As we head into the party season here are my top 5 natural beauty products I’m a big believer in reducing the amount of chemicals we use topically each day. It’s an issue of load, as let’s face it, as women we use a large variety of product every day! So think about switching some of your products for a more natural alternative.
Top of my list is this body scrub from Urban Veda This range is naturally formulated to Ayurvedic principles to really embrace the therapeutic properties of plants. It’s a sensory sensation in the shower. It’s a gentle body scrub made from crushed walnut and organic pumice. The glow it leaves is because of the citrusy vitamin rich addition of orange and lemon. It contains vitamin E, geranium and palmarosa to help hydrate making it a one stop shop and an essential winter beauty item. Scrubbing helps with our circulation and helps to get rid of dead skin cells too. This fab set is €43.99 BUY HERE
Next up is this moisturizing night balm from Irish company Anu This ANU Night Balm is deeply nourishing which can be exactly what our skin needs coming into the winter months. With the tug of war between central heating and braving the elements outdoors some extra TLC and a change in skincare can be necessary. This balm not only contains moisturizing oils and butters but, carrageen Irish moss seaweed, lavender and beeswax too. After cleansing, apply to face, neck and décolletage before a great night’s sleep. It can also be used as a general multi balm on eyebrows, lips and other areas of dry skin (some people also use it as a cleanser) and it has been known to clear up spots, blemishes and even mild eczema. €20 BUY HERE
This lippy from Couleur Caramel is perfect for the upcoming festive season. A naturally nourishing lipstick rich in plant based active ingredients. They come in many different shades. Check them out HERE €19.00
Soak in a luxurious bath after a long hard day with this beautiful wild oats bath soak. Karen Cottier from Wild Oats Soap has made this wild oats bath soak with lavender and milk and not only is it great for soothing stress but it’s also great for kids or adults with eczema or chicken pox too. €11.95 BUY HERE
It just wouldn’t be right to move into winter without mentioning my must have beauty item. The Weleda skin food is a lifesaver for dry, rough skin and a great travel partner too. It’s made with organic extracts of chamomile, calendula and wild pansy to soothe dry or rough skin and revitalizing rosemary extract to perk up tired skin. It also smells delicious because of the refreshing essential oils of sweet orange and lavender. This ladies is a must have for the handbag!! BUY HERE €11.95
Alisonhttps://alisoncanavan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/AC_Logo_Primary_FullColor-300x61.pngAlison2016-11-11 14:34:312016-11-11 14:34:31MY TOP 5 NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS FOR NOVEMBER
You would be forgiven for thinking that all fruit and vegetables are in season all year round, after all they are available all year round in our local supermarkets!
However, eating seasonally could actually be the best way to eat sensibly as there are real health benefits in sticking to fruit and veg that’s in season.
Here’s why:
Produce tastes better – When you eat produce that’s in season it’s a taste sensation as opposed to produce that’s in transit for nearly two weeks. The transit time alone and chilling reduces the flavour. When a fruit or vegetable is ripe and picked fresh not only will it taste better but it’s nutritionally superior too.
It’s better value – it stands to reason that when a farmer harvests produce in season it will not only be plentiful but cheaper because storage and transport are not necessary as its usually heading somewhere local.
It’s better for the planet too – our planet needs all the help it can get these days and every little helps. Buying local produce reduces fuel to fork costs, helping to reduce pollutant gases into the atmosphere. Growing fruit and veg in season requires lower levels of artificial inputs like heating, lighting, pesticides and fertilisers, making it better for the environment and you.
Seasonal vegetables suit our body – Our bodies our wise and we need to move with the seasons. What’s grown in nature each season is what our bodies crave for nourishment and optimal nutrition. In the summer we lean towards berries and salads but in the winter hearty soups and stews made from root vegetables is what we need. So build a comforting friendship with your crock-pot. After all, winter is all about grounding yourself and we can do this through food too.
We can support our local farmers –support and connection is really important for our health and wellbeing. When you buy local you not only help to support your local farmer but you also make a real connection to where your food came from.
Here’s a list of what’s in season now:
All year round you will have onions, carrots, chard, mushrooms, spinach, garlic, potatoes and salad leaves.
December: Chestnuts, field mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, leeks, turnips, pumpkins, celery, rhubarb, red cabbage, kale, cauliflower, swede, cabbage, celeriac, beetroot, pears, cranberries, cooking apples and apples
January: Cabbage, Red cabbage, cauliflower, kale, swede, Brussels sprouts, celery leeks, parsnips, turnips, celeriac, beetroot, rhubarb, apples, pears, cooking apples
February: Purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, beetroot, cabbage, kale, turnip, rhubarb, celery, celeriac, red cabbage, apples, pears, cooking apples
I love shopping local and my! it’s a very different experience to the supermarket. My son is 6 and has built a relationship with the people at my local market. He knows where food comes from and is interested in the process. From farm to fork without all the logistics is preferable where possible. So please try and support our own and shop locally. Here’s a link to the market I attend in Dublin 8. Check it out The Green Door.
Alisonhttps://alisoncanavan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/AC_Logo_Primary_FullColor-300x61.pngAlison2016-11-10 18:19:542016-11-10 18:19:54WHY YOU SHOULDN’T EAT VEGETABLES OUT OF SEASON
James and I had so much fun launching the #summerbakingchallenge. For the rest of August, the Dr. Oetker Summer Baking Challenge will set a baking challenge every Sunday on Facebook.
Dr Oetker carried out a survey to celebrate the launch, which revealed that Mary Berry is the celebrity who most reminds them of their own mammies in the kitchen.
The Great British Bake off star topped the poll ahead of Cork native Darina Allen (23%) who came in second place and proving Irish mammies are a persuasive bunch, Mrs. ‘Go-on-go-on-go-on’ -Fr. Ted’s housekeeper, Mrs. Doyle, came in third place (21%).
Regardless of what was in the oven though, a whooping 80% of mothers remember their own mother baking when they were growing up and 78% even remember how much they loved licking the spoon! I know that was certainly my favourite part when my granny was baking!
An overwhelming 90% voted that the smell of freshly baked goods is the most welcoming scent a house can have. So round up your mini bakers and get messy baking to create new family memories this August!
All you have to do is share your photos on to the Facebook page to win a KitchenAid mixer and weekly prizes of Dr. Oetker baking goodies.
This competition will add a sprinkle of fun to baking with the family this summer.
For lots of tips, recipes and baking inspiration check out www.oetker.ie@DrOetkerBaking and #SummerBakingChallenge
Alisonhttps://alisoncanavan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/AC_Logo_Primary_FullColor-300x61.pngAlison2016-08-11 13:00:212016-08-11 13:00:21ADD A SPRINKLE OF FUN TO FAMILY BAKING WITH THE DR. OETKER #SUMMERBAKINGCHALLENGE
If you consistently struggle from low energy, crave sweet & salty foods, have trouble concentrating and experience dizzy spells; it’s possible you’re suffering from adrenal fatigue. The adrenals are small glands located above the kidneys which are involved in hormone production. They play a huge role in our stress response and over time can become fatigued if we’re not managing our diet and lifestyle well or constantly exposed to stress. To overcome adrenal fatigue it’s important to eliminate highly processed foods, sugar & caffeine. Instead try to nourish the body with healthy fats such as avocados & nuts, oily fish such as salmon and lots of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. Lifestyle changes such as reducing stress & consistently getting lots of sleep are important. Using essential oils can also be a great way to support the adrenal glands in a natural way and speed up recovery time. Here are the top 5 essential oils for adrenal fatigue:
Basil
Basil’s regenerative and stimulant properties make it an uplifting essential oil that helps to wake up the body. Applying it topically to the bottom of the feet each morning and evening is a good way to experience the benefits consistently. Basil can help to energise the mind so is an ideal oil to diffuse in a room if struggling with forgetfulness or mental fatigue.
Grapefruit
Fresh & detoxifying, grapefruit is another essential oil that can prove really helpful for adrenal fatigue. Mixing it with basil & applying it topically over the adrenals will help support over worked adrenal glands. Grapefruit can also be added to water or placed in a vegetable capsules which will also help combat the sugar cravings that often come with fatigue.
Geranium
Regenerative and strengthening, Geranium is often used to support organs such as the liver and kidneys and to help hormonal conditions such as PMS. Applying Geranium over the abdomen or taking it internally helps to support adrenals and to balance hormones. It is also a good oil to help balance emotions and a nice floral oil that is ideal for diffusing.
Rosemary
Often used for combating fatigue, Rosemary is a great essential oil to use alongside Basil to support the adrenal glands in recovering. Muscle weakness and tension is often reported as one of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. Applying Rosemary topically can also help to ease the pain of sore or stiff muscles. Diffusing Rosemary can help combat mental fatigue and improve memory & concentration.
Wild Orange
A popular recommendation for combating stress, Wild Orange essential oil is incredibly uplifting and energising. It can help with concentration and inhaling it is a good way to improve your mood and at the same time reduce stress levels. Wild orange can also help with insomnia and improving the quality of your sleep is an important way to aid recovery from adrenal fatigue.
When selecting essential oils it’s important to choose 100% pure essential oils for the safest and most effective health benefits. Only certified pure therapeutic grade oils should be taken internally or used neat on the skin.Always dilute essential oils with carrier oil if applying topically to children.
Essential oils can be used aromatically to affect mood and open airways; topically for quick absorption into the body through the skin, and internally for immune & digestive support.
Essential oils are a great way to improve your health easily and quickly. Drop me a line if you’d like to learn more about using essential oils or where to purchase 100% pure oils.…
I’m so happy to have Niamh O’Donoghue as this weeks Wellness Wednesday guest. I met Niamh once before very briefly but recently I saw her being interviewed on The Ray D’Arcy show and she took my breath away. Her resilience, strength and outlook on life is something everyone can learn from. Her positivity is contagious and no matter what life throws at her she just keeps going.
Niamh has had to deal with three life-altering conditions: Severe Idiopathic Scoliosis, kidney disease, and thyroid cancer. Because of her scoliosis she’s fused from the base of her neck down into her pelvis, which means that she can’t bend forward, backward, left or right. She’s also had to have her kidney and entire thyroid removed. Below are some of Niamh’s scars and she is passionate about sharing her message of positive body image.
I don’t know about you but that sounds like an awful lot for one person to handle but in her own words Niamh says:
”I’m extremely lucky to have such a positive outlook on life and a good sense of humour: sure what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger!”
I think we’re very lucky today to be inspired by such an incredible young lady. Niamh is a journalist, blogger and creative from Dublin and admits that she’s inquisitive, nosey and passionate about writing, collaborating with other creative people, and promoting positive body image as we have seen online.
How would you describe your lifestyle?
I live quite a high-octane lifestyle and i’m normally on the go for 13-15 hours of the day. I’m currently completing my thesis so between being in college, freelancing, blogging, going to events, and looking after myself and seeing my friends it can be quite hectic!
What’s your favorite food? Naughty or nice.
I’m naturally a clean eater and take care of my body. I don’t really enjoy eating fast-food or processed food. If i’m feeling a bit run-down my go-to snack would be egg, salmon, avocado and spinach on wholemeal bread or batch loaf!
Do you exercise and if so what do you do to keep fit?
Prior to losing my kidney and being diagnosed with cancer I was strength training 5-6 times a week, but now that i’m recovering i’ve brought that down to 2-3 times per week. I struggle to gain weight, especially after having so many surgeries, so it’s important that I eat the right food and do the right kind of exercise to suit my body. Working out and training can be difficult because of how much metal I have in my body, but over time (and with some good coaching) I’ve learned the correct procedures for lifting and have become a lot stronger. Strength training has also stopped me from relying on damaging pain-killers for back pain because I have built up good fat and muscle around my spine. I swim a lot too because your body becomes weightless in the water and it’s good to give your body a break from intense exercise,
Nutrition is very important to me too, and it took me a while to educate myself on which type of foods my body needs and why. Education is key when it comes to exercise. Remember: change is 80% diet and only 20% exercise, so start by eating the right kind of foods and your body will reward you!
How do you find balance in your day-to-day life?
It’s incredibly important to take time for yourself, but this is something that I have only recently learned. I love being busy and active, but I also get run-down very easily and sometimes don’t know when to stop. I’ve learned to listen to my body when it needs rest and some TLC.
How do you manage stress in your life? Do you meditate? Have you ever tried it?
I get stressed out very easily but I have found over time that exercise (healthy release of endorphins) or a hot bath are good ways to help me unwind. I have done pilates for over a year which focused a lot on breathing and I noticed a huge difference in my ability to sleep better. I haven’t tried meditation yet, but I would definitely like to!
People often set goals or intentions as they go through life. Is this something you do?
After being through so many negative set-backs I think it’s fundamentally important to set personal goals – otherwise I would have given up a long time ago! During my illnesses there were days when I didn’t want to, or couldn’t, get out of bed. But I have a very strong sense of will-power and i’m lucky enough that I know what I want to do and what I need to do to achieve it.
It can be hard to achieve anything when you’re body and mind are feeling lethargic and down, but by setting small goals you can help yourself to overcome this slump. But start small – even if that goal means getting out of bed and stretching. And remember to reward yourself when you’ve achieved something!
How do you unwind after a busy day?
Anything that involves being away from a computer screen or mobile phone! I spend up to 12+ hours a day online so it’s important be able to switch off. I have my own rule that I switch off my laptop and phone by 9pm at the latest: that gives me an hour or so to completely unwind and ensure i get a good nights sleep.
It’s the weekend, what do you do for fun?
I like working on creative projects and passion projects, trying new places to eat, and finding hidden gems around our city. I”m learning to work less on weekends and start enjoying time away from my laptop and mobile phone.
What’s your top health tip for our readers?
Give your body the nourishment, love and rest that it needs, and listen when it’s trying to tell you when something is wrong! Never compare your body to others – you’re completely unique.
Finish the sentence – Being complete for me means…
Being complete for me means being healthy. Your health is your wealth and without it you can accomplish nothing.
Sometimes in life we work towards a goal . Nothing else’s matters to make that goal a reality .
But what I find is that people forget to actually enjoy the moment .
So all I ask of you today is don’t forget to ‘enjoy the moment’
I said it to Ali regarding her book launch . All the hours of hard work and graft . To simply take in the moment & smile .
I’m in rehearsals with my third play ‘The Unsung Hero’ I’ve researched this for two years and now it’s a reality . But a friend reminded me to enjoy everyday of this process . That’s what I worked for & I forgot about my own enjoyment .
So now I’m having a coffee before rehearsals start and I’m watching the world go by & smiling to myself .
No matter what the end goal is , don’t ever forget to enjoy the moment because I nearly did.
Alisonhttps://alisoncanavan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/AC_Logo_Primary_FullColor-300x61.pngAlison2016-03-09 09:04:592016-03-09 09:04:59ENJOY THE MOMENT
A while back I received a small hamper with a couple of packets of pasta. I was immediately intrigued by the idea of a high-protein, free from, pasta made exclusively from buckwheat and chickpeas and decided to find out more.
It was October of last year when I first had the chance to have a chat with Nico and Sabine from Leaves, the creators of #PastaMagic for one of my Wellness Wednesday articles (read the full story here: WELLNESS WEDNESDAY with Nico and Sabine).
Since then this couple (and their little son Aidan) have come a long way: this February they finally launched their #PastaMagic nationwide in a clever single serve portion of 100g, to help with portion control and avoid waste. They currently have 3 flavours out there: Fusilli originale, Penne with Garlic and Macaroni with Sage; all available in SuperValu stores and speciality stores around the country and online on their WEBSITE .
I really like the passion that this young couple have for their mission and what Leaves stands for: helping others achieve a healthier lifestyle in an easier and more attractive way. I truly love their pasta, so it works for me. The idea that in just five minutes (that’s how long it takes to cook this pasta perfectly al dente!) I can get as much protein as a serving of salmon and 3 times more fibre just from my pasta, with a great flavour and texture (forget all those brittle gluten-free alternatives out there) it’s absolutely fantastic!
I met the two again for a tea a few weeks ago and together we decided to partner as I really love to support positive, passionate people that like me are committed to help others to feel better.
So I will be sharing a few interesting recipes with #PastaMagic, and how it fits into my daily life, but most importantly we’ll be offering FREE SHIPPING to all readers when buying from the Leaves Web Store :simply add the code “Alison” at checkout to avail of the offer.
The pasta on their website costs just €2 (or less when ordered in bigger quantities) for what basically is a full meal in a box for one.
If you try it, I’d love to hear your thoughts about #PastaMagic and how you use it, I hope this product will help many of you feel better in an effortless way.
Alisonhttps://alisoncanavan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/AC_Logo_Primary_FullColor-300x61.pngAlison2016-03-08 21:35:342016-03-08 21:35:34THE STORY OF A PARTNERSHIP
Alisonhttps://alisoncanavan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/AC_Logo_Primary_FullColor-300x61.pngAlison2016-03-05 07:33:492016-03-05 07:33:49MY TOP TIPS FOR BETTER DIGESTION
I spent a lot of my life thinking I couldn’t do a lot of things and being really hard on myself for not doing and being enough. I have pushed myself, studied hard and broken down a lot of my fear barriers in the last few years and let me tell you although difficult at times it is incredibly rewarding to keep pushing through your comfort zone a little each day.
I have been completely overwhelmed by all the support for my new book and I am so grateful for everyone who turned up to support me on Tuesday evening at my launch but more importantly I am so grateful to every single mum who has taken the time to write to me over the years. Often you mention that I inspire you but actually it works both ways and this book was written and inspired by your kind words of encouragement on very difficult days when I felt like giving up.
The day James was born is the day I was reborn into this world. Through the eyes of a child I learnt to see the beauty and wonder in everyday things.
On this journey I learnt to love myself but more importantly I learnt that I am enough!!!
This book is my hug, my hand and my smile that I’m reaching out to give to any mum who needs it.
Two sayings ring true to me
No man is an island
and
It takes a village to raise a child
We have some of the loneliest people living in the biggest cities in the world. Professor of Positive Psychology at Harvard Shawn Achor, has been studying happiness for many years now and what they are starting to understand is just how important human connection is which is what our busy lives are preventing us from having. New mums often feel isolated and lonely at home with a new baby so it’s important in the early days to have help and support.
Six years ago all I saw were broken dreams and personal disappointments but now I’m standing here doing something that some people only ever dream about and there is not a second of this journey that I have taken for granted.
Our lives are journeys throughout them we either learn or die. There are too many people walking around already dead and I did not want to be one of them, so I fought hard to learn everything I could about myself, my illness and how to be happy.
Our brains are primed for survival not happiness. Happiness is our job and a job we need to work at every day.
It’s so important that we value self care. I try to be better both professionally and personally every single day. These past few years like everyone I had some great days, good days, OK days and some very bad days but every day I tried. I initially fought because of James and for James but because of him I now do it for myself. I now value myself enough to treat myself better, be my personal best and really try and live each day no matter what it throws at me!
I’m so incredibly grateful for this opportunity and know that the catalyst for all change in anyone’s life is taking risks and some ONE person taking a risk on you. Deirdre and The team at gill did just that and I wanted to make them proud.
Never under estimate the influence you can have on a persons life as I said no man is an Island and we need each other to succeed and grow.
Dalai Lama:
“Hard times can build determination and inner strength. Through them we can also come to appreciate the uselessness of anger”
Enjoy #mindingmum in all good bookstores now €16.99 and send me your pics with the book to alison@alisoncanavan.com or tag me on social media
Alisonhttps://alisoncanavan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/AC_Logo_Primary_FullColor-300x61.pngAlison2016-03-03 13:04:352016-03-03 13:04:35DREAMS DO COME TRUE
Do you want to learn how to get started with essential oils? in this video Caroline from Honest about Health takes us through the initial steps and explains in detail about essential oils, what they are and their uses
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BUYING ESSENTIAL OILS CONTACT CAROLINE caroline@honestabouthealth.com
and check out our weekly articles right here on Be Complete every Friday called Essential Health
Alisonhttps://alisoncanavan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/AC_Logo_Primary_FullColor-300x61.pngAlison2016-02-21 12:01:472016-02-21 12:01:47AN INTRODUCTION TO ESSENTIAL OILS, USES AND BENEFITS
