Author Archives: Sabrina

1. My GAIA Retreat & Spa Experience!

   March 5, 2019 9:27 am Comments Off on My GAIA Retreat & Spa Experience!

   Gaia Retreat & Spa, located in the breathtakingly beautiful hinterland of Byron Bay, Australia, (often referred to as the healing capital of Australia), would have to be one of my favourite places on earth. It really is no wonder to me that they won the top award at the 12th annual World Luxury Hotel Awards !
   

   Gaia Retreat & Spa was established in 2005 and continues to shine as one of the country’s most authentic, most renowned and most awarded boutique lifestyle pamper retreats.

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   Gaia’s unique wellness & healing ethos has truly set it apart by offering guests total flexibility to personally tailor their retreat experience. Gaia’s award-winning Day Spa is “home” to some of Australia’s best healers and therapists, with leading wellness consultants, renowned yoga teachers and skilled fitness coaches available to meet the guests every need. Add to this Gaia’s highly acclaimed world class spa cuisine, renowned for its melding of delicious and nutritional flavours inspired by international cooking styles, and you have a recipe to delight and seduce not just your palate but all your senses.

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   DAY 1 – We land in ballina airport where a complimentary chauffeur is awaiting our arrival. After a short 30 minute drive we arrive at the Gaia retreat. From the moment I stepped foot on the land, I instantly knew there was something quite magical about the area.. aside from the breathtaking enchanted gardens that surrounded the retreat, there was a sense of instant calm and peace that washed over me.

   I made my way to the reception to notify them of my arrival and was warmly welcomed with some healthy fresh baked muffins, seasonal organic fruit and tea of choice.

   Before long we make our way to our room and when we arrive I’m slightly taken back by just how gorgeous it is. I knew it was going to be something special however it truely exceeded my expectations.

   After settling in, we decide to walk around the retreat and explore all its Beauty before making our way down to dinner.

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   Dinner

   Dinner was spot on, I requested a plant based meal done gluten free and by speaking from experience, it isn’t always easy to get this combo right. The chef must be an absolute genius because his use of herbs, spices and ingredients took my dining experience to a completely new level. I would actually go as far as saying I would return to the retreat just for the food alone haha!!! The dessert was equally as amazing, truely a taste sensation.

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   DAY 2

   I woke up naturally to the sounds of birds chirping and slowly made my way down to breakfast. Yoga is optional before hand however due to a hip injury I gave it a miss.

   For breakfast the choices are endless. You can tailor a meal to what ever dietary requirement you have. An organic cold press juice just the way you want it? Whether your vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian.. no request is to much for the staff.

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   After breakfast we rested a short while then made our way down to the day spa for a facial followed by a massage which was absolutely heavenly. An experience like no other. They bless the room with sage and at the end of your pamper session you are treated to a mini sound healing bath.

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   We spent the rest of the day doing more exploring, taking in the views of the hinterland and being spoilt with even more amazing food at dinner.

   DAY 3

   Day 3 was a sad day for me, I really didn’t want to leave the retreat, I only wished I had booked in a couple more nights if not a week. Im grateful to have even spent 2 nights at GAIA however next visit will definitely be a week so I can fully immerse myself and be open to feeling completely rejuvinated.

   It really is an amazing place to simply escape from the perils of new millennium living – a secluded sacred space where you can renew, refresh and restore. The 25-acre property offers 14 treatment rooms, a heated salt water swimming pool, tennis court, hot-tub spa, sauna, steam room, walking tracks and its own organic garden. From the birds in the flowering gardens to the eco-architecture and design, Gaia evokes a sense of peacefulness, tranquillity and belonging.
   

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   The beautiful product line available at Gaia that I’m absolutely obsessed with! It’s Gaia’s very own Retreatment Botanics skincare range and was used during the facial I had whilst at the spa. ) – Available online here >> retreatmentbotanics.com

   Gaia Retreat & Spa provides guests a unique and private space to realign themselves physically, spiritually and emotionally: it’s about the whole Gaia experience – the staff’s exceptional service, nurturing guidance and wisdom along with nourishing, award winning organic cuisine. The dedicated focus on tailored healing treatments in a safe and warm environment completes the story.

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   Some of the goodies from in the Gaia Boutique

   Gaia’s dedicated and professional staff will assist you in designing your own personal, purpose driven retreat – whether it is active and energetic, tranquil and serene, or a clever combination of both. Find your core balance with Fitness activities, Tai Chi or morning Yoga, or your inner creativity with an art class.

   To Book your Gaia Experience in, head to their website and check out the incredible packages on offer!! Click here >> Retreat details

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   Gaia is an unpretentious retreat – A place of heart to reconnect with the land and yourself -barefoot meets Armani we like to call it.’ Olivia Newton-John

2. Whos In Need Of A Lifetox? My Review Of The Billabong Health Retreat

   December 11, 2018 5:47 am Comments Off on Whos In Need Of A Lifetox? My Review Of The Billabong Health Retreat

   The Billabong Health Retreat 

   Only 45 minutes to Sydney but feels a million miles away

   Meditation, Yoga and Health Retreats 

   A thirty-bed eco yoga retreat offering amazing organic whole food cuisine, an incredible nature setting, stunning resort style swimming pool and transformative yoga retreats, health retreats, mindfulness retreats and meditation retreats.

   Winners of Best Health & Wellness Retreat and Most Unique Accommodation 2013 NSW Tourism Awards.

   Its been a year since my second Bub was born and it seriously feels like I was in a bubble that whole time, I was in need of a break, a little bit of me time so I decided to book myself in for a few nights at the Billabong retreat after hearing really great reviews from a few friends who had already stayed there. Now I’m not hugely into Yoga but loved the fact you didn’t need to be, they basically cater to many different needs…

   At first I felt bad leaving my 2 little ones, a little nervous at the same time as I’ve always taken them with me wherever I go. I figured if I looked after my state of mind a little more then they are going to get a better version of me/a better Mumma.

   So we arrived, the staff were very welcoming and we were shown to our gorgeous deluxe room that overlooked the Billabong. It was very spacious, modern and equipped with everything needed for the ultimate retreat experience. My favourite was the bathtub on the balcony and a music system that had pre downloads of meditation music!

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   Day 1 We arrived late in the afternoon so we just walked around taking in the serenity of the environment that surrounded us. Before long it was time for dinner which was absolutely delicious. All the food they source is organic, seasonal and super fresh. I was blown away by how yummy it all was. After dinner we watched a film called Happy which was very inspiring. After this we simply stayed on and chatted to the other guests before retiring to our comfy beds for a goods night rest.

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   Day 2 We started the day with a grounding yoga session followed by another delicious breakfast spread, we then decided to take one of their loan bikes for a ride around to discover the Billabong and surrounding wildnerness, we then cooled off with a dip in the magnesium mineral pool. Being a retreat there’s no way we were going to go without a massage so we booked in to the day spa for a very relaxing 1 hour massage and infra red sauna session. (Probably one of the best massages I’ve ever had!). This was followed by a sound bath/sound healing session and an amazing guidedS meditation. Later in the afternoon we attended one of the workshops which focused on altering your state of mind to live a much happier life.

   Dinner once again was amaaaazing, we also were spoilt with the most delicious raw vegan tiramisu dessert ever!

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   Our yoga instructor/mentor whilst at the retreat 

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   pictured here is detox juice, blackberry smoothies and my yummy breakfast selections !

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   The Mineral pool and day spa reception! / Raw Vegan Tiramisu / Sound healing working on aligning the chakras

   Day 3 I woke up completely unwound which was surprising to me as I didn’t think it was possible to switch off after such a short period of time. The first 24 hours I felt lost without my 2 little monkeys, day 2 I felt very relaxed and at peace, I felt I had completely immersed my self by the third day,  I was a little sad at the same time that I couldn’t stay longer but excited at the same time to see my boys again. I will definitely love to revisit Billabong and recommend it to anyone in need of a lifetox. I actually can’t think of a better place to completely switch off, unwind and just experience the sensation of leaving everything behind.

   To book your stay visit https:// www.billabongretreat.com.au . You won’t regret it!!

3. Where To Stay And What to Eat & Do In Noosa QLD!

   June 3, 2018 10:05 pm Comments Off on Where To Stay And What to Eat & Do In Noosa QLD!

   Summer all year round sound to good to be true? Well believe it or not that seems to be the case in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast Queensland! Well, that is given your from Canberra haha! But on a serious note, Noosa is definitely one of the warmer towns in Australia. Whilst it was around 10-12 degrees in most states, we got to enjoy temps of up to 29 degrees Celsius!! Which also meant we got to put our swimwear on, absorb some much needed Vitamin D and Sea, spend time at the beach, overdose on Acai bowls and enjoy beautiful beach walks In the evening.

   It’s one of those places where if you need to switch of and unwind then this is the town for you! It has a little bit of everything for everyone. From Gorgeous beaches, stunning national park walks that run along the coastline, amazing day spas, a strip of some very impressive shops, great cafes and restaurants plus so much more..

   So where did we stay?

   NOOSA LUXURY RETREAT – POINCIANA HOUSE

   A Luxury 4 bedroom beach house with lush gardens and pool in the heart of Noosa, perfect for families to enjoy a memorable holiday.

   We absolutely loved staying at Poinciana beach house with the whole fam. It really just made our holiday what is was. I’m not a huge fan of hotels because it basically means your eating out 100% of the time. When you have your own fully equiped kitchen, you get to create your own breakfast and dinner. Of course your going to want to eat out sometimes but lets face it, 100% of the time? no thanks! I personally like to know whats going into my food. Not only this but when your travelling with the family, in our case 2 families. You want to stay somewhere more comfortable, affordable and spacious, Poinciana not only ticked all these boxes but catered to all other needs as well.

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   Poinciana is located literally minutes away from beaches, cafes and everything needed for the perfect Noosa holiday. The pool area is absolutely beautiful and the gardens were simply amazing! The house in itself is super modern but has a lovely beachy feel to it. Another perk was the fact they supply all organic bath and shower products for complimentary use by their guests.

   My husband and son loved that they also supplied water toys such as stand up paddle and surf boards. I mean.. WHERE have you stayed that had this already available for complimentary use??? Not many places I can tell you!

         

   To book Poincina for your next family vacay follow this link >> NOOSA LUXURY RETREAT – POINCIANA HOUSE – Just make sure you book well in advance as it’s quite a popular holiday house!!

     

   What did we get up to whilst in Noosa?

   Allot of exploring, eating, sight seeing and relaxing!  Noosa National Park A stones throw away from the gorgeous mainbeach was one of the highlights, as you can see from the below photos, it has some of the most beautiful turquoise waters you have seen, the whitest sand, a native forest with koalas, yes koalas in it!  There are 15kms worth of trails to explore, all of which are simply breathtaking!

         

   Noosa also has an impressive thriving town centre with some of the funkiest and up to date shopping boutiques and cafes.

   Whist in Noosa you also want to visit some of their markets.

   We visited the;

   Eumandi Markets

   ‘Renowned for locally made artisan treasures, there’s no other market quite like it. Mark it in your diary; open rain, hail or shine every Saturday and Wednesday. Step into an ever-evolving collaboration of talented locals seeking to share their gifts with the world.

       

   The Original Eumundi Markets is the biggest and the best art and craft market in Australia. Meet the talented hands behind handcrafted furniture, homewares, artworks, ceramics, cutting-edge fashion and jewellery, and chat to the farmers and bakers selling fresh produce and gourmet delights. When you need a shopping break, rejuvenate with a massage, have your palm read or lose yourself in the stellar line-up of musicians and street performers. It’s an experience like no other.’

      

   Noosa Farmers Markets 

   The farmers markets are held every Sunday at The Noosa Australian Football Club on Weyba Road, Noosaville between 6am and 12pm where we showcase some of the finest and freshest produce in the region.

        

   ikatan Day Spa Noosa

   

   Luxury Travel Guide, Asia and Australasian – Luxury Spa of the Year Award winner 2017. Voted four times for Best Destination Spa in Australia and listed by TripAdvisor as one of the ‘Best things to do’ in Noosa.

   ikatan is the Sunshine Coasts most awarded destination Day Spa, set on acreage just minutes from Noosa, Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach, Coolum and a short drive from Sunshine Coast Airport and Mooloolaba. ikatan is known as the ‘Best Spa in Noosa’ for offering authentic, luxury spa treatments, packages and the only day spa to offer full Day Retreats.

   I had the pleasure of enjoying a Chi massage whilst there and it really was such an amazing experience. Here’s a little description for those interested in learning more. It’s just another recommendation if your either from Noosa or planning a holiday up this way, it’s a must visit! Personalised chi aromatherapy oil is applied in a slow, rhythmical motion with a heated herbal compress ball, helping to draw tiredness from your muscles before we massage with nurturing slow, long flowing strokes and palming hand movements. Chi massage also includes a relaxing foot massage that focuses on your chi reflex points and finishing with a neck, décolletage and scalp massage helping to soothe the mind and clear your head.

   When exhausted, your body needs nurturing with this soothing style of body massage treatment to gently balance your Chi (energy) using a light to medium pressure massage. Leaving the Chi aroma oil on your skin for as long as possible extends the benefit of this massage.”

       

   Where did we shop/eat?

   The choices are endless, you will literally find anything your after from Acai bowls to pop up vegan vans serving up cold press juices and coco whip to buddha bowls and kombucha on tap but heres a few of my favourite places I found to be the best to pick up some quality organic produce and get a healthy bite to eat while your at it!!

   

   Belmondos Organic Market –

   Belmondos Organic Market is the Sunshine Coast’s award winning marketplace specialising in organic foods and well-being.  Offering one of the largest ranges of organic product lines on the Sunshine Coast including onsite artisan producers and wholesalers.

   We got allot of our groceries from here and got to enjoy a super yummy vegan organic lunch at Vanilla Crunch Cafe.

     

   For a nice morning coffee with a view!

   Bistro C or Blended!

   These are the two places we regulaly visited. Bistro C had a lovely view to match a nice cuppa whilst blended always made a consistent cup of coffee! I don’t really recommend the nice cream or acai bowls at Blended however the coffee is what got us going back!

   

   Image via pinterest 

   For just your everyday acai bowl!

   We recommend Acai Brothers Noosa!

   

   Dinner

   We recommend checking out the Sum Yung Guys restaurant! Sum Yung Guys is a Modern Asian Restaurant that serve up vegan and vegetarian options. I highly recommend checking these guys out if your in town for a nice bite to eat for dinner!

     

   Images from the Sum Yung Guys website

   So there you have it guys! A run down of some of the highlights from our trip in Noosa! I hope you found it useful for your next trip!

4. Part 1 – Products I Absolutely Swear By!

   May 8, 2018 9:50 pm Comments Off on Part 1 – Products I Absolutely Swear By!

   Hi guys

   So I thought I would do a few little blog posts starting with products I absolutely swear by, have used for quite a while now and seen some very significant differences in how my skin looks and feels. I will be sharing this information across a few blog posts hence this being titled “Part 1”, as I want to cover every aspect of my healing journey from skincare, to the diet I switched over too, detoxing my home and mind plus much more. By doing it in steps hopefully it will make it easier for you to break it all down. The aim is to hopefully inspire one of you to think twice about what exactly is going into your body, on your skin and how its affecting your overall health.

   As most of you would know, I’m huge advocate for ensuring what ever goes in and onto my body is as natural as possible, predominately certified organic and 100% chemical free. It was around 5 years ago I decided to take this step and WOW what a difference it makes to your overall health. Not only did my skin clear right up, it turned back the clock at least 6 years and I have managed to put a thyroid condition (auto immune thyroiditis) and stage 4 endotmetrios in remission. Oh and I also was able to finally fall pregnant after being told I wouldn’t bare children.. no biggy really.. (More on my about page.)

    

   SKINCARE

   Divine Woman

   The first thing I looked at was my skincare range, making a switch over to a very trusted brand the Divine products, which I knew had the highest amount of Certified Organic ingredients, some of which are gentle enough that they are even edible! I started of by trialling their travel pack, after just one week I noticed my skin was already improving and more plump, then after only a couple of  months, my skin transformed into the best it’s ever been. I used to break out pretty much all the time. With a clean diet and using these products, its been over 4 years and not one single break out and my skin seems much smoother.

    Eliminating compromised ingredients from our lives supports the future of our bodies, our farmers, our earth, and provides hope for humanity – both current and future. – The Divine Company. 

   The following are just a few of some of my absolute favourite products in the range >>

   The DIVINE WOMAN DAILY RENEWAL LACTIC GEL CLEANSER

   

   The DIVINE WOMAN DAILY RENEWAL LACTIC GEL CLEANSER

   A gentle foaming cleanser infused with skin refining botanically sourced lactic gel to support the skin resurfacing process revealing younger looking, renewed skin. Regular use dramatically improves skin texture and brightness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Suitable for daily use on Oily / Combination skin or as a gentle occasional peel on all skin types.

   Made from 86% Certified Organic Ingredients and 100% Naturally Derived and Plant Based Ingredients.
   This product is also Cruelty Free, Vegan, Gluten Free and Australian Made.

   DIVINE WOMAN MIRACLE OIL SERUM

   Blending a potent dose of anti-ageing vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acids and mineral rich ingredients, the Miracle Oil Serum helps to accelerate skin repair and prevent premature ageing. Featuring a combination of delicate essential oils to penetrate and nourish the skin while heavier molecular oils provide a barrier over the skin to lock in nutrients.

   Made from 86% Certified Organic Ingredients and 100% Naturally Derived and Plant Based Ingredients.
   This product is also Cruelty Free, Vegan, Gluten Free and Australian Made.

   DIVINE WOMAN ULTRA PERFECTING MASK 75ML ~ ACO CERTIFIED ORGANIC

   A rich and creamy ultra-hydrating mask that provides the skin with a nourishing boost of essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals to deeply penetrate the skin, plump out fine lines, reduce redness and improve pigmentation. Nourish, hydrate and protect the skin, restoring and shielding it from harsh environmental factors. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin to calm existing irritations.

   Made from 85% Certified Organic Ingredients and 100% Naturally Derived and Plant Based Ingredients.
   This product is also Cruelty Free, Vegan, Gluten Free and Australian Made.

   Im also in love with their Exfoliant, Collagen Mask and eye cream!

   SHOP THE RANGE HERE  <<<<<<

    

   DEODORANT

   BLACK CHICKEN Axilla Deodorant paste

   

   I then moved on to deodorant.. regardless if you have bad body odour or not, would you really choose between smelling like chemical ridden fragrance over your health? There are so many natural deodorants on the market that not only smell great, are aluminium free, completely natural and work too!!

   So I did my research and quickly established that BLACK CHICKEN Axilla Deodorant paste was one of the best out there and one of the few that actually work! I have tried quite a few on the market and they just didn’t cut it. This one only needs to be applied once in the morning and lasted pretty much until the evening!

   Why I love this deodorant;

   • Contains only natural and certified organic ingredients
   • Does not contain harmful Aluminium Salts or compounds
   • Is completely invisible upon application
   • Does not contain synthetic fragrances
   • Contains pure essential oils and botanical extracts
   • Does not contain alcohol, Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Triclosans or other harmful chemicals
   • Vegan friendly and not tested on animals
   • Made with love in Australia

    

   ESSENTIAL OILS – HAIR CARE & DENTAL

   Young Essential Living

   So I have been using Young Living for almost 6 months now and I must say I’m loving their products. In particular the essential oils, Thieves household cleaner, toothpaste and body care. I don’t usually blog about something unless I’ve used it for a while however this product is so far so good. I’m only new to the essential old world and getting my head around it all. I think diffusing essential oils in small doses in a well ventilated room can be quite powerful.

   

   And finally..

   As for the rest of my beauty regime, I like to keep it very basic. I sometimes even just use coconut or sweet almond oil as a moisturiser for the body with a few drops of ylang ylang oil to add a beautiful scent instead of wearing perfume. Perfume to me is highly toxic (boarder line poison) and I stay well away from it.

   As for makeup I still to brands that only use certified organic plant based ingredients or minerals such as Ere Perez or Young Blood.

   Anyhow, I hope you found this post useful and somewhat informative. Stay tuned for Part 2.. My most favourite supplements/Superfoods and herbs  and why I use them!

   Love

   Sabrina xx

5. The Divine Rawspirations Health & Wellness High Tea Event

   April 20, 2017 4:51 pm Comments Off on The Divine Rawspirations Health & Wellness High Tea Event

   On April 8 2017, The Divine Company & Rawspirations hosted the Divine Rawspirations High Tea Event at the stunning venue called  The Avalon On The Beach in Sydney and what an amazing fun filled day it was!

   Upon arrival Dwyane Martens, Founder of superfood company Amazonia Co,  along with his team whipped up mouthwatering acai superfood bowls adorned with healthy fruit and berry toppings. Followed by a mouth-watering afternoon tea that featured raw and baked vegan and vegetarian sweet and savoury treats, as well as Bonics bio-dynamic champagne, red wine and cold pressed juices hosted by myself and The Avalon On The Beach.

               

   Photography by Anisa Sabet of the Macadames 

   The venue was absolutely stunning and the staff were so helpful and went above and beyond throughout the entire process. I really can’t thank them enough for all their help. I highly recommend  The Avalon On The Beach to anyone looking to host a special occassion. I can only imagine how breathtaking having a wedding or birthday party here would be with the ocean as the backdrop, the delicious food and large space that can accomodate 120+ persons.

         

   The purpose of the event, (led by Therese Kerr), was about empowering people to wellness in every aspect: food, sleep, what we bath and shower in to what we put on our bodies and in our mouth every day. During the presentation, Therese shared how simple changes have lasting impacts on our health and wellbeing. She then went onto explain the importance of introducing antioxidant-rich certified organic nutrition into our diets to support our bodies to help prevent illnesses and remove toxins. Most illnesses are in fact linked to environmental factors of some sort, minimising and/or removing toxins in all aspects of our lives, from the foods we eat to what we lather ourselves in everyday. By consuming anti-oxidant rich, certified organic, (non chemical-filled) nutrition and by removing everyday products that contain cancer-causing, endocrine disrupting, obesogenic chemicals and replacing them with healthier alternatives, it can drastically mitigate the ageing and illnesses that we have become so accustomed to.

           

   Theresse kerr / Guests / Bangaleys Heads / Ovvio Organic Tea / Coyo is Coconuts / Dwayne Martens

        

   Acai making station thanks to Amazonia Co / Vegan Savoury Bites / The menu / Guests

         

   Raw Vegan Sweets & Treats / Our gorgeous guests and the outlook from the venue of Avalon Beach

   Accommodation was booked through Northern Beach Holidays  and they did such a great job at finding us an amazing home overlooking the ocean that accommodated all our staff. If your looking at heading up that way or arranging your wedding/event at the Avalon on the Beach then these are the guys you want to get in touch with. They will definitely look after you! Ask for John 0410 574 716.

     

   Inside the house we booked at Banagaley Heads a stones throw away from Avalon Beach

   We are super excited to announce the next event will be hosted this September so make sure you sign up to our subscriber list to be notified of date and location!!

   Thanks to all who attended and for all our sponsors who were apart of the day.

   Love

   Sabrina xx   

   All Photography by; Anisa Sabet of the Macadames 

    

    

    

6. A Divine Rawspirations High Tea Event – Sydney 8 April

   February 24, 2017 8:01 pm Comments Off on A Divine Rawspirations High Tea Event – Sydney 8 April

   A Divine Rawspirations Afternoon Tea Event, Bringing Gorgeous Like-minded Souls Together in Wellness.

              

   Join Sabrina Muscat, founder of Rawspirations and Therese Kerr, author, speaker and Co-founder of the Divine Company, for a special educational and fun event that will leave you inspired and empowered to make healthier life choices.

   The second Divine Rawspirations event will be about empowering people to wellness in every aspect: food, sleep, the skincare we are using, what we bath and shower in to what we put on our bodies and in our mouth every day.

   Explore why thyroid challenges and other hormone-related disorders have become so common, including endometriosis, infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome and estrogen dominance in men and women. The event will also explore why it’s so hard to lose those extra few kilos no matter what you do and open your eyes to the impact of chemicals in every day products. The Divine Company age-defying skincare products are revolutionary in effectiveness showcasing the potent power of plant botanicals. Certified bio-active ingredients that deliver results.

   Sabrina, a wholesome lifestyle advocate and fully qualified life coach, is dedicated to the health and nutrition field. With ongoing study in Nutritional Science, she has devoted her life to exploring what it means to live a healthy, natural and organic life. She has more than 103,000 Instagram followers and has inspired women globally through her story of how she healed herself after lengthy illness, and all naturally.

   Therese, a powerful keynote speaker will show you how simple it is to have beautiful skin and hair and how easy it is to feel healthy, vibrant and alive, naturally. Therese was voted one of Australia’s Top 50 Most Influential Women of 2015 and Organic Industry Leader of 2015.

   Upon arrival Dwyane Martens, Founder of superfood company Amazonia, along with his team will be whipping up mouthwatering acai or pitaya superfood bowls adorned with healthy toppings, followed by a mouth-watering afternoon tea which will feature raw and baked vegan and vegetarian sweet and savoury treats, as well as Bonics bio-dynamic champagne, red wine and cold pressed juices hosted by Sabrina and The Avalon On The Beach.

         

   There will 1 gift per person courtesy of Rawspiraions plus some exciting hampers to be won on the day!

   This event is available to a limited number of guests, so don’t wait to book! >>> BOOK NOW

   DATE AND TIME

   Sat. 8 April 2017

   2:00 pm – 5:00 pm AEST

   Add to Calendar

   LOCATION

   The Avalon on the Beach

   Barrenjoey Road

   Avalon Beach, NSW 2107

   View Map

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   If accommodation is required, we recommend using: www.nbholidays.com.au – Email [email protected]

   *The ticket entitles the bearer to either 1 flute of champagne or 1 standard glass of red wine.

   Please advise of any dietary requirements at least a week prior to event date.

   

   Buy Tickets Now

7. The top 7 reasons why you should start juicing today!

   December 8, 2016 8:07 am Comments Off on The top 7 reasons why you should start juicing today!

   I thought Ide share this helpful write up I came across in relation to the top 7 benefits of Green Juicing I found on the Prolific Juicing website.

   I too struggle with keeping up with it all so I think it’s important to surround yourself with reminders as to why your doing it in the first place. It’s so true that most people have no idea how good their bodies are designed to feel until you have been there and experienced how amazing you feel after a good cleanse, this is one of my biggest motivators, knowing how your going to feel afterwards and the healing benefits that follow. When I embarked on my very own healing journey, green juicing played a huge role. My only advice is to ensure your sourcing clean organic produce and throughly washing it all before you start the juicing process!

   

   GREEN JUICING

    

   I’ll be honest with you: Green juicing is hard work. It makes a mess in your kitchen, takes time to clean up, and is a process if you really want to form a green-juicing habit rather than toy with it as another health fad.

   In the beginning, juicing is new and exciting, so it is easier to keep it up. But as time passes, the newness and excitement fade away, and this is when you need to remind yourself as to why you’re juicing in the first place!

   You need strong reasons to keep juicing.

   Whenever I feel like I am falling off my juicing wagon, I remind myself the supreme benefits of how juicing supports, nourishes and nurtures my mind, body and soul. During times when I am lazy, I come back to a list of the following Big Whys of Juicing.

   Read this list to get yourself into juicing, print it out, modify it to your liking and use it to your heart’s content in order to stay on the green juicing track.

   Top 7 Green Juice Benefits 

   

   1. You Get Top Nutrition:

   Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that are good for your overall health and vitality. I cannot stress the importance of eating your raw fresh fruits and vegetables and greens enough – you just feel it in your body when you feed yourself with the much-needed nutrients! You instantly feel better, your skin glows, your eyes have a new spark. There’s something about eating right that no other anti-wrinkle crème can give you!

   Fruits do contain a natural sugar called fructose but eating fruits does not make you fat and is not bad for you. This sugar is not the same as processed sugar found in junk food. If you have diabetic tendencies, check with your doctor. Otherwise, as a healthy person, you need not worry about fruit so much as about eliminating all processed sugar from your diet J!

   Green vegetables on the other hand contain very low levels of sugar. They help you to detoxify and cleanse by helping your digestive system to eliminate waste. And the more you consume vegetables in their fresh and raw form, the lesser you crave junk foods.

   2. You Get Quick Absorption:

   When you juice your vegetables, the benefit is two-fold: One, you’re taking in the essential nutrients that your body needs. And two, your body immediately absorbs all these nutrients because juice is in liquid form. You give your digestive system a rest because it doesn’t have to breakdown any solid foods, and the nutrients go directly into your cells and bloodstream, making it much easier on your body. As a result, you feel lighter yet active throughout the day.

   3. You Get to Enjoy a Variety of Tastes:

   With Jucing,  you can bring in a large variety of vegetable and green options such as kale, broccoli, chard, dandelions, spinach, parsley, collard greens that you’d otherwise hardly consume on an average diet.

   Also, the fiber in large quantities of vegetables and greens can give you a bad stomach ache. Juicing removes all the fiber. Some vegetables are hard to combine in your usual diet, and juicing brings a superb way-out to take advantage of these rich in nutrient vegetables.

   Note: Fiber is great for you but you get plenty of it in a healthy diet. So don’t fret if you are not getting it through juicing. Instead, you get tons of other nutrients

   4. You Can Go on Juice Fasts and Detoxification:

   Once you form your juicing habit, you can start going on mini-fasts on a consistent basis and build up to a longer fast. As your diet becomes cleaner, you may not need to fast as much but it’s a great way to detox your body at the beginning. During a juice fast, you’re doing your body a favor by giving it a break. Your digestive system can now focus on eliminating the wastes instead of processing solids and junk foods.

   5. You Can Lose Weight Easily and Naturally:

   Green juicing helps you lose weight in a seamless manner. For me, it’s the easiest way to lose weight. You can replace one meal a day with juice and if it’s a green juice, you can drink up to 32 ounces and be fine. In return, along with losing the extra pounds as a side benefit, you are rewarded with delicious taste of green juices. Your taste buds are happy too.

   6. It is Fun and Adventurous:

   One of the big reasons that helps me stay committed to juicing is that I find it be so much fun and adventurous. I am ever so curious about the various combinations of raw vegetables and fruits that lie in front of me on my platter – how will these taste together? I love coming up with new recipes, hunting for vegetables at the fresh produce section of the super market and mixing it all up with a dash of ginger and herbs toward the end. It’s a fun experiment and I love it!

   7. Your Body Returns to a Healthy Alkaline State:

   Your pH level is an exact measure of how alkaline or acidic is your body. The pH balance of human blood has to stay within a certain range. In order to avoid the harmful effects of the acidic nature of many foods you consume, your body has to work hard to minimize the acidic effects and bring it in the neutral range. Green juicing helps keep your body in that alkaline state.

    

8. A Divine Rawspirations High Tea Event

   March 8, 2016 5:08 pm Comments Off on A Divine Rawspirations High Tea Event

   A Divine Rawspirations High Tea Event

   https://reg.eventgate.com.au/Event/4201/A-Divine-Rawspirations-High-Tea-Event

   A Divine Rawspirations High Tea Event, Bringing Gorgeous Like-minded Souls Together in Wellness.

   Join Therese Kerr, author, speaker and founder of the Divine Company, and Sabrina Muscat, founder of Rawspirations, for a special educational and fun event that will leave you inspired and empowered to make healthier life choices.

   The first Divine Rawspirations event will explore why thyroid challenges and other hormone-related disorders have become so common, including endometriosis, infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome and estrogen dominance in men and women. The event will also explore why it’s so hard to lose those extra few kilos no matter what you do and open your eyes to the impact of chemicals in every day products.

   Sabrina, a wholesome lifestyle advocate and fully qualified life coach, is dedicated to the health and nutrition field. With ongoing study in Nutritional Science, she has devoted her life to exploring what it means to live a healthy, natural and organic life. She has more than 73,000 Instagram followers and has inspired women globally through her story of how she healed herself after lengthy illness, and all naturally.

   Therese, a powerful keynote speaker will show you how simple it is to have beautiful skin and hair and how easy it is to feel healthy, vibrant and alive, naturally. Therese was voted one of Australia’s Top 50 Most Influential Women of 2015 and Organic Industry Leader of 2015.

   Both Sabrina and Doubleshot Deakin will host a mouth-watering raw and baked vegan and vegetarian buffet. The High Tea will feature raw and baked vegan and vegetarian sweet and savoury treats, as well as organic wine, champagne and cold pressed juices.

   This event is available to a limited number of guests, so don’t wait to book.
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   Click on the link below to BOOK NOW!

   https://reg.eventgate.com.au/Event/4201/A-Divine-Rawspirations-High-Tea-Event

   *The ticket entitles the bearer to 1 flute of champagne. All other beverages and desserts are part of the High Tea buffet and available until stocks last. (Don’t worry, there will be ample stock!)

   * Tickets are non-refundable. 

   *Seated event

   Image by Margit Selg Photographer

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9. Relax & unwind at the Back 2 Earth health retreat!

   November 6, 2015 7:42 pm Comments Off on Relax & unwind at the Back 2 Earth health retreat!

   The Rawpirations team recently escaped reality to head into the countryside and visit Back 2 Earth, a raw vegan retreat in the coastal town of Berry, NSW.  About three hours North of Canberra and 2 hours from Sydney, the Shoalhaven region is a perfect place to find great food, delightful villages, stylish shops and award winning restaurants.  We spent two nights at Back 2 Earth, best known as a health retreat that offers raw vegan cuisine, float tank experience, massage and psychotherapy.

   

   The first thing we notice upon arrival at the retreat were the beautiful views overlooking a scenic terrain, everything here was at rest. Even the animals at Back 2 Earth are calm. They range from miniature horses, ducks, chickens, goats and alpacas.

                                   

   Back 2 Earth is not only popular for the great hospitality and views, but also the amazing raw vegan dishes. On our first dinner we were served a huge rainbow layered salad bowl with a variety of home grown salad greens, tomato, beetroot, carrot and marinated dehydrated mushrooms, topped with coriander avocado dressing. Every element of the dish was yummy wholesome organic goodness nourishing our bodies. Its great knowing the food served by the owners Marc and Jenny is straight from their garden and onto the plate. Dessert was equally impressive and delicious. We were served a raw vegan tiramisu, a perfect finish to our day.

   

   The retreat’s entire menu is vegan, based on consuming living plant foods in their original raw state. The live enzymes in raw food improve food digestion, repair cellular damage and create billions of new cells everyday. Other benefits are – beat cravings, increase energy, mental and emotional clarity, stabilise mood and improve your skin, hair and nails.

   The following day we were served a delicious creamy vanilla chia parfait, served with freshly squeezed juice and raw vegan banana bread. Hands down, our favourite breakfast dish. After a nutritious breakfast we headed into Berry’s town centre which is only a seven minute drive from the retreat. The gorgeous village has many art galleries, cafes, restaurants, antiques and collectibles shops, beautiful heritage buildings and cottages.

       

   We then headed off to the Beach at Shoalhaven Heads which was only a 10 – 15 min drive from the village to spend an hour or so soaking in some ‘vitamin sea’ .

   That afternoon back at the retreat we decided to see what the flotation therapy tanks were all about! Flotation therapy is a way of achieving deep relaxation by spending an hour lying quietly in the darkness, suspended in warm water solution of Epsom salt which is what actually makes you float. This experience is designed to eliminate distractions and allows you to zone out by way of true sensory deprivation unlike when you lay on a mattress, our brains process the pressure of the bed on our skin, the feeling of temperature and hearing of sounds. The benefits include reduced stress, creative thinking, accelerated learning, relief from muscle aches and improved mental and physical well-being.

   If you’re concerned about claustrophobia, there is a sliding door that easily opens at any time. It feels like what you can imagine the sensation of lying on a cloud or the weightlessness of being in space. First timers may find it difficult to get in a comfortable position and zone out, however it becomes easier once you relax your neck and muscles. After the floatation therapy we were extremely calm from being in a mediative state for a little over an hour.

   Dinner was raw vegan pizzas which we made using dehydrated herb pizza bases and ingredients from the garden such as  avocado, tomato, basil, pesto sauce and then drizzled with homemade sweet chilli sauce, cashew nut cheese and lemon infused olive oil. We were simply blown away by how delicious they tasted and how much they filled us up! The Dessert was a peppermint crisp tart and it was just divine!

        

   The next day we woke up early to pack up and leave. We sat outside looking at the beautiful green hinterland only to be served our last meal from the retreat which was banana dehydrated pancakes, chia pudding, vanilla cashew nut and berry yogurt, drizzled with chocolate sauce and fresh fruit. Another amazing meal served to us by Marc, the talented raw vegan chef. After saying our goodbyes, we left the retreat feeling full of energy and feeling great.

              

   Overall, Back2Earth is a perfect place for those seeking peace, serenity and to rejuvenate and unwind. Every day life can be so busy, and the countryside helped us slow down and focus on the more meaningful things in life. Marc and Jenny were so friendly and approachable; and always happy to have a chat. Back2Earth is perfect for couples, a ladies getaway, solo guests and even families.

    

   For those seeking guidance on raw food, you can experience tailor made food workshops which are held at Back 2 Earth all throughout the year or learn fun and experimental ways of  using a Vitamix and dehydrator. If you’re visiting Berry, be sure not to miss out on the organic fruit and veggie box Marc and Jenny sell which is filled with local and seasonal goodies, plus herbs straight from their garden!

   You can check out their recipes on instagram by looking up #back2earthrecipes

   Photography: Margit Selg

   Visit the Back 2 Earth site here!

10. No Rest For the Wicked – Self Defence at Dark Carnival!

    August 19, 2015 7:54 pm Comments Off on No Rest For the Wicked – Self Defence at Dark Carnival!

    Today, Sabrina and Rawspirations newest team blogger, Mairi, will share something with you that is not the typical food related post. It’s something that Sabrina is very passionate about and wants to promote amongst everyone, but in particular, women.

    Imagine yourself being stuck in a situation feeling helpless and not knowing how to get out. Or maybe you found yourself in a situation being approached by a suspicious looking person while going for a run, which has made you rethink ways to avoid it from happening again. Well, its time to take control and empower yourself by getting the freedom back you deserve.

    

    Photographer: Margit Selg

    About 8 months ago Sabrina had a brain snap and decided that she would pursue a goal she wanted to kick for quite a while. That being, to take up Martial arts and see it through to the end. She asked a good friend who trained in martial arts whom she considered to be the best trainer in Canberra and without hesitation highly recommended Mitch from Dark Carnival. Since training with Mitch the past few months, she can now see why.

    Sabrina believes it’s important for every woman to know self defence skills and wants to break the stigma that surrounds martial arts to show just how amazing it really is. To date she has learnt so much, not only about the different self defence techniques but also about herself. Some of the things you can guarantee to come along with the training are; self preservation, confidence & incredible mental benefits …..

    Sabrina absolutely loves training at Dark Carnival and looks forward to each session as it’s always different.

    We decided to pull Mitch out of the zone so that we could enjoy a relaxed cup of tea and learn more about the story behind Dark Carnival!

    Tell me a little about yourself and what got you started in Martial Arts?

     

    My name is Mitchell Langman and I’ve been training in Muay Thai for 19 years. I started training at the age of 13 and my older brother introduced me to the sport. I always wanted him to take me to his class. But he wouldn’t. Being the little annoying brother, I convinced my mum and she got him to take me to the class. A year and a half later, he stopped, while I kept training which lead me to coach Martial Arts.

    What does  “Dark Carnival” mean and what does it represent?

    Essentially, there is a massive stigma associated with martial arts being brutal and dark. It is dark what we do, however, it is fun and that’s where the carnival comes in. People are always drawn to the fun and fitness. What people get when they come into Dark Carnival is a completely different experience. They might come in for fun and fitness, but when they leave the class, they leave learning so much about themselves they never knew before. It’s about controlling yourself, mentally and emotionally. Rather than learning how to throw a punch and kick, you learn how to interact with people and develop skills taught on the mat. The bright lights lure people into Dark Carnival and they stay because it’s wicked what we do.

     

    Why do you think Self Defence/Martial arts is an important skill for women to know?

    Usually predators don’t attack someone who’s going to put up a fight. When you look at lions in nature, they don’t attack the head of the herd. They target the old, young, sick, weak and ones trailing at the back that can get easily taken. As we sit in this café and look around, we can see a lady outside adjusting her handbag, looking down and not walking tall and strong. This is an example of how predators view the world. Therefore, women need to appear strong and confident, without being aggressive. When predators see that, they are least likely to attack. The worst thing about this is that a predator is there to be a predator. If not her, then it will be someone else. Until then, women will be seen as vulnerable. To become less of a target you should always be aware of situations surrounding you, appear confident, make eye contact and hold a strong presence.

    

    What are the most likely scenarios we’re most likely to see?

    Most likely scenarios are put down to 2 things, ignorance or bad luck. You don’t want to be looking back on a situation and thinking, how did I miss that? or why couldn’t I see the signs? After 9.00pm till 1.00am, the environment changes. You should stay out of dark places and stick to the light where possible. In situations where you might go for a 5.00am jog, it’s important to be aware of your situation. Don’t put your headphones on so you can’t hear, have at least one headphone out to hear. Be mindful of the environment around you and cut around bushes, incase someone leaps out and surprises you. The ambush situation is a very likely scenario. If there’s someone behind or in front of you, make sure they are aware you can see them. They could also be going for a walk, however it’s the importance of being aware of what’s around you. The most likely scenarios are wide areas, car parks where there isn’t many cars and your at a pay machine, park lands, bike paths, going for a run, even basic as going to and from your car morning and late afternoon.

    Can you tell me any good news stories that have come out of someone been trained in this art?

    

    There’s been a couple of good news stories. Recently a lady was going for a jog and a guy jumped out and threw her to the ground. She knew Jiu jitsu and defended herself by a choke hold then broke his arm. One other story was a girl from the UK got attacked in the back alley while walking home. Unknown to the attackers, she used her kick boxing skills as self defence. She ended up coming out with a black eye and few bruises, however escaped from the predator. Another story from the UK-  A lady was at home, while getting out of the shower, she noticed men had broken into her house. She knew kickboxing and was able to fight one attacker and ran from the dangerous situation.

    How is Sabrina progressing?

              

    Sabrina is progressing really really well, and I’m not saying that because she’s sitting across the table from me! When Sabrina first started she was already aware about her surroundings and reading situations. However, posture and body language was the look of a victim. This has changed through training, she now stands tall and strong. When we first started on the mats, the closest she would stand was 2 meters from me. When I moved forward, she would move back. That was her personal space and bubble. Now she’s getting more comfortable and confident at getting close. Another improvement is her confidence to question the process in what we’re doing and asking ‘what if’? which is awesome. We’re building up to a point where I’ll increase the pressure more and more. This is where the physical and mental training starts to come through. She’s coping really well. It’s great.

    What would be a good must do course to start with that covers all the basics in self defence and then where to from there?

    There are plenty of self defence courses offered throughout the world. The biggest thing I stand by is, if there are any Martial Arts gyms close to you and available, you should do it. Any knowledge is better than no knowledge. You want to make sure that what you’re learning will work against a resisting opponent. Putting it through practice and knowing how to get out of a difficult situation is the best way to learn. Ask questions and voice your concern about scenarios

    At Dark Carnival we run self-preservation classes every Tuesday and Thursday. Later in the year (2015) we’ll be starting a 12-week women self-defence course teaching the fundamentals of self-perseveration. We teach a common sense approach to Muay Thai and a common sense approach to Jiu Jitsu. In a dangerous scenario you want to do what you can to get out of there. In the worst-case, if someone holds you with a weapon and asks for your wallet, hand it over. Whatever is in your wallet can be replaced.

    

    Is there anything you would like to add?

    Dark Carnival rocks! *laughs*. On a serious note, I want to draw on the importance of Martial arts training and exactly what you get out of it. Fun, fitness, body conditioning and body identification. It’s a great work out and you push personal boundaries that start to build the psychological and mental aspect. If you got attacked outside, you’re not going to hold back, you’re going to do exactly as much as you need to survive and get out. We teach you to exceed your expectations so you can get better, while at the same time improving mental, physical and emotional benefits from Martial Arts.

    

    To make a booking: Contact Mitch on 0422 000 145 or email: [email protected] 

    Instagram: @darkcarnival_cbr

    Author: Mairi Hogg

    Photographer: Margit Selg 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

11. Tips For A Good Night’s Sleep The Natural Way!

    June 7, 2015 10:59 am Comments Off on Tips For A Good Night’s Sleep The Natural Way!

    As you are probably already aware, my usual topic of discussion is generally related to the foods I eat that I have found have worked well on my journey into healing myself,  however I realised I never really touched on a subject that in hindsight is probably a very important one when it comes to a holistic approach to healing. That is of course getting enough “Sleep” at night!. something that if you are lacking,  could basically see your health and everything else you do throughout the day suffer.  I’m aware that we are not always able to control the factors that interfere with sleep, (I.e. Have children/baby/snoring partner etc..),  however there are steps you can take on board that will help encourage a good night’s sleep during the hours you do manage to squeeze in starting with these few steps that from past experience helped me overcome years of Insomnia!

    6 Foods at the top of the elimination list

    

    Sleep is one of the most important needs in life. Without sleep, we would not be able to physically or mentally function. I know for a fact having gone through almost 6 years suffering insomnia the toll it takes on your body. I was lerthargic all the time, moody, forgetful, lacked motivation, my skin was dull and dry, it literally affected pretty much every aspect of my life and I never want to have to go through it again!

    I never really considered what I was eating and drinking throughout the day could be interfering with how I would wind down and sleep at night, I just fell into a vicious cycle of eating and drinking whatever I thought would provide me with the energy I felt I lacked without a second thought about how it would affect me later!

    After a few weeks on an elimination diet, I started gaining an hour each night until eventually after a couple of months I was almost back to sleeping my usual 7-8 hours a night compared to what I was getting which was only about an hour a night! Here is a list of some of the things I ended up eliminating from my diet after speaking with a specialist regarding insomnia and I have to say the results were just amazing!

    • Caffeine – The stimulatory effects of caffeine varies from person to person, for some people, caffeine can stay in the bloodstream for hours after consumption. It is generally recommended to abstain from caffeine in the afternoon and evening,  limiting caffeine and coffee to 1 cup a day and and waiting till after 9.30am before drinking your first cup for the day! Read more about why this is HERE! 
    • Refined Sugar and complex carbohydrates should be avoided as they can quickly elevate blood sugar levels..
    • Excessively fatty foods such as fried foods and potato chips as they can cause heartburn whilst trying to sleep.
    • Reduce fluid intake from 8pm onwards to avoid having to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
    • Alcohol – While alcohol can help you fall asleep (not recommended), it prevents you from getting the REM sleep that you need to feel refreshed.
    •  Soy –  Studies have found that Fermented soy products have some of the highest amounts of tyramine – meaning soy sauce, tofu, miso, and even teriyaki sauce should be avoided hours before bed time!

    6 Foods at the top of my inclusion list 

    

    Bananas – Bananas are naturally high in magnesium and potassium making them the ideal muscle and nerve relaxant. The vitamin B6 found in the fruit also converts tryptophan to serotonin thus increasing relaxation even more!

    Walnuts & Almonds –  Walnuts and Almond are another great source of tryptophan and magnesium (natural sleep enhancers). Additionally, A study conducted by the University of Texas found that walnuts contain their own source of melatonin, which may also help you fall asleep faster.

    Lettuce – Eating salad can also help you sleep better at night as the lectucarium in lettuce has sedative properties.

    Oatmeal – The grains in oatmeal are particularly high in melatonin which is know to promote relaxation and helps with falling asleep faster. I prefer to go with a gluten free range such as Bobs Red Mill.

    Herbal tea – Chamomile and lemon balm are 2 great choices when it comes to choosing a tea that will assist with getting a good nights sleep. Both have sedative effects and have the ability to relieve insomnia in some people. If you’ve been having sleepless or restless nights, a nice mug of chamomile tea at bedtime may be just what you need to sleep soundly through the night.  Chamomile tea has also been know to ease anxiety and depression as well!

    Non GMO Jasmine Rice – According to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who ate jasmine rice for dinner fell asleep faster compared to other types of rice.

    This is mainly because jasmine rice has a high glycemic index, meaning the body digests it at a slow speed, releasing glucose gradually into the bloodstream. It also boosts the production of tryptophan and serotonin in the blood, thus encouraging sleep. So, eat jasmine rice to significantly cut the time it takes you to fall asleep.

    Are you comfortable in your own bed? Choosing the right Mattress and Pillow specific to your needs has been made easy thanks to Sleepmaker! 

    

    Your bed is your everyday haven. A place to retreat, relax, snuggle down and escape. The sleepmaker company have a fantastic online tool that will assist you in determining the exact set up to suit your very specific needs!
    Just answer the Comfort Selector questions and they will provide you with a simple recommendation to help you experience the delight of pure comfort.

    Ways to help switch of and Unwind from your day

    

    Photograph by: Margit Selg

    Depending on how hectic your day might have been, it’s important that you know how to switch of and unwind. In todays day and age, we seem to live in a world filled with information overload, social media distractions, reality television shows, deadlines, endless to do lists etc… that can often leave you feeling overwhelmed and  inundated which in turn sometimes leads to a cognitive overload and an on-the-go lifestyle. While this ever-connected world has its advantages, what’s often missing is the importance of carving out time at the end of the day to just let it all go.

    Not long ago, we lived our lives according to the sun. We adapted to the change of the seasons and relied on our finely tuned senses to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. We honored the primal and cyclical nature of our bodies which was to awaken with the sun, perform daily activities until dusk, settle in for the night, sleep, and once again awaken with the sun. Contrast this to today where we are no longer limited by the hours of the sun. Long work hours, variable sleep cycles, daily sensory overload, and high stress permeate our daily lives, completely disassociating us from our natural rhythms.

    Here are a few simple steps you could try that may help you to switch of and unwind from your day!

    • Nature provides the perfect venue to switch off, unplug and “simply be”, because it prevents you from being plugged into the artificial environment, composed of television, radio’s, mobile phones, laptops, etc., that surround most of us during each minute of our waking hours. Spending time in nature allows us to unplug from this artificial environment, which allows us to really live in the now, and enjoy the mystery and beauty that is life.
    • Yoga – Yoga allows you to be still, peaceful and tranquil in a world consumed with chaos. Yoga’s deep breathing and meditation practices help foster an inner shift in whatever it is you may be going through. Yoga also helps relieve stress, unclutter the mind, and helps you remained focused.
    • Bath – I love running a hot bath, it’s such a simple way to relax and unwind. Place a few drops of pure essential lavender oil in with some magnesium bath salts and get ready to melt away your day. Light a few candles, play some day spa music in the background and it instantly feels like your in a day spa!
    • Diary/Journal – If I find I have allot going on with multiple deadlines needing to be met, having it all bottled up in my head is just recipe for disaster, my body just ends up going into fight or flight mode and it forces my mind into cognitive overload! My brain simply just can’t cope with the amounts of information it’s trying to store resulting in tasks being forgotten, information being deleted important deadlines being missed, over I basically just become completely worn down! By writing down things you need to do in a to do list and having everything documented and organised in a diary/calendar or journal, takes such a huge load of your mind, its a must do for anyone with allot on their plate and I really cannot recommend doing this enough for the sake of your sanity and contributor to how you overall filter out un-necessary stress!

    So there you have it, just a few of my trialled and tested recommendations on how to try and achieve a more peaceful mindset and a better nights sleep! I’m going to leave you now with one of my favourite breakfast smoothies that incorporates some of the foods that are in the Inclusion list!

    Banana, Almond & Oat breakfast smoothie 

    

    Ingredients:

    2 medium chopped and peeled frozen bananas

    1/3 cup gluten free rolled oats

    1 cup unsweetened almond milk

    1 tbs almond butter

    1 scoop raw vegan vanilla protein powder

    pinch cinnamon

    1 tbs rice malt syrup or 1 medal date

    1 tsp white chia seeds

    Method: In a food processor, blend all ingredients for a minute until smooth. Pour into serving glass and enjoy!

    Sab x

     

     

12. Till next time Byron Bay!

    May 29, 2015 2:10 pm Comments Off on Till next time Byron Bay!

    I have seriously had the most amazing week in Byron Bay, from the beach, the people, the food, the positive vibes everywhere you go, everything about this place just gives you a sense of calm and peace thus making it the ideal location for anyone in need of a holiday or those just wanting to switch off and unwind from their daily routines.

    We spent the last few days walking and driving around exploring hidden gems and cute little cafes scattered In and around Byron Bay and the surrounding Hinderlands.

    Here is a list of some of my favourite places we visited!

    Naked Treaties

    Raw, Vegan & Organic. Gluten, Dairy & Sugar Free. Naked Treaties offers a range of delectable sweet & savoury RAW delights hand-crafted in beautiful Byron Bay & infused with blessings & loving intent.

    I think we spent a little to much time in here, I was super keen to try their entire menu haha, I didn’t quite get that far however I did trial most of it and the Raw vegan falafels, pizza  and “I am abundant smoothie” would have to be my top 3 picks!

    

    Crystal Castle

    See previous blog post for details

    

    The Byron at Byron – Day spa

    With its stylish design and architecture, the multi award winning Byron at Byron Resort and Spa is inspired by its pristine surroundings. Set within a stunning subtropical rainforest The Byron at Byron Resort provides an idyllic escape in a relaxed atmosphere whilst offering all the special touches you would expect. Relax on the wide open verandahs and admire the magnificent and unique rainforest canopy while enjoying warm and friendly service, great food and wine, all with a smile. The spacious resort comprises 92 one bedroom suites set within 45 acres so you truly have the space you need to unwind. Stroll the boardwalks to nearby Tallow Beach, enjoy daily yoga or simply retreat to the resort Spa for the ultimate indulgence which is exactly what I did!

      

    Santos Organics

    Santos Organics is passionately committed to the health and well-being of individuals, communities and the planet. In line with this commitment their vision is to make organic, wholesome, ethical food accessible to as many people as possible.

    This was my go to store in Byron for our groceries, healthy little snacks or if we just wanted a quick and healthy lunch or smoothie. You can expect to find a wide variety of all the very best quality health food products and produce as well as homeopathic/naturopathic products should you require.

     

     

    Island Luxe Bangalow 

    Wow, what an amazing little boutique I stumbled across passing through Bangalow! I was so impressed by this little store and the collection of unique designer fashion brands and artisanal handcrafted pieces, I seriously could have bought the whole store, will definitely be back to do some serious shopping in here!

    

    Cape Byron walking track 

    Every time I visit Byron Bay it’s a must to do the Cape Byron coastal walking track leading up to the light house ! You don’t even realise your getting in a great workout as you are to memorised by the breath taking views along the way up! Another fun little fact is whilst your up there you can also take a short little walk down to the most Easterly part of Australia!

       

    

    I would love to list all the places we visited but we would be here all day, these are just a few that to me stand out as memorable and my recommendations to anyone thinking of visiting Byron any time soon, It really is an amazing place to visit and I’m already counting down the days till I return!

    Till then, thank you for having me Byron until we meet again!

    

    Sab x

13. Bungalow Farmers Markets and Crystal Castle!

    May 24, 2015 10:35 am Comments Off on Bungalow Farmers Markets and Crystal Castle!

    Hi! So today we are off to the Farmers markets which is about a 5 – 10 min drive from Byron Bay. I absolutely love being able to get hold of fresh organic produce that has been harvested straight from the earth and made available for people like myself to be able to buy and enjoy, so I was super excited when I found out Byron Bay actually has 2 market days a week!

    We did unfortunately miss the main one which is held on a Thursday but we managed to make it to the Bangalow Farmers Markers which i’ve been told are a little smaller which mind you doesn’t bother me in the slightest, as long as my favourites are there (which they were) that’s all I care about!

    

    Here are some happy snaps of what caught my eye!

    

    Farm fresh avocados, truss tomatoes, paw paw, papaya, bananas & potatoes! 

    

    Hydrating with some delicious organic lime/mint infused water

    The market is quite cute, you can expect to find an array of fresh local grown produce, skin care products, antiques and live music. We didn’t stay to long so after few purchases we jumped in the car and starting making our way to somewhere I been wanting to visit for a long time now, and that place is Crystal Castle, just a short drive out from Byron! !

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    Crystal Castle Byron Bay – Hold and behold the enchanting beauty of crystal from gigantic formations to exquisite jewellery. Walk among gods through stunning gardens and rainforest. Find yourself an ancient labyrinth. Touch the world peace stupa blessed by Gyuto Monks of Tibet. Ignite the senses, enrich your spirit. – Crystal Castle. 

    I was expecting wow coming here but really? WOW! I am so blown away by how beautiful Crystal Castle really is, I must admit I am a massive crystal lover and have been to many crystal places around the world, this place definitely tops anywhere I have ever been and I am so in love!

    From the moment you reach the front entrance, you are immediatly captivated by the beauty of some of the worlds largest crystals which have been embedded throughout the walk of endless lush tranquil gardens and sparkling water features. You could spend an entire day here and not get bored what so ever.

    

    After a couple of hours walking around and soaking in all the beauty, we stopped to enjoy a healthy locally grown lunch up at the Lotus Cafe which overlooks the breathtaking hinterland and organic garden just a short walk away. Right next door to the cafe is an amazing crystal shop full of some of the most amazing crystals I have ever seen.

     

    

    Lotus Garden salad and green Smoothie – Organic Garden – Crystal shop 

     

    

    My purchase – Rare Smoky Citrine Quartz Crystal – From the garden, a quote Engraved into Rose Quartz by the Dalai Lama & Quartz crystals. 

      

    Bamboo gardens

    It was such a magical experience and I really can’t wait to come back here some time soon, I left feeling so grounded and peaceful. Crystal Castle has definitely exceeded my expectations and is now on my list as one of my favourite places to go out of my way to visit again!

    Sab x

14. We have arrived in Byron Bay!

    7:33 am Comments Off on We have arrived in Byron Bay!

    Peace signs and symbols of love everywhere, a warming welcome, organic shops on every corner, yep, looks like we have arrived in Beautiful Byron Bay!

    Byron Bay is a beachside town located in the far-northeastern corner of the state NSW (New South Wales) in Australia.  From the spectacular hinterland to the mesmerising beaches, Byron Bay is perfect for just about anyone. There is so much beauty to be seen and experienced here from whale watching, stunning coastal walks, farmers markets, surfing, retreats, lovely little cafes and restaurants, the list of reasons to visit is simply endless!

    We didn’t get a whole lot done on day 1 as we arrived quite late, we basically just walked around, found our way down to a cute little organic grocer in Byron called “Santos Organics” and picked up a few necessities and breakfast for the following day.

    

    Mango Tapioca pudding & Fresh produce from Santos Organics. 

    See you all tomorrow! Super excited to be visiting Bungalow Farmers Markets and Crystal Castle!

    Sab x

15. Time out! My mystery getaway!

    May 21, 2015 1:02 pm Comments Off on Time out! My mystery getaway!

    Ever just wanted to spontaneously pack your bags, buy a ticket, jump on a plane and disappear somewhere to relax and unwind? Well I’ve decided I’m going to do just that! It was almost like a brain snap, a sudden urge to want to remove myself from my current routine and take myself somewhere to feel grounded and re-invigorated again.

    Most of us lead such busy lifestyles that we sometimes forget to stop even for a few minutes in a day to completely switch of to the world. We all seem to worried or caught up over what’s about to happen next that we hardly ever stop to just enjoy the present moment.

    

    No matter how busy I am, my motto is, where there is a will there is a way. I will always find a way to remove myself from everything that i’m doing to step outside, find a nice quite and tranquil place to go, whether that be in the garden or up in the hills, find a comfortable place to sit and just be still and do nothing but breath..  Whether it be 5- 10 minutes, a few hours, or even better a few days to getaway, I cannot tell you just how beneficial it is for your body, mind and soul to be able to remove your thoughts from the past and future, (2 things that don’t even exist) and just be in the present moment taking it all in. I personally find It is one of the greatest ways to switch off, be with your own thoughts, and reconnect with your being.

    I always say practice what you preach so my bags are packed, I just purchased my ticket and we are off and heading to a place surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery and beaches, genuinely down to earth souls and the most amazing fresh and healthy food the earth has to offer.

    Stay tuned for next blog post to follow me on my little getaway!

    Love Sab x

16. Welcome to the Rawspirations blog!

    April 19, 2015 11:12 am Comments Off on Welcome to the Rawspirations blog!

    

    Hi everyone and welcome to the Rawspirations blog!

    For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Sabrina, creator of Rawspirations. The purpose of this blog is to share with you my journey in becoming a representative of the natural and organic lifestyle!

    What can you expect to see on my blog? 

    I will mainly be blogging about food, sharing healthy and wholesome recipes with you all, and to follow will basically be everything I’m passionate about and here’s a little breakdown of what that looks like! :

    • Health/Nutrition/Food– Health tips, raw/baked vegan and vegetarian recipes, healthy kids snacks & meals, favourite raw/vegan/vegetarian friendly cafes in Australia/worldwide & product reviews.
    • Beauty – Natural skin care products I love and endorse, skin care tips, natural home made remedies I swear by.
    • Inspiration – As a soon-to-be life coach, I’m all for bringing the best out of people which means yes, there will be loads of Inspiration and positive vibes being sent your way!
    • Travel – Favourite travel destinations around the world, health & wellness retreats, best day spas worldwide.
    • Fitness –  Functional training/My Journey into Martial arts.

     

    

     

    My Story

    In early 2013 I was diagnosed with stage four Endometriosis, a condition where tissue from the membrane that normally lines the uterus — the endometrium — grows outside the uterus, typically on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines or other areas in the pelvis. Between 25 and 50 percent of infertile women are estimated to have Endometriosis.

    My endometriosis had spread through most of my organs and I was told I had very little chance of ever falling pregnant. In fact, if I was to have any chance of having children, I should begin a six-month course of Zoladex straight away. (Zoladex is a hormone therapy and a type of chemotherapy used to treat prostate cancer/ovarian cancer and non cancerous endometiosis.) Once treatment was completed, I would then only have a couple of months to try and fall pregnant before the endometriosis would start growing back.

    I really didn’t see the advantages of putting my body through 6 months of torture, only to be given a slim chance of falling pregnant. In my mind I felt I only had 3 options: 1) To give this crazy treatment a go without much hope, and running my body down in the process; 2) to forget about ever baring children and continue living in pain; 3) to go back to basics and look at the underlying reason why my body was producing too much estrogen and causing these problems in the first place.

    I’d always lead a natural and healthy lifestyle, incorporating fitness and a balanced, chemical-free diet. Having a background in nutrition science, I decided to follow my head and my heart, and began (with the help of numerous naturopaths and homeopaths) a diet of predominantly raw and vegan, organic foods.

    Fast track to six months later, instead of following the advice from the specialist and wrapping up a course of Zoladex, my decision to try the natural and holistic approach allowed me to fall pregnant – I couldn’t believe I was finally going to have a baby! Not only was a new life growing inside me, but also a surge of excitement to share my story with other women that may be in a similar situation.

    Rawspirations, which initially began as an Instagram account, allowed me to do just that. I continue to share recipes that I’ve trialled and tested following a predominately raw/baked vegan & vegetarian diet, all organic and dairy-free, gluten-free and refined sugar-free.

    In April 2014 I gave birth to beautiful healthy baby boy, who has not only brought a whole new meaning to my life, he inspires me every day to continue on this journey.

    It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes it all worth it and I am still discovering new and exciting ways of living a wholesome and happy life through Rawspirations.

    A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of it’s persistence. Be persistent with whatever it is you believe in, if your passionate about something, explore the possibilities, be powerful with your decisions and effective with your time. Stop waiting for someday, there is no someday, there’s only today, right now, in this very moment.

    Enjoy,

    Love Sabrina x

    Photography: Margit Selg 

     

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    The content on this website is based on my own personal experience and health journey. 

    The material provided is for informational purposes only. I am not a medical professional, what worked for me may not work for you, everyone is different, therefore you need do what ever you’re most comfortable with. xx

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