Turmeric Latte - Why I have been drinking it for years

Have you had a Turmeric Latte yet?

It seems like the next hip health drink trend but Turmeric Milk is so much more. It's not just a fashion, quite the opposite it's actually been an ancient natural remedy in India. Popular with Yogi's for longer than anyone would be able to remember. They call it Golden Milk. 

I came across Golden Milk many years ago through my Kundalini Yoga practice. Whenever I felt my body needed some healing support I made myself a daily turmeric drink for a few weeks. I have always made it as a vegan version with creamy soy milk or delicious coconut milk as a soothing night time drink. I used to follow the original Indian recipe making the paste from spices from scratch. 

Now I buy a ready made mixture and just stir it into warm soy milk. Too easy!!! And it's extra tasty too. With a mix of spices and natural vanilla, it's extremely comforting. I use Turmeric Latte Mix by Nature's Harvest. It's a beautiful blend of organic spices and of course, it's vegan.

I have been having a Tumeric Latte every morning (replacing coffee and avoiding caffeine while breastfeeding a newborn) since I had our little Faye arrived.
But not just because it tastes so good...The health benefits are really amazing. It does so many things and is not only safe but beneficial during breastfeeding too.
I have listed some fun facts for the health nerds below:

Health Benefits of Turmeric

A high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and traditionally has been known to lower risk of heart disease, prevent cancer, support healthy brain function, and treat arthritic conditions. The spice is full of nutrients, such as vitamins, proteins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients.
The latest research has even shown that Turmeric is able to kill cancer cells!

Beauty Benefits of Turmeric
 

Turmeric also makes you more beautiful...well kind of:
The health benefits of turmeric include an improved ability to digest fats, reducing gas and bloating, decreased congestion, and improved skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Breastfeeding Benefits of Turmeric

Many women have problems with swollen breasts and clogged milk ducts, which can be very painful for nursing mums and can lead to more serious complications like mastitis. Turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation in nursing mothers’ breasts, so they can continue to feed and remain healthy.
The herb contains antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that help enhance your immunity and protect you from a cough, cold, and the flu while nursing your baby.
Turmeric helps regulate body weight, increase the flow of bile, and prevent the risk of weight gain, and obesity for lactating mums. Have a teaspoon of turmeric powder after your meals to maintain a healthy weight. Isn't this great? Spread the word and tell all breastfeeding Mamas out there.

Benefits of Turmeric Latte Mix

All of the above PLUS:

Cinnamon
Another high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory may improve some key risk factors for heart disease, including cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure, as well as help balance blood sugar levels.
Ginger
Traditionally used to treat nausea and morning sickness, it’s antiinflammatory properties may also help relieve muscle pain while it’s gingerol can help lower your risk of infections.
Cardamom
Similar to ginger in its use for digestive concerns, it is also a detoxifier, mild diuretic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
Chilli
Used to decrease pain and inflammation, help control weight by stimulating metabolism and prevent disease with its antioxidant content.
Vanilla
Vanilla is a true medicinal food that has been used for centuries, and an everyday ‘superfood’. It’s especially powerful at enhancing brain and mood health.
Black Pepper
Enhances nutrient absorption and bioavailability of Turmeric and improves digestion.

Discovering Mádara Organic Skincare

It makes me so happy how there is an abundance of natural and organic skincare popping up everywhere, so much choice and beautiful products, something for everyone yet all toxin free.
Have you tried Mádara yet?

On our trip to Europe, I discovered Mádara skincare for the first time. It was stocked in most pharmacies in Stockholm & Copenhagen and I learned to love their PEEL mask, which quickly sorted out my skin which was breaking out from all the travels & changes. As the brand is a nordic company from Latvia, it makes sense that it was so widely available over there.

Back in Australia I didn't see it anywhere for a while and almost forgot about it.
BUT there are stockists here now, which got me to dive into the brand and try out a little more variety from their brand.
The range is actually huge, from Skincare to Haircare, Babycare and body products...
Everything is certified organic and the formulations are certainly very premium.
The packaging doesn't give away that the products are natural, which is a plus, they look like any other upmarket cosmetics, so if you are not into hippy-dippy bottles you probably love how simple, sleek and "normal" the products look.

As a makeup artist I am mostly interested in skincare, so that's what I have started with but I am still excited to try the other ranges.

So here is what I have tried & tested:

 

Micellar Water
(vegan!)
Micellar Water is a staple in my makeup kit this one is possibly my new favourite. I wish I could buy huge bottles of it! They should make a pro-size (hint-hint!) If you haven't heard of this type of cleanser yet, it is a makeup removing water, super easy to use and therefore used by all makeup artists, but it's also great to have on hand for a super quick and gentle cleanse at home.
It removes makeup with ease, smells wonderful and is gentle yet hydrating.
Natural oil micelles dispersed in a soothing aloe vera juice remove makeup whilst providing a toning effect. Antioxidant-rich Northern peony root extract and hyaluronic acid soften, protect and hydrate the skin.

PLUM PLUM
Lip Perfection Balm
(not vegan/contains beeswax & propolis)
A luxurious lip treatment & primer that leaves a slight sheen. Feels very nice on the lips and reminds of the expensive department store balms, yet this one is toxin free and filled with organic goodness. If they could work out how to make it vegan it would become another makeup kit staple.

Superseed Soothing Hydration
(vegan)
As the name suggests this is a very soothing oil perfect for dry and irritated skin. Isn't the simple bottle just so beautiful? Like with any face oils, a few drops are enough to quench the skin. Perfect for Winter.

SOS HYDRA mask Moisture+Radiance
(vegan)
Instant Moisture for dehydrated skin. Perfect as an in-flight mask too ( I always wear hydrating masks on planes, I know, it might sound weird and I sure get some looks of fellow passengers, BUT I get off fresh as a daisy) Your skin will really drink this one up. You can wipe any excess after 15-min with a warm cloth or cotton pad!

Exfoliating Oil-To-Milk scrub
(not vegan/contains beeswax)
It's a gentle hydrating scrub suitable for all skin types. This product is not vegan.

Ultra purifying mud mask
(vegan)
This mask is a deep cleanse, that decongests the skin. Really great for blemishes, clogged pores, oily and dull skin. I will keep mine for troublesome times, everyone needs a good mud mask in their skincare regime. If you have dry skin they are different and better options, though. This is a winner for oily skins.

The get beautiful quick scheme by Edible Beauty

Express! We all want quick results, don't we? While the truth is that great results and changes require a little effort and time and to change your skin for the better in the long run you probably need to change your nutrition, lifestyle and whole skin care regime... Sometimes a quick fix just does the trick! Especially if you are already on the right track.

My skin, for example, I am really happy with! I eat well, sleep well, I exercise, I am mostly happy and balanced and keep up with a good skin care regime.

But what if I just want a BOOST?

If I haven't had time for a beautiful at-home facial or work has been more time-consuming? What if there is a special event to go to and I just feel a teensy bit tired? My skin has lost it's it's glow?

THEN ITS TIME FOR:
Express Bloom Of Youth Infusion Mask.

I bet you, I will use up quite a few packs of these once baby girl is here.

This sheet mask is like an instant lift and hydration boost. It feels amazing on the skin! If you have used sheet masks before, you know what I am talking about! They are the best!
(except that they look a little scary while they are on...so don't open the door for the postman or similar during treatment!) Instead, find yourself a cosy place and unwind for 15-20min.

The mask goes right onto the cleansed the skin and does not need to be washed off!
I like to use mine after a long day just before bed while relaxing. Or in the bathtub!
I use the excess liquid and rub it over my neck and decolletage, highly recommended.
Don't waste a precious drop of this!

This one stands out from the crowd, though by using only the purest, cleanest ingredients, while really giving results!
So what's in it you might ask? A true cocktail of active botanicals. The two most powerful ones in here are Ribose & Swertia Chirata who are boosting cell renewal and have wonderful anti-aging properties.

As ALL Edible Beauty Products, this is Vegan, Organic and leaves all nasties behind!

Max and Me - Highly Vibrant Skin Care For Your Soul

I recently had the chance to learn about Max and Me, an award winning Austrian natural skincare line with a very different approach. Far from the mainstream, these products are working on an energetic level.

It's a family business owned by the inspiring Tanja & Max, who are dedicated to only using the very best, purest and most potent ingredients. They move beyond just organic ingredients and work with a team of health and plant specialists to ensure that every ingredient is the most potent and best quality possible. This Luxury skincare line that treats body & soul.

If you are into Crystals, Colour therapy or any forms of alternative energy healing or yoga, you might just love this holistic approach. If you are a science freak, simply enjoy the beautiful smell and textures of the products! And let the results convince you :)
I tried a few products and each one I loved. I am also into the cute & beautiful packaging with little elf illustrations and the use of lilac, which since pregnant I felt really drawn to.
(Can you tell, I am constantly wearing my purple/lavender Spell dress? )
But back to the topic:

The smells are divine and stem from only the purest natural ingredients, but they also fairly powerful. If you prefer neutral non-scented products, this line won't be for you, but if you appreciate wonderful well done all natural scents that uplift, you might get addicted really quickly.

The hero product which recently won the "Best In Show" Award at the Indie Beauty Expo in NYC is the "Enchanted" Face oil. That really says something, as pretty much every natural skincare brand has a face oil it's range, so there was certainly lots of competition. Enchanted is an oil that can be used day & night. Perfect for even sensitive skin it suits and nourishes all skin types and smells of Jasmine & Frangipani. But words can only tell you so much, if you are looking for an outstanding face oil this is it! Try for yourself. (vegan)

My personal favourite, possibly because it feels so protective and balancing is "Circle Of Protection" which is a body treatment. Using it on my belly right now and inhaling the magical scent makes me feel very good, grounded and happy.
Quite a winner for any pregnant lady. The blend of essential oils in “circle of protection” increases the resilience of your skin, protects and pampers you. With the particularly beautiful characteristics of magnolia, skin-enhancing manuka, Bourbon geranium, Qi-enhancing, repairing jasmine, litsea, protective and nurturing vetiver, rejuvenating and moisturizing rose and highly vibrant silver fir. (vegan)
(Having said all that there is a whole range of body oils which I haven't tried yet! Please share if you have tried any of the other blends, I would love to hear about it)

The range also contains two different balms to treat difficult skin conditions, which sound and feel amazing. Luckily pregnancy suits my skin very well and I don't have any issues to report, so I can't comment on how effective they are.
But I keep them safe and have a feeling they might help me once Winter comes and my hormones will once again change after birth. (not vegan, contains propolis)

What I can comment on though is the wonderful Serenity Mask & Wash. I already recently featured it in my Instagram stories. (A little heads up, though: This product does contain Manuka Honey and is therefore NOT vegan. If you are okay with that that you are in for a treat. Otherwise, it's good to know that the whole range is not tested on animals and most products are vegan.)
This product is amazing as a face mask, it lightly exfoliates, hydrates and balances all skin problems. My skin was radiant and refreshed afterwards without any redness. The mask feels soothing on and is not drying although it does contain clay. It can be used as an exfoliating face wash as well. If you want to remove makeup and/or eye makeup, it's best to use the Purity & Grace cleansing oil as a first step.

Before this post gets too long to read, I better wrap it up. There is so much to say about this line, but I hope I have stirred your curiosity and given you a little insight of my own experience.

Heatwave Skin Care Tips

Phew... this truly is a HOT Summer! If you are living around Sydney, you know what I mean.

On days where the heat is just sweltering day & night I can be a great idea to temporarily modify your skincare routine. If you don't spend your days in aircon chances are your skin will sweat and also won't be as dry as during the Winter months.

I usually still keep up a regime but with the extreme temperatures lately I have simplified my routine and think this could work for others too!

My number one favourite product in this heat is

No. 3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum is possibly my favourite, as I haven't been able to find such a light textured plumping serum in a natural product before. It plumps the skin with Hyaluronic Acid and Beta Glucan. I like how it feels on the skin and instantly decreases fine lines with a hydration boost. It's so lightweight and hydrating, yet gives my skin that great protection from premature aging.
Of course, usually I would follow up with my moisturiser afterward but I have lately used on its own on the hot days and it has worked a treat!
Heat Wave Tip: Use on its own on scorching hot days , day & night.

No.2 Citrus Rhapsody Radiance Tonique
is a citrus based toner containing antioxidants fruits and herbs.

Soooooo refreshing! I use it after cleansing, prior to my serum but also during the day when my skin needs a cooling refresh.
Heat Wave Tip: You can keep it in the fridge too, for some extra cooling action!

Keep Cool & Hydrated! xo