Well, it's official.

Our family of three has become a family of four.

And what an experience it has been so far.

For the next week, I want my home to be a retreat.

No television, minimal noise, lots of incense, candles and space clearing.

Grounding, reading, sleep, pampering and meditation.

Cooking, writing and photographing.

Delicious, healthy, organic food and really spoiling myself.

Sometimes the words sit, in my throat, unable to move to my fingers.

Other times they flow as freely as the lyrics to a song that I have listened to, over and over and over again (Hurricane- MS MR is still on my playlist).

It's times like this, a steady stream of neatly typed words on a screen; is the ultimate release. 

Things to be thankful for today...

Following our recent spate of little cheeky clues as to what Lucas and I are working on at the moment, we are super excited, and are ready to start GIVING. 

In competition form.

Something strange happened last night that proved to me that i was on THE RIGHT PATH.

After my self-imposed isolation over the last week and a half (this book is my number one priority right now!) I was feeling neglected, alone, and a little bit needy. 

And found a little slice of heaven!

This afternoon I had the most incredible facial and hand treatment! Being an ex-Beauty Therapist I have been lucky enough to have countless facials and treatments; but this one topped them all. 

Upon arrival at Follow Nature, I was seated and given a cup of organic chamomile tea - WITH GOJI BERRIES! It was then I knew I was in the hands of professionals, after all how can you go wrong with goji?

After filling out a few forms- (asking me if I was allergic to things like banana) I was itching to get started! Seated in the most comfortable rocking chair, Natalia, my therapist went into detail about my treatment. And over the next five minutes I was blown away.

Chia seeds? Sesame oil? Raw Cacao powder? Had I accidentally wandered into a delicious place of food?! 

While my mile-a-minute brain was in overdrive thinking of all of the delicious food combinations, Natalia explained why she would be using these ingredients on my skin!

My facial was tailored specifically to me- my skin type (dehydrated- sitting in front of heaters all Winter!), my concerns (wrinkles) it was vegan, and from there my facial recipe came to life. 

First, a warm towel - organic egyptian cotton soaked in chamomile flowers - designed to relax me and warm my skin. It smelt sweet and felt so soft!

Next, a deep cleanse to remove any dirt and oil using Madame Exquisite Sesame Oil, which draws out impurities and preps the skin for the product to follow. The second Natalia started massaging my face, I KNEW that this was going to be out of this world amazing. Her firm yet gentle pressure spoke volumes, and I knew she could be trusted with my skin.

Next, an incredible exfoliation using olive oil and wheat germ. Everything up to this point smelt delicious, and my senses were buzzing. I started to nod off at this point, and battled to stay awake so I could remember everything!

Then. THEN. The mask It smelt like a banana smoothie. And I was in heaven (who doesn't dream of having their face - or whole body- covered in fruit!?). Chia seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, oats, banana and cacao powder were blended to a smooth paste, and used on my face. Chia and flax seeds for the omegas, sesame seeds for the vitamin E, banana and oats to hydrate and soothe, and cacao for the antioxidants. WOW.

There is nothing else quite like Follow Nature. In all of my years in the Beauty and Health industry have I ever come across a 'salon' like this. It's not even really a salon- it's a Wellness Boutique. There is only ever one client at a time, and you don't feel like you are on a production line as you do at other salons. 

I spoke with Laura, owner of Follow Nature, and was enthralled by her passion for natural living and the Wellness Boutique. It took her 4 months of working day and night, from conception to the day the doors opened- and what she has achieved is phenomenal. I asked her to let me in on her favourite beauty secrets and her favourite natural products!

-Oil cleansing is the best way to achieve a healthy glowing complexion naturally. Use a generous amount of oil on wet skin, gently massage and wipe off the excess with a warm face washer.

-Try dry brushing your body in the morning before shower for softer smoother skin and to detoxify your skin from toxic build up. Remember to apply your favourite oil afterwards to lock in the moisture and hydrate your skin.

-Soak your face washer in a strong infusion of chamomile flowers and apply it to clean skin for 10-15 mins as a hydrating and nourishing treatment.

-Cold pressed sesame seed oil is a great cleanser, it removes even stubborn make up and deeply cleanses your pores.

-A blend of activated manuka honey and turmeric is a great spot treatment for inflamed, irritated skin and breakouts. Apply a small amount and keep it for 15-20mins or overnight. Please remember that turmeric might temporarily stain light skin. For a vegan version, omit manuka honey and use some warm water.

-Try adding some organic oats to your bath to nourish and firm the skin. It will give your bath a nice 'milky' colour and improve the condition of your skin.

Follow Nature sell gorgeous organic skin care for men and women, organic herbal teas, tea-sets, body brushes, and lots of other beautiful products. Spoil yourselves!

Follow Nature is located at 2 Everage St, Moonee Ponds, and Laura and her fabulous team can be contacted at (03) 9375 7971

www.follownature.com.au

Straight afterwards- no make up and glowing skin! 

It's not as easy as I thought! 

No, actually, I never thought it would be easy, I knew it would be quite difficult....but you all know 
I love a challenge!

Meditation has been incredible. 

Those who practice don't need to be preached to; however those that don't....let the preaching begin!!! 

Ever since I started my classes with Sara at The Space in Between, I have been sleeping better (still about 4-5 hours a night, but the quality has improved greatly) and my mind and intentions are clear and set. It is easier to sort through problems and prioritise what needs to be done.

I have been practicing at home as well, with some guided meditations, which have helped, however the group environment is where the real magic happens. 

The stories that the girls and I share have been so beautiful- we all have amazing things to share. One of the most powerful classes I had was the Wishing Class. I am a big manifester. I am a huge believer in the power of thought. However the Wishing Class is a truly beautiful way to ask for which you want. For more about the Wishing you will need to come along to a session!

I get awful headaches, sometimes they last for 3 to 5 days. I do everything completely natural to try and combat these, and I have spoken about these before. One particularly bad night a few weeks ago I was laying in bed, barely able to open one eye...and I reached out to Sara (via Instagram!) and she told me how to do a quick meditation to ease the pain. 

Well, what do you know!? In less than 10 minutes the pain was all but gone and the nasty little bugger has been at bay ever since.

Picture © The Space in Between 

Slowly, this is becoming a part of everyday life for me. And though I am still nodding off in classes (I'm known affectionately as a 'Bobby twin') I am getting better each time. I encourage each of you to set aside a few minutes each day, take some deep breaths, re-group and re-focus. Amazing things are happening Vegies, I want you all to be a part of it.

Vegie Head love, 

Adele x