Naturally Good returns to Sydney in April 2018 and is slated to be the biggest event to date. The largest expo for healthy retailers, brands, and practitioners in the Southern Hemisphere, Naturally Good is recognised as Asia Pacific’s go-to event for sourcing the latest healthy, natural and organic food, beverage, beauty and home living products. The vast range of complementary medicines, vitamins, and supplements has also seen the show continue to grow and evolve since its inception in 2015.
 
Each year, over 6000 visitors descend upon the event and its continued relevance is no surprise when you consider that the country is home to an increasingly health conscious population. In turn, Australian businesses are looking for options to satisfy the growing demand for natural products spanning everything from beauty to food. Adding to the healthy living trend, complementary medicines are now proactively used by around 70% of Australians – making it clear that retailers and health practitioners must remain ahead of the curve on the latest products coming to market. Answering this need, the Complementary Medicines Pavilion at the show will bring the industry’s newest and most in demand products to the fore.
 
Not just a place to source products, Naturally Good is a total business event also offering extensive learning opportunities. Bringing together industry leaders from around the country and the globe, a one-day Business Summit will take place prior to the expo, plus the show floor will offer a two-day seminar program, and a Practitioner Theatre to create an immersive experience of business, networking, and education across all facets of the health and wellness retail market. And for those businesses wanting to break into the industry, the newly added Naturally Good Pitch Slam will provide the opportunity for brands to pitch their ideas to the Business Summit audience of brand owners, investors, consultants, retailers, suppliers, and panel of veteran judges.
 
With a full education schedule and key exhibitors still to be announced, the 2018 Naturally Good Expo is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet - naturally.

Among the products highlighted will be - 

Wotnot: Who offer their COSMOS Certified Organic Self-tanning Lotion to absolutely anyone after a natural, streak-free, golden tan. To celebrate the true beauty of nature, their natural self-tanning lotion is a velvety soft blend of organic ingredients that moisturise and nourish the skin.  Australian certified organic Kakadu plum and camellia oil provide antioxidants and nutrients to help slow the ageing process, while certified organic aloe vera softens, moisturises and soothes.

Ecotan: Their award-winning Cacao Tanning Mousse is the ultimate certified organic product for a luxurious deep bronze tan. Vegan, cruelty free and lightweight, the Cacao Tanning Mousse is made with only organic and natural ingredients - leaving you with a subtle chocolate scent.
 
When:                                 Business Summit 27 April 2018
Naturally Good Expo  29 – 30 April 2018
Where:                                ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour
Registration:                  Opening late January.

 
https://naturallygood.com.au/
​

​As the year rolls on and our personal and work diaries fill with endless tasks, it is no wonder that failing New Year Resolutions is as common as setting them! The good news here is we are NOT to blame! The mistake we are making is setting resolutions when instead, we should be setting intentions. Ashley Bellino of Stoned Crystals understands this and has created a step-by-step guide on how to set ourselves up for success for our 2018 goals and how to get back on track with our goals when they fall to the wayside.

According to Stoned Crystals, resolutions have negative connotations which doesn’t help us achieve our goals. By focusing our energy on ‘fixing’ the things that are ‘wrong’ with us we may be met with feelings of anxiety, depression and failure. A lot of us have that little inner voice that continually attacks and punishes us. Combine this with a New Year resolution that constantly reminds us of our shortcomings and the mental torment begins. For example, the resolution of losing weight implies that you are currently overweight and triggers a chain of negative thoughts and even visualisations that occur each time you think of the resolution. These constant reminders of what we are lacking only works to charge self-criticism, not positive change. 

Stoned Crystals have recently developed their ‘Intention Cards’, a new product designed to help guide our focus and goals in life. When creating and setting intentions we are programming our minds with positive mantras and affirmations towards the goals we seek. The Stoned Crystals Intention Cards includes 6 x instructional cards, 18 x intention cards and 1 x acrylic stand all encased in a luxe card intention box. For those wishing to experience the power of setting their new years intentions with the help of crystals, Stoned Crystals have released ‘Crystal Mini-Packs’ in Rose Quartz, Clear Quartz, Labradorite, Amazonite and Amethyst. Retailing for $34.50, the Stoned Crystals Mini Packs are a great present for the crystal enthusiast or a great help to those who feel they lose focus of their goals.  ​

I think this is a fantastic concept, I love crystals and I've always used oracle cards, so combining intention cards and crystals really works for me.

Available at Stoned Crystals.

​

In early 2018, Perth man Steve Plain will attempt to climb the highest peak on each of the world’s seven continents in world-record time in support of Surf Life Saving WA and SpinalCure Australia’s Project Edge.


Kicking off with Vinson in Antarctica in January 2018 and finishing on Everest in May, Project 7in4 will also include climbs on Aconcagua, South America; Kilimanjaro, Africa, Carstensz Pyramid, Australasia; Elbrus, Europe and Denali, North America.


Steve is aiming to complete the climbs in under 4 months which if successful will be a new world-record for completing the ‘7 summits’, beating the current record of 126 days.


Steve was inspired to take the challenge after a simple accident at Perth’s Cottesloe Beach in December 2014 that nearly left him paralysed for life.


After being dumped by a wave and driven head first into the sand, Steve lay partially paralysed, face-down in the water. Unable to breath, his initial concern was drowning. Fortunately, Steve’s life was saved by the quick work of Cottesloe Beach volunteer surf lifesavers Lara and Gary Matier and friend Dave Field.


He was rushed to hospital under full spinal precautions and eventually told he had sustained multiple unstable fractures at the C2, C3 & C7 vertebrae as well as a contorted spinal cord, ruptured disc, dissected arterial artery, torn ligaments and more.


The prognosis was initially very poor as Steve was told by doctor’s he may not regain full movement.


While spending an intensive time in the hospital and in a Halo brace, he committed himself to refusing the doctor’s diagnosis - he was determined to not only walk out of hospital but to go on to climb the 7 summits, and so Project 7in4 was born.


“Lying in a hospital bed with an uncertain prognosis was frustrating and frightening. I had never felt so weak or hopeless. But somewhere amongst all the self-pity, I made a promise to myself that I would come through this fitter and stronger than I was before.”


Less than a year on from the date of the accident, Steve completed his first practice run on New Zealand’s Mount Aspiring.


Steve’s ambitious 7 summits dream will push him to new physical limits and he plans to stay motivated by focusing on using Project 7in4 to raise funds and awareness for two organisations that have become very close to his heart since the accident.


“Prevention is better than cure and that is why I want to raise awareness for the work that volunteer surf lifesavers do in performing rescues and minimizing injury on beaches around Australia. But accidents will always happen. For that reason I also want to support and help raise funds for SpinalCure’s Project Edge program conducting cutting-edge research into spinal cord injury cure.”


More information can be found at www.project7in4.com


Surf Life Saving Western Australia (SLSWA) is the state’s peak coastal safety and rescue organisation with more than 20,000 members across 31 clubs, from Esperance to Broome.


Millions of people visit Western Australia’s beautiful beaches every year – but while they look amazing they can be unpredictable and hide some dangers. SLSWA provides essential education and emergency services to all users of West Australian beaches.


SpinalCure Australia is a leading not-for-profit that raises funds and awareness aimed at finding a cure for spinal cord injury. SpinalCure recently launched Project Edge, a research collaboration among world-leading neuroscientist Professor Reggie Edgerton at UCLA and the University of Technology Sydney to introduce neurostimulation research for spinal cord injury to Australia. The outcomes of Project Edge are expected to have a profound impact on the lives of the many thousands of Australians living with the devastating effects of a spinal cord injury.

Honey, the nectar of the gods. It's one of the most natural and tasty health remedies you can find.  Full of so much goodness.  Sometimes I will just eat a spoonful of honey, I love the taste of it and I know how great it is for my health.    Bee Hydrated know this too, as they have created some delicious, healthy and refreshing drinks.   I have tried each flavour in the range.

​Bee Hydrated contains naturally occurring electrolytes, it is the perfect hydrating energy boost.  This is so much better for you than drinking some of those sports drinks which are full of artificial ingredients and which also taste very average.

Honey is an antioxidant - it's loaded with vitamins, it's a natural antiseptic, so helps to keep germs at bay and is a natural energy source.   

I love each flavour, if I had to choose a favourite it would probably be Relieve as I love cinnamon and have been trying to incorporate it into my drinks, so this is the perfect combination.  

The creators of Bee Hydrated come from a heritage of beekeepers and support local Australian honey, they care about the bees health and the environment. The natural extracts they use also come from Australia. So by drinking Bee Hydrated, not only are you drinking a health tonic which tastes amazing and is good for you, but you're also helping to save the bees.   

These drinks are just lovely, refreshing and revitalizing, I love drinking them in them morning before I go to work, they're also fantastic in the summer heat.   

Available at Bee Hydrated ​

Hydrodol is an Australian made all natural supplement to help relieve hangovers. I tested this out over the Christmas and New Year's break.  I do like to partake in my favourite alcoholic beverages during special occasions, of course I don’t get drunk! but I did catch up with friends and enjoy celebratory drinks.   One thing I notice with myself, is I can’t handle too much wine, it leaves me feeling very out of sorts the next day.   So trying hydrodol was a good test! 

It contains a bunch of amazing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and also an interesting herb called Kudzu, which I’ve taken before, it is a very well know herb in Japan which helps with energy and detox.   It also contains an amazing herb called milk thistle which helps to cleanse your liver of toxins.   

There is a before and after powder, so if you know you’re going to be partaking in a night of drinks, you take one powder sachet in a glass of water before you start drinking.  Then there is the after powder, take this the morning after you’ve been drinking.

Before I discovered more natural alternatives in my life I was a big fan of mainstream liquid vitamin tablets which dissolved in water, but I stopped taking them because they all contained artificial preservatives, usually aspartame.     For years I’ve searching for an alternative and this is it.

The B vitamin group are so important in keeping us mentally and physically healthy and when they are in liquid form, they absorb into your body even faster and have a stronger effect.  Hydrosol absolutely helped prevent me from feeling seedy and lethargic with that wine hangover feeling which I hate.    It allowed me to get up and keep going, go out to breakfast and go about my day without feeling terrible.    It made me feel pretty energised!

Not only does is it help with a hangover, or even after just drinking a few drinks.   I was also taking this on other days where I felt I just needed some extra energy.  It actually tastes quite pleasant, it has a mild citrus taste and is easy to drink.    This is definitely  something I want to keep handy.  

Available at Hydrodol ​ 

​

​As a lover of candles and fragrances, I am always on the look out for my next aromatic candle, I keep one in every room of my home.

​This beautiful candle from Wilds is a woodsy oriental fragrance, which I adore.  When I am selecting my perfumes and oils I’m drawn to orientals.  I decided to keep this candle on my dining table and the scent lingered beautifully, it also attracted some admiring comments from my guests. 
 
The fragrance contains the following notes –
 
Top: Leathery, Geranium, Sandalwood
 
Heart: Woody, clove, lavender, floral
 
Base: Sandalwood, patchouli, Heliotrpe, Tonka, Vanilla
 
This combination of fragrances is beautiful, it contains my favourites patchouli and sandalwood, although there isn’t one fragrance which overpowers the other, it smells very light woodsy with a touch of oriental.     
 
The candle comes in a stylish frosted glass jar and has up to 50 hours burning time, it looks very elegant on my dining table.  Wilds is actually the sister brand of the Palm Beach collection, which I have been using for years.  
 
Best of all, the candle is made out of soy wax, so it’s non-toxic.  It is made from essential oils and extracts and is very affordable.

Available at Wilds.
 
 

If you love soft drinks like I do, but don't want the sugar or artificial sweeteners, these drinks are for you.   I have to say, they taste beautiful.

I was so happy to see a cola flavor, as that's my favourite and it is very hard to find a natural drink which actually does taste like the cola we are used to.   

​Each drink is packed with flavour, it's not just mineral water with a touch of juice, they really do taste like the soft drinks we used to love, without the bad stuff! They use a natural blend of stevia with monk food extract in order to obtain the sweet taste and erythritol, which is a sugar alcohol naturally extracted through fermenting fruits and melons and has only 6 percent of the calories of sugar,  so if you get a sugar craving, turn to this instead of the usual sugar filled drink.  What's even worse is drinks with artificial sweeteners.    I refuse to touch a drink with artificial sweeteners as they are very toxic to your health, there is not a safe artificial sweetener out there, they have all been linked to disease, but so many people still think that they're being healthy by choosing diet drinks with artificial sweeteners.

Naked Life Sparking are made in Australia and are 100 percent natural.   Low GI, fructose free, no artificial sweeteners, preservatives or colours.

They come in glass bottles, which I love, guaranteed of being BPA free.   

I tried the following four flavours in the range - 

​Ginger and Pomegranate

I love ginger, this one has that nice bit of spicy tingle and it's really refreshing with the pomegrante and a bit of lemon flavour.   

Lemonade With Cucumber

​Cucumber goes so well with lemonade, this is the perfect summer drink, made with real lemon, cucumber and a touch of mint. 

Lemon Citrus Squash

Sometimes there's nothing quite like the taste of lemon squash to quench your thirst.  It really reminds me of the old fashioned lemon squash I love, but without the sugar and still nice and sweet!  

Natural Cola

​This is probably my favourite, as I have always been a cola lover, there's just something about the taste.  I have searched far and wide for a natural cola and this tastes beautiful.   It also has a touch of vanilla and mint.   Real cola flavour without the acids and colours.

I can highly recommend these natural soda's.   They also work fabulous as mixers, such as vodka and gin, if you're that way inclined :)

I have noticed lately students where I work drinking these Naked Life Sparking , so I think soon you're going to start seeing them everywhere, if you haven't already.   There is one flavour I'm yet to try, the rasberry and lime, so I'm looking forward to trying that one next!

Available at Naked Life Sparkling and selected stores and supermarkets.   

By: Sara

For hundreds of years, essential oils have been used as natural medicine for many ailments. They have now been scientifically proven to have a large number of benefits and are still being used widely as medicine, for a skincare routine, and for healing purposes. If you want to try natural cures for your ailments as well, here are some of the best essential oils you should always keep in your cupboard:

​Ginger Oil

​Ginger oil is revered for its anti-inflammatory properties above all. It is widely used to cure a sore throat. Using it on the skin also helps in reducing acne and redness on the skin. Ginger oil can also be used on wounds to prevent inflammation.

​Frankincense Oil

​Frankincense oil is another anti-inflammatory agent that can help in reducing inflammation all over the body. This includes acne, a sore throat or even fever. Frankincense oil is also used to boost your immunity and help you fight a number of diseases. Some studies have even linked the use of frankincense oil with the prevention of cancer and destruction of cancer cells.

​Tea Tree Oil

​You have probably heard of this ‘miracle’ oil at some point in your life. Mostly used for skincare, tea tree oil has astringent, mattifying and anti-inflammatory properties. You can add it to a soothing mask for oily skin and use it to treat acne. It is also used to ward off unpleasant odors and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well. These help in keeping wounds uninfected and in treating many skin diseases.

​Lavender Oil

​Lavender oil is widely used for aromatherapy. It’s extremely pleasant and soothing smell helps relax the mind and body and relieve stress. Lavender oil is also a widely known antiseptic and is known for its healing properties when used on cuts, bruises, and scars.

​Chamomile Oil

​Chamomile oil is a very potent natural cure for stress and insomnia. Many types of research have linked chamomile oil to stress relief and many herbalists recommend this oil for insomniacs. It is also very good for the skin and removes acne, acne scars, blemishes and uneven discoloration. Chamomile oil is rapidly gaining popularity as a natural remedy for many ailments.

​Eucalyptus Oil

​You must have heard of eucalyptus oil in many different healing products. It is an effective remedy for sinusitis, chest congestion, and other respiratory problems. It also has anti-bacterial properties that prevent chest and wound infections.

​Peppermint Oil

​Peppermint oil is widely used for refreshing yourself and staying more alert. If you ever feel perpetually exhausted and sleepy, a few drops of this oil will wake you right up. It is also widely known for its digestive properties.

​Author bio:

​Sara is a psychologist by profession and she loves massage therapies. She enjoys home-based work and traveling. She is obsessed with massage chair therapies and other relaxing techniques. She recently wrote a post on Reflexology vs. Massage Therapy.

I tried two from the range - ​

Digest It  - 

Tea to soothe your tummy.   An organic blend of chamomile flower, lemongrass and peppermint.   

Chamomile contains Bisabolol, which has anti-inflammatory properties and relaxes the stomach. Lemongrass contains a component called citral which helps with digestions, used a lot in chinese medicine, particularly for bloating.  Peppermint tea helps to ease stomach cramps and is very calming.   Although it tastes subtle, it does a really nice job of keeping my tummy calm, really good for after meals.  Has a refreshing and delightful taste.  

Nod Off - 

To help you sleep well, containing Linden Flower, Biodynamic Apple, Chamomile and Elderflower.
 
This is the tea I need.  I am a very light sleeper and sometimes have trouble falling asleep.  This blend intrigued me because the ingredients are quite different from other teas I have tried for a restful nights sleep.   Especially good for people who wake between 2-4 in the morning and have trouble getting back to sleep, which is what happens to me regularly.  Even though the tea tastes mild, it is strong enough to help me nod off to sleep quickly and stay asleep.   

Linden flower has a soothing effect on the body and is very helpful with anxiety related insomnia. Elderflower helps to relax nerves.   Chamomile is a well known remedy for helping with sleep and tranquility.   I remember reading in a herbal remedy book about how apples can help you sleep, which isn't common knowledge, so I was glad to see it in this tea's ingredients.   

I'm very happy to have come across these healthy and effective teas. The company is family owned and operated and I can tell that they know their herbs when it comes to treating ailments.   The price for the teas are very affordable, which is great for such high quality ingredients. I'm looking forward to trying their other blends. 

Available at Yarra Valley Tea Company. 

​​Spicing dinner up with some paleo desserts is a dream many hold dear, but due to lack of the right recipe, it becomes difficult to choose what to prepare. Although there are many options available for paleo dinners, you might be overwhelmed by the information available that making a choice becomes difficult.
 
D. Scott Carruthers is a food expert who has worked in the hotel industry for years preparing various kinds of dinners. He has highlighted some of the easiest paleo dinners for desserts that you might embrace and here are few.
 
1. Lemon Bars
​
Ingredients

• Almond flour – 1 cup
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Crust
• ¼ cup almond butter
• 1 tablespoon softened butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• Baking powder – ½ tablespoon
• Sea salt – ¼ tablespoon
• 3 eggs
• Half cup honey
• ¼ cup of lemon juice
• Coconut flour – 2 ½ tablespoon
• Pinch of salt
• Finely grated lemon zest – 1 tablespoon

 
Method

Start with coating a baking dish with butter then combine all crust ingredients in a food processor to form a crumble. Evenly press crust onto the pan’s bottom and using a fork prick several holes into the crust. Bake 10 minutes and while it bakes combine the filling ingredients in a processor till completely incorporated. Remove the crust and bake additional 15-20 minutes then allow to cool.
 
2. Paleo Kind Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup almonds
• ½ cup pecans, almonds
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2 tablespoon melted coconut oil
• ½ cup golden raisins
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2/3 cup pumpkin
• 3 tablespoon chia seeds
• 2/3 cup sunflower seeds

 
Method

Preheat the oven to 350 F and line cookie sheet using parchment paper before greasing with oil. Chop the nuts roughly then mix the ingredients except the coconut oil and honey. On a separate holder mix the honey and oil then smear over the seed mixture. Stir till everything gets coated then pour lined cookie sheet into the parchment. Bake for about 20 minutes then remove from the oven for cooking.
 
3. Ultimate Unbaked Brownies

Ingredients

• Loosely packed pitted dates – 2 ½ cups
• 1 ½ cups walnuts
• Cocoa powder ½ cup
• Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
• 3/8 teaspoon salt
• Pure maple syrup – ¼ cup
• Vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons

 
Method

Combine the dates, vanilla, water, salt, and cocoa powder in a food processor then process until smooth. Grease lightly with square baking dish and add dough to the dish evenly distributing it. Spread paste of the remaining ingredients on the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours then cut into pieces.
 
4. Mint Chocolate Fudgsicles

Ingredients

​Coating:

• Full-fat coconut milk – 1 ½ cup
• ½ hass avocado
• Peppermint extract – 1 teaspoon
• 2 teaspoons honey

 
Method

• Chocolate chips – ¼ cup
• Coconut oil – ½ teaspoon

 
Combine your fudgsicle ingredients and blend till smooth. Then pour them onto popsicle molds before adding stick covers. Put in the freezer to harden within four hours. Melt the chocolates then stir in oil so you can use the mixture on the fudgsicles.
 
5. Chocolate Chip Cookies

​Ingredients

• Almond butter – 2/3 cups
• Melted coconut oil – 1/3 cup
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips – ½ cup chopped, semi sweet

 
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and make spoonfuls into a cookies sheet, which you should freeze for 20 minutes or until it sets.
 
6. Coconut Flour Brownies

Ingredients

• Coconut oil – ¼ cup, softened
• ¼ cup softened butter
• Maple syrup – ½ cup
• 1 egg
• Coconut powder – ½ cup
• Chocolate chips – ½ cup
• Coconut flour – 4 tablespoons
• Baking soda – ¼ teaspoon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

 
Method

​Grease a 8"x8” glass dish and combine the butter, coconut oil, egg, maple syrup, and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl. Then add the chocolate chips, baking soda, salt, and coconut flour before mixing well. Evenly spread the mixture in the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. Serve cool.
 
7. Paleo Protein Brownies

​Ingredients

• Melted coconut oil – 1/3 cup
• Vital proteins cocoa – 4 scoops
• Coconut cream – ½ cup
• Chocolate coconut butter – ¼ cup
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• Guiltless superfoods flour – ½ cup
• Coconut flour – ¼ cup
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon
• Baking soda – ¼ teaspoon
• Chocolate chips – ¼ cup

 
Grease a glass dish and mix the protein, cocoa cream, coconut oil, maple syrup, and coconut butter before adding guiltless superfoods flour, salt, baking soda, and coconut flour. Spread the mixture on the baking dish and top with chocolate chips so you can bake for about 25 minutes. Serve cool.
 
8. Paleo Lemon Brownies

Ingredients

• Coconut oil – ½ cup
• Macadamia nut butter – ¼ cup
• Maple syrup – ½ cup
• Lemon juice – ½ cup
• Coconut flour 1/3 flour
• Water chestnut flour – ¼ cup
• ¼ tablespoon salt
• Baking soda – ¼ tablespoon

 
Grease 8"x8” glass dish and using a bowl mix the nut butter, coconut oil, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Then add coconut flour, baking soda, salt, and water chestnut to mix. Shift to a baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes.
 
9. Paleo Sweet Potato Brownies

Ingredients

• Melted coconut oil – ½ cup
• 2 eggs
• Smashed sweet potato – ½ cup
• Coconut cream 1/3 cup
• 30 drops liquid stevia
• Cocoa powder – ½ cup
• ¼ cup cocoa nibs
• Coconut flour – 3 tablespoons
• Sash salt
• Bakingsoda – ¼ teaspoon

 
Grease an 8"x8” glass baking dish using coconut oil and whisk eggs using coconut oil, coconut cream, sweet potato, and stevia. Add cocoa powder to nibs and mix well. Next add coconut flour, baking soda, and salt then mix well. Put in the baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes.
 
10. Orange Macaroons

​Ingredients

• Shredded unsweetened coconut – 1 ½ cups
• Coconut flour – 2 tablespoons
• Gelatin – 2 tablespoons
• Juice from 1 fresh orange
• Softened coconut oil – ¼ cup
• ¼ teaspoon salt

 
Preheat your oven to 350 F and grease an 8"x8” glass bowl. Mix all ingredients and using a cookie scooper drop heating dough tablespoons onto the baking sheet. Then bake for about 25 minutes, cool and enjoy.
 
D Scott Carruthers is a Vegan that loves food. You can find more about his writings at ​dennisscottcarruthers.com