a stitch in time saves nine.

Why is it that....

we only go to the dentist when we have a toothache

we only get a massage when our muscles are so tight that they keep us awake at night

we only go to the naturopath after we've had a cold for over a month

we only get a facial when our skin has broken out

we only do a detox when we've got the guilts

we only go on holidays when we get to the point when our adrenals are completely exhausted

Prevention is better than a cure xx

simplicity = beauty.

I'm not a fan of clutter. Since I was little, Dad would ask me "Do you WANT it or NEED it?" which taught me to use my own discretion towards material possessions. Beauty to me is about simplicity. I love how in the film Amelie that she finds pleasure and beauty in the most simplest things like cracking the top of her creme brulee, dipping her hands into bags of grains and skimming stones down the river.

With all the tragic floods in QLD this year, we've seen images of people left with nothing but the clothes on their back. I saw a lady showing a tv reporter through the child care centre where she worked that had been completey gutted by the raging flood waters. Yet I see spoilt toddlers walking around decked out in the latest trends on a daily basis and it baffles me. It really puts having the latest iPhone or third pair of boots into perspective.

Take some time this week to take any kids clothes, toys and books that aren't getting used into the opshop so someone less fortunate can have some joy, pass on books you won't read again and only buy the things you really need and love.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" -Leonardo da Vinci 1452-1519

sup nerds.

I don't know about you cats, but I'm a visual person. Whenever I'm feeling a bit bored with cooking all I need to do is grab a new book and I feel instantly inspired and excited again.

So if you have the same brekkie 5 days a week and dinners are a merry-go-round of spag bol, Mexican and stir fry, then pop into Essential Health, take a flick through our new books and shake things up!

bananarama.

Happy Friday everyone! Because you have all worked SO hard this week, here's a little weekend treat to reward yourself with xx



FROZEN BANANA BITES

aka Banana chocolatey goodness

What you'll need . . .
2 large bananas
1/3 cup of chocolate chips
1/3 cup of peanut butter
Dessicated coconut

What to do . . .
1. Cut the bananas into little chunks. (5 to 6 pieces per banana).
2. Heat the peanut butter and chocolate chips in a bowl resting on top of a saucepan of boiling water. Stir until smooth.
3. Dip the banana pieces in the chocolate-peanut butter mixture and sit them on some baking paper. Spoon the remaining mixture over the top.
4. Sprinkle the pieces with coconut.
5. Transfer to the freezer for about an hour until hardened.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

It's time to Focus.

Focus mag: "So I'll send a photographer to take a photo of you for the next issue"

Me (hesitantly): "A photo...?"

Focus: "Yeah don't worry, it'll just be a head shot. Passport size"

Um, no Focus mag. It's bloody huge!

Catch me in the 'Meet the Experts' editorial in the March issue of Focus magazine. Mainly rambling on about myself and the clinic, but there's also a nifty little discount voucher for an initial consultation at the bottom of the ad. Yay for freebies.

Yes please.

Get up, go to work, cook dinner, watch tv, shower, go to bed. Get up, go to work... Life can get a bit repetitive at times. Which is why I think we need to add some special-ness to make life that little bit more... well, special!

Here are some of my favourite bits of radness from the shop that will help to brighten your day...

Freshen up for the day with Cloverfield's Green Tea soap ($2.95)

Make yourself a hot cup of Spiced Dandelion tea ($12.95)

Kiss your lover goodbye with Cacao Power chocolate lipbalm ($4.95)

Have a mid-afternoon sugar hit with The Ginger People ginger chews ($2.95)

Run yourself a nice hot bath and add one cup of Magnesium Miracle Soak -Relax and Rejuvenate blend ($10.95)

Ahhh.... Can't wait for tomorrow xx

18 things I am grateful for on the 18th of Feb...

grate·ful/ˈgrātfəl/

Adjective: Feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; to be thankful.

Thankyou Universe for...

1. walking down the hill for a pre-work swim


2. organic coconut and vanilla shampoo


3. goats milk and cinnamon soap


4. fresh spelt bread to make toast


5. two new clients booking in for next week


6. being told by an old lady today that she has stop eating chocolate by using positive affirmations


7. that Muffin Break decided that their gluten-free muffin of the day would be choc chip and raspberry


8. having Wendy Russell as a part of the Essential Health team


9. slowly weaning a patient off of anti-anxiety medications and onto magnesium


10. a one and a half hour remedial massage at Coffs Pain Relief Clinic


11. Australian Unity for getting $25 back


12. a swim at the foreshores and walk on the beach, then another swim


13. home cooked meal at the parentals


14. seeing my parents overflowing with happiness while they told me tales of Italian adventures


15. a spa bath with chocolate scented sugar scrub


16. mini toblerones from duty-free for dessert


17. driving home towards a giant full moon while listening to Angus and Julia sing Big Jet Plane live on Triple J


18. knowing that it's only one more sleep til I see my babe again xxx

Every choice and decision that you have ever made in your life has lead you to exactly where you are today. Take responsibility for who you are, the house you live in, the job you work at, the partner you have (and partners you've had in the past) and the type of person you are to others. If you don't like it, make some new choices and show gratitude for the life you have created.

What are you grateful for?