Friday Faves

Happy Friday!

Today's Friday Faves have more of a theme on them, these are some of the websites I frequent weekly that I find have a really great message. Be it for health and wellbeing, or fun and fashion, these are my current go-to's.

Enjoy!

 

Mum and Daughter Blog

Run by a dynamic mum and daughter duo, this blog comprises clear and succinct posts on clean eating, fab and easy recipes, exercise tutorials and really fun reminders on not sweating the small stuff, and how to achieve optimal results for yourself. With the "Mum" being a personal trainer with years of industry experience, there are great posts on listening to your body. With "Daughter", Nadia shares great personal experiences and life lessons, and is happy to play guinea pig to new and interesting ways on improving health and wellbeing.

A post recently went up by the lovely Nadia on how to make Raw Salted Caramel Protein Balls. Get there immediately.

http://mumanddaughter.wordpress.com/

 

 

 

 

Move Nourish Believe

A sister site to Lorna Jane, this site has great recipes and guest posts by the movers and shakers in the health and wellness industry. From interviews with yogi's, to everyday people like us who share how they Move, Nourish and Believe on a daily basis

Whenever I'm stuck for inspiration or motivation, I head here.

http://www.movenourishbelieve.com/

 

Cupcakes and Cashmere
I have been a huge fan of Emily's blog for years now, and have followed her story from the early days, through her engagement, wedding, holiday's, and the creative and subtle ways that she redecorates her living spaces. Based in California, Emily has great photography skills and creating foodie delights, more on the delicious side than the clean eating side. This girl can make a simple cookie look like the most craved for item. Emily also has a great fashion sense and will always credit where she sources her items from, and often give great tips on cheaper alternatives. Could gush about this girl all day!

http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/

 

 

 

 

The Life Creative Blog

Run by my tanned and fabulous friend Chris, this is your go-to for all things home decor and styling.  Chris has a fabulous knack of incorporating luxe and less items to make your home feel warm and inviting without having to sell a kidney to afford the process.

Chris has recently been featured on The Morning Show, and is constantly doing amazing giveaways and comps that you dare not miss out on!

Had your eye on a cushion or new rug? I can guarantee you Chris found it months ago, and can give you all the information on it, as well as where you can find cheaper alternatives.

Chris also kindly featured me on his Real Rooms segment, which you can check out here:

http://thelifecreativeblog.com/real-rooms/real-rooms-nicole-fiedlers-bachelorette-pad/

 

http://thelifecreativeblog.com/

 

 

 

 

They All Hate Us

Starting as a humble blog between two friends, posting images that they loved, these girls from Sydney are now internet sensations for their fashion forward thinking, daily posts of clothing and shoe envy and several collaborations including makeup, candles and shop edits of the brands they love. These ladies now travel domestically and internationally to promote their brand and you'll not find them far from a fashion runway or sale

http://www.theyallhateus.com/

 

 

Words: My Own

Images: From each Blog's Website

 

 



Natural Helpers for Anxiety

While you may not have anxiety yourself, there are many people out there that do. For those who know of friends/loved ones who experience this, I often find the most uttered phrase is something like -  "i'm sure it's an awful feeling, but i'm so sorry that I can't relate or understand what it feels like". In the most loving way, here's a summary:

Restlessness, feeling tense or on edge, irritability, impatience, poor concentration, headaches, jaw pain, muscle tension, sleep difficulty, fatigue, chest tightness, sweating, pounding heart, dizziness and that good old fight or flight response. Just to name a few.

Here are some natural herb helpers that aid in alleviating anxiety. (say that three times really fast)

All of these items can be purchased online, or at your local supermarket/health food store

St Johns Wort

Balances your neurotransmitters which boosts your mood

Can be taken in tablet form for those on-the-go

Ginseng

Boosts your energy, enhances relaxation

*Best to avoid if pregnant or on blood thinning medication

Can be taken in tablet form for those on-the-go

Oatstraw

Reduces anxiety and depression, eases the effects of arthritis

Can be consumed in tea form

Lemonbalm

Calms and helps improve memory

Best taken as drops under the tongue

Chamomile

Eases anxiety, promotes sleep

Can be consumed in tea form.

Content: My Own|Mind Body Green

Images: Pinterest

Happiness - The State of Being Happy

Perfect timing really, as today is International Day of Happiness! Although my day didn't start off fabulous, this has surely improved my outlook. You can visit me guest blogging today over at Amazing Coaching, on happiness!

http://www.amazingcoaching.com.au/blog/happiness-the-state-of-being-happy/

 

 

 

The post is also below for your enjoyment

 

Nicole

x

 

 

Happiness;  the state of being happy

Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

Although hugely overplayed by now, one of the most simple songs to hit our airwaves has had a huge and lasting effect, based on the concept of… happiness. I’m referring to Pharell’s “Happy”, who didn’t need any complicated lyrics or subliminal messages, to promote the feelings of a free spirited, preppy, can’t-sit-still-I-want-to-dance, individual. Don’t get me started on that hat though, it looks like the Harry Potter Sorting Hat

 

Google Images

When thinking about what happiness means to me, I realised that happiness affects people in different ways, due to the powers of perception. How we view the world and the people in it, affects our moods.

 To some people, happiness is the feeling, when everything falls into place. Stressful situations are easier to maintain, and smiles are free and bountiful. Happiness might mean a good book and a cup of tea on a stormy afternoon. Happiness might mean a productive morning of exercise, grocery shopping, laundry, and then an afternoon of coffee and catch ups with a girlfriend. I know some friends who view happiness as a clean house. Foot rub from Channing Tatum anyone? Happiness might mean reaching goals that you had previously set, and feeling spurred on and motivated to set new ones and get started! Regardless of how you view it or think of it, it is so easily attainable if we take a step back from negativity, stress and the things that we have no control over.

One of my favourite points of view that a friend put forward, is that happiness is about other people. If they are happy, you are happy. I loved this! The way you treat other people, is the way you tend to treat yourself. More kindness towards the people in your life helps promote a kinder and more loving attitude towards yourself. For those of you that may feel a little awkward giving yourself so much lovin’ , think of it in the way that by being kind to others, indirectly affects you in a positive way. Indirect and awesome selfishness people!

I can’t speak often enough how doing a kind, thoughtful deed or gesture for someone, sets such a positive, warm and fuzzy feeling. If you can make someone’s day by doing something small and thoughtful, how do you think that would make you feel for the rest of the day? Yup, happy. How do you think that has made them feel? Happy!

Awhile back, I came across this fantastic concept on Pinterest, an idea by Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat, Pray, Love fame called “The Happiness Jar”. Ms Gilbert started this project by writing down things that made her happy on a particular day, and dropping them into her glass jar. She would do this every day until the jar became overflowing with happiness. She would then tip the contents out of the jar, and read through the notes on days when she was not feeling particularly happy or positive.

Pinterest

 

Such a simple, basic concept, but able to do so much! So I encourage you to do the same…

Write down what has brought you happiness each day, or when the moment strikes you. Open once full or when you’re feeling down and out, and remind yourself what there is to be thankful for.

So many people try to find happiness in material things, but wouldn’t a good coffee on the beach in the sun, be just as uplifting? Or Channing Tatum, there’s always time for Channing Tatum.

Or better yet, turn up the volume on Pharell and dance like no-ones watching.

“Cos I’m happy…”

 

Words: My Own



Tweak It (not to be confused with Twerk It)

The weather is getting cooler, we have already welcomed Autumn here in the Southern Hemisphere. Are you starting to feel yourself getting a little de-motivated? Is it the cool change, the dreary weather, the rain? Whatever it is, here are some easy peasy tweaks that you can incorporate into your every day.

* One bar of chocolate, on a rainy night probably isn't too much of an indulgence. But if you eat one a day, that certainly adds up! Nutritonists say that if you even cut back to one standard bar every other day, its the equivalent of losing 6kg. 

* A more efficient and productive workspace comes from de-clutter and organisation. Getting rid of things you don't need, helps clear your mind, and makes room for new thought processes and removes unnecessary waste

* There's no need to cut out your favourite foods completely. Swamp your medium latte with full milk, for a small latte with skim milk. 

And cheaper too!

* Write down the to-do list that is circling inside your brain, and work through the tasks systematically. Putting pen to paper can make a big difference to your efficiency. The psychology of accomplishment works. When we count on ourselves to do something, and we check it off our list, we are sending a message to our subconscious that we are taking ourselves seriously and care enough to do what we have promised

* Planking every time your favourite TV show goes to commercial, squats while you brush your teeth, whatever it is, every little bit helps. Squeezing in extra activity where it wasn't planned, means you will feel accomplished, and will feel less pressure of the thoughts that you have to do something. Make it more spontaneous rather than see it as a chore

* Something about making someone feel good, lifts your own mood. Call your mum, send a thoughtful message a friends way - make someone else feel special to get the warm and fuzzy's back from doing so. The Dalai Lama calls this " wise selfishness"

* Comfort eating late at night is generally from boredom, rather than hunger. Try reading a book instead, or reach for water or a herbal tea. 

* Red wine contains higher level of polyphenols - antioxidants found in the skins of grapes - than white wine. Or turn half a glass of white wine into a spritzer with some sparkling water. 

Words: My Own | Women's Fitness

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Friday Faves

Happy Friday All!

 

Enjoy this week's Friday Faves!

 

 

Cookie shaped shot glass

 

From the man that created the "cronut", comes a cookie baked and shaped shot glass, for you to pour your milk into and drink/eat

 



Dominique Ansell Instagram



Bruno Mars

 

After seeing Bruno Mars in concert this week, it reminded me why I love him as a performer. He keeps his clothes on at all times, looks a little nerdy, but his voice performing live is amazing. No props or fancy graphics required, just a whole lot of singing and guitar playing. It reaffirmed my favourite Bruno Mars song to date - Gorilla

 

Google Images

 

 

Yoga

 

Do you have a favourite day of the week? Mine are currently Wednesdays, as that's when I head to Yoga, switch off, relax and stretch myself out.

Alongside attending for the flexibility aspect, I'm really enjoying pushing myself through the challenging poses, and feeling the sense of accomplishment as each week I get closer to achieving those poses that I could not previously do.

Yoga brings benefits such as better sleep, relaxation, joint mobility and movement to help decrease the onset of arthritis, positions like downward dog place pressure on your arms to hold your body weight, which in turn assist your bone strength to prevent osteoperosis. Yoga's ability to lower the level of cortisol (stress hormone) is also a no brainer.
For those that think that yoga belongs to the mung bean hippies, the above should be enough to make you think again.

 

Come visit my lovely lady Louise at Surfside Yoga

 

Surfside Yoga Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/SurfsideYogaSydney

 

 

 



Tim Tams

 

Really, the picture says it all doesn't it?

Everything I imaged it would taste like, but better

Google Images

 

 





Flu Season

 

It's begun. How do I know? It got me. It got me good.

The one thing that always helps with a faster flu season recovery is this bottle of goodness. ArmaForce by Bioceuticals

Containing Olive leave, echinacea and andrographis, this is a more natural solution to the over the counter cold and flu tablets that you can take. 

 

Available at most health food stores and chemists

 

Bioceuticals Website



Words: My Own



Friday Faves

Happy days, it's Friday again already!

 

Here are this week's Friday Faves!

 

 

Nike Kicks

 

I've been torn between getting a wedge shoe for some time. Originally my heart has been set on the Isabel Marant Beckett's, but my budget just couldn't justify it...ever.

So I came across these way more affordable Nike's and I absolutely love them! Teamed with a pair of leggings with leather panels, and a slouchy striped long sleeved tee or white oversized button up - these will be my Winter go-t0

 

 

Game of Thrones

 

Best find of the week by a friend! Being a huge Game of Thrones fan, I need one or possibly more of these awesome figurines in my life to up my nerd status. Top picks - Daenerys and Jon Snow. Ohhh Jon Snow...

 

 

 

www.ebgames.com.au

 

 

Books

 

Looking for a good book to read? Here's a list of the 100 Notable Books of 2013

 

Compiled by the New York Times

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/08/books/review/100-notable-books-of-2013.html?_r=1&

 

 

The Best Selfie in the World

 

In case you've been living under a rock this week, can we take a moment to appreciate the best selfie in the world right now.

The selfie that crashed Twitter, taken by Ellen Degeneres at the Oscar's earlier this week has clocked more than 2.4million re-tweets and is the most re-tweeted tweet of all time (say that 3 times really fast).

The previous most re-tweeted record holder, was from President Obama, hugging his wife with the caption "Four more years" after his second inaguration into office. That made the record books back then at 780,000 re-tweets.

 

Sydney Morning Herald Image

 

 

New Things

 

Not sure what I was thinking, but this week I gave Cross Fit a go. Probably not the brightest idea to go with a very fit and toned friend, but if left to my own devices I probably wouldn't have turned up.

Two back to back lunch time sessions, and today I am finally walking like a normal human.

Not yet ready to compete in the Olympics, but a successful attempt because I went back after Day 1, worked up a sweat, and didn't pop any ribs. Winning!

 

Thank you fit friend for giving me the "step outside your comfort zone" guilt trip :)

 

The first image is what I attempted to do on Day 2. Middle image was the closest I could get, but for a newbie I was happy with that. 

 

 

Might just stick to easier self-challenges  though I think...

 

 

 

 

Lorna Jane - March Collection

If I could buy something from Lorna Jane on a weekly basis, I would. I have a few justifications as to why I need this new top in my life, but quite simply its neon and you really can't pass that up!

 

 

 

 

Tycoon Tank $45.99

 

http://www.lornajane.com.au/031498/Tycoon-Tank

 

 

 

 Words: My Own

 



Where to start with healthy habits

These tips and tricks are by no means researched by a professional, but they are helpful ideas that I have self-taught and picked up along the way, when trying to stay on track with healthy eating and healthy habits.

Our lovely bootcamp group commences its' next 8 Week Challenge in one weeks time. General discussions on progress, measurements, most improved etc got me to thinking, that there could be so many of us with great habits, that could also work for a bunch of us, if only we continued to share this info with one another. Why keep your fab tips to yourself, if these could be benefitting others too.

So with this in mind, i'm sharing the love with some habits that work for me.

Hangry

This is a real condition*. It's caused when you become so hungry, that you turn angry - Hulk style. When I start to feel hungry, I try to ask myself, why am I hungry? Am I bored? Do I need something whilst watching TV and/or reading? Or am I legitimately hungry? Drink a glass of water first before you eat something you may regret, it can keep cravings at bay and help you decide whether you actually want that snack or not. Try to drink at least two litres of water a day, and opt for coconut water and herbal teas over sugar-loaded fruit juices and soft drinks.

For those soft drink cravings, I try to get around this by drinking sparkling water, or some soda water and lime juice.

*This is not a real condition. But it should be.

Pinterest

Grocery Shopping

Never, ever go grocery shopping when you are hungry (or hangry). It never ends well. I end up putting so much crap and unnecessary items in my trolley, purely because it's all the items I could consume right then and there. Shopping Lists are handy for multiple reasons:

 1) I get to use my pretty Kikki.K notepaper

2) A well thought out shopping list helps eliminate the aimless wandering of the supermarket aisles because you can't remember what you needed. Ohh how did those Tim Tams get in there?

3) Write your list when you're at home, in front of your fridge and cupboards. The most annoying thing is to come home with that one slightly expensive but healthy item, only to discover you have 2 of them already in the cupboard.

4) Don't forget said shopping list on pretty notepaper on your desk at work, and turn up to the shops with a blank brain. Thoughtful colleague will only send you a photo of the list after they have defamed it with crude drawings (you know who you are)

Pinterest

Keep Track

It need not be a fancy iPhone app, maybe just a word document on your work PC, or a notebook you keep in your handbag/manbag, but writing down what you eat in a food diary type format could really help you stay on track with your eating habits. I for one am certainly a lot more careful with my week of eating if I can see what i've consumed written in front of me. This can also help tie in with your reasons for eating, in my first point. Did you have it because you were hungry, or bored?

Start to notice patterns, such as the afternoon snack you reached for more often than not, and your portion control that you may not have realised at the time of making it.

Breakfast

If Healthy Harold said it, it must be true...Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Research by Imperial College London shows that people who skip breakfast are more attracted to fatty, unhealthy food in the day - and eat more of it. Try to start your day with something filling, like oats, greek yoghurt and muesli, scrambled eggs on toast etc

The better you eat at breakfast, the longer you remain full, eliminating un-healthy snack cravings, and helping you extend the time frame until lunch time, so you can slowly enjoy your lunch, rather than pushing past people to get to the fridge. 

Emma Dillon

Body Fuel

Keep on track with a food plan that helps eliminate the chances of getting sick. All colourful fruit and vegetables eg oranges, tomatoes, berries, pomegranates are full of nutrients that help your immune system.

The best way to get your quota of this, is a yummy stir-fry, which even the fussy eater in me enjoys!

Support

Talk to friends, ask questions, share information. People might have great tips on how they stay on track, or get back on track after an indulgent weekend or holiday away. Motivate one another and compliment people if you've noticed them working hard and making great progress. A compliment acknowledging someones hard work could make their day, and be the motivation that they need to keep going

Prep

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail!

Try to resist waking up every morning and then being productive with your food. It never works. Prepare the night before so you can eliminate that lazy feeling when you've just woken up. I have some fit sista's who are very dedicated with their meal prep, which helps eliminate bad decisions mid-week.

Emma Dillon

Words: My Own

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