By walking barefoot everyday you can improve:
1. Sleep disturbances, including sleep apnea
2. Chronic muscle and joint pain
3. Asthma and other respiratory conditions
4. Rheumatoid arthritis
5. PMS
6. Hypertension
7. Stress
8. Energy levels
9. Immune system activity and response and
10. Fasting glucose levels among people with diabetes.
There are so any more benefits to going barefoot, so why not take yourself out for a long walk now and get 'earthing'.
]]>Try this guilt free pleasure as you enjoy the sweetness on your taste buds knowing that no animals have been harmed and you’re only getting the ‘right’ kind of natural sugars.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
You will use:
Now: In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the rice malt and oil, then add bananas. Add water and vanilla, stirring to combine.
Add the flour mixture, stirring just until wet.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
And voila, there you have yourself a nice healthy tropical treat : )
]]>Deftly combining stylish and sophisticated at every turn, The Modern Honolulu introduces cosmopolitan chic for leisure and business purists in Hawaii.
Every element here is original, authentic or custom-designed to enhance your experience. From the sculpture of broken-in-action surfboards behind the lobby desk, to the bar hidden behind a revolving bookcase and the blue glass tiles embellishing the Sunset Pool, the vibe at The Modern Honolulu is contemporary and sophisticated.
The hotel's design (which extends to each of the 353 guest rooms and suites) is a study in white, sleek minimalism that magnifies the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Waikiki skyline and the hotel's lush grounds.
Two stylish pools overlook the Pacific for daytime fun while a vibrant scene at the Addiction nightclub and The Study lobby bar offer evening rendezvous.
Source: www.kiwicollection.com
Tip 1: Keep it simple! Aqua, white and greens – colours of the sea – make for comfortable, simple living.
Tip 2: Gather treasures as you walk the beach. Bring them home and add them to your collection.
Tip 3: Make your home happy by filling it with things you love. Layering fabrics, rugs and accessories is like putting jewellery and shoes on when you get dressed.
Source: Coastal Living Magazine
]]>Ingredients:
60mls Jamaican Rum
60mls coconut water
60mls pineapple juice
Squeeze of fresh lime juice
Method:
Mix all ingredients together with a handful of ice. Serve in a nice tall cocktail glass and garnish with your choice of tropical fruit. Enjoy! x.
]]>Fiji's largest island, home to capital Suva, offers some wonderful beaches. Palm-fringed Natadola Beach, reputed to be one of the best beaches in the world, is a picture perfect crescent of powdery sand leading to dramatic cliffs. Coconuts hang overhead and the striking azure lagoon entices swimmers.
Viti Levu is believed to have been inhabited longer than the northern island of Vanua Levu. According to oral traditions, the first Melanesian settlers landed at Vuda Point and established Viseisei, believed to be Fiji's oldest settlement, although archaeologists refute this claim.
If you’re looking for sun, relaxation, culture and an all-round traditional experience this is the place to go. Get right amongst nature and the historic tradition.
]]>Ingredients:
2 cups shredded coconut + extra
½ cup almonds
2-3 tbsp honey or rice malt syrup (to taste)
2 tbsp coconut oil
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Method:
Place all ingredients into the food processor and blend for 1 minute.
Roll into small balls around the size of a 10c piece.
Roll in extra coconut.
Place on a lined tray and chill in the fridge until firm.
Source: http://
2. South Beach, Miami, Florida
3. Pink Sands Beach, Harbor Island, the Bahamas
4. Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
5. Clifton Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
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Remember People's Names
so that they feel appreciated and for your own future benefit when you want something from that person. To do this, say their name back to them when they introduce themselves. Then repeat the name in your head a number of times until you are sure you have it. Continue to use their name in conversation as much as possible to remove any chance of forgetting it. If you’re still having trouble, make up a rhyme about their name: “Dan the Man” or “Natalie flatters me.”
Get Fit
It’s ridiculous to think that we have one body, one sole means of functioning, and people are too lazy to take care of themselves. Fit bodies lead to better health, confidence and more success with romantic endeavors. I’d say those are 3 very good reasons to get in shape.
Learn To Focus Only On The Present
The past is unchangeable so it is futile to reflect on it unless you are making sure you do not repeat past mistakes. The future is but a result of your actions today. So learn from the past to do better in the present so that you can succeed in the future.
Live In THIS Moment
Even 10 minutes ago is the past. If you live purely in this moment you will always be happy because there is nothing wrong in this split-second.
Smile More Often
Whenever you get a grin on your face, your brain is releasing serotonin, the happy hormone. Smiling is the natural way to force yourself to be happy. Many people even smile for five minutes straight in the morning to get themselves in a great mood for the day. It is a very powerful tool that is utilized less and less as we grow older and need happiness more than ever. Just remember that while happiness leads to smiles, smiles also lead to happiness.
Think Positive Thoughts
When you find yourself thinking a negative thought, stop it immediately by any means necessary. Slap yourself in the face, yell something positive at the top of your lungs or jump up and down. Do whatever it takes to get back to a positive mindset as such is essential for continual happiness and success.
Figure Out What Your Goals and Dreams Are
So many people wander aimlessly through life simply go for whatever small thing they want moment by moment. Instead, decide what your perfect life consists of and begin to put the steps in motion to reach that place. The most satisfying thing in the world (yes, better than sex, much better) is overcoming a challenge and reaching a goal. We are the happiest when we are growing and working towards something better.
Travel
Anyone who has ever gone anywhere will tell you that traveling is one of the most exciting and life-changing activities that you can do. Observing a different culture will expand your mind while making you further appreciate the life you already live. This goes back to becoming an explorer: this world is your jungle so go explore! Who knows, maybe you’ll find a place you love so much that you decide to move. Imagine the positive repercussions a new environment could have on your life.
and lastly...
Be The Person That Makes Others Feel Special
Be known for your kindness and sympathy.
Source: http://www.highexistence.com/life-secrets-and-tips/
Source: www.kiwicollection.com
]]>Coconut Yoghurt
Ingredients:
Method:
Enjoy with some fresh fruit, muesli or a handful of nuts! :-)
]]>
When I was in high school I would take all of the subjects possible to have the perfect career path to become a marine biologist, but when it came time to select our year 11 and year 12 subjects I went to see a careers advisor and did a 3 hour psychological evaluation to truly determine what career path I was best suited to, and to my complete surprise, marine biologist was the lowest scoring possible option I could take as he said to me that I didn't have the mind for a science career and definitely needed to do the total opposite become something creative, so I followed the path to become a designer instead.
As the years went by I always still had a deep passion for the ocean and wanting to conserve the environment, but became so caught up in trying to run a business and keep surviving through the next day and lost focus of my real purpose in life. Now after a decade of running Escape to Paradise I have come to realise that the brand needs to be a vehicle for change and I can make a positive impact on the world by donating proceeds from the sale of our products to go towards supporting environmental projects that conserve the worlds oceans and rainforests because that is what Escape to Paradise is all about, making the world a more beautiful place.
Photography by the talented Mikala Wilbow https://shesurfs.com.au/
]]>
Happy decorating paradise lovers! x x
]]>1. Get your game on
Drag out the Twister board and enjoy a game with your friends, family or partner. Twist, bend, laugh and stretch your way to a healthier you. Don't knock it 'til you try it - it's a great workout!
2. Craft-ernoon delight
You don't need Archibald Prize-worthy skills to get arty. A spot of knitting, scrapbooking, pottery or sketching can give you a fabulous creative hit - plus, they're great substitutes for mindless snacking.
3. Size does matter
Keep your portion servings under control by swapping over-sized dinner plates and bowls for smaller options. After all, one cup of rice looks like a lot more food when served in a smaller dish. Also, stock up on quality plastic containers so you've got plenty of storage available for tasty re-heats.
4. Meditation station
Meditate and practice deep breathing exercises for 15 minutes a day to feel calm, focused and re-energised. It's easy to create your own happy place - just choose a quiet space in the house where you can light a candle, dim the lights and most importantly, take some serious time-out.
5. The write stuff
Blog or journal your blues away! Whether you opt for the public or private alternative, both are fabulous outlets to vent about your journey, set goals and brag about your achievements.
6. Great minds think alike
Surround yourself with like-minded people - never underestimate the power of having a supportive, caring network of friends and family in place. They could be fellow Weight Watchers members, healthy buddies or just friendly shoulders to lean on. The only rule? Judgemental, negative people need not apply!
7. Be a bookworm
Nothing beats snuggling under the covers with a good read. If motivation's what you're lacking, join a book club or even suggest titles with your pals to get your wordsmith venture off to a cracking start. Cookbooks, health books, chick lit, drama, memoirs - anything goes, as long as you're enjoying it and feeling positive!
8. Chow time
Experiment with a range of different eating styles and habits. Try ditching your trusty knife and fork and picking up a pair of chopsticks the next time you serve a meal - it'll help you eat slower. Also, make an effort to chew each mouthful at least 15 times before swallowing to help your digestion.
Source: www.kidspot.com.a
]]>Anse Source d’Argent is the kind of beach that you dream of. Blue-green waters, huge granite rocks, pink sand, and gorgeous snorkelling are just some of the incredible things you will see at this beach. The best part? This beach isn’t crowded, and if you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you will likely have the entire beach to yourself.
Anse à la Mouche is a very safe place to swim. It’s a calm bay with sparkling clear waters, and there is a great restaurant right across the street. This is a great beach to take the kids to.
Anse Takamaka is a bay on the island of Praslin, and the treasure chests of pirates have even been found here. It really does feel like Treasure Island with its swaying coco de mer palm trees, vibrant teal blue waters, and powder white sands. This Seychelles beach offers a view of the Indian Ocean you don’t want to miss.
Anse Lazio is often voted not just the best Seychelles beach, but also the best beach in the entire world. Powder soft white sands, huge granite boulders, and the clearest of waters offer a magical setting. This is a great beach for snorkeling or just lying in the sun and letting your cares fade away.
If you are looking for an absolutely untouched, picturesque beach, then Anse Georgette is the beach for you. It requires a 45-minute hike to get there, but it’s remoteness is part of its charm, making it more of an insider’s beach. Many people see dolphins, sharks, and manta rays at this beach. There are strong waves and currents here, so be careful swimming.
Anse Boudin has tranquil waters and is perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Many people see sea turtles just off the beach. The sand here is very soft.
To get to this beach, you must either hire a fisherman to take you there by boat or hike the Anse Major trail. The intense blue waves crash into the granite rocks making for a soothing lullaby that will make you never want to leave.
Beau Vallon has beautiful coral reefs and crystal clear waters, and is the Seychelles beach to visit if you want to dive or snorkel. It is the most popular beach on Mahé. There are also water sports here, and the waters are very calm.
Unsurprisingly, Seychelles is the destination of choice for a number of honeymooners, and is definitely a destination that can be seen on a budget. Are you ready to book your flights yet?!
- M x
Makes: 1 litre
Prep time: 10 minutes Chill time: 2 hours
500g Coyo Banana, Chia & Cardamom Coconut Yoghurt
500g frozen bananas (approximately 4 large bananas)
1 tsp ground cardamom
Prep ahead by peeling your bananas and placing in the freezer for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally overnight, until frozen.
Place all the ingredients into a high speed blender and blend until just smooth. You want the mix to remain thick and stay as frozen as possible.
Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-proof container and place in the freezer to chill for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. When the ice cream is firm and scoopable. it’s ready to serve.
Use a warm ice cream scoop to scoop the ice cream into balls and serve with your favourite accompaniments.
Source: https://www.swoonfood.com/banana-cardamom-coconut-yoghurt-ice-cream/
]]>Set along a stunning 2km white sand beach, in a sheltered bay on the East Coast of Mauritius, Constance Belle Mare Plage is beautifully balanced with the tropical environment and Constance Chic.
Source: www.kiwicollection.com
This gorgeous coastal retreat was created by shell artist Blott Kerr-Wilson using only three species of shell: Gold-ringer cowries, white Bubble shells and small dark Nerite. Blott used several thousand shells to complete the piece....and a bucket load of glue!
Image Source: www.beautifullycoastal.com
]]>Located in the pristine Mediterranean countryside, the Anassa overlooks one of the finest beaches in Cyprus.
Secluded guest villas exude the charm of an ancient Byzantine village; cool, white Mediterranean expanses with fluttering curtains, marble floors, and louvered shutters. All have balconies with sea views.
Source: www.kiwicollection.com
Bora Bora is a major international tourist destination, famous for its aqua-centric luxury resorts
Bora Bora is an activity giant, a small island offering visitors the chance to experience a 4x4 safari, sunbathe and swim at white sandy beaches, dive in a natural underwater park among fish and coral, experience thrilling shark feedings, or circle the turquoise lagoon by boat.
Bora Bora is a superlative romantic spot. Fall captive to this lush gem of a Polynesian island by sharing an intimate midnight dinner on the beach; visiting the Lagoonarium, the Diving Centre, the Coral Gardens or the Leopard Rays Trench; or taking it all in from the lofty heights of 2,300-foot Mount Otemanu.
Whatever it be, Bora Bora has something for eveyrone so come and see.
]]>Ingredients:
Fresh strawberries, hulled and slice thinly
Fresh kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced
Frozen sliced peaches
Natural coconut water
Instructions:
Carefully place fruit in ice block molds. Use an ice cream stick to arrange fruit to your satisfaction.
Pour coconut water into mold and insert ice cream stick.
Freeze overnight and enjoy! x
We all have those days.
Sometimes weeks......
Where things just seem to drag on. A little over-worked and ‘over work', extremely tired, getting sick, just feeling like life wants too much from us at times.
And what keeps us going?
Friends, loved ones, treating with some food tats maybe not so good for our bodies, alcohol, or a party night out, a good holiday?
Well maybe they're not so healthy, sustainable nor affordable.
So here I've put together for you, my little step by step on how to stay UP through the DOWNS
1.Rest is #1
MAKE TIME FOR SLEEP.
Our doctors recommend 7- 8 hours sleep per night for the average adult.
If you’re a parent, or work commitments have you simply not able to get more than 7 hours’ sleep, or not even close to that.
Do it ‘whenever’ and 'wherever' you can, a 10- 20 min kip where possible, a sleep in on that one day a week where you can.
This will do you the world of good and have you feeling great inside and out.
2.Meditate
Whatever that means to you! The most common phrase we’ll hear from people that don’t meditate is “I can’t meditate” or "I don’t know how to”
Well… My answers to you:
You don’t have to know how to, just know this, if you give yourself time in every day to sit, or stand in silence, eyes open or closed, to just ‘BE’, whether it be staring at a view, thinking of your thoughts, or trying to clear them; This can change your entire look on life and when done consistently can be as good as an afternoon nap or extra hours sleeping overall.
It doesn't take much, whether you only have 6 minutes or 40 minutes, make it a priority and simply let go, let your thoughts be there, don't force them to clear, just don't attach to your thoughts and simply just let them pass by.
3.Time in nature
Spend time outdoors and in nature getting as my fresh oxygen as possible as often as possible.
Studies show that seeing a beautiful view, starring at a sunrise or sunset, can increase productivity and inner happiness hugely and that fresh oxygen to the brain and organs not only makes you feel good daily but will increase your life length.
Jump in the ocean before or after work, take a walk through the bush or park on your lunch break, visit somewhere new on the weekend and lay out under the stars every now and then.
4.Do what you LOVE
It is just SO important to find what makes you tick and do it whenever you can as much as you can. It doesn’t have to cost money. Something like a physical activity or sport, arty and creative like making something; furniture, a wall hanging in your home, or a new recipe for a meal or something you bake, get creative its all using your mind and hands in a healthy way.
5.Surround yourself with good people
Surround yourself with the very best, truly grounded, and most positive people.
Happiness comes from within. And when you do the things that make you happy, that happiness extends out in your persona and to the people around you, as a result, you will attract the right people to you.
Remember ‘Your vibe attracts your tribe’
So, put out what you want to get from other people and for me; That is a positive attitude at all times, no matter how hard times can be, we speak honestly and share feelings but always with a smile and positive attitude looking ahead no matter how hard times can be.
6.Eat well!
And I don’t mean two or even five out of your seven days! At least 2 of your 3 meals every day should be purely wholesome and nourishing for your body.
I’m an advocate for having a ‘balanced’ diet, but this means giving my body what it needs EVERY day and occasionally treating myself to something a little bit sweet, heavier like bread or rice, or just easier out of pure convenience or to eat of with friends a couple of times a week when I’ve earnt it and just need it.
But we just cannot forget that: ‘Food Is Fuel’ so we need to be putting real, wholesome, grown form the earth and unprocessed food in our bodies. Always.
7.Exercise
Yep! We all know it, but does this just mean buying a gym membership and having not only no idea about what to do but also not wanting to?
No
This means, getting active and BEING ACTIVE in every way you can. Making it a way of life.
Find what you love and do it!
Connect with people that are doing something you always dreamed of and learn how.
Try a boxing class, sign up to an outdoor boot camp.
Take up surfing, yoga, pilates, walk everywhere you can, start riding your bike to work. It doesn’t have to cost money, just try something new and get active every day however you can for atleast 20 minutes each day.
And if you’re someone that needs guidance and motivation, see a personal trainer, or join up to a training group as the social, physical, and mental benefits you will gain from this can be outstanding.
And personally, I want to be as fit and healthy for as long as possible, injury and pain free, looking and in turn feeling the very best I can for as long as possible.
8. Accept these feelings and don’t Judge them
I call it ‘riding the waves’ in life, as a surfer, this connects with me as we ride through the peaks and troughs and these simply are the ups and down in life.
What I have found is how to concentrate on drifting through these times somewhere in the middle of the ‘ups and downs’ and this is achieved by many practices, most importantly; having little expectations in life and simply letting things go or to 'just be'
Don’t judge your feelings. There is often no need to judge your feelings and over analyse why you’re feeling down, you’re probably just tired, or simply just not feeling the greatness of life sometimes. But you know what? We all do, and that is totally fine. Feel these feelings and drift happily through accepting them.
Resting and meditating can be the biggest assistant in achieving this in everyday life as it will strongly help you achieve this blissful state drifting through life in a calmer more no-reactive way!
9.Spend less time on social media or watching the news, I mean TV all together.
Right now, count up the hours in each day you would spend watching a TV, or on your phone whether that be on emails, social media, other media, and technology that you are not directly getting paid for (I mean when its not your job).
Multiply this for the week and then imagine what you could do with all that extra time if it were to be FREE time. Going out with friends, date night with your partner or family, swimming in the ocean, walking on the beach, sleeping……
There is not only a huge amount of time being lost here unnecessarily but we are also polluting our minds with so much negativity and hate in the world. Comparing ourselves to others lives instead of living our own, watching the horrible things that ‘we know’ are happening around the world on a daily basis but what are we actually doing to help stop them?
Although we are technologically ‘connected’ in this day and age, we have at the same time become ‘so disconnected’ to ourselves, our inner peace and face to face connection with others.
Start using technology for what it is great for and get more connected with nature, the right people and yourself.
10. Do all of the above Again and again….. and.... SMILE!
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