Made for Madison: Lifestyle

Showing posts with label Lifestyle. Show all posts

Thursday, 28 December 2017

My Summertime Essentials

summer December 28, 2017

The summer season is here which means late nights, hot days and not much time to pamper ourselves. Today I want to share some must-have summer essentials and things you can do at home to make you feel comfortable, confident and ready to party from head to toe.

Face- Antipodes, I love this brand everything it stands for. They have new MINI skin care range out. In my collection perfect for the summer heat I have been using:

Skin Brightening- The stylish 10 ml Mini perfectly sized to meet onboard luggage restrictions, or slip into handbags or make up bag. This helps with skin blemishes as it uses the world famous Manuka honey active 10+ with natural antibacterial properties. I Use daily to help bring out the light, fresh brightness your skin needs in the heat.

Skin Plumping- Also comes in a 10 ml Mini version. The skin Plumping serum is light and non oily, it helps enhance your skins natural hydration, something we need in summer hotness especially. It’s got nutrient rich avocado oil that assists in the plumping and appearance of fine lines. Shop HERE

Hair- Have a hair emergency pouch - Scunci hair accessories are the cutest! I’ve been loving their hair emergency pouch. It’s such a great idea to keep in your bag in case of a Hair emergency! Summer can be the greatest challenge to that straight silky mane or those luscious curls. To keep any style in tact, I don’t leave home without mine, carefully armed wuth bobby pins, scrunchie, and a hair tie. Shop HERE

Nails- Let’s talk Burgunday , this classic colour is back again this year; Sally Hansen has some gorgeous burgundy shades I’ve been
loving. Pair it with gold or glitter to elevate, or just kept simple for a perfectly fashionable look. Shop HERE

Underwear- Wear the right undergarments/shapewear- Ok this one is a big one. There’s nothing worse than being sweaty, and uncomfortable during summer with unrelenting chafing. I’m sure I’m not alone here? I have been using Bridget’s. Unlike traditional undergarments and shape wear, Bridgets genius blend of 93% Nylon 7% Spandex allows for breathing. The 3M wicking technology, keeps the moisture out on those balmy, summer days. I’ve been loving this, the way it’s designed has been so well done, the anti-chaffing effect can be attributed to the quality of the fabric and the fit. My bum and tum have never been drier! Shop HERE

Feet- Exfoliate your feet at home- Milky Foot has a simply DIY foot exfoliation. Simply insert your feet into the Milky Foot “socks” for 45mins to 1 hour, and then rinse. The natural formula of milk ferment filtrate and mandelic acid safely exfoliates hardened dead skin, and within 3-5 days intense peeling will occur, revealing revitalized feet for those gorgeous open-toed shoes! Shop HERE

So, this Aussie Summer, follow these simple tips to maintain that flawless image for more than half an hour after you walk out the door.

Hope you enjoyed these, have you tired any?

Products were gifted. My opinions on products

How to Energise your body during the Notorious December

Mum November 28, 2017

With the school holidays nearly here, no doubt mums everywhere are asking how they’ll be keeping their kids entertained and themselves energized as the Christmas rush arrives. I know coffee and energy drinks may seem like a good solution, but their quick-fix and even faster crash aren’t good for your body’s natural routines. Understandably, it’s particularly hard at this time of year to find the motivation to keep up your health routines – after all, t’is the season to treat yourself!

Naturopath Stephen Eddey reveals his to-do list to get your energy levels up and have you enjoying a summer like no other – naturally!

1. Get up and go

It may be hot outside, but a brisk walk or jog in the park, or along the beach, will do wonders for your health – mentally and emotionally as well as physically. Try for late afternoons and early morning when the temperature and UV haven’t yet risen. Just 30 minutes of heart-pumping exercise can help burn calories, and boost your immune system. Make a date with a friend to ensure you'll commit to a regular outdoor workout that you can’t say no to!

2. Supplement your diet

As we’ve seen this year, cold and flu season doesn’t stop with the end of Winter. A lack of key antioxidants – which are vital for boosting the immune system, fighting off infections and inflammation, and boosting energy levels – can leave us vulnerable to illness at any time of year. It’snot always possible to obtain the necessary levels of antioxidants from our diet, so it can be a good idea to take a supplement. Ubiquinol, the active form of CoQ10, is a powerful antioxidant which is found naturally in the body, but can be depleted during illness. If your get-up-and-go has ‘got-up-and-gone’, then Ubiquinol supplements may help to support your natural energy levels to help you function at optimum levels.

3. Get social

They say that laughter is the best medicine and there is no better time than Summer to heed that advice, with the festive season offering ample social opportunities. Even when it’s boiling hot outside, try not to choose the couch and air conditioning over catching up with friends and family. Human interaction and socialising with your nearest and dearest also boosts your endorphin levels and will leave you feeling happier, energised and more positive.

4. Cut the caffeine

Numbers are rising of people relying on energy drinks filled with caffeine to boost their energy levels and help them get through the day. The downside of this, is that caffeine disrupts the body’s natural need for rest, relaxation and sleep, and the short high is quickly followed by a quick burn-down on the other side. Energy drinks have been shown to raise stress levels, increase heart rate and blood pressure, often making you feel even more tired and anxious than you were before. For sustained energy increase, try cutting out caffeine products and opt for a natural solution like a protein-packed meal.

5. Eat a better breakfast

Ever heard the phrase “You Are What You Eat”? Well, what you put into your body makes a huge difference to how you feel on a daily basis and breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. Eating a protein and energy filled breakfast such as eggs with unrefined carbs likewholemeal toast, along with avoiding coffee at breakfast time, will ensure your body processes this in a way to give you natural energy from the nutrients it absorbs.

Speak to your healthcare practitioner to find out which supplement is right for you. Always read the label and use only as directed.

Did you find this helpful?

Experience at Novotel Canberra hotel and First Edition

Lifestyle October 13, 2017

I love going away with my beautiful family and creating new memories. But let's face it, when you have a young family you have to take so much into consideration when picking a place to stay, a restaurant to eat at, and activities to do - it all has to suit everyone. I always look for a simple, family friendly hotel with options for eateries which are also appropriate for kids to dine.

HOTEL

We had one night stay at Novotel Canberra. The Novotel is in a perfect location, close to the city centre, airport, entertainment and Parliament House.

The hotel has a lovely newly renovated indoor pool, sauna and gym. For convenience they have concierge service and car park that you can self park or opt for valet parking. Novotel Canberra also has 24 hour room service and 24 hour reception, which I find important when booking a hotel, as you never know when you might need something especially with kids.

STAFF / CHECK IN

The staff at the Novotel were very friendly, they explain everything you need to know in detail when checking in, and have a "Kids Corner" right next to check in/out desk so your children can play while your organising everything. How cool is that!!. My girls played there while we were checking in and out, very convenient.

INDOOR POOL

The indoor pool was one of the highlights of our experience staying at Novotel. The Pool has included a ramp at the entrance so for families with prams and the less mobile can enter through with ease, a Sauna for the adults, and plenty of walking space to get through. The Pool had hand rails on the steps for added safety and also featured shallow end for kids and deep end for more stronger swimmers. My girls and hubby had a ball in the pool, while this relaxed mummy sat on the pool chair near them reading a lovely book, bliss.

ROOM

Our room was on the 5th floor and was very spacious and clean. It had 2 double beds, fridge, tv, tea & coffee and the bathroom had a shower and bathtub. We had bathrobes waiting in our cupboards and we each got a pair of slippers which is always a nice touch.

RESTAURANT

When it comes to finding a child-friendly restaurant, it can be a real jungle out there. We are all too familiar with those "typical" kids meals, like frozen something with fries!. So I've made it my mission to find a nice restaurant every time we eat out, that would get my girls excited about what they eat. Something that is still kid friendly but more healthier, I want them to try new dishes with an experience making them feel they’re a world away from the stuff their palates might be used to.

We found a place to eat inside the Novotel hotel, a beautiful restaurant called First Edition. The atmosphere of the restaurant is, to say the least, welcoming and magnificent, whilst we noticed it was newly renovated walking into the beautiful restaurant instantly made us feel like we had walked into the most stylish and sophisticated venue. The restaurant had a large book space but with modern Lounges where you can sit back and have a drink before entering to have your meal, or sit back and read a book. Madison and my hubby sat there together reading books.

When we walked into the restaurant we were greeted with a smile and were directed to our table which had windows that faced the city. Madison and Macie were instantly intrigued they spent a good amount of time looking outside “watching the world go by” I loved seeing their reactions. It meant Madison and Macie were calm and entertained while hubby and i looked at the fabulous menu.

Executive Chef, Jennie Tressler created a diverse seasonal all-day dining menu and is known to source the best local produce. Everything on the menu looked amazing, we decided on an Italian board, salad with halloumi. For our mains we had Chicken Cashew Curry for myself and Chargrilled Rib Eye with lemon roasted Potato for hubby.

I was delighted to see that the Kids Menu had a good variety of foods that are usually a favourite amongst kids but with a healthy twist. The girls got spaghetti Bolognaise and chicken which was served with fries and veggies. If “watching the world go by” wasn’t enough entertainment for the girls, on the table was a place mat size kids activity page and some pencils.

The food was delicious and colourful, you can taste that every ingredient was fresh and is obvious it was made with care and delicacy.

SUMMARY

Although this was a short stay, it was one of the most memorable family getaways we have had, we made so many memories, ate great food, stayed in a fabulous hotel and most of all shared it with the people who matter the most, my beautiful family. Thanks to Novotel Canberra for having us.

Check out First Edition Canberra

Check out Novotel Canberra

Our stay was hosted, but all opinions are my own.

PIP TAYLOR shares, How to make the most out of your cardio workout

Lifestyle June 03, 2017

Pip Taylor, professional triathlete and Saucony Ambassador, describes running as a wholesome full-body workout.

Going for a run gets the blood pumping, increases cardiovascular fitness, tones you up while also burning a hell of a lot of calories. Long distance running can have extremely positive benefits on your body including improved mood and sleep patterns, while also strengthening your bones and muscles.

Regular runners are proven to live three years longer than non-runners, while engaging in just a few minutes of running a day can decrease the risk of heart disease significantly.

Pip shares her top tips on how to make the most out of your cardio workouts to ensure you receive the whole list of benefits.

1. Happy gut, happy runner – Improving your gut health is not only great for digestion but also during workouts. Eat lots of anti-inflammatory, real whole foods when fuelling during preparation and training. Be sure to pay attention to your personal recovery habits, include protein rich snacks and meals but also probiotics may help to keep everything running smoothly.

2. Cut out the sugar – Thankfully there are many ways to fuel the body with essential energy without refined sugars and training fuels. There are now some awesome options from bars, drinks and gels, packaged for convenience without being loaded with sugar.

3. Invest in some good shoes – I love Saucony because their technology puts your foot in a more balanced and comfortable position, allowing for a more powerful and natural running stride. The human foot and ankle contains 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, so a good pair of shoes is crucial when running long distances.

4. Over or under watered – If you don’t hydrate correctly before your cardio, you are increasing your chances for dehydration. This is generally due to not drinking enough water to replenish water emitted through breathing and sweating – dehydration can compromise your performance. People generally think that guzzling down fluids is the answer, however too much water can be just as problematic.

5. Failing to get sufficient rest – It is important to rest your muscles and get adequate sleep every night so your body can recover and replenish energy to be ready to perform again tomorrow.

Pip Taylor is an accredited sports nutritionist and dietitian, professional triathlete, author, mother of two and ambassador for Saucony Australia.

Her sporting career spans over 15 years and includes multiple appearances at World Championships representing Australia, multiple World Cup and 70.3 wins, and podium places and victories in other major international triathlon races.

In 2015, Pip published her first book, The Athlete’s Fix: a program for finding your best foods for health and performance. Pip has contributed to countless international publications and websites and provided nutrition communications and consult to companies within the nutrition, health and fitness industries.

How to beat the winter bulge: 5 winter tips from IsoWhey Nutritionist and Dietitian, Belinda Reynolds

Lifestyle May 26, 2017

When the weather is cold and wet, and all we really want to do is curl up in bed and reach for our favourite comfort foods, it’s easy for those extra kilos to creep on. The key to beating winter weight gain is nipping it in the bud by maintaining healthy habits all year round. IsoWhey Nutritionist and Dietitian, Belinda Reynolds, gives her top tips to help avoid weight gain this winter.

1. Swap your vices for healthy alternatives

The below healthy swaps will help you to eat healthier while not giving up the things you love completely.

• Add extra vegies and remove the pastry from dishes such as pies and quiches

• Try zucchini noodles as an alternative to pasta and noodles

• Eat chicken breast and/or thigh instead of Chicken Schnitzels

• Pre-Made Sauces are high in sugars and salt, try using mixes of herbs, or even add a small amount of honey and soy sauce for extra flavour.

• Watch out for Yoghurts as Snacks because they can be full of hidden sugars. Instead eat plain, full-fat, non-flavouredGreek yoghurt

2. Eat more good fat

Fat in general is not “bad” for you, however when fats have been deep fried or altered in some way, they can become harmful. In addition, they are very high in calories and contribute significantly to your daily calorie intake. Avoid fried foods altogether, plus margarine and meat that is too fatty and charred. Look instead to include avocado, oily fish such as salmon, a little coconut oil, raw almonds, cold pressed virgin olive oil and eggs as some sources of useful fats for your body. Of course, a treat can be good for the soul, and therefore one small serving per week of a food containing bad fats can be ok.

3. Have healthy snacks on hand to beat the 3pm munchies.

The office vending machine may seem a convenient option to help satisfy your afternoon cravings, however it is certainly not the most ideal for your waist line. In order to avoid reaching for food options which are likely over-processed, high in sugar, bad fat and/or salt, it is important to keep healthy options on hand for when that 3pm hunger sets in. My favourites are raw nuts, natural Greek yoghurt and fresh veggies with hummus or mashed avocado. I also love healthy ready-made snacks like IsoWhey Wholefoods Superfood Snacks as they’re gluten free, dairy free, completely natural, loaded with plenty of extra nutrients from the superfood ingredients and more importantly, they taste amazing!

4. Don’t forget, not all calories are solids

When trying to track our calorie intake, many people forget to consider what’s in their cup. During winter, many of us turn to comforting cups of hot sugary beverages and cream based soups, not realising how much sugar, fat and sodium are in that Grande white chocolate mocha or creamy clam chowder. Try swapping your Starbucks special for an unsweetened coffee with less milk (no cream), and make your own veggie packed soup.

5. Keep moving

When the temperature drops, it’s all too easy to hit the snooze button and skip that morning workout. In order to transform ‘bad’ habits into new ones you need to commit to your success. The best way to do this is to schedule in all of your exercise sessions into your diary and make it a priority (make sure the family know your schedule – make it ‘your’ time!). Walk whenever you can and get up and move around as much as possible. These incremental blocks of activity add up over a day and contribute to an increased energy usage. It also helps to prevent illness that are related to sitting.

32 things that me feel happy

Lifestyle April 19, 2017

I recently was sick with a BAD case of tonsillitis! While I was laying in bed feeling sorry for myself. My girls ran in with a paper and Madison said, "Mumma we made you a get well card to make you feel better" I instantly smiled and it made me feel so happy in that moment with my babies.

So it inspired me to think about all the things that make me happy and decided to share. I'm sharing 32, but there is a lot more. So in no particular order here they are:

32 things that make me feel happy

1. My children
2. My Hubby
3. My beautiful family
4. Coffee
5. Wearing 2 pairs of socks in winter
6. Reality and crime TV shows
7. Baking yummy cakes
8. Fresh Flowers in my home
9. Catching up with my girlfriends
10. Hearing someone say Thank you or Please
11. Going on a holiday
12. WINE
13. Watching my kids grow
14. Setting and completing goals
15. Having a nice smelling candle lit
16. Fresh nails painted
17. Playing Mario bros
18. Pretty Stationary
19. Hearing my girls laugh
20. Reading inspirational quotes
21. Getting blogger mail
22. Helping out someone in need
23. A easy time getting kids to bed
24. Putting hot chips in my burger
25. Wearing red lippy without getting any on my teeth :)
26. Mixing 3 diff flavours of icecream in one bowl
27. Sleeping more than 5 hours!
28. Sunday family fun day
29. Hot chips
30. Clean house
31. Eating a choc Sunday and dipping in hot chips
32. Meeting people who inspire me

Any of these sound good to you? Let me know in comments what's one thing that makes you happy x

SEAQUATIX waterproof phone cases

Product Review March 29, 2017

I LOVE taking pictures of my girls while we are in the pool and while they are in the bath. But I have always been scared to get my phone wet and damaged. I recently discovered Seaquatix waterproof phone protector and no longer have the worry about water damaging my phone and i can upload my pictures or videos in real time.

It is waterproof to a maximum depth of 20 metres for up to 2 hours. It was great been able to be in the pool and take pictures and have that peace of mind my phone is ok.

Seaquatix is not only useful in water, but can provide the same benefits and protect against sand, snow, dust, and outings such as going for a run or other outdoor activities.

Its very simple to use, simply use thumbs to open lock system on both ends, place your phone or other valuables inside the Seaquatix, Ensure all air is pushed out before you seal it. Align lock system into place and lock.

I love this product and will definitely use this all the time, it looks nice, and most importantly allows me to capture photos of my girls anywhere I want without damaging my phone.

Seaquatix Available in bright funky colors from pink, purple, green, blue, white, black and orange. Available in size small and large. RRP $49.95

** I was gifted product, all thoughts my own

Canterbury Bakehouse Cafe- My dining in style experience

Product Review March 15, 2017

I love to eat, and I love to eat good flavorsome food in style. Canterbury Bakehouse had style and fabulous food!

I took my beautiful mum along with me to have a quiet dinner together, We haven't had dinner alone since I had Madison which was almost 4 years ago. It was so nice to have her with me and have that one on one time together.

The Canterbury Bakehouse is located Inside the Canterbury Leagues club in Belmore Sydney. The Bakehouse Cafe is open 24/7 Diners can choose from Breakfast, All-Day and supper menu. The wonderful menu offers gourmet sandwiches like the Reuben sandwich, Chicken ribs, Fish tacos, Big breakfast and for those with a sweet tooth, a variety of cakes, tarts and more.

FOOD
The food came out in good time. We didn't need to wait long. The portions size was very generous, and perfect to share. Each plate that came out had beautiful color, and smelt great.

ENTREE
Dusted Baby Calamari- coated in chef's spices and served with chili jam.
Grilled Chicken Salad- grilled chicken breast with black beans, baby spinach, tomato, corn, coriander, avocado salsa and chorizo.

MAIN
Angus Burger- grilled Angus patty topped with lettuce, tomato, Monterey jack cheese and beetroot relish on a brioche roll and accompanied by Bakehouse fries.
Panzanella Salad- gluten-free pumpkin loaf, Spanish onion, zucchini,baby spinach, heirloom tomatoes and balsamic glaze.

DESSERT
Blueberry Cheesecake
Baba au Rum

ICED COFFEE with dessert.

The food was simply delicious. Everything was so fresh. I couldn't fault anything. Juicy beef, crisp fresh lettuce, perfectly seasoned salad. We were SO full after our entree, but just couldn't stop eating it was so tasty.

DECOR
It was super spacious, Funky looking with gorgeous Marble columns, brass detailing on the ceiling,outdoor area to eat, a lounge area that had super comfy couches, a massive TV screen. Had a funky vibe with Music playing, and a library! This library was really cute, had a variety of books you can read while having a meal or a nice refreshment. It had such a beautiful atmosphere the library had a nice peaceful feel. The floors in the Cafe was a beautiful timber parquetry.
The Bakehouse had open windows near the counter, showing their beautiful range of desserts.

SERVICE
The Canterbury Bakehouse had wonderful staff members, who were so polite and helpful from the moment we walked in.
The Bakehouse staff gave a good vibe that was friendly, energetic and positive to be around. The staff looked happy, with smiles on their faces and looked genuinely excited to be there.

FINAL THOUGHTS
I really loved this Cafe. I would definitely be back and recommend trying this if your in Sydney. Food was the best Cafe food Ive had in a long time. Thank you Canterbury Bakehouse.

Canterbury Bakehouse Cafe