Sleep School

IF YOU'RE SO BUSY AND FIND IT HARD TO GET TO BED BEFORE 11

~ you're in the same boat as me and need some serious restorative zzz's!

Here are the top sleep experts' tips for getting some 'quality' sleep, 

{hopefully 'quantity' factor won't be too far behind}:

1. Snack yourself to sleep: Eating a small carbohydrate snack with a bit of protein a couple of hours before bed gets the brain to produce the calming neurotransmitter serotonin.

2. Keep all electronic devices—including digital alarm clocks, smart phones, and computers—away from your bed. Even the tiniest bit of light can disrupt melatonin levels, making it hard to fall asleep.

3. Ditch the heated blanket {and turn down the heating}: Keeping your bedroom cooler actually helps you fall into a deeper and more restful sleep.

4. Stay hydrated. Being even mildly dehydrated cuts your mental and physical energy dramatically. Sleep experts recommend drinking plenty throughout the day, and downing a full glass of water in the first few minutes of waking up

5. Resist the urge to hit the snooze button—you're just putting off the inevitable —

and head to the shower. 

6. Cut off caffeine . Now here is a tough one - avoid caffeine and chocolate eight hours before bed.

 

Melissah xox

{Source : BellaMumma}

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Finding Happiness

DECIDE TO BE HAPPY ~ IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH...

The happiest people appreciate what they have, keep an open mind to new ideas and ventures, 

and use their leisure time as a means of self development. They love good music, good books, good pictures, good company and good conversation. In other words, they do small things every day to nurture their happiness. It’s a lot easier than it sounds. Anything that helps you feel more positive and joyful is self-nurturing. The result? A happier, healthier you.

 Here are 10 simple ideas to get you started with nurturing your happiness. 

1.  Act like today is already an awesome day. 

 – Do so, and it will be. Research shows that although we think that we act because of the way we feel, in fact we often feel because of the way we act. A great attitude always leads to great experiences.

2.  Make yourself smile first thing in the morning.

  – It’s difficult to feel down when your face is happy. Fill your bathroom or bedroom mirror with post-it notes of your favorite quotes, goals, mantras, photos, etc., and then reflect on them for a minute or two when you first wake up.

3. Spend time with people who make you smile. 

– Who nourishes and supports you? Surround yourself with these people. Spend time with those who reflect the person you want to be  – people who do good things and make your life a little brighter simply by being in it.

4. Try something totally new. 

 – Go somewhere you’ve never been. Do something you’ve never done. It will shake up your vision of what the world is like and give you a fresh new perspective on things. Variety truly is the spice of life.

5. Work on something that’s meaningful to you. 

– Engage yourself in a meaningful personal project, or pull the trigger on doing something you’ve wanted to do for a long time, but haven’t yet had the resolve to do. Life is short. Today is the day to take action.

6. Keep track of the things you’re grateful for. 

 – You can’t help but feel good when you literally count your blessings. Start a gratitude journal and express your thanks on a daily basis.

7. Dream big.

 – You can do anything you set your mind to. Visualise your dreams coming true and work at making them a reality.

8. Listen to your inner voice. 

 – Your instincts are good. It’s important to listen to your own head and heart. Don’t always listen to others. Do what you know in your heart is right, for you.

9. Trust yourself. 

 – You are kind. You are smart. You are important. Your choices are just as valid as anyone else’s. 

10. Truly appreciate those around you.

 – Tell your friends you adore them, say thank you and mean it, flash your biggest and most sincere smile at strangers on the street, hug people for longer than normal. The more love you give out, the more it builds inside of you and the more you’ll get back. 

 

Melissah xox

{Source : BellaMumma, images : Coastal Style Pinterest}

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Make The Most Of Life

Here are a few little tips to start off a brand new week 
and make the most of your life 

  

1. Eliminate shoulds.

 2. Embrace self-responsibility.

3. Run towards your fears.

 4. Be dependable.

 5. Enjoy down time.

6. Be completely honest.

 7. First meet your own needs.

 8. Notice the beauty around you.
 9. Open your mind to change.

10. Respect your body.

11. Learn to relax.

 12. Meditate.

 13. Say no more often.

 14. Experience new things.
15. Take mini breaks throughout the day.

 16. Schedule fun times for yourself.

 17. Look after your appearance..

 18. Create personal affirmation cards, use daily.

 19. Make your car a sanctuary.

 20. Hang out with positive, happy people.

Melissah xox

{Source: The Bold Life image: Pinterest - Beach Love} 

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The Natural Approach

I have always believed in taking a natural approach to skincare.

 I believe products that are naturally scented with essential oils and jam-packed with botanical extracts make you and your skin feel more uplifted - not just your complexion. 

It makes sense to use some of the gifts that Mother Nature has given us. 

There is nothing more cleansing and relaxing than do-it-yourself skin care.

Fresh Home Magazine also has some fresh and easy DIY facial recipes.

So go home, have some fun and give yourself a facial at home!

Oil of Olé

This guac-inspired moisturizer is suitable for even sensitive skin.

Gather:

2 tablespoons of fresh avocado, mashed
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon plain full-fat yogurt
½ teaspoon lemon juice

1.       Combine ingredients in a bowl.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2.       While you’re waiting for the mixture to chill, clean your face with a soap-free cleansing wash.  Make two mugs of green tea and put an ice cube or two in one of them.
3.       Smear a thin layer of the chilled mask on your face, avoiding your eyes.  Sit back, relax for 10 or 15 minutes, and sip the warm tea.
4.       Rinse with lukewarm water.  Slowly splash your face with the cooled tea, and then rinse with water again.  Powerful antioxidants in tea help skin stay healthy.
Note: Don’t use black tea; it will stain your skin.

Melissah xox

Source Fresh Home Magazine via Glitter Gloss Garbage

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Sleep Well

 

 SPLISH SPLASH
 

WHEN YOU TAKE A BATH BEFORE BED YOU FALL ASLEEP FASTER...

 

Why? Because when you step out and go in a cool bedroom, 
your body temperature drops and stimulates the production of melatonin.

A bath can be as routine as a shower:

 Rinse, scrub, repeat. But if you've got more time, pamper yourself.  

Here's how...

Step 1. Skip the bubbles. Instead, add a few capfuls of bath oil right before you slip in, they're more moisturising. And they often contain essential oils, which have an intense scent that wafts above the water and can deepen relaxation.

Step 2 Get in once the tub is a little more than halfway full. Lower the tap pressure, and listen to the sound of water running softly for a few minutes before it reaches the rim.

Step 3 Keep your chest above water only submerging your body to just below heart level. Immersing yourself more than that can cause overheating and make you feel anxious.

Here are some inspiring bath tubs.

 

 

Melissah xox

{Source: Self : Inspiration: Bella Mumma /  Images Pinterest, Moodboard by Coastal Style}

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Fruity Skincare

Not for a second do I think that beauty creams can erase wrinkles caused from the passage of time and too much sun, but I do believe the ritual of applying them can nourish skin and give it a youthful appearance.

Beauty from nature...

I love the thought of using skincare that is all natural. 

You are not only seduced by the nourishment but the the texture, the goodness, the fragrance and the colour of something made from Mother Nature's finest ingredients!

Peach Mask

The fruit acids in this mask gently exfoliate, stripping away dry, dead skin cells to reveal a fresher complexion.

Gather:

1 ripe peach, peeled and pitted

1 teaspoon brandy

Sprinkle of cornstarch

       1. Mash together the peach and brandy in a bowl.  

Add just enough cornstarch to make a paste.

     2. Smooth over your face, steering clear of lips and eyes.  Sit back and relax.

  Feel free to sip on any extra brandy.

       3. Rinse with lukewarm water after 20 minutes.  

(Don’t leave the mask on any longer; it will irritate skin).

Melissah xox

{Source Fresh Home Magazine via Glitter Gloss Garbage}

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Be Happy!

MAKE YOUR OWN HAPPINESS

HAPPINESS COMES FROM WITHIN... 

If you’re not happy, change it – you and only you, are in charge of your happiness!
To speak negative words, you must be thinking them, so think positive.
 Change your thoughts and change what you say!

Make up your own personal positive mantra which you say each day. 

Sure you’ll feel funny at first but making a daily pledge is a reminder of your inner strength and gradually words will change the way you think, and feel.

Melissah xox

{Source : BellaMumma / imagese : Coastal Style Pinterest}

Check out my other blogs Scrapbook and Country Style Chic

Summer Wellbeing

In terms of turning back the clock, I believe prevention is better than cure.

You know the drill :-

Don't smoke

Exercise

Look after your body, drink plenty of water

Eat well, drink in moderation

Get plenty of sleep

It may sound old hat but here is no denying it is tried, tested and true.

 

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

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Slip, Slap, Slop!

Unfortunately, our love affair with the sun means that most of us have spent the halcyon days of our youth catching some rays in no more than a bikini and coconut oil, and only now are we paying the price. Although Vitamen D from the sun is essential, the sun can wreck havoc on our skin, resulting in lines, wrinkles and pigmentation damage. Therefore the only anti-aging product on the market is sunscreen. Take refuge in sunscreen, a sun umbrella and a big hat this summer. 

Your skin will thank-you for it!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Everytime you step out to go the beach remember to take the 'beach essentials' to protect you from the harmful UV rays. Your beach bag should have plenty of sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, a lightweight cover-up and sunglasses with good quality UV lenses to protect your eyes. This will guarantee you a great day at the beach without any nasty sunburn.

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4 + 5 by Coastal Style

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New Year's Resolution

 

LOVING THESE SENSIBLE, NO-NONSENSE TIPS

 TO GET YOUR NEW YEAR EATING BACK ON TRACK...

1. Always eat breakfast People who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight. Eating first thing in the morning revs up your metabolism and really gets you going for the day.

2. Don’t skip meals People who do, often find themselves feeling hungry (because their blood sugar levels have dropped) that they turn to foods like biscuits or lollies for a quick sugar fix. 

3.Eat smaller portions. To prevent overeating serve meals on smaller plates and stop eating when you feel satisfied rather than uncomfortably full. As a wise friend once said: the best exercise for losing weight is to push yourself away from the table!

4. Make water your first option Have a drink of water if you feel like something between meals because you may need fluids, not food. Research suggests that having two glasses of water before a meal reduces the quantity of food you consume. 

5. Slow down Allowing at least 20 minutes to eat your meal gives your brain time to register that you are satisfied. So take small mouthfuls and chew your food well. 

6. Keep track of your weight Weigh yourself weekly to monitor what’s happening with your weight. People who weigh themselves regularly are more successful at maintaining their weight. 

7. Eat at the table Don’t mindlessly eat in front of the TV. By eating together as a family at the dining table, it slows down food consumption and you tend to eat less. 

  
8. Eat rainbows The easiest way to ensure a healthy diet with a good intake of vitamins and minerals and other vital antioxidants is to always have a colourful array of foods on your plate. 

9. Spice up your diet Herbs and spices are rich sources of antioxidants so add oregano and mint to your Greek salad, a few basil leaves to your tomato salad and lemongrass, ginger and chilli to your favourite Thai salad dressing. 

10. Make it wholegrain. Choose wholegrain bread and other grain foods instead of overly processed varieties because they are the best energy foods for the brain and working muscles.

Melissah xox

{Source: Karen Inge, Jenny Craig Dietician / Images Cannelle et Vanille and Pinterest }


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