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image via here and here
correctly pronounced KOM-BOO-CHA, this fizzy tea has been around for centuries, originating in Asia. widely know in ancient times for it's healing properties, it's an old remedy that is making it's way into modern living as the hot new craze with shops like Pekoe Kombucha Bar or the Alchemy Pickle Company (who also sells some other amazing fermented goodies) popping up. kombucha can be found in many health food stores now (like Whole Foods) and in a variety of flavours! my favourite currently is from Alchemy Pickle Company called the Green Tea Grape! revered for the fermentation process which activates the healthy bacteria called "SCOBY", this tea packs one heck of a healthy probiotic punch that really does wonders for your body. because sometimes our lifestyle and food choices aren't perfect, many of us don't have enough healthy bacteria in our guts, so the addition of a probiotic through a yogurt or something like Kombucha, takes us one step closer to getting our bodies back on the healthy track. in saying this, i should mentioned that if you know you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or have an illness, you should check with your doctor or naturopath before drinking any kombucha, to be safe.
there are a ton of reasons why kombucha is good for you, but here are a few highlights:
- the bacteria/probiotics help strengthen your immune system
- aids in healthy digestive function
- loaded with good vitamins and enzymes
- overall energy booster
- helps to detox the body and
- it also is suppose to help relive PMS (i can't wait to see if it does!).
so, when i do drink this and how much? for me, my morning routine consists of getting up, having a glass of water with freshly squeezed lemon juice to help balance the Ph level in my body, followed by a 4 ounce glass of Kombucha before i hit the gym. this makes me feel like i've set-up my body for success for the entire day!
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Images via, here, here & here
as you know I love beauty products, specially anything natural and easy on the environment. recently I came across this beautiful brand of all natural products called Mullein & Sparrow. founder and designer, Anit was a creative mind working in the business of fashion, when she decided to make the switch into beauty products after learing about plant based healing rememdies during her travels. this shop believes that the best rememdies come from nature, and I strongly agree. this beautiful apothecary line, makes everything in small batches as needed, so slight differences can appear from order to order, but it confirms the freshness and authenticity. they I don't know what I love more, these luxurious products or the vintage style containers they are housed in. everything about this is old world and old beauty for the modern buyer.
these products have not only prettied up my face, but also my bath counter.
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the other day i watch this TEDTalk video that really stuck with me and got me thinking about where i'm at in my goals (short and long) and where i'm going.
the truth of it is, i'm great at making lists, and i'm good in my intentions, but bad at holding that intention long enough to make it a sound habit. sometimes i stop myself even before i even begin out of fear and feeling overwhelmed.
studies over the years have shown that it apparently takes a full 21 days to form a new habit and this app is focused on just that. helping work slowly over 21 days to make a new habit. basically here is how it works ...
- open app
- make goal realistic short term goal you want to achieve as a habit
- for 21 days participate in your new habit and track your participation with a picture or log file
- collect 1 point of every day you practice that habit
- ta-da! after 21 days you've now formed your habit, proceed to carry on with said habit
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images via here and here
it's always good to regroup and refocus on some good habits in my life. i have some new short term goals i wanna hit and i definitely needed a little kick in the pants to make it happen. So i'm going to give this app a delightful try, and besides it's pretty cute too.
after 21 days i'll post a recap of my goal, if i achieved it or failed (truthfully) and my goal related pictures. fingers crossed it works! happy monday everyone!
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what all our lifelong bucket lists should really look like.
get going. |
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no better way to start the day than feeling fresh out of the shower.
so for an energizing start to your day, try adding fresh eucalyptus. just take the bunch and tie them with twine and wrap and tie around your shower head. when the heat shower water and steam mix with the leaves, it activates their natural oils and creates a refreshing smell.
this is also great for if you feel stuffed up from a cold and want to wake up those nasal passages! simple. easy and green.
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the summer season is the one time of year that can sometimes play havoc on my oily sensitive skin, so having a good toner on hand can be very helpful in my experience. because of my recent healthier natural living overhaul, i'm more particular now that much of what i put on my skin should be from natural sources. in fact, i believe that some of the best items can be made a home like this simple skin toner.
All natural Skin Toner & Cleanser
- 1/4 cup witch hazel
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 5 drops of essential oil (i like using a spearmint, lavender or lemon in the summer)
mix all the ingredients together and store in a glass container in a cool dark space. for best use i recommend using it a few minutes after face washing. you can also consider storing the mixture in a small spray bottle in the fridge to mist on face throughout the day to help cool you down during the summer.
*Helpful Hint - Apple Cider Vinegar offers great health benefits. i even take a Tsp a day in the morning to help with good digestion and improve my skin from the inside out!
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