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Super Berry Hydrating Face Mask

| Health & Beauty

blueberry-faceMOISTURE, MOISTURE & MORE MOISTURE:

Yipee, the weather in Sydney is warming up nicely and it’s that time of year where you will find Mr Snee and myself heading for the beach most weekends. As enjoyable as it is for our health and well being, to chill out, earth and take in the sea air, unfortunatley too much sun, sea, sand and salt plays havoc with skin, hair and nails, leaving them looking and feeling dry and brittle.

So now that summer is eventually on its way it is time once again to take action, and get busy in the kitchen whipping up some hydrating life savers, starting with a

“Super Berry” face mask.

This mask is moisturising and full of antioxidants and vitamins that will leave your skin looking and feeling fresher, brighter, and totally hydrated.

The blueberries and blackberries in this recipe deliver huge amounts of antioxidants, whilst the fresh citrus of the lemon juice provides a good hit of vitamin C and natural enzymes to help brighten and rejuvenate. The honey adds a mild antiseptic, and gently assists to exfoliate the skin, which in turn promotes tissue growth, and seals in moisture.

This remarkable miracle mask is totally effective, quick, easy and utterly delicious, so if you have any left overs feel free to dig in with a spoon !!

INGREDIENTS:

blueberries-and-black

1/4 Cup Blueberries & Blackberries Mixed
2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Organic Yoghurt
2 Tablespoons Raw Honey
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

METHOD:
Place 2 tablespoons of plain organic yogurt and 2 tablespoons of raw honey in a blender and pulse until fully combined. Add a 1/4 cup of mixed blueberries and blackberries, pureeing until smooth. Lastly add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Turn the mixture out into a bowl or jar, and using your hands or a soft brush, apply the mixture to a clean, dry face. Finish by finding a comfy, cozy spot, lay down, relax and allow the mask to work its magic for 10 to 15 minutes, before rinsing thoroughly with warm water, pat dry with a clean towel.

Voila,! see the lines and the stress melt away !!!

Sunrise Smoothie

| Hydration Station

“EVERY DAY BEGINS WITH A SUNRISE, BUT IT’S WHAT YOU DO BEFORE IT SETS THAT MATTERS”!!

sunrise-apricot-strawberry-smoothie_3bisStart your morning off the right way, with a smile and a delicious “Sunrise Smoothie”, bursting with vitamin c and antioxidants to set you up for the day!!

Ingredients

8 large strawberries
1 cup seeded watermelon
1 cup chopped peaches or apricots
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
juice of half a lemon

Method

Blitz all ingredients together in a blender and enjoy !!

 

6 Simple Product Swaps

| Inside & Out

BE SAFE AND SWAP IT!

There are only 10 weeks until the 31st December and the beginning of a New Year.

Many of us signify “A New Year” as a time to start a fresh, an out with the old and in with the new approach. Millions of us make resolutions to quit this, quit that, be better at this, stronger at that, some even throw themselves into new diets and detox’s. However how many of us think about what needs reforming in our environments and the benefits we could gain by making 2017 the year we decided to begin detoxing our homes and lives of as many toxic chemicals as possible ?

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Obviously there are countless changes to be made, yet due to the vast amount of products we employ unwittingly everyday, it would be impossible to eradicate them all in one foul swoop, nonetheless we can progress by making simple changes and healthier choices. After all it really is that important, and maybe one of the most significant resolutions you ever make.

Here’s the deal: Carcinogens in conventional products usually only show up in small amounts. Nevertheless when we use multiple products over and over again, those small amounts compound and that so-called safe allotment grows into something more complicated.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), women applies around 12 products a day with an average of 168 different ingredients, whilst the average man uses six products daily, with an average of 85 unique ingredients. That’s an awful amount of ingredients we’re putting on our bodies every day, most of which are absorbed it into our bloodstream.

Swapping the toxic, chemical laiden products you have become accustomed to over the years, may seem a daunting task, however, fear not! as there are numerous simple steps in which to obtain safer alternatives. The first place to start, is to ask yourself, which products you use every day, and then adhere to cut down and reduce your exposure to the potential carcinogens within those products.

Here are a few simple product swaps that you can make right now, that will have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing for the better!

1. Deodorant

gty_deodorant_ml_131001_16x9_992 Of course deodorant stops us from smelling less than ideal as a courtesy to our fellow humans but at what cost to ourselves? Many toxins have been found in deodorants — and especially antiperspirants — that are linked to Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, and birth defects. Thankfully, there are numerous natural alternatives on the market, that are super-effective and leave out ingredients like aluminium, triclosan, and parabens, protecting our bloodstream and lymphatic systems.

2. Sunscreen

Another product we all need on a daily basis especially in hot countries like Australia, yet not all formulas are created equal. Vitamin A is a popular ingredient in conventional sunscreens and while it’s great for us when consumed, it can encourage the growth of skin tumors when applied topically and exposed to sunlight.

sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens can also contain oxybenzone (a hormone-disrupting compound), octisalate (a known allergen), and endocrine disruptors such as, homosalate and octinoxate. It is also a smart move to avoid spray-on sunscreens that release nanoparticles into the air.
Instead, say yes to zinc oxide formulas, with natural mineral ingredients that give you excellent protection without the dangerous hormone-disrupting ingredients.

3. Toothpaste

We use toothpaste at least twice a day, which is why it’s crucial to switch to a non-toxic brand. Triclosan is a favoured addition to sanatising soaps and deodorants, but it is also a popular ingredient in conventional toothpaste. Triclosan has been proven to help prevent gingivitis, but it’s also been linked to antibiotic resistance and endocrine disruption, which can potentially cause

brushing-yorkie-teeth-horiz_c38lft

breast, ovarian, prostate, and testicular cancer.

Something else to look out for is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), the ingredient that makes toothpaste foam. Unfortunately, SLS often causes skin irritation and canker sores. The good news is, there are many great herbal alternatives available that leave out these harmful ingredients and still clean and whiten your teeth.

4. Dish Soap

One daily routine many of us have in common is washing dishes after cooking and eating, which means that whatever dish soap you’re using is touching your plates, cups, and silverware, and washing-upultimately soaking into your food. Many dish soaps contain the aforementioned SLS, triclosan, and fragrance. Do you want that stuff to end up on your food and in your body? No I thought not! For this reason always ensure you purchase one of the non-toxic, safe dish soap alternatives instead.

5. Candles

Candles can brighten up our homes and work spaces but they may have a dark secret: Most candles are made from paraffin wax, which creates potent and highly toxic toluene and benzene when burned, the same fumes that are created from diesel fuel.

blog-candles

Another potential problem is the fragrance used in candles because it’s a proprietary ingredient, meaning manufacturers don’t have to list what chemicals are included in the blend. Safer, healthier alternatives are beeswax and soy wax candles that aren’t chemically processed and essential oil diffusers.

6. All-Purpose Cleaner

The all-purpose cleaner is an easy go-to when you’re trying to clean your home, however, spraying one all round your house makes for some serious toxic indoor air. Many mainstream cleaners contain ammonium hydroxide, ethanol-amine, propylene glycol methyl, and dipropylene glycol butyl ether. These ingredients are extremely toxic and can cause harmful effects such as, allergies, irritations, and respiratory symptoms to cancer, damage to DNA, and developmental, endocrine, and reproductive effects.cleaning-kid
This stuff is no joke, and we definitely don’t want it floating around our indoor air and hanging out on every surface we touch. A sure way to eradicate these noxious toxins from our environments for good is to ensure that all cleaning products purchased are non-toxic, safe and natural, or better still, set about creating your own formulas from simple basic everyday ingredients, such as, lemons, vinegar, baking soda and essential oils. Not only are these ingredients super effective, you have the added piece of mind that they are 100% child, pet and environmentally friendly, which in anyones book has to be a win win situation.

So lets start cleaning up our homes and lives naturally, by making these 6 easy swaps. I promise you will not find it difficult, and you and your family’s health will benefit from these simple changes immensely. Start today. “Because Your Worth It”!

There Is Always A Reason To Smile

| Health & Beauty

HOME-MADE TOOTHPASTE!!toothpaste

Flouride is more toxic than lead and slightly less toxic than arsenic, which is why it is a popular ingredient in pesticides and rodenticides, used to kill pests and rodenents such as, rats and insects.

Flouride however is also a popular addition to conventional toothpastes and mouthwashes as it is believed to prevent cavities and gum disease. Although these doses maybe minimal, just think how many times in a lifetime you clean your teeth???

If like me, you do not want to take any unnesscessary risks by using fluoride toothpastes, then give this simple, effective homemade formula a whirl.. I guarantee it will have you smiling in no time.  It is 100% safe, and effective, plus it tastes great too. ??

Ingredients

jar of coconut oil and fresh coconuts on wooden table

1 cup cold pressed organic coconut oil
¼ cup baking soda
Stevia to sweeten (depending on personal taste)
8 drops peppermint oil
8 drops spearmint oil

Method

Simply mix all the ingredients together and store in a small airtight container.. Happy brushing X

A Chemical Free Romance

| Inside & Out

TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT FREEING YOUR HOME OF TOXIC CHEMICAL!

According to the Cancer Prevention Coalition, many ingredients in common household cleaning products are suspected of causing human health problems, including hidden cancer-causing ingredients.

mother-and-daughtermmm

 

Certain chemicals in household cleaners can have an oestrogen-like effect in the body (also called xenoestrogens), which in turn may be responsible for hormone imbalance.

Xenoestrogens have devastating effects on both men and women, including cancer, infertility, allergies, suppressed immune system, obesity, to name a few.AWe are all perfectly aware of the chemical environment we live in. We all swear that “we should clean up our world”! and free it from the chemical substances that poison our lives daily.

Everyone is talking about the environment and rightfully so, we should all be concerned about it. However if we are relying on our governments to do something serious to protect our health and that of our children by reducing chemicals and environmental pollution etc. We need to stop dreaming! It is up to each and every one of us to show our alliance and determination in this area by purchasing everyday products which are non-toxic and chemical free.

If I were to be invited to your home would you be proud to show me a chemical free environment? If I were to look under the sink and in the laundry, what would I find? Products bursting with ingredients such as; chlorine, phosphate, ammonia, formaldehyde, petroleum and solvents?
I am sure your work tops and surfaces are sparkling, the floors spotless and your glasses shiny! but the real question has to be:

Do you still want to stay loycleaning-2al to your favourite chemical cleaning products at the risk of your health? If the answer is no… read on!

 

There are plenty of conventional cleaning products on the market that promise to kill germs and remove dirt and grime no matter how tough the job, however not only are these products tough on grease and grime they are also tough on your health and the environment!
The toxic formulas found in so many cleaning products on the market are released into the air, into groundwater, streams, rivers and oceans killing animals, interfering with natural ecosystems and even contaminating drinking water. Nice presents we are giving to our children and grandchildren!

To make matters worse, cleaning product manufacturers are not required by law to provide a complete list of ingredients on their labels or even test their products for safety. As a result, many consumers are unaware of the toxic substances they are exposing their family members to on a daily basis. So, take one last look at your cupboard of chemical cleaning products. It’s time to break up.

So, rather than discuss the dangers of your chemical cleaning products, I am going to challenge you to “Walk the Talk”. No more excuses! There is now an abundance of chemical free options and products for you to effectively clean your home, your dishes, your laundry, your office and car! or like myself and so many other people, you can make your own products at home, quickly, simply and cost effectively.

We cannot blame chemical, pharmaceutical, food and drinks companies for their chemical laden products! We have been programmed to seek out cheap products, fast, tasty foods and cool sweet, fizzy drinks? and the global companies will answer to their consumers requests, it is their job and they do it well.baby-safe

I truly believe that it is our moral obligation to begin purchasing natural, non-toxic, organic, chemical free, local produce and products, healthy drinks and clean filtered water, when and wherever possible. I know these products are more expensive at the moment but we can not put a price on our health and the future of our children. With greater consumer demand the prices of these products will eventually drop and level out. This I believe is the only way we can force the major companies to switch gear, as it is there job to respond to our demands.
MAKE THE CHANGE TODAY AND LETS ALL START CLEANING UP OUR ACT – NATURALLY! BECAUSE WE ARE WORTH IT!