7 Tips for a Cosy and Well-Organised Bathroom

Considering that the bathroom is one of the most important areas in your home, and a place where you spend time grooming and taking care of yourself, it’s essential that it has a structured and organised look. If you have a smaller bathroom, you need to find a perfect layout and find a right balance when incorporating different bathroom elements. You can easily design a functional and organised bathroom while also giving it an fresh and inviting look by implementing just a few simple changes.

1. Keep it simple

Simplicity and minimalism are always a perfect choice, especially when it comes to small spaces. You should go with a simple colour scheme that will open up your bathroom and create an illusion of spaciousness. However, if you want a more extravagant look, you can break the monotony of monochromaticity by livening up your bathroom with an enticing painting. Another great solution is painting one wall in a conspicuous hue and creating a stunning statement or introducing an intricately designed shower curtain to add a pop of colour.

2. You do need a perfect bathtub

As the focal point of any bathroom, the bathtub should be the first element you notice when you enter your home spa. A beautifully designed bathtub will create a sophisticated and elegant ambience. Bathtubs with unique designs will capture the attention of everyone with an eye for aesthetics, and it will help you create a spa-like atmosphere where you can simply unwind.

3. Gather your supplies

Cleaning products are an essential element that will help you maintain your bathroom and keep it spotless. You should gather all of them in one place, for example, in a bathroom cabinet. You should make sure to keep them under lock and key if you have children. In addition, you should consider switching to green cleaning products because they are toxin-free, which will protect your health and ensure the durability of your bathroom elements.

4. Add cabinetry

By introducing plenty of storage, you’ll be able to control clutter and create an atmosphere of order and structure. A cabinet with sliding doors and several shelves is perfect for storing items, such as makeup, perfumes, towels, hair dryer and other essentials that you use frequently. This way, you’ll keep your essentials perfectly organised and easily accessible.

5. Think vertically

You should use the walls of your bathroom smartly and efficiently, but make sure not to clutter them. For example, you can place hooks on your door where you can keep your towels. Add some green zen to your space with hanging plants or macrame. You can also use the wall space in your shower and add a hanging organiser for your shampoos, conditioners and soaps. Another practical solution is going vertically and placing several floating shelves on top of each other.

4. Keep your counter space clean

You should get rid of all the unnecessary items from your counter space to eliminate clutter and avoid having an atmosphere of messiness and disarray. Instead, you can use this space for beautiful flowers or houseplants that will bring freshness and airiness into your bathroom, we love picking a few fragrant frangipani flowers and floating them in a bowl of water. In addition, plants and flowers will give your bathroom a spa-like character. You can also add several candles and you’ll transform your bathroom into an oasis of peace and relaxation.

5. Get those stylish apothecary jars

You should get rid of all of your plastic containers and use chic apothecary jars that will create an elegant ambiance in your bathroom. You can use them for storing cotton swabs, bath salts, soaps and other necessities. Not only will they keep everything within easy reach, but they will also help you design bathroom that exudes character. If you’re in a mood for DIY projects, you can even transform your old mason jars into stylish bathroom containers for your toothbrushes, make-up brushes, or you can just put some lovely flowers there.

In just a few easy steps, you can transform your bathroom into a functional yet stylish home spa that exudes serenity and tranquillity.

About author:

Chloe is an art historian and recreational ballet dancer. She is passionate about photography, dance and music. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world with her husband and take stunning photographs of beautiful places. She also enjoys learning and writing about home design, since she is crazy about aesthetics.

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YES, we are Sustainability Nerds!

We love our beautiful planet and we have decided to try and live in harmony with Mother Nature rather than against her. This for us means living with less waste, consciously buying materials that are plastic-free (or even better biodegradable), upcycling, reusing, composting, and getting creative! YES we are self-confessed sustainability nerds!! On our journey we've realised there is no "away" when the rubbish truck comes so we want to rely on this less in our business and have less waste in the first place. 

Unlike natural materials like glass and paper, plastic never fully breaks down (eeeek, scary huh!). This means that every piece of plastic that we use in our life-time will still be on this planet in many generations time. Choosing to be mainly plastic-free by using GLASS bottles designed to be REFILLED and REUSED is a huge part of our sustainability ethos. 

On top of that, every aspect behind the scenes in SNB has been considered to reduce our ecological impact, from our suppliers through to our packaging :
- Our distilled water comes in REFILLABLE 20 litre containers
- We return our empty essential oil bottles back to our suppliers to be REUSED 
- We REUSE boxes for our deliveries to stockists
- Packaging for all online orders is all COMPOSTABLE and we shred old newspaper and paperwork for the filling. We use mainly RECYCLED BOXES from Betta Boxes
- Paperwork is SHREDDED for packaging, COMPOSTED or put in the WORM FARM to create beautiful nourishing compost or worm castings to put back onto our veggie patch. 

All products are made after cleaning our teeth with our compostable bamboo toothbrush, while sipping on homemade kombucha through a stainless steel straw (you get the picture!). Basically we live and breathe this lifestyle, and it makes us feel more connected and purposeful in our lives.

EUCALYPTUS - OUR BFF FOR WINTER

Is anyone else totally obsessed with Eucalyptus at the moment?! I am buying it FRESH in the biggest giant bunches I can find and putting it everywhere around the house. Then we hang it up in the shower to let the smell diffuse through the shower creating bathroom bliss!  It is very purifying and cleansing and smells so fresh. 

We're also using our WA Eucalyptus ESSENTIAL OIL as part of our family wellbeing tool kit nearly every day. Eucalyptus Essential Oil works as a decongestant when you are stuffed up and blocked so has got your back for those sniffly noses during winter.  Here's our top tips for use:
- Add a few drops to the DIFFUSER (with Lemon Myrtle or Orange is absolutely divine).
- Add 2-3 drops in a steaming BOWL of water, cover your head with a towel and breathe.
- Pop a few drops in the bottom of your SHOWER and let the steam diffuse throughout the bathroom. 
- Add 4-6 drops into your BATH with 1/2 cup of epsom salts and let it ease your muscles and mind.
- Pop one drop into your PALM rub together and breathe for a quick  fix.
- Mix 3 drops Eucalyptus and 1 drop peppermint with a base oil such as coconut, apricot kernel and use a CHEST RUB.

We get our 100% pure essential oils from local Perth businesses that we absolutely love: Equivalence Mind Body Soul & Heritage Oils.

How to Make Your Own Eco Wood Polish

This is seriously SO simple to make that instead of reaching for that icky toxic aerosol spray we can use our own homemade concoction that your wood will soak up and love. 

Recipe:

½ cup of Grapeseed or Olive Oil or Almond Oil

Optional:

Juice of 1 lemon OR

x10 drops of Orange Essential Oil

x5 drops of Lemon Essential Oil

Mix in small bottle/container and use a cloth to gently polish for beautiful shining wood! YES it really is that easy and in dire times I've literally grabbed the olive oil bottle straight from the cupboard and applied it to my cloth!

Then sit back and feel that great empowered feeling that comes from banishing one more toxic product from your home and replacing it with a natural, eco-friendly one that you can make yourself, high-fives!

5 Reasons to head to Bodyscape Yoga

Soulful Yoga Studio's with down-to-earth teachers are hard to find these days. This is why I am rather EXCITED to share my latest love affair with Bodyscape Yoga. After one Vinyasa Flow class with Rosanna I was absolutely hooked. It was one of those moments when I knew I had met my Yoga Teacher match! 

I call it my "modern church" and here's why you've gotta get your butt down there ASAP:

1. The studio is simply beautiful. The second you walk through the doors of Bodyscape Yoga you enter a nurturing oasis where the magnetic Rosanna warmly greets everyone by name. A class with Rosanna is not just about your hamstrings getting a work out (although this certainly will happen!). Her wisdom and inspiration throughout the class will give you lessons to be taken out into the world. It's good to have people like that in your life and someone who believes in you. This yoga can change the way you think. 

2. The Yoga class will give you exactly what you need at the time, and Rosanna will always have your back. Feeling up for a physical challenge? You got it! Feeling like you need to be gentle? You got it - and you will always be encouraged to listen to you body while still pushing yourself. I promise after you sweat you will always leave in a blissful state of peacefulness feeling connected and ready to take on your day in a more mindful way. 

3. There are bottles of chilled Kommunity Brew Kombucha waiting to refresh you after class - you deserve it! Happy Healthy raw treats are something I can simply not resist as they sit on the front desk alluring me in, I can't go past the pistachio slice - it is my treat that I look forward to and get every time without fail!

4. You will make new buddies and find yourself chatting after class engrossed in convos with like-minded gals and guys. The authentic community here is one-of-a-kind and one where you always feel uplifted, inspired and supported. 

5. Bodyscape Yoga supports local sustainable businesses (like us!). After class the room is filled with delicious essential oils as everyone wipes down their mats with our very own SNB Yoga Mat Spray that we refill making this a zero-waste product. Even going to the bathroom is a zen-like experience... ethical "Who gives a crap" toilet paper awaits you, wash your hands using our Organic Foaming Soap surround by lush hanging plants. Plus gorgeous Generic Teas and Indie-stone Design are a few other local stockists that make the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.  

There are some seriously great specials on at the moment that can be snapped up! First option is perfect to dip your toe into the water and see if its for you and I've just invested in the second option because I am now hooked:

- $49 for 14 days unlimited (go on newbies, give it a crack!)

- January Promo: 30 Classes + 3 Free Classes - valid for 1 year for $550 = $16 per class

PLUS stay tuned for an exciting collaboration with SNB and Bodyscape Yoga at their studio Sunday 19th March 2017... more details to be announced shortly!

Namaste xx

Photo by Stephanie Ti

DIY Essential Oil Diffuser

Looking for a fun and non-toxic way to make your home smell ah-mazing?  Try our easy DIY Essential Oil Diffuser that you can whip up in a few minutes. Not only does it look chic and will save you a fortune but you don’t have to worry about those awful synthetic fragrances (cue the headaches). The perfect Xmas gift for those wanting a beautiful natural home. 

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

- Small glass vessel /vase / bottle – up-cycle any food jars or bottles, anything with a smaller opening is ideal

- 1/3 cup carrier oil (a lighter oil like apricot kernel oil) but if you have olive oil on hand this is great

-  20 drops of essential oils (we use Equivalence or Heritage Oils) and we love these combinations:

o    Clove, cinnamon and orange for a classic Xmas scent

o    Lime, lemongrass and bergamot for fresh and uplifting

o    Lavender and rosemary for calming and concentration

o    Frankincense and orange for a deep rich spiritual scent

o    Ylang ylang and rose geranium for a gorgeous goddess scent

o    Black pepper and rose for a unique scent (inspired by Emily Bayliss)

-  2 tbsp. of vodka (the cheap bottle of course, don’t waste the good stuff!) helps the essential oils move up the stick

-  5-10 bamboo BBQ Skewers or go foraging for some sticks depending on size of your vessel (the more you use the quicker the oil will evaporate and the stronger the scent)

1.         Mix the carrier oils, essential oils and vodka using one of your skewers in a container.

2.       Pour into your up-cycled vessel.

3.       Pop in the skewers/sticks and fan them out.

4.       Patiently wait (not my strong point!) as it may take a few hours for the oils to move up the skewer/sticks.

5.       Find the perfect spot in your home (or make one for each room!!) where they can safely diffuse and won’t get knocked over or investigated by curious kids or pets.

6.       Give them a flip every few days to refresh your beautiful scent.

7.       Replace or top up every month or so or when oil is low or you are ready for an exciting new essential oil scent.

This one’s dedicated to my Mum after she was asking about these last week I thought I’d share the easy-peasy recipe with everyone!

6 Easy-Peasy Ways to Reduce Plastics

There’s lots of little things we can do in our day-to-day living to help make the planet smile by reducing our waste and packaging so the pile going into the tip doesn’t get bigger and bigger.  We have a one-use culture where we buy a bottle of drink, drink it and then throw the plastic bottle out.  This one plastic bottle will never break down and will be on our earth forever.  Seems silly right?  All that effort gone into creating the bottle and it might only be used for 10 minutes and disposed of.  I wonder if in the future our planet will just be one giant rubbish tip?  Lets hope not.  Because we share our earth, our rubbish has far-reaching effects as far as the dolphins in the ocean, the birds in our skies, and the koalas in the tree-tops.

I’ll let you try and pick a few things that you reckon you could give a go to get on board the train… these are the things that work for us:

1. Reusable shopping bags.

 They’re easier to carry – I can fit our whole shop in 2-3 reusable bags and then they fit over your shoulder so you’re not lugging a million plastic bags around that dig into your hands. 

2. Shopping at local farmers markets or the butcher / grocer

We can pick exact amounts and there is no packaging as everything is loose and we skip the mini plastic bags completely. The food is better quality and you can chat direct to the farmer and ask any questions. The farmers are friendly and keen for a chat, and their profits go back into the community that we live in instead of making some giant super-market businessman richer and richer.

3. Reusable drink bottle (non-plastic)

There’s heaps of funky designs now, so get into your water-bottle fashion and strut your stuff. Save your pennies by refilling your good-looking water bottle with filtered tap water instead of regularly buying a $3 bottle of water that may have been stored outside in the heat causing the BPA to leach into the water. YES, this is that gross plastic-y taste/smell.

I’m also going to squeeze under this one the reusable straws.  I’ve just been gifted some stainless straws for my b'day and LOVE them and now my friends at work don’t think I’m crazy for washing and reusing a plastic straw.  Makes me feel pretty good knowing a regular straw takes 400 years to break  down!

4. The pretty reusable coffee mug

So you can take your hot drink in the car with you without it being an absolute disaster. Plus – save money by using it at the local coffee shop where some places will even give you a discount.  Also makes a great gift. 

5. Food storage

Jars, jars, jars, wash them and resuse them until your corner cupboard is overflowing with them and your hubby thinks you're the crazy jar lady! If you're a neat freak head to Ikea or The Reject Store as they have a great range of glass jars with the flip lids (keep out our bloody pantry moths too!) and we use a label maker from Office Works (see pic from our kitchen). Stainless steel are great options for lunchboxes and ice-trays. We scored some great Pyrex glass storage with plastic lids from the IGA that work a treat. If you’re using Tupperware or plastic containers just be aware that when heated the BPA leaches more so avoid using them to store food that is still hot or in the microwave. BPA has been BANNED across Europe in all baby products, choose glass instead for baby bottles. 

6.  The reusable ‘monthly lady thing’ 

The first time I heard of this I was definitely freaked out but have been using one now for over 5 years and will sing their praises.  It is a reusable silicone cup (that comes in all sorts of pretty colours with a pouch. I report it is fully serviceable and not that difficult to use once you get the swing of things. It is better for our own bodies (no pesticides or bleach like other products), the environment and our wallets. Perfect when travelling, camping or at music festivals where there is a lack of proper toilets.  Grab them online (there are various products on the market now)http://www.lunette.com/au/

All these 'little things' add up and over a lifetime and as a collective together we can make a huge difference.  Do it for the dolphins.  Do it to support ‘local’. Do it for your own health. Do it for your wallet.  Find your reason, there’s no time like the present.

Crunchy Cluster Muesli Bowl

I promise you there is no better way to start the day than this delicious muesli with a big scoop of Greek yoghurt and some fresh fruit. 

Ingredients:

4 cups rolled oats

2 1/2 cups of mixed nuts and seeds

2 tsp cinnamon

1/3 cup honey

1 cup apple juice

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 150 degrees centigrade

2. Heat apple juice and honey and combine with dry ingredients in a bowl. 

3. Line baking tray with baking paper and spread evenly across tray. Turn as needed for about 1 hour or until those clusters are GOLDEN and CRUNCHY.

Each serve is packed with wholesome ingredients so you have the fuel you need to be a Rock Star for the day. 

PS. If you love clusters as much as us you can put in more juice to create some giant cluster magic!

US bans anti-bacterial hand washes

Hip hip hooray! The US has banned certain chemicals found in anti-bacterial hand washes and body washes. Two of biggest culprits are triclosan and triclocarban, or any of 17 other chemicals with germ-killing properties. We chatted about the nasty chemical triclosan at our last "Be Natural Workshop" as it's found in most toothpastes so we're putting it in our mouths! Gross. You must check your Colgate and other toothpastes and avoid it like the plague pleeeease!

This is huge step in the right direction and hopefully we will follow suit. We do think it is a tad scary how slow the Government is to act on things regarding to our health so we suggest taking the bull by the horns and switching ALL personal care items, household items and cleaning to natural and safe products. 

The verdict: stick to washing your hands with good old soap and water.  You guys are our number one so our our Foaming Soap is free from nasty chemicals and full of beautiful plant oils that will leave your skin feeling soft and moisturised.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/sep/02/antibacterial-soaps-banned-us-fda

The Ultimate 10 Spring Cleaning Tips

After many evenings spent in big woolly socks curled up on the couch sipping red wine, chowing down hot stews and stuffing our faces with chocolate self-saucing pudding it’s time for us to emerge from hibernation (and start shaving our legs again). Spring is a time for renewel and rebirth, inviting new beginnings and releasing things that are no longer serving us, and why not include our homes in this too? Spring cleaning and decluttering is a bit of a ritual in our household and let’s be honest (after its done!) it just makes us feel better! With less stuff and clutter, we can have a better focus on what matters.

A few quick tips include working from the top down to avoid having to clean twice. Also get yourself some good gloves to protect your hands and use natural cleaning products so you aren’t having to breathe in toxic fumes and the surfaces in your home aren't covered with harmful chemicals. Look for products that are plant-based and use essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances. Feeling a tad overwhelmed on where to begin? Here’s a few quick notes to get you started:

1.         Deep clean mattresses – sprinkle with baking soda mixed with a few drops of calming essential oils like lavender, ylang ylang or geranium. Let sit for at least an hour and then vacuum off. Then air mattress in sunlight which will naturally help kill bacteria and germs. Sweet dreams.

2.       Wash all bedding and pillows and dry in the sun which is one of our best natural anti-bacterial masters – spritz bedding and linen with our Lavender Rosewater Spray for that extra freshness and loveliness.

3.       Clear out wardrobe and draws – put winter clothes away/donate to charity if you haven’t worn in 12 months or host a clothes swap party. Get your summer clothes out, hooray! Again, you can spritz those summer clothes with our Lavender Rosewater Spray.

4.       Declutter and organise – books, magazines, photos, even that bottom drawer in the kitchen! Ask the kids to choose some toys to donate to charity. Be ruthless and if it’s not adding value to your life, then donate it!

5.       Dust the obscure: pictures, art, light fittings, air-con units, fans.

6.       Empty out fridge and clean with our Natural Cleaning Spray - throw out all those jars of sauces that expired in 2012! 

7.       Safety First! Check batteries on smoke detectors and expiry dates on fire extinguishers

8.       Vacuum sofas and spot clean using our Natural Cleaning Spray which helps remove stains

9.       Get your windows sparkling clean with our Glass & Mirror Polish and some old newspaper for a no-streak finish

10.   Give EVERYTHING (benches, tables, bathrooms, fridges, draws, couches) a good spray down afterwards with our no-wipe Natural Disinfecting Spray to help blast germs and leave your home smelling like delicious chai. 

Still feels like a bit of a never-ending insurmountable task? Just start one room at a time and enlist some helpers - getting the kids (or hubby) involved teaches them responsibility, monkey see, monkey do. Be brutal with things you are no longer using let them go, donate if you can, recycle or upcycle.

Now close your eyes and imagine that your home is perfectly de-cluttered, organised and fresh for spring… you feel calm and serene, think of all that extra space, the beautiful feng shui energy in your home, and that amazing sense of accomplishment! Now it’s definitely wine time!

Photo by Hayley Gemma: https://hayleygemma.com.au/

Scrumptious Peanut Butter Balls by Adventure Snacks

We are excited to have our very first guest post by Tracey from Adventure Snacks who believes our kids deserves the best organic and nutritious food we can give them, and quite frankly we agree! 

These peanut butter balls are really easy to make, and are packed with good fats and protein. We love peanut butter, so they didn't last long in our house!  If your school has a 'no-nuts' policy, then these make the perfect after school "I'm staaarving" snack to fill them up before dinner time.  They're also delicious with a cup of tea once the kids are in bed!

Feel free to try different combinations of ingredients, or roll the balls in desiccated coconut, chia seeds or crushed nuts for extra goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 Cup organic rolled oats
• 1/4 Cup flaxseed meal (LSA would also work)
• 5 Tbs natural peanut butter
• 2 Tbs honey (or rice malt syrup)
• 2 Tbs water
• 1 Tbs coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients into a food processor and blend until well combined and a dough-like consistency forms.
2. Roll a tablespoon at a time into balls, then store in the fridge.

Don't have time to make from scratch? Shop here: http://www.adventuresnacks.com.au/collections/all

Easy (and free!) ways to reduce toxins in your home

Making your home healthier and greener doesn't have to be cost lots of money, just a few simple changes can improve the health of everyone in the home, here are our top 5 free ways to reduce toxins:

1. Fresh Air.

OK. It's a simple one I know, but opening all the doors and windows in your home helps the fresh air come in and the old stale smelly air get out. Throw synthetic air freshners in the bin as they are reeeeeally toxic and try an essential oil diffuser instead. We think you can't go past natural ventilation which also helps your well-being by creating a sense of connectedness with the outdoors. If you've turned off your air-con or fan you're reducing your power bill and emissions too. So go on, fling open those doors and windows!

2. Leave your shoes at the door.  

It's a tad harder in the winter as we're not all running around barefoot, but if you start a "no-shoes" inside policy the benefits are totally worth it! It may seem like a bit of a hassle at first but after a few weeks you'll be all over it. First up, taking your shoes off reduces the amount of toxic pollutants in your home. Some of the culprits are pesticides, lead contaminated dirt, fertilizer, cigarette ash, pollen (allergy sufferers take note), petrol etc. Best to keep this stuff out of the house, off the floor, out of the little ones mouths and hands. Plus leaving the dirt at the door means less cleaning and reduces dust by up to 50%, anything that means less cleaning and we're sold. Lastly, happier feet! Shoes can be bad for feet so go barefoot or in the winter get out those wooly socks and slide around the house.

3. Go Microwave Free.

The price for convenience in a box is a compromise to your health. Reheating your healthy stir-fry with organic vegetables from last night? Say goodbye to any nutrients in those vegetables as they’ve just been zapped right out. Microwaves deplete your foods nutritional value leaving ‘dead’ food. The next issue is using plastics in the microwave – please don’t ever do this. Carcinogenic toxins can leach out of the plastic container and into your food, even BPA is not guaranteed safe, choose glass. Lastly, radiation leakage is the final silent monster lurking… standing less than a metre away while the microwave is running can expose you to radiation which has been linked to Leukaemia. 

4. Break up with Fragrance.

This is a really tough one. Synthetic fragrance's are hidden in everything from our laundry powder, air freshners, dishwashing liquid, body washes, perfumes, moisturisers, etc etc to make the products smell 'nice'. So what? The problem is "parfum" or "fragrance" on the ingredients actually means "phthalates" or hidden chemicals that come from petroleum and are hormone-disrupting and linked to cancer. Scary right? Fear not my friends, ditching fragrance does not mean we have to forego delicious and amazing scents in our homes and walk around smelling bad. Look for products that use pure essential oils which smell just like nature intended, delicious! Always check the labels and take extra care if you have babies or kids as they can be extra sensitive.

5. Wash and Wear.

Most people don't think about where their new clothing or bedding has come from. These days unless it's a locally made products, it could have been stitched in one country, dyed in another and packaged in third country, each with different laws about chemicals.  The main culprates are dye and formaldehyde resin (used as a preservative to stop mould from growing and reducing wrinkles). Think of that nasty smell that wafts out when you open the plastic 3-pack pair of socks from K-Mart, yep not very nice huh! Can cause dry itchy flaky skin and irritations. Lots of these chemicals are washed out in the first rinse and then if hung to dry in the sunshine it will help too! So ALWAYS wash first including towels, linens, sheets, pillow cases, basically anything that touches skin especially if it's for kids. 

Image by www.adairs.com.au

31 DAYS OF PLASTIC-FREE INSPO!

"Think about it...why would you make something that you are going to use for a few minutes out of a material that's basically going to last forever. What's up with that?"  - Jeb Berrier, BagIt movie

It’s nearly half way through July already! This means as well as freeeezing our butts off, we are trying to eliminate and reduce all single-use plastics. It's hard ok! We take a little step back and scrutinise what we are buying, what it's packaged in, and step away slowly if it's in plastic. EVERYTHING is in plastic! Takeaway coffee cups. Plastic Water bottles. Takeaway containers. When you put plastic in the bin there is no "away", it's on our planet and will never fully break down. Here’s the problem: Plastic will last FOREVER. It will never fully break down or degrade. It will keep piling up in our landfills, floating around in our oceans entangling, getting eaten by and killing sea life and birds. 

Well done for getting this far through July and we've come up with some easy tips to keep you going for the rest of the month. Some of these tips require an investment first up, but here’s the thing, you’ll be able to reuse it again and again, saving the planet and a couple of bucks too. 

 1st - Treat yourself to an double scoop ice-cream cone rather than the plastic lined containers. 

2nd - Drink what's on tap at the pub – another round of pints please! 

3rd -  Go to bulk bin refills for herbs and spices, whole foods, oats, nuts and dried fruits etc, we love the options at The Clean Food Store and The Wasteless Pantry

4th -  Switch gladwrap to beeswax wraps – they’ll keep your sandwiches just as fresh we promise! We love ours from The Family Hub and Renee Botman

5th -  Head to your local butchers or farmers market for fresh meat rather than the supermarket meat wrapped unnecessarily in plastic. 

6th - While you're at the farmers market grab fresh fruit and veg – go the extra mile and use cotton bags for fruit and veg, we love ours from Renee Botman  at the Subi Farmers market.

7th - Choose plastic-free takeaway options or take your own reusable glass or stainless containers - we love healthy, super fresh soups, salads and raw goodies, in glass jars by Vine Street Kitchen  delivered to your door, no excuses! 

8th - Invest in a stainless steel drink bottles rather than buying plastic water bottles – it's a no-brainer plus no need to worry about the BPA leaching.

9th -  Create your own toothpaste - mix baking soda, coconut oil and peppermint essential oil – I’ve since been to the dentist and my teeth passed all the tests, promise!! 

10th -  Upgrade to real butter (wrapped in paper) instead of margarine in a plastic container – tastes better too (or making my own at home is something I’ve wanted to try!)

11th -  Create your own drinks with a soda stream maker instead of buying fizzy drinks – explore with delicious cordials like Elderflower, or if you like the soda water it's ready to roll.

12th - Create your own yoghurt with an Yoghurt makers instead of buying yoghurt in plastic container.

13th -  Try baking bread at home or choose fresh bread that comes in paperbag – fresh bread wafting through the house, yes please!

14th  -  Choose tea bags that aren’t individually wrapped and are compostable.

15th -  Invest in a reusable keep cup when ordering takeaway coffees – some cafes give a discount, score!

16th - Ladies, Invest in a reusable silicone cup rather than single use sanitary items– it's waaay better for YOU and our planet. Try Lunette.com.au

17th - Say no to receipts – easy peasy. 

18th -  Choose glass or cardboard cartons of milk rather than plastic.

19th  - Use coconut oil in a glass jar to replace night creams, hair moisturising products – add a few drops of your favourite essential oil like Frankincence or Geranium. 

20th -  Use material napkins and cloths instead of paper towels.

21st -  Upgrade to a pair of bamboo glasses instead of plastic – be the coolest kid on the block, check out the stylish range at ECOO

22nd -   Switch plastic straws to stainless steel/bamboo/glass straws – your smoothie will taste better, trust me. 

23rd -  Say no to the plastic bag and take a reusable bag – way easier to get your groceries home safely!

24th -  Keep old glass jars and use for storage/making candles/drinking cups – we keep our old marmalade jars for vintage looking drinking jars.

25th - Use a soap bar instead of body wash/shampoo/conditioner– this sustainable company is leading the way in soap shampoos and conditioners Ethique that really work! #giveupthebottle

26th -  Invest in a wooden dishbrush instead of a plastic one  - check out our sustainable beechwood wooden products Redecker.

27th -  Choose refillable cleaning products - we offer refills on all our products! Just bring your bottle back to the market and save money and our planet with a refill. 

28th -    Invest in glass storage containers for food instead of plastic ones (better in microwave too).

29th -   Invest in wooden/stainless steel cooking utensils instead of plastic.

30th  -  Switch your plastic toothbrush to bamboo toothbrush.

31st - Wash clothes using soap nuts or choose laundry powder in compostable cardboard box.

We hope we've armed you with some plastic-free ammo that you'll be able to incorporate into your every day life. If we stop buying it, they'll stop making it. Have fun on your plastic-free journey and get a bit creative out there!! We hope you end up becoming as addicted to low-waste as we have.

MAKE YOUR WATER HEALTHIER!

Lets be honest, tap water in Perth is pretty gross. It tastes full of chlorine and drinking 2 litres of this stuff a day is a chore. Our search to fix our water problem began… We’re pretty anti-plastic so using the big 15 litre plastic water bottles just didn’t sit right. Installing a permanent filter seemed a bit complicated and pricey. Then we discovered the eco-friendly and cheap binchotan charcoal stick – yes charcoal like in the campfire. Sounds a bit unappetising right? Hear us out… this acts as a natural filter drawing out impurities from our water like the chlorine and heavy metals but keep the good stuff like all the minerals in the water while helping alkalise the water. They need to be ‘refreshed’ every few months which is super simple and done by boiling then drying it out and they last us at least 6 months. We love and use “Kishu Binchoton” http://www.binchotan.com.au/ which comes with fully compostable packaging including the filters at the end of their lives. We may have had some funny looks from friends when they see these black things floating in our water bottles but our water tastes delicious, it’s a cheap and actually works!

5 REASONS YOU MUST DITCH THE CHEMICAL CLEANERS IN YOUR HOME

Home is our safe haven where we relax, unwind and restore. We gather together at the end of the day to hang out over shared meals, chat over a cup of tea or relax over a glass of vino. For this very reasons it is important that it is safe for our families and friends. Have you ever considered what is in the cleaners you are using in your home and how the hidden nasties might be affecting the health of your loved ones? We are mopping down the floors of our home with chemicals, leaving toxins on our clothes after washing them and wiping down our food-prep areas, benches and tables where we eat with these nasties. We think it’s time to clean up our acts by making the switch to eco-friendly natural products and here’s why:

#1  Our Health

If you start using safe natural products you will no longer be absorbing chemicals through the skin or breathing in the fumes. It’s a bit scary that studies have shown a link between toxic cleaners and asthmas, skin allergies, cancer and autism. If that’s not bad enough they can cause chemical burns to the skin and eyes, urgh no thank you! Children and pets have been known to get under the sink and into these toxic products which are poisonous if swallowed. There’s a lot we still don’t know about how these toxic chemicals can affect our bodies, so this in itself is enough for us to make the switch to natural cleaners.

Image by Hayley Gemma hayleygemma.com.au

#2 Indoor Air Pollution

That all familiar stench of pine that we've gotten used to as being 'clean'? Well it’s not so friendly my friends, its actually toxic and polluting the air in your home which can affect your breathing and lungs, possibly leading to respiratory problems. Automatic air-fresheners, aerosols and fly-spray are some of the worst culprits so best to get them out of your home ASAP. It’s best to stick to products with a natural essential oil scent, and benefit from the aromatherapy too! Look for green products that contain plant-based ingredients which are a million times safer. Plus we also love using green plants in our home to help purify the air as well as good ole fresh air so fling open those doors!

#3 Nasty Ingredients are not Listed

Warning: this is a tad scary. Most supermarket cleaners DO NOT list any of their ingredients or risks, and this is unregulated by the government. So we don’t even know what is in them! We’ve gone behind the scenes to find out what is recommended before using the most common and popular all-purpose cleaner on our supermarket shelves: safety goggles, gloves, cotton overalls buttoned at neck and wrists, chemical resistant apron, and if there is no ventilation an approved respirator with a replaceable filter should be used. Really!? So we need to dress like there’s been a major apocalyptic event to be safely using these products in our own homes? We believe all ingredients should be clearly listed ON THE BOTTLE and if it contains toxic ingredients to include the risks and controls. That way we can make a conscious decision to use products in our home that are safe.

Image by Yvonne Fitzell

#4  Keep our Waterways Clean  

The toxic chemicals can make their way back into our water systems when you flush the toilet, wash the dishes or chuck a load in the washing machine. The nasties can end up polluting in nearby rivers, lakes or ends up in our beautiful oceans harming our precious wildlife and ocean dwellers. Always choose biodegradable, grey water/septic safe at a minimum.

#5 Sustainable and Eco-friendly

Green and natural products offer better sustainable and eco-friendly options such as concentrates, refill options or use plastic that is made of sugarcane so is fully biodegradable (how green is that!?). They might also be carbon neutral, cruelty free or have a charity they support. Basically, they actually care about our planet and your health and we're all for that! 

It’s quick and easy to run to the shops and grab one of the many bright coloured bottles that line the shelves that promises to make your cleaning chores at home quick and easy but choose wisely! We hope you might reconsider switching to a natural eco-friendly alternative so you know you're doing all you can to keep your home and everyone in it safe, healthy and happy. 

Start to detox your home today, use our code: ALLNATURAL for 15% off everything at www.secondnaturebotanicals.com.au

Image by Sass & Spice

KOMBUCHA "The Elixir of Life"

Never heard of it? Wondering what all the fuss is about? This ancient drink has been around for centuries, nick-named in China as the "Elixir of Life" it is staging a well-earned come back! Essentially it is a fermented tea drink made with a live culture called a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacterial Yeast). This humble drink is SO full of goodness and here are some reasons why you should start drinking it today:

1. Detoxifies - supports liver, rich in vitamin B and antioxidants
2. Great for the gut and digestion - full of good bacteria, prebiotics and enzymes that your gut will love forever! 
3. MORE Energy - sip away and feel invigorated!! 
4. Increased metabolism - loads of enzymes working away for you which means boosted metabolism. Also all the little good guys (bacteria and enzymes) in the kombucha help your body work better, hooray!

We are just a tad Kombucha obsessed in our household at the moment. After starting our Kombucha making journey at home after getting the 'starter culture' in December we've been enjoying a nice cold glass every arvo. For me I definitely noticed more energy (which I need more of!) and now can't live without it - nature's energy drink.

It's really easy to make once you have the SCOBY. Plus the fun part is getting creative after the brew with the added flavours - our favourites are fresh passionfruit or a squeeze of lime juice and chopped ginger.  If you live in Perth, I've got a SCOBY with your name on it so flick me an email.  We have loads to give away as every time we brew it grows a 'baby' and gets bigger and bigger. Brewing is a journey and yes it will seem weird at first, it's completely normal to peer into the brewing jar, screw your nose up and wonder "is my SCOBY meant to look like this!!??" Give it a name and start bonding with it... because if it's giving us all these amazing health benefits it's welcome into the family!

K O M B U C H A   R E C I P E
x12 tea bags or teaspoons of loose tea (white, black, green, herbal)
x1 cup organic raw sugar
3 litres filtered water
Large glass jar with cloth and rubber band
SCOBY with 1 cup of starter

1. Bring 750 mls of filtered water to a light simmer and take off stove top.
2. Add tea and sugar and let steep for 10 minutes stirring a few times.
3. Once the tea has cooled down below 20 degrees (if its too hot it can kill the SCOBY so place tea in fridge to help cooling period if needed) strain and add to large glass jar along with SCOBY and starter and the remaining 2.25 litres of water.
4.  Brew for 6-10 days tasting until happy with the flavour, longer in the winter, less in the summer. Small SCOBY = brew for longer. Large SCOBY = brew less.  Too vinegary = brewed for too long. Too sugary = not brewed for long enough. Cover with cloth so it can breathe. 
5. Pour into containers to be refrigerated and add your extra flavourings. A sultana helps make it a bit fizzy. Keep 1 cup of starter and SCOBY for your next brew, and repeat from step 1. 
6. Kick back and enjoy a nice cold glass of Kombucha and wait for all those awesome health benefits to kick in! 

Every brew your SCOBY will get larger and larger and grow to the size of your container. Feel free to cut a bit off and share with friends with 1 cup of the fermented tea. It should keep for a few months if you want to have a break or haven't gotten around to making it yet! Happy brewing baby. 

5 WAYS TO CREATE HARMONY IN YOUR HOME

Create a warm, fuzzy feeling with these tips for a cozy and inviting home atmosphere that will have you wanting to stay in all weekend.

#1 Go green

Bringing the outdoors in with plants will help create a lovely natural space. But did you also know that our green leafy friends also help purify the air around us? Beyond air quality, it has been proven that plants boost our wellbeing and lower stress levels. Use contrasting foliage for interest as well as differing levels, or try hanging plants or make your own macrame pot hanger if you’re feeling crafty. If you’re lacking the green thumb gene, start with succulents – they thrive on neglect.

#2 Making scents

To create a zen-like space in your home we suggest lighting candles (beeswax is best as it also helps to purify the air), burning incense, displaying fresh cut flowers or using an essential oil diffuser. Avoid synthetic “fragrance” products as they often contain phthalates, known to interfere with our hormones. Opt for 100% essential oil scents and pure essential oils, with their therapeutic benefits they help to cleanse the air, impact mood, support relaxation, boost the immune system, assist with focus and study, create feelings of wellbeing and assist meditation (all while smelling amazing). We use lavender in the evenings to help us unwind and relax, lemongrass in the morning to help refresh, peppermint for concentration, and a blend of eucalyptus, rosemary, clove and wild orange if someone in our home is sick. Frankincense is our all-time favourite to inspire creativity and love.

#3 Curate your collection

We absolutely love collecting bits and pieces locally, trawling through second hand shops or upcycling pieces that are unique and quirky. We also collect from our travels around the globe that reflect the local culture. They are always intriguing, generally colourful, vibrant and hand-made. Moving around your art and décor is great way to reimagine a space and have things feeling fresh, while being surrounded by things that remind you of holidays and memories is comforting.

#4 Make it a chemical-free zone

Create a wholesome haven at home by using natural and safe products for your family. There is currently no requirement for cleaning products in Australia to list their ingredients on their labels.

Absurd right? Chemical cocktails in cleaning can lead to health issues such as skin and eye irritations, headaches, asthma, increased allergies, and chemical burns. Check all your current products and if you don’t know the company or quality of the product, consider them toxic until proven otherwise.

Replace them with plant-based products that list all ingredients on their labels, products that are earth-friendly, biodegradable, free of synthetic fragrances, and locally produced. If you can also help reduce plastic consumption by choosing a refillable brand then you’re ticking ALL the boxes, and deserve a green high-five.

#5 Groove to the music

One of the best ways to create a certain atmosphere in your home is music. Listening to chilled music can help soothe and relax during times of chaos or during the evenings. My favourites are Chet Faker or Jose Gonzalez while having a relaxing bath. Alternatively listening to upbeat music can help you to feel more motivated to dance around while cleaning the house. We love Spotify which seems to be an unlimited supply of music, we just plug in one of our favourite beats and it matches similar songs to a playlist so is a great way of discovering new artists. We also love our sound bowls which seems to instantly lift a rooms vibration including everyone in it, amazing!

Most of all it's important to create a unique space that uplifts, inspires, heals and is a special sanctuary where people feel at home to be themselves.

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#1 Go green, #3 Curate your collection, #5 Groove to the music Photo Credit to Hayley Gemma: @hayleygemma  hayleygemma.com.au

#2 Making Scent Photo Credit to @seenandloved

WHO DOESN'T LOVE COMING HOME TO A NICE SMELLING SPACE?!

We're making it easy for you to have a home that is chemical free while smelling sensational too! We only use the best, 100% therapeutic grade, essential oils and none of those synthetic fragrances or nasties!  Try our Room + Linen + Body Spray's to get your home not only smelling delicious but you harness all the energy in the oils to bring you other health benefits such as the aromatherapy. Our Lavendar Rosewater Spray will invoke feelings of relaxation and calm, great for spritzing pillows and sheets before crawling into bed. Rosewater is also wonderful for your skin so try using it as a facial mist. Need a pick-me-up? Try spritzing our Uplifiting Citrus Spray over face and body to help feel revitalised or spray use to instantly freshen up any room in your home.

Feel good knowing you're using a 100% natural product that is botanically derived and because we use beautiful glass bottles, you're helping to stop plastic bottles (that will NEVER break down) coming into our world.  We want everyone to live in a beautiful chemical free home so we are offering a 15% discount for the next two weeks. Hooray!! Click the links below to get your irresistible spray's and enter code: RELAXME for the Lavender Rosewater Spray  or code: REVITALISEME for the Uplifting Citrus Spray.

EMBRACING THE SIMPLE LIFE

There is plenty of support to help us on a cleaner, greener lifestyle, and we have been inspired in our journey to live a more conscious and slow life by lots of amazing people.  In an ode to simpler times, we have started making our own yoghurt (Easiyo) and Kombucha (we’ll talk about this next time!), a friend has donated us a Soda-Stream maker and we have been reliving and enjoying slow living. Our friend shared some of her amazing handmade, steaming and beautifully fresh hot-cross buns with us and let me tell you... they were so yummy! My hubby has got a delicious salad dressing down pat for fresh salads in summer. Fortunately, fresh sourdough occasionally falls into our laps when we're next to the fresh bread stall at the markets! Yum! Making these things at home brings great satisfaction and also means less packaging.  
 

Here's plenty of inspiration from Natural Living to get your started: 65 Foods you Should Stop Buying and Start Making.  Next on our list is trying to make our own sourdough (bread-maker free)!

BREAKING OUR PLASTIC-ADDICTION

Choosing to be mainly plastic-free by using glass bottles designed to be refilled and reused is a huge part of our sustainability ethos. Unlike natural materials like glass and paper, plastic never fully breaks down. The vast majority of those plastics end up in our oceans.

That means that every piece of plastic you and I have ever used is still around today.  To help combat this very real problem we are picking up a piece of rubbish from the Perth coastline for every online order as well as for everyone who joins our mailing list for the next 3 months. Thank you to all those people who joined our mailing list and bought our products– your support is huge and much appreciated, we've been totally blown away! Look you're already helping clear our coastlines... Here’s our first pick-up at South Beach so thank YOU for your support.