Want An Honest Review Of Perth’s Sustainable Foodie Box? Your Guide to Natural ... Has your baby been out of sorts lately? Have the ... Chasing Rainbows - Spreading ... Join us in chasing rainbows and to choose JOY. #chasingrainbows2020 ... 5 Products to Keep Your ... Well, things are escalating fast as the world is dealing ... - SEE ALL - We ask local Perth girl Sammi Jane - Womens Medicine Woman to review a vegan box from My Foodie Box for an honest review. This is what she has reported to us. This service was incredible from the moment they dropped it off it was such a great service. I was happily surprised by all the packaging, a huge bonus for me, reusable Ice packs and insulation, you could really feel their vision. This was a massive look into what this company is aiming to create and are well and truly achieving, eco consumer aware recycling and less waste. Not only was the produce all locally souced the packaging is picked up after use and the big box is reused for your next order. They sanitize them and can use up to 4 times. Having everything pre-measured and labeled really helped reduce preparation time. I usually love and inspire to make everything from scratch so this was a really great package to still receive that feel. You’re making everything from scratch but the time to prepare, cook and organise is greatly reduced whilst still being healthy and nourishing. I work from home and had a full week and it felt nice to know each meal was less than 30 minutes to prep and that I was inspired by cooking it, which is nourishing in itself. I could see it as a great offering for nourishing your family. I used the fritters for a brunch gathering we had and it was nice to have everything there ready to go so I could focus more on getting the rest of the house sorted. The produce all arrived fresh and stayed fresh, nothing lost its essence before it needed to be used. This is so great as it really reduces food waste, buying too much, food going off before you can eat it. This was a great part of the package, to really see it in front of you as farm to table because of this freshness. I loved the whole experience from delivery to the recipes. I would highly recommend this service to others who want to eat well and have a conscious eco-footprint and less waste. They cater for all dietary requirements and lifestyle choices.
Vulnerability, Everyone is talking about it but are YOU doing it? Your Guide to Natural ... Has your baby been out of sorts lately? Have the ... Chasing Rainbows - Spreading ... Join us in chasing rainbows and to choose JOY. #chasingrainbows2020 ... 5 Products to Keep Your ... Well, things are escalating fast as the world is dealing ... - SEE ALL - Ever noticed… How we can list every superhero from Superman to Wonder Woman’s weakness? How people on first dates search for something in common? How we watch reality TV waiting for the moment we see “real emotions”? What are we looking for? It’s simple. Vulnerability And as Dr Brenē Brown states, it’s a paradox: “Vulnerability is the first thing I look for in you and the last thing I want you to see in me!” Every superhero’s weakness lets us humans relate to them, connect with them. If they were perfect, not only would the story be very boring to watch, we also wouldn’t be inspired by them, follow them and from age 5, want to be like them. Their weakness makes them more like us. On first dates, we are often looking for a sense of belonging, a common ground that binds us or at least makes us hope we might be a match. And when we watch reality TV, we are waiting for that moment when someone “shows their V!”. In that second we know we are watching something real about someone real and we are transfixed to the screen…because we feel connection, belonging and we want more… (Heading)Vulnerability – the most misrepresented word in the dictionary? Vulnerability is defined as “exposed to being attacked or harmed”, which doesn’t sound positive, does it? But thanks to Dr Brenē Brown’s decade plus of research we can now give Vulnerability a more life-practical definition as: “Uncertainty, Risk and Emotional Exposure” – feelings we face regularly at work and home. Feelings that in this changing world are now part of the daily furniture in our lives. Feelings that are essential if we want a life with real connections, belonging, trust and successful relationships. Feelings that our media is now seeing AFL footballers, multi-millionaire business leaders and Prime Ministers talking about! So, if we want vulnerability so badly what holds us back? In a word – FEAR. The fear is different for all of us yet every thought, self-limiting belief, excuse, defensive action or perception we have as the reason not to be vulnerable, will ultimately be based on fear. Fear of getting hurt, looking stupid, being weak, damaging my rep, creating conflict etc. As Susan Jeffers says “Every fear we have are all driven by the fear – what if I can’t cope?” Knowing this – Enter Conscious Courage! Vulnerability requires courage to be successful. Courage is the “how”. There’s no getting away from that. As my grandmother often said to me – “If it was easy, everyone would be doing it!” Which is why only Brenē has taken the world by storm with her public vulnerable Tedx talk in 2010! Even you reading this far has required conscious decision of courage… So here’s your challenge. If you want more vulnerability in your life, more connection, belonging and trust? You need courage. We all have different levels of courage in different situations but all of us could do it better and more often… Courage is a skill with four key parts essential and like all valuable skills it takes training and practise. This is the work I do with people leading themselves or a team or an entire organisation, every day. So why show your Vulnerability? Because the alternative - to not show your vulnerability leads to a life of pretend, of hustling your story and of feeling the pressure to be perfect to live a story that is only part the real you and that never feels enough… Without vulnerability we may never really feel connected to ourselves and others…if we don’t take the risk to move out of judgement towards empathy, move away from defensiveness towards compassion then we can feel different, uncertain if we fit, lonely, fake, fearful or just tired of keeping up the invulnerability wall! When you show your vulnerability the door is open to everything we desire as humans; Connection, belonging, trust, love, learning, growth, new ideas, adaptability to change, acceptance of ourselves as imperfect wonderful humans! Fearing less and feeling stronger in ourselves. Speaking our truth, knowing we are doing our best right now and that we are enough. When I’m vulnerable and courageous I find the world is more fun and I am a lot kinder to myself… Are you ready to lift your courage to create…? If you believe connection starts with your vulnerability and you want to know how to do it consciously? Then join me and register for LIFT’s “Your Courage to Create…” workshop so you can be consciously vulnerable and confidently courageous at work, at home, in your whole life! Read more and register here. or Join me for Life’s “3 Day Conscious Vulnerability Challenge” starting on the 15th of October. It’s FREE what have you got to lose?. Register here.
This New Ethical AF Organic Denim Brand is Dropping on Kickstarter Get On IT! Your Guide to Natural ... Has your baby been out of sorts lately? Have the ... Chasing Rainbows - Spreading ... Join us in chasing rainbows and to choose JOY. #chasingrainbows2020 ... 5 Products to Keep Your ... Well, things are escalating fast as the world is dealing ... - SEE ALL - This NEW Sustainable Denim Brand is Ethical AF, Comfortable & Stylish No Wonder it is Shaking Up The Fashion World. Hold on Kickstarter this brand is about to take off. We have a real and raw conversation with the founder and the inspiration behind Keeper Denim. How did you think of the product? I have always been passionate about fashion and style, but when I watched a documentary called The True Cost, it opened my eyes to the dark side of the fashion industry and I knew that I wanted to make a difference. After further research, I realised that the denim industry is one of the most polluting sectors within the garment industry. I wanted to create a brand that helps to educate people on how unsustainable the fast fashion industry business model is today so that people will start to think about the clothes they are buying and ask themselves, who made my clothes? where were they made? and what are they made out of?. What made you choose sustainable? Keeper Denim was founded on a desire to make a difference within the denim industry. We were overwhelmed by the unsustainable and unethical business model of the fast fashion industry. When you consider the low cost of fast fashion available to the western world, it’s important to realise that someone, somewhere is paying for it. Low wages, unfair workers’ rights and poor health conditions of the factory workers is the true cost of fast fashion. Globally the environment is suffering too. Our rivers and waterways are being polluted by toxic synthetic chemicals used to grow conventional cotton, as well as the toxic dyes used in the production of most of our clothing, particularly denim. When these chemicals come into contact with the skin (the largest organ of the human body) of the person wearing them, they are passed into their bloodstream. The impacts of these chemicals on both the environment and human health are largely untested. So we decided to do things differently at Keeper Denim. We believe you don’t have to compromise on style in the name of sustainability. We’ve researched, tested, surveyed and sampled to come up with a timeless style, designed for comfort, a flattering fit for different body shapes and a high-quality product where each and every detail has been considered. How many products are there? Our first product, the Elwood Skinny Jean will be available exclusively on Kickstarter A high-waisted, skinny, ankle cut jean. We chose a high-waisted style as it comes in at the smallest part of your waist and elongates your legs, making it flattering for most body types. The ankle cut length makes it versatile for a variety of different types of footwear, as it looks great in flats, high heels or boots. What is the fabric? The denim fabric was sourced from ISKO’s Earth Fit Range and is made from: 92% Organic Cotton 6% Recycled Polyester – made from post-consumer recycled PET plastic bottles 2% Elastane What makes it sustainable? Organic cotton uses a lot less water than conventional cotton and it is also grown without the use of toxic synthetic chemicals. Ensuring farmers work in safer conditions and the negative impact on the environment is reduced. The recycled polyester is made from post-consumer PET plastic bottles. A manual brushing technique was used to fade the denim slightly to create a ‘worn’ look, instead of applying bleach to the fabric. The denim is Oeko-Tex certified and has been awarded with both the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel, refer below for details on each: Oeko-Tex Certification - no toxic substances are contained within the denim. Nordic Swan Ecolabel – through the prohibition of a number of substances harmful to health and the environment, the certification focuses on reducing the impact on the environment as well as considering the health of both workers and consumers. EU Ecolabel - This is awarded to products that meet high environmental standards throughout their life-cycle. It also promotes a circular economy by encouraging producers to generate less waste and CO2 during the manufacturing process. What is your background? I worked in the corporate industry for a few years until I came to the realisation that profit was valued more than the people. I was looking for a change in my career, one where I could make a difference and follow my passion for style and an ethical, sustainable lifestyle. This is how Keeper Denim was created, a brand where style meets sustainability, by designing high quality, denim jeans for women, made from organic cotton and recycled materials, manufactured in Melbourne, Australia. What do you love about the product? When designing the jeans I thought about what I want in a jean. I also spoke to a number of women of all different ages, sizes and body shapes to see what they look for. I love a high-waisted jean as it’s not only flattering on many body shapes but I find it’s also the most comfortable. The ankle cut length looks great on women of various heights but it’s also incredibly versatile in terms of footwear as you can wear them with flats, sandals, high heels and boots! The denim fabric has 2% elastane, which makes them super comfy for all different body shapes as they contour and mould to fit you. The dark denim is really flexible, as you can dress it down with a tee for a day look or dress them up with a blouse or shirt for a night out. Who is it for? The jeans are for women who are seeking well fitting, stylish jeans that are transeasonal and cause no harm to the environment or the people involved in making them. If you want to reduce the amount of toxic chemicals that come in contact with your skin, the largest organ of the human body. Women who value the environment and want to reduce the destruction being done to it, specifically by the denim industry. They consider where their clothes were made and who made them. They care for the garment workers’ rights and want to purchase clothes from companies that treat their workers fairly. What colours are available? The Elwood Skinny jean is available in Dark Indigo - this is dark blue denim, with light fading on the leg, so you can wear them with flats or sneakers for a more casual look, or dress them up with boots or heels for a night out. Indigo This is dark blue denim, with light fading on the leg, so you can dress them down for a more casual look, or dress them up for a night out. What cuts are available? A high-waisted, skinny, ankle cut jean. We are pumped to back these guys and get our hands on a hot little pair of these bad boys. Here is the Kickstarter link https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/keeperdenim/keeper-denim Plus follow and connect with them on Instagram Related Article: https://greengoodnessco.com.au/brisbane/sustainable/stop-shopping-know-14-things-fashion-industry/ Stop Shopping Until You Know These 14 Things About The Fashion Industry
Stop Shopping Until You Know These 14 Things About The Fashion Industry Your Guide to Natural ... Has your baby been out of sorts lately? Have the ... Chasing Rainbows - Spreading ... Join us in chasing rainbows and to choose JOY. #chasingrainbows2020 ... 5 Products to Keep Your ... Well, things are escalating fast as the world is dealing ... - SEE ALL - There are some things that we think you should know before you head to the shops or jump online to browse your favorite brands. The founder of new ethical brand Keeper Denim was so passionate about being a voice for sharing the ugly truths behind this glamorous industry. The fashion industry is the world’s second-largest polluter, behind the oil industry. (Source: One Green Planet) The world now consumes a staggering 150 billion pieces of clothing each year. (Source: Fashion Revolution) More than 50% of the fast fashion produced is disposed of in under one year. (Source: Share Cloth) Australia throws out 6,000kg of clothing, every 10 minutes. (Source: War on Waste) Only 10% of the clothes people donate to charity or thrift stores actually get sold, the rest ends up in landfills or in developing countries where they are bought by the box and destroy the local industry. (Source: Remake) 6 billion pairs of jeans are made every year, with the majority of them using a toxic production process. (Source: Eco Watch) The common distressed denim look is the result of several chemical-intensive washes. These washes include heavy metals such as manganese, cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead and copper, which are neurotoxic and carcinogenic. The contaminated wastewater run-off from these washes is dumped into the waterways surrounding the garment factories in developing countries, contaminating the local people’s drinking water. (Source: River Blue) Conventional cotton is genetically modified and uses large amounts of water and toxic chemicals. It is estimated that conventional cotton production accounts for 16% of the world’s insecticide use and more than 6.8% of the world’s herbicide use. (Source: www.organiccotton.org) So when we wear clothing which contains non-organic cotton, it increases our exposure to these chemicals which can be ingested through our skin, the largest organ of the human body. The impacts of these chemicals on both the environment and human health are largely untested. We have chosen to use organic cotton denim in all our jeans, as this cotton uses a lot less water than conventional cotton and it is also grown without the use of toxic synthetic chemicals. Content lovingly shared are created by @keeperdenim ethical, sustainable, Australian made denim brand. Now that you are more informed, what will you choose for your next purchase?. Keeper Denim really has nailed the style and got an ethical and amazing brand. Head to their Kickstarter campaign, we need to support brands like this. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/keeperdenim/keeper-denim Plus follow and connect with them on Instagram
Why a #drawerdetox is just what you need (and how to do it) Your Guide to Natural ... Has your baby been out of sorts lately? Have the ... Chasing Rainbows - Spreading ... Join us in chasing rainbows and to choose JOY. #chasingrainbows2020 ... 5 Products to Keep Your ... Well, things are escalating fast as the world is dealing ... - SEE ALL - Just when you thought you were all Marie Kondo-ed out…we’re here to tell you the revolution isn’t quite over yet. You might have spent hours painstakingly parting with dresses and shoes that you swore (ten years ago) you might just wear one more time, but it’s our guess that there’s one place the #sparkjoy movement didn’t quite make it: your bathroom drawer. Yep, it’s time to throw away that orange lipliner you bought for a Halloween party in 2003. And that foundation that you bought because it was on special at the pharmacy, but actually isn’t that great a match (because you’re more dewy beige than ochre dust, and you kinda knew that anyway)? That’s going too. Take my hand, and let’s detox the drawer. Because you really don’t want to put stuff on your face or body that’s been sitting there for a decade or is potentially full of products with harmful ingredients, right? Think of it as an opportunity… …to brush up (literally) on the that products are best for your skin type and colouring, to work out what you’ve outgrown, and do a big reset. Why? Plenty of reasons. The products you were using in your 20s shouldn’t be the same as what you use in your 30s and your routine will change again as you hit your 40s. Ageing will happen to all of us, and instead of avoiding it, we can be proactive instead. With more advanced technology and armed with greater knowledge, we have the tools and products to make the most of what we’ve got and prevent sun damage and other signs of ageing. So if you’re still using the same moisturiser your mum introduced you too when you were 15, it might be time for a rethink. If you’ve made a big change to your usual cut or colour (or both) then it’s important to reassess your haircare regime. Especially if you’ve gone a few shades lighter, you might need to consider colour-specific shampoo and conditioner, sun protection and a masque to ensure you are caring for the colour between salon appointments. Hair colour can impact your makeup choices too. While you might be used to warm tones with your darker hair, going lighter means you may need to swap peachy shades for pinks. It’s a matter of trial and error. Changes of season can wreak havoc, with skin requiring a little extra care and hydrating heading into the winter months. If you’re pregnant it’s likely too that you might adjust your routine, as your skin may respond differently to what you’re used to: you might be more sensitive, or have some pigmentation issues. And beauty technology advances, you can take this chance to educate yourself further on things like products that work from the inside out. Nope, we’re not saying you should eat your blush; instead, think protein and superfood powders. Arbonne is encouraging the #drawerdetox using their ‘Pure, Safe, Beneficial’ philosophy, to get rid of products that contain harsh ingredients and may be damaging to the skin. The brand operates a strict ‘not allowed list’ which contains more than 2000 products the company will not use, to adhere to its vegan, cruelty-free philosophy. Australia and New Zealand Senior Sales & Marketing Director, Melissa Amavisca stressed the fact that our skin absorbs everything we put on it. “Makeup and skincare can become ineffective or potentially harm the skin if used after their expiry date,’ she says. “And you don’t want to be lathering yourself in stuff that’s ineffective at best, and full of bacteria at worst.” Up for the challenge? Let’s do this First, you need to find out exactly what’s lurking: not just in the drawer but on the shelves, in the shower, under your bed or in the spare makeup bag in your handbag or desk drawer (I’m sure it’s not just me…) You’ll want to ask yourself the following questions: Has it expired? Eye products will be the first to go. Mascara, for example, will last an absolute maximum of six months. If you’re using it every day, it’s more like three, but either way, if it’s started to dry out, it needs to go. Water-based foundations will last a year and oil-based products for up to 18 months. If you’ve had them longer, chuck them in the bin. Is it broken? Dropped your favourite eye palette and smashed a couple of colours beyond recognition? Ditch it. Are you keeping it only because…you wore it on your wedding day/your sister passed it on to you/your mother-in-law gifted it to you? You know where this is going…straight into the ‘do not keep’ pile. Does it contain harmful ingredients? Has it been tested on animals? Or does it contain unethically sourced ingredients? Get rid of it – you don’t want to be part of that cycle. What are your beauty values? The more we all become conscious of how we live impacts on the planet, the more likely it is that our choices – even in makeup and skincare – might change? Will you support brands that have good corporate values and put their customers’ health first? Have you used it in the past two weeks, and it’s still within its safe lifespan and it suits your beauty philosophy, hair colour, and skin? Bingo (finally). It’s a keeper. Yeah, they’re strict criteria, but that’s the whole point. Your end result should be a streamlined, simplified collection of products that make your bathroom feel less cluttered. What now? Arbonne’s suggestion is to donate unexpired and unopened items to Share the Dignity’s It’s in the Bag Christmas charity drive for women and girls in need. For products you might have opened but aren’t using, you can always check whether family or friends need them, before recycling them. You can drop off unrecyclable beauty products to a TerraCycle drop-off point. As an extra incentive to clean up your beauty act, tag a picture with #drawerdetox to be in the running to win a capsule of Arbonne’s vegan, cruelty-free and carbon neutral products. So set aside a couple of hours, throw on a great playlist and get into it. We guarantee there’s a big feel-good factor both in minimising and in donating and gifting the stuff you no longer need. Win-win!
Seven Secrets To Discovering Your Inner Zen Your Guide to Natural ... Has your baby been out of sorts lately? Have the ... Chasing Rainbows - Spreading ... Join us in chasing rainbows and to choose JOY. #chasingrainbows2020 ... 5 Products to Keep Your ... Well, things are escalating fast as the world is dealing ... - SEE ALL - 1) Prioritise ‘You’ Time ‘You time’ means really committing to getting in touch with your inner self, and making it a regular thing! We lead busy lives, but you can’t be your best self to others unless you first look after yourself Go somewhere where you feel safe, happy and relaxed – and most importantly where you won’t be interrupted. Phones off! This might be at your favorite little cafe, by the ocean, under a tree in your local park, or even just curled up at home under a cosy rug. Wherever you choose, set yourself a specific timeframe and make a promise that this will be your time with yourself, no other distractions! Even just one hour will do the trick. Use this time to check in with yourself. Writing in a journal can be a great way to get your thoughts and ideas in order. Asking yourself some simple questions like “Where am I at with my life at the moment? Am I happy? Are the things I spend my time on each day aligned with my bigger picture goals?” Treat this time with yourself like you would an important business meeting. Without scheduling in regular time to introspect and reflect, you risk living your life by default (busy, tick box check) rather than by design. 2) Discover a Mind/Body Connection with Yoga or Pilates The benefits of Yoga include a deepening of the connection between your physical self, and your mental, emotional and spiritual self. Developing a regular practice means you are consistently making time to become more mindful, switching off from your daily responsibilities and turning inwards. If Yoga isn’t for you, another wonderful alternative is Pilates, in particular, Reformer Pilates has a lovely flowing rhythm that facilitates increased self-awareness. 3) Take a Walk on The Wild Side And by wild, we mean getting totally lost in nature. Going for a hike or walking a trail can be a sublime experience. The fresh air, wildlife, sunshine, and silence put the stresses of modern life into perspective. It returns us to our human roots and switching off from technology and social media forces you to observe your surroundings as they unfold. Australia has an array of awe-inspiring national parks and of course idyllic beaches to discover or maybe re-discover. It’s easy to take for granted what is right on our doorstep! For those of us that are time poor, simply going for a walk in your own neighborhood can be rejuvenating. If you set out with the intention of observing your surroundings, it’s amazing the beauty you can discover within your own streets. 4) Get Lost In A Book That Inspires You Snuggling up with a fantastic book and a cuppa is one of the most simple, and yet most relaxing and luxurious things you can do. Reading is such a soothing practice as it calms the mind and reduces stress and anxiety, by forcing you to focus on a single task. Even better, if you choose the right book, you can come away from a dose of bookwormery feeling positive and inspired. There are so many wonderful authors and books out there, but a couple of must reads for ladies are “Embrace Yourself” by Taryn Brumfitt and “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love). 5) Awaken with Meditation Meditation, we’ve all heard the benefits, but how many of us have actually committed to sticking with it? In today’s world, our brains are wired for distraction, instant gratification, and the next endorphin hit. But, the health and wellbeing effects of meditation are so huge in terms of tuning into your inner self and intuition, it’s really worth persevering. It will help you to build reliance and make you better equipped to deal with your emotions and therefore the ups and downs of life. Why not try an App like “Calm” or “Headspace” and commit to just 10 minutes per day, guided by the app. Why not try setting your alarm 10 minutes earlier than usual, sit up, stick your headphones in and just do it, before you have a chance to press the snooze button. The mind is particularly receptive on waking and it will set you up for a more mindful day. 6) See the World Through a Child’s Eyes Again The primary ‘job’ of children is to play, explore and use their imagination. They live completely in the moment and depending on their age may not even understand the concept of ‘tomorrow’ yet! Going for a walk with a toddler will involve stopping to squat down and look at every interesting bug, leaf, flower or stone along the way. Could you ever see yourself replicating this behavior as an adult? Why not try looking at things from a child’s perspective and discovering your wonder for life again! Don’t forget the little version of you once found all the small things in the world fascinating, so there’s no reason you can’t re-discover your amazement and appreciation for life. Even better, spend time with kids, and if you don’t have your own, ask a friend or family member with children if you can babysit for a few hours, and see how their inquisitive and present nature rubs off on you too. 7) Wise Up with A Life-changing Workshop There are so many wonderful workshop options available in Perth these days, offering everything from how to make sauerkraut and kimchi, to business networking and coding. There is something magical about a group of kick-ass like minded ladies getting together to connect and learn something new. We all tend to get constantly pulled in a million directions with the endless responsibilities of life, that a great way to come back to yourself and connect with others is through a workshop. A great option that ticks all the above boxes is the “Choose to Thrive” workshop series. These half-day retreat-style workshops are an investment in creating a more meaningful and fulfilling life you love, including: - Food: delicious and nutritious meals and treats - you won’t go home hungry! - Yoga: programmed to create a deeper connection between your physical self and your mental and emotional self; - Workshop: dynamic, interactive content with actionable strategies for positive life change; - Gorgeous take-home resources for ongoing inspiration; - The chance to meet and network with a group of equally fabulous ladies! Our Events
Everything a Modern Day Woman Needs to Know Your Guide to Natural ... Has your baby been out of sorts lately? Have the ... Chasing Rainbows - Spreading ... Join us in chasing rainbows and to choose JOY. #chasingrainbows2020 ... 5 Products to Keep Your ... Well, things are escalating fast as the world is dealing ... - SEE ALL - It’s 2018/2019 and while it feels the world still hasn’t caught up in many ways — if you know where to look, there’s more communities, knowledge and resources available for the empowered woman than ever before. Whether it’s choosing natural birth control or our own beauty standards, below is our list of things we believe every modern day woman needs to know: Moon cups are better for you We all know they’re better for the world, but moon cups are better for our bodies too. Toxins can be absorbed through the vagina and they’ve found traces of chemicals, dioxins and insecticides in 5 out of 11 disposable sanitary products. These include Glyphosate (the active ingredient in weed killer) and Rayon (abrasive fibers that can cause tiny scratches). So do your vagina a favour and invest in organic tampons, or better yet — a moon cup. There’s an app that was approved by the FDA as a legitimate form of contraception The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has just approved an app called Natural Cycles as a form of contraception. While the idea of not using birth control is outrageous and out of the question for some, other women are looking for viable, natural alternatives to contraception — and this may just be one. Women using similar apps from Clue and Daysy are reporting feeling more in touch with their bodies after using these apps. It’s no surprise, seeing as the apps work by having you enter data (like your basal body temperature) and then using an Algorithm to predict when you’ll ovulate, when you’ll get menstruate and when you’re fertile so you know when to use backup contraception. You can sync your cycle for greater creativity, productivity and health Speaking of your cycle, there’s more knowledge circulating than ever before on the topic of the female hormonal cycle. Author Alissa Vitti of the must-read Woman Code is helping to spearhead the growing movement. You might have heard buzz words like ‘mindful menstruating’ lately. So what’s it all about? Well, women do a lot more than just menstruate and ovulate; we also have two other cycles in the month called the follicular phase (which happens after menstruation and before ovulation) and the luteal phase, (occurring after ovulation). Vitti recommends syncing your schedule and diet with your cycle, for greater productivity, alignment and a sense of wellbeing. Here’s a little crash course on it below: Menstruation - associated with winter time, menstruation it’s a time for rest and reflection. It’s said that the barriers between your conscious and subconscious mind are lowered during this time and your awareness is heightened — so it’s an ideal time to listen to those subtle messages and take stock. In ancient times, women would have red tent gatherings Follicular Phase - Associated with spring, you might experience greater ambition, motivation and determination in this phase. It’s a great time for brainstorming, starting new ideas and meeting new people. Ovulation - Said to be the ‘fruitful’ summer phase, it’s a time of high productivity, creative impulse and sexual energy. The full moon mirrors the egg at this phase. Your ability to communicate clearly is heightened at this time, as well as your confidence, so it’s a strategic time to have any challenging conversations. Luteal Phase – Your energy may remain high at the beginning of the Luteal phase, but scale back as you feel your energy lower again. It’s the female biological autumn phase where intuition is heightened and where you may feel a need for more self-care, time alone, or authentic conversation. Better known as PMS, it’s a great time to acknowledge, accept and have compassion for the emotions that come up during this phase and not expect too much of ourselves. It’s a time for letting go and releasing what is no longer serving us. A jade egg is useful for more than just pleasure One of the pioneers of the yoni egg movement Rosie Rees, says that she uses her jade egg as more of a self-care ritual. “I guess I have less of a fantasy goal-orientated self-pleasure practice and more of an enriching self-loving ritual,” she shares on her Youtube Channel. Aside from their well-known use for self-pleasure, Rosie also says you can use them to strengthen the muscles in your vagina after having a baby, or for those with incontinence when running or sneezing. She suggests keeping them in for half a day (or even a whole day) to get the full benefits. Each egg is formed from a different crystal with its own healing capabilities, for self-love, she suggests the rose quartz and for healing of negative energy, the black obsidian crystal. Lastly, before using them, she suggests boiling your crystals in hot water, before cleansing them by placing them in the sunlight or ocean. #saggyboobs matter If you haven’t yet heard of Chidera Eggerue, she’s a female force to be reckoned with and a voice of reason in a world that upholds impossible ‘beauty’ standards. A healing force for women round the world who want to learn to accept their bodies exactly as they are, we highly recommend immersing and empowering yourself in Chidera’s world either on her Instagram, or reading her book “What a Time To Be Alone.” Fight with your feminine, not your masculine Ladies, we already live in a patriarchy and while there are more women in positions of power (hello New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinta Arden), it’s so important that we use our feminine energy, not our masculine, to create change. The world is not in need of more masculine women, the world is in need of more feminine qualities in positions of power. Here’s a couple of inspiring talks on the topic to get you started: We need to restore femininity | Michelle Miler | TEDxAmsterdam Dare to be feminine for gut’s sake | Kaouthar Darmoni | TEDxEde
The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Snacks for a Road Trip! Your Guide to Natural ... Has your baby been out of sorts lately? Have the ... Chasing Rainbows - Spreading ... Join us in chasing rainbows and to choose JOY. #chasingrainbows2020 ... 5 Products to Keep Your ... Well, things are escalating fast as the world is dealing ... - SEE ALL - It is all too easy to eat mindlessly during a road trip. It can also be easy to buy unsatisfying or unhealthy food from fast food places or rest stops. However, you don’t need to toss your regular healthy habits out the (car) window when you’re travelling. What it really comes down to is planning! Bringing your own food helps you understand what your putting into your body. Not only that, it ensures you have all the treats that make your body feel great. Homemade Vegetable Chips Rather than grabbing a bag of chips try making them yourself. Its super simple all you need to do is pick your favourite veggies. You can try using sweet potato, beetroot, regular potato, pumpkin or kale. Our favourite is kale, it is super easy and one of the most popular snacks amongst my friends. All you need to do is just rip the kale in bite-sized pieces, toss them in coconut oil or olive oil, spread on a baking tray, bake for 13-15 minutes at 190 and then let cool. I also recommend adding a little bit of pink Himalayan salt in the end. Create Your Own Movie Popcorn Popcorn is another quick and easy salty snack. It is a wonderful source for complex carbs and fibre, which helps your body stay regular and provide you with lots of energy whilst on the road. You need to ensure you not using microwave popcorn. It is full of chemicals, hydrogenated oils, and excess salt. You can make it on your stove at home using just olive oil, coconut oil or butter. If you don’t have time to make, ensure when you pick it up at the store it only has a few ingredients, you don’t want something that is 10 items long! Protein Balls Anyway You Like Protein balls are perfect for the car. They travel well and can be customised to suit anyone’s taste! You can be super creative and make chocolate goji berry protein bliss balls or peanut butter mocha energy bites. Or you could keep it simple with date and lemon balls! Jazz Up Your Eggs with Vegemite Boiled eggs are not only simple to prepare, but they are also super easy to store, plus they aren’t too fragile. It is easy to grab one out and eat it on the go, and you’re left without any mess or waste. If you want to add some texture - add some wheat crackers, vegemite & cottage cheese to your container. Vegemite gives you a lovely umami flavour while the cottage cheese adds some creaminess. If you want to avoid the store brought cheese try making it at home. It is super simple and all you need is a bottle of milk, vinegar and a cheese cloth. You don’t need buy a cloth you will most likely have something laying around home you can use! Hummus Is Where the Heart Is Hummus is yet another snack that is brimming with protein. It is full of vitamin B & protein. Both help keep you feel fuller for longer Try also bringing a range of items to dip, from carrots, celery, capsicum or home baked pita chips. If you want to add some more flavour try blending or topping your hummus with black olives and smoky paprika. You will have the whole car begging for the recipe! Baked Chickpeas These snacks are easy to make at home and will help you abstain from stuffing yourself with chips! Simply drain and dry your chickpeas, then toss them with olive oil. Season with salt and other spices of your choice. Then just bake for 30-40 minutes at 450F. Season the chickpeas with whatever floats your boat. Curry powder? Smoky paprika? Garlic salt? Go wild & try them all, soon you won’t just be making these for car trips! Did You Say Almond Butter and Strawberries? Do you like to satisfy your sweet and savoury cravings at the same time? Try packing a Tupperware container of your favourite nut butter along with a punnet of chopped strawberries. Just dip and enjoy! This protein filled snack will fill you up in no time! Tuna, Wasabi and Crackers Tuna is a wonderful way to get your healthy intake of omega 3s. For something a little more interesting, bring a tube of wasabi and some crackers. The crackers will help you get in your complex carbs while the wasabi gives the tuna a bit of a kick! Hopefully, these ideas either inspiring you to get planning or at least make a healthier choice when on the road! Article lovingly provided by Brittnay, a healthy lifestyle loving housesitter! She has been living in London for the past two years and recently moved home to Melbourne. She has visited over 21 countries in Europe and Africa in that time. You can find all her adventures in housesitting and travels on The Travelling House Sitters.
We Chatted to David Beckham’s Personal Trainer, Tegan Haining, About Her Wellness Routine - Here’s What She Had to Say! Your Guide to Natural ... Has your baby been out of sorts lately? Have the ... Chasing Rainbows - Spreading ... Join us in chasing rainbows and to choose JOY. #chasingrainbows2020 ... 5 Products to Keep Your ... Well, things are escalating fast as the world is dealing ... - SEE ALL - First up, briefly tell us a bit about yourself and what you do! I’m an Author (The 7 Day Quickie – check it out!), Personal Trainer and Fascial Stretch Therapist. I moved back to Australia in 2016 after 4 yrs in London training celebs such as David Beckham, Lara Stone, Hugh Grant plus many more amazing people. What time do you wake up most days and how many hours of sleep do you aim for? I always aim for 8 hrs, doesn’t always work out that way though, but always a min of 7. I usually wake up at 6am. What’s your morning routine to set you up for a great day? 2 glasses of water on rising. Eggs for breaky on a slice of Spring Wholefoods bread and a coffee! I always make sure I have protein and healthy fats with my breakfast, so the bread will have plenty of butter on it! Do you take any supplements, vitamins or special wellness elixirs? If so, we’d love to know! I am taking Collagen Hydrolysate by GelPro. It’s excellent for lubricating the joints and I definitely notice less aches and pains when I take it, as does my partner. It’s great for the skin and nails too although not sure it’s the answer to a reduction in eye wrinkles like it claims. One can only hope! Adrenal Switch at night to unwind, is basically designed to calm the nervous system and help you reduce cortisol (stress hormones). Bioceuticals SB Probiotics are the ones I choose which are excellent for women’s health, but I think everyone, men and women should be taking a probiotic, however it’s best to see a naturopath first to make sure you are taking the ones you actually need. Your absolute favourite healthy cafe in Sydney is? I love Harry’s in Bondi. But also Bills, I know it can get super crowded but if I get in there on a weekday between sessions their eggs are to die for. Best place to get a green juice or smoothie in your city? Hmmm there are so many places! But Calipress is a popular fav! The green broth at Broth Bar and Larder in Bronte is also unbelievable and a must to combat cold and flus. Favourite farmers market or healthy place to shop? I like selecting the ‘healthy’ produce at Woolworths. I’m time poor, and don’t have time to shop in several different places. If you take a little time you can find plenty of super healthy organic options at the big chain stores too. What’s your fitness routine & favourite way to get sweaty and where’s your go-to? I train at Fitness Culture in Bondi Junction or to Balance Moves in Bondi for Mat Pilates which absolutely kills me (but I love it). If you could only wear one brand of activewear for the rest of your life it would be… Impossible to say, I have so much active wear! But I am currently wearing a lot of Skins new range and New Balance too. What’s the one beauty or wellness treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done? Facials once every 8 weeks with Isabel Almedia in Double Bay, she’s old school and really knows her stuff, I’ve been seeing her for 10 years. You’ve got a big event in 7 days time that you need to look incredible for. What’s your plan of attack to look & feel your absolute best? Haha well I guess I would use the program in my book The 7 Day Quickie! As this is exactly what I wrote it for. But basically I would cut out all sugars including simple carbs to ensure a nice flat tummy and to boost my natural energy levels. I would probably do a few extra Pilates classes to ensure perfect posture for the night. And sleep, a good 8 hrs every night, makes the biggest difference. What’s your dream wellness vacay? Probably a Yoga retreat in Sri Lanka where my mum is from. I hear they have some good ones now so I’m very keen to try! And lastly… do you have any top secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great? I like sticking up inspirational quotes or affirmations around my office taken from books I’ve read. It’s nice to be able to look around and be inspired and keep you on track when you begin to lose motivation. Wellness begins in the mind so it’s good to exercise mindfulness practices like this, just as much as it is to try and tone up our bods.
This Chocolate Matcha Latte Recipe is EVERYTHING! Your Guide to Natural ... Has your baby been out of sorts lately? Have the ... Chasing Rainbows - Spreading ... Join us in chasing rainbows and to choose JOY. #chasingrainbows2020 ... 5 Products to Keep Your ... Well, things are escalating fast as the world is dealing ... - SEE ALL - We love a good glass of wine. We’re also firm believers of a life lived in balance, and fuelling our bodies with nourishing goodness is just as important as the occasional indulgence. Our latest obsession is a healthy latte that won’t give you those annoying coffee jitters. Because sharing means caring, we’re giving you our favourite recipe for the best chocolate and matcha latte. But first… BENEFITS OF MATCHA GREEN TEA Our go-to matcha green tea powder comes from Matcha Maiden (no this post is NOT sponsored!). Why? Because it’s simply delicious and comes all the way from Japan, the true birthplace of matcha green tea. Basically, it’s where the good sh*t comes from. So what are the benefits of this green superfood? Sustained Energy Whereas coffee will give you a quick energy boost and a quick energy crash, matcha provides you with sustained and longer lasting energy due to some clever amino acid that we can’t pronounce: L-theanine. The result? Caffeine is released slower into your bloodstream so the power boost lasts much longer. Antioxidants, Antioxidants, Antioxidants Matcha green tea contains more than 130 times the antioxidants of regular green tea. Say what now? Because users consume the entire leaf (rather than brewing the leaves in water and throwing all the good stuff away), matcha is basically the wonder woman of tea types. And we all know antioxidants are a great booster for your general immune system, wellbeing and metabolism. Anti-aging Who doesn’t want to drink something delicious that fights free radicals at the same time? For those who are unfamiliar with free radicals, these bad boys wreak havoc on our wellbeing and cause the dreaded signs of aging. Drinking matcha tea (or in this case, latte) will also provide your body with vitamin C, zinc and plenty of fiber. It’s a no-brainer that your body and mind will love you for in a daily cup. BENEFITS OF RAW CACAO POWDER Natural Mood Lifter The other superfood we use in our healthy latte is raw cacao, a great source of the happy chemical: serotonin. Serotonin is a powerful neurotransmitter that sends signals between your nerve cells. It is mainly found in our digestive system. We’ve all heard the ‘healthy gut, healthy mind/life/you’ quotes. Cacao has therefore been associated with elevating your mood, and feelings of wellbeing and happiness. Healthy Heart and Brain Raw organic cacao has one of the highest plant-based sources of magnesium. This mineral is required for the production of energy in your body, and keeps nerves and muscles working properly. Magnesium turns glucose in to energy, resulting in mental clarity and enhanced concentration (hello chocolate bar!). It’s also necessary to maintain a steady heart beat and healthy blood pressure. More Antioxidants Than Blueberries Forty times more, in fact! It’s therefore an absolute powerhouse when it comes to absorbing those nasty free radicals that cause aging and cell damage in our bodies. If we haven’t convinced you by now that this healthy latte recipe is the absolute BEST, know that we also added turmeric (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant) and cinnamon (lowers blood sugar level)! RAW CACAO MATCHA RECIPE Ingredients - 1/2 cup of your fave milk (preferably full fat to absorb the turmeric - we like coconut) - 1/2 cup water (or substitute with milk) - 1 heaped tbsp cacao powder - 1/2 tsp matcha powder - 1/4 tsp turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp cinnamon - Bit of honey/maple syrup if you wish In a small pan, heat milk (and water) slowly and stir in the cacao powder, turmeric and cinnamon. In your drinking cup, add the matcha powder and dissolve it in approx. 3 tablespoons of hot water (not boiling). Once milk and spices are warm – don’t boil your milk – pour it in your cup with matcha mix, add honey to taste. Stir and enjoy your cup of goodness! Recipe lovingly provided by Sab from Retreat Here!