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.

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