Roadblocks and Hurdles

If you're a regular visitor to this little blog, firstly, thank you. You may have noticed there has been a longer length between posts.

Quite often, we can't always pull something poignant from our depths, and sometimes we just wake up one morning, and come face to face with a few hurdles.

Life is great, things are happy and happening, new things are occurring which I couldn't be more excited about, the kind of excited where your face hurts from grinning... yet I still felt like there was an obstacle in my way.

I guess this became the perfect example as to why I created this blog. To be that forum for those that woke up and came across their own hurdles, to come here, read through, and if nothing else, feel positive, motivated and self assured.

So last week it was my turn. Things were busy, things were stressful and I started to see glimpses of the old anxious me that I've worked so hard to conquer.

This was just a reminder that nobody is perfect, and we can always do more to look after ourselves and work on what we need to.

Without the loving support network I have, maybe I would still be in that funk?

Writing it down, talking it out, sweating it out and remembering to relax and enjoy the moment was really just the reminder that I needed. I go on so much about having your Sisters of Support network but last week I really did have it and it was awesome. It works. I don't write about what I don't know, and I don't write about what I don't experience, so trust me when I say, the support network works. Use it. Spread the love xxx

I came across this over the weekend and felt like it was the best reminder:

"If you're depressed, you're living in the past. If you 're anxious, you're living in the future, if you are at peace, you are living in the present"

 ~ Lao Tzu

So what did I do?

I got the feelings out on paper. I vented to a friend. I said no to offers that I knew would only aggravate my mood, and I implemented a new eating plan. Emotions weren't the only thing at play here, I was getting so bored of eating the same routine, it was time to switch it up.

Basically, so many options for me to pep myself up and to look forward. There is so much to be happy about and grateful for. Allow yourself to have a meltdown if you feel like that's what needs to happen, some days are just plain shit, and we all have them, then get back on track and remember all the things you have to look forward to!

This week is a much different week, and after this week, next week will probably be even better. But we'll figure that out when we get to it :-)

Happy Wednesday 

x

Words: My Own

Image: Pinterest|My Own

Daydreaming...

 

Images: Pinterest | They All Hate Us



Nuts for the C Nut

 

 

For those that know me, I am rather organised. Appointments go in the iCal, post-its go up at my desk, notes get written on my hand. Shampoo and Conditioner running out? I'll probably stock up when it's halfway through (cos i'm a glass half full kind gal).

 

So last week, organised Nicole woke up with no moisturiser. #firstworldproblems

After years of problem skin, my patient facialist and I have finally found what works, and I'm holdin' on to that for dear life! So with no time-frame to get to said facialist before the weekend, I was in a bit of a bind. I don't wake up, or go to bed at night, without moisturising. So I thought I would take a risk and try out the coconut oil in my cupboard that I have been using to cook my food. To any males reading this...bear with me, this is not a trick post about that time of the month.

 

Hearing for some time about the multi-purpose benefits of coconut oil I considered it an experiment of sorts.

After only a few days of applying this morning and night, I found my skin hydrated, so soft and smooth!

The applying to my face still made me a little nervous, but I am still regularly using this on my body and it is amazing!

 

So after doing a little more research I came across some other really great benefits and uses of coconut oil...

 

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Coconut oil contains short term medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCFAs), which is a "healthy" form of saturated fat compared to trans fat. Trans fatty acid consumption is linked with heart problems, depression and increased cholesterol levels.

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If you suffer from poor digestion or tummy bloating try adding coconut oil to your diet. Coconut oil has been found to benefit digestive disorders including irritable bowel syndrome and microbial related tummy bugs. Fatty acids in coconut oil contain anti microbial properties, which have a soothing effect on bacteria, candida, or parasites that cause poor digestion.

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Coconut oil is made up of healthy fats lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid which contain antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral prosperities to boost the immune system.

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A study reported in the Journal of Nutrition found that coconut oil boosts metabolism. Researchers found that participants who consumed two tablespoons of coconut oil per day burned more kilojoules than those who consumed less. A speedy metabolism helps boost the body's immune system and keep weight off.

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Coconut is not just for your cooking – it's a wonderfully hydrating treat for skin too. It keeps the skin's connective tissues strong, which prevents sagging and wrinkles. Apply coconut oil directly to your skin to soften the appearance of fine lines or use it daily on your face and body for a healthy glow. Be sure you use virgin coconut oil with no additives.

Don’t confuse this with Coconut Cream or you’ll just smell like a really delightful Pina Colada.

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Because coconut oil is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid, it gives it a higher smoking temperature than most polyunsaturated or monounsaturated oils. If you're preparing recipes that require high temperatures you should consider coconut oil for this type of cooking. Unlike olive oil which will oxidise at high temperatures, creating free radicals.

 

Words: My Own| Good Health

Image: Pinterest

My Life - Now vs Perfect

I would be lying if I said that I didn't continuously work on my life balance. Maybe this is something that I will never get perfect, but i'm certainly trying (end enjoying) making it so.

As we grow, our perspectives change. Our priorities change. Our relationships change and our focus changes. Despite how others may make you feel, this is not a bad thing. 

Are there changes to your current life balance that you'd like to make? No idea where to get started?

Below are common categories that most of us currently do in the areas of our life on a weekly basis:

Contribution

Self Development

Leisure

Hobby

Alone Time

Business

Family 

Relationship

Friends

You can put comments in each of these fields with what you currently do, to weigh up exactly what is not balanced.

Then on another piece of paper, write the same categories and put your "ideal" comments in these fields. Maybe you want to fill up more of the Alone Time category, or the Friends category?

By creating both lists of activities this will act as a visual aid to how you're currently balancing your current life vs how you would like to balance it better.

If you view your current life balance and you like what you see, then this is perfect. Perhaps you are one of those lucky people that can help others grow and achieve. You can help pull others up and influence them to create a healthy and balanced life in all areas of life that are important to them.

Words: My Own

Image: Pinterest

Music to Move to

iPods with uplifting beats are a great tool for exercise productivity if you find yourself losing concentration and/or interest. To keep things interesting and sustain that motivation that you're looking for, create a playlist that will aid with your motivation and keep you company, from your sunny walk outside, to a weights session at the gym. Some personal faves that keep me moving... (this is a safe space and there should be no judgement regarding song choices).

What else would you add to your fitness playlist?

~ Run the World (Girls) - Beyonce

~ Beat It - Michael Jackson

~ Under Pressure - David Bowie & Queen

~ Edge of Seventeen - Stevie Nicks

~ Hey Ya - Outkast

~ Midnight City - M83

~ My Body - Young The Giant

~ Otto Knows - Million Voices

~ Paper Planes - MIA

~ Work It - Missy Elliott

~ Push It - Salt n Pepa

~ Thunderstruck - AC/DC

x

Finding Your Purpose

Do you sometimes find yourself wading through mountains of self-help books, motivational books, quotes etc and becoming a little overwhelmed with the amount of knowledge you should be soaking up? If you're like me, you go through it with your nice colourful highlighter, waiting for certain points to just jump out at you. Then before you know it you've finished the book/article and you've completely forgotten what you found so poignant to begin with. Insert frazzled face.

Sometimes, when it comes to these lines of thinking, simple is best. Creating your own purpose, is as simple as it comes. No books, no facts, no statistics, no quotes from other people, just what springs to your own mind. What could be easier to remember, than something you have thought up yourself?

Let's go through what a purpose statement is for the newbies in the room...

This should be a reflection of who you are, the things that you value and believe in, what you strive and wish for in life. Here are some aids that may help you in writing your purpose statement.

What is my life about?

What do I value?

What do I treasure?

What is really important to me?

What do I do in my life that is worthwhile?

How do I want to be remembered?

Your purpose statement is what you would like to experience more of in your life and how you need to achieve this. Your answers to the above may be short, they may be long, but see how it feels to write down your purpose statement and refer to it. What could be more motivating or inspirational than something you have written yourself?

As a guide, I thought I would share my purpose statement with you.

Good luck with yours!

The purpose of my life is to experience happiness. To have healthy, happy relationships. To empower myself, make my positivity contagious. Be open to loving relationships and be happy and loving towards myself. I will put myself first and attract thoughtful, generous, loving people by portraying and being all these things myself. Enjoying life's simple pleasures, being pleasantly suprised by life. Opening myself up to positive change.

x

Words: My Own

Think Pink!

And so we find ourselves in October already. Can you believe it?

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month, and in light of this, below are some great items that we can purchase that donate heavily towards breast cancer research.

 

Aside from these, you will also find Pink Ribbon products in your local supermarkets and newsagents. So how can you help? What can you purchase? Below are my top picks

 

Greens Products - Greens Delighful Pink Cupcakes, Strawberry Choc Cupcakes, Adorable Strawberry Babycakes and Orginal Pancake Shake products.

Available at Woolworths, Coles and Franklins

 

Dove Products -

Dove Pink Anti- Perspirant Roll-On Deodorant, Dove Pink Anti-Perspirant Aerosol Deodorant, Dove Pink Body Wash, Dove Pink Beauty Cream Bar, Dove Pink Shampoo and Conditioner and Dove Pink Summer Glow

Available at Woolworths, Coles, Chemists, Priceline

 

OPI - OPI’s Pink of Hearts 2013 pack includes two shades, plus 10 pink ribbon stick-on decals and crystals, retailing for $24.95 incl. GST at selected beauty salons, spas and David Jones from 13th September, while stocks last.

PILOT pens - Pilot will donate 10 cents for every pink Frixion product sold for a minimum of $60,000 annually.

Available in selected Supermarkets, Retail stores and Newsagencies throughout Australia from $2.99

Ecoya - The Limited Edition candles will be available to purchase from modelcocosmetics.com and ecoya.com with the full $29.95 being donated to The National Breast Cancer Foundation. The handmade natural soy wax candle is fragranced in the iconic ECOYA Sweet Pea & Jasmine scent.

 

I have nowhere to wear this (story of my life) but how cute and pink is this Safety Vest! I couldnt leave this off the list! Available for $14.95 from the McGrath Foundation

http://shoppink.mcgrathfoundation.com.au

 

 

Snowy mountain spring water

Snowy Mountain Natural Spring Water is available in Woolworths, Costco, Woolworths Fuel, selected I.G.A. and Foodworks supermarkets, as well as many other leading outlets.

Big W – michelle bridges – ONEActive Wear - Other Pink Ribbon products currently in-store include beach towels, photo albums, face washer and hand towel set. In-store for October is a ladies sleepwear range, candles and oil diffuser

 

Clinique moistirusier - In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, each year Clinique offers a special, limited-edition bottle of its best-selling, cult classic Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. The limited-edition version of Clinique’s new Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion + is adorned with a Clinique key ring with a “C” shaped charm and a set of three hearts ornamented with ribbons.

200ml bottle from $75 available at Clinique counters nationally in David Jones, Myer and www.clinique.com.au from 1^st October 2013. $10 from the purchase price of each of the limited-edition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation.