Relaxation Resolution

We are now post holidays and off to a fresh start with a new year. All of the shopping and eating have left most of us feeling a bit overwhelmed and in need of a break. Stress is a major factor in many health related issues from heart problems to dementia. We will always have stress in our lives whether it's from work, family or finances but we must learn to cope. Relaxation is healthy and it feels good to let go for a while allowing our bodies and minds to recharge. The benefits are endless but notably lowered blood pressure, better sleep and increased energy are just a few bonuses that relaxation brings.

A good spa visit is worth every penny but we have decided to re-create that experience at home for a money-saving quick fix that produces instant relaxation. 

Tip: Add a bit of lavender oil to your shower or tub to wake up your smell receptors & induce relaxation. Peppermint oil is also a great pick me up. 

A long bath or steamy shower are the ideal plans for your personal spa. If you have your own steam room or sauna that's even better but you are creating your own home spa so nothing fancy necessary. Run the tub a bit warmer than normal or as hot as you can take it. Allow the shower to run really hot for a minute before you get in to have a steamy affect. Give yourself 30 minutes and follow our tips to make relaxation one of your resolutions for a new year. 

The Perfect Tools
A good quality sponge, sensory enticing soaps and a big fresh bath towel are a good place to start. Choosing eco-luxury products, we paid close attention to our sponge selection. The Natural Body Sponge is from a sustainable region in Pompeii and lathers beautifully. We've also chosen a rich conditioner by Eco Store to give our locks a good pampering and much needed conditioning.

Tip: Rinse out your sponge after each use. A monthly soak offers extra cleansing power. Let it completely dry out before the next use.

Set The Tone
Turn up the music, light some candles, burn incense or open the window for a fresh breeze. Changing the space just a bit works wonders on your soul and will allow that mini escape that your mind desperately needs. It is your space so design it how you will best relax and feel comfortable.

Give Yourself Time
Taking these little moments for ourselves is vital to healthy living. Start the year off right by giving back to yourself. 30 minutes is enough time to revitalize a worn out soul and keep you looking forward to creating a weekly ritual out of it. Pass the kids to your partner and turn off your cell phone. This time is for you only.

Other at home Spa treatment options:

Choose white towels for your spa experience. The color is calming and gives a sense of luxury.

Do choose relaxing music or natural sounds.

Have extra time? Catch a nap after you spa. My mother in law used to say we could all use a nap a day at any age.

Drink plenty of water both before and after to cleanse and hydrate. Add a bit of lemon for zing.

Meditation is a good technique to add to your relaxation routine. You can chant, hum or simply enjoy the silence while in a comfortable position. Allow your muscles to let go and just breathe.

Spring Clean is Donation Time

Bags of donated clothing, goods and housewares.

It is the changing of the seasons which tends to incite something within most of us. Not more trips to the allergist, though every season does bring upon a new set of irritants, but a sense to make a shift in our lives. We are transitioning into Spring down in the Southern Hemisphere where the international Spring Clean is in full affect. This habit is known all over the world to pop up with the dawning of a fresh spring. We, too, want our space to be clear and clutter free. We agree with many psychologists claims that clutter does affect your mood. Stress levels rise when clutter and mess fill a home. This affects mum, dad and then trickles down. 

How much time is lost searching for things only to find them days later in an odd spot where it has no purpose being?

Before you call on an organizational specialist or a full brigade of maids, consider simplifying your life by getting rid of all the things that you don't need. Are there old boxes that are unmarked? Are you stepping on broken toys? Can anyone really even ride that size bike? Here are our bags of donations for inspiration. Over 12 bags with plenty of properly fitting clothing at home. Seem like a lot? Well, we are a growing family of 5 so out with the old and very happily in no need for the new. The house felt much lighter and happier with more room to organize the important things. It is as if missing toys took on a new light and actually got played with after all the clutter was taken away. The children were part of the process helping to fill at least one bag with a combination of toys and clothes. The children were also there when we dropped it off so hopefully a life lesson was learned here as they went through the process of being charitable. I want them to think that it is cool to #giveback. 

Check your local donation centers for hours of operation and most are quite keen to accept donations at anytime. Most shops run on low donations during the warmer months so don't forget to #giveback whenever possible.


Tattered & Torn: Top 3 Signs You Need to Donate It

1. If it has not been worn for an entire year, it never will be. If it made it through 4 seasons without a bit of movement, it's time to move it out of your closets.

2. Anything irreparable  Disjointed socks, moth-eaten frocks and such are now trash. Recycle usable pieces for projects or get rid of it.

3. If no one in your house wears the size, or never will again, get rid of it. This is to all you Mamas out there: make a selection of very choice baby clothes to keep and then get donate the rest. You can guarantee someone will love their little one in it just like you did all those years ago.

Other options: 
1. Have a garage sale to earn a few bucks from your old clothes.
2. Consign clothing at a resale store. You will hardly see a fraction of what you paid for it but it is something.
3. Have a Clothing Swap. Description: all the ladies bring the clothes that they don't want and you bring yours where you trade in a friendly, slightly intoxicated and gossipy environment  Not your thing? Consider options 1 and 2.

Spotted this sign as hope that this too will inspire you to #giveback

I saw this sign at a very luxe coffee shop when grabbing coffees for my husband and I thought it needed to be posted as a reminder for us all. The world is definitely aware that it is cool to give back.

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#giveback

Stressed Out? Then Work Out.

Well here is some real life for you. We have all been stressed. I am stressed. My husband's stressed. My kids, too. Poor wee things. I also think that the world is stressed. Elections, insurance fraud, financial collapses, natural disasters. It's all too much really and the world is suffering. Well, instead of feeling sorry for myself I have decided to take advice from an old doctor. This doctor is of a rare breed. Old school if you will. He was my doctor my whole entire life and actually still is. He is really very good and if you can have a pure and honest doctor for life, I suggest you stick with him or her because it's always good to have a doctor around. So this particular doctor always had this particular set of advice for me my whole entire life, "When you are feeling down or a little sick, go and workout. A good run is good for anything". I followed this advice and did what I was told but what I was seeing around me seemed unfair. My friends got to take bubble gum flavored syrups and chew orange flavored tablets. What did my siblings and I do? Suffer through stuffy noses and sore throats while going out for a walk or run. Truth be told, it always worked.  I am not suggesting that you hit the gym with the sweats and a fever. Please don't actually because you would infect the world and contagious germs should absolutely not be shared. We didn't run for hours or until fatigued while sick. But when we were feeling low, were under educational pressure, or feeling just a bit blah- working out was the natural remedy. Getting your blood moving, heart pumping, and lungs working to capacity somehow enlivens your body and gives you a serious altering affect which has healing affects on the body. This I know from experience alone but if you want to go look it up here for facts you are more than welcome. (Sleep has just as much or more healing capabilities than a workout so be sure to get plenty of this, too.) So, I am absolutely not a doctor but if you are looking for a good all natural way to feel better then get physical. This workout is great at beating stress and may even get you pumped to start your New Year's Resolutions early. Be sure to also drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. Not into working out like Ms. Fit Lady below? Take a walk, do some yoga or go for a swim and then...have a big fat nap. It may just put a smile on your face. I'm smiling just thinking about the nap part.

Workout images courtesy of CNSS & Conde Nast