Hello there,

Well, this month I really felt like I could have written a book on all the things I’ve discovered and have fallen in love with. September was just one of those months where everything flowed – I’ve been to some wonderful events in the wellness space, learned about new products and new recipes, and met some beautiful and inspiring people along the way. I feel full of new energy and passion (maybe it is also because my little one has finally started to sleep well – thank goodness!)

Of course, the other thing I love about September is that its spring! It’s hard not to love the gorgeous spring flowers and blossoms exploding through the streets, the longer days, the feeling of new beginnings and of course the warmer weather. In Chinese medicine the organs of focus for this time of year are the gall bladder and the liver, hence why spring is a great time to detox and cleanse the body – you can read more about his in my article about spring last year.

The theme of this month is Nourish Thyself and here is my list of LOVES…

Self Care I’m Loving
Reconnect Program with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz

Every now and then you come across someone who really feels like they are talking directly to you like their message is hitting the nail on the head with every word. This is how I felt about Amy from Happy Mama. From the beginning l loved her video blogs, updates, and beautiful affirmation cards, I wanted to shout out – yes you get it! Amy gets what it’s like to be a busy Mum with limited time for self-care and meditation but she creatively helps you find ways to practice feeling like your old self while still living the reality of your current life.

I recently completed the 7 days online reconnect program with Amy from Happy Mama and I can’t recommend it enough. Each day we were given a different task to practice, which could be integrated into the busyness of motherhood. Small practices that made big differences in how we choose to experience each day. I am still revisiting and practicing as it’s an ongoing process, but one that’s achievable and rewarding.

Recipes I’m Loving
Thinking Outside the Plate – Teresa Cutter

This month I was fortunate to attend an evening with Teresa Cutter – The Healthy Chef at the wonderful new About Life Health Store in Double Bay (which is well worth a visit). It was a refreshing evening as Teresa shared a recipe that was definitely unique. As you are well aware the health food scene is fairly saturated – sometimes I think if I see another bliss ball recipe I will curl up and become one myself (I’m guilty of producing numerous bliss ball recipes myself).

What I like about Teresa’s recipe is I hadn’t seen anything like it – a salad in a flower pot and one that tasted great! Packed full of nutrient-dense ingredients with everything from kale to dakkha and covered with a ‘soil’ of rye bread, black sesame seeds, walnuts, and tahini – it really was tasty. I love people who are getting creative and thinking outside the box when it comes to healthy eating and cooking. Check out the full recipe here.

Blogs I’m Loving
Greener Revolutions

At a recent dinner, I was very fortunate to meet Caroline, a refreshing and charismatic young woman and the founder of the website Greener Revolutions. Greener Revolutions promotes healthy living through fitness, nutritious recipes and general wellbeing tips. Caroline’s site also shares her very raw experience of living with cancer, which was in remission until just a few short weeks ago.

If you ever find yourself complaining about the little things in life – jump on Caroline’s site/blog and feel the power of someone who is pulling on every inch of their being to stay positive against some of life’s biggest challenges. Caroline is a serious reality check on how to rise above adversity and keep fighting to live with integrity and determination. I feel very blessed to have met such a beautiful human.

Companies I’m Loving
Chia Co

I am a big advocate for companies that are making healthy food the new fast food. The Chia Co grows sustainable, chemical-free, non-GMO chia seeds right here in Australia and distributes them all over the world. The company ensures it only uses ‘real food’ ingredients, steering clear of artificial flavours, emulsifiers or preservatives. The Chia Co Chia Pods have been hugely successful and now the Chia Co has launched a new range of bircher, oats and oats + chia ‘pods’ that are a great option for people on the move or those who don’t have time to make breakfast. My personal favourite is the orange and brazil nut bircher – delicious! You can find a store near you on their store locater.

Products I’m Loving
New Loving Earth Chocolate

To say I’m loving these chocolates is an understatement. I consider myself to have fairly strong willpower but these new raw organic chocolate flavours from Loving Earth have become my weakness. I actually cannot stop at just one or two pieces, which is normally enough – they are just so delicious! I highly recommend the Loving Earth Creamy Coconut Mylk Chocolate and also the Salted Caramel Chocolate (raw, dairy free and refined sugar free). Also if you read last week’s blog you will know I have a new love affair with Carob 🙂

Happy Mama Affirmations Cards
I have given a lot of new Mama’s presents over the years and I just wish that I could have given these beautiful affirmation cards by Amy Taylor-Kabbaz as they really are the perfect gift for Mums.

I have a box of them above the kitchen sink and as I stand there amongst the chaos of motherhood, a pile of dishes and my youngest one climbing up my leg I read the reassuring affirmations ‘This is exactly what I am meant to be doing. I know I am on the right path’ – phew I was starting to wonder :). The words are beautiful and wonderful reminders to be present with your children, nurture yourself and appreciate what you have.

Events I’m Loving
The Vitality Show

For those of you based in Sydney don’t forget the Vitality Show is here on the 10 – 12th of October.
Visitors will discover new products, fitness trends, weight loss programs, health food and beauty regimes. The exhibition will feature countless industry influencers such a fitness queen Lorna Jane Clarkson who will be launching her new cookbook Nourish, and celebrity personal trainer Luke Istomin who will be giving live demos and fitness advice.

I have 4 free tickets to give away – make sure you follow us on Facebook or Instagram for your chance to win!

Thanks for supporting the Nourishing hub and have a beautiful weekend!

Simone @ the Nourishing Hub X