Renewed
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ISSUE 01
COLLECTIVE
W E L L N E S S | L O W - T O X L I V I N G | C R E AT I V I T Y I N S P I R AT I O N | S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y
Image by Sammy McAleese
Give fresh life or strength to.
ISSUE
One Founder / Editor Sammy McAleese
Designer Sammy McAleese
Contributors Lily Balfour Narelle Weir Contact Us Website:
www.renewedcollective.com
Email:
renewedcollective@outlook.com
Instagram:
@renewedcollective_
Cover image by Andre Furtado.
Copyright Renewed Collective 2020. All rights reserved. All material in Renewed Collective is wholly copyright and reproduction without the written permission of Renewed Collective is strictly forbidden. All content in Renewed Collective is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical advice or instruction. Our content is not intended to be relied upon to offer a solution to specific problem, or as a substitute for the advice of qualified professionals tailored to your particular circumstances and lifestyle. We are unable to guarantee that our tips and suggestions will work for everyone, every time, as we are all different and respond differently. Please consult with health professionals if required before starting anything new. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Renewed Collective shall not be liable for errors or omissions. We have done our best to acknowledge all photographers, and sources of research if required. All information is correct at time of writing. We apologise if anything appears incorrectly. It will be a genuine mistake. Please let us know and we can give you a mention in the next issue.
Contents 7. Editors Letter 8. WELLNESS SHOP - Activated Eco 10. LOW-TOX BEAUTY Everyday beauty staples 12. INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT Triclosan & Sweet Almond Oil 14. MIND This issue’s recommendations on books, d documentaries and podcasts 18. GREENWASHING What is it, and why we need to know about it. 21. Q&A - Herbal Hiraeth - St James Supply Co - 180 Cakes 28. BARE & WILDE Interview with founder Amy 32. NOURISH Go-to snacks that are healthy and delicious 34. TEA TIME - Stone & Grove 36. CREATIVE REVOLUTION Living a creative life 38. SUSTAINABLE AT HOME Lily shows us her incredible Winter vegie patch at home in Tasmania. 41. LOW-TOX HOME - Pure.Home.Body 42. MIND BODY SOUL Narelle from Serenity Wellness Collective gives us some tips and tricks to activate our relaxation response. 44. SUSTAINABLE STYLE - The Travelling Kimono 48. WANDERLUST - Kalbarri, Western Australia 52. THE LAST WORD with Founder & Editor Sammy
Ed�tors Letter
Image by Sammy McAleese
W�lc�e 2020. What a wild ride it’s been so far. A year we could’ve never predicted, and if someone had told us we wouldn’t have believed them! A year that has challenged us in every way possible and pushed us to limits we didn’t know we had. It has forced us to change and adapt to new situations, and shown us that we are resilient and capable. Sometimes we get stuck in the routines of everyday life and are afraid to make changes, but sometimes change helps us grow and live life a little more interesting.
In our launch issue we meet Amy from Bare & Wilde and learn more about the incredible wellness business she has created. We have Q&A's with Herbal Hiraeth, St James Supply Co and 180 Cakes. We also talk about the issue of ‘Greenwashing' and why you deserve to know what it is, and how companies are trying to deceive us. Plus so much more goodness about low-tox beauty, activating your relaxation response, sustainability at home, and delicious nourishing snacks that are good for you!
What this has shown me, even more than before, is that our health truly is our greatest wealth. If we don’t have good health then nothing else in the world matters. We need to nourish and look after ourselves. We need to choose products that don’t contain harmful toxins, and eat foods that nourish and fuel our bodies. We need to be mindful about the what we read, watch or listen to, and the people we choose to surround ourselves with.
I hope you love all the goodness in our launch issue, and if you would like to be a part of a future issue please get in touch!
‘My hope is to share wellness and inspiration to live a life that is not only good for us and our loved ones, but better for our environment too.’
Thank you for being here, and I hope you enjoy the launch issue as much as I enjoyed creating it. Much love,
Sammy
XX
@_sammymac_ / @renewedcollective_ www.renewedcollective.com
Fe�turing Activated Eco ‘We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.’ - ANNE MARIE BONNEAU Activated Eco was founded in 2017 by life long friends Jesse and Chris. After being conscious of reducing waste in their own homes, their aim is to inspire families and households around the world to reduce their plastic waste. What started with their first signature product, the popular Stainless Steel Infinity Pegs, has now grown to a range of high quality, eco-friendly, reusable products. Everyone is at a different stage of their zero waste journey, and it’s not about changing everything all at once. Use up what you already have, then buy that reusable straw, or wait for that last plastic peg, brittle from the harsh Australian sun, to snap in half and then invest in a beautiful set of stainless steel pegs that will last a lifetime.
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1. Reusable R-Pet Mesh Produce Bags - 5 Pack from $14.95 2. Silicone Food Storage Pouches - Set of Two from $19.95 3. Round Silicon Bowl Covers - 6 Pack $29.95 4. Stainless Steel Infinity Clothes Pegs - 20 Pack from $29.95 5. Stainless Steel Two Layer Lunch Box from $49.95 6. Rose Gold Stainless Steel Straw Set from $22.95 7. Reusable Silicone Baking Mats - Pack of 2 $29.95
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All Images by Activated Eco
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@activactedeco www.activatedeco.com
Low-Tox
Bea�ty
Our skin is our largest organ and 60% of what we put on it gets absorbed into our bloodstream. This is just one reason why we should be paying attention to what’s in our everyday products.
There are so many hidden dangers in beauty products which aren’t widely publicised. Hundreds of thousands of toxic chemicals are contained within products that have never been tested for human safety. These dangerous chemicals are invisible. We rub them on our skin, inhale them and in some instances, ingest them. I would rather know what’s in the products I'm using, and know that they aren’t causing harm to me, my loved ones or the environment. New products are coming onto the market everyday and with so much choice, it's hard to decide what to try. With the huge amount of choice, it means that brands need to stand out to be seen. We shouldn’t just be drawn to fancy packaging capturing our attention. We need to take the time and look closer. Check out the fine print. The ingredients. Where it was made. We are so fortunate to have access to so many incredible businesses creating products without toxic chemicals, and are transparent about the ingredients in their products because they have nothing to hide. If you don’t know what an ingredient is, look it up. We have the right to be selective about what we use on our bodies. This month we have featured some products that should become staples in your beauty routine. These products are low-tox, with natural ingredients that take care of your body without harsh chemicals. Perhaps finish what you are currently using, and try swapping for a low-tox alternative like one of these next time.
MUKTI Balancing Cleansing Gel A beautiful gentle cleanser that has been created to control oily skin and balance combination skin types. It leaves skin feeling clean and clear, soothing and calming without stripping natural oils. It has been formulated with Australian botanical extracts and certified organic ingredients. Made in Australia, it is also cruelty free, vegan, and packaged in biophotonic glass. Available on www.muktiorganics.com and in selected stockists.
WELEDA Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream Our hands needs extra care, especially when it comes to harsh weather conditions, and all this extra handwashing recently. This hand cream from Weleda is a favourite and smells incredible. Some hand creams can be thick and oily, but not this one. It is a light, quickly absorbed cream that deeply moisturises your skin. Your hands will feel so soft, smooth and protected with organic sea buckthorn oil and other natural ingredients and essential oils. Available on www.weleda.com.au, David Jones stores and in selected stockists.
HANAMI Nail Polish Hanami is a 10-free breathable and water permeable nail polish which leaves out 10 of the most harmful ingredients contained in traditional nail polishes. Australian made and owned, Hanami is also cruelty free and vegan. The nail polishes come in a huge range of colours. Top picks include ‘Soft Delay’ as the perfect nude, ‘Hyssop of Love’ to brighten your day, and ‘Still’ as a beautiful blend of blue/green/grey hues. Available on www.hanami.com.au
NO PONG Anti Odourant No Pong uses all natural ingredients that are extremely effective. The ingredients are carefully selected to allow your skin to breathe, rather than block your pores like traditional antiperspirant products. It has a subtle natural botanical fragrance that works well alone, or in combination with other fragrances. It comes in two gender neutral options, the Original, and the low fragrance, bicarb free version. Available on www.nopong.com and in selected stockists.
HERBAL HIRAETH Lip Remedy Balm Everyone needs a go-to lip balm, and this one is a favourite. Remember you ingest most of what you put on your lips, so you shouldn’t be using anything you wouldn’t normally eat! This one by Herbal Hiraeth is a beautiful nourishing balm with organic jojoba oil, roman chamomile oil and Vitamin E. It is eco-friendly, vegan, cruelty free, tox free and free from synthetic preservatives and fragrances. Added bonus - the eco-tube is 100% recyclable. Available on www.herbalhiraeth.com.au
Triclosan is a petroleum-derived, antibacterial and anti-fungal agent. It has been around since the 1960’s and was originally classed as a pesticide in 1969. It is widely used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent and can be found in many mainstream skin and body care products such as antibacterial soap, body washes, toothpastes and even some cosmetics. In 2017 the FDA banned the use of Triclosan in skin care in the US. In Australia we have regulations on the maximum levels permitted, but is not yet banned. According to the FDA, washing with ‘antibacterial’ soap containing Triclosan is no more effective than washing with regular soap and warm running water.
Studies have shown it can have adverse effects on our health, including disrupted hormone development, an increase in allergies, and potentially a reduction in antibiotic resistance. As the substance is typically used in soaps and washes, it makes its way into the local wastewater systems, contaminating our waterways and can accumulate in various areas of the environment, such as agricultural soils and surface waters, potentially harming our marine life. If there are any concerns whether this product is safe and effective when compared to the potential long-term health risk, isn't it worth considering avoiding? Especially when so many companies have chosen to remove this chemical from their products, and many more have created effective products without this ingredient.
Sweet Almond Oil Almond Oil has been used for centuries in Ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic practices to help soothe and soften the skin and treat minor wounds and cuts. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties and high nutrient content, it is still a popular skin care ingredient today. Almonds are naturally rich in Vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant that may help to prevent cell damage, and Vitamin A which has the ability to stimulate the production of new skin cells and smooth fine lines. It also contains Omega-3 fatty acids and Zinc. It is a fine and light, very skin friendly oil that is ideal for sensitive and dry skin. Used topically it can soothe dry and irritated skin. It can also be applied to hair and nails to promote stronger and thicker growth. Sweet Almond Oil is also wonderful used as a carrier oil and for massage. Sweet Almond Oil is generally considered safe, but if you have never tried it before, do a patch test before using. Also do not use if you are allergic to nuts.
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Triclosan https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Triclosan-and-Why-is-it-Banned.aspx http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm517478.htm https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/almond-oil-for-face#bottom-line
* Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
References:
TRICLOSAN
Ingredient
Mind Whether you’re a bookworm who loves to lose themselves in a good book, you love to snuggle in for a night on the couch, or need inspiration to listen to on your way to work or during a morning walk, here are my recommendations to motivate and inspire you.
Books
Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo This book is life-changing. Big call I know, but it’s worth it. I don’t very often read books twice, but I’ve had this for only a few months and have read it twice already. Incredibly inspiring and motivates you to be the best person you can possibly be. Marie encourages you to dream big, take control of your life and eliminate the excuses. Combined with Marie’s humour and insight, she inspires you to take fearless action. As Marie says ‘The world needs that special gift that only you have.’, so if you are feeling stuck with any aspect of your life, you have the power to make the change and figure out anything that comes your way. Available via www.everythingisfigureoutable.com
Work from Wherever by Lisa Messenger This was released last year, but has never become more relevant than right now. It is the way the world is going and I love it. It brings so many more opportunities to people who wouldn’t necessarily have them. It allows for flexibility in our lives, and another option to the standard 9-5 which has been the norm for so long. Lisa explains in detail that whatever industry you are in, you can give yourself the freedom to work how you want. Whether that’s owning and running your own business, or an employee who wants some more flexibility with how and when they work. It’s about making it work for you, however that looks, because it will look different for everyone. Freedom to travel, location freedom or just some freedom for more family time. Available on www.collectivehub.com and in selected book stores
The True Cost
Fashion is the 2nd most polluting industry in the world, and is causing great harm to our environment and also the people who work within it. Life changing. Warning - once you’ve seen this you won’t be able to see fashion, and the clothes you wear in the same way. You shouldn’t either. It is up to us as a consumer to have a voice, and we ultimately have a choice where and how we spend our hard earned money. We can make a difference. Watch on Netflix
Minimalism I have watched this a few times, and I find it a great reminder that we can’t buy our way to happiness. Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus had everything they always wanted. High paying jobs, the house, all the belongings in the house, the car. From the outside they looked like they had the perfect life. We have an illusion of what our lives should look like, but there’s more to life than bills and money and work. A nice reminder about the important things in life and what we should truly be valuing. Watch on Netflix
Podcasts The Melissa Ambrosini Show This is one of the first podcasts I ever listened to, and is still my favourite. So informative with such a high quality of guests. An extensive range of topics range from health, wealth and love, to unique wellness issues. With over 300 episodes now available you will be kept busy for some time! Informative, interesting and in some instances life changing. Big call I know, but some of the information spoken about with different experts will get you thinking about your life in a different and better way. Listen on iTunes, Spotify and other good podcast providers
Documentaries
I admit I didn’t know much about the fashion industry before watching this documentary, but this opened my eyes to what’s happening behind the scenes.
‘Nothing exists in our world that does not first exist in our mind.’
‘No matter what you’re facing, you have what it takes to figure anything out and become the person you’re meant to be.’
MARIE FORLEO
MARIE FORLEO
‘The most powerful words in the universe are the words you say to yourself.’ MARIE FORLEO
Image by Sammy McAleese
Greenwashing What is it? And why do we need to know about it? When the products you’re using aren’t exactly what they appear to be. It’s cool to be green, and now everyone is jumping onboard. What happens when companies appear to be doing the right thing, but aren’t? Greenwashing is a huge issue and everyone deserves a right to know what’s going on. ‘Greenwashing is a form of spin, in which green PR or green marketing is deceptively used to promote the perception that an organisation's products, aims or policies are environmentally friendly. Greenwashing efforts can range from changing the name or label of a product to evoke the natural environment on a product that contains harmful chemicals, to multimillion-dollar advertising campaigns portraying highly polluting energy companies as eco-friendly.’ - Wikipedia As people become more conscious about the environment, ‘green living’ has become such a huge trend. So when a consumer’s needs change, businesses need to adapt to this change and ultimately deliver what their customers want. Problems arise when companies aim to seem eco-friendly instead of aiming to be eco-friendly. They might invest more in the marketing process, rather than attempt to improve their products or processes, or contribute towards the preservation and restoration of our environment. Unethical marketing practices not only directly affect the companies producing them, but also the smaller, local businesses who are genuinely eco-friendly brands. Creating confusion in the market can cause consumers to lose trust in labels. Certifications are helping determine which companies are genuine and which ones are just claiming to be. Labels stating ‘organic’ and ‘certified organic’ are different. When it comes to food and cosmetics, being certified organic means the product has been scrutinised by a third party. In Australia the government has an Organic and Biodiversity Standard by which companies must comply with to receive organic certification. The standard currently gives authority to 7 certification bodies in Australia, who administer organic certification using the national organic standard guidelines. The organic certification bodies are; NASAA, Australian Certified Organic (ACO), Organic Food Chain, Bio-Dynamic Research Institute, AUSQUAL, Safe Food QLD and Tasmanian Organic-Dynamic Producers (TOP). By using unbiased third party certifications, consumers can know that the products have met stringent criteria to be able to display the relevant award or logo on the label. Other third party assessments to look out for include; Fairtrade, GreenSeal, GREENGUARD, OEKO-TEX standard, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and B Corporation Certification.
‘Greenwashing is a form of spin, in which green PR or green marketing is deceptively used to promote the perception that an organisation's products, aims or policies are environmentally friendly. Greenwashing efforts can range from changing the name or label of a product to evoke the natural environment on a product that contains harmful chemicals, to multimillion-dollar advertising campaigns portraying highly polluting energy companies as eco-friendly.’ - Wikipedia
Chemical free
Cruelty-free
Green Earth friendly Non Toxic
As stated on the B Corporation website; ‘Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Society’s most challenging problems cannot be solved by government and nonprofits alone. The B Corp community works toward reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities, and the creation of more high quality jobs with dignity and purpose. By harnessing the power of business, B Corps use profits and growth as a means to a greater end: positive impact for their employees, communities, and the environment. B Corps form a community of leaders and drive a global movement of people using business as a force for good.’
It is up to us, the consumer, to get educated about who is truly green, and who is just trying to look that way. We need to look beyond the advertising campaigns, and read ingredient lists, or ask employees about their company’s environmental commitment. Support brands with detailed information on their website about their sustainability efforts and environmentally friendly processes. How we choose to spend our money matters. We can choose who we support.
Sustainable
We can make a difference.
Eco
Recyclable
Natural 6 STATEMENTS COMPANIES USE TO GREENWASH PRODUCTS Cruelty-free Anyone can claim a product is cruelty-free as it’s not a legally defined term. Look for the bunny logo of independent third-party certifications Choose Cruelty-Free (CCF), PETA or the internationally recognised ‘leaping bunny’. Recyclable Many materials are technically recyclable, but aren’t practically recyclable. We need to be realistic and question if it WILL be recycled, not CAN it be recycled. Sustainable There is currently no consistent definition of what it means to be sustainable. Some companies may implement sustainability in one part of their business but not in the rest, and if you have trouble finding information about a certain process, generally they don’t want you to know about it. Companies who are genuine about sustainability are completely transparent about every aspect of their business. Biodegradable Biodegradable sounds like a good thing but may not be as meaningful as first thought. Technically most materials are biodegradable, whether they take 1 week or 1 year to break down. Unfortunately this doesn’t mean it won’t harm the environment either. Eco-friendly / Environmentally Friendly This is a very vague term used that is often meaningless unless the company explains the reasons for using it. They could also be referring to ingredients, but what about the manufacturing process? Non-Toxic Non-toxic is an unregulated term and when used on a product label has no legal definition. This is generally found on cleaning products stating they are ‘Green’ and ‘Non-Toxic’, but could potentially contain dangerous chemicals.
Biodegradable References: http://sydney.edu.au/environment-institute/blog/greenwashing-marketing-tool/ https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/aug/20/greenwashing-environmentalism-lies-companies https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/greenwashing-and-sustainable-brands
Herbal Hiraeth
180 Cakes
Q&A with Founder Candice
What inspired you to start your business? I have always felt connected to nature, and I could feel worries and stress slip away when I stood bare foot on the earth, watching the trees blow in the wind and feel the gentle leaves in my fingers. I was always fascinated with using herbs and plants for healing and remedies, and quite often I felt like I was born in the wrong time. I feel very connected to the old healing ways when our ancestors found their remedies to colds, flus and skin issues, and collected all their food from their backyard, along streams and in the wild. This is where Hiraeth comes from, pronounced as HEAR-eth. A welsh word describing the nostalgia and yearning for lost places or memories of the past. Herbal Hiraeth represents the souls longing to the herbal connection it once knew, the ancient wisdom of healing from herbs and the earth, hidden within our history and souls. My journey with herbalism and herbal skincare started many years ago when my beautiful dog Lilo developed severe skin allergies, and I myself developed a range of skin issues. Of course my main focus was Lilo first, so after trialling everything under the sun, spending thousands on vet bills and not finding anything that worked without harmful side effects, I turned towards Herbalism. I formally began studying and am continually studying to further my knowledge. I developed a wholesome herbal approach to Lilo’s skin, and after commencing this, within two weeks she had significant improvements, and a month later she no longer had skin issues. Continuing this approach she now lives an extremely happy playful and skin issue free life! I then went on to studying natural skincare formulation formally and developed herbal skincare remedies for my own and my families skin, which had incredible results especially with my own and friends acne! I had friends of friends asking me to make them products for acne, skin pigmentation, flaky dry skin and oily skin, and the products I developed had such wonderful reviews I then decided to begin selling them to the public! I also felt more intune with nature and grounded using natural products made from nature that were also eco-friendly. I launched Herbal Hiraeth in 2018 to bring the herbal connection to everyday lives.
Your favourite product? Well this is a hard one? In all honestly it's hard for me to choose between the Deep Ritual Cleanser and Mother Nature's Restoring Facial Serum. I use both daily and cannot imagine a day without them. They are a part of my daily ritual and I look forward to those deep rich earth aromas every time I use them. What’s your favourite way to look after yourself? Definitely a long herbal bath. Often I pair this with a wine or a meditation depending on what my body needs and my mood! Currently creating? I'll let you in on a little secret.. I have been working on creating New Moon and Full Moon Ritual boxes for a while now. They are still a little way off as I am still in the experimenting and trialling stage, but I am so excited to see these coming along! Currently reading? Well.. I am the sort of person that is never reading just one book! Currently I am reading Taming Amy by Seth Gardner, so far it is a beautiful book about a spirit guide. I am also half way through The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl, this is very informative and I love his style of writing. The last one is Harry Potter. I don't think I will ever stop rereading Harry Potter, it has turned into an annual tradition! Favourite travel destination? This would have to be Japan in the Winter. There is just something about the snow, the people, the food and the culture. It's a magic that I love! Favourite quote? Oh I have many it's hard to pick just one, but two I go back to often is, Newt Scamander - ‘My philosophy is worrying means you suffer twice’. As someone who has battled mental health and advocates for it, this is a powerful reminder. Another Harry Potter one is ‘Of course it is happening inside your head Harry, but why on earth should that mean it is not real?’. Once I fully understood this quote it changed my perception on life and increased my wellbeing in ways I hadn't thought of. The mind is incredibly powerful!
Why do you choose to use only natural ingredients?
@herbalhiraeth
I firmly believe that we should live as close to nature as possible, and that connection is looking after our natural world as well as ourselves. Natural and organic ingredients are closer to nature, kinder to our earth and our bodies, as they are generally toxin free (always check your labels to avoid brands greenwashing). They are also incredibly potent as nature offers us so many advantages for ingredients in their natural forms.
www.herbalhiraeth.com.au
All Images by Sammy McAleese
Q&A
Herbal Hiraeth
Q&A with Co-Founder Joni What inspired you to start your business? My husband and I had been gradually working our way through our house, switching out plastic for other options. We were frustrated by the lack of plastic free haircare available. We wanted a product that used quality naturally derived ingredients, and which would really deliver on good hair. And we wanted that without plastic packaging. We weren’t keen on the harsh soap bars that were being sold as the alternative to bottled shampoo, so we turned to milder soap-free surfectants derived from coconut. We started making shampoo and conditioner bars for our own personal use initially, and then other people kept asking for them. We realised this was something a lot of people wanted locally, so we decided to start a little company. Why do you only choose to use natural or organic ingredients? It is important to us that our haircare delivers healthy, shiny hair in the long term, not just a short term effect that ultimately damages the hair. For us, this means sourcing quality ingredients which are derived from plant-based sources rather than silicones, phthalates and parabens. We chose not to include sulphates as we prefer gentler cleansing options. We use essential oils to fragrance our products, though we do also have some customers with very sensitive skin, so we also do a scent-free range for them. Your favourite product? My favourite is the Frankie conditioner bar- as someone with naturally curly hair I struggled for so many years to find a product which would give me shiny, formed curls. It would either dry too crunchy or separate the curls into a frizzy mop. I leave in some of the conditioner and let it dry naturallyand it works better than any of the other products I tried. And one bar also lasts a really, REALLY long time. Favourite way to look after yourself? I enjoy taking myself out to a local café, ordering a pot of tea and sitting with a book. It’s been harder to do that the past few months, and I’ve really missed that. Currently creating? I’m currently working on a shave balm/moisturiser. I have had requests for an after shave balm which is gentle enough for sensitive skin and smells like the best kind of masculine. I’m playing with fresh citrus and mint with a touch of spice underneath.
Currently reading?
Q&A
St James Supply Co
I'm currently reading the latest edition from the Dark Mountain Project. I’ve only come across the series recently. My husband gave me all the back copies for my birthday and I’m working my way through them. Each volume is a collection of short stories, poems and thought pieces. They are great thought provoking writing for the current times. Favourite travel destination? I love different places for different things. I love big cities for the architecture and the food and art. I love wild places for the walking and the fresh air. I’m originally from Wales, so I love green, hilly places, but living in Australia most of my life, I have come to value its unique landscapes. With Covid19 we haven’t been able to go far, so we’ve spent time enjoying places we can drive to, like walking in the hills and travelling along the South West coastline. Favourite quote? I’ve been pondering how to be in the world right now. In his recent book, author Timothy Morton writes about a shift in us realising that it is “not about being ecological, it’s about understanding that we are ecological.” (similar to the shift from thinking “I’m stuck in traffic” to recognising “I am the traffic.”) That has stuck with me lately. And then thinking further about how to effect change - Author Ursula K. Le Guin writes, in her novel The Dispossessed: “You cannot buy the revolution. You cannot make the revolution. You can only be the revolution. It is in your spirit, or it is nowhere.” That one is a good reminder that change arises from the work we do to first change ourselves- to become something different and better. Final words... I think we’re at a really interesting point in history right now. It can be hard to know what’s right and hard to imagine whether buying one less plastic bottle will make any difference against all the things which are wrong in the world. But I think each action is a decision and a meditation on the kind of people we want to become. The more we exercise those muscles, and add extra actions, the more we begin to realise our own strength and start to pull in a different direction. It’s not about being perfect. Its about getting started in a better direction. Making shampoo bars is something I can contribute to that.
@stjamessupplyco www.stjamessupplyco.co
All Images by St James Supply Co
Q&A
180 Cakes Q&A with Founder Kara
What inspired you to start your business? As a chef who specialised in desserts my diet was incredibly poor and I was very unhealthy. I was sick and tired all the time and was on a cycle of sugar addiction where I would use sugar and carbs to keep me going throughout the day. I knew I had to change my diet to improve my health, so at the end of 2016 I decided to quit sugar and since then I have been on the search for optimum whole-body health.
What’s your favourite way to look after yourself? My favourite way to look after myself is to go to the beach with my dog. The combination of being in nature, light exercise, grounding myself, being in the sunshine and fresh air and of course spending time with my dog is the best way for me to practice some self-love.
Why do you choose to use only natural ingredients? It is important to me to use only natural ingredients because studies show that additives and preservatives have a negative and often dangerous effects on our health. Many companies use additives and preservatives to extend the shelf life of a product to unnatural lengths and to bulk out a product as these ingredients are produced synthetically and are cheaper than natural ingredients. A box of brownie mix of the shelves at a large chain store has on average 13 ingredients while my brownie mix only has 4 ingredients.
Currently creating? I am currently working on a Limited Edition Christmas Mix to be released at the end of the year, just in time for Christmas! Currently reading? I am currently reading The Decision by Kevin Hart which was recommended to me by a good friend. I am finding it to be incredibly entertaining and filled with insightful advice to help you live a more positive life.
Your favourite product? My favourite product changes every day depending on my mood, at the moment it is my Caramel Cake Mix with Caramel Frosting. My customers favourite product is my Choc Brownie Mix, it is by far my best selling product.
Favourite travel destination? One of my favourite travel destinations has been Africa because the animals are so unique like our Australian animals are so unique. And thanks to the current travel restrictions I am really looking forward to exploring Australia more this year! Favourite quote? ‘Accept who you are; and revel in it.’ -Mitch Albom
Images by 180 Cakes
@180cakesau www.180cakes.com
Bare& W�lde DISCOVER WELLNESS Bare & Wilde is a Perth based wellness business offering seasonal wellness subscription boxes with carefully curated beauty and lifestyle products, high vibe wellness events, inspiring weekend retreats in beautiful locations, and a brand new online wellness shop. I sat down with Founder Amy to find out a bit more about the incredible business she has built, and what inspires and motivates her. When did you start Bare & Wilde? I started in 2017. The first box was the Summer of 2017, so it’s been just over 3 years already! What inspired you to start Bare & Wilde? Prior to starting Bare & Wilde I studied law and went into the corporate world as a commercial lawyer. I was doing that for about 2 years before starting Bare & Wilde. I had always loved fitness during Uni and that was something I became really passionate about. I also had some skin problems growing up, like eczema and acne when I was a teenager, and I guess I paid a lot of attention to the skin products I was using and my nutrition. I noticed how they would affect my hormones and then affect my skin, so I was always conscious of those things. Then Instagram come into my world! There were a lot of wellness brands out there, and that was when they really started to become quite popular. I know there was a few like Sukin, who were one of the first in clean beauty, but I think around 2015/16 was when I really started taking notice. I was trying to clean up my life, by eating cleaner and using clean products on my skin. So I went from using brands that have a lot of chemicals from places like Priceline, to trying clean brands which weren’t necessarily big brands, but I just wanted to give them a go.
I then realised a lot of them were actually a one person show. Just someone loving what they do, and doing it from home, so I wanted to support them as a business. Then I heard about subscription boxes doing really well, so the idea came from doing a subscription box, which wasn’t just food but more of a wellness box. At the time I don’t think there was one like that in Perth which incorporated food, beauty as well as lifestyle products. Recently we had an eye mask in one of our boxes because I wanted to share how important sleep is. There are a few more of those lifestyle products coming up soon too! What aspect of your business do you enjoy most? That’s an interesting question! I say that because as the only person in my business I feel like you have to do everything. I do have a few interns who help me out now though. I didn’t realise this but I’m actually quite creative when it comes to marketing, and I like coming up with a strategy and planning it out. I love having a planned marketing strategy and seeing it come to life. I guess over the 3 years I have learnt which of the strategies work best, and it’s really interesting to realise that when you put all the best bits together, that’s when the business really grows. It’s not just one thing. That’s been a big learning curve for me, but also my favourite part.
What do you find most challenging? Logistics! It’s funny because I’m quite organised when it comes to the marketing, but when it comes to the operations and logistics I’m not so organised! That’s why I have delegated a lot of that side of things to the people who help me. I had 2 interns who I’ve now taken on to help me a couple of days a week, which is really nice and are better at that part of the business than me. Sometimes you just have to choose what to delegate, otherwise you just get burnt out. So I guess I delegate the things I don’t enjoy, which is good now because things are arriving on time! What keeps you motivated and inspired? I definitely think the community keeps me going. Running a business is hard, so being passionate about what the business is all about is really important. I also think the passion develops as the business grows, and for me that definitely happened because of the community. The people who buy our boxes and share it with their friends, and the ones who write emails and testimonials. I love hearing how it has impacted their life and put a smile on their face. That keeps me really motivated and I know that what I’m doing is actually having a positive impact on their lives. You have created an amazing community, what do you love most when interacting with them? One of my favourite parts is through the events. Even though the business did start with subscription boxes, the community element became such a big thing and that’s how the events gradually came into it. I wasn’t sure about it at the time, and if it would make sense for business that was known for subscription boxes to do events, but I’m glad that I decided to do it as it has really helped build the community. What are you currently working on? Within Bare & Wilde I’m always finding new products and growing the subscription box side of things, but also growing our new online shop. During Covid we launched the Bare & Wilde shop where we stock the brands that we have already featured in the box. We are also able to stock a wider range from them, so that’s been going well. I would like to make that the one stop shop for our community, and somewhere they can find all their beauty needs, healthy food and healthy lifestyle products. So I’m looking forward to growing that side of things. Then we have a few retreats in mind for our WA people. Unfortunately we can’t travel, but I'm excited for these after what’s happened this year. I think people need a bit of a getaway, and I also need it for myself too! You offer so many amazing opportunities to move and nourish your body, what’s your favourite way to move your body? I get bored easily, so I’m that person that does a bit of everything. I quite like that though because it means I’m not doing the same thing all the time. Currently I’m really into my running and that’s something I’ve really been enjoying. Also during Covid we turned our back porch into a home gym, so my go-to currently is the home gym, weights and running. There was a time last year when I was really into yoga, but I go through phases with exercising. I really love yoga and pilates, but I guess I go through seasons almost and focus on one thing, then change it up when I feel I need to.
Do you have morning routine? I do actually, but it’s not too sophisticated. I’m definitely an early riser and I love getting up early. There’s something special about getting up before the sun rises and before everybody else gets up. I find that’s my time to just be with my thoughts and meditate. Even though I don’t really do the sitting down and closing your eyes thing, I think for me it’s just being up when most people aren’t awake, watching the sun come up with my coffee and journalling. I do like to write down what’s going on in my head during that first hour I wake up. Then I generally do some form of exercise, usually an hour or so after I wake up. At the moment it’s going out for a run, and I’ll also take my dog Chloe out for a walk every morning. What’s your favourite way to unwind? Perhaps because my business is all about health and wellbeing, and it is such a big part of my daily life, to unwind I like to do the opposite and lay on the couch and watch Netflix. So that is sort of my guilty pleasure in a way, when I’ve done all I need to do for the day, just to be on the couch with Chloe and watch some mindless shows. I’m not into massages and that sort of thing, its just not me!
‘Done is better than perfect.’
I know you love your quotes, what’s your favourite quote right now? They do change, but lately I’ve been doing quite a few things with Bare & Wilde, and I might have another project coming up, separate to Bare & Wilde, so I would say my current favourite is ‘Done is better than perfect.’ It's a short one, but I always think about it because I do have that side of me that is a bit of a perfectionist. Thinking that something is never quite ready which slows you down and doesn’t give you the momentum. I’ve learnt over the last 3 years in business that the momentum is actually what helps you perfect it, so done is more important.
Check out Bare & Wilde for their latest wellness box, next New Moon retreat, weekend destination retreat and online wellness shop.
@bareandwilde / @bareandwilde.shop
All Images by Bare & Wilde
www.bareandwilde.com
h � i r � N Snacks. Everyone loves them. They keep you going between meals and they can be extremely healthy or not so good for you. You shouldn't have to decipher ingredient labels when choosing what to eat. By choosing snacks with natural or organic ingredients, you know that they are nourishing your body and keeping you going, without the sugar highs and lows that some snacks can give you. Bonus points if they include superfoods. Healthy doesn't have to mean boring either. Some wonderful people have created delicious, nutritious snacks that make you want to eat well. Hey, if you can eat these things while being healthy, it makes life a lot more enjoyable! We have featured some favourites that are great to grab and go on the run, or take to work for later. If they last that long!
Chocolate Chip Cookies by 180 Cakes Keto, low carb, sugar and gluten free, and can even be made dairy free. A genuine healthy snack made with minimal ingredients, making them an easy and delicious snack to whip up. Now comes in a newly released crunchy chocolate chip variety as well as the original biscuit version. Available on www.180cakes.com and in selected independent supermarkets
Fodbods These certified FODMAP friendly bars are gentle on your digestive system, made from natural ingredients with nothing artificial. They are also vegan, gluten and dairy free, with added protein to fill you up. Comes in 4 delicious flavours. Available on www.fodbods.com
Beauty Bites by Krumbled Foods These are Australia’s first fully functional beauty snack. Combining ingredients such as collagen, Vitamin C and prebiotics, this low-sugar snack has an array of benefits to support your overall wellbeing. With 3 delicious original flavours and now a fourth new flavour just recently released! Available on www.krumbledfoods.com and in Coles supermarkets nationally.
Dipped & Dusted Almonds by Shelby’s Healthy Hedonism A simple, all natural snack exactly as described. Dipped in either dark chocolate or yoghurt, then lightly dusted in additional power-packed flavour. Handy snack size pack, available in 4 different flavours. My pick - the dark chocolate and raspberry! Available on www.shelbyshh.com and in Woolworths stores nationally.
Faba Beans by Human Bean Co For those who prefer their snacks to be savoury, these tasty faba beans are naturally packed with protein and fibre. The plant based beans are air-puffed and light and crunchy. Available in a variety of flavours for everyone to enjoy. Available on www.humanbeanco.com and in Woolworths stores nationally.
Tea Time STONE & GROVE Harvested from the quality Cobram Estate olive groves in NorthWest Victoria, Australia, Stone & Grove olive leaf teas were created in 2018 as a solution to reduce leaf waste on the farms. This initiative has produced delicious, unique teas that are created using a traditional Japanese process. These handcrafted teas capture all the natural olive goodness, and you can be sure that the end result is a quality Australian made product traceable from tree to tea. Pure olive leaf tea is 100% natural, caffeine free, delivering potent antioxidants in every cup. The teas are available as loose leaf or packed into biodegradable pyramid tea bags, and then into re-useable canisters. Varieties include; • • • • • •
Olive Leaf Tea Olive Leaf Tea & Green Tea Sencha Olive Leaf Tea - Detox Olive Leaf Tea - Energy Olive Leaf Tea - Immunity Olive Leaf Tea - Women’s Health
@_stoneandgrove_ www.stoneandgrove.com.au
All Images by Stone & Grove
Cre�tive There are many misconceptions about creative living. Why you don’t have to quit your job and become a full time artist to live a creative life.
Creative living can manifest in many different ways, and everyone is creative in some way. You may not be creative in the traditional ways, like painting or photography, and you don’t even have to be creative in your main profession. Maybe you enjoy cooking, or playing games with your family, practising yoga or dancing in your living room! Creativity’s biggest enemy is fear. Fear can hold us back and prevent us from being innovative or creative. Fear of having no talent. Fear of rejection, criticism or ridicule. Fear of lack of discipline or free time. Whatever fear you have, you should know you don’t need anybody’s permission to live a creative life. People are too caught up in their own lives to worry about what you do. You also don’t have to be creating something to save the world, it can be unimportant! Have freedom and don’t be attached to an outcome. If you are unsure of how you can live more creatively, think about what fascinates you, what brings you to life. Creativity should be a gift to the creator.
‘Creative living is living a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear. A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life.’ - ELIZABETH GILBERT
e l b � n i a Su�t
at Home
Written by Lily Balfour
WINTER IN THE PATCH
To improve our soil further, we planted some broad beans and mustard greens which are being used as a green manure crop and will be cut down and dug into the soil at the end of winter. Green manure crops remediate the soil by returning nutrients back, in readiness for spring and summer crops. The soil can be drained of these nutrients after certain plants such as brassicas which demand a lot from the soil, and need replenishing for those crops such as sweet corn that need more feeding than others.
All Images by Lily Balfour
Winter see’s us spend extended periods of time hibernating inside, in front of wood fires or huddled under blankets. In the garden, everything grows slowly as the daylight hours shorten. For us, it has been a good opportunity to get out in the patch and prepare a number of beds for spring. Most beds needed a top up of soil and were also given some worm castings or juice to boost the nutrients and beneficial bacteria. Worms are a great way to recycle all your kitchen scraps and it makes you realise and pay close attention to what food you may be wasting and sending to landfill. Some local Council’s have made a progressive move by introducing FOGO (Food Organics, Garden Organics) bins to remove this precious resource from the municipalities waste stream and these developments are a step in the right direction.
Whilst harvests from the patch slow, the brassica’s seem to thrive in these cold conditions. Brussels sprouts develop along the stem and I find it very satisfying to snap each little nodule off the stalk. We have a range of cabbages growing including Golden Acre, and Green and Purple Savoy. The caterpillars enjoyed munching on the young cabbage leaves initially but fortunately we were able to eradicate them by plucking them from the plant every morning and the chooks enjoyed the daily treat while we had the influx. We have also managed to grow a romanesco broccoli and who doesn’t enjoy seeing these works of art.
As the frosts arrived the rhubarb went into hibernation allowing the self-seeded chard to develop. A rainbow of heirloom carrots including white, yellow and orange are developing well under the soil and harvested alongside bok choi and kale for quick and easy stir-fry’s or long and slow roasts. Our winter stores of potatoes are providing us with much needed sustenance and the taste of homegrown waxy spuds is like nothing else, with lashings of butter of course. Keeping ourselves busy is not difficult with dogs, chickens and quail plus plenty of projects being planned and completed. We are both very hands on and would rather construct and build things ourselves and learn new skills along the way rather than buying new. We also love to repurpose and recycle items into functional pieces. An example of this was a fire pit that I created from used forklift chains back when Clint was a forklift mechanic. We enjoy living a fairly simple life trying to consume food based on the seasons. We relocated to Tasmania to be able to buy a property on acreage, grow our own food and have some animals. We are fortunate to be able to make this dream a reality in Southern Tasmania. Lily and her partner Clint live on 22 acres in Old Beach, Tasmania with their two beagles, 11 free range chickens and 9 quail. They are also looking forward to welcoming their first child in late September.
@lilyellenbal4 www.wideopenmindroadthrottle.com
Low-Tox
H�e
Do household cleaning products really clean without chemicals? Let’s look at one company showing us it can be done. Cara Little is the sassy, honest and inspiring founder and creator of PURE.HOME.BODY. Cara is a pharmacist with a difference, and has a holistic approach to life, motherhood, wellbeing and business. PURE.HOME.BODY was started with the intention of providing home and body products that are truly healthy and low-tox, no greenwashing to be seen here. With her expert knowledge in pharmacology, Cara has created a range of products that are simple, plantbased, health-friendly and cost effective, plus they really work! The PURE.HOME.BODY range was developed to be multi-tasking, so that your everyday cleaning products can be swapped out for one or two multipurpose sprays that can do it all. Cara says “Our PURE.HOME.BODY vision is pretty simple. It’s to teach, inspire and empower people to create a truly low-tox home environment, which will allow us and our children to thrive. Once you get started, you won’t believe how simple it is.”
@purehomebody
All Images by Pure.Home.Body
www.purehomebody.com.au
Mind Body S�l Written by Narelle Weir
Staying calm in these uncertain times can be challenging. Narelle from Serenity Wellness Collective shares how we can understand and manage stress, and help our bodies return to a state of calm and relaxation.
Your relaxation response. Put simply the relaxation response is the opposite of your body's stress response—your "off switch" to your body's tendency toward fight-or-flight. In todays society it is not unusual for us to move through life in a constant state of stress, either knowingly or unknowingly. Our stress response, or fight or flight response, is there as a protective measure for our body in times of threat. However, these days it is often triggered by 'perceived threat' such as anger over an email, being stuck in traffic, worried about family members or a deadline at work. We can even be thrown into our fight or flight response by thinking of events in the past or worrying about something that may, or may not, occur in the future. Prolonged stress can cause: • Headaches and migraines • Heart Disease • High Cholesterol • Hypertension • Sleep Disturbances • Anxiety • Just to name a few....
One thing that is very important to understand is that;
"No healing can take place within in the body when it is in a state of stress"
It is therefore so important that we use the tools we have to initiate our relaxation response and take us out of our fight or flight. To manage stress we need to learn what our triggers are, recognise the symptoms and develop techniques for releasing our stress and returning our bodies to the relaxation response. Both meditation and essential oils have the ability to help trigger your relaxation response and are easy to implement into your daily routine.
“Meditation promotes better health, especially in individuals with hypertension. People who meditate regularly enjoy lower stress levels, increased wellbeing, and even were able to reduce their blood pressure levels and resting heart rate." - DR ROBERT BENSON
Aromatherapy has been used since ancient times to promote feelings of calm and relaxation. Through inhalation or topical application, pure essential oils can help to alleviate stress, tension, anxious feelings or low moods. These aromatic compounds work by stimulating areas of the brain that are responsible for our emotions. Combining aromatherapy and mindfulness, can effectively help to release negative emotions, calm the mind and reduce stress.
See below for my favourite essential oils to relieve stress: • Lavender - Calming, soothing, clears thinking and releases repressed emotions • Balance - Grounding to the mind and promotes whole body relaxation • Bergamot - Balances emotions and promotes self confidence • Lemon Myrtle - Uplifting to the mood and calming to the mind in times of stress • Frankincense - reduces mental chatter, revitalises the body and mind in times of exhaustion • Ylang Ylang - reduces worry and tension, soothes anxious feelings • Clary Sage - Like a nervous system tonic Clary Sage will ease fear and nervousness • Adaptiv - Brings balance to the body and mind, boosts the mood and promotes feelings of tranquility. Encourages you to be 'adaptable' in difficult situations
Narelle offers a range of meditation classes, masterclasses and support with essential oils. Click below to find out more information.
@serenitywellnesscollective www.serenitywellnesscollective.com.au
Sustainable
Style
The
Trav��ling Kimono
Zero waste. Conscious. Sustainable. Not words you generally associate with the fashion industry. The Travelling Kimono is encouraging change and showing us how fashion can have a positive impact on the planet. Created in 2013, The Travelling Kimono is passionate about ensuring every step is ethical and sustainable, and can make a difference in peoples lives. From sourcing deadstock fabric destined for landfill, to treating their seamstresses like family and paying them a living wage, they are committed to being socially and environmentally responsible in every aspect of business. Each collection is limited to only 30 of each design, so you know you are purchasing an exclusive piece made with love, and that will bring you joy for years to come.
You can visit The Travelling Kimono at their flagship store in Noosa Heads, Australia or view their collection online. @thetravellingkimono www.thetravellingkimono.com.au
All Images by The Travelling Kimono
PHOTO TRAVEL SERIES
W
t � u l r e d n a
2020. A year like no other. One where we have been forced to stay at home. One where we have been cut off from the rest of the world. We may not have any other choice, but now is the time to explore our beautiful country. We have some of the best places in the world, and the tourism in our country depends on us right now. Get out and explore.
KALBARRI WESTERN AUSTRALIA Kalbarri is located 592kms north of Perth, at the mouth of the Murchison River. With a variety of attractions, it has something to offer everyone. From rugged coastal cliffs and beautiful beaches, to the tranquil river waters and scenic inland gorges. Whether you enjoy fishing, hiking, surfing or swimming, or just relaxing on the beach, there will be an experience for you to enjoy. Highlights include; Natures Window, the Loop and Z-Bend Gorge in Kalbarri National Park, Natural Bridge, Pot Alley and Jakes Point along the coast, and if exploring a little further, Hutt Lagoon with its stunning pink waters.
Jakes Point
Nature’s Window
Natural Bridge
Hutt Lagoon
All Images by Sammy McAleese
Pot Alley
The Loop, Kalbarri National Park
@_sammymac_ / @renewedcollective_ www.renewedcollective.com