Wellbeing Journal
EYE SERUM VS CREAM VS GEL: HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST EYE CARE FOR YOU
Whether your concern is fine lines, puffiness or dark circles, the skin around the eyes is often one of the first places to show signs of tiredness or ageing. Because your undereye skin is particularly thin and delicate, it pays to apply products that have been formulated specifically for this area.Unlike choosing a new cleanser or moisturiser, considering our skin ‘type’ – for example oily, combination etc. – isn’t so relevant when it comes to picking out products for use around the eyes. This is because as we age, the skin around the eyes naturally becomes much drier than the skin elsewhere on the face. Therefore, it’s more about personal preference and desired results.With creams, gels and serums to choose from, it can be tricky to know where to begin in your quest for finding the right product. You might be wondering how to cure tired eyes, what the best eye cream for wrinkles is and even whether or not eye serums really work…With lots to consider, find our simple guide to help you navigate the various textures on offer and choose the right eye care product to best suit your needs.Eye CreamEye creams are typically richer in texture and probably the closest in consistency to your daily face moisturiser. If this is your first foray into the world of eye care, an eye cream can be a great, no-nonsense place to start. It can be particularly beneficial to use an eye cream at night, allowing the product to deeply absorb into the skin while you catch up on your beauty sleep. Harnessing the power of potent botanical ingredients, our Herbal Recovery Signature Eye Cream is a nourishing choice. This cream is designed to visibly improve the appearance of the skin around the eyes and minimise wrinkles, and our scientific research has shown that our Yarrow extract in the formula helps protect your skin from collagen breakdown*.Eye GelYou may have already guessed that eye gels have a lighter consistency than creams. Although gel formulas are suitable for use in both the morning and evening, their cooling, energising properties make them a soothing choice for waking up tired peepers first thing. If puffiness is your main concern, our Herbal Recovery Signature Eye Gel could be just the ticket. Charged with farm-grown botanicals and antioxidants to deliver intense moisture, it is ideal for brightening eyes. An ultra-light formula, it will leave the eye area visibly refreshed after a late night whilst also targeting fine lines and other signs of ageing.Eye SerumSo, what does eye serum do? Perhaps the most innovative of the three, eye serums are designed to penetrate deeper into the skin than creams and gels for faster, treatment-focused results. Lovely and light in texture, serums are easily absorbed by the skin, making them perfect for use under makeup. If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective approach, our brand-new Herbal Recovery Signature Eye Serum offers just that. Super silky to apply, it improves the skin’s ability to hold onto all-important moisture, while filling in fine lines as they appear. The addition of yarrow extract works to protect your skin from collagen breakdown.Shop all eye care at Jurlique.*Based on a study of the expressions of collagenase (MMP1) in skin cells treated with Bio-Intrinsic Yarrow against a control vehicle over a period of 24 hours. Study conducted by POLA Chemical Industries Inc.
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WAYS TO PRACTISE SELF-CARE OVER THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
They say it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but sometimes the thought of Christmas leaves us feeling overwhelmed rather than overjoyed. On top of the usual stressors the holiday season presents, this year there’s also a certain global pandemic to contend with. With everything that’s going on, it’s only natural that we might find ourselves in a state of unease.In these times, it is more essential than ever to prioritise self-care rituals. Whether you can carve out just 10 minutes, an hour, or an entire afternoon, the trick is to choose what resonates with you most and make it a habit. Read on to discover our top self-care ideas.JournalIf your mind is whirring, it can be helpful to put pen to paper. Offloading your thoughts into a journal is an effective way to find mental clarity. If you’re new to the practice of journaling, then try setting a positive intention for the day ahead by noting down three things you are grateful for each morning. See this as your very own simple self-care planner.Move mindfullyWhether you prefer walking, running, or cycling, it’s no secret that regular exercise can have a profoundly positive effect on maintaining healthy mental health habits. The fact is our bodies love to move and the benefits of doing so are endless. Expect to enjoy deeper sleep, increased energy levels and a brighter demeanour.Practice yogaYou don’t have to attend a studio to experience the benefits of yoga. Instead, seek out an online class or simply practice a few simple postures from the comfort of your own home. Focusing on the breath is an essential part of any yoga practice and is particularly helpful for bringing balance to a stressed-out nervous system.Book a spa treatmentThere’s nothing quite like a professional spa treatment to truly allow mind and body to unwind, so why not book into one of our Jurlique Spas for a luxury facial using natural-based skin care products? Whether you opt for an express treatment or indulge in a 90-minute experience, you’ll certainly leave feeling fresher than when you arrived.Create an at-home spaIf visiting a spa isn’t possible at the moment, try recreating that same experience of self-care at home. Soak in a long, hot bath before indulging in a nurturing self-massage. Add a few drops of our Tranquil Blend Essential Oil to our Jojoba Carrier Oil and apply all over your body in sweeping strokes. Instant calm guaranteed.Up your beauty regimeOur daily beauty rituals offer us a chance to incorporate small moments of self-care into our routines. Using aromatherapy and natural-based skin care is an effective way to bring about feelings of serenity. We suggest keeping our Blackberry & Lemon Zest Hydrating Mist Exclusive Edition on your desk or in your handbag, lightly spritzing it over your face anytime your spirit needs soothing.Get outdoorsIf all else fails, spending time in nature will work wonders in boosting your mood. Close your laptop, leave your phone behind, and embrace the great outdoors. Breathe in fresh countryside air, swim in the ocean, or simply take a walk in your local park – whatever your tonic of choice, getting outside is key to living the healthy life.
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WHEN SHOULD I START USING ANTI-AGEING SKIN CARE PRODUCTS?
It’s a question that seems to confuse a lot of us: when should you start using anti-ageing products? In your early 20s, before any visible signs of ageing? At 30 or 40? Are there different anti-ageing products you should be using at different life stages? And what are the best anti-ageing treatments?While at Jurlique we believe that every age is beautiful, we also believe in the power that looking after and nourishing your skin can bring. So, we’re here to get rid of the confusion. Read on to find out when and how to start using anti-ageing skin care.When should I start using anti-ageing skin care?In short, it’s never too early. Like with most things, our best anti-ageing tip is that prevention is better than cure, so the earlier you start incorporating targeted anti-ageing skin care into your ritual, the better. Your early 20s is the best time to start, as it will slow down those visible signs of ageing from appearing. But don’t worry if you’re past your early 20s and have yet to use an anti-ageing product – you can still reap the benefits and notice the difference at every age.Which product should I start with?For first signs of ageing: If you're looking to slowly incorporate anti-ageing skin care into your daily ritual, start with the Herbal Recovery Signature Serum and Herbal Recovery Signature Moisturising Lotion or Herbal Recovery Signature Moisturising Cream. With Powerful botanicals and natural-based antioxidants, these products will help to smooth the appearance of lines and wrinkles.For visible signs of ageing: If your skin needs deeper hydration and repair, pair the Nutri-Define Supreme Rejuvenating Serum with the Nutri-Define Supreme Restorative Light Cream, and apply the Nutri-Define Supreme Eye Contour Balm to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.For advanced signs of ageing: If you’re already using a serum, night cream and eye cream, try incorporating the Nutri-Define Supreme Cleansing Foam and switching the Light Cream for the Nutri-Define Supreme Restorative Rich Cream to deliver intense hydration.Choose natural anti-ageing ingredientsIf you’ve been a long-time user of Jurlique, you’ll know we value the potent botanicals grown on our biodynamic* farm in South Australia and believe that nature is our greatest source of skin-loving ingredients. Our Nutri-Define range includes natural ingredients such as an extract from the Spilanthes flower, which has been shown to boost the production of Collagen VII and Collagen I, two essential anti-ageing proteins, by up to 46%**. These active ingredients are encapsulated in Biosome6, a unique technology that optimises, stabilises and transports them to the deeper layers of the skin.Age with confidenceWe believe that signs of ageing are not something we should be ashamed or try to hide – and that our imperfections are what make us who we are. Rather, anti-ageing skin care is here to help us celebrate our skin and keep it healthy throughout the years.Explore our Nutri-Define range now, or visit our blog for more skin care tips.*Certified biodynamic by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia. Jurlique’s products and farm are not certified or affiliated with Demeter® USA or Demeter International.**Based on an in-vitro study using skin cell cultures for a period of 24 hours and 3 days conducted by POLA Chemical Industries Inc.
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HOW TO ACHIEVE DOLPHIN SKIN THIS FESTIVE SEASON
Just when we got our heads around glass skin, there’s a new need-to-know beauty term to get on board with: dolphin skin. The term was coined by celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips who’s been responsible for Kendall Jenner and JLO’s looks – and who’s also a fan of our Rosewater Balancing Mist. The dolphin skin trend has since taken Instagram by storm – and it’s a Christmas makeup look we’ll be adopting at Jurlique HQ.Hold on…what does dolphin skin mean? Essentially, this look is about skin that’s slippery smooth, hyper-glowing, plump and hydrated…like you’ve just stepped out of crystal clear waters and are gleaming and glistening (more Bond girl than reality, then, but still a look you can achieve with the right skin care ritual and makeup products). Read on for our step by step guide to achieving dolphin skin this festive season.Step 1: ExfoliateThis is a trend that works best on freshly exfoliated skin. Every day, dead skin cells, dirt and oil build up on the surface of your skin, which can leave it feeling and looking dull and dry. A gentle exfoliator removes this build-up, revealing newer, fresher, smoother and healthier-looking skin. Exfoliating also unclogs pores. Our pores can get clogged from a build-up of sebum (naturally occurring oil in our skin), as well as dirt and grime from pollution, sweat and general everyday life – which can lead to the appearance of spots (not the slippery smooth skin we’re after, then…).Use our Daily Exfoliating Cream, our mild, creamy and non-granular face scrub that can be used on all skin types (it’s even gentle enough for sensitive skin).Step 2: HydrateEvery good skin care ritual is heavy on the hydration – and no dolphin skin makeup look would be complete without a hydrated base. After exfoliating, spray a few spritzes of your favourite face mist over your skin and allow it to sink in before applying a couple of drops of Activating Water Essence. This super hydrating face essence provides long-lasting hydration to the skin and also preps the skin, helping the products you apply afterwards (namely, your serum and moisturiser) to penetrate into the layers of your skin.Step 3: MoisturiseApply the right serum for your skin type and lock in all that moisture and benefits of the skin care products you’ve used so far in your ritual, with a hydrating moisturiser. For the ultimate in dolphin skin, use the Moisture Plus Rare Rose Lotion or Moisture Plus Rare Rose Gel Cream – both contain the extract of our exclusive Jurlique Rose, and deliver 24-hour hydration to the skin.*Step 4: Add a Face OilA couple of drops of a high-performance oil can hydrate, smooth and soften your skin (hello fewer lines and wrinkles), and make it more resilient – not to mention give you an enviable glow. Face oils are nourishing and moisturising, supplementing the oil your skin already produces. They’re also hydrophobic, meaning they help to improve the skin’s natural barrier to seal in moisture (all excellent qualities for that coveted dolphin skin look).We recommend mixing a couple of drops of Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Face Oil into your moisturiser. This blend is full of antioxidant-rich botanical oils (Grapeseed, Avocado and Rose Hip) that revitalise the complexion, and help minimise first signs of ageing and protect against environmental aggressors.Step 5: Apply your makeupYour skin should be glowing already but to take your festive dolphin skin look up a notch it’s time to apply your makeup. Start with a light, luminous coverage that has hydrating properties, add a cream blush and then dab a cream or balm based highlighter to the bridge and tip of your nose, cheekbones, temples and brow bones (note: powders won’t give you the same gleam as cream-based products).For more Christmas inspiration, discover our Christmas Catalogue.*Based on a corneometer study of 21 participants using Moisture Plus Rare Rose Lotion and Moisture Plus Rare Rose Gel Cream, after 24h
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HOW TO USE AROMATHERAPY FOR STRESS RELIEF
Stress is a fact of life and we all encounter stressful situations at various points of our lives, but this year has brought new and unique stresses to everyone. It can have long term effects on our minds, bodies and skin, and sometimes finding something that ‘works’ is easier said than done. Enter aromatherapy, a natural and oft-cited way to help reduce stress.From what essential oils to use to help relieve stress to how to use them, discover our guide to relaxing aromatherapy below.How stress affects skinYou may notice that your skin doesn’t look its best when you’re stressed. Perhaps you’re breaking out more than usual, or pre-existing conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are worse than they have been in a while. This is because stress can cause a chemical response in your body that may make skin more sensitive.Stress can also lead to your body making more hormones like cortisol, which may cause the glands in your skin to produce oil…which could lead to breakouts. On top of that, you might be neglecting your skin care ritual as your mind is on other things.What is aromatherapy?Aromatherapy has been used as a holistic wellbeing tool for years, with even the Ancient Egyptians known for using different scents to alter their mood. Aromatherapy involves the use of aromatic plant materials, particularly essential oils, to alter one’s mood and promote wellbeing. Its primary benefits come from inhaling the scent of these essential oils, which can have benefits for the mind and body.Essential oils for stressLavender Pure Essential OilLavender essential oil has a calming, relaxing and balancing effect and is probably one of the best-known essential oils. In fact, one study found that spraying lavender spray on clothing was effective in reducing work related stress in nurses for three-four days.Bergamot Essential OilBergamot essential oil is also known for its calming and balancing effects. The oil comes from the peel of a fruit called Citrus bergamia and according to one study, it may improve negative emotions, reduce fatigue and help lower cortisol levels.Geranium Pure Essential OilGeranium essential oil is also known for being calming and relaxing when used in aromatherapy.Or try one of our relaxing essential oil blends such as Comforting Blend Essential Oil and Harmony Blend Essential Oil.How to do an aromatherapy massageCreate your own aromatherapy massage oil by mixing Jojoba Carrier Oil and your essential oil of choice for a calming, indulgent way to relax – try using it when you treat yourself to your next at-home spa day.Other ways to use essential oils include pouring a couple of drops into your bath or diffuser or inhaling it by adding a couple of drops to a tissue.If you’re looking for more stress relief techniques, try these 7 yoga poses to relieve stress. Shop all essential oils at Jurlique or treat yourself to an aromatic massage at your nearest Jurlique Spa.¹https://www.webmd.com/beauty/the-effects-of-stress-on-your-skin
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WHY PRESSING IN YOUR SKIN CARE WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
When it comes to an effective skin care ritual, having the right products in your line-up is only half of it. The method of application also plays a big part, as it can affect the overall efficacy of your products. Avoiding excessively rubbing your skin and instead pressing in your product, which also makes them more effective and dramatically improves the condition of your skin. What is pressing/patting? Patting in your skin care products is a centuries old Japanese technique – a traditional ritual in which skin care products are gently patted or pressed onto the surface of the skin rather than tugging or rubbing. To use the pressing method simply: Apply a small amount of product to clean finger tips of one hand Gently rub both of your hands together to evenly distribute the product and as well as warm up the product Starting at your nose and working outwards gently press your product into your face. Press the product into your oiliest areas, like your T-Zone, last. Also gently press the product into your neck and décolletage until fully absorbed. Patting vs rubbing in skin care products One of the main benefits of pressing in your skin care products is that it significantly reduces pulling and tugging of skin. Our skin is one of our body’s most delicate organs and without realising it, excessive skin manipulation by rubbing can stretch the skin and break down collagen, in turn leading to advanced signs of ageing like sagging and wrinkles. From the vigorous use of makeup wipes to being heavy handed when applying moisturiser, all of that rubbing adds up. Pressing in your skin care products also allows the products to penetrate deeper without friction. Particularly around the area where rubbing in products and dragging the skin can cause irritation and inflammation. When should you press in your skin care products? Physical exfoliators and cleansers are the only products that should be rubbed into your face using gentle, circular motions: this motion helps activate the product and whisks away debris. For most of your skin care ritual steps you should practice pressing in your products. Misting/Essence: After cleansing your skin, use a toner or essence to restore hydration. Our Activating Water Essence is the essential step for every skin care ritual and is formulated to activate the skin’s ability to retain water and thus maximises the benefits of the products you apply afterwards. “Your skin is like a sponge, anything you put on top of a dry sponge will just sit there”, says Rebecca Nicholls, Jurlique Education Specialist. To enhance absorption, pour a couple of drops into your hand, gently rub your hands together to warm up the product and gently pat onto your face, neck and décolletage. Serum: Serums are a high-performance treatment step and usually packed with all the good stuff that helps improve your complexion. By pressing in your serum instead of rubbing, you’ll ensure that every juicy drop gets absorbed into your skin. Eye Cream: Your eye area is quite delicate so pulling and tugging is already a big no-no. Instead of patting with all of your fingers, use the tips of your ring fingers and gently take your time to pat the product under the eye area in until full absorbed. Moisturiser: When moisturising you can use the same patting technique as you would with your serum and essence step. But as a final technique you can also glide and smooth the moisturiser onto your skin. Moving from the middle of your face outward and using upward gliding motion on your neck and décolletage. Remember to be gentle and avoid any rubbing motion. A circular rubbing motion is mostly our default option when it comes applying skin care products. Even though it feels like it gets the job faster and we’ve been doing it this way since forever, the bottom line is that it’s not that great for our skin. When applying your skin care remember to try and take a mindful moment and really treat it like the luxurious ritual it is. Take your time as your press in your products. Your skin will thank you for it.
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FIVE REASONS TO USE A BODY OIL
The skin on your body deserves just as much care as the skin on your face, but that doesn’t mean it always gets it. If you find yourself skipping the all-important step of post-shower body hydration, then perhaps the ritual of applying a luxurious oil to your limbs could help to make the habit stick. Oils have been used for thousands of years for their beautifying properties, and with good reason. Read on to discover why you should consider incorporating them into your daily ritual. To deepen your daily ritual, consider selecting a body oil that reflects the moment you want to create. Our Rose Body Oil brings a delicate floral aroma that inspires a sense of gentle uplift, while our Lavender Body Oil offers a calming botanical scent ideal for evening routines. If you prefer something bright and refreshing, the Lemon Body Oil provides an energising citrus note, and our Jojoba Carrier Oil offers a pure, neutral base that can be used alone or blended to personalise your sensory experience. 1. BODY OILS ARE EFFECTIVE AT TACKLING DRY SKIN First and foremost, body oils are amazing at relieving dry, scaly skin caused by changing weather, too-hot showers, and harsh cleansers. A good body oil works to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture. Contrary to what you might expect, oils are absorbed quickly without leaving a greasy residue. But when to use body oil? For best results, apply your chosen oil – we highly recommend our delightfully scented Rose Body Oil – to slightly damp skin straight after your bath or shower. 2. THEY COULD POSITIVELY IMPACT YOUR MOOD, AS WELL AS YOUR SKIN When choosing the best body oil for you, opt for a scent that aligns with your personal needs. Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in influencing your state of mind. While our Lemon Body Oil is a revitalizing option for getting yourself going in the morning, you may wish to choose something relaxing and soothing like our Lavender Body Oil as you wind down before bedtime. 3. BODY OILS ARE AN ECONOMICAL CHOICE A body oil’s versatility makes it an economical addition to your beauty arsenal. As well as slathering oil over your skin, you could add a few drops to your bath; use it to soften cuticles during an at-home mani-pedi; or apply it as a relaxing massage oil. It’s also worth noting that a little goes a long way, so you won’t find yourself having to restock too regularly either. 4. THEY CAN HELP TO PROTECT AND REPAIR THE SKIN Natural, plant-derived oils – such as Jojoba and Macadamia – are filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that can protect the skin against environmental aggressors, whilst also renewing damaged cells and preventing ageing. Certain oils are even thought to help heal scars, fade the appearance of stretch marks, and soothe irritated skin. Deeply nourishing, our Jojoba Carrier Oil can be used alone or blended with your favorite essential oils. 5. BODY OILS CAN ENHANCE YOUR EXISTING BEAUTY PRODUCTS Maybe you’re still wondering, is body oil better than lotion? We say neither is better than the other, it’s simply down to your own personal preference. Obviously, the main difference here is texture. If you aren’t quite ready to commit, adding a drop of oil to one of our Body Lotions offers an easy way to introduce it into your regime, delivering richness and extra hydrating properties to the skin. FAQs What is body oil? Body oil is a blend of plant-derived oils crafted to nourish and soften the skin while enhancing your daily self-care ritual. It absorbs smoothly and leaves a silky finish, making it a beautiful way to support natural radiance and enjoy a sensorial moment with botanicals. How often do you use body oil? You can use body oil every day, either morning or evening, depending on the ritual you want to create. Many people enjoy applying it after bathing when the skin is warm and slightly damp, helping the oil glide effortlessly and leaving the skin feeling smooth and comforted. What do you use body oil for? Body oil is used to nourish and soften the skin while enhancing your daily self-care ritual. It helps create a smooth, silky finish and adds a sensorial botanical moment to your routine, whether applied after bathing or used during massage. Is body oil better than lotion? Body oil and lotion offer different textures and can complement each other. Oils help leave the skin feeling silky and conditioned, while lotions provide lightweight hydration. Many people choose to layer them for a richer, more comforting finish. When should I wear body oil? You can wear body oil whenever it best suits your ritual. Use uplifting scents in the morning to help energise your day or calming botanicals in the evening to unwind. After bathing is an ideal time as the skin is warm and receptive. Do you rinse off body oil? No, body oil is designed to stay on the skin. Apply it, allow it to absorb, and enjoy the soft, smooth finish it creates. Do I put body oil on wet or dry skin? For best results, apply body oil to slightly damp skin. This helps the oil glide easily and enhances absorption for a silky, comfortable finish. Can body oil make you tan faster? No, body oil does not make you tan faster. It is crafted to nurture the skin and elevate your self-care ritual, not influence the tanning process. Always follow your usual sun safety practices.
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WHO IS THE MOST INSPIRING WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE?
To celebrate International Women's Day this year, we asked our Jurlique team to tell us who are the most inspiring women in their lives. Here are just some of our favorite responses. ROSEMARY RAE - GLOBAL LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST "The most inspiring woman in my world is my mum Grace. She was one of the first female truck drivers in Australia in the late 60s, early 70s. From her I learnt courage, commitment and resilience." CHERIE HUTCHINSON - FARM PRODUCTION MANAGER "My friends inspire me. I am surrounded by some really strong positive women. We look out for one another, we have a barrel of laughs and we’re also there for each other in the bad times too. Life can be tough sometimes and having women around you that support you and want to see the best for you is fantastic. More importantly is, they’re authentically themselves and that’s something I absolutely encourage all women to be." REBECCA NICHOLLS - GLOBAL LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST "The most inspiring woman in my world is my 97 year old grandmother Violet. She is an inspiration to me for her positivity and optimism and being brave to tackle anything. As an only grandchild I spent many hours with nana while I was growing up and the love, kindness and fun we shared together are some of my fondest memories. I moved to Sydney from England 30 years ago and missed our time together so much. When she was 91 she embraced the opportunity for us to be together again and emigrated to Australia with my parents. I now get to see her whenever I want to and I am always amazed by her positivity and optimism at starting a new life across the other side of the world in her 90s. I love you nana."
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MOTHER'S DAY Q & A WITH COURTNEY ADAMO
As a mother, what does a regular morning look like in the Adamo house? I suppose that depends on what time you’re talking about! If you showed up to our house before 8am, you’d find a hive of activity: five kids eating breakfast, taking turns in the shower, getting dressed, searching for shoes and backpacks, and trying to get to the school bus on time and two parents juggling tasks, making breakfast, packing lunchboxes, yelling out reminders to children, and trying to get kids out of the house on time! If you showed up after 8am, it would be a lot less noisy here — I’d probably be cleaning up the kitchen, finishing my coffee, doing a load of laundry, taking a shower and getting ready to sit down to my laptop by 9:30ish. You are the eldest of 5 yourself, what was your childhood like? My childhood was really idyllic, and the older I get, the more I realise how lucky we were to be raised that way. I grew up on a farm near the sea, and my siblings and I spent most of our time outside and in nature. I had both sets of grandparents living nearby, and my father was one of ten children, so I was surrounded by loads of cousins, aunts and uncles. My parents were really loving, but also quite strict about manners and chores. We were kept busy doing tasks around the farm, but we were also given the freedom to explore and be adventurous. I spent a lot of time with my siblings, but when I wanted to be alone, I could just hop on my horse and ride around the fields behind our house. How has your upbringing influenced the way you now raise your children? I always joke that having come from a big, crazy family, the chaos in our home feels quite normal. I guess my upbringing prepared me for this. I’m also really close with my parents and my siblings, and have always wanted to raise a close-knit family as well. I remind my kids all the time how lucky they are to have each other, and we place a lot of value on family time together. I also try to make sure my kids have a lot of unscheduled, unstructured time — so that they can just be bored and play and create their own adventures. What’s your favourite way to connect to Nature? Was it something that your parents passed on to you or did you learn it later? Growing up, we lived near the sea, but not the ocean. The water was freezing cold and the beaches were rocky and wild. We spent lots of time at the beach and swimming in that frigid water, but unfortunately there were no waves to surf (and you would have needed a thick wetsuit to stay in that water for long). Now that we live here in Byron with mild water and perfect surfing waves, I have learned to surf, and I really love it. It’s such a wonderful way to connect with nature, to calm your mind, and to get a bit of exercise. I love surfing with my kids, of course, but I also really love just being out there by myself, sitting on my board, watching the waves, and feeling so present. You recently celebrated your 40th birthday, Happy birthday! Looking back what are some of your proudest and fondest moments? and let’s get real, what are some of the challenges and learning you have faced as a mother? Thank you! (I still can’t believe I’m 40! I still feel like I’m 22!) I’m actually really enjoying growing up. It’s a beautiful thing to get to know yourself as you age, to find compassion for others, and to arrive at a place where you feel comfortable in your skin. In terms of fond moments, we spent a year traveling around the world 5 years ago, and that was honestly the happiest year of my life. We have so many incredible memories from that trip, and came away feeling so connected as a family. Also, of course, the births of all of my children — especially welcoming our fifth baby, Wilkie, at home with all the other kids there in the room. It was a pretty magical moment. We’ve also had our share of challenges too, of course. Wilkie was a surprise baby, and I think Michael and I both found it difficult to go back to the baby stage after we thought we were on the other end of it. He was a particularly challenging baby and toddler too — we never had tantrums with our first four, but then Wilkie came and made sure we had our fair share of tantrums! Like every other mother on the planet, I found last year quite challenging with Covid lockdown and the intense juggle of work and motherhood and homeschooling and toddler tantrums and teenage angst. As a mother, what do you wish for your children? I think I probably echo every other mother when I say that the thing I wish for the most for my children is health and happiness. It sounds so simple and basic, but it’s really all you need in life. Of course I also hope they are kind and compassionate, honest and fair. I hope they are as interested in others as they are interesting. And I hope they honour who they really are and follow their very own path. Do you have wellness or beauty rituals that you do daily to promote your inner beauty, practical things to take care of your skin, body and mind amidst the chaos of mum life? As a family, we put a lot of thought and attention into the food we eat. My husband does most of the cooking, and he’s a really good cook. We eat a vegetarian diet and we try to eat organically and as locally as possible. My husband and I also try to squeeze in yoga and pilates together a couple of times a week, and of course simply being out in nature, being at the beach, swimming and surfing in the ocean — this in itself is a wellness ritual! Personally, I have been using the Jurlique products for nearly a year now, and I really love the products and love how it’s changed my bedtime skincare routine. Just taking the extra five minutes to care for myself before hopping into bed is a moment of self-care that I appreciate more than ever. For all the mums out there, can you please share a simple delicious recipe that you would want your children to prepare for you on Mother’s Day. Here’s a super simple, kid-friendly recipe for the most yummy blueberry muffins! Sour Cream Blueberry Muffins: -1/4 cup (55 grams) of butter at room temp. -3/4 cup of sugar -2 eggs -1 ¼ cups plus 2 tablespoons of sifted flour -1/2 tsp. baking soda -1/2 tsp. salt -3/4 cup of sour cream (or créme fraiche) -1-2 cups of blueberries -1/2 tsp. vanilla extract or paste Preheat oven to 230°C and line a muffin tin with paper or foil liners. In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Sift flour, soda and salt together, and add to butter mixture alternatively with the sour cream. Gently fold in berries and vanilla. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown. (Makes 12 muffins).
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