Monday Health-Kick Motivation

 Hey lovelies. How many of you use the Polyvore app? I’m totally obsessed with it! It’s great to use to create looks / outfits and then share what you’ve come up with. I’ve been needing some serious motivation for a health-kick (once again!) in my life and I started making cute work-out outfits to get me excited about hitting the gym. So, take a wild guess at what I’m spending some of my next pay on.. $$$ that’s right! new gear. There’s just something so exciting about buying new gym clothes.. I’m using this as my Monday health-kick motivation I severely need.

Here’s some ideas I’ve come up with.. what are some ways that get you back on the fitness buzz when you fall off the wagon a little bit? Let me know so we can all share and use each other’s brilliant tips!  xx Much love, E.

Top L-R: Nike Sports Bra / Nike Shirt / Adidas Bracelet Watch

Bottom L-R: Herschel Backpack / Designers Remix Donna Shorts / Billabong Bottle / Nike Free Run

 

Top L-R: Mat Strap / Sagaform PET bottle / H&M Sports Bra / Adidas by Stella McCartney leggings

Bottom L-R: Nike Free 5.0+Shoes / Lorna Jane Gym Bag

 

TOP L-R: The North Face Tee / Victoria’s Secret Everlast Boxing Gloves / Asics Gel Blur Shoes

BOTTOM L-R: Aerie Shorts /Victoria’s Secret Duffle Bag

‘Do What You Love’ Interview with Julia and Libby

Ever since I stumbled across Julia and Libby on the interwebs, I was always so keen to feature these two beautiful beings on my blog. Julia and Libby are two sisters – Julia is based in Sydney, Australia and Libby is based in Auckland, New Zealand. What I love about them is their vision and commitment to nutrition + healthy living in every area of life and their love for everything that nourishes the body, mind and soul. They are total sweethearts and I’m very happy to feature them here on my blog xx enjoy!

 

Names:

Libby & Julia Matthews

Libby’s Interests:

Exercise, cooking, walking and yoga

Julia’s Interests:
Family, Cooking, anything animal related, taking bubble baths, fresh flowers, full moons, discovering new things.

Ever since I stumbled across your blog, I’ve been hooked! What got you both to start JuliaandLibby.com?

J: Thank you! Lib was studying Holistic Nutrition so was always finding out new valuable information which I would always pass onto friends.  I love cooking and experimenting with new foods.  We would often get asked by friends for recipes or nutritional information so we thought that setting up a blog was the easiest way to get it all across.  From there we set up a Facebook page as a way to link the info and the rest is history!

You share about your love for what nourishes the body, mind and soul – Where did your love for healthy living and holistic approach to life come from?

J: Ever since I can remember I’ve always had a huge love for animals, basically anything with a face.  I can’t even bring myself to kill flies.  Then I started finding out about factory farming, the killing of whales, over fishing and it prompted me to turn vegetarian.  I felt so much better after cutting out meat and then learnt about the health benefits of doing so.  Then Libby started telling me things about certain foods and how they can help you or make you ill.  Now I spend lots of my spare time researching foods and recipes and in February am going to start studying Nutritional Medicine at one of the top Natural Therapies schools in Sydney.

L:I have always been interested in eating healthy but in today’s society we are always being fed conflicting facts so it is hard to know what is really right to eat and be healthy. I decided to study holistic nutrition, and it has been one of the best decisions I have made. All the information I have been taught I will remember for life. Throughout the two years of my study I was constantly surrounded by really healthy people so I guess that helped with my holistic approach to life. Julia and I are always sharing new ideas with each other about being healthy so again that helps.

Besides sharing your health knowledge, delicious, healthy recipes and tips to keep us beautiful from within what keeps you busy outside of JuliaandLibby.com?

J:Having recently moved to Sydney with my boyfriend I am loving all the new beaches that are a short drive away.  It is easier to get my hands on organic fresh food so cooking is a lot more fun.  I also have a new-found love for Bikram Yoga and there is a beautiful new studio just down the road from my house.

L: I am working part-time at the moment and will begin studying to become a naturopath in February for two years. I am always reading up on the latest health and well-being information to keep me informed of whats happening around the world.

How do you both stay organised while balancing everything in life? (maybe talk about something with Nutrition school here and balancing other demands of life?

L: I think it is so important to always take time out for yourself. When I am busy with uni work and my part-time job the stress can really effect me. One of the best things to do is to go for a walk even for half an hour, this helps me a lot to de stress.

J: Last year when I was living in New Zealand I was working full-time and studying at nights part-time.  Balancing that with a social life was quite hard, I don’t like letting people down so often over committed and then found no time for study.  This year I have reversed roles.  Full time study and part-time work so it will make life a little easier.  I personally find it really important to keep a diary, pre plan and then stick to your schedule.

Where does the inspiration from your blog posts come from? You never seem to run out of amazing tips to share with us x

L: I always have people asking me questions about health and nutrition and a lot of the same questions are asked. When I write a blog post it always has something to do with these topics eg Soy milk, vegetable juices. Also anything interesting I learn in class I like to share with everyone to help keep people informed.

J: Lib and I often get messaged by people asking for nutritional info which prompts us to write certain blog posts. When ever I cook a new dish I pop it up on the blog.  If we find a new product that works for us we like to pass that information onto our readers.

Lastly, What is your most favourite health tip to share that you absolutely swear by…

J: It is really important to always be thinking about what you eat, where it comes from and “is this nourishing me”?.  I also swear by daily green smoothies.

L: Water! I think one of the easiest and best ways to improve health and well-being is to drink enough water. I try to drink at least 1.5 litres a day and aim for 2.5 litres. It makes such a huge difference with my energy levels throughout the day, my mood, how much food I eat through out, it lowers my food cravings and has improved my skin so much.

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Check out JuliaandLibby.com for their blog posts, like them on facebook here clicking here or follow them on twitter by clicking here for their up to date health and wellness tips, scrumptious recipes or just seeing what they’re getting up to! xx

 

Happy and Healthy

Summer is coming up and there are all sorts of days and events to be excited for! I’ve come to realise that getting my body ready for some serious sun and minimal clothing on the beaches this summer is going to take incredible mental motivation, commitment and action. I have been working on being “healthy and happy” and nothing helps more than pictures and images on the internet to give me motivation and ideas. I wanted to share some of my favourite pictures I have on my “happy and healthy” board on Pinterest. These images have been the main motivator for me! Hope they are of some use to you too xx Happy Weekend my lovelies.

 

 

 

All those photos scream “happy and healthy” to me! (Dreaming of the day I can run around in a midriff baring top!) Being organised with healthy snacks and meals, crazy bright running shoes, tasty salads and summer fruits in my drinks are all ways that motivate me towards that “happy and health” lifestyle I want to live.

Do you have favourite Pinterest boards that help motivate you towards summer body goals? Click here  to check out my “happy and healthy” board on Pinterest and we can follow each other!  xx

Currently Obsessed with Antipodes

A skincare brand that cares for the Earth and cares for you. Antipodes is a certified organic and premium natural skincare brand which I love and adore. I will let you know that I am an avid buyer of Antipodes products as it helps me with any skin problems I have.  I’ve noticed that each one of their products has a delightful scent and since the brand stands for pure, honest and natural skincare, it’s become one of my most favourite brands. Antipodes is based in Wellington, New Zealand and is now stocked and sold in seven different countries (Hong Kong, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Slovenia and Australia) as well as 220 stores all around New Zealand.

I was really interested in Antipodes and their brand once I had purchased their Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream  several times – I am now totally obsessed with two of their newest products..

Antipodes ‘Joyful’ hand and body cream                                                                                                 

Antipodes ‘Immortal’ SPF 15 Natural sun Protection Face & Body Moisturiser

The ‘Joyful’ hand and body cream is new to the market and is a rich and creamy moisturiser which has been cutely packaged in a berry coloured aluminium tube to match its blackcurrant berry aroma.  The hand cream carries are scent that is made up of avocado oils, hibiscus flower and the blackcurrant berry which shows off the subtropical scents of the South Pacific.

I’ve been using this product as my daily hand cream as nourishes and refreshes stressed and dry skin. The avocado oil is a potent source of Omegas 3 and 9, as well as the vitamins A, B1, B2 and D. The chlorophyll and Vitamin E act as antioxidants which help to reduce the appearance of scars, age spots and alleviate the signs of ageing. What I love in a good hand cream is one that doesn’t leave oily residue with a soft fragrance that lingers after you’ve applied it –If that’s what you love about a hand cream then I definitely recommend the Antipodes ‘Joyful’ hand and body cream.  

Antipodes is proud to announce the relaunch of one of its most successful products – The ‘Immortal’ moisturiser. This product is fragrance free daily moisturiser with a broad-spectrum natural sun protection factor of 15, which defends against sun damage while locking in moisture and boosting healthy cells. This product is one of my absolute favourites and now that it’s been improved I was so excited to try it – again! The formulation leaves your skin feeling fresh and lightly hydrated throughout the day.

The ‘Immortal’ moisturiser is a natural SPF sunscreen and its advantages over synthetic SPF sunscreen is that it contains mineral-based absorbers or filters that are considered more natural, milder and safer to use – especially for sensitive skin (Winning!) – Natural SPF sunscreen has a rating of 15 which also allows for a daily dose of Vitamin D – the essential “sunshine vitamin” your body can synthesize from sun exposure.

Antipodes skincare range is officially approved for use by vegetarians through VegSoc and products never, ever tested on animals. They have my love and approval so click on this link here to check out the full Antipodes range and the rest of their brand. If you use Twitter, give them a buzz on @AntipodesNZ or simply ‘Like’ on Facebook xx

‘Do What You Love’ Interview with LEO STYLE

Larissa is based in New Zealand and is the wonder woman behind Leo Style. This lady does everything – from make up and hair styling NZ celebrities to taking care of her beautiful little boy Ryder, Larissa does it all! I had the chance to get to know a little bit about what self-care and lifestyle management tips that go on behind the scenes for the Leo Style brand and how Larissa keeps it all together with such a hectic schedule. I feel privileged to have been given a chance to include Leo Style to my ‘Do What You Love’ interview series as Larissa combines her love for beauty + fashion with business, and shows me that it is possible to do what you love for a living and how radiate such a positive energy through it all. Larissa’s attitude and drive inspires me and through this interview she shares some wise words and also a tip on how she pays homage to her mind, body and soul.

Role / Job: Stylist, Beauty Editor LEO STYLE
Brief background of what you do: From styling to make-up collaborations on-set, advertising, photo shoots, to personal styling, best known for working with NZ celebrities and A-Listers

Main projects / tasks that keep you busy?: Up-skilling myself in high demand areas in that of the fashion/beauty industry and fusing new skills to my existing talents to create my own little world in the business that I run. Evolving and growth personally and professionally is important to me. My mind is full on – think Willy Wonka meets Niki Minaj. Those close to me know that I could conversate with a wall and really enjoy myself. My mind keeps me busy so much so its important for me to find my zen and keep my feet and imagination somewhat grounded. What keeps me most busy and where most my time is spent is in mummyhood, my main sidekick Ryder, my son keeps me on my toes and proactive.

1) What is one of your time management secrets? 
Dont waste it! Leonardo da Vinci said “Time stays long enough for those who use it.“ I also give priority to things of real importance. When I have so much coming at me competing for my limited time I simply choose what’s important over everything else. Then systematically I run smoothly through each task.

2) When you are feeling over whelmed, what is a self-care tip you would love to share?
When I am overwhelmed I pay homage to my mind, body and soul. I meditate. When I do this I realise how unruly my mind can be, it helps me find my calm and also brings me back to the present, in the now. Looking after my inner self helps me relax and focus. I take Spirulina, Acai powder and also drink Noni juice daily to help nourish me, I regularly gym it and I am in touch with my spirituality.

3) What is your dream day?
A hot summers day at a picturesque beach house, my loved ones, great friends, barbeque, seafood, beers, ending with a fire on the beach, on a starry night, a guiter…thats me!

4) What inspires you day-to-day
My son, my mum, and solo mothers

5) Any last words for those who want to start their own business but do not know how to take that first step?
Vision your dream, live it and breathe it. And for every person you meet who doesn’t believe in you, or who try to pull you down, keep them as a reminder of who you don’t want to be, because you truly are powerful beyond measure, and we only limit ourselves.

Follow Leo Style on Twitter  and find her on Facebook ! If you have instagram search: @theleostyle

All images via LEO STYLE xx

3 Ways to Seriously Beat the Winter Blues

I have been sick on-and-off since the winter season decided to come knocking on our door. The cold season can bring us unwanted sick days from work, dull appearance to the skin, sniffly noses, dry throats, comfort eating and just a whole lot of hibernating. Trying to beat the winter blues takes strength, creativity and a bit of preventative work but it’s worth giving it a go! Keep these tips in mind while you wait for the warmer months to come by again..

1) Keeping up your HEALTH & FITNESS

Maintain a healthy diet and keep up your fitness! I know there are million excuses in the book to not exercise and eat well because of the cold weather but I promise you, you will feel 100% better if you keep your health and fitness up in the winter months. Since the cold weather brings our mood down, the unhealthy and comfort eating will leave you feeling more upset about how unfit you are and then the extra weight from the comfort eating is not going to make that any better – so prevent that horrible feeling by keeping a healthy diet! With fitness, I kept complaining that it was too cold for me to go for a jog so I started to run in my puffer jacket and have NOT looked back since. It gets me out the door, keeps me warm while the wind is trying to battle me to the ground and I always come home feeling accomplished that I went for my run! I also make sure I go to the markets every week so I can have my vegetables for the week to make my green juice and keep up my fresh food intake.

Image via: My own post “Take a peek into my weekend..”

 

2) Tasty warm soups

Winter reminds me of hot meals and tasty soups. My personal favourites are the classic chicken soup and pumpkin soup – my mother used to make these just for me in the winter so it’s about time I started making it for myself.. Here are some other tasty looking recipes with different combinations to try:

Chicken Soup 

Broccoli & Potato Soup with Greens 

Triple Tomato Soup

Pumpkin Soup

Golden Winter Soup

 

3) Hydrating moisturiser & Lip Care

Winter can leave many of us with dry skin and the lighter formulas of summertime lotions don’t seem to handle what the winter cold does to our skin. The best product to buy during winter is an intensive hydrating moisturiser which keep skin smooth and soft despite the cold chilly wind trying to dry it out! Also, don’t forget to pick something up for your lips!

 

 

 

Take a peek into my weekend..

Here are some snap shots from my weekend! Used our blender (we got about a month ago!) for the first time to make green juice - surprisingly tasty and mega filling. Try using celery, cucumber, spinach with apple and lemon for some zesty taste. May even had honey or agave nectar for a natural sweetener next time I make a glass. I always enjoy going to the Asian Supermarket “Yans” in Wellington because of all the treats and goodies you can’t really get at other supermarkets.

Purchased a wooly jumper from the second hand store across the street from our apartment  ’Recycle Boutique‘ and some new make up goodies (Napoleon Perdis – Sheer Genius Liquid Foundation – “Look 4″) and (Max Factor – Colour Elixir  Lipstick Shade 665 “Pomegranate”) Thinking of booking some “me-time” at East Day Spa for a facial and some other relaxing activities, end of semester kills me!!

6 Morning Rituals to Jump Start Your Day

This is my first article that I have added to this blog that is from another source. I found it on an amazing website ‘MindBodyGreen‘ and this is THE go-to source for your wellness. I fell in love with this article as Melissa Rousseau suggests 6 ways we can jump start our day with simple rituals to awaken your senses with aromatherapy, meditation, juicing and other wonderful suggestions!

By Melissa Rousseau

The following are a few of the morning rituals that help me wake up, get those positive vibes going, and set the grateful tone for the day.

1. Aromatherapy: Before I get out of bed I spritz my favorite natural scents over my face and take a few deep inhalations to really awaken my senses. I love the combination of lemon, grapefruit, ylang ylang. I mix a few drops of each with a little bit of rosewater and distilled water. Find the scents that you love most and make a powerful combo of your own. Whole Foods Market has a great organic aromatherapy section and the blue glass spray bottles are the perfect size to keep by your bed.

2. Fat Buddha: I keep my smiling fat Buddhaand sweet carved elephant right next to my bed. They are literally the first thing I see in the morning when I open my eyes. And the fat Buddha automatically makes me laugh. I rub his belly for some good luck. Happy photos or your favorite trinkets/ collectables can do the same trick. Anything to make you smile first thing.

3. Breathwork: I move quietly to my comfy worn out leather chair and open the shades to let in the sun and begin my breathwork routine. This helps me move out the old stale breath from the night, while infusing all my cells with fresh O2 and positive energy. I picture myself breathing out anything painful or negative and breathing in only feelings of gratitude and positivity. I do 3-4 rounds of the routine below:

BREATHWORK EXERCISES

Lion’s Breath

- Breathe in through your nose

- Out through your mouth – with a loud exhale or sigh

- Repeat 3 times and throughout your practice as needed

In Breath, Pause, Out Breath, Pause

- Breathe in through your nose on count of 6

- Hold at the top of the breath for 3 seconds

- Breathe out through your nose, slowly, on a count of 8

- Hold at the bottom of your breath for 3 seconds

- Begin again

- Repeat 10 times

Breathe & Hold

- Inhale deeply through your nose

- Hold breath for as long as feels comfortable

- Exhale slowly

- Repeat 5 times

Alternate Nostril Breathing

- With finger holding right nostril close, breathe in on the left

- Transfer finger to alternate nostril, exhale breath on the right

- Inhale deeply on the right, close right nostril, and exhale on the left

- Inhale deeply on left, close left nostril, and exhale on right

- Repeat 10 times each side for a total of 5 rounds

Kapalbhati Yoga Breathing

- Similar to Alternate Nostril Breathing as we alternate closing off each nostril

- Forcefully exhale on left, then right, then left

- Put your hand on your belly to feel the exhale

- A slight inhale between exhales is automatic

- Repeat 20 times (10 on each side)

4. Meditation: My breathwork prepares me for my meditation, which presently is a combo of mantra work and visualization. I recently started to get really in tune with my goals and dreams, and began to really FEEL the feeling in my body of those dreams as my present reality. “I am happy, healthy and fulfilled.” “I am a vibrant being of love and light.” “I am helping massive numbers of people through nutrition and wellness.” “I am helping people heal from cancer.” “I am changing the quality of food available in hospitals to those who are ill and in need of healing and nourishment.”  Find your mantra and FEEL it throughout your entire body.

5. Juice/Smoothie: Feeling calm, centered, and fully re-oxygenated, I then head downstairs to make a fresh juice or smoothie, nourishing my body with some rockstar superfoods to give me lasting energy throughout the day.

6. Use your social media of choice to spread feelings of gratitude and love: While drinking my juice, I absolutely look forward to my Facebook posts every morning now. I love spreading love. There is such a wealth of positivity and knowledge to be learned and passed on.  And I sit with the blessing for the opportunity to hopefully inspire people to live more authentically in their days and to help them tune in to what their real purpose here is!

Article via- MindBodyGreen

Author – Melissa Rousseau

Website – Vita Wellness

Stay Social and Fun – Minus the Alcohol!

These days, alcohol  is associated with catching up with friends, having fun or even relaxing. I know it’s not everyone and I know it’s not all the time but sometimes I get the feeling that people have just run out of ideas on how to have fun (minus the alcohol)! If you think about it, we spend just as much money on alcohol and clubbing if we were to instead think of our health and to add some variety in our lives with different activities. I’m going to be honest, when my Life Coach asked me what sort of fun activities I have for myself for Friday and Saturday nights, all I could come up with were wine dates, parties all involving alcohol and just made me want to reevaluate what I did for fun.

Here is a list I have come up with to throw some ideas out there:

• Go to the Museum
  Visiting museums are a great way to add variety to your activities. Try looking up exhibitions at your local museum and bring someone along to check it out with you. Te Papa is an amazing museum right in the heart of Wellington and the next exhibition I want to go have a look at are the fashion illustration created by Kate Coolahan circa 1950s and 1960s. More information on the Te Papa website here

(Kate Coolhan Illustrations via- Te Papa)

 

• Check out your local thrift stores for some hidden gems!
  When was the last time you checked out your local thrift store? Bring someone along and have a browse inside because you never know what you could find! *Another man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I live opposite to a second-hand store Recycle Boutique in Wellington but also.. Don’t forget to check your local charity stores such as The Salvation Army, St Vinnies and Red Cross for some great finds!
• Get into cooking! Learn new recipes and cook for your partner/ friends/ family
  
  I purchased this book last week and I LOVE IT! 1000 recipes for every occasion complete with colourful pictures and a clean easy to follow layout. I am planning to have a better flick through so I can jazz up next weeks meals. Purchase your own copy here
• Go watch a basketball game (or whatever sport you’re into!)
  Another suggestion would be to go and watch sports in your local area or if your favourite team is having a home game. I have recently purchased some tickets for the NBL semi-finals and final game to add some variety to my week! I don’t usually go and watch sports games but I’m excited to do something a little bit different while spending time with my boyfriend.
• Movie date
  Check out the new movies that are showing and make it a date! I’m shocking at wanting to go see a new movie and not actually following through (I haven’t even seen The Avengers yet! Slack, I know.) A movie date is a great way to get out of the house and to have something to look forward to.
• Try local cafes and coffee shops instead!
  Instead of trying out new clubs and bars, try checking out new cafes and coffee houses in your area. I live around so many cafes and still have failed to go sit down and just enjoy. In Wellington, there is a little tucked away cafe I love called Nikau Cafe and they do some nice coffee! Their set up is gorgeous, I love their courtyard garden and they have a blog too I have yet to step in on a Saturday morning for some brunch.

Nikau Gallery Cafe Images via – Nikau Cafe Blog

This is just a tiny list of what sort of activities you can do to stay social and fun while not having to centre all social events around alcohol! Please share your tips in the comments below xx