Raw Gluten-Free Chocolate Balls

This is a recipe I adapted from this website. It is raw, gluten free, lactose free, and can be easily made vegan if you switch the honey for coconut oil. Feel free to add whatever you have in your pantry. Enjoy!

Raw GF choc balls
Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup almond meal
• 2 tablespoons cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon raw organic honey (or coconut oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Almond milk (for consistency)
• Additional shredded coconut for rolling

Directions:

1. Process everything except for the additional coconut in a food processer until fine and well combined. If mixture requires more moisture, splash in a little almond milk until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Roll the mixture into balls with your hands, then roll in the extra coconut.
3. Pop into the fridge to firm up, or eat as is! Enjoy!

Review: Kora Organics Balancing Rose Mist and Exfoliating Cream

This will be the first post of two or three, as I have tried many of the Kora Organics products (Balancing Rose Mist, Foaming Cleanser, Cream Cleanser, Eye Gel, Hydrating Mask, Blemish Gel, Enriched Body Lotion, Exfoliating Cream, Purifying Day and Night Cream, Rejuvenating Foot Balm, Soothing Day and Night Cream, and Tinted Day Cream). I love the ethics behind the company, and the fact that Miranda Kerr created the range! I have been busy and haven't had a chance to review the products until now. I hope my review helps you decide whether or not you want to try the Kora range!

Balancing Rose Mist

Suitable For All Skin Types - Enrich and Nourish

A replenishing and nourishing facial mist with the added benefits of organically grown Rose, Noni, Aloe and Hibiscus. This unique combination provides the skin with antioxidant protection known widely to assist in supporting the skin's own collagen production.

Ingredients: Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water*, Rosa centifolia (Rose Petals Pink)*, Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hibiscus)*, Morinda citrifolia (Noni Fruit) Extract*, Aloe barbardensis (Aloe Vera)*, Alcohol*, Sodium PCA, Glycerin, Leuconostoc/ Radish Root Ferment, Malpighia glabra (Acerola Cherry Powder)*, Maltodextrin*, Sodium chloride (Macrobiotic Sea Salt), Potassium Hydroxide, Water (Aqua). *Ingredient from Organic Farming.PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN MADE AND OWNED. NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS. VEGAN.
NO Sulfates, Parabens, Synthetic fragrance, Synthetic colours, T.E.A., D.E.A., Glycols, Silicones, PEGS. Ethoxylate and Formaldehyde free. 98.99% of the total ingredients are from Natural Origin. 87.63% of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming.

My thoughts: This mist smells so beautiful! I originally brought this product as my face was suffering from dehydration and needed something extra than just a moisturiser. I sprayed this product on my face after cleansing and before moisturising. However, my skin did not seem to particularly like it, as it is so sensitive, and it ended up drying it out more. So it got put back in the cupboard and forgotten about like all of the other unloved skincare products I own. That was until I read an interesting article about how rose water (the major ingredient in this mist) was good for healing stretch marks and scars. So I sprayed some straight onto the areas that I had stretch marks on, and after a week, my stretch marks seemed diminished? I love that I have found a way to make this product work. I also use it as a mist to spray and relax me at the end of the day. I would recommend you give this product a try, as although it didn't work for my face, it is still a beautiful product that no doubt has skin healing benefits.

Exfoliating Cream

Suitable For All Skin Types - For Face And Body - Purify and Renew

KORA Organics Exfoliating Cream contains a unique blend of organically grown Oat Flour and Bamboo to gently buff away dead skin cells helping to reveal a smoother, softer complexion. KORA Organics gentle and effective exfoliant is filled with Essential Oils to nourish and cleanse the skin and is gentle enough to be used on all skin types including sensitive skin.


Ingredients:  Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile) Extract*, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Olivoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Macadamia integrifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil*, Bambusa arundinacea (Bamboo) Stem Extract, Stearic Acid, Avena sativa (Oatflour)*, Morinda citrifolia (Noni Fruit) Extract*, Dicaprylyl Ether, Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Rosa eglantaria (Rose Hip) Oil*, d-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Soyabean derived Natural Vitamin E), Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Santalum spicatum (Sandalwood) Oil*, Citrus reticulata (Mandarin) Oil*, Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit) Oil*, Citrus aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Citrus aurantium ssp bergamia (Bergamot) Oil*, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Lecithin (GMO free)*, Potassium Hydroxide, Lactic Acid, Sodium chloride (Macrobiotic Sea Salt), Beta Carotene, Olea europea (Olive) Oil, Aqua (Water) & limonene**. **From essential oils. *Ingredient from Organic Farming.
PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN MADE AND OWNED. NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS. VEGAN.
NO Sulfates, Parabens, Synthetic fragrance, Synthetic colours, T.E.A., D.E.A., Glycols, Silicones, PEGS. Ethoxylate and Formaldehyde free. 98.32% of the total ingredients are from Natural Origin. 47.74% of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming

My thoughts: This creamy citrusy exfoliator has the most luxurious grainy texture, leaving your skin smooth and clean, without a hint of irritation. I can't use it on my face as mechanical exfoliators irritate my skin, but on my body its beautiful. Perfect for shedding winter and exposing sexy fresh skin, and preparing skin for fake tanning.

You can purchase both of these products from RY.com.au!  

Review: Lily Loves Pearl Hyper Hydrate Moisturising Cream

Lily Loves Pearl is made lovingly just outside Byron Bay in Australia. Lily Loves Pearl ‘source our ingredients locally wherever possible, and only work with the most conscientious distributors. We prefer to prepare small batches, more often, to retain the efficacy and goodness of the product in the jar. It is crucial to us that our products be friend to the earth and food for the skin. We are therefore passionately devoted to the usage of organic ingredients, and we have been awarded the highest organic certification there is’.

Directions: This daily moisturiser, rich in antioxidants, restores much-needed moisture to dry and dehydrated skin. Rub a generous amount into clean skin, twice daily, to achieve a deep and lasting hydration.

Ingredients: Love is the main ingredient in all of Lily Loves Pearl’s products. The other ingredients are: Certified Organic Calendula extract, Certified Organic Chamomile extract, Certified Organic Elderflower extract, Certified Organic Green Tea extract, Certified Organic Sunflower oil, Certified Organic Avocado oil, Certified Organic Glycerine, Certified Organic Cetearyl & Sorbitan olivate (derived from olives) Cocoa butter, Certified Organic Shea butter, Citrozine (orange extracts), Bergamot essential oil, Certified Organic Rose wood essential oil, Certified Organic
Guar gum, Certified Organic Sodium bicarbonate, Sandalwood essential oil, Certified Organic Rosehip oil, Certified Organic Rose Otto, Certified Organic Jasmine extract.

My thoughts: I have been using this moisturiser for a few months. When I first received it, I was worried that the scent was too herbally (is that a word?!) and might irritate my skin. Instead, over daily use, I have found that the high level of quality ingredients have improved my skin, restored its moisture, and reduced my acne. I couldn’t be happier with this moisturiser at the moment. I use two pumps for my face and it is enough to generously cover it. It rubs in completely, leaving no residue and leaving my skin feeling hydrated and as soft as a babies bottom. I love this, and have even got my Mother to fall in love with it too!

Review: Mukti

 

I recently received my Mukti order, which contained a whole heap of samples to try! Mukti are great because they allow you to purchase samples of most of their products so that you can get a feel of them and decide whether or not you like them enough to buy the full sized product. I brought samples of the tinted moisturiser, calendula crème, jojoba facial exfoliant, kakadu and honey masque, botanique shampoo and conditioner, gentle foaming cleanser, nourishing facial crème, hand and body lotion, and rosehip eye gel. Pheww, so most of them ;)

I feel I have used the following products long enough to give an honest review of them:

 

Mukti tinted moisturiser:

Aim: use 365 days even if the sun is hiding                                                                                                                                                                      

Features: zinc oxide, green tea, rosehip

The Mukti tinted moisturiser with sunscreen is nano particle and chemical free and provides a safe, effective and all-natural sunscreen solution that is readily absorbed and NON-GREASY. Suitable for all skin types including normal/combination/oily/dry and mature skin. Zinc oxide is the only active ingredient that filters both aging UVA and burning UVB rays. In addition to SPF15 block-out properties, Mukti's lightly tinted formulation strengthens and maintains healthy skin cell growth.

Ingredients: Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice*; Zinc Oxide; Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Extract*; Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)*; Glycerin (Vegetarian); Macadamia (Macadamia Ternifolia) & Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) Oils*, Cetearyl Glucoside; Rosehip (Rosa Canina) & Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) Oils*; Vitamin E (Tocopherol); Essential Oils of Mandarin (Citrus Madurensis), Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata), Patchouli (Pogestemon Cablin), Tagetes (Tagetes Minuta)*; Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid & Sorbic Acid; Tint - Mica; Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

My thoughts: Love love love love love it. I knew it would be a hit when I saw the key ingredients of rosehip oil, green tea and zinc oxide. And it smells so delicious. I think it sounds like musk or something, so sweet. When I opened the sample pot I was worried, like with every other tinted moisturiser I have tried, that it would look too dark on my skin (I have the palest skin and everything seems to look orange or too brown on my skin), but for once, I was wrong. It goes on a tan colour but rubs in completely, leaving the most subtle colour that it is almost invisible. I love that it is SPF 15, as it is important to protect your skin from the sun (after you have gotten your daily dose of Vitamin D).

 

Mukti Pink Grapefruit Hand and Body Lotion:

Aim: non greasy, non toxic all over hydration                                                                                               

Features: shea nut butter, cocoa butter, coconut

Put moisture back in after you wash your skin. A non-greasy moisturising treatment to hydrate, nourish and protect. Suitable for the whole body. May be used on children and babies.
Gluten Free/Vegan

Ingredients: Certified Organic Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice; Certified Organic Macadamia (Macadamia Ternifolia) Oil; Certified Organic Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii); Certified Organic Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Oil; Cetearyl Glucoside (Vegetarian); Certified Organic Cocoa Butter (Theobromo Cacao); Certified Organic Glycerin (Vegetarian); Sclerotium Gum; Certified Organic Essential Oils of Pink Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi), Sweet Orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis), Mandarin (Citrus Nobilis), Tangerine (Citrus Tangerine) & Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia); Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid & Sorbic Acid.

My thoughts: You could really smell the citrus in this, and it smelt delicious. I however found that although it was moisturising enough for a summer day, it probably wouldn’t be enough for my lizard legs in the winter…so I probably wouldn’t purchase this again. If you don’t need a heavy duty moisturiser though, you would probably like this.

 

 

Mukti Kakadu Plum and Honey Masque

Aim: hydrating & cleansing to soften & nourish                                                                                                                                                                        

Features: Kakadu plum, honey, avocado

The Mukti kakadu plum and honey masque is suitable for normal/dry/dull and mature skin types and is designed to rejuvenate, hydrate and balance the skin. This unique formulation will also hydrate and revitalize the epidermis, calm irritation due to dehydration, soothe the skin after environmental exposure, revitalize the complexion and promote a youthful, glowing complexion. Gluten free.

Ingredients: Certified Organic Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Gel; Certified Organic Glycerin (Vegetarian); Certified Organic Honey (Mel); Kakadu Plum (Terminalia Ferdinandiana); Vitamin E (Tocopherol); Certified Organic Carrot Seed (Daucus Carota) Oil; Certified Organic Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) & Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis) Extracts; Certified Organic Oils of Rosehip (Rosa Canina), Borage (Borago Officinalis) & Avocado (Persea Gratissima); Sclerotium Gum; Grapefruit Seed (Citrus Grandis) Extract; Certified Organic Roman Chamomile Oil (Anthemis Nobilis).

My thoughts: I am a big (BIG) fan of honey masks, so I was keen to give this mask a try. Each of the ingredients were lovely and it didn’t look like it contained any irritants. It is essential to me that a mask doesn’t dry my skin out or produce pimples. I applied a thin layer as per instructions and it dried very quickly (almost instantly), but I still left it on until 15 minutes were up. My face felt nice and soft, cleansed, and moisturised after using this mask. When I have the funds I will definitely be purchasing the full-size of this product!

5 easy ways to make a difference to your health

1. Embrace probiotics- a healthy gut means a healthy body. A healthy gut wall ensures that nutrients are able to be effectively absorbed.

2. Drink more water. An easy one, but something so many people struggle with. Adequate water helps your body rid itself of toxins, helps concentration levels, keeps cravings at bay and plumps up your skin.

3. Love yourself a little more. Embrace your body. Learn to love the bits that you poke, prod and pull at; the bits that you turn your back on when you glance in the mirror. Learn to treasure yourself in your own special way; whether it is through a daily five minute meditation, body brushing, smiling at yourself in the mirror or repeating positive affirmations whenever you find yourself being critical.

4. Reduce stress. Breathe deep. This takes pressure off the adrenal glands. Stress can throw everything out of balance, including your hormones, which affect everyday bodily functions.

5. Reduce chemical intake. Stop eating so much packaged food. A banana is a better choice than a packet of chips, and cost economical too.

Reviews coming!

I recently received a whole bunch of new products and samples so, beware, lots of reviews coming your way!
xx

My Skin and Hair Routine Exposed

I should probably start by telling you about my skin type. I have freckly, sensitive, prone to breakout skin, which used to be quite oily but since switching to natural products leans toward the dry side. My hair is long (long long long), brunette and is fairly healthy but I still suffer from dryness on the ends.

In the morning in the shower, I simply splash my face with some water. I never cleanse as I find my face gets too dry doing it twice daily. I hop out and apply my Lily Loves Pearl Hyper Hydrate moisturiser and most days, John Masters SPF30 sunscreen. On the rest of my body I rub Moogoo full cream moisturiser. I’m excited because I have recently discovered this and it has been the only moisturiser able to get rid of my keratosis pilaris completely! I use Harmonis Kiss deodorant on days when I am home, but I’m still not confident enough to use it going into town or at work, so I still use a toxic supermarket brand.

For makeup, I keep it simple. I use Bare Escentuals powder (not totally clean, I’m aware), Physicians Formula Mascara and a cheap eyeliner I picked up from a cosmetics store.

I usually wash my hair of a night time and sleep on it slightly damp, so it isn’t as frizzy and unmanageable the next day. I’ve found when I wash it in the morning it frizzes up and becomes knotty and unruly. I have to confess, I am still using a toxic conditioner. I’ve found it really hard to find an affordable toxic-free one that moisturises as well as this one. I also use Thursday Plantation’s shampoo but it seems they have had a recent reformulation and some of the ingredients now look suspect. So I fail. Anyone have some suggestions? I use coconut oil as a leave in conditioner for the ends of my hair, and sometimes as a mask.

Of a night, I use Kora’s foaming cleanser; the skincare brand of the famous Miranda Kerr, and it does a great job removing every last trace of makeup, sunscreen and pollutants on my face at the end of the day. When I have time, I apply a manuka honey mask to my face and relax. This has really helped with the dryness and has reduced my acne by 50%. I massage a few drops of Trilogy’s rosehip oil into my face, concentrating on the areas that are scarred and dry such as my chin, temples and forehead. I then rub my Lily Loves Pearl Hyper Hydrate moisturiser in.

Tada! xx

Review: Kora Organics Foaming Cleanser

I first found Kora Organics a few years ago when I heard Miranda Kerr had created it, and I quickly became engrossed with natural and organic skincare. I loved that the Kora Organics website listed every single ingredient, had positive reviews and videos showing you how to use each product. The foaming cleanser was the first product I ever bought.

Kora Organics’ products are proudly Australian Made and Owned, not tested on animals, and are vegan, which I love. They are also free of sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrance and colours, T.E.A, D.E.A.,Glycols, Silicones, PEGS, Ethoxylate and Formaldehyde.

Kora Organics Foaming Cleanser

Description: KORA Organics Foaming Cleanser is a gentle, soap free, foaming cleanser formulated for oily to combination skin. It naturally and gently rids the skin of impurities. The Aloe Vera, Green Tea and Sandalwood protect the skin from free radical damage while leaving the skin feeling fresh, invigorated and clean.

Ingredients: Camellia sinensis (Green Tea)*, Rosa centifolia (Rose)Extract*, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Coco-glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Oleate, Morinda citrifolia (Noni Fruit) Extract*,Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Santalum spicatum (Sandalwood) Oil*, Cedrus atlantica (Cedarwood) Oil*, Dicaprylyl Ether, Lecithin (GMO free)*, Lactic Acid, Sodium chloride (Macrobiotic Sea Salt) Aqua (Water). **From essential oils. *Ingredient from Organic Farming. 99.35% of the total ingredients are from natural origin, and 51.81% of the total ingredients are from organic farming. Certified by ECOCERT.

My thoughts: I have been using this cleanser for over six months now and still loving it. It lasts a long time (the first bottle lasted me 4 months used once daily, and the second bottle is still going..), and removes every trace of my makeup and zinc sunscreen, leaving my skin feeling soft and silky. It is gentle on the skin and feels like you are treating yourself to a facial every time! I never used to look forward to washing my face before this product. I recommend this.

To purchase this cleanser, head to RY.com.au