TREE POSE, AND FORWARD FOLDS AND PRAYERS - OH MY(SORE)!

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Firstly, how funny is this post title!? I giggled like an seven year old with a fart joke at that one. I freakin' love puns. Anywho, moving on.

If you follow me on instagram you may have cottoned on to the fact that I've cranked the volume on my yoga practice a little over the past month. The thrice daily yoga themed posts may have (not so) subtly alluded to the fact that I am in love. My body feels great, my mind feels great and I am learning, expanding and challenging myself oh so much. 

I have dabbled in yoga for the past few years. Choosing various poses to 'nail', doing a few Hatha classes here and there, having a go with various styles through online video tutorials. But, I must admit, I never fully 'got it'. I felt good and it was fun to have a good stretch. But I longed for that dope connection and ridiculous sense of peace that all of these yogis harped on about. I decided to commit to a one month Ashtanga course to learn a little more about the practice of yoga and to challenge myself physically (as I'd heard you tend to build up a bit of a sweat working through the Ashtanga series).

I'm fortunate enough to live five minutes from the most beautiful, soulful yoga school that I absolutely adore. Samudra is a yoga school and incredible cafe in the South West of WA and is just so gosh darn beautiful. The teachers there are uber talented and have such an obvious passion for yoga and for teaching that you can't help but be inspired and empowered in their presence. If you're keen to learn more about Ashtanga and its practice, have a read here and familiarise yo'self.

When I saw that Samudra was offering an introductory Ashtanga course - I was all over it. Seriously. If you ever are blessed with the opportunity to travel to this blissful part o' the world and can commit to a months' practice then I would definitely recommend participating in this super dooper course. My beautiful teacher was a wildly passionate yogi who posessed such an overwhelming love and respect for yoga that you truly felt that you were part of something so special and sacred when you stepped foot in her 'classroom'. I set the intention at the start of May that I wanted to be fully present in my practice and to fill my mind with empowering words such as 'breathe', 'surrender' and 'connect' as I moved from posture to posture. And that's exactly what I did. From the first 'aum' to the final savasanah. Complete and utter connection as I found that divine balance between surrender and strength.

A huge part of my journey was the challenge of radical self acceptance. Bombarded with thoughts of 'why can't my leg do that?', 'I'm only three sun salutations in?!', 'what the hell kind of Gumby plactisine are they made of?!'. My body is muscular, and larger framed and sturdy. It's not really long and lean, it's not one of those bodies that just flops and folds into crazy postures and it drives me crazy sometimes with its tendency to store 'winter warmth' around my midsection. But the past month has helped me immensely in appreciating my body for what it can do, what it is capable of and what an incredible blessing it is to have a healthy, happy and strong little vessel to cart around my ol' soul. At the end of most morning sessions - I would float my ass back, brew a cup of tea and sketch my newly learnt asanas. I learnt about asanaglyphs during a Speakeasy lecture at Wanderlust Oahu and the beautiful simplistic sketches resonated with me right away. So I would journal, doodle, reflect and surrender a little further.

The entire course built up to equipping us with the sequence so that we could integrate confidently and seamlessly into a traditional Mysore class. Mysore classes are a self practice class that is supervised, gently guided and assisted by a teacher (or two). Yogis run through the asanas that they have learned within the Ashtanga series, with the teacher adding or enhancing postures when they feel the student is ready. I have loved these sessions. Firstly, being offered first thing in the morning they set you up for such an incredibly calming, centred and blessed start to the day. Secondly, going at your own pace is really empowering. There is no competition, no times to keep up with, no one to better. It's entirely your practice, and your practice alone. Thirdly, being surrounded by yogis of all ages, stages, shapes and sizes who are completely focused on their own practice is incredibly inspiring. 

The past month has been a profound learning experience and one that I will truly treasure forever. It has fanned flames in my belly, sparked an insatiable appetite for new knowledge and has seen me practice daily and chase that 'aum'.

Blessings, chaturangas and namastes x

A VIDEO POST FOR YOU!

HA! Worst freeze frame ever. But mehhh. 

Get this incredible book here!

Blessings and oodles of love x

Kind Homes and Kind Cleaning - Let's Get a Little Dirty First

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Ok, so you’ve made a promise to yourself and the earth that you’re going to invest in more kind and natural products for your beautiful home. Great! Well done. You’re feeling fabulous. You throw on an eco chic cardie, grab a big eco tote babe, order a grande cappuccino to go and hit the shops. You walk past the confectionary aisle like a mother flippin’ boss and you shoot those chip packets a look that says ‘uh uh hunny, I’m eco friendly shoppin’ today’. You strut past the magazines and hold your head high as you approach the cleaning aisle – ready to fill your tote with safe suds and kind cleaners. You pick up your first candidate – a bottle of detergent in a green and brown bottle (those bland tones mean natural right?), smiling at your choice as the word ‘natural’ is written is kickass font on its label and you flip over the bottle without a care in the world just wanting to confirm the ingredients are ones that you’re familiar with. You stop dead in your tracks.

“CAUTION” 

“Avoid contact with skin and eyes”

“Seek medical advice if consumed” 

and what the fudge is ‘diaphhhkhnbvtd5iwnsganacetoxide’?

You put down the bottle, defeated, and walk over to your old faithful (but insanely scary chemically composed) bottle of regular cleaner. Choosing kind products is too hard - you think. I hear ya. I hear ya loud and clear. Thanks to poor regulations and monitoring of various marketing campaigns we are being ‘greenwashed’ on a daily basis and being encouraged to purchase falsely described eco friendly products.

What do we actually need to look for?

Firstly – be wary of health disclaimers such as ‘caution’ ‘danger’ ‘warning’ etc. These labels are indicative of the products’ toxicity. Always look for (and abide by) care instructions such as ‘wear masks and gloves’. How often do we nuddy up to clean the shower – when really we should be donning a Breaking Bad style outfit with half the products that are out there! Next thing to keep your eco eyes peeled for is products that are ‘plant based’ versus ‘petroleum based’. The more products we use that are petroleum based – the faster the depletion of this non renewable resource and the greater our nations’ demand on its importation from other countries. Lastly opt for environmentally friendly packaging. Look for recycled plastic//paper or better yet check out Method’s range of packaged goods using Ocean Plastic!

BTM's Little Black Book of Dirty Bitches (not the kinky kind).

+ Diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) – sudsing agents that react to nitrates and form nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are carcinogens that penetrate the skin.

+ Butyl Cellosolve (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) – a nerve damaging chemical that’s easily absorbed by the skin.

+ Ammonia fumes – Can cause respiratory irritation.

+ Sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) – There are uber caustic (cause living tissue to burn) and if these are mixed with any products that contain ammonia or acids – their reaction will create a toxic and lingering fume.

+ Sulphates – These little buggers can trigger respiratory distress in mah fellow asthmatic homies (breathing problems represent!).

+ Phosphoric Acid – This can irritate the lungs as well as burn the eyes, skin and internal organs if ingested. Not fun.

+ Mixing toilet cleaners that contain acids with those containing chlorine (and c’mon people – we have all been there) will form a lung damaging chlorine gas. Eep!

+ Lye and sodium hydroxide – Corrosive agents that can burn skin and eyes.

+ Aerosol sprays – These are easily inhaled into lung tissue.

+ Silica powder – Can be dangerous if inhaled.

+ Chlorine bleach – This can irritate the skin and airways.

+ Petroleum dissolates – Flammable and dangerous if swallowed.

+ Dyes – These can be contaminated by heavy metals (such as arsenic and lead) which can then penetrate the skin and leave residue on all surfaces.

+ Phosphates – These pesky little devils overnutrify rivers and streams. This leads to excessive algae growth, which deprives fish of oxygen.

+ Chlorine (found in dishwasher tablets) – When the chlorinated chemicals mix with the steam of the dishwasher it creates a very dangerous vapour when steam is released by opening the door at the end of a cycle.

+ Alkylephenal Ethoxylates (APEs) – These disrupt our body’s natural hormone regulation.

+ Perchloroethylene – Exposure leads to liver and kidney damage.

So this is what I have been researching, reading and discovering this week. There is just SO much to learn and new research findings being released everyday. The shortlist above is simply a reflection of where I am at in my decision making when choosing products that are safe for me and safe for my darling mother earth.

Our favourite product to use in our house is quite simply boiled water and lemon and some good ole fashioned elbow grease. Add a little vinegar and bicarb soda for those trickier spots and stains. Homemade products are a great economical and environmental alternative to hitting up the shops.

What are some of your favourite Earth friendly home and cleaning tips?

Found here

Blessings and lemon stained hands x

OUR GYRE-NORMOUS PROBLEM - The Follow up Post

Found here.

So my last post about the current state of our Ocean Gyres definitely got the conversation going and served to highlight the fact that our system is not working. We are consuming at an unfathomable rate and as primarily using permanent materials to produce one-time use items. Say what? Why would we manufacture disposable items with a non perishable material such as plastic? It makes no sense at all. So, as promised, here is a list of suggestions and tips for how YOU can get plastic and litter savvy -

1. Use eco friendly shopping bags. It's so so so frightening to think of just how many plastic bags are used and inappropriaetly disposed of every single day. Remember the creepy guy from American Beauty that captured the beautiful footage of the 'floating bag' ... brother should have snatched that bag from the wind and reused or recycled it. 

2. Be plastic bag savvy in general. Health food stores and SOME supermarkets are now stocking biodegradable plastic bags for bin liners, puppy poop and nappy bags. These are a great, earth friendly alternative to regular plastic bags. If you are using standard plastic bags - try and reduce your rate of powering through the pack. Use the same bin liner and empty your rubbish directly into your green rubbish bin. Or don't use a line and give your household bins a hose out every week. Think outside the square and be uber plastic aware.

3. Opt for loose fruits and vegetables. Don't go for the pre packaged options every time, try to stock up on loose fruit and vege every now and again to reduce your plastic consumption. Use the mushroom bags (the brown paper bags) if you feel like you need bags to separate your produce or get some of these great reusable produce bags by Onya. I use these little babies and they're amazingly handy. Not only can you use them to collect all of your yummy produce - but when you get home you can use them to contain your fruits//veges while you wash them. Too easy!

4. Wear your 'plastic glasses' at the shops and choose paper based packaging alternatives. For example does your regular washing powder come in plastic tub AND boxed varieties? Choose 'le box'. Toilet paper wrapped in a choice of plastic OR paper? Choose 'le paper in le paper'. Same goes for juices and milks - opt for cartons instead of plastic bottles. Same product but a little more friendly to our planet.

5. Choose cloth based toys and materials for your kids (fur babies and real children alike!). There are some great earth friendly toys and products available for bubs and pets if you look around. Since I am not a real mama just yet, my toy purchases are solely for my big drooly rotty baby (and my fur nephew) and I always opt for eco friendly alternatives that use natural products that won't hurt my pup when she happens to play with (subtext - eat) her new toys.

6. Use scented candles or burn essential oils rather than purchasing plastic encased air fresheners. Less chemicals, less toxins AND reusable//recyclable. That's a sweet smelling win for errybody!

7. Be a coffee babe. If you drink macchiatos, cappucinos and espressos on the reg - be conscious of just how many cups and, more importantly, plastic lids, that you're consuming every month. It gets pretty hectic! Opt for a reusable alternative, such as the Keep Cup, that looks brilliant, is kind to the earth and can also offer a lower priced coffee incentive! If your local coffee spot doesn't offer cheaper rates for reusable coffee cup users then get pushy. Bring in some info about the improtance of encouraging reuasable alternatives and suggest that they charge custimers that make the switch 50c less per cup of coffee ordered. Get political and lobby for your latte. Check out this Great Forest article or more information and inspiration. 

What are some of the ways that you ensure you're not leaving a plastic Hansel & Gretal style trail? Share your tips below!

Hehe this gave me morning lols.

Found here.

Blessings and a giant, yet belated, Earth Day cuddle x 

PS. Want more info you knowledge hungry beautiful beings? Have a read on the Sustainable Coastlines and Method websites - these are the two organisations that I volunteered with for the clean up morning in Hawaii. Incredibly passionate and inspiring people and they have a LOT of info to share. Got a little longer to spare? Click here to watch 'Plasticised' - an incredible documentary about our plastic little planet.

GETTING BACK TO NATURE - A Guest Post by Emily Ehlers

It gives me oodles of pleasure, pride and cheerleading pom poms to introduce Emily Ehler's to you all. Emily, besides having a freakin RAD name, is an absolute earth angel. She is a mama, blogger, health coach, friend, daughter, wife & dedicated lover of life. She oozes passion & vitality & is one of those people who lights you up just by BEING there. She has graciously shared her words of wisdom in today's blog as she discusses a prevalent & real problem in our community - our severe lack of connection to nature. So brew up a tea, put up your feet and soak up these inspired words from one of the world's most incredible women.

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We have all heard of Attention Deficit Disorder but what about Nature-Deficit Disorder? Yep, it’s a real thing.

Nature-deficit disorder: a reduced awareness and diminished ability for adults and children to find meaning in the life around them, due to a reduced amount of interaction with the natural environment.

Us humans are not going outside enough and there is an ever-growing list of credible studies that show this is a huge factor in the rise of behavioral problems, mental illness and obesity. Oh and not to mention the degradation of our society’s happiness and health. No biggie.

We are constantly distracted by flashing screens, controlled environments and artificial lights and it goes against the universal law of nature. I – up until recently – was a shocker for retreating into a man-made existence. While I adore being outside there are some days where it just gets away and before I know it I am in bed without having felt fresh air on my skin. You know the days. You go from bed to car to office (where you eat at your desk) to car to bed. Or you get so caught up in menial housework or crazy children that before you know it the day is gone and the sun hasn’t kissed your cheeks.

Basically, going outside has become an option.

It is not an option.

It is a non-negotiable.

And beyond that, it’s fucking glorious!!!

Why should we go outside?

Need any extra persuasion…

Oxygen, glorious oxygen

We are made of cells and cells live off oxygen. If you stay in the same, closed off space all the time you are going to be breathing the same yucky air and depriving your body and brain of what it needs. Fresh air is full of negative ions (see below) and will invigorate you.

Negative Ions are Positive you oxymoron!

I am not scientifically wired so I am going to explain this in the crudest way that I am sure would disgust even a Year 8 science student. Negative Ions are good; they make us feel energized. Positive Ions are bastards; they make us feel dull.  Negatives ions are in their highest concentration near moving water – hence we feel amazing near the ocean. Positive ions are omitted from electronic equipment like TV’s and computer monitors or polluted air.  SO… get near those negative ions.

“Generally speaking, negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy”

Pierce J. Howard, PhD, The Owners Manual for the Brain: Everyday Applications from Mind Brain Research. 

Vitamin D

Our bones are constantly growing and breaking down. However if you don’t have Vitamin D, you don’t have calcium absorption and you don’t have bone growth. So your bones are just breaking down. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to all sorts of nasties like depression, various cancers, heart disease, weight gain, autism and auto-immune disease.

Connection and Syncronicity

Since starting study with Institute of Integrative Nutrition I have been encourage to develop my spirituality and I have found it in nature and yoga. Those are the times when I feel connected and calm. Apparently when you are in tune with your spirituality  it can lead to synchronicity – i.e. the subtle interaction between an individual and a universal force (like nature). I wanted to share this quote from the principal of IIN because it is the most beautiful, poetic, heart-tickly note of encouragement to get outside that I have ever heard…

I believe that whatever force makes the day turn into night and night turn into day, and winter become spring and fall become winter; whatever keeps all the stars and planets going around perfectly in their orbits, creates new buds in the spring and moves old leaves to drop away in autumn, can surely look after this one little life of mine.

Joshua Rosenthal

But…

Even though there are some pretty compelling reasons there, in this modern, busy, convenient world it can still be bloody hard some days. So I’ve compiled some easy ways to integrate your inside with your outside.

Sit outside for 10 minutes a day

There are NO excuses unless you live here. Go outside and sit still for 10 minutes – preferably near or under a tree. If you want extra gold stars you could meditate during this time. But otherwise just go and let your mind watch and wander. If it has been a mad day your verandah/porch/balcony/door step will suffice.

Do not break universal laws

There is no surprise at all that we are a culture plagued with insomnia and kidney disease when we trick our bodies into thinking it is daytime with bright lights and flashing screens. Of course we make incorrect food choices – like eating hearty, grounding meals in summer – when we are tricking our body with air conditioners cranked to sub-zero.  Controlling our environment like this breaks universal laws.

Don’t fight nighttime – turn of the TV, use lamps instead of lights, have a technology-free space a few hours before bed. Feel real feelings. Winter is cold, your first option should be a jumper before you heat the house. (Within reason obviously – for all you Siberians that are reading this). Always have a window open in your home, office or car. Even in winter. Even if it’s just one and just a crack.

Earthing

Earthing (or grounding) is as simple as walking barefoot on the earth or (in fancy terms) connecting to the earth’s subtle electrical field. It’s all about those cheeky ions again. So if you are going for a walk and it’s safe to do so, try go barefoot to get an instant hit/re-connection with nature. Earthing has also been shown to reduce pain and inflammation and increase quality of sleep. If you can’t go barefoot though you can buy mats nowadays to have at your computer or under your mattress (seehere) to keep you grounded at all times.

Bring your outside in

Incorporate nature into your home. Get some plants, some fish, have curtains, windows and doors open. Surround yourself with natural fibers and materials. Reject chemicals.

Leave your car

If you can walk, do. Even though I never feel like it at the time, when I get home from the shops and I haven’t had to deal with bad drivers, cramped parking spots and getting my pram in and out of the car I always feel amazing.

Schedule catch ups around walks

Wine bars are so tempting. But for a fun change schedule dates and catch ups with friends around walks or activities. You can even pack up your own eco-cup with your own coffee or make the coffee shop or wine bar the end goal. Maybe don’t put the wine in your keep cup though.

Build it into your kids routine

Because I have a propensity to get stuck inside my house I have now built it into Lucy’s routine to ensure that I get outside – for her sake. We are out most mornings but I am now scheduling one hour every afternoon that is dedicated outside time. For older kids, maybe have a technology free hour. And get out there and play with them! Climb trees, get dirty, be a big kid.

Plant a garden

Whether it is in pots or in the ground get out there and get some plants growing. Then you are forced to go out and water them most days. Forced connection.

Eat outside

I saved the best for last. If you can, set up a little table outside and eat out there as much as possible. Obviously this is easiest in summer but if you can rug up and light a few candles and sit on a porch then do. For added romance try a picnic blanket.

I thought I would leave you with the lyrics to my favorite song (Green Garden by Laura Mvula). I play it ever morning because not only is it damn funky but if reminds me of everything I have spoken about above. You can see the video here, but for now here are the lyrics.

Take me outside, sit in the green garden
Nobody out there, but it’s okay now,
bathe in the sunlight, don’t mind if rain falls,
take me outside, sit in the green garden,
ooh ah, ooh ah oh,
ooh ah, ooh ah oh

And I’ll fly on the wings of a butterfly
high as a tree top and down down again
putting my bag down, taking my shoes off
walk in the carpet of green velvet

Dance in my garden like we used to,
ooh ah, ooh ah oh
Dance in my garden like we used to,
ooh ah, ooh ah oh

Take me outside, sit in the green garden
nobody out there, but it’s okay now,
bathe in the sunlight, don’t mind if rain falls,
take me outside in the green garden

I’ll go, wherever you go, wherever you take me, I’ll go
I’ll go, wherever you go, wherever you take me, I’ll go

Blessings and cuddles to the power of Emily squared x 

HAPPY 200.

Found here

I could barely believe it when I looked at my BlogFeed - 199 posts to date. Just one shy of the big two hungie. To me, that's near unfathomable. I have rambled and explored and discussed and photographed and shared almost 200 posts with you darling readers (and I am still blown away by the fact that I have 'readers' that aren't in my blood line!). 

Since I started this blog at the beginning of 2013, I have gone through ebbs and flows of inspiration, boredom, excitement, resentment and all the fun spectrum of emotions in between. I have had times when I simply didn't feel like blogging - where it felt like a chore or obligation. I promised myself, at the start of this whole shizbang, that I wanted the writing process to always be one fuelled by love, authenticity and passion. I never wanted anything to feel forced or insincere. So, as you have seen, from time to time I have gotten a little sidetracked and have adandoned the blog to follow other pursuits and commit my time to other areas - like my clinic or my studies or just my life in general. But I have always come back. I have always been passionate about sharing my passion and my love for this big ole blue planet. 

My first post went live on January 7th 2013. Entitled 'Hello There' - it was an introduction to me, my back story, my hopes and aspirations and my vision for this little corner of the web. I still think it's pretty special that every single thing I spoke about in that initial post rings true today. The themes and content within the blog have changed over time, as my personal interests start to follow a number of different paths, but the overall sentiment has not changed one iota. 

"I feel like I’m staring ahead at a very exciting and winding little road but with no idea how to navigate it. That’s where you beautiful little souls come in. There’s an old proverb that tells us that everyone in the universe is a puzzle piece and it’s up to us to find one another and work together to ‘make the picture’.  I’m hoping that Bless This Mess connects me to all you puzzle pieces out there – whether you’re scrumptiously similar or deliciously different to myself"

I am so grateful for everyone I have encountered on this journey. From my teachers who have truly inspired me; the lessons I have learnt along the way; the friends and family who have supported my every interest and pursuit wholeheartedly (and as a complete and utter multipassionate - trust me, there have been a lot of interests over the years) ... I am just beyond blessed to have such Earth Angels in my life.

I think that such a monumental post calls for a little bit of reflection - given that I love me some nostalgia and reflection baby. The woman pounding away at the keys right now is quite different from the woman who sat before you on January 7th. Sure her hair is the same colour (and probably the same length given that I'm absolutely terrible at being a girl and give no time to my hair - sorry my dear mop o' hair) and her fingers strum in the same way across the keys as they always did. But a few things, little and big, have shifted within her.

this journey has changed me ...

+ I still have bad days and times when my insecurities get the better of me but overall I have learnt more about unconditional love. I am forever loving and supporting my friends and family - believing (sincerely) that they can do and be anything they want to be; that they're beautiful; that they're the shiniest and most incredible gift in this universe - yet shift to my inner dialogue and it was a different story. I have learnt that it's so integral that we first have a good relationship with ourselves. We need to back ourselves, love ourselves and accept ourselves unconditionally. I am not perfect in this regard, whatsoever, but I am learning and growing. 
+ I am an optimist. I have realised that, by counting my blessings and expressing gratitude wherever possible, it makes it kind of impossible to get stuck in the negative mindset for too long. There is too much good in the world. It allows us to focus on the incredible blessings that we have been gifted and forget about the daily comeuppance' that may piss us off temporarily. Good things are all around us. Always.
+ I am strong. I am someone who can make a stand for themselves, for others and who is confident enough to share their views without fear of judgement. I am stronger because of the incredible network around me who are my backbone when mine is a little skewed.
+ I love to write. I missed this. I missed my days as a kid when I would literally be the happiest kid in Leeming when I got a new notepad and could write. I remember wanting to join after school English groups and wanting to write poems and short stories and even lists (I know - creative badass right here) in my free time. I loved it and then I kind of lost it. I'm so grateful that in my journey I've come across the creativeness of my writing once again. I am really excited to pursue this more over the coming year and really exploring my gifts of the gab and gifts of the written word. (It still feels weird writing gift - because it feels self righteous - but as per point one, I'm determined to be nicer to myself and celebrate my uniqueness g.dammit).
+ I ADORE connecting with others. Oh holy tolitoes. Every time I get an email from a reader, a new facebook fan or insta follower - I near pee my pants. I seriously get so excited that there are people out there who WANT to learn about what I'm splashin' out. I love to learn from others and to hear their aspirations and to see what they're doing and to learn about their passions. Being on this little journey has also enhanced my relationships as the love and appreciation I feel for everyone in my life has just overflowed. I am SO dang lucky.
+ I am a little more 'spiritual' than I once thought. I have beliefs, I have faith, I have respect for other religions. But I have found my 'God' and I am humbled and safe and happy that I have a better interpretation of exactly what that means for me. 
+ I want to keep going. I want to keep this train chuggin' and see where it takes us. I want to grow this vision of mine and watch it change the world.

Happy 200 and thank you for your unwaivering support, love, comments, emails, questions and enthusiasm. I am so grateful for YOU.

Blessings and 200 posts infused with 'Au De Emilia' x

THINGS THAT, IF THEY WERE HUMAN, I WOULD MARRY IN A HEARTBEAT ...

My current crush list includes:

+ This incredible video that truly captures the precious and delicate nature of our lives. Thank you Anna you gorgeous girl, for showcasing it.

+ Mother flippin' tahini. Either my eggo is preggo or I have just added another 180 turnaround on taste preferences (joining the ranks of banana, porridge, mango, ginger and a million more that now light up my palate!).

+ My beautiful spring morning routine. Including daily goddess card readings. P.S. everything on the horizon is looking swell, thank you for asking!

+ My serendipitous encounter with a game-changing book during my coffee stop in this week at Mana Kai. I was so engrossed that I stayed sitting and reading for an hour and eventually asked if I could borrow it for the night. Dan Millman, you are incredible. EEEEE!

+ This raw insight into the first step of Kris Carr's inspiring journey. I fell in love so hard with her and her mission and story after watching this. Goosebumps.

+ Lorde and her freakin' incredible music.

+ Getting my chakra meditation on. Like the good hippy I am.

How freaking amazing is life! 

Blessings and a poop-tonne of things that are lighting up my gratitude list this week x