Yes, some days you may be too tired to take your make-up off or forget to moisturize…but I think most people would have some sort of bathroom routine that they adhere to. 

I have always been fascinated by beauty products. I go through stages where I am completely and utterly obsessed by a product I just have to have. 

Growing up my Mum drummed in the importance of washing your face and moisturizing and was never ready to go out without her make-up on. So I followed suit. 

After having kids and changing over to an organic lifestyle I relaxed a bit. I get by on a great (organic) mascara and some tinted moisturizer and lip balm. I also have an awesome bronzer to for those pale, washed out emergencies. But have you ever stopped to think why you keep your routine? 

Because when you look good, you feel good. 

When I’m sick and have spent days in bed, I know I am on the mend when I jump in the shower and then curl my hair. Even if I am going nowhere. It’s nice to look in the mirror and know that you are taking care of yourself and beauty products and tools let you do this. 

I believe that beauty starts on the inside so the stars in my beauty arsenal are: 

Coconut Oil

I eat it, cook with it, use it as a salad dressing, on my face and body as a cleanser and moisturizer and even as a sunscreen. I pop some on the ends of my hair the night before I am going to wash it as an overnight treatment. Coconut oil has anti-bacterial properties and can ease fine lines and plump up the skin with moisture.

Try: Indah Extra Virgin Coconut Oil or Ecocare Organic Coconut Oil 

Noni Juice 

I always have a shot of Noni in the morning. Noni Juice contains essential vitamins and minerals to keep the body’s cells in top condition and is said to have powerful anti-aging properties. 

My Body Brush 

There is no better way to smooth the skin, improve circulation and rid the body of toxins than to dry skin brush daily. I usually do it before I have my shower and twice on the days I am feeling under the weather. 

Try: Bodecare Delux Body Brush for your body and the Bodecare Jute Face Brush for your face

Juicing 

I try and have one or two organic juices daily. My favourite is kale, spinach, cucumber and apple. Juicing gives the body the nutrients it needs without having to eat and digest the equivalent of two very large salads. This floods the cells with powerful living enzymes which helps the body heal itself. Resulting in gorgeous, glowing skin. 

Herbal Teas 

Herbal teas have a plethora of benefits from easing digestion, to improving the skin and healing the body. I drink quite a few different combinations and have a huge range to suit my differing moods, tastes and needs. 

Try: Yogi Tea Skin Detox Tea

What’s in your beauty arsenal? 

Bio: Nicola Garcia has two children under four and blogs about health and motherhood over at theyogichousewife.wordpress.com. She also has an e-book coming out in June, How To Become One Healthy Mama. You can catch her on facebook (she practically lives there) www.facebook.com/theyogichousewife or tweet her @yogichousewife.

My goodness. I don’t wear deodorant all that often. I have a diet that is as non-toxic as possible and a body that doesn’t really sweat that much, which means that I don’t often need it. But it’s been hot. Seriously hot in Perth this summer and so I have a few natural deodorants in my cupboard. 

Problem is they don’t work. At least not very well. 

I usually still feel sticky and the tiniest bit odour-ish, which I don’t like. But…I like aluminum in my deodorant even less, so I persisted with them. My girlfriend had been raving about this new deodorant she found and coincidentally Flora Organica popped one in the mail for me to try out. 

Fresca Natural – Citrus Fresh Deodorant (Unisex) LOVE IT. 

Without knowing too much about it, I started using it and asked my hubby to try it to. It’s like all the beauty of my old, toxic deodorants (ease of roll on, non-sticky) but with this amazing smell – a blend of essential oils. I want to put it on. I want to smell like I’ve just left a day spa. That’s how good it smells. 

Oh, and by the way – it actually works!! 

Bio: Nicola Garcia has two children under four and blogs about health and motherhood over at theyogichousewife.wordpress.com. She also has an e-book coming out in June, How To Become One Healthy Mama. You can catch her on facebook (she practically lives there) www.facebook.com/theyogichousewife or tweet her @yogichousewife.

I’m having the kind of week where I am kitchen focused. I’ve pulled everything out for a review and I am re-hauling the items to replace with less toxic, more eco-friendly options. It takes a while.

Although my diet, cosmetic cupboards and recently candles (who knew?) have been given the organic, non-toxic overhaul there are many, many areas of my life still to have that light shined on. And one of them is the kitchen.

I pulled out my plastic storage (I have so much!) and put it up for sale, replacing it with glass. I bought my first stainless steel frying pan and am preparing to say sayonara to my non-stick pans.

The kids have a draw full of plastics but there are other options. Stainless steel, bamboo and other recyclable materials – they really don’t need as many plates and coloured cups as they have. I always end up washing so many different cups and plates as they get a new one out each time they want something.

No more.

I haven’t thought much about my kitchen for years to be honest. As long as there were enough plates and pans and storage items to put things in, we were fine. But something within me decided that this week was the week. Just as the last couple of weeks were about padding out my winter wardrobe, the week before that focusing on where I want to take my blog.

If you are quiet enough, if you take the time to stop and listen you can learn a lot about yourself and answer the question on what makes you happy.

I joined the gym a couple of weeks ago, because I love the Yoga classes there and they are completely convenient. But when I quit a year ago I was relieved. We all go through cycles of motivation – that’s why people re-join gyms and re-commit to goals.

You need to listen, take action and commit to what your body needs.

Your body is constantly seeking balance and harmony.

Things Your Inner-Guide Will Tell You

When you need to eat healthier – ever craved a salad or some vegetables after a holiday of indulgence? Your body is talking to you.

If you need an alcohol break – you literally don’t feel like a drink for a week after over-indulgence. Your body is repairing itself and shouting loudly at you to lay off.

Where your priorities lie – ever try to get an important assignment done but you have no interest and keep doing other things? It’s not time yet. You’re not focused. I always find that when I am ready I will suddenly find myself enthused and obsessed by a project I’d previously not wanted to do.

If you need exercise – does your mind keep drifting over to it? Do you feel guilty? Long to get out in the fresh air but can’t because of other commitments? If you’re quiet enough, if you don’t dismiss it, you’ll come up with the solution to fit it in.

What your mind needs – I’ll go through weeks where all I do is read books, then I need a break from the written word and it’ll take me a month to get through one. I might find myself writing more during these periods. It’s like I study for weeks then take the test.

Use your inner-guide to make yourself happy, healthy and balanced.

And let me know how you go 

 Bio: Nicola Garcia has two children under four and blogs about health and motherhood over at theyogichousewife.wordpress.com. She also has an e-book coming out in June, How To Become One Healthy Mama. You can catch her on facebook (she practically lives there) www.facebook.com/theyogichousewife or tweet her @yogichousewife.

 WHAT

One thing is for sure: Soapwalla Deodorant Cream comes in the prettiest packaging of any product you put in your armpits. The delicate pale blue box, adorned with an elegant “S” logo, make me feel as though I’m opening a very special gift. To my armpits.

In fact, this deodorant is a gift – it redefines the meaning of deodorant. It doesn’t use any of the chemicals we’re used to in typical drug store deodorant; rather, it’s crafted with intelligence, using entirely natural ingredients that organically do the same job as those nasty chemicals. Essential oils of lavender, peppermint, and tea tree are all anti-microbial and anti-fungal, meaning they inhibit those smelly bacteria and fungus from proliferating in your ‘pits. “Superfine vegetable powders and clays” are added to naturally absorb moisture. It doesn’t sound like the deodorants I grew up using, but I couldn’t be happier about that fact!

REVIEW

So now that you know what’s in this luscious deodorant cream, that’s inside the precious navy blue tub, that’s inside the delicate pale blue box, NOW you want to know: 

Does It Work? The answer is yes, it works beautifully. 

Personally, I’ve maintained a long-standing distaste for the artificial smells of conventional deodorant, so the lavender-peppermint-tea tree scent of Soapwalla is infinitely refreshing to me. And I actually love that you apply it with your fingers, because afterwards my hands (and ‘pits) smell like an herbal paradise. That’s the scent I got when I applied it, and that scent stuck with me through a long day of running around, topped off with a sweaty nighttime yoga class. This is a warrior of a deodorant, ladies!

The one small issue that took away from the perfection of this product has to do with my uber-sensitive skin. I noticed that when I applied the deodorant shortly after shaving my armpits, my skin got a bit red and stung for a few hours. If you have sensitive skin like me (I’ve been known to develop reactions to everything from conventional bar soap to temporary tattoos to face paint), you may experience a stinging in freshly-shaven underarms. But for those of you with normal skin, you may not notice anything at all. Lucky you!

VERDICT

This may sound like an overstatement, but I assure you it is not: finding an all-natural deodorant feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. For a long time I used the conventional stuff, but constantly worried that I was poisoning my body with every use. Now I am so relieved to have found this lovely product that I may even sleep a little better. And I don’t think it’s just because of the calming lavender scent wafting from my armpits as I drift off to dream land.

Melissa David is a holistic health consultant, yoga instructor, and owner of Bennett Street Health & Wellness. She has a *healthy* obsession with nutrition, wellness, and natural healing. Her philosophy is that to attain true health, equal attention must be given to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When she's not posting on her Facebook page or updating her website, you can bet she's either in downward dog or getting her hands dirty in the kitchen! 

Don’t you just love that word?  I think of being cocooned in a mud-wrap, lying in savasana at Yoga or getting a massage.

In the last year or so I’ve grown up. I’ve realised that I don’t need anyone else to give me permission to:

Buy clothes at full price

Get a massage when I need one

Eat the best food I can buy

Spend money on non-toxic beauty products

Remove chemicals from my home

The crazy thing is our outgoings on the material things have actually reduced. When you take away a ton of convenience food and ask yourself if you really LOVE and NEED something you make the right decision every time…and you buy less.

I never needed anyone’s permission to get what I wanted but I was waiting for it.

Waiting to earn have more money.

Waiting to feel worthy of having it.

Waiting for me to say to myself, “Go ahead honey.”

Or for someone else to say it (but without voicing my wants and needs how would they know?)

 So I am declaring open-season on pampering.

What makes you feel good? What do you enjoy?

When you see that picture of your best self in your head what are you doing? Wearing? Eating?

Get clear on who you are and the luxuries and “pampering” become your soul necessities.

No permission necessary.

Bio: Nicola Garcia has an English degree in Creative Writing, two children under four and blogs about health and motherhood over at theyogichousewife.wordpress.com. She also has an e-book coming out in June, How To Become One Healthy Mama. You can catch her on facebook (she practically lives there) www.facebook.com/theyogichousewife or tweet her @yogichousewife. 

Is it just me or do you feel like every time you go on a health blog or facebook someone is posting a picture of their juice or sharing 100 awesome green smoothie recipes?!

Everyone seems to be raving about juice detoxing and their latest green concoction which quite frankly more often than not looks like something scraped from the bottom of a stagnant pond!

So what the heck is a juice cleanse and why would anyone in their right mind decide to do one?

We live in such a toxic environment that even when we do our best to avoid pollutants (like eating organic and using non toxic beauty and house hold products) we cannot escape the toxic world we live in. These toxins accumulate in the body over time and can lead to all sorts of diseases, low energy, poor skin quality and just a generally feeling like crap.

It is important to eliminate these toxins and give the body a chance to heal itself and juicing is one great option.

Benefits of Juice Cleansing

Rebalance the body.
Oxygenate.
Alkalize the system.
Give digestion a rest.
Remove acidic build - up in the colon, to encourage proper nutrient absorption.
Re-hydrate the system.
Create better eating habits.

Why I Decided on a Cleanse

One too many vinos and late nights left me feeling sluggish and slightly uninspired. I met the radiant Kirsten from Orchard St and loved the whole philosophy behind her Juice Cleanse program. The fact that she GLOWED with good health was another sign that THIS lady knows her stuff!

I will be posting a full review on the blog when I’m done so watch this space!

xoxo Sabrina

Now that is coming into winter there is nothing better than massaging your body with some beautiful body oils. 

This to me is so relaxing and great for toning the skin. Bathing in one of your selected body oils is a wonderful way to truly nourish and add moisture to your skin and mind. 

There are so many different ways in using your oil, here is how I love to use mine:. · 

• Before bed massaging a small amount of oil into your feet , then apply some thick soaks on. Your feet the next morning will be super soft. · 
•  Run out of hair serum I love using an oil in my hair , just apply a small drop to the ends of your hair. · 
•  massaging the oil into the cuticles and hands.

Some Beautiful Body Oil Products to consider at Flora Organica

Indah Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Ecocare Coconut Oil

Balm Balm Relaxing Bath & Body Oil

Balm Balm Gentle Bath & Body Oil

Goe Oil

Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil

Black Chicken Remedies Love Your Body Oil

I love the thought of meditation but have never really got around to making it part of my daily routine.

I’ve dabbled but it was a casual thing, mostly because with two little kids, I found that when I had twenty minutes, I’d spend it napping.But now I’m having a love affair with meditating.

This week I finished Oprah and Deepak Chopra’s 21 Day Meditation Challenge and I have to say I was amazed at the quality of the FREE meditations that were sent to me each day.

Why?

I expected a couple of guided meditations that I would either hate (I wasn’t sure about his voice) or that would just be a motivation to sit down and spend the time each day. Either way I love Oprah and anything she tells me is a key to success  I believe! Instead, what I received was inspiration, motivation and encouragement to further my journey, deepening my practice and encouraging ways to form a foundation of perfect health.

This year’s meditation challenge had a focus on living your healthiest life - from what you are putting in your mouth to how you think.It is so important to realize there is more to health than eating a salad for lunch – it’s the way you move your body, your attitude to happiness and your ability to forgive.

By the end of this challenge, I’d not only made time for meditation – I made it a priority.

Now every night, after I put my kids down, I light a candle and sit with myself to check in with how I feel.

This practice can shift even the blackest, most desperate of moods.

So the benefits I find are:

·       Better moods

·       More inner peace

·       Clearer thoughts

·       A sense that I can do anything I put my mind do

The best part? There is no downside to meditation – if all you do is have a lie down, let your body rest and sort out your shopping list for the next day then it’s still a good thing!

Happy Meditating!

PS. I now LOVE Deepak’s voice and want more, more, more. 

 Nicola Garcia has two children under four and blogs about health and motherhood over at theyogichousewife.wordpress.com. She also has an e-book coming out in June, How To Become One Healthy Mama. You can catch her on facebook (she practically lives there) www.facebook.com/theyogichousewife or tweet her @yogichousewife.

If you’re like me, wherever you look, inflammation gets painted as the bad guy – a villain of The Joker magnitude, a merciless killer with a deeply unsettling cackle and green suit in desperate need of a dry-clean. The media, unsurprisingly, portrays the issue as pretty much black-and-white: avoid inflammation at all costs!

In reality, the picture is less clear than what many would have us believe. I’m here today to help alleviate some of the confusion over this so-called “bad guy”, and to offer some tips on dealing with inflammation effectively.

Let’s start with the most basic: what is inflammation? The ancient Romans were among the first to notice and study this phenomenon, and they observed four key characteristics of inflammation: heat, pain, redness, and swelling. The body initiates this immune response anytime it detects that you are hurt, such as when you break a bone or contract some icky virus. This response is designed to be protective by eliminating whatever irritant may be causing the inflammation, and by starting the healing process. Thus we have disproved 

Myth #1 about inflammation: it can’t be 100% bad if its purpose is to help the body heal, and we all need some amount of inflammation in order to survive.

But wait – actually, the above description only applies to one form of inflammation: acute inflammation. 

Myth #2 is that there is only one type of inflammation. In fact, there are two: acute inflammation and chronic (or “silent”) inflammation. 

The difference between these two can be most easily determined by the presence or absence of pain; it’s fairly obvious when someone is suffering from acute inflammation, but often someone with chronic inflammation isn’t even aware of it. This is why Dr. Barry Sears refers to it as “silent inflammation.” Sounds like a creepy killer, no? Well it turns out that silent inflammation does kill.

It is becoming increasingly agreed-upon in the medical and health communities that silent inflammation is responsible for most chronic diseases we are seeing today: diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and pretty much any condition that ends with “-itis.” Because the symptoms caused by this type of inflammation are extremely varied and so general that they could be related to a number of other health problems, silent inflammation often goes unnoticed and undiagnosed. 

You might say that, in essence, chronic inflammation speeds up the rate of aging; it is now understood that signs of unhealthy skin (wrinkles, ashy skin, loss of elasticity, and of course, skin cancer) are linked to inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is a bit like chronic stress: when the body is forced to mount acute inflammatory responses over and over again for a long time, eventually the immune system’s soldiers (cells that fight inflammation) become a constant fixture. This means the body is perpetually on the defensive, and over time this weakens the immune system and can cause all of the diseases mentioned above, not to mention premature aging.

Enough of the Debbie Downer news – there is a silver lining to all this nasty inflammation!  The great thing about inflammation is that it’s very much in your control. Remember, you don’t want to render your body incapable of producing inflammation, because you need a little bit in order to heal. But if you follow these tips, you should be able to vastly limit the negative effects of inflammation!

1) Aim for no greater than a 4:1 omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid intake in your diet. A 2:1 ratio is even better, and 1:1 is ideal. Quick background: according to Dr. Andrew Weil, omega-6 fatty acids are the body’s building blocks for hormones that “tend to increase inflammation, blood clotting, and cell proliferation, while [hormones made] from omega-3 fatty acids decrease those functions. Both families of hormones must be in balance to maintain optimum health.” Those who eat a modern diet typically consume enough (usually too much) omega-6 fatty acids, as these are found abundantly in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and pretty much any processed food. Therefore, the goal is to limit these fats and increase omega-3 in the diet to achieve a healthy ratio.

Action plan: limit intake of nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and processed foods. Increase consumption of oily cold water fish (such as salmon, sardines, or black cod), add flax seed oil to your salad dressing, and consider taking an astaxanthin supplement. Your body (and skin!) will thank you.

2) Consider not only the glycemic index (GI) of the foods you consume, but also the glycemic load (GL). Glycemic load takes into account both the amount and quality of the food you’re eating, so that you can properly compare how a food affects your blood sugar. For example, a carrot has a GI of 71%, while a soft drink’s GI is 84%. Not all that different considering they are percentages of 100. But a carrot has a glycemic load of only 4g, whereas a soft drink’s GL is 33g – huge difference! This means far less insulin will be released into your blood stream to lower your blood sugar when you eat a carrot as opposed to drinking a can of Coke. If you can stabilize your blood sugar throughout the day by avoiding foods with a high glycemic load, over time this will be incredibly effective in limiting silent inflammation.

Action plan: be discriminating about what carbohydrates you eat. The more refined they are, the more work your body has to do to even out your blood sugar. Avoid processed carb-rich products that are full of white flour and sugar, breakfast cereal, sweet beverages (even fruit juice has a high GL), and even certain high-sugar fruits. For smarter carb consumption, stick to whole grains and legumes prepared properly, and fruit such as apples, oranges, grapefruit, and berries. If you like desserts, it’s best to make them from scratch using unrefined sweeteners (raw honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar) and doing so only occasionally.

3) Health practitioners are becoming increasingly aware of the connection between gut health and immunity. It has been shown that when you let the “bad” bacteria proliferate in your gut, they interfere with proper absorption of nutrients into the body and produce toxins that weaken your immune system – both of which contribute to chronic inflammation. One of the best things you can do for your body is to build and maintain a community of good bacteria in your gut! 

Action plan: all of the above tips will help with this one, as well as making an effort to include some fermented foods in your diet. These include traditionally prepared sauerkraut, pickles, and chutneys; and fermented dairy products such as kefir and yogurt. You can lacto-ferment virtually any fruit or vegetable – they taste delicious and help create a healthy gut!

4) There’s one hormone that’s been implicated as the most significant contributor to inflammation: cortisol, a.k.a. the stress hormone. Keeping your cortisol low will help immensely with controlling chronic inflammation.

Action plan: make sure you are getting enough sleep (I know it’s nearly impossible hard, but aim for 8.5-9.5 hours per night, and getting to bed before 10:30pm will greatly improve your quality of sleep). Additionally, to maintain low levels of stress (and therefore cortisol), find some healthy activities that keep you calm. Meditation is one practice that has been shown countless times to reduce stress and improve happiness. Other ideas: perhaps walking your dog, being outside, or a low-impact exercise such as yoga, swimming, or cycling helps you to unwind. Try to do these activities at least 2-3 times per week to keep your cortisol low.

5) Here’s a biggie that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves: most of us are exposed to extremely high levels of toxins on a regular basis. Many of us use household cleaning products, microwaves, skin care, and makeup that add up to such a large a toxic load that our bodies struggle to cleanse themselves – again leading to chronic inflammation.

Action plan: reduce your exposure to toxins by using natural, organic skincare and household products. Organic home cleaning products can be found at most organic shops and even some supermarkets. As for makeup and skin care, look no further than Flora Organica’s superb selection!

I hope you’ve learned a thing or two about inflammation and gained a more in-depth understanding of its complexities. It turns out that inflammation isn’t quite the evil villain with a horrendous makeup job: if we institute a few simple lifestyle changes and exercise a bit of caution, we can be sure to make a clean getaway.

Melissa David is a holistic health consultant, yoga instructor, and owner of Bennett Street Health & Wellness. She has a *healthy* obsession with nutrition, wellness, and natural healing. Her philosophy is that to attain true health, equal attention must be given to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When she's not posting on her Facebook page or updating her website, you can bet she's either in downward dog or getting her hands dirty in the kitchen!

Concerns over skin cancer, specifically the cancers that come from over-exposure to UVA and UVB radiation (i.e. the sun) are causing major concerns for the general public. In turn, there’s a growing focus on the importance of sunscreen for protecting our skin, not simply from cancer but also from the effects of aging. Sun exposure leads to wrinkles and uneven pigmentation, by damaging the dermis of the skin. 

Here is why sunscreen is important and what you need to know to protect your skin:

Natural Sunscreen - The Safest Sunscreen - With the growing awareness of the dangers of too much sun exposure, more consumers are looking for a Natural Sunscreen that is safe and healthy. While tons of commercial products exist, there is a demand for something that's natural and protects the skin from the unhealthy effects of radiation.

A luxurious daily hydrating cream with live organic extracts, anti-oxidants and organic sunscreens to help protect against free radical damage. Contains Anti-Oxidant Beech Bud Extract which seeks out aged damaged cells deep within the skin to heal and repair. Helps diminish winkles and increases cell turnover  (product SPF has recently been changed to SPF-30)

Zinc Oxide Sunscreen is becoming more and more popular as a sunblocker. People want to know that the products they put on their face are healthy and functional. Zinc Oxide is a mineral, and it is the only ingredient that the FDA approves for use on babies. It has the additional benefit of natural anti-inflammatory characteristics

This advice comes with one important caveat. Increasingly, sunscreens are using nano-particles of zinc and titanium in their formulations, which Kimberly Sayer urges you to avoid if possible. The results of several recent studies suggest that nano-zinc is toxic to human colon cells, harms brain and stem cells, and accumulates in the food chain, where it is likely to be toxic to many aquatic life forms. 

Kimberly Sayer is the creator or Kimberly Sayer of London Skincare.She trained with renowned UK aromatherapist Michael Winter, and attended The Neals Yard Beauty Therapy College in London. Integrating her studies of aromatherapy, along with physics, chemistry and biology, Kimberly mastered the science of skincare using only organic ingredients.

Years ago, before my organic awakening, Easter would have been a time for fish and chips and a LOT of commercial chocolate. I would eat as much as my greedy little hands could get, usually for days until I finished it all and could be “done” with Easter. Did I feel refreshed and happy after the break and the time at home? Nope I felt drained, slovenly and my skin always broke out.

Now though, I see Easter as a peaceful, restful time (only slightly marred by the terror of my children receiving a landslide of chocolate), where I get to relax with my family.

This holiday weekend I will be by the beach and stocked up with whole, organic foods. I’m bringing my Thermomix to our holiday place so I can juice, my bottle of Noni so I can take my daily shots and a plethora of superfoods to make delicious smoothies.

So what can you do to make Easter a time of wellness in your life?

1.     Can The Commercial Chocolate: It’s full of sugar, additives and preservatives. But don’t worry you won’t be missing out. There are AMAZING organic and raw chocolates out there on the market that contain cocao – a superfood – so yes, this chocolate is ACTUALLY good for you. I will be munching my way through the Loving Earth Coconut Mylk Chocolate and the Orange and Gubinge Dark Chocolate. Mmmmmm. For the kids we usually request a new pair of pajamas and they get the traditional Easter egg hunt with a few little eggs.

2.     Be Kind To Your Body: With all that extra time on your hands, use it to get out in nature and move. Take a walk, a hike, a yoga class or a swim at the beach. I am itching to get walking on the beach and take my dog for a swim at the same time.

3.     Be Still: Take naps, meditate, read a book or a magazine. Give your body time to rejuvenate. With some extra hands around to help me with the kids, I make sure I sneak off for daily naps and a little one-on-one with my meditation cushion.

4.     Eat Fresh Food: Easter is all about the food and the get-togethers. Make sure you are plating up food that has been alive; gorgeous seafood, fresh salads, grilled vegetables. I’m salivating at the thought of the Paella (Spanish rice and seafood dish) that my Mother-in-Law will make, the fresh oysters we’ll buy and the gorgeous salads I am planning.

5.     Treatments: Easter is a fabulous time for at-home facials and a little grooming. You will never regret the time making yourself feel a million dollars. I am thinking of scaring the family one evening by wearing a face mask or hair mask at the same time. We’ll eat by candle light that night though!

Have an amazing Easter and enjoy treating yourself as much as you used to enjoy gorging on chocolate (or was that just me!).

Picture credit: Dana Gallop Gallery

Yes! You can finally feel it. The early morning breeze is beginning to chill ever so slightly. With cooling temperatures comes dry skin and chapped lips. Before your skin starts to feel the changing temperature, ready your beauty arsenal with these autumn skin care essentials & tips.

HYDRATE

Dirt-cheap, organic beauty tip number one: drink a lot of water! Water will keep you (and all your parts) hydrated and luminous and help with reversing the effects of pigmentation and uneven skin tone from a long hot summer.

Recommended: Kimberly Sayer Lightening & Brightening Serum

USE SPF

Don't get burned! Just because it’s cold outside doesn't mean you can forgo SPF protection! Buy sunscreen that protects skin from UVB and UVA rays. So if you don't want to end up looking like nanna's old crocodile handbag get a SPF day cream stat!  

Recommended: Kimberly Sayer Anti Oxidant Moisturiser with SPF30 or Kimberly Sayer Ultra Light Facial Moistursier with SPF30

SWITCH UP YOUR PRODUCTS

Colder months call for richer more emollient creams and cleansers. Adding extra moisture to each step of your skincare regime will keep it hydrated and protect the skins natural oils. 

Recommended: Pai Camellia & Rose Cleanser or  Kimberly Gentle Cleansing Lotion or Ecocare Coconut Oil

EXFOLIATE

Summer damage can result in a build up of dead skin cells on the skin's surface. Exfoliating 2-3 times a week with a natural gentle scrub will do the trick. Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser contains apricot seed powder and pomegranate extract and is the Rolls Royce of exfoliators. Used a few times a week you will notice a remarkable improvement in your skin. Alternatively using a Konjac Sponge daily with your cleanser is another great way of exfoliating.

Recommended: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser or Konjac Sponges

FIX SUMMER DAMAGE WITH A SERUM

Imagine a serum as the super hero of skin creams. Concentrated active botanicals and power packed with nutrients, add this to your regular regime and you won't believe the difference.

Recommended: Pai Rosehip Biogenerate Fruit & Seed Oil or Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum or Black Chicken Love Your Face Serum

 EAT your cosmeceuticals. 

Foods rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants such as polyphones, Vitamins A, C and E can help reverse summer damage, prepare it for the challenges it will face during winter and boost the skin’s immune system while preserving its quality and restoring its natural glow.

Recommended: Carla Oates The Beauty Chef Glow Inner Beauty Powder

WHAT 

I am a firm believer that your skin is a reflection of what is going on inside. Fill your body with crap and your skin will be puffy and dull. On the other hand if you eat a diet high in green leafy vegetables and Omega 3s your skin will glow with good health. Good in Good out. Simple. Carla Oates Glow inner Beauty Powder is made of a combination of 23 superfoods, working together to provide your skin with a vast array of nutrients allowing it to function at an optimal level and make it GLOW. The unique fermentation process to create this powder provides beneficial bacteria and probiotics which whorl to enhance the natural glow of your skin 

FOR 

I recommend this product to EVERYONE but especially people who feel like they have tried everything and haven’t achieved the clear, glowing skin they were hoping for. 

REVIEW 

I love the taste of this product! Mix 1 tsp daily with your smooth or have just with water, it has a great berry taste that I can only describe as adult Ribena. I have been using this product for about 2 months now and I have seen a HUGE improvement with the quality of my skin. I have combination skin so would tend to have a few break outs but since adding this to my diet they have reduced so dramatically that I am actually shocked.

$59.95 for 150g (30 Serves) Buy HERE

Sure, cutting down on all junk food and eating a balanced diet would help clear up your complexion, and eating omega-3-packed fish like salmon would strengthen your hair and nails; and for sure exercising five times a week for longer than 20 minutes would help with the cellulite -- but seriously, who has the time or energy for all of that? 

Back in the real world of we aren't always able to live as healthily as we would like. For me supplements are a very important part of my beauty regime as i know i am getting an extra boost of nutrients that i might have missed during my hectic weeks especially.

Not all supplements are created equal, you get what you pay for, so go for THE BEST!

The only brand of supplements i will take are Garden of Life from the United States. This range of vitamins and supplements are produced with raw (meaning uncooked, untreated, unadulterated) organically grown ingredients, and contain live enzymes and probiotics. They are vegan and most are gluten free. 

I order my supplements from IHERB  as they have the largest selection and the shipping is fast and cheap. (Also is you click HERE it will give you an added discount on your order at checkout)

The MUST HAVE'S for Beautiful Skin

Co Enzyme Q10 
This water soluble antioxidant not only neutralizes free radicals, it also aids in the production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), the form of energy your body uses to fix cellular damage! Alternatively i take Resveratrol which is made from fermented grapes and is supposed to support healthy skin and slow the aging process.

Vitamins A, C and E 
These guys are always seen together in multivitamins and are sometimes considered the skin’s favorite vitamins. All three posses natural antioxidant properties and they all work synergistically in the skin to fully balance and protect. Vitamin A is also known as a skin strengthener and helps to minimize fine lines and hyper-pigmentation. Vitamin C helps to brighten the skin and promote healthy circulation. Vitamin E helps keep the skin protected and moisturized but also aids in healing properties of the skin. 

B Complex 
The B Vitamins provide the body with more energy and better metabolism, but they are great for the skin as well! They aid in proper digestion, which prevents unnecessary dullness, dehydration and acne flare-ups in the skin. I find that they also help keep the skin balanced during certain times of the month. 

Omega Fatty Acids (fish or flax seed oil) 
These are even more important for those of you who do not eat a lot of fish or olive oil. Omegas keep your skin youthful by keeping enough natural oils in the body and skin to help prevent dehydration. The higher the natural oil content in your skin, the younger you look and slower you age. 

What I take everyday

Garden of Life^® RAW Resveratrol (antioxidant to slow aging)

Garden of Life Oceans 3 Healthy Hormones  (specially designed for woman - for healthy skin and hair)

Garden of Life Vitamin Code Woman (multi vitamin)

Garden of Life Vitamin Code RAW Kombucha (Complex B Vitamin and probiotic)

Purchase all of these (and get a small discount off your order which is automatically calculated at checkout) HERE

xoxo Sabrina

What

An anti aging night cream for sensitive skin

For

Anyone who wants a super nourishing night cream, concerned about aging & mature skin

Review

Absolution La Creme du Soir has marshmellow extract which helps soften the skin and maintain moisture levels. Argan oil which is rich in vitamin E and and Omega 3 has been shown to slow down the aging process and encourage skin rejuvenation  It also contains magnesium which acts as a natural stress reliever and Hyalauronic acid is the IT ingredient in anti aging products for its anti wrinkle and plumping action.

All of these wonderful ingredients make up one seriously effective night creme. The consistency is a luxurious cream without being too heavy. Being in my mid 30's and with combination skin i tend to use in the evenings when i feel like my skin needs some extra nourishment.

The Absolution range is the first skincare line that you can personally tailor yourself with their added 'booster' serums. 

I absolutely love the packaging, it's pump action allows for 1 perfect application amount each time. The curved pump lid means you can pump a booster serum into the cream and mix directly on the lid before applying to your face. It also minimises germs getting into your cream.

Clean Creds

• 100% Free PARABEN, PEG AND PHTHALATE FREE. WITHOUT ANY SYNTHETIC COLOURING AGENT OR PERFUME. This product owes its natural shade to plant extracts, colour may vary.

• Ecocert Greenlife : Natural organic cosmetic certified by Ecocert France according to Ecocert Greenlife available at http://cosmetics.ecocert.com

• Natural ingredients : 99.24%

• Ingredients from organic farming : 63.55%

• Plant ingredients from organic farming : 99.8%

• We put also... Aloe Vera, Jojoba oil, Sesame oil, Evening Primrose oil, Grape seeds polyphenol, Ciste and Rosewood essential oils.

Verdict

Love it! Luxury skin care never looked or felt so good. My go to night cream when my skin is in need of some serious TLC

Purchase HERE

I woke up the other day, looked at the calendar and realised it was almost March!! Where did all the time go?! Going into 2013 i was all bright eyed and bushy tailed about how awesome 2013 was going to be. Well the party is well and truly over and now it's time to put all those grand plans into action. 

These two downloadable work books, Create Your Incredible Life and Create Your Incredible Business are super cute and choc full of goddess inspiring exercises and affirmations that are sure to get you well on your way.

Now if that little voice in your head pipes up and says "yeah but it's like almost March so there isn't any point, It's too late." IT'S NEVER TOO LATE!!

If you feel like you need a kick up the butt to get your incredible year on the YES train then these workbooks are for you! These workbooks are downloaded (i printed mine out) and are $9.95 each or get both for $17.90 (which includes bonus calendars!)

Hands down the best $17.90 i have spent this year. So if you feel in the need for a little helping hand towards creating your incredible year that doesn't cost the earth, THIS IS IT! You can buy them HERE

Have you noticed that some of the most beautiful people you have met in your life are not what society would typically associate as 'beautiful'? What is it about these people that makes you feel so good to be around them or that they just seem to attract goodness into their lives and shine with beauty?

This post originally came from Possibility of Today. I loved it so much we just had to share it with you all

1. It is much better to be kind than it is to be right. 

2. If at first you don’t succeed, there is a reason why and it is best to figure it out and not just blindly try again. 

3. You have 60,000 thoughts a day and if you control those thoughts so that they are not negative and interfere with your peace of mind, you will really be able to live in an amazing way. 

4. Always answer the phone with a great tone that shows how pleasant you are. 

5. If you can stop complaining, your life will improve tenfold. 

6. You need to take time for yourself everyday and unplug and unwind. Do something you enjoy. 

7. Your best tool for success is to be authentic. Just “Do You”. 

8. It is not your job to change people. It is your job to change yourself. 

9. Challenging and difficult people are often times your best teachers for tolerance and patience. 

10. In order to have complete confidence, you have to chip away and eliminate all doubts. It is a process. 

11. The #1 thing you should always try to do is focus on whatever is in front of you and pour all of your passion and positive energy into what you are doing. 

12. Your actions, thoughts and behaviors really matter and impact your entire life. It is never okay to be a jerk. 

13. Life puts in front of you exactly what you need at that precise moment in time. 

14. If you don’t see the lesson in a failure or challenge … keep looking. 

15. It’s not about always being in control and knowing exactly what will happen next. You need to trust in what comes your way and sometimes it is best to just ride the wave. 

16. It is never too late … that is really just another excuse. 

17. There is nothing more important than your peace of mind. 

18. The stories we buy into about ourselves and our potential should never be limiting or anything that could hold us back. 

19. We can’t control how other people behave, but we can control how we react and if we allow other people to negatively impact our peace of mind. 

20. You don’t have to just do things the way you always have. You really can experience the most growth when you move beyond your comfort zone. 

21. Don’t tell yourself that something is going to be difficult to accomplish. Just focus on the step you are taking now and do it with the utmost quality. 

22. A lot of our attention and effort should be directed to how we are growing and becoming a better human being day after day. 

23. Sometimes the best thing to do is to let go … so that something that is better and meant to be can happen. 

24. There really is no such thing as a failure. Everything is an opportunity to learn and we get to choose how we see and classify our experiences. 

25. You can be too risk averse and end up missing out on some really good opportunities that would have worked to your advantage if only you had allowed them to take form and evolve. 

26. Don’t allow your desire for success to overshadow your appreciation for the journey and everything you will learn along the way. 

27. Every step you take will not be a quantum leap forward. Appreciate the little steps too because they are just as important. 

28. Be flexible and never get rattled when things don’t go exactly as planned. Everything that happens is for your highest good. 

29. “We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly” Anonymous 

30. We should always look for alternaviews and search to see things in the best light that will allow us to live today in a better way than we did yesterday. There is a different way to live … that is the alternaview.

What: 

A moisturising day cream 

For: 

All skin types 

Review: 

I’m struggling to know where to start with this review. Do I start by telling you that Natalie Portman is a huge fan of Pai skincare? Or that Pai was the first skin care company to list all ingredients in plain English, so you don’t need a chemistry degree to understand what’s in the bottle? Or that Pai’s skincare line is one of the cleanest out there, certified organic by the Soil Association, with no alcohol, no artificial fragrances, no formaldehyde, no parabens, no petrochemicals, no phthalates, no phenoxyethanol, and no Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?  

Based on what Pai doesn’t contain you could be forgiven for thinking that I have been applying some nicely packaged air to my face every morning for the past few weeks, but Pai’s Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream is jam packed full of delicious, skin nourishing ingredients. The day cream has done a fantastic job of providing deep moisture to my winter ravaged skin, whilst being balancing enough to leave a lovely silky smooth (totally ungreasy) (that’s definitely not a word but you know what I mean) canvas for makeup. I have incredibly acne prone skin and just looking at a creamy moisturiser will usually break me out, but I have had no breakouts as a result of using Pai and it’s been such a pleasure to use during winter. You only need one pump or so to cover the entire face so a bottle will last forever, and it is only very lightly (naturally) fragranced so it’s also a great unisex moisturiser. It’s not particularly fancy, it just does its job and does it brilliantly! 

Clean creds: 

See above. 

Verdict: 

Highly recommended as an everyday moisturiser to provide hydration and restore skin to its natural balance. Makeup sits very nicely on top so it’s a great primer too!  

Pai Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream was sent to me for my honest review and can be bought HERE

Original Post on The Clean Beauty Blog

Natural Beauty

For me natural beauty is about letting your skin breath from harsh chemicals. Letting your skin get sunlight, reducing stress and smiling more plays a big part on our looks. 

Drink 1-2 litres of water for Glowing skin! This will help with dehydration and great for clearing the skin. 

Eat your Omega 3 can make your skin glow!! Try foods like- Salmon, fish, nuts, seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds. Eat more protein foods is very important for the skin so try to add more eggs, hemp seeds, free range chicken, nuts, seeds. I loving having a protein smoothie with sun warrior protein powder. 

Exfoliating the skin will even out your skin tone and leave your skin glowing doing this 2 to 3 x a week. 

Get in the kitchen and making your own skincare and body products - Its fun! You will see the difference In using natural products.. My favourite thing to use is rubbing Lemon juice and raw honey over my face and leaving as a mask!! Your skin will glow ( great for pimples, an even skin tone ) 

And finally getting your beauty sleep!! 

Yvette. Xx