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Health & Beauty

Healthy Father’s Day Gifts that will boost his well-being

| Health & Beauty

Father’s Day is just around the corner, which means it’s time to put on those thinking caps. And don’t even think about getting him a tie (30% of dads report that a tie is what they want least). So to make it easy for you. We handpicked some healthy gift items for every type of dad (and budget).

A hiking guide
Plan a hiking trip with your dad and revel in the fact that its a cardio workout good for both mind and body. The view’s are not too bad either.

Exercise trackers
Does dad work out? Great! Gift him a gadget, such as a step tracker. These track his stats and help your dad to reach his health goals. Some also go as far as monitoring sleep patters by highlighting periods of movement and restful slumber.

An assortment of nuts (Not salted)!
Nuts are packed with antioxidants, healthy fats and omega-3 and they’ll also boost his levels of vitamin E, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium. Kindly suggest dad should not eat them all at once.

A heart-rate monitor
Worried about his ticker? A heart rate monitor helps assess exercise intensity and will make sure dad is not over or under doing it. Some models alert you when you are nearing dehydration and most of them help to target your workout for maximum fat burning while also displaying calories burned.

Cooking tools
Men love their tools – even the kind designed to saw veggies and not wood. Consider giving your dad an apple slicer, salad spinner, chef’s knife or cutting board.

Introduction lessons
Try a package of arts lessons, yoga, dance or tennis. If he is more the chef type, consider a class at a local culinary school or gourmet grocery shop.

An ergonomic desk chair
If your dad has back or neck issues and trouble standing, you might consider buying him a quality ergonomic desk chair.

A good pillow
Multiple studies have shown that many of us don’t get enough sleep. Sometimes it’s due to having a pillow that doesn’t provide enough comfort. He will thank you for it every morning.

Create a safe environment for your pets

| Health & Beauty


“UNTIL ONE HAS LOVED AN ANIMAL A PART OF ONES SOUL REMAINS UNAWAKENED’!

It is a fact that we love our pets. We share our homes with them, our food, our problems, take them for walks and some of us even share the sofa and bed with our furry “besties”, but are we paying attention to what’s in that shampoo we’re washing them with? Bathing our four legged friends is important, however it is essential to choose products wisely and always opt for toxic free formulas, as numerous pet shampoos contain a whole host of poisonous, harmful chemicals. Many dogs often suffer terrible reactions to the chemicals in conventional solutions, resulting in skin problems, such as, dry flakey patches, itching, and allergies, even licking their skin raw in an attempt to relieve irritation. When you stop and scrutinise the labels of these commodities it really is no surprise! Listed below are 3 of the most common and toxic ingredients frequently found in dog shampoos that should be avoided at all costs:

1. SLS (sodium laureth sulfate) or SLES (sodium lauryl ether sulfate)

SLS and SLES are anionic detergents and surfactants found in many dog and human shampoos. They are inexpensive and very effective foaming agents. The problem is that they are completely unnecessary and are irritants that have been shown to cause eye or skin irritation in experiments carried out on animals and humans.

2. Synthetic Fragrances: 

Primarily made from petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances attempt to duplicate the smell of a specific plant, fruit or herb. A 1986 report by the National Academy of Sciences found that 95 percent of the chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum and include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxins and synthesisers capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. Instead of utilising essential oils in the solutions, which are natural scents, derived from plants, large manufacturers deem these too expensive and so prefer to use cheap synthetic fragrances.

3. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)

BHA is a preservative and stabilizer; U.S. National Toxicology Program, a part of the National Institutes of Health, has classified BHA as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” based on evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. It’s used in dog shampoos to extend the products shelf life. If it’s carcinogenic for humans, it’s carcinogenic for dogs, too.

What follows is a more complete list of chemical ingredients to avoid in your dog’s shampoo… and in your own shampoo as well! Read all product labels carefully. A common rule of thumb is if you can’t pronounce it and there are more than 3 syllables, it should be avoided at all costs!

Chemical Ingredients to Avoid:

Diaminobenzene, Methylisothiazolinone, Dioxins, Artificialcolors, Benzalkonium, ChlorideBenzethonium Chloride, Diethanolamine, Methicone, Triethanolamine, Propylene Glycol, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Sodium Hydroxide                                   

                                                                          

These ingredients are only the tip of the iceberg, and can be found in most commercially manufactured cleansing products. The truth is we don’t need these noxious chemicals in our shampoos. Clever marketing and advertising campaigns have programmed us to believe that all shampoo’s must create plenty of lather to be effective. Don’t be fooled, they don’t. Once again, I stress, scrutinise labels and purchase non-toxic, natural, safe products. Because they are worth it. You can not put a price on your health, or  your loved ones!

Let’s work together to create a better you and a brighter healthier future

| Health & Beauty

You are all  invited to join us on our journey to a more natural chemical-free lifestyle. It is our desire, that we can all learn together and share our everyday struggles and successes. Natures Army was founded through my passion to heighten awareness of the diverse and very damning effects that so called safe cleaning solutions are wreaking on our health and well-being, and to demonstrate how to eradicate them simply, safely and cost effectively from your homes and lives for good. I, like so many of you, have fought my own battles with illness and personal health issues, including infertility, eating, blood and skin disorders, not to mention a host of minor unexplained complaints.

As the founder of a thriving household cleaning company in Sydney, I have long suffered the detrimental effects from persistent over-use of conventional cleaning formulas, irritating my skin, causing it to feel constantly dry, flakey and itchy. On a number of occasion my eyes would burn and weep from noxious fumes, also rendering me light headed and breathless. Until one day, my body had had enough and I endured my first auto-immune reaction. This reaction occurred three times within the space of a few months, each time more aggressive than before. My face bloated to the size of a melon, my eyes closed almost shut and an angry rash of raw red welts formed all over my body. Numerous tests revealed no food intolerances or allergies were to blame, and it later transpired that the root of my problems lay within the countless chemical concoctions and toxic formulas I was coming into contact with on a daily basis.

Through these experiences, I now aspire for Natures Army to become a healthy lifestyle community for busy individuals, where everyone can find the information and products needed to embark on their own personal journey, but also a place to share individual experiences, ideas, tips and recipes on non-toxic cleaning and a healthier, greener future.

We would like to encourage you in the next few weeks to share your favourite health or cleaning tips, with us via one of the following tree options:

  1. Send your ideas to info@naturesarmy.com.au
  2. Comment on one of our posts on Instagram or Facebook
  3. Tag #naturesarmyhealthtip with your favourite health or cleaning tip

We can’t wait to share the fabulous results, tips & tricks with you in our upcoming Spring Cleaning Guide. Under all entries we will raffle out one of our “Green Goodie Bags”.

The perfect detox & recharge weekend

| Health & Beauty


The weekend is the perfect time for relaxation, fun and family time!  But before you decide to snuggle down under a blanket with a bottle of wine to beat the winter chill, it’s worth remembering that having a healthy weekend can help you start off the new week feeling rested and refreshed. Try one of our favourite weekend tips and feel fantastic and by Monday:

1. Don’t sleep in

On a Saturday morning, you may want nothing more than to lie in bed for a few extra hours. However this may not be the best idea if you want to improve your sleep pattern. Sleeping in on the weekends can throw out your body’s internal clock, making it harder for you to fall asleep and awaken at your usual time once the working week comes around again. That is why it is best to keep your bedtime and wake-up time consistent. Have you tried to start your day with one of our homemade face masks yet?

2. Sneak in a workout

If your weekdays are usually too busy for exercise, there’s good news – you can make up for lost time on weekends, and still gain health benefits similar to those of people who go to the gym every day. Researchers found that weekend warriors who met physical activity guidelines were 30 percent less likely to die from any cause during the nine-year study period, compared with people who didn’t do any exercise. Parkrun organises free, weekly, 5km timed runs around Australia and worldwide. They are open to everyone, plus they are free, fun, safe and easy and cater for all levels of fitness. So no excuses, grab your runners and take part this weekend!

3. Socialise

Meeting with friends & family on the weekend may be good for your health and help your job performance during the working week. Results of a German study showed that people who engaged in more social activities during the weekend reported better overall health after the weekend, compared with those who engaged in less social activity. Social activity over the weekend was also linked with more engagement at work, and better job performance, at the start of the working week.

4. Watch your calories and portion sizes

Farmers’ markets are a great source of local, organic fresh produce and spending a Saturday or Sunday morning at a farmers market is a good way to fill your life with fresh and healthy food. Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs, spices and nuts, and you’ll be less likely to resort to junk food on the weekend with a fridge and pantry bursting with fresh ingredients. We recommend to have carbs earlier in the day, so you’ll have time to burn them off. If you’re really craving something, go for a half portion or split it with friends. Would you like to find out more about healthy shopping tips & tricks? Keep up to date with our local Shopping Tours in Sydney in collaboration with About Life.

5. Drink more water

Eight glasses a day. This is the recommended amount of H2O needed to keep your skin glowing, your digestion in check, your energy up and your metabolism firing. Always keep a big bottle in your bag so you have no excuse. Check out our latest blog about drinking water and filter options. 

5 Natural ways to boost your mood

| Health & Beauty

“THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION YOU CAN MAKE IS TO BE IN A GOOD MOOD”!

We all have good and bad days and at times have to face stressful situations and difficult decisions wether it be at home or at work. We all experience new challenges and uncertainties daily that can render us vulnerable. The secret to overcoming these tricky situations is to learn how to move forwards rather than allowing them to drag us down. Not every day is picture perfect, but we need to always look out for opportunities and reasons to stay positive. To boost your mood and instantly feel happier and calmer, simply try one – or all of these mood enhancing ideas below:

1. Eat a banana
Bananas offer serious mood-lifting powers, with their combination of vitamins B6, A, and C, fibre, potassium, phosphorous, iron, protein and healthy carbohydrates. An important element in bananas that is responsible for improving our overall mood is tryptophan. Tryptophan quickly converts into the feel good hormone, serotonin on consumption and that is why when you eat bananas, you can enjoy the relaxing effects and soothing positive vibes that make you happy.

2. Catch some rays and go for a walk in the sunshine
Thirty minutes of sunlight each day provides vitamins and gives us a natural boost to our immune systems. At the same time it helps to de-stress and lower your blood pressure while reducing the risk of many chronic diseases. Going for regular walks is one of the best and easiest things you can do for your health. Even better: Try to make your walks social and invite your partner, friend or neighbour. This important interaction helps you feel connected with your environment.

3. Take a hot bath or shower
Hot water is more powerful than one might think. In fact, there are quite a few definite health benefits to be gained. Hot water is kind of an exercise for your blood vessels. This is because water creates physical pressure on the body and so increases the capacity of our heart. It relaxes our body and prepares us for falling asleep. Joint pain or some small sports injuries can be relieved with a hot bath. A good soak in hot water after a shower can open up the pores in our skin which is perfect to try one our our natural homemade facials. (link)

4. Listen to your favourite music
There’s no doubt that listening to your favourite music can instantly put you in a good mood. Scientists have discovered that music can do more for you than just lift your spirits. It makes your brain release dopamine, a “feel-good” neurotransmitter and decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body, which counteracts the effects of chronic stress. So turn up your favourite song!

5. Declutter your home or office
Why does getting rid of clutter feel so satisfying? Clearing out clutter isn’t only about creating more space – it may also aid in decluttering your mind. The idea of living a simplified life with limited personal effects sounds very attractive to many of us. Whilst the benefit of owning fewer possessions means less to clean, less to organise, less stress, more money and energy for other things. The most effective way to tackle decluttering your home and your life is to take things slowly and one step at a time. Combined, small steps will lead to big improvements that will be easier to maintain in the long-run.

Home-Made Pressed Plant & Flower Frames

| Health & Beauty

‘HAPPINESS IS HOME-MADE”!

We simply adore these home-made pressed plant and flower frames.

Plants and flowers bring life to any space, and whilst you may have some well-loved plants throughout your home, with a little care their leaves can be used to craft these fabulous home-made wall art ideas.

Not only do the frames look amazing, they are quick, easy and enjoyable to make.

Materials Needed:

•Leaves or flowers
•A heavy book
•Baking paper
•Simple frame
•Double-sided tape
•Nail + hammer to hang

Instructions:

1: Gather some of your favourite leaves from your indoor plants or collect a selection from outdoors whilst taking your daily exercise.

2. Press the leaves individually between two sheets of baking paper in the middle of a heavy book. Once evenly inside, lay the book on its side and stack another weight on top. Let the leaves dry for a couple of days. Once the leaves are fully dry you will be able to remove them from the book without them curling at the edges.

3: It does not matter which kind of frame you use as long as it has a front piece of glass and a back piece (of glass or a hard background). Remove the back part of the frame and position your dried leaves or flowers in your ideal position. Add a few small pieces of double-sided tape to the back of your foliage and secure it into place, front-side-up on the frame’s back piece. Then carefully slide in the glass and hang your masterpiece in a position where it can be admired!

Tip: Using a frame with a glass front and back will look wonderful if you place it on a windowsill where the sun can shine through it.

Healthy Gift ideas for Family & Friends 

| Health & Beauty

“Getting Crafty”!

What better present could you give a loved one than the gift of health? These favourite ideas of ours should provide plenty of inspiration for that special person in your life.

 1. Tea Gift Selection 

Tea is delicious, healthy, and perfect for anytime of the year. Both green and black teas are packed with antioxidants, and green tea is known to aid in weight loss. Did you know that tea can also assist you with cleaning tasks around your home? (See our blog on Green Tea).

2. A healthy Cookbook / Cleaning book 

How many times have you heard or even said to yourself that eating healthy is boring? Convince your friends and family of the benefits of delicious and nutritious food by purchasing them a cookbook that proves the benefits of a clean wholesome diet. And how it can assist in not only maintaining a healthy body and mind, but also make you look and feel fabulous. Want to try something new? Our book “Beginning a life less toxic” home detox will guide you through an easy to implement series of processes, recipes and ideas that will assist in removing toxins and chemicals from your families lives. Available to order on our website now.

3. Fitness or Yoga Classes 

Buy a gift certificate for classes at a local studio, or arrange a private session with an experienced instructor. It’s a great way to get out of the house while having fun, meeting new people and getting in shape!

4. Water Bottle 

A good reusable glass water bottle is a fabulous gift. It will keep your water cold and easily accessible to help keep you feeling your absolute best while you exercise or travel.

5. Eating Local 

Help your friends or family members take advantage of the changing abundance of produce from season to season with a membership to a local farmers charity fund. Or see if the local farmers’ market in their area will let you purchase a gift certificate or credits.

6. Healthy house plant

Plants look great and make your home more liveable while removing pollutants from the air by absorbing them through their leaves and roots. You can find some more facts about air pollution in our latest blog about Indoor Air pollution. 

 

 

 

Home-made face masks, good enough to eat!

| Health & Beauty

“Natural beauty is the best beauty”!

Why waste money on expensive face masks when you can easily make your own at home? Not only will you save money, you will help the environment and avoid exposing your skin to hundreds of toxins found in commercial skin care products. A win, win situation all round!  Many of the ingredients for theses deliciously fresh organic face masks you will no doubt already have on hand, either in your kitchen or fridge.  We hope you enjoy our top picks as much as we do, and don’t forget!  If you don’t use all of the mixture, just get a spoon and dig in for a healthy snack. 💚

1. Hydrating mask – for dry skin 
Avocados in the form of face masks are a natural and chemical-free way to nourish skin. They are the ideal base for a mask if you have dry, red, itchy, or rough skin.

Ingredients:

1/2 very ripe avocado
2 tablespoons of honey
1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil

Directions:
Mash the avocado in a small bowl until it’s smooth before blending in the honey and coconut oil. Apply the mask to your face and neck and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse your face afterwards with warm water and pat dry. The antioxidants in the avocado will help to detoxify your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your face hydrated, supple and plump.

2. Balancing mask – for oily skin
Caring for oily skin is all about balance. Get it under control with this natural organic banana mask. It contains Vitamin A, B and E which evens out the skin and helps to delay the ageing process. The Potassium in the bananas smooths out dry skin by moisturising and hydrating the skins cells.

Ingredients:
1 ripe banana
1/2 orange (juiced)
2 tablespoons of honey

Directions:
Mash a ripe banana with the orange juice and honey and carefully apply the mask to your face and neck. Leave to work its magic for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. If you have time, massage your face with ice cubes afterwards which helps to tight the skin and close any open pores. This delectable mask will have your face glowing and radiant in no time!

3. On the spot mask – for acne and pimples

If you’re suffering from spots, pimples and scarring, fear not! You are not alone. Believe me we have all been there at some stage and know it is no fun to live with – Why not ease your symptoms with this antibacterial soothing face mask.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of honey
1 – 2 drops of essential tea tree oil

Directions:
Mix both ingredients together and apply to your face and affected areas. Don’t use any more tea tree oil than is recommended, as too much tea tree oil can burn your skin. Always dilute essential oils with other a carrier oil or other ingredients before applying to the skin. This powerful mask will help to deep clean your skin and the antibacterial properties will stop any further infection.

4. Minimise pores mask – for oily/combination skin
Pores are minute holes in the skin through which sweat and oil pass. Each pore has a tiny sebaceous gland at its root which produce sebum, the skin’s natural lubricating oil. This mask is perfect for cleansing the pores and closing them, leaving behind a smooth fresh appearance.

Ingredients:
2 Egg White
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
optional: oatmeal

Directions:
Mix the egg white and lemon juice together until it resembles a thick paste and then add the honey. Apply the mask with a soft brush or spoon to your face. Allow the mask to dry and tighten for 15 minutes before removing it with cold water. For a gentle exfoliation add a little oatmeal to the mixture before applying.

5. Anti ageing mask – for mature skin

You can’t stop the signs of ageing but you can delay them for as long as possible! This face mask may help to reduce some of the tell-tale signs like age spots, sun damage and fine lines. The green tea in this mask has incredible health benefits. Plus it contains potent antioxidants which can help to protect the skin against the damage of UV rays.

Ingredients:
1cup of brewed green tea
1 teaspoon yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions:

Mix the yogurt with the lemon juice and add a couple of teaspoons of green tea. Apply the mixture to your face and leave for 15 – 20 minutes. The yogurt helps to reduce blemishes, sunburn and discolouration of the skin, whilst the lemon juice acts as a deep cleanser. Wash the mask off with the remaining green tea and gently pat dry.

As powerful as these flavoursome face masks are, we all know that ‘prevention is better than cure’! Healthy skin is an expression of what is actually going on inside our bodies as well as outside. Therefore to deal with skin conditions effectively you must treat your body kindly and holistically. Drink plenty of water, cut down on dairy, load up on green juices and vegetables, limit your sugar, alcohol and caffeine intake to achieve healthy glowing skin from the inside out!

“Hair Of The Dog”!

| Health & Beauty

“Invest In Your Hair, You Wear It Every Day”!

Home-made hair care, good enough to eat!
Many of the whole foods we eat daily to maintain a healthy inner glow can also be used externally on our bodies, hair and face, in the form of face scrubs, cleansers, moisturisers, body washes, shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, etc. the list is extensive. The vital vitamins, minerals, and oils within these foods not only help to nourish our bodies internally but they can also be harnessed to nourish us externally.

Below I have put together recipes for a variety of haircare products that you can make quickly and easily at home with just a few simple kitchen staples. You can choose to make them for yourself or even give them as gifts by reusing pretty glass jars or bottles. Your friends and relatives will love the personal touch, and you’ll be recycling and saving money too at the same time!
So what are you waiting for ? Get those blenders ready and lets get started !!

Lemon & Ginger Moisturising Shampoo
This heavenly creation is ideal for cleansing, especially if you are prone to dry hair and a flakey scalp. The olive oil and eggs help to nourish and moisturise, whilst the addition of the Castile soap, lemon juice and ginger thoroughly cleanse, and invigorate.

Ingredients
3 Tbsp of unscented Castile soap
1 Tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
3 Organic eggs
1.5 Cups of ginger tea

Method
Blend together all of the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Wet the hair with warm water, and massage in a good amount of the shampoo mixture for 1 minute and rinse clear with warm water. Unused shampoo must be refrigerated in an airtight jar and will keep for 3-4 days.

Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioner
Vinegar is an excellent softener, that makes hair shine with health.
Don’t worry the vinegar smell will fade away completely when your hair dries.

Ingredients
4 Organic eggs
2 Tbsp of grape-seed oil
2 Tbsp vegetable glycerine
1 Cup filtered water
2 Tsp apple cider vinegar

Method

Blend together all of the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Massage into freshly shampooed hair and scalp. Leave on for up to 15 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Unused conditioner must be tightly sealed in an air tight jar and refrigerated, this will keep for 3-4 days.

Deep-Conditioning Honey & Yogurt Hair Mask
All of the ingredients in this recipe deeply nourish and moisturise the hair and scalp, leaving hair soft, supple and manageable.

Ingredients
2 Organic eggs, beaten
1 Cup plain organic, full-fat yogurt
2 Tbsp grape-seed oil (or olive oil)
1 Tbsp raw honey

Method
Blend all of the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Apply to dry hair, concentrating on the ends of the hair. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, covering with a shower cap or towel to keep in the heat and contain any drips. Shampoo as usual. Unused conditioning mask must be tightly sealed in an air tight jar and refrigerated, this will keep for 3-4 days.

Welcome to beautiful, soft, silky manageable hair, Naturally !! xxx

 

Feel The Fizz – Heavenly Home-made Bath Fizzies!

| Health & Beauty

“LIFE IS LIKE A BATH, THE LONGER YOU ARE IN IT, THE MORE WRINKLED YOU GET”!

Feeling stressed, worn out or just feel like a long relaxing soak in the tub? Then it is time to whip up some of these heavenly fizzy treats.

You can adapt them how you wish by adding your favourite essential oils and colours and make them in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your mood.

These lovely little fizzes are great for softening bath water and smell amazing. They also make great gifts. So have fun experimenting with them. If you want a mood lifting bath try adding grapefruit or peppermint, or lavender and rose for a more relaxing soak.

You will need:

1 3/4 cup Baking soda
2 cups Cornstarch
1 cup Citric acid
Spray bottles
Natural food colourings
Mixing bowl
Essential oils
Baking moulds

Method:

Sift the baking soda, citric acid and cornstarch through a sieve to remove lumps.

To colour the mixture and add different tints, fill as many small
spray bottles as you need with water and then add about 6 drops of your chosen food colouring to each one.
Pour 1 cup of the powdered mixture into a mixing bowl and
lightly spritz, stirring after each spritz, until the powder is the
desired colour. Add the water slowly, so the mixture does not
fizz. If mixing two tints, alternate colours as you spritz.

Check the consistency of the powder with your fingers; when it can
be tightly packed or shaped, stop spritzing (this may take a little
while).
Select an essential oil of your choice, or two if you prefer and add 6
drops in all. Combine well and begin to firmly pack your mixture into small
baking moulds or silicone ice cube trays (do not over fill).

Allow the fizzies to set for 2 hours, and then carefully pop them out of the moulds, ensuring that they are thoroughly dry first. Run a bath, add fizzies, pour drink, add self to bath, lay back and relax..Enjoy!

Note: Once you get the hang of making these little bath treats you can begin to experiment further by adding rose petals, dried lavender, rosemary or oatmeal etc.