My boyfriend does my makeup

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I’ve finally uploaded my new YouTube video!

I decided to make this one a little lighthearted, since my last one was a bit more somber I guess.

Here a few firsts for this video:
1. You see what I look like without makeup (yuck)
2. You meet my boyfriend!
3. You see me be transformed into a Homer Simpson makeup-gun target/Princess Ron Swanson hybrid

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Could a yoga nidra a day keep the doctor away?

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A special guest post by my dear friend Emma, who is also a qualified yoga instructor and runs specialised classes that focus on relaxation, stress-reduction and overall mental wellness through yoga.

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Yoga nidra: what is it?

Yoga nidra is a method of inducing physical, mental and emotional relaxation.  Nidra means ‘sleep’

How is it done?

By sitting or lying in a warm comfortable place and listening to a recording which will guide you through the process with simple techniques.

Physically it looks like not much is going on, but on the inside magical things are happening.

Less is more… really, it’s true! 

What might the results be?

  • Better energy levels
  • Improved quality of sleep
  • Enhanced immunity
  • Increased concentration and memory
  • Better problem-solving abilities
  • Greater efficiency and productivity
  • Stabilised emotions— reduced anger, crying, anxiety, frustration
  • Less headaches and pain 

What is happening in the body?

In yoga nidra all the physiological processes in the body slow down.  As the breath slows down, this signals to the autonomic nervous system to go into ‘para-sympathetic mode’.

When the breath is deeper and slower the heart rate decreases and the cardiovascular system doesn’t have to work as hard to get blood around the body.  The blood being delivered around the body is oxygen-rich, so the muscles of the body can relax.

As our body and mind relaxes, our emotions begin to stabilise.  Yoga nidra quietens the mind, taking our brainwaves from beta (busy) to alpha waves (slow).

With increased flow in the body both physically and mentally there is room for energy to flow freely.  With fewer blockages this energy can provide us with the nourishment we require to go into the world more vibrant.

With regular yoga nidra practice it’s possible to enter this state more and more easily in everyday life.  We can begin to think more clearly and build on our ability to respond appropriately in each moment.

Want to try yoga nidra for free?

‘Like’ quietspaceyoga‘s Facebook page and stay tuned for a free yoga nidra recording.

Emma Robinson is founder of Quiet Space Yoga, based in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria.

S.W. Basics Hibiscus mask and organic cleanser review

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“The simplest things are often the truest.” – Richard Bach

 

There’s nothing I love more than simplicty, and S.W. Basics is a true example of that.

I only recently found out about the company, and after a bit of research it seems to tick all my boxes in what makes a great skincare brand:

    • they use the simplest possible blends
    • ingredients are either certified organic, Fair Trade, or sourced from small family farms
    • they go by the belief that fewer ingredients = less chance for irritation, higher potency, and a smaller overall ecological impact
    • almost all their products are vegan (except for their beeswax lip balms, they do provide a range of vegan lip balms however)
    • they do not test on animals

In this post I talk about two of their popular products – their Hibiscus Face Mask and Organic Cleanser (if you live in Australia you can get them from Miss Pearl).

Hibiscus Face Mask

This mask contains just three ingredients – hibiscus, French green clay, and lavender – but they certainly pack a punch.

Hibiscus has been renowned for its skin and beauty benefits:

  • increases skin elasticity
  • inhibits the activity of the enzyme elastase, which is responsible for breaking down our skin’s elastin,
  • evens skin tone due to the slightly exfoliating effect of the organic acids found in the plant, including citric acid and malic acid
  • rich in a type of antioxidants called anthocyanocides, which protect against free radical damage and have slightly astringent properties
  • has an anti-inflammatory effect
  • purifies the complexion by breaking down dead skin and increasing cell turnover (great for acne!)
  • gives an intense moisture boost due to its naturally high mucilage content,

The French green clay also adds to the beauty benefits of this mask:

  • penetrates the pores, removing toxins, impurities and excess oils and serums out of the cells
  • helps to stimulate the blood vessels below the surface of the skin
  • highly recommended for people who suffer from oily skin, as its absorbent properties help remove and drain impurities and superficial effects of pollution from the skin
  • Note: do not use metal utensils when using French green clay as it causes a reaction with the clay that alters the composition

Lastly, the organic lavender powder provides an extra boost of goodness to the skin:

  • antiseptic and anti-fungal which helps to reduce scarring and speeds healing
  • anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant
  • helps in fighting acne breakouts and infections
  • helps with redness and blotchiness of the complexion

My verdict:

This mask is perfect for keeping those breakouts at bay; I used it close to my time-of-the-month, and found that it really helped control the oil and the amount of spots that cropped up. Usually my skin gets quite greasy and dull, and a lot of pimples appear near my jawline. After using the mask I found that my skin looked a lot brighter and fresher, and there were fewer pimples popping up than usual – the pimples that did appear didn’t stay for long! Overall, it really helped to revamp my skin when it needed a boost.

Organic cleanser

This versatile cleanser has also gone by the rule of three and features only the following ingredients: organic rosewater, organic vegetable glycerin and organic tea tree oil.

Rosewater is a winner for skin as it:

  • helps to maintain the skin’s pH balance
  • helps fight acne, dermatitis and eczema
  • helps to hydrate, revitalize, moisturize, and smooth out the skin
  • helps to heal scars, cuts and wounds
  • helps tone the skin
  • offers anti-bacterial properties
  • has antioxidant properties that help to strengthen skin cells along with regenerating skin tissues

Vegetable glycerin is a great plant-based moisturiser and also:

  • acts as a natural humectant
  • when used with other natural oils and ingredients, it can seal in moisture on the top layer of our skin while the other oils work their way deep into our cells to provide long-lasting moisture
  • isn’t an additive that has no value (like some other sugars); it actually helps your body attract moisture and absorb healthy ingredients
  • Note: Be cautious when buying glycerin for your own use- there are non-vegetable varieties, derived from petroleum or animal fat, that can be very drying to the skin

Organic Tea Tree Oil helps to preserve and kill off any nasties:

  • antibacterial
  • antifungal
  • antiviral
  • stimulates the immune system

My verdict:

I love how my skin felt soft and supple after using this – most cleansers leave my skin a bit tight and dry, but this oil-based cleanser worked a treat when it came to taking my make-up off, along with the daily grime that had accumulated underneath, leaving my skin clean and fresh. A big thumbs up from me!

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My nightmare with antidepressants

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It’s taken me a while, but my video about treating my depression and anxiety is finally up :)

This video is pretty long, so it may not be for everyone – I recommend watching it if you suffer from anxiety/depression and are looking for alternative treatments.

Contents:
– In a nutshell: A quick background of what caused my depression and anxiety
– My anxiety and depression: what I experienced
– My nightmare with antidepressants
– Finding alternative treatment

Mentioned links:
Mindfulness meditation
Magnesium and the brain: the original chill pill

*** NOTE: This is just my personal experience with anxiety and depression, and what I found helped me in my own journey. This video is in no way intended to be professional medical advice, so please consult with your doctor or health professional first before trying any of my treatment suggestions **

 

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My first time drinking chai

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Some people are either a coffee person or a tea person. I am definitely a tea person!

My favourite staples are regular green tea and Earl Grey, and branching from that I’d have to say ginger tea, passion flower tea, lavender tea, peach tea, lemon verbena tea… the list goes on.

Most recently added to that list is chai tea – I never really liked it initially because I had only ever seen it served with milk as a ‘chai latte’, and I’m not a fan of tea with milk in general. So when I learnt that you could actually have chai in it’s original form, my mind was blown!

I tried ‘straight’ chai for the first time when I received this gorgeous Chai Walli packet in my Vegan Box subscription. This was a caffeine-free version (so minus the black tea) which was a bonus because I’m not really into black tea either.

While it was brewing in my teapot, the smell captivated me – such a sensual, spicy aroma, yet sweet and warm too. Most chai spice mixtures include ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, fennel seeds, peppercorn, nutmeg and cloves, so it’s no surprise that my olfactory receptors were having a field day.

Other possible ingredients include nutmeg, mace, black cardamom, chilli, coriander, rose flavouring, or liquorice root. This particular mixture had dried rose petals added to it, which looked so pretty when I poured it into a glass jar for storage, kind of like a herbal pot pourri.

There are also some great health benefits to drinking chai:

  • Ginger aids digestion
  • Cardamom detoxes
  • Cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of heart disease
  • Star anise contains antioxidants and has antifungal and antibacterial properties
  • Fennel seeds are concentrated source of minerals like copper, iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc, and magnesium
  • Pepper corn promotes intestinal health
  • Nutmeg relieves pain and improves blood circulation
  • Cloves are a natural anti-inflammatory

So if you feel like giving chai a go, or are already a fan and would like to see how Chai Walli fares then check out their Chai Walli online store.

They have both the caffeine-free and regular chai, as well as some organic jaggery – a natural, unrefined sweetener derived from palm sap, and is a natural sweetener used in Indian dishes, especially chai.

 

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