Natural Aussie Gal

Natural Aussie Gal

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Natural hand wash review

While doing the groceries, I came along thankyou hand wash. Naturally I just had to pick up a bottle to replace my chemically-laden hand wash I was currently using! I chose the Botanical sweet orange & almond one, but they also make a Botanical patchouli and vanilla scented one too.
Thankyou is a social company which donates money from each of their products to life-changing projects in developing countries. They give you an individual track your impact number on each product, so you can go to their website thankyou and find out exactly who the product you purchased is going to help.
My hand wash is helping 263 people in Bahalal (HHE), Timor-Leste towards hygiene education and sanitation. This is a great idea, to help us, the consumer, become more involved in the project, and to help educate us. We tend to take things for granted, and don't realise how well off we actually are.
Thankyou started out with bottled water, because Australians spend $600 million of dollars each year on bottled water, yet there are nearly 800 million people in the world who don't have access to safe water. They decided to bottle water and sell it to help out those who have none. They have now expanded into food and body care.
This is an amazing company, and their products are natural and very reasonably priced for what they are!
My hand wash smells divine, a lovely citrus smell. It foams up really well, which I was surprised at, as a lot of natural beauty products I've previously used don't tend to.
This product uses ingredients derived from nature. It has no sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) , sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), propylene glycol, parabens, harsh petrochemicals, triethanolamine, synthetic fragrances, harsh detergents, animal derivatives, mineral oils or artificial colours. Basically it doesn't contain any nasties, that we all should be avoiding for our health. All products are also ethically sourced.
It is vegan friendly, not tested on animals and made in Australia.
I purchased mine from Coles for around $7.50 for a 500ml bottle, which is a great buy for a natural product, with such good-quality ingredients. Plus you don't need to use much, so this will last a long time. Although, I can't wait for it to end already, so that I can purchase the patchouli and vanilla one to try!
The only slight problem I have found is that it isn't very moisturising, but in saying that, it doesn't dry out your hands either. This is well worth it for all the nasties you are avoiding by using this product.

PROS
* All natural ingredients
* Money goes to developing countries in need
* Not tested on animals
* Made in Australia
* Cost-effective
* Smells divine
* Foams up well
* You can track who you are helping by purchasing their product

CONS
* Not very moisturising

I give this product 4.5 out of 5 flowers. It is made by such a great company, uses natural ingredients, and foams up well. What is there not to love about it? I will definitely be trying more of their products in the future, and hope to see more variety on our shelves too.

✿✿✿✿❀


Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Homemade almond milk

I made my own almond milk this morning and it was delicious. It tasted so much better than the store-brought almond milk, and is so much better for you. It does take a bit of time and prep work, but it is definitely worth it!

You'll need a nut milk bag. I purchased my strainer bag from eBay for $8.99 with free postage. Make sure it is made from natural fibres. And wash it well before use. I rinsed mine out and boiled it in a saucepan of boiling water for 15 minutes. The amount of grime that came out of it was crazy! Then I hung it on the line to dry in fresh air to sterilise it.
After use, rinse and clean it with a natural soap and some warm water. Every few uses, soak it in vinegar to take out the stains and disinfect it, then boil it in a pan of boiling water and allow to air-dry.

The first step is to soak 1 cup of almonds (preferably organic) in a bowl (glass or ceramic - not plastic) of water, about 1 inch above the almonds, for 12 hours. I added 1 tsp of sea salt to the water to help neutralise the enzymes. Cover it with a clean cloth so the contents can still breathe. Ideally, it is a good idea to change the water and rinse the almonds every 3-4 hours, but usually it's easier to do the soaking process overnight. I changed mine after 9 hours when I got up the next morning, then soaked for another 3 hours afterwards. Rinse the nuts a few times through a strainer, as the water they are sitting in contains all the toxins that have been released from the nuts. If any float after this process, they are probably off, and it is best to dispose of these to be safe.
You can shell them if you like as it will make your milk less bitter. I chose not to. However, if you prefer, sit them in boiling water for 5 minutes, rinse and they should peel easily.
Soaking activates the nuts and makes them easier to digest. It also enhances the flavour. It will stop the heavy feeling in your stomach that you can get from eating nuts and drinking nut milk. It rehydrates them and plumps them up so they look so much more enticing!

INGREDIENTS
* 1 cup soaked almonds
* 2 cups of filtered water

DIRECTIONS
- Place the ingredients into a food processor and process until the almonds are fine crumbs (almond meal), about 3-5 minutes on HIGH.
- Pour the milk mixture into your nut bag, which is sitting over a bowl or jug, bit by bit. Wring out the bag to get all of the moisture from the nuts, then sit the almond meal aside, and repeat until all the milk is used.
- I repeated this process again with the almond meal and another 2 cups of water, blended it again slightly and strained. Then I mixed the two batches together and it still tasted great. It's more economic.
- It will last approximately 3 days in the refrigerator or you can freeze it.
-You can also opt to not strain the milk, and leave it rustic with the almond meal still in it, this will give you more calcium.
- Dry the almond meal in the oven 160°C for 15-20 mins until most of the moisture is gone. You can then use this in your baking/shakes etc where almond meal is used, so that it doesn't go to waste.

- TIP - you can add a mixture of dates, coconut, cacao powder, vanilla essence, blended strawberries, honey, salt etc to make this milk any flavour you desire.

MAKES 4 cups, if you re-use the mixture a second time like I did.

Homemade almond milk has live enzymes and no additives so it's gentler on the digestive system. Once you try this, I'm sure you'll agree that it is well worth the time and effort for such a pure, great tasting milk!

Monday, November 24, 2014

Facial steaming

I have been facial steaming for the past month and I think it is amazing! It feels so good, is very invigorating and refreshing. I have been doing this morning and night, but after some further research, this does not look to be advisable.
I will cut back to once a day, but it is recommended to only do this once or twice weekly.
If done correctly, this is a great treatment as it frees dead cells for great anti-ageing benefits, and also frees dirt and bacteria that cause breakouts. It's especially great for getting rid of blackheads and causes pus to come to the surface. I find it often extracts the pimple without having to touch your face, therefore preventing the spread of bacteria. It also stimulates blood circulation for healthy, glowing skin.
It encourages your skin to sweat, secreting small amounts of waste and toxins in the process.

Here's how:-
* Fill a saucepan with water and bring to the boil.
* Wash your face to remove any dirt and oils, so they aren't absorbed by the skin when your pores are opened. Do this while your water is coming to the boil.
* Reduce heat and simmer for 5 mins.
* Pour into a ceramic or glass bowl.
* You can add a few drops of essential oil at this point, but I don't bother.
* Put a towel over your head and the bowl, to lock in the steam, and steam your face for 5 minutes.
* Rinse your face with cool water. I always wash my face afterwards with tea tree soap.
* Apply a mask. I use manuka honey (moisturises), or bentonite clay (removes toxins).
* Apply a moisturiser. Facial steaming is very dehydrating for the skin, and this moisture must be rebalanced to prevent acne. I use aloe vera gel.


But there are some precautions to take!
* Do not steam your face if you have severe inflamed acne, rosacea or broken capillaries as this can exacerbate your symptoms.
* Do not use a plastic bowl, as the plastic will leech into your water.
* Make sure you face is at least 15 inches away from the water, so that is doesn't burn your skin.
* Ideally, your water temperature should be 43°C, to prevent burns.
* If it feels like it's burning your skin, let it cool for a while first, as this is very dangerous and can cause facial burns and burst capillaries.

This treatment is obviously not for everyone, but I love it and will definitely keep doing this regularly as I find it beneficial in my fight against acne.




Sunday, November 23, 2014

Body brushing

I started body brushing about a month ago and I love it. It feels so invigorating and is great for your skin.

Here are some of the benefits:-
* Removes dead skin cells, unclogging pores and letting your body absorb nutrients
* Stimulates the lymphatic system increasing blood flow to clean out waste from lymph nodes and tissues
* Dissolves cellulite by distributing fat deposits more evenly
* Prevents premature ageing
* Makes skin brighter, smoother and softer
* Prevents dry skin by encouraging sweat and oil production
* Invigorating and energizing
* Relieves muscle tension and stress

Here's how:-
* Use a natural bristle brush, as this won't damage your skin.
* Brush your body just prior to showering.
* Working in an upward motion, towards your heart, brush your feet, soles first, calves, thighs and butt. Rub your stomach in clockwise circular motions, the same direction that your stomach flows. Then work on your arms, with them above your heart, brush down, starting on palms. then backs of hands, forearms, biceps, armpits. Brush down chest, then move onto your back and brush your entire back downwards.
* This can take anywhere from 2-20 minutes, depending on how thorough you are. Obviously, the longer the better.
* Rub firmly until your skin is pink, but not red. Be gentler on your stomach, back and chest, as these areas have less layers of skin to protect them.

Tips:-
* Make sure both your skin and the brush are dry.
* Wash your brush once a week with soap, I use tea tree oil soap, and warm water and dry outside in the fresh air.
* This is especially a must while detoxing. It removes the toxins from your skin that would otherwise be reabsorbed into your bloodstream.
* To invigorate your skin and stimulate blood circulation even more, at the end of your shower, have about 5 rounds of hot water, then cold water bursts.
* I use a long handled brush as it makes it easier to reach the harder areas. I use Manicare Cellulite Bristle Brush, about $14 from Good Price Pharmacy.
* I also follow with a Manicare Loofah Bath Brush with shower gel and massage in circular motions while showering. This is also a natural brush for around $11 from Good Price Pharmacy. Just be careful as the brush comes off the handle, and this can be quite annoying at times.
* You can also use a towel, instead of a brush if it's all you have, using the same technique. Just ensure you wash it regularly.
* Do this in the shower, so you wash all the toxins down the drain while showering.




Once you start doing this, you will look forward to it every day, and will really miss it if you get lazy. It makes your skin tingle and feels amazing!




Saturday, November 22, 2014

Aloe vera gel review

All my life I have struggled with acne, and have never found the right products to use. Proactiv was the best product I found, but it was really dehydrating for my skin, which in turn causes more acne, and bleached my pillowcases and towels, which is a major concern for me. Every time I tried to use a moisturiser my face would break out. I just couldn't win!
Then I heard about the benefits of aloe vera gel and I decided this would be perfect, especially given my natural lifestyle change I was undergoing. I decided it couldn't hurt to give it a try.
I cannot recommend this product highly enough! It has been amazing for me. The condition of my skin is so much better, and combined with my new natural skincare routine, and healthy eating, my skin is improving.
I purchased Plunkett's Aloe Vera Gel from The Chemist Warehouse for about $7.50, which makes it such a cheap moisturiser compared to most products out there.
The benefits for your skin are incredible - It provides a long-lasting film that protects wounds and skin. It speeds up the healing process and naturally promotes the production of new skin cell growth.
Aloe vera properties include anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, removes dead skin, relieves itching, tones skin, hydrates and stimulates collagen production. I am devastated I didn't find this product years ago!
It is also great for sunburn, shaving rash, insect bites, burns, cuts, grazes and nappy rash.
It is 99% pure, uses certified organic aloe vera, and all natural ingredients. It is also Australian made and owned.
It doesn't cause acne and heals scars well, but it won't prevent acne.

PROS
* Organic aloe vera
* Natural ingredients
* 99% pure
* Inexpensive
* Australian made
* Soothing
* Heals scars
* Hydrating
* Anti-inflammatory
* Anti-bacterial
* Anti-fungal
* Tones skin
* Promotes new skin cell growth
* Speeds up healing

CONS
* None

I give this product 5 out of 5 flowers. It is a miraculous product and I absolutely love it. The condition of my skin is amazing. I never recall my face being this moisturised before, especially without it causing acne. I would recommend this for anyone and it is also very handy to carry around in your handbag as it has so many uses!

✿✿✿✿✿

Friday, November 21, 2014

Red salmon and goat cheese tarts

I had some leftover salmon from my previous recipe: http://naturalaussiegal.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/red-salmon-salad.html so I had a brainwave to try this as a special lunch treat on a day off work, and wow, it was so tasty!
It was so quick and simple to make, and best of all, it was using everyday ingredients that I already had in my pantry/fridge.
I used gluten-free corn tortillas, because I already had these in my pantry and they worked out so well - it gave them a corn chip taste which was lovely. You can use whichever flat bread or tortilla that you have on hand.

INGREDIENTS
* 4 corn tortillas (if they are the bigger ones you won't need this many)
* olive oil
* 16 baby spinach leaves
* 100g red salmon (skin and bones included)
* 1 shallot, sliced thinly
* fresh lemon juice
* freshly ground pepper
* 20g goat cheese (I used Meredith Dairy Chèvre goat cheese with fresh dill



DIRECTIONS
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Use a round cutter to cut out 4 circles from corn tortillas (I used my large cutter from a pie making     machine).
- Mould them into a tart tray (I microwaved mine first for 5 seconds to make them more pliable).
- Sprinkle a dash of olive oil on each base.
- Place some baby spinach on base of each tart case, then add salmon, shallots, a dash of lemon juice,   a grind of pepper and lastly the goat cheese.
- Bake in oven for 7 minutes (be careful because it won't take much for the tortilla edges to burn).
- Serve with a side salad with lots of greens.


SERVES 2

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Red salmon salad

Tonight I was really struggling to stay on track. I went out for dinner last night and had a bit of a splurge on Chinese, so today I have been very sluggish, and craving junk food again all day. It was horrible. I'm so amazed at the difference it has made for me!
I was so tempted to get takeaway, but I wasn't going to do it to myself. So instead I decided to have a treat. Normally for dinner I just have a salad with lots of greens and an oil-based dressing but I decided to try something different today to keep me excited and get back on track.
I added some red salmon and changed my dressing and it was amazing. It tasted so good.
Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Make sure you eat the bones because they are full of calcium. Canned salmon is cheaper than fresh salmon, and you can have it handy in the cupboard, but it does only contain half the omega-3 fatty acids as fresh salmon does. Just don't eat too much salmon, as it contains small traces of mercury which is not good for you.
I used to only eat pink salmon, but one day I tried red salmon at my sister's and I have never been able to enjoy pink salmon again. The red tastes so much better. The difference between red (sockeye) salmon and pink (humpback) salmon is that red salmon gets its colour from eating krill (a small type of shrimp). Pink salmon, when hatched, go directly to sea whereas red salmon stay in freshwater for about a year first, they need a lake or large body of freshwater to grow. Nutritionally speaking, pink salmon is slightly higher in omega-3 fatty acids and red salmon has more vitamin D. Red salmon is quite a bit more expensive. Just eat whatever you prefer the taste of and can afford.


INGREDIENTS
* 1/2 cucumber, chopped
* 10 baby roma tomatoes
* 1 cup baby spinach leaves
* 1 shallot, finely chopped
* 1/2 yellow capsicum, chopped
* 100g red salmon, including skin and bones, drained
* juice of 1/2 a lemon
* 1/2 tsp olive oil
* a few grinds of pepper

DIRECTIONS
Combine first six ingredients in a bowl.
Put lemon juice, olive oil and pepper in a small jar and shake well.
Add lemon juice dressing to salad and enjoy!

SERVES 2.


Monday, November 17, 2014

Cleaning non-organic fruit and vegetables

It's always best to consume organic fruit and vegetables, but sometimes it's just not affordable, or readily available. 
The most cost-effective way I have found to clean non-organic fruit and vegetables is to fill the sink with cold water, add 4 tsp table salt and the juice of 1 lemon. Let your fruit and vegetables soak for 10 minutes, then brush well with a natural fibre brush to remove leftover residue. The salt draws out dirt and insects and the lemon disinfects them. I do this to all my fruit and vegetables when I first purchase them, dry them, then refrigerate in airtight containers in the refrigerator in the crisper section - I use the containers with drainage racks in them. 
Storing it pre-washed can cause your produce to spoil quicker, but for me this is more time-efficient and I purchase it regularly anyway. I have never personally had a problem with it. 
It is really amazing how disgusting the sink is at the end of this. the first time I did it I was absolutely horrified! I had been putting all this dirt etc into my body for years...and this was just the dirt that I could see, not the chemicals and pesticides. 
This is by no means as good for you as organic, and will never remove all the chemicals and pesticides, but it does make it a lot better for you and removes some of the nasties you would otherwise be ingesting.
I have just started growing my own vegetables and fruit this season. I haven't got organic ones yes, but it will still be a lot better for me in the end. It is so rewarding too, I ate my first strawberry the other day and it was so much tastier! A good inspiration to keep me going and experiment more. I'll keep you updated!

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Stevia Organic Review

Sometimes you crave something sweet and this can be difficult when you are eating healthily. There are so many sweeteners out there it has hard to know what to use.
We have learnt to stay away from sugar at all costs because it is so bad for us. It is linked to Diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, acne, heart failure, cancer, liver disease and tooth decay, just to name a few.
Then along came this awesome product! Sugarless Stevia Organic by Bathox Australia. http://www.sugarlessaustralia.com/stevia/ There is so much to love about it.
It is made by extracting leaves of the Stevia Plant, steeped and dried, then purified and blended with Organic Certified Erythritol, a sugar alcohol found naturally in fruits like lemons and grapes. Organic Certified Erythritol has zero calories and passes through the body without being broken down for calories, therefore it doesn't effect your blood sugar.
You can use it to replace sugar in any recipe and in hot and cold drinks. Just use 1/2 tsp Stevia (1.6kJ) for every 1 tsp sugar (70kJ) required. It is low calorie, low carbohydrate, tooth friendly, diabetic friendly, has no nasties and has no GMO.
It is Australian Certified Organic.
It has a 3-year shelf life. It is more expensive than regular sugar, I paid $8.50 for mine from Woolworths, but it is well worth it to not be putting all them nasty chemicals into your body, plus you only need to use half as much.
It can have a slight aftertaste is some recipes, but for me this is a small price to pay.

PROS
* Certified organic
* Doesn't effect blood sugar levels
* Low calorie
* Low carbohydrate
* Tooth friendly
* Diabetic friendly
* Natural ingredients
* No GMO
* Long shelf-life
* Cost-effective

CONS
* Slight aftertaste

I give this product 5 flowers out of 5. It is so much better for consumers health. There will be no need to ever put sugar into our bodies again.

✿✿✿✿✿





Saturday, November 15, 2014

Honey cinnamon goat yoghurt (lactose-free)


I have found that dairy products have not been sitting well with me, so I have cut them out of my diet and feel so much better for it.

I tried CapriLac Natural Goat Yoghurt http://www.caprilac.com/Product/Yoghurt.aspx expecting it to be bitter and disgusting, like all the natural dairy yoghurts I have tried in the past, but was pleasantly surprised with the taste. It is natural, 100% full cream goat milk, easy to digest, a good source of calcium, GMO free and is probiotic (containing lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria - friendly bacteria. The goats are well looked after, therefore no feed modifiers or antibiotics are fed to them and they don't need to be drenched with anthelmintics (used to treat and control worms and parasites).

Cinnamon is is really good for you. It regulates blood sugar, can increase blood circulation, reduced inflammation, has antioxidant effects, fights bacteria and is effective for menstrual pain/infertility. It contains fibre, calcium, iron and manganese.

I tried Bee Vital Manuka Honey Active 15 plus for the first time tonight and it is so tasty! I just had to lick to spoon. It is antibacterial (anything over 10 plus is considered active honey), aids bloating, indigestion, helps immunity and gives you a short energy burst.

I decided to try this one night when I had a sweet tooth after dinner, but had cut out my usual dark chocolate. I whipped this up and have had it every night since for dessert. I love it! And the best part, it is so good for you and is quick and simple to make - something that is very much needed in today's society.


INGREDIENTS
* 100g natural goat yoghurt
* 1 1/2 tsp manuka honey
* 1/4 tsp cinnamon

DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients together in a bowl and enjoy!

TIP
You can adjust the flavours to suit your own personal taste, this is just my preference after trial and error.

SERVES 1.



Natural sunscreen review

Today has been a scorcher at home with temperatures over 40°C, and it's only spring!! It's going to be a very long hot, dry summer around here.
After mowing the lawn and gardening all morning, hubby and I decided the best way to survive was in the blow-up kiddies pool we had. We were already quite sunburnt from being outside all morning, so I took this opportunity to test out my new natural sunscreen I had purchased earlier.
Natural Instinct Natural Sunscreen SPF 30.
By first glance this sunscreen is amazing. It is full of natural ingredients with no nasties added to it. It's enriched with jojoba, shea butter, green tea, rosehip, vitamin E, Beeswax (to achieve water resistance - therefore not suitable for vegans) and has the active ingredient zinc oxide 220mg/g.
It has an SPF 30, which is the highest you can get without adding chemicals. SPF 30 allows 3% of sun rays to get to skin, whereas SPF 50 allows 2% to get through.
It is made in Australia and not tested in animals, which I love.
It is also 3 hours water resistant, just what we needed.
I purchased this from the Chemist Warehouse for around $18.50, which is a good price considering it's a natural sunscreen.
But, unfortunately, it had a major downside for me. It leaves you really, really white, no matter how long you try and rub it in, it just won't go away. I shook it first, as the instructions directed, but this didn't help at all. It looked ridiculous! It would be ok for at home use, so it's not a complete waste of money, but I would never been seen in public with it on.
On saying this though, it did do its job well and we didn't get burnt any more, even though we were in the water. However, we were only out for about 45 mins, and clouds were coming and going. The back of the pool ended up with the sunscreen all over it from rubbing off our back.
It claims to moisturise, condition and replenish the skin, but I personally did not notice a difference at all.

PROS
* Nautral ingredients
* Reasonably priced
* Water resistant
* Not tested on animals
* Australian made

CONS
* Doesn't rub in properly
* Leaves a residue on surfaces you rub up against
* Leaves you looking horribly white

I give this product 2 out of 5 flowers. I would use this product as a last resort, it is a way better for you than normal sunscreens, but I would not choose to use, it which is a shame!
✿✿






Thursday, November 13, 2014

Bad days!

Well today has just been one of those days! Anything that could go wrong has. And unfortunately it happens to the best of us. It's how you react to these types of days that make or break you.
The first thing to remember is that things will get better. This is only short-term. it also doesn't hurt to spare a thought for all the poor people out there that are worse off than you are. It can really put things into perspective.

I had work just pile up on top of me and couldn't catch up. The more I stressed out about it, the worse it got.
When this happens you need to take time out, even if it's just for a minute, and take a few deep breaths. Then come back with a clear head, refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Finish off your jobs one at a time, so that your full focus is on the job at hand. Attempting too many things at once will just stress you out more, and often takes longer anyway. A nice relaxing tea is always great too. My personal favourites are my QI organic relax tea and chamomile.

Then when I got home, the television was not working. And for me, that was the end of the world. I had the night to myself, as hubby was working late and was planning on catching up on all the reality shows that he hates. I was on the phone to Telstra for over an hour, just to be told they can't do anything about it and they'll send someone out when they can. This all took up a massive chunk from my night and I didn't get in my afternoon walk or meditation session, which also got to me.
But, in the end, I chose to take the positives out of this experience. I had a lovely dinner outside, and then curled up a with a book for the night. It was so enjoyable and much more relaxing than watching television. I thought about all the good things that I have in my life, my husband, family and friends, and realised how lucky i really am. If that is all my troubles, I've got it pretty darn good! It is amazing the turnaround that I had from this revelation. I was suddenly so much happier and had my inner peace about me that I have been enjoying so much lately. Positive thinking really is such a powerful tool!

When you have days like this, it can also be really hard to stay on track with your healthy eating. These are the worst times for craving junk food. I like to solve this problem by trying new things. Today I tried some new organic wheat-free wraps for dinner, and had a lovely dessert of goats milk yoghurt, organic honey and cinnamon. These are all still good for you, free from artificial additives, but will give you something to look forward to, to keep you excited and on track for eating healthily. Little things like this can make a huge difference.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Getting started

Making a change to a natural lifestyle can be very daunting. There are so many different pieces of conflicting advice! If it's all too much for you, I recommend tackling it bit by bit.
I started by cutting out the worst offenders in my diet. For me this was diet soft drinks, mints, chips, chocolate, cookies and lollies. And I make sure I drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
Once you cut out the worst offenders, it is amazing how much better you will feel. It will help spur you on to keep going. Cutting out soft drinks also helped me consume a lot more water, which helps the body cleanse itself. I lost lots of weight in the initial week and my stomach reduced due to no more bloating. I have found out that gluten and dairy products don't seem to agree with me for some reason, as they make me automatically bloated. So i have cut these out as much as possible and the difference it has made is incredible. I feel like a completely different person.
I follow a clean-eating diet. If I am going to purchase a processed food I always make sure it has no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. If I don't recognise an item on the ingredients list, I won't purchase it.
I love including superfoods too. My favourites include wheatgrass, supergreens, maca powder, cacao powder and goji  berries.
Buying organic is always best, where possible, and when you can afford it. It cuts out added hormones from meats and eggs, and pesticides from fruit and veg. Free range is not the same thing. It means that the animals have been treated much better, and have been given a lot more room to survive, but they can still have hormones added to them. To clean organic produce I put it in a sink full of cold water and add 4 tsp table salt and juice of 1 lemon. Leave for 10 mins and then scrub gently with a natural bristle brush. The salt draws out dirt and insects and the lemon disinfects. It is disgusting how much dirt and gunk is in the bottom of the sink when you're done. I do this all at once when I purchase it, but this can cause produce to spoil quicker as it is moistened. I haven't had a problem with this yet. I place paper towel in the bottom of the crisper for the bigger fruit and vegies and put the smaller ones in an airtight container with a draining rack underneath the food.
The most important thing to remember is if you fall off the bandwagon it's not the end of the world. Just get yourself back on track and don't punish yourself. You're only human and you are already doing so much better by your body, that the occasional slip won't set you back too much!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Twitter

Check out Natural aussie gal (@naturalausgal): https://twitter.com/naturalausgal?s=09

Natural deodorant review

I have tried many natural, pure deodorants in the past and none of them have worked.
I was using clinical protection deodorant and it was good, but it doesn't fit with my new natural healthy lifestyle.
I even attempted to make my own with bicarb soda and coconut oil, but it didn't work and was so messy! I hated it. 
Then, one day while I was shopping for some natural beauty products I stumbled across this beauty!! 
Body Crystal Crystal Stick Deodorant. It has no smell, which really worried me at first. I thought how could this possibly work? But it doesn't need the fragrances as it blocks the odour bacteria. Other deodorants need the fragrance to mask smells. 
It is great for sensitive skin and has really cleared up my shaving rash as well which is a great bonus. It hasn't been tested on animals which is personally something that I like to see. 
It is very cost effective. It lasts for ages as it is rock hard, and only cost around AU$7.50 from Coles.
This gem works by wetting the deodorant stick, dissolving a layer of crystals ready to apply. It must be applied right after a shower though, as it won't work once the odour bacteria starts to form. 
I personally apply it straight after my afternoon shower and of a morning before work. It would also be a good idea to re-apply before exercise. I wet my hand then apply the water to the deodorant stick top, apply to one armpit, then repeat. If I forget to apply it immediately after my shower, I just wet my pits and wash with bodywash then rinse off. Apply straight afterwards. 
It still lets your armpits breathe naturally and doesn't leave white marks.

PROS
* Natural product
* Works great
* Fragrance free
* Sensitive-skin friendly
* Not tested on animals
* Doesn't leave white marks
* Skin can still breathe
* Easy to use
* Cost effective
* Lasts for ages

CONS
* Must be applied immediately after shower
* Needs water

I give this product 4.5 flowers out of 5. I love this product and will most definitely be adding this to part of my daily beauty regime. 

✿✿✿✿❀


Monday, November 10, 2014

Introduction

Hi everyone,
My name is Tash and I am starting to embark on a journey towards a more natural lifestyle for health and emotional reasons.
I was just at that stage where every little thing was getting to me and I knew that i had to make a change to keep my sanity. I am currently struggling with unexplained infertility for over three years, and the ups and downs that go along with that was just getting too much to handle.
I also struggle with adult acne, which can be very difficult at times. I never leave the house without a full face of make-up, and if it's not perfect I am paranoid and self-conscious all day.
I am a very anxious and stressed out person, and I want to discover an inner peace and happiness.
I am making the change to all natural beauty products. I am also cutting out processed foods from my diet, and concentrating on eating more greens and raw foods.
I can't wait to help others out who wish to do the same, as it can be very daunting with so much information and so many different products out there. It can be very expensive testing out all the products and trying to go organic and natural. That is why I want to help other people by sharing my experiences and the products I fall in love with along the way.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and sharing my journey with me...