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!

Amazing Oils Magnesium Moisturiser

September 22, 2016 · 12 Comments

Amazing Oils Magnesium Moisturiser

This moisturiser is my new best friend.

Let me start by saying that I have tried out lots and lots of natural skincare.

However, nothing I have tried has ever had this much noticeable improvement on my skin.

I don’t want to get overly dramatic and gushy here, but wow. Really…. wow.

Okay, so let me tell you all about it!

I have been a big fan of the Harold family and their all Aussie owned and made Amazing Oils business for a few years now. The magnesium products are truly great quality and as most people are deficient in magnesium, they get good results for a wide range of ailments.

This month they have released their new magnesium moisturiser – the first ever organic skincare range based on magnesium. I was super keen to test this out! It comes in a 100g tub and the ingredients are: shea butter, coconut oil, hazelnut oil, magnesium chloride (22%), apricot oil, glycerine and vitamin E.

Very simple, all natural ingredients which have a very mild, slightly coconut smell. They have perfected the formula so that it is stable and doesn’t separate which often happens with products containing coconut oil.

How do you use it?

I have been trialling it for around six weeks now and this is how I prefer to use it for my skin. I get a pea sized amount of the moisturiser, rub it into my hands to melt and then massage all over my face until it’s all absorbed. It takes a while to sink in so keep massaging well.

I find if I use too much, it sits on top of my skin and is a bit oily and I have to keep massaging in half an hour or so afterwards. A small amount, massaged in well is fine. I prefer to use it regularly at night but if I am at home through the day, it’s okay for day time use as well. If I am going out and wearing make up, I prefer to use something a bit lighter on my skin.

For the first few days, it was a little itchy but nothing too bad. This settled down and now I have only experienced the itchiness if I have just exfoliated my skin. If you get stinging after using magnesium, this article explains why.

After a few weeks of use, I had a few breakouts around my chin, which may or may not be related to the moisturiser but I suspect that the magnesium has a bit of a detoxing effect. I just used the Ugly Bits Stick on them though and they were gone overnight. (PS here are my thoughts on the Ugly Bits Stick).

What I have noticed?

After about four weeks of use, I got a few compliments on my skin! Wow, that hasn’t happened for a long, long time. After having some health problems, I often look very tired and washed out, with a bit of a dullness.

To be honest, I hadn’t really noticed as I don’t spend a lot of time looking at myself in the mirror and our bathroom lighting is pretty bad. I have never really been one to worry about wrinkles and stuff. I do cover up blemishes with a bit of make up if I am going out but that’s about it!

Anyway, I went out to the car in the full sunshine and checked it out in the car mirror! Yep, I could see and feel some differences. And more so in the last two weeks.

♥ softer and plumper more hydrated skin

♥ a reduction in fine lines, particularly around my eyes

♥ a softening of the acne scarring on my cheeks

♥ a lightening of the pigmentation, particularly on my cheek bones that has been there since having kids

♥ overall the skin tone has improved and is more consistent and smoother

♥ would it be lame to say dewy? 😀 No, really I think my skin has a really nice glow about it now

That’s after six weeks of use. I am pretty darn impressed.

When I looked into why it works, this is what I found out. The magnesium blend balances the PH of your skin, the magnesium lightly exfoliates and detoxes dead skin cells which is what helps with spots, blemishes, wrinkles and pigmentation. When you use it daily, it promotes new cell production which gives you that nice glow.

The Harold family at Amazing Oils recommend that you can use this moisturiser in three ways.

♥ As a rich overnight facial repair treatment.

♥ To soothe skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, eczema and rashes. So you can use it all over the body – not just your face like I did!

♥ To gently boost your magnesium levels.

If you use it twice a day, it should last 4-6 months. Remember you only need to use a teeny bit!

Want to try it?

I am so keen on using this as my nightly moisturiser now to see what else happens! I am also going to get my hubby and mum onto it as well. Luckily the lovely Harold family are giving us a discount code to use so you can all try it out and see what difference it makes to your skin.

Use the code: NNAM for 10% off the entire Amazing Oils shop until the 5th of October 2016!

Check out the goodies at the website here.

Have you tried it? What did you think?

(this post is sponsored)

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}

Love List ~ March 2016

March 31, 2016 · 6 Comments

Well it has been a little while since I have done a love list!

In between moving to Brisbane and settling my kids in at new schools and uni and working on my charity project and updating the website (do you like the new design and logo??), it’s all been a little crazy around here at NNAM.

Here are some things that I have been loving the last few months….

♥ 4 My Earth Bamboo Bags

I am in love with these new bamboo bags! They are so soft and light weight and perfect for replacing plastic bags when buying produce. I have also been using them damp to keep veggies nice and fresh in the crisper. Such a great way to reduce your plastic usage. Get them here.

♥ Erica Brooke Skin Care

Made by a Brisbane natural new age mum, this range is equal to any of the big name natural skin care brands on the market. Erica’s deodorant is already one of my all time favourite products and I think I am also going to add the Honey Cream Cleanser to that list as well. It’s so incredibly beautiful to use and of course, free of nasty toxins and weird stuff! Check it out here.

♥ The Wholesome Cook by Martyna Angell

I was lucky enough to meet Martyna a few weeks ago at a cooking demo and I grabbed a copy of her cookbook while I was there. I really love Martyna’s food philosophy (probably because it is so similar to my own) of eating whole foods for your own bio-individuality. So many delicious whole food recipes to inspire. Check it out here.

♥ Small Steps to Fermenting

I am about to embark on some fermenting. I find it to be all quite overwhelming and I am worried I am going to get it wrong and make us all sick! Luckily the gorgeous Lisa Corduff (guru from Small Steps to Wholefoods) has teamed up with her husband to break it all down step by step in their online course, Small Steps to Fermenting. Check it out here.

♥ Crystal Singing Bowls

I was lucky enough to attend a crystal singing bowl healing workshop last month. I felt incredibly relaxed and in balance afterwards. It was a very magical, spiritual experience. You can check out crystal singing bowls at some new age stores or look for a healing session near you!

What have you discovered lately that you love??

What’s all the fuss about PHENOXYETHANOL ?

June 19, 2015 · 10 Comments

What’s all the fuss about Phenoxyethanol ?

What is Phenyoxyethanol?

Pheynoxyethanol is a synthetically produced glycol ether preservative used in cosmetic products to prolong their life. It’s pretty commonly found in natural products, particularly the cheaper priced ones.

Is it bad for us?

Well, this is where it gets confusing!

The EWG Skin Deep Database puts its hazard rating as low-medium with a number 4. There is no cancer or development/reproductive toxicity concerns. There seems to be a small concern about allergies.

There was one study which suggests it’s not so great for products used around your lips (so ingestion is no good).

The Chemical Maze Handbook says 🙁

“Suspected reproductive and developmental toxicity; effects from exposure may cause headache, tremors, eye irritation and central nervous system depression; mild irritation on sensitive skin; absorbed by the skin, toxic to the kidneys, the nervous system and the liver; safe as used up to 5%”

The International Journal of Toxicity says in their report on the safety of phenoxyethanol “It is concluded that Phenoxyethanol is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the present practices of use and concentration.”

The Material Safety Data Sheet on phenoxyethanol says;

It’s hazardous in case of eye contact, skin contact, ingestion and inhalation. “The substance is toxic to kidneys, the nervous system, liver. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. Repeated or prolonged inhalation of vapors may lead to chronic respiratory irritation”

Keep in mind that the MSDS is for phenoxyethanol in its pure 100% form. In cosmetic products, the amount of phenoxyethanol might have 0.5% or 1% of the substance.

What’s the issue?

Initially it seemed this preservative was a great substitute for parabens and embraced by the natural cosmetic companies. Since new information and research has come to light, some cosmetic companies are reformulating their products to remove it and replace with something safer.

Perspective

While phenoxyethanol may sound pretty bad, I think you have to look at it in context. 0.5 – 1% is a pretty small amount of it in your product. Cosmetics need preservatives to avoid bacteria growing in them and the addition of phenoxyethanol helps to keep natural products reasonably priced. As the Chemical Maze pointed out, it has been declared safe in amounts under 5%.

We quite probably encounter more toxic chemicals in our environment, in the air we breath and in a hundred places you would not think.

For those that are sensitive to products, have allergies or any sort of intolerance to products, it might be an issue for you and it’s probably best to steer clear.

For those that are on a budget and can’t afford the expensive natural products, you may want to settle for a bit of phenoxyethanol in your products. Perhaps limiting those products with phenoxyethanol to ones that are washed off rather than left on your skin is a compromise.

It’s pretty much a personal choice.

I know I can get a little paranoid about all the nasties, so sometimes its good to just take a step back and put it all into perspective.

How to avoid phenoxyethanol

Look for products that are certified organic. They should not contain phenoxyethanol.

Read labels. Phenoxyethanol can also be listed under fragrance, Phenoxytol, Phenoxethol, Rose ether, Phenyle cellosolve, and Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether.

Some brands that don’t contain phenoxyethanol:

Happy Skincare

Mukti Organic Skincare

Twenty 8 Skincare

La Mav Skincare

Brands that do contain phenoxyethanol are usually at the cheaper end of the natural skincare ranges like Sukin and Australia Pure Beauty by Nature’s Organics.

You might also like to read:

The Best Natural Skincare Brands

The Best Natural Makeup Brands

What are parabens and should we avoid them?

Does phenoxyethanol bother you? Do you look for it on labels?

Top Tips for Avoiding Dry Winter Skin

May 21, 2015 · 11 Comments

Top Tips for Avoiding Dry Winter Skin

Winter time can exacerbate skin conditions and the wind and heaters can make your skin dry, itchy and lifeless.

Here are some tips for keeping your skin lovely and soft over the cooler months. I also have some of the best natural skincare products that are all especially for repairing dry skin!

♥ Stay hydrated!

The cold weather can mess with our thirst mechanism a little. Lots of water will keep your skin smooth and moist. Try drinking herbal tea or hot water with lemon if water is a struggle.

♥ Good fats

Making sure you have enough essential fatty acids in your diet. Keep up the avocado, nuts, seeds, good oils and healthy fats.

♥ Upgrade your face moisturiser

You may need to swap your moisturiser in winter for something richer and more hydrating, especially at night time.

Try: Antipodes Avocado Pear Night Cream or Mukti Marigold Hydrating Creme

♥ Swap to a cream cleanser

I love a foaming face wash – they are so quick and easy in the shower but I find in winter they are just too drying. Swap over to a lovely cream cleanser and see the difference.

Try: Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm or Vanessa Megan’s Petitgrain Creme Cleanser.

♥ Add in a serum

If you love your moisturizer, don’t ditch it, just add in a serum underneath. They are so beautiful and you only need a few drops.

Try: Pomegranate and Rose Hydrating Serum or Good Vibes Omega Facial Oil.

♥ Use a hydrating mask

A lovely rich mask once a week is a nice thing to do for your skin in winter. You could just use avocado mashed up with some honey (yum) or find a nourishing face mask. Avoid clay face masks as they will dry out your skin even more.

Try: Antipodes Manuka Mask or Madara’s SOS Intense Moisture Mask

♥ Don’t wash so often

Now I am not suggesting you get all whiffy! If you are in the habit of having a hot shower or bath twice a day, cut that back to once a day and lower the temperature. Hot water will quickly dry out your skin.

♥ Ditch the soap

Don’t use soap!! It’s so incredibly drying. Switch to a rich cleansing bar, body wash or even skip all together and use a body cloth.

Try: Mokosh Olive Oil Soap or Divine Moisturising Body Wash.

♥ Use a body moisturiser daily

I know I can get a bit slack with this in summer, but if you are using something to hydrate your whole body daily, you will notice the difference in the colder weather.

Try: Blissed Out Body Oil or Lhami’s Lavender Body Lotion.

♥ Oil Bath

Seriously divine – add a good splash of body or massage oil to your next warm bath. It’s a bugger to clean the bath, but it’s worth it for the soft, soft skin you get afterwards!

♥ Don’t get too crazy with that towel

Don’t dry yourself too thoroughly in winter. Just pat skin dry and quickly put your body moisturizer on, sealing in some of the moisture.

♥ Exfoliate

Gently exfoliating weekly in winter will get rid of the dry skin cells. Use a body brush or a scrub on your body and a gentle exfoliant on your face.

Try: Lhami Wattleseed Exfoliating Cream for the face and Eco Tan’s new Organic Pink Himalayan Salt Scrub for the body.

♥ Keep it handy

Hands can really get dry, red and irritated in winter, but we have to wash our hands to keep germs at bay. Use a moisturising hand wash and keep a hand cream next to your bed or next to the kitchen sink to remind you to pop it on. Always use gloves to wash up and for cleaning. You can even coat your hands thickly and pop some cotton gloves on overnight to really replenish.

Try: Vanessa Megan’s Peruvian Flower Hand Cream or MV Skincare Hand Rescue.

♥ Pucker up

Keep your lips nice and hydrated with a lovely nourishing lip balm. I keep one next to my bed and in my handbag and apply often. If your lips are really dry and scaly, you can rub them gently with a clean toothbrush to get the flakes off and then apply your balm.

Try: Suvana’s Paw Paw and Honey Organic Lip Balm or Physic Garden’s Winter Lips Balm.

♥ Cover Up

If the weather is really wild and windy, protect your skin with gloves and a scarf.

♥ Spritzer

A hydrating spritzer can bring relief. Use it regularly throughout the day or pop on before your moisturizer.

Try: Raindrops on Roses Hydrating Tonic or Black Chicken’s Hydrate My Face.

♥ Extreme care

If your skin is really red and irritated, it calls for serious heavy duty products on the sore spots. Coconut oil is always my go-to, but you may need something a bit more intense. I advise against the popular pawpaw ointment on the market.

Try: TLC Intensive Repair Oil, Physic Garden’s Soothing Skin Salve or the always popular Weleda Skin Food.

♥ Eczema

Got eczema? Try these tips from our community.

I hope these tips were helpful and you find some relief from that dry, itchy winter skin! I would love to know your tips as well, leave me a comment and let me know what you do!

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}

What is Ayurveda?

May 2, 2014 · 8 Comments

What is Ayurveda?

Thousands of years before modern medicine provided scientific evidence for the mind-body connection, the sages of India developed Ayurveda, which continues to be one of the worlds most sophisticated and powerful mind-body health systems.

A sister science to yoga, the term Ayurveda is composed of two Sanskrit words – Ayu meaning life & Veda meaning knowledge or science. This “Science of Life” originated in India over 5000 years ago, making it one of the world’s oldest health care systems. It is not merely a health care system to treat ailments but a complete philosophy that encourages the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.

According to Ayurveda each individual is unique, a combination of physical, mental & emotional characteristics which are known as his/her constitution (Prakruti). Many factors, both internal as well as external can affect this constitution eg. One’s emotional state, diet, daily food choices, season and weather, physical trauma, job and family relationships. Once we understand that these factors can cause an imbalance in our constitution we have a choice to take appropriate action to nullify or minimise their effects.

Ayurveda is a personalized approach to health, and knowing your mind-body type allows you to make optimal choices about diet, exercise, supplements, and all other aspects of your lifestyle Ayurveda is a complete knowledge of life that teaches us how to live in tune with nature and elevate ourselves into the higher realms of happiness – the ultimate goal in life.

Ayurveda recognises three primary energies, Vata, Pitta & Kapha. Together they regulate every physiological and psychological characteristic from basic cellular processes to the most complex biological functions. When these forces are in a state of natural balance the defence mechanism of the body works at peak efficiency.

Vata – represents momentum. The element associated with Vata is Air

Pitta – represents metabolism. The element associated with Pitta is Fire

Kapha – provides substance and support. The element associated with Kapha is Water

Life challenges us with many opportunities. Although there is much over which we have little control, we do have the power to determine our diet and lifestyle. To maintain balance and health it is important to give attention to these decisions. Diet, lifestyle and the use of products containing herbs appropriate to individual constitution strengthen the body, mind and consciousness which enhances ones natural beauty.

Want to learn more about Ayurveda?

Check out The Handbook of Ayurveda.

Happy Skincare Review and Giveaway

March 21, 2014 · 99 Comments

Happy Skincare Review and Giveaway

You know I get a bit (very) excited when I find an Aussie, family owned business making awesome natural products without all the nasty toxins!

Well a random Google search last month led me to Happy Skincare and I did get excited! I couldn’t wait to join up with them as an affiliate and help them start spreading the word about their luxurious, affordable products that actually work. So on the blog today, I am going to tell you all about Happy Skincare and what I thought of it and giving some away so you guys can road test it too.

So, who are Happy Skincare?

Aaron and Phoebe are the ‘Happy’ husband and wife team from Newcastle, New South Wales. Aaron is an ex-naval officer, and Phoebe is an ex-software engineer. They left their careers to start their own small business, creating their own natural and organic skincare. Happy Skincare all came from a husband’s desire to do something to help his wife during pregnancy.

Unlike all the other organic and natural brands who have the story of ‘I couldn’t find anything natural that worked’, Aaron just had an audacious idea that he could do it better than the others. It also allowed him feel like he was helping Phoebe while she was preoccupied growing a baby. The belly balm idea morphed into their original product, the Anti-Ageing and Repair Cream.

What is Happy Skincare all about?

Aaron and Phoebe pride themselves on being Aussie owned and made. Their skincare range is made from the highest quality certified organic and 100% natural ingredients. The products are great for a wide range of skin conditions including acne, dry skin, ageing and problem skin.

“One of the ideas that Happy Skincare has been built on is that “skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to make a big difference to your skin.” Nature has done so much of the hard work for us, and with some care and cleverness we have been able to create a whole range of clean, simple and 100% natural skincare products that are gaining a bit of a cult following.”

The Happy skincare range is not tested on animals, most products are vegan and its palm oil use is from a sustainable source. Aaron and Phoebe are also philanthropists and donate 10% of profits to an orphanage in Mexico!

They offer free shipping on all orders over $100 and a 30 day money back guarantee.

What did I think?

I road-tested these four products over two weeks.

Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm: This is a thick, rich, lightly scented cleanser. I found it to be really lovely and left my skin very soft but still feeling clean. You need a cloth or sponge to wash it off, but I think that bit of extra effort is worth it, particularly if you have dry skin. You can also leave it on for a bit and it will work like a nourishing mask.

Tickled Pink Perfecting Tonic: I used this as a spritz before moisturizing. It really refreshes and helps lock in all that goodness.

Perfectly Happy Anti-Ageing Cream: I really loved this moisturizer. Beautifully scented and very light but nourished my skin beautifully. It does feel feather light!

Good Vibes Omega Facial Oil: This has five different omega oils and is a light non greasy oil. I have been using it at night under the moisturizer. It really softens the skin.

Pig In Mud Mineral Mask: Mix some water in with this mask and apply to your face for a really deep clean. Whoops I left it on way longer than recommended and it made my skin a bit tight. Remember to follow the directions next time!

So, after using the Happy Skincare for two weeks, I could notice a real difference in my skin. It had been getting a coarse feel and was a bit dried out and getting a few blemishes Now, it’s softer, fresher and the blemishes have gone away. I feel like it’s looking a lot better too. I would definitely get these products again and I am looking forward to trying out some of the other products in the range. Very impressed.

I am not the only one who thinks Happy Skincare is awesome – there are pages of testimonials on the website of ‘happy’ customers!

What I really like is that the products are affordable. There is nothing over $40 and that is pretty darn good for mostly organic skincare! They also bundle up the products into packs and throw in free stuff to give you a good deal.

I am really struggling to find something I don’t like about Happy! Actually, it would probably only be the packaging – I would like to see recycled packaging be something that they adopt in the future.

Where do you get it from?

Originally Aaron and Phoebe had grand plans of seeing Happy Skincare products in retail stores nationwide but they have shifted focus a bit because selling through retail stores means they totally lose touch with their customers.

By being available mostly online, they can cut out the middle man, keep costs down and have that one on one interaction with their customers.

Why ‘Happy” ?

I had to ask Aaron and Phoebe why they are decided to call themselves “happy” and the reason behind all the fun names for their products – something that initially drew me to them. It makes me smile! 🙂

“We picked Happy because we wanted a positive name and to bring a bit of fun back. It felt like the skincare world had got too serious with a case of white lab coat-it is, with its marketing messages all focused on the latest cutting edge synthetic ingredients and completely forgetting about the plentiful offerings nature has already given us.

We do our best to keep having fun but we have grown into something a little more. Similar to the slow food movement our products have become products that encourage slow beauty. Our products are a perfect way to take care of yourself with a little alone time.

The Cloud 9 Cleansing Balm isn’t a quick squirt, rub your face and rinse. To get the full experience you need to slow it down, give yourself a little face massage and enjoy the uplifting citrus aromas.

‘Pig in Mud’ was the first fun name we come up with because using our mask was like being as happy as a pig in mud. So we thought ‘why not’ stick with fun names? There are already plenty of made-up marketing names like Regenerist, Revitalift or Youth Code.

We do get a bit of resistance to our names, with some thinking that they’re too silly for them, and that they need something more serious. But we just roll with the punches! Cloud 9, Tickled Pink, Raindrops on Roses and Good Vibes all follow that same fun/happiness philosophy. The only problem is that we are running out of ideas for new products.”

Exclusive Discount Code:

Get an exclusive 10% off Happy Skincare with the code: NNAM here.

Giveaway:

(this giveaway has closed, thanks for entering!)

Aaron and Phoebe are kindly giving away 5 of their sample packs to 5 of you to try out for yourselves!! All you have to do is:

♥ Be a blog subscriber (add your email to the box on the right)

♥ Head over to the Happy Skincare website for a look around

♥ Leave me a comment on this blog post telling me which one of the Happy Skincare products you would like to try the most

Terms and conditions: This giveaway will close at midnite (AEST) on Monday the 31st of March. Winners will be chosen using random.org from those fulfilling the entry requirements correctly. Winners will be emailed and announced on this blog post. Sorry, Australian residents only. Good luck!

Natural Acne Remedies

September 2, 2013 · 26 Comments

Natural Acne Remedies

There has been an uproar in the media recently with information that drugs prescribed for acne- Roaccutane, Diane-35, Yasmin and Yaz are causing very serious problems including teen suicide and blood clots.

I have always had problems with my skin and I was on Dianne for some time in my younger years. The doctors said there were no side effects and my skin did clear up. But now I shudder thinking about what could have gone wrong.

I am a little embarrassed to tell you what else I did to my poor skin when I was younger. Metho! Yes, I was desperate and miserable about it. It’s a horrible thing to have – it can really affect your self-confidence. I never went anywhere without makeup to cover my skin.

Unfortunately, the acne didn’t go away as I got older but I just managed it as best I could. I used Dermalogica products, which were quite good but they used to bleach my towels if I accidentally got some product on them. Yikes!

It really only cleared up properly when I gave up wheat. You will get dermatologists telling you acne is hormonal and yes, it is, but I think everyone is different and you need to try a few things to see what works for you. I know diet and gut health plays a big part in how good my skin is or not.

Now we have teenagers in the house, the whole cycle begins again! So here, are our best tips for you.

♥ Water. Drinking lots of filtered water helps flush out toxins – it’s that simple! Jazz up your water to make it easier to get down.

♥ Cut out the chemicals. Ingesting and applying chemicals to your skin can really cause problems. I have heard so many people say that when they switched to a more natural lifestyle, including skincare, their skin clears up.

♥ Go Easy on dairy, wheat and sugar. Fizzy drinks and lollies play havoc with acne! Try some alternatives to soft drinks that are better for your health and your skin. Limiting dairy or swapping to non-dairy options seems to make a difference with us as well. In my case, wheat was really causing havoc with my skin. So, experiment and find out what flares up your skin.

♥ Acne Complex Homeopathy. I love homeopathy and Owens Homeopathy are great for the home prescriber. I love ordering from Megan at The Simplest Remedy as she has free shipping and great advice! If she doesn’t have something in stock, just ask and she will order it in for you. The Acne Complex has several remedies in one.

♥ Fruit and Vegetables. Time and time again, our family finds that getting stuck into the fruit and vegetables (particularly lots of greens) results in a glowing complexion! Try a green smoothie, daily.

♥ Herbal Tea. Teas like Red Clover, Nettle, Dandelion Leaf, Calendula and Burdock can all help with detoxification in the body and get your skin clear. We drink it hot or cold. My daughter often makes it up a big batch of iced tea and sips on it all day. The Complexion Tea from Tea Tonic is a winner and it tastes delicious.

♥ ACV. We dilute apple cider vinegar with some water (about 1 to 4) and use it on a cotton wool ball after cleaning. It kills off the bacteria and it also makes your skin alkaline, so the bacteria finds it hard to grow again. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash off and apply moisturizer.

♥ Essential Oils. Lemon oil, lavender oil and tea tree oil are all effective on acne. Just pop a drop on the spots using a clean cotton bud or mix one drop with a little coconut oil and use as a moisturiser. Eco Oils actually have a blend called Pimple Clear you might like to try. It’s budget friendly and this blend is safe to apply direct to the skin without a carrier oil.

♥ Good Hygiene. Acne is bacteria, so keeping your face clean, not touching it with dirty hands and washing pillowcases frequently all helps.

♥ Supplements. Find a good supplement to support healthy skin. Zinc, vitamin C and A and omega 3 are all beneficial. These supplements are fantastic and really work well for us. Their skincare is great too.

♥ The Healthy Skin Diet. This book by Aussie mum and nutritionist, Karen Fischer is really worth a read. If you are having persistent problems with any sort of skin problem, Karen guides you through it with eating plans and advice. We found it very useful! Get it here.

♥ De-stress. The cells that produce sebum have receptors for stress hormones. Get stress out of your life and see if it helps your skin. Try yoga, meditation, relaxation exercise and walking.

♥ Natural acne skin care. It’s important to use a good quality, natural skincare designed for acne. Don’t use horrible, harsh chemical-laden products – they just bleach your face and make the problem worse. Here are some that you might like to try:

Skin B5. A little more affordable, the kids found this range to really gentle on their skin and to be very effective at keeping the acne under control.
Botani (pictured). This is an all natural 3 step treatment pack that’s very gentle on troubled skin.
Noosa Basics. This natural company make a face wash and an acne drying lotion.
The Jojoba Company Jojoba Oil. It seems strange to put oil on oily skin but jojoba oil works really for acne because it has anti-bacterial properties and can help prevent excess sebum on the skin.

♥ Professional help. Visit a naturopath or integrative doctor aand get specific help if you feel like nothing is working. The answer could be more complex and involve your gut or liver health.

I hope these tips help! Let me know in the comments below what you have found good for clearing up acne.