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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

♥ 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

♥ 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.

 

15-second-hand-items-that-make-great-gifts

♥ 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

♥ 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.

 

Glasslock-Oven-Safe-9pc_large

♥ 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.

 

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♥ 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?

 

 

Filed In: SELF / Tagged: cardamom cake, glass lock, jojoba oil, Oxfam, pear, pre-loved, second hand

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!

 

 

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♥ 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.

 

paper beaded bracelet how to make

♥ 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.

 

download (6)

♥ 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.

 

turmeric_milk

♥ 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 Vintage

♥ 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

 

♥ 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

♥ 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 E Course

 

♥ 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!

 

 

 

 

Filed In: SELF / Tagged: ayuverda, Christmas, gluten-free, happy gluten free kids, oliana oil, Oxfam, small steps to wholefoods, the fabulous woman project

Natural New Age Mum’s Christmas Gift Guide

November 20, 2014 · 46 Comments

Natural New Age Mum’s Christmas Gift Guide

 

Christmas shopping can be emotional, expensive and exhausting.

Never fear! I am here with a round-up of the best natural and new age gifts for Christmas. Grab a cuppa or a wine, sit back on your couch, browse and shop. Too easy.

I am not going to go all gender stereotyping and say Gifts for Her and Gifts for Him, but I do have a section for the ‘ridiculously hard to buy for‘ people, because we all have at least one of those to buy for!

Actually this gift guide sort of accidentally, maybe on purpose turned into my Christmas wish list. My birthday is five days after Christmas so I have even more chances of getting lucky!

What is on your Christmas Wish List???

 

lhami

♥ Vintage Soy Candle Kit from Lhami.  Make your own funky soy candles! The kit includes eco soy wax, wicks, pure vanilla oil, a digital thermometer, 2 antique glasses and instructions.  There is enough wax to make about 10 individual candles in the antique port glass size.  Or you can try china teacups, or another mould. Your local op shop is the place to go for inspiration!

What a great fun idea to get stuck into on the holidays!! I want one!! Get it online from Lhami.

 

 

Kelapa Organics Skincare

♥ Kelapa Organics Skincare Gift Box. This beautiful Aussie certified organic skincare range is based on organic coconut oil. I have been trialling it and I love it – it smells heavenly and leaves my skin soft and feeling fresh. The packs make awesome gifts – they are beautifully presented in a gift box with an eco-friendly touch. What I am loving most is the price! They are very, very reasonable and they are good-sized products – so less packaging waste.

This pack is the Natural Beauty pack and contains your basic beauty routine -cleanser, exfoliator, moisturiser and night cream. Kelapa also do shampoo and conditioner, body wash and lotion, hand cream and moisturizer with sunscreen.

 

 

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♥ Pong Radiation Protection Phone Covers. Yep, I really need to get these for everyone in my family. Simone at Nourishing Hub stocks the Pong covers for iPhones and Samsungs. These covers cut radiation by up to 91%, redirecting radiation away from your head and body. The cases can also improve reception and conserve battery life.

Find out how it works and more details here.

 

sacred self perfume

♥ Sacred Self Organic Perfumes. Handcrafted with three signature scents, Mind, Body and Spirit, these perfumes are based on essential oils and infused with flower and gem essences to really give you a holistic experience.  Each one comes with it’s own ritual card with a daily affirmation to remind you of how special you are. Michelle McGrath from Sacred Self has crafted something really beautiful and unique with these perfumes. It goes without saying that they are free from nasty toxins and synthetic fragrances that can harm your health. Get them online here.

 

 

Durand Kombucha jar

♥ Durand Kombucha Crock. All the cool kids are making kombucha! Kombucha is a fermented drink made with tea, sugar and scoby. It’s a cheap and effective way to get your daily probiotics and it’s fun to make. But you do need the right equipment or you could contaminate your batch. The Durand Kombucha crock has a plastic spigot and the pottery jar ensures your booch doesn’t get too much light, unlike glass jars. They are all handmade and hand decorated in Queensland and use non toxic glazes and no lead.

Get it online and delivered to your door – but give them a few weeks notice.

 

grat

♥ Gratitude Journal and Diary. The daily practice of gratitude is one of the most powerful things you can do to change your life. This journal and diary is incredibly beautiful and makes your practice a special ritual. As well as a daily space to record your blessings, it also has a diary, moon orientation chart, inspirational quotes and an astrology guide. Gorgeous.

Get it online.

rob-ryan-87143-1 ♥ Believe in People Mug. This range of inspirational mugs and crockery from artist, Rob Ryan is so lovely. I am really liking this one the most though – the colours and the little bird are super cute. They come beautifully gift boxed as well. Add in some homemade biccys and you have a really sweet and inexpensive gift. Get it online.

 

 

download (20)   ♥ Aromatherapy Diffuser. A diffuser is one of the best gifts I have ever been given. I have two now and I absolutely adore them. We use them to purify the air in our home, to create a lovely mood and they are also useful when anyone is sick. Depending on which oils you use, you can use them for all sorts of things. I use the Celebrate and Uplift blend from Twenty 8 when I need a bit of motivation to do housework and the Peace and Meditation blend at night time to get everyone chilled out. The diffuser is my preference over a candle burner because I don’t have to monitor the flame. Just set and forget. Aromatherapy has so many gorgeous health benefits. If you haven’t yet discovered this amazing modality, get into it! Get a diffuser and oils online from Twenty 8.

 

18469068 ♥ Recycled Sari Handbag. This recycled sarislouch bag is handmade in Bangladesh for Oxfam. It has an internal zip and a pocket for mobile phones. I am in love with this bag!! Supporting this fair trade project helps women in Bangladesh earn an income. Get it online from Oxfam.

 

ice-pop-mold

♥ Stainless Steel Popsicle Maker. I have wanted one of these for ages. Freezing food and drinks in plastic is something that worries me as BPA is not stable at extreme temperatures and can leach into your food. There is no need to worry with this iceblock maker which is made from stainless steel and has wooden sticks. The frame holds them steady in the freezer. Get it online (love the stainless ice cube trays too Santa!).

 

 

janella-s-super-natural-foods

♥ Janella’s Super Natural Foods.  This one is going to be popular under the tree this year! Naturopath, nutritionist, wellness coach, herbalist and environmentalist, and wholefood advocate, Janella Purcell has released her new cookbook, just in time for Christmas. 150 delicious recipes based on the food is medicine principle. Love it! Get it online.

 

Kylie_Kwong_Oxfam_02 ♥ Kylie Kwong’s Lotus Tableware Set. Designed exclusively for Oxfam, Kylie has designed this beautiful ‘Lotus’ dinnerware and it has been hand crafted and hand painted by female artisans in Vietnam. You can get it as a whole set or just buy individual pieces (from just $3.95). I am so in love with the teapot! Get it online at the Oxfam Shop.

 

1959424_10153878383340010_808370449_n ♥ Wu Tao Dance DVD.  Wu Tao is a healing dance developed by Aussie mum, Michelle Locke. It’s fun, easy, effective and it can help with all sorts of health problems from stress and depression to diabetes and arthritis. I have the DVD and the books and can’t wait to get stuck in over the holidays and give it a go. Nourishment for the mind, body and spirit. Get it online, directly from Michelle.   casa-uno-405711-1 ♥ Bamboo Serving Bowls. I am sucker for a nice salad bowl and I love these from Casa Uno. Made from bamboo, they are eco-friendly as well as very chic. Get them online.

 

 

WellBeing2310149659-shadow

♥ Wellbeing Magazine Subscription.  One of my favourite magazines – Wellbeing is the Natural New Age Mum bible! It has well-researched, intelligent and informative articles, recipes and all sorts of interesting things. I can get lost in a copy for weeks.

Even better value if you get a yearly subscription – you save nearly 30% off the cover price.

Spiralisers_theRawFoodStore_grande ♥ Spiralizer. Another thing all the cool kids are doing – spiralizing their veges to make zoodles!! This is a fun way to get kids to eat veges and make a pasta substitute out of zucchini. Sarah from The Raw Food Store has tried lots of them and now she recommends the Gefu one for it’s staying power and ease of use. Get it online from Sarah here.

 

For Ridiculously Hard to Buy For People:

Yep, we all have one. I hope these ideas help. Think outside the box!   2207877 ♥ Glasses Stand. A place to perch your glasses or sunnies and never lose them again! So cute! Handcarved from sheesham wood in India by Oxfam partner, Asha Handicrafts. These programs help struggling communities make a living in a fair and ethical way. Love it. Get the wooden spectacle stand from the Oxfam shop.   mad-millie-fresh-cheese-kit

♥ Cheese Making Kit. These cool cheese making kits from Mad Millie have everything you need to start making your own cheese at home. You just add milk! Contains reusable equipment and quality ingredients – nothing artificial or nasty here. You can make up to 7 kgs of feta, halloumi, cream cheese, cottage cheese and quark. It’s pretty impressive turning up to a party with some fresh cheese on an antipasto platter and tell everyone you made it yourself!

Get it online.   1386036361459 ♥ Goats, ducks, chickens, pigs, water and wells. Just some of the awesome charity gifts that Oxfam Unwrapped offer. We love buying these. Oxfam sends your recipient a cute card with what charity gift you have bought for them and details of how it helps someone in need. Gifts start at just $10. Check out the range online.

 

Where to shop:

 

These are some more great online stores to check out that have ec0-friendly, upcycled or natural gifts.

 

Biome Eco Stores for all things good for the planet

Shop Naturally for a huge range of all things natural and healthy

Yardgames for outdoor and educational toys

Hello Charlie for eco baby and toddler

The Raw Food Store for a range of eco-kids products, appliances and food

Oxfam Australia for fair-trade gifts, food and clothes

 

Okay that’s my round-up! I think I had better email my lovely family this link. So many amazing people making amazing natural products. What is on your wish list? I would love to know.

 

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This post contains some sponsored content and some affiliate links.

Filed In: FAMILY, HOME / Tagged: Christmas, Christmas gifts, eco friendly, fair trade, gift guide, inspirational, Oxfam

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