling some oil on to them and roast at high temp until all golden and caramelized and gooey….. drool!

The fabulous Miss Phryne Fisher. I have finally finished all the Phryne novels ! I am also enjoying Phryne on the ABC (Australia) as well. Such a great character, set in Australia, written by an Australian author. I love how books transport you to another time and place. Notice the library sticker? I get most of my novels from the library. It saves trees!

My favourite breakfast on my new(ish) deck:

Organic poached eggs with organic avocado on homemade organic spelt toast topped with pink Himalayan sea salt and pepper….. and a cup of organic chamomile tea in my special peacock fine bone china mug…… trees, birds, fresh air….. bliss! It’s the simple things in life that can bring the most pleasure.

Now, that I have told you my favourite things, I want you to tell me yours. What are your favourite things at the moment? Tell me your top 5.