Apple cider vinegar is a fermented liquid made mostly of apple juice. Most people don’t know how wonderful vinegar is. Its cleansing properties are known to aid digestion by stimulating the flow of enzymes and saliva in the mouth. It’s used to reduce inflammation & detoxify. Yeast is added to turn the fruit sugar in the apple juice into alcohol, which is what is known as fermentation. The bacteria in the alcohol then becomes acetic acid, which gives the vinegar its strong smell and sour taste & makes it full of raw enzymes, potassium & nutrients.

It’s an incredible supplement to incorporate into your diet if you’re suffering from digestive issues & are trying to restore your gut back to a balanced level of bacteria in your microbiome.

Just make sure you buy the Raw Unfiltered ‘With The Mother’ Apple Cider Vinegars as otherwise you wont reap the benefits.

Let’s take a look at some of the Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:

1. Keep a healthy pH balance in the body for proper digestion and function. Homeostasis or proper equilibrium is what the body is constantly working on to keep everything just right, ACV helps allow the body to do this.
   This process takes most of its energy during digestion and other processes in the body
2. Low stomach acid is a common contributor to SIBO and heartburn. SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, looks a lot like irritable bowel syndrome, and may occur alongside of it.
   A dilution of apple cider vinegar before a meal helps relieve these symptoms by increasing the acidity in your stomach. Apple cider vinegar also contains prebiotics — indigestible carbs that help balance your gut microbiome and keep bad guys like H. pylori in check.
3. Acetic acid can increase your ability to absorb nutrients such as calcium from your food. This is especially beneficial when your nutrients come from whole foods. Reap this benefit by adding vinegar to your meal or sipping an apple cider vinegar tonic.
4. Because of its antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar makes an effective home remedy for sore throats.
   Sipping or gargling a diluted ACV tonic can help relieve pain, but make sure to rinse your mouth with water to protect your tooth enamel as it’s pretty harsh on teeth otherwise.
5. The ability of ACV to help maintain normal blood sugar is actually one of the most well-studied apple cider vinegar benefits. ACV may also increase insulin sensitivity. Insulin is the hormone responsible for transporting sugar from the blood to the tissues where it can be used as fuel. Sustaining high levels of insulin can cause insulin resistance, which reduces its effectiveness and can lead to high blood sugar and diabetes.
6. ACV doesn’t just help with your internal health; ACV has also been shown to treat acne and reduce scarring. Certain strains of bacteria often contribute to the development of acne.
   Vinegar is well-known for its antibacterial properties and has been shown to be effective against many strains of harmful bacteria.
   ACV also contains specific components like acetic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid and citric acid, all of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, the specific strain of bacteria responsible for causing acne.
7. ACV works to detoxify your liver for better overall health and bodily functions. Also, it helps build a healthy lymphatic system that nurtures proper circulation of lymph. This is the body’s garbage disposal.

How do I take ACV?

There are so many ways, but how I like to take it, is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to help with upping my stomach acid production and help with my digestive system for the day ahead.

It’s very easy, all you have to do is dilute 1 tbsp ACV with 50ml of hot water & 1/2 squeezed lemon. Sip on it with a straw to protect your enamel, and rinse your mouth with water after you’ve finished.

You can also add it to your stir-fried veggies, salads or meals to help breaking down the nutrients more efficiently as ACV contains raw enzymes. It’ll help take the heavy load off your digestive system, especially if you’re finding it hard for your body to process whole foods or are in the midst of healing your gut.

Read more about Natural Remedies for Bloating & Stomach Cramps here.

The post Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits & Why You Should Take It Daily. appeared first on Anna Høgh Groth.

Did my tag-line of this post catch your attention? Good, because I’m about to drop some serious (amazing!) news for all you skincare lovers that deal with dull, ageing, and acne-scarred skin (among others) that will seriously rock your world..

For the past 8 weeks I’ve been testing out & using the newest addition to Ole Henriksen’s  growing empire of natural skincare.. And it’s been rocking my (skincare)world! 

I’m talking about the Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum & the Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Creme which together creates a skincare routine that’ll help you with:

• Renewing Skin Texture
• Smoothing Fine Lines & Wrinkles
• Improving Skins Firmness & Elasticity
• Brightening The Skin
• Deeply Hydrating
• Reducing Dark Spots
• Reducing Acne Scarring
• Minimising Pores

Chances are, you can probably nod yes to a few of the skin-concerns above you’re currently trying to combat or look after.

What’s So Different About This Duo?

Well, neither of these products contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates and it’s a completely natural range which is such a bonus.

The difference about these products is the ingredient bakuchiol which is a natural alternative to retinol. Now, I’ve used retinol for years. Retinol is very strong on the skin, and isn’t for sensitive skin at all. It also makes your skin extra sun-sensitive and it’s hard to be outside with it on your skin, in case you burn and can leave you with 1st degree burn-damage to your skin. Not safe at all.

What’s different about bakuchiol is that it’s just as effective as retinol, but it’s natural and it doesn’t cause skin-sensitivity, which means it’s suitable for most people as it’s very gentle on the skin.

Both the Serum and the Night Creme has a soft lilac colour that has sparkling light-particles incorporated.
It instantly lifts your face and gives you a glow like no other. Thanks to the brightening properties from the lilac colour, your face will shine (the good way) whenever light or sunbeams hit your face.

You can genuinely get away with using the Serum in the morning and not wear makeup..
I promise you, and it’s coming from someone who deals with acne-scarring and breakouts on the regular.

You don’t have to worry about it breaking the bank, because it’s affordable skincare that lasts a long way. I’ve been using my two products every night and day, and sometimes during the daytime, for at least a month and I’m not even near through 1/4 of them each.

Why am I Such a Fan?

I’ve used Ole Henriksen’s products since I was a teenager (13). Ole is a fellow Dane like myself, and has been servicing and creating bespoke natural skincare for the Hollywood Scene since he was only young. Now, 25 odd years later, his skincare line is one of the best and most-loved all over the world.

I’ve met Ole – himself – many times now, and he continues to be involved and run his businesses as he always have. He’s an incredible man that has so much passion for the skincare industry and making faces happy – because nothing can make you look pretty & glow like happiness can – just as he says so himself.

The products truly work. There’s a reason why his skincare-line continue to sell-out all over and more people talk about the #OleGlow.

Please, let me know if you have any questions at all regarding this skincare-routine, and I’d be happy to chat it through with you x

The post HOW THIS NEW SKINCARE REPLACES YOUR DAILY MAKE-UP ROUTINE appeared first on Anna Høgh Groth.

If you haven’t heard about Vitamin C before, you may be living under a rock? All jokes aside, though Vitamin C is an all-round great addition that you should most definitely incorporate into your lives especially when it comes to your skincare-routine.

Why is Vitamin C So Good For Your Skin?

Vitamin C is a super powerful antioxidant which we all benefit from having in our skincare no matter what age we’re at. By working as an antioxidant, it keeps the reactive oxygen species (which we get from UV Rays & Pollution) from breaking down both collagen and elastin.

Vitamin C also works as a mild exfoliant that can help get rid of hyper pigmented or discoloured skin cells.
It also works to help inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme that creates new pigmentation meaning less tyrosinase equals fewer dark marks. Vitamin C both helps fade existing spots and prevents new ones, ensuring your skin stays spot-free. But remember sun-screen as your skin will be more sensitive in the sun when using active Vitamin C in your skincare.

What Does Vitamin C Help With?

Well, a whole lot of things, but below is a list of skincare-concerns Vitamin C might be helpful with:

• Helps to Brighten Skin & Complexion
• Improves Firmness of Skin
• Fights Visible Signs of Ageing
• Helps Smoothness of Skin
• Improves Skin Radiance
• Helps to Hydrate Skin Deeply
• Targets Pigmentation and Dark Spots
• Helps Target Acne & Redness Associated with Acne

What Products Should I Get?

Ole Henriksen’s C-Rush Brightening Gel Crème is a part of my skincare-routine, especially in the morning and it has been for months. It’s the perfect base on my skin before applying make-up as it brightens my skin and helps keep it hydrated and glowing throughout the day.

It has 3 sources of Vitamin C along with Rose of Winter extract that helps to nourish my skin and fight the effects of stress, fatigue and air-pollution all day long.

Pair it with my other beauty-cupboard secret and staple; the Banana Bright Eye Crème which helps to brighten and firm the eye-area instantly.

It’s Collagen-boosted, which means it deeply hydrates even with it’s lightweight feel, and it’s absolutely perfect under makeup as it’s inspired by the makeup artist’s must-have – “banana powder” – containing special pigments to instantly brighten and colour-correct the eye area.

It also contains Vitamin C along with Orange & Green Tea Extracts to help nourish the skin, Collagen to improve skin’s elasticity and Aloe Juice to soften and condition the under-eye area.

Trust me, you definitely want this in your beauty-regime! It replaces makeup on the days you don’t want to wear any but your own true skin.

Are you going to try Vitamin C in your skincare?

The post THE IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN C IN YOUR SKINCARE appeared first on Anna Høgh Groth.

That said, I did just get 3 weeks in Denmark where we had a glorious 25-30 degrees every day. Which also seemed to throw my skin a bit out of whack resulting in small breakouts, and just dull skin in general.

I’ve tested a whole heap of beauty products again this July and below I’ve picked out my favourite one’s which really had an impact and withstood the different climates from Denmark to Australia.

Oily Skin Balancer by The Jojoba Company:

You’d think my skin would go dry in Winter, but it’s the opposite for me. And especially with the hot to cold temperatures, my skin is all over the place. 

This Oily Skin Balancer from The Jojoba Company is great at balancing my oily T-zone and breakouts but still completely moisturising my cheeks and the rest of my face so it doesn’t dry out.

It glides on easily after you’ve washed your face, and I found that it helped soothe my small pimples and helped them stay hydrated which resulted in no scarring when they retracted and disappeared.

I sometimes added in a bit of Retinol Serum to amp up the cell-turnover further, but it’s great on its own as well.

Cold Plunge Pore Mash by Ole Henriksen:

This is the newest brainchild from Ole Henriksen himself. It’s no secret that I’ve loved and adored Ole since my teenage-years as he was the first person who introduced me to skincare and helping me target my acne – fast forward, 16 years later and he’s no less wise.

This detoxifying, cooling clay mask instantly reduces the look of pores, smoothens skin texture and controls oil all day. It’s bright blue which is fun and different, but this doesn’t mean it works less efficiently.

Volume Spray by OUAI HAIRCARE:

 I have incredibly thin & fine hair, and not much of it either.. So you can imagine for my hair to even gain the slightest bit of volume, some good products are in order to help me with that OOMPH..

Enter, the OUAI Volume Spray.. I’ve actually used this spray for a little over 7 months after every shower, and I cant live without it.

It’s non-sticky, non-drying and it sprays on easily at the roots. You don’t need much and a little goes a long way. Turn your head upside down when you blow-dry your hair, and discover a new dimension of VOLUME!

Detox Dry Shampoo by DRYBAR:

I’m a huge lover and also in serious need (everyday!) of dry shampoo.. I genuinely think it’s one of the best inventions since sliced bread! Don’t you agree?

However, I’ve come across a lot of dry shampoo’s that 1) makes your hair more greasy or 2) dries your hair out. And then, what’s the point in spending your hard-earned money on it, if you’re just going to be walking around with average, oily or dry hair? My point exactly!

Enter, this little Detox Dry Shampoo from drybar. It’s super light, has a lovely fresh scent and you don’t need much of it, but even if you accidentally overuse it, it doesn’t make your hair gritty and ‘powdered’ like many others do.

I’m a fan, and I keep repurchasing this one along with their Dry Conditioner.

Lip Scrub by Frank Body:

We all want luscious and pouty lips, but how many of us actually take care of them? It’s an area we tend to overlook, but it’s actually one of the first signs of ageing that will show – particularly the skin around the mouth.

I love this little (and easy!) compact coffee lip scrub from Frank Body which has their signature coffee-scent. It leaves the lips soft and blushy (from the blood-flow after scrubbing), but isn’t hard on your skin at all.

The lip scrub is a mix of robusta coffee and coffee seed oil, raw sugar, cold-pressed macadamia oil and ethically sourced beeswax & it’s rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.

Probiotic+ DS Soothing Serum by AMPERNA:

This little helper has really soothed my skin when I had an allergic reaction to a skin-product I used (painful!).

Probiotics is the (newest) craze in almost everything at the moment. From what we eat, to what we put in our bodies and on our skin, probiotics is making a serious comeback because it’s so healing and gentle that most people can benefit from this.

This deeply restorative formula from AMPERNA cools and helps soothe irritated skin and calm redness. The copper and zinc gluconates help to limit the spread of harmful bacteria and replenish the skin barrier.

If you especially suffer from rosacea, acne, dermatitis or any other skin-issues, I’d highly recommend trying this range from AMPERNA to see if it can help you.

Hyaluronic Acid Firming Eye Serum by SWISSE:

This eye serum from Swisse just glides on so easily and instantly moisturises the under-eye area along with it’s soothing properties in the form of it’s gel-like consistency.

It’s designed to boost the skin’s moisture retention capabilities by combining hyaluronic acid, peptides and red algae extract to diminish the appearance of dark circles, and visibly improve skin texture.

I use it both morning and night, and I’ve noticed a big difference in my dark circles under my eyes which has lightened, and also the tightness in the skin.

Hope you found my picks of the month interesting and there was something which took your fancy.

See you next month for my August Beauty Edit.

Anna xx

The post THE JULY BEAUTY EDIT – TRIED & TESTED appeared first on Anna Høgh Groth.

However, that’s also when most people start seeing a change in their skin. Going from sunshine and cold(er) temperatures outside, to a dry and warm house as most of us will have the heaters going by now, can really confuse our skin and result in everything from dry cracked skin to acne and breakouts.

To give your skin the best chance to shine this winter, I’ve upped the focus on cell-turnover products and those favourite which will make you feel like summer is still hanging on through winter.

Keep reading for my favourite – tried & tested – beauty products of May:

Microneedle Derma Roller from Mukti Organics:

I’m a big fan of microneedling, and I often get it done at Laser Clinic Australia Bondi Junction however, this derma roller is perfect for using at home 2-3 times a week. It has much smaller size needles than the ones being used professionally so that you won’t damage your skin at home.

The needle itself create very small micro channels on the surface of the skin enhancing the overall efficacy and results by aiding the passage through to the outer dermal layer and allow the active ingredients to penetrate and reach their targeted areas.

Rolling the device over the face as directed can improve collagen production, rejuvenate the skin and create a more vibrant complexion. It’s also proven to be effective for uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles.

I use mine after I’ve cleansed my skin (very important!) and I’ll use it with my serum which I will apply to my skin first, and then use the derma roller to really get it to penetrate into the deeper layers of my skin.

PS: DO NOT use it on active breakouts!

PREVAGE Anti-aging Daily Serum from Elizabeth Arden:

Although I’m (only) about to turn 29 later this year, I can definitely see that my facial-skin is not as strong as it used to be when I was a teenager. I’ve started getting fine lines around my eyes (I’ve lived) and my skin needs a lot more moisture as opposed to when I was breaking out and oil was my worst enemy.

I’ve been using this Anti-aging Daily Serum from Elizabeth Arden for a few weeks now, and I absolutely love how hydrating it is on my skin. It’s got a pale yellow colour and feels like a light lotion – this also means it will be good for people who have a tendency to get breakouts or clogged up pores as it’s not heavy.

Here are a few of the things the serum promises to deliver after studies & research:

• Fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and discolourations appear reduced.
• Redness and minor scars and existing sun damage look minimized.
• Skin looks firmer and more radiant.

Drink of H2O Hydrating Boost Moisturiser from Tarte:

I’ve found that this moisturiser is perfect for my winter-skin. It’s light and gel-like which means that it won’t clog up my pores causing me to breakout, as even though I’ve got drier skin now, it doesn’t mean I don’t break out if I use too heavy skincare that won’t allow my skin to breathe.

Powered by hyaluronic acid, Tarte’s exclusive Rainforest of the Sea antioxidant complex  and powerful marine antioxidants help skin defend itself against everyday aggressors like pollution, sun exposure and cold weather while skin-balancing properties help boost the firmness, tone, and vitality.

PS: this moisturiser is completely vegan

Halo Skin Brightening Facial Mud Mask from Antipodes:

Another certified vegan helper this time from New Zealand born skincare brand Antipodes. This is a newly launched product, and I just tested it out the other night.

I applied a thick layer of this creamy mask over my (twice) cleansed face and neck. I left it on for about 15 minutes, and rinsed away thoroughly with warm water afterwards. My skin felt really hydrated, but really clean deep through the pores.

I often find that mud-masks will dry out my skin because they ‘suck out’ too much of the good oils, however this one seemed to keep my hydration at bay. It also smelled really beautifully of vanilla, raspberry & musk which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Rose Blossom Hydrating Mist Toner from Mukti Organics:

I love a good mist and I love the smell of roses so this is an absolutely brilliant product which I love to use from Mukti Organics.

I use it after I’ve cleansed my skin especially, but I also use it throughout the day as a little ‘pick me up’ and to hydrate my skin, especially if I’ve been working indoors all day long. It’s also wonderfully calming on the senses (trust me) and could be using across your pillow before you turn off for the day.

It’s certified organic and completely vegan.

PURE Vapour Balm from Pure Papaya:

This has actually been such a lifesaver here in winter for both Pash and I. We’ve used it under our runny noses to clear our airways, I’ve used it on my sore neck and shoulder-muscles as I suffer terribly from knots in my back and tight muscles on a daily basis.

I love that this product is completely natural and so affordable. It really is a game-changer. And the smell is just divine – eucalyptus and lemon myrtle. It still contains Paw Paw which means it’ll keep your skin hydrated as well.

Pure Papaya uses no petroleum in their skincare-products which means they are easily absorbed by the skin and penetrates deep into your dermis (the layer of skin underneath your top-layer of skin)

Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion from Aveeno:

The skin on my body really goes dry and itchy in winter. It just seems like my body can’t cope with lower temperatures at all. It means I both have cracked skin but also get a mild form of eczema on my hands and arms in particular which is just really itchy and annoying to be frank. It also doesn’t look very nice with all those little red bumps.

Using products, especially with oats, I’ve found are really helpful and soothing on my skin.

I’ve used this little fella from Aveeno for a few weeks now, and it’s really help to calm my skin and make it flexible again. As it says, it’s a lotion and not a creme, which means my skin can still breathe but it still feels cooling and soothing on my eczema and skin. It’s a very affordable solution to add to your bathroom and can be used by the entire family.

I hope you love these little suggestions to kick off the Winter combat properly.

Anna xx

The post Clever Little Skin Beauty Helpers To Combat Winter – May Edition. appeared first on Anna Høgh Groth.

– The Average woman will use more than 12.000 tampons in her lifetime?

– When using conventional tampons you are left with chemically treated fibres inside of you when removing the tampon?

– Most tampons contains Viscose, Rayon and Synthetics?

I’m sure most women don’t know. I certainly didn’t and I consider myself an intelligent, smart and knowledgable woman who likes to take care of my body.

The worst part is, that even though we live in 2016, it still seems to be slightly ‘tabu’ to talk about tampons, liners and womens menstrual cycle. Why? It’s the most natural thing in the world, just like a child’s birth or a broken leg.

I’m a very luck woman to have close & caring friends. One of those are Sarah. I met Sarah through a friend of mine and we instantly connected. Sarah also happens to be the Social & Community Manager for Tom Organic  which is an Australian Company creating Certified Organic Feminine Hygiene Products.

I was gifted some tampons and liners from Tom Organic and at this point in my life my, I wasn’t having a regular period due to past illness, continuous medicine and being underweight. In the past I have always suffered from extreme period pains. It runs in my family. Try having a mum, an older sister and me – 3 girls – ALL having their period, with cramps, unable to go to school or work, because of the pain. All I can say now is; POOR STEPDAD!

However, when I started using Toms I noticed (when I would get my period), with time, my pains and cramps significantly minimising.

There would be less pain, less cramps, a more steady blood-flow and, in time, my menstrual cycle also became more regular through periods – and I truly, and wholeheartedly believe, that this is because I started using Tom Organic tampons and liners instead of conventional supermarket brands that are full of toxins and chemicals.

Here’s a bit more about Tom Organic and WHY it’s important to take care of our bodies on the inside, and NOT just through food.

“Many of us are quick to read the ingredient list on the foods we buy, yet we don’t often think about what is in the products we use on our bodies.
It may come as a surprise to learn that most feminine hygiene products are made from synthetics like rayon and polyester, and that the cotton has been grown using pesticides.

TOM products are unique in that they’re made from pure organic cotton. They’re softer, breathable and more gentle on the skin, which is important given pads and tampons come into direct contact with one of the most absorbent, delicate parts of a woman’s body.
Organic tampons and pads decompose much faster than conventional products. Plus, organic cotton ensures we’re keeping synthetic pesticides, chemicals and genetically modified materials out of the air, water and soil.”

So isn’t it time to love yourself enough to take care of such an intimate and feminine area? I think so! #BossLady

Read more about Tom Organic

– Love Anna xx

*This is NOT a sponsored article, simply what I believe in and use myself.

The post If you’re buying Organic Produce, why aren’t you buying Organic Tampons? appeared first on Anna Høgh Groth.

I had a very light facial as, unfortunately, my facial skin doesn’t stand or deal well with natural products – this doesn’t mean they’re bad, or effective, it actually means they’re purely too potent for my skin to handle as I have very sensitive skin that breaks out very easily.

However, I do enjoy using natural products on the rest of my body, and some can be used on my face with care.

I also really enjoy the range of organic make-up World Organics create. The foundations sit very well with my skin instead of camouflaging it which is a huge plus for me as I don’t like to wear a lot of makeup.

As the skincare-jungle is far and wide, and often hard to figure out, I sat down with Megan over protein-balls, strawberries and green juices and talked everything skincare and how you can find the way to the perfect system for yourself and your skin.

Tell us about yourself? How did you end up becoming a naturopath and creating your own skincare range?

I grew up working in my grandmother’s health food store so I was surrounded by the smell of fresh and natural produce from a young age. I was always interested in health and wellbeing but there were no suitable courses to study at that time so I ended up moving to London to become a fashion designer! After seven years in London, I travelled to India and started creating organic T-shirts. Following three years in India, I returned home and realised there was so much toxicity in the world – causing problems such as chronic fatigue and auto-immune diseases. It was clear to me that it was more than just bad nutrition contributing to these illnesses. This fuelled my drive to go back to my family roots, complete a naturopathic and herbal degree and set up a clinic. I’m now the fifth generation of my family to harness the therapeutic benefits of natural herbal remedies. I’m a creative at heart and by using the skills that I acquired as a designer along with my interest in holistic health, I found a way to combine my two passions and from here, World Organics was born.

How does organic, natural skincare differ from other types of skincare?

“Natural” ingredients are derived, in whole or in part, from natural sources with no synthetic compounds but this doesn’t mean they’re organic. Certified “organic” ingredients are plants that are pure and cultivated without the use of synthetic chemicals, irradiation, or pesticides.
The process to create natural skincare products means using ingredients from the earth rather than synthetic chemicals created in a laboratory.

Why do you think it’s important to use a natural skincare line like World Organics?

It’s a naturopathic belief that we respond instinctively to natural, organic products best of all, meaning better absorption and increased wellbeing. Our bodies recognise natural ingredients and accept them more willingly than synthetic ingredients.
The skin is the body’s largest organ. It provides a direct filter to our bloodstream and internal organs. Effectively, whatever we put on our skin, we are putting inside us.
World Organic’s products are more than 99+% natural in their origin. Our core aim is to offer our customers products that not only smell and feel great, but are actually good for their wellbeing.
Thus, when we design our formulations, we always have in mind the therapeutic qualities of the ingredients we choose.

What is the Philosophy behind the brand?

We believe – first and foremost – that beauty is an expression of who we are: how we act; how we care for others; how we look after ourselves. Our products are designed to look after you.
Made with pure, potent, supercritical extracts and using only the finest natural ingredients, the World Organics products they are not only good for you, they can help you reveal your true beauty.
World Organics was established by building on treasured family insights and combines a holistic health and beauty philosophy, the company values of ‘transparency’ while also cultivating a ‘Trade for Aid’ style partnership with Indian Community Farms.
At World Organics we believe in ‘Farmacy’ and not ‘Pharmacy’ – our commitment to crafting organic skincare and makeup of the highest quality, delivers effective products that are good for your skin, our community of farmers in India (through our Trade for Aid program) and subsequently mother nature.

What is the ‘MUST HAVE” product from the World Organics range?

World Organics is made up of two brands – The Organic Skin Co. which is a premium makeup brand, featuring essential skin and body products and River Veda, which is a luxury rejuvenation and regeneration organic spa and skincare line.
From The Organic Skin Co. line our Luminous Liquid Foundation is packed full of organic antioxidants, cold pressed oils and supercritical extracts. It also acts therefore as a protective moisturizer as well as a foundation, nourishing the skin, whilst providing a flawless finish. Because foundations stay on all day, we believe it’s best to use one that’s free of chemical nasties and that is also nourishing at the same time.
From the River Veda line, the Replenish Wonder Serum is a rich, anti-aging organic serum, high in supercritical extracts and bioactives. It is designed to replenish and revitalise tired skin, whilst also firming, toning and lifting.

What is the ONE thing you wish people knew about natural skincare?

Natural skincare products should be tinted with the colours of the ingredients used and not be pristine white, as many supposedly natural products are. Therefore, beware of pristine white ‘natural’ skincare, there may not be many actives in there at all! Our Calendula Cream for example is a strong yellow colour, just like the Calendula flower itself. It’s yellow because we use the most potent and pure forms of the active organic ingredients available, i.e. the supercritical extracts of calendula and turmeric. We also use them in the quantity necessary to regenerate the skin with the therapeutic goodness of the plants.
World Organics is the global pioneer and home of these powerful ‘Supercritical Extracts’ – the next generation of organic skincare and makeup. This cutting-edge process harnesses the therapeutic properties of the whole plant and unlocks its maximum nutritional and therapeutic benefits. We use over twenty different supercritically extracted plants to deliver super-pure and super-potent organic herbal extracts, that are up to 200 times more concentrated 1 than extracts used in high-street beauty brands.

What’s the best daily skincare routine/steps you can suggest?

– Always remove makeup at the end of the day and cleanse every night.

– Use pH balanced skincare products so that you can maintain your natural skin flora.

– Know your skin type and use suitable products. Skin changes with age and in different environments, so it’s important to re-evaluate your regimes and adjust your skin routines when needed.

– The purity of your makeup is as important as the purity of our skincare. Many people enjoy using natural skincare, yet everyday apply 100’s of questionable chemicals via their makeup products. If you are using or interested in natural skincare, you may also benefit from changing your makeup to a natural brand as well. Natural makeup not only can look amazing on but can also nourish and protect your skin at the same time, making your skincare regime that much more easy.

– Take the time to treat and pamper your skin – smell, breathe and enjoy the products that you use, so that they bring you joy and happiness. Essential oils as used in true natural skincare have a wide range of effects on the mind, body and spirit and can definitely uplift the spirits.

What is the ONE thing you wish people would stop doing when it comes to skincare?

Ensure you’re educated and take the time to read the label of the products you’re using to learn what ingredients are included. Just because something is expensive, it doesn’t mean it will nourish your skin.
Also, beware of greenwashing. A product, which claims to be natural, might only contain 1% natural ingredients. You can protect yourself by looking for certification stamps.
World Organics products have been certified by BioGro, New Zealand’s leading certifier for organic produce and products.

How important is it to find out what your skin type is? Are there any products that ‘fits’ all types?

Skin isn’t static, so it’s important to take note of changes because there’s no such thing as a ‘one product fits all’ approach. Individual skin types can change due to external factors such as the climate and for internal reasons such as medications, hormonal changes, diet and stress. Throughout the year, keep an eye on the way your skin responds to different products – your skin type in the summer will not necessarily be the same as it is in winter and may well require different regimes.
In addition to the right skincare products, eating well, a good night’s sleep and keeping hydrated, will always serve you well.

What’s the best tip on how to treat a break-out if you suddenly wake up with a ‘new friend’ in the morning?

While keeping your skin clean is important, many people use harsh cleansers that can actually strip the skin of important hydration and leave it dull.
If you are prone to break outs, use a mild cleanser that has astringent properties as well, such as our Juniper Berry Face Wash and apply a little Calendula Cream which will have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Where do you see natural skincare at in 5 years time?

Society is more health conscious than ever. We’re seeking transparency from the food and beverage industry, shunning artificial ingredients and it doesn’t stop at what we’re eating. As consumers continue to educate themselves on the benefits of natural skincare and makeup, the demand for products with no unnecessary chemicals, parabens, additives or fillers continues to increase. In the next five years I believe we will see a revolution of people committed to the preference of natural and organic ingredients over chemicals that have never been tested for safety. This preference will be not only for the ingredients we put into our bodies but also for the ingredients we put onto our bodies, in the form of skincare, hair and makeup products.

Visit World Organics Website

The post Q&A with Megan Douglas – Founder of World Organics appeared first on Anna Høgh Groth.

Yes, Bondi Beach is super touristy and can be a real headache with traffic on a Sunday, but there are so many other amazing things that will always triumph all these things, especially if you’re a local who knows the in’s & out’s of Bondi, especially all the amazing eateries we’re so lucky to have at our doorstep. Which leads me to this little write-up of some of my favourite eateries in Bondi – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Read on and enjoy! (Watch your drooling).

Breakfast:

Sprout Cafe (Gould St, Bondi Beach):

This one is one of the ‘newer’ kids on the block in Bondi. Sprout cafe is open for breakfast and dinner 7 days a week and is putting a great twist of Japanese bits & pieces into their menu. There are some great, different, breakfast dishes on the menu here and they tend to do create new ‘specials’ weekly. It’s also super well-priced. Think $12-$18 AUD for a breakfast that will keep you full until lunch.

My favorite breakfast dish here is, hands down, the Omelet with smoked salmon, dill goats cheese, kipfler potatoes and sprouts. I literally dream of this breakfast!

Their coconut bircher is also great, and will easily satisfy a ‘sweet’ tooth without the sugar-hit as they use honey to sweeten the bircher, and NOT sugar.

Earth Food Store (Gould St, Bondi Beach):

This one is really my LOCAL. I go here almost every single day. Earth Food Store is both a little cafe serving up only vegetarian and vegan breakfast and lunch and a shop where you can get all your favorite organic produce. The people working there really make the place – it’s so nice to walk in there and have a chat with them every single day, and not having to say what you want as they already know your order by heart (hello comfort zone!).

My favourite breakfast there would be something super basic: The soft-boiled eggies w/ fresh avocado, tomato, goats cheese, olive oil and a serve of fresh bread from Sonoma. I also always get a buffin. Now, you may ask: “What’s a buffin?” A buffin is basically a muffin made out of buckwheat (Get it? Buckwheat – buffin?) It’s sugar-free, dairy-free, gluten-free goodness and suitable for vegans, too. It’s a very distinct texture but once you’re hooked, you’re HOOKED! $17 for the breakfast and $4.95 for a buffin. A little bit pricey, but it’s all organic, fresh produce and I don’t mind paying more for quality.

Bondi Picnic (Hall St, Bondi Beach):

Bondi Picnic has a cute little outdoor space and fresh interiors. It’s perfect for sipping on a delicious chai and having my favorite pick on their breakfast menu: Smashed avocado and peas on sourdough with poached eggs, watercress and fresh lemon. Top it off with cracked pepper & fresh sea salt and then get on your way people-watching for a few hours. It’s the perfect morning right there. Their breakfast and lunch menu is really well priced. They also have a take on hashbrowns with poached eggs that’s absolutely epic!

Lunch:

Porch & Parlour (Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi):

Porch & Parlour or just Porch as we’d like to call it, is a true favorite among Bondi locals.True to it’s Hipster Roots it serves up dishes like ‘Green Breaky Bowls’, ‘Green Pea Pancakes and raw salads complete with the best coffee from Will & Co and smoothies going around the Eastern suburbs.

Porch is definitely a winner on all three fronts: Breaky, lunch AND dinner – but my favorite dish is especially on their lunchtime menu: The Raw Cosmic salad with a side-serve of seared ocean trout. The trout is just seared to perfection – each and every SINGLE time. Visiting Porch you know you’re going to get consistently good food on every visit. Well priced for a Raw Cosmic salad at $17, but be prepared to add a further $7.50 for a side of Ocean Trout. Breakfast is around $15-$20 without drinks.

Banana Blossom (Jaques Ave, Bondi Beach):

If you don’t know Bondi, you won’t really know this little place. It’s located on Jacques Avenue, and will be easily missed unless you venture down the street. It’s a newcomer to the Bondi Beach lunchtime scene, already having two venues in Manly & Mona Vale. Banana Blossom serves up delicious (BIG!) salads that are a combination of Asian flavors with fresh local ingredients to bring you a load of TASTY.

My favorite salad on the menu is the ‘Buddha’s Delight’ consisting of Tofu, Green Papaya, Pineapple, Chinese Cabbage & Thai Herbs with crispy egg noodles & a sweet tamarind dressing. YUM!

Lox Stock & Barrel (Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach):

Lox Stock & Barrel is the cozy little deli diner brother/sister of popular breaky spot ‘Brown Sugar’ just around the corner on Curlewis St. in Bondi. Lox Stock is drawing their inspiration from European cuisine with the promise of a ‘Healthy & delicious’ meal every single time. I can vouch for that! Get here before 12pm if you’re going for lunch or do a late lunch – unless you like queueing – this is a massively popular breakfast and lunch spot – with good reason! Portions are deliciously satisfying and the price-point is very fair: $15 for sandwiches and $17 for salads – be prepared to pay $7 extra for protein on your salad though!

I absolutely love and adore the salads here, and the dressings that go with them are THE bomb! My favorite will have to be the Cauliflower salad with avocado, chickpeas, corn, radish, fennel, almond & rocket with a dressing of orange, chilli & ginger topped with a poached egg = SPOT ON!

Bondi Harvest (The Eastern, Bondi Junction):

Bondi Harvest is the ‘offline’ part of the online hit of the same name ‘Bondi Harvest’ created by Guy & Mark, who also happens to be mates of mine. Bondi Harvest is all about sourcing local produce and creating out of this world seasonal dishes that will make your tastebuds tingle.

The lunch menu consists of delicious sandwiches and salads which leads me to this: BROCCOLI SALAD! Please, if you’re headed to Bondi Harvest and want an out of this world Broccoli experience you have got to choose this salad. Have it with a side-serve of protein like the jerk chicken or fresh fish. Deliciously healthy and fresh!

Dinner

Bondi Hardware (Hall St, Bondi Beach):

This little gem – originally an old hardware store turned into one of Bondi’s most popular venues serves up deliciously rustic and incredibly tasty food along with your favorite drinks whether it’d be non-alcoholic or alcoholic – mostly the latter though. Ben & Hamo are the great minds behind Applejack Hospitality which now consists of 4 venues: The Botanist (Kirribilli), So Cal (Neutral Bay), The Butler (Pott’s Point) and of course, Bondi Hardware.

Bondi Hardware holds a very special place in my heart. I’ve had some of my very best and significant times and memories here, and for that, I will always cherish this place. The food just makes it even better. My favorite pieces from the well-rounded dinner menu will have to be items like the Slow Roast Lamb Salad (Seriously, MUST-EAT!), Sweet Potato Fries, Baked Artichoke dip, Pan-fried Haloumi, Pearl Barley Risotto, Quinoa & Rosemary Polenta Bites and many, many more. Bondi Hardware changes their menu to fit the seasons, but the classics will always survive (HELLO LAMB SALAD!).

Bangkok Bites (Hall St, Bondi Beach):

Like Thai? Like big flavors and BIG portions? Then this is your go-to for your Thai-fix. Bangkok Bites is notorious street-food when it’s best. It’s fresh, flavorsome hearty food that will make your heart skip a beat. It’s loud, it’s noisy, it’s flames & wok’s & pan’s flying, and it’s the greatest place to have dinner on a weekend night to people-watch and keep up with what’s going down on the Bondi-scene. Perfect place for dinner with friends or date-nights – whatever takes your fancy.

My favorite dishes here are ALL the noodle-dishes. Noodle, Noodle – I looooove noodles. But some other winners are most certainly also the Papaya Pok Pok salad with Soft-shell Crab, Pineapple Fried Rice, Beautiful Bangkok Noodle and the Massaman Lamb Shanks with Coconut Rice. There’s something for everyone – spicy or not. This is a must-try Thai place! It doesn’t look too pretty, but it’s darn delicious!

Bondi’s Best (Campbell Pde, North Bondi):

Overlooking North Bondi is this little hidden gem – it’s basically a little ‘hole’ in the wall, but don’t let that fool you. This is fish at it’s very best & freshest at incredibly GOOD prices. This place is perfect for a lazy Sunday late arvo/night date-night to either eat in the little place (it doesn’t seat many) or to get take-away and head down to the Grassy Knoll at North Bondi to watch the sunset whilst you feast on some deliciously cooked or raw, fresh fish.

I love the Aburi Salmon salad with Seaweed, Iceberg & Wafu Sesame Dressing or the Crispy Skin Salmon w/ sides like steamed greens and sweet potato chips or just a ‘plain old’ Beer Battered Fish & Chips. Delicious!

North Bondi Fish (Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi)

North Bondi Fish or NBF is, what most people already know, the brainchild behind Chef extraordinaire Matt Moran and his business partner Peter Sullivan. It’s no wonder North Bondi Fish is a hit with amazing sister restaurants like Chiswick and Aria. Located only steps from the white sand of North Bondi Beach this place is pretty much picture perfect with a knock-out view at sunset.

This menu is, obviously, all about FISH. The freshest fish you can find. Oysters, prawns, whole snappers and fish burgers are among the menu items along with fun desserts like ‘adult’ popsicles (alcoholic). NBF also has an extensive cocktail and an impressive wine-list if you don’t mind an enjoyable glass of wine to go with your delicious dinner.

I also had the pleasure of celebrating my 3 month cancer remission-‘anniversary’ here. The staff was so superb, they really made my night absolutely unforgettable.

A few of my favorite menu items are: Whiting Fillet Tacos, Broad Bean, Pea & Fresh Mint Dip, Whole Roasted Market Fish, Quinoa, Zucchini & Onion Salad, Blue Swimmer Crab Linguine and their mango & salted coconut popsicle. Mmm

Hope you liked my little wrap up of some of my favorite eateries in Bondi. It won’t be the last – there’s MANY more places I want to tell you about :)

Anna x

The post My Favorite Bondi Eateries appeared first on Anna Høgh Groth.

Oh, I have a big sweet tooth (who doesn’t?!). So when the cravings arrive knocking on the door, I try to whip up something healthy to satisfy my little tastebuds without being packed with sugar and other horrible things your body would absolutely hate.

Try these Yoghurt, Banana and Almond muffins – they’re super easy to make and they will fill you up because of the amount of fiber and protein content in these little buddies. You can even have them for breakfast with some fresh fruit on the side and your preferred drink of choice.

Makes 12 Muffins.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 1 ½ cup gluten-free oat flour (just grind your oats in a blender until it turns into flour – voila!)
• 1/2 cup biodynamic yoghurt
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 3 tbsp raw honey
• 2 large, really ripe bananas mashed
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 lightly beaten egg
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 handful of chopped almonds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees.
2. Mix rolled oats, yoghurt and almond milk together in a bowl. Let it ‘soak’ for 5 minutes.
3. Combine oat flour, salt, spices, baking powder and baking soda in a separate bowl.
4. Add mashed banana, egg and honey to the rolled oat mixture and mix well.
5. Now add dry oat flour mixture to rolled oat mixture and mix together well. Add in almonds and mix well.
6. Fill greased or lined muffin cups up 2/3. Bake for approximately 16-20 minutes.

The post Yoghurt, Banana and Almond Muffins. Refined Sugar- and Gluten-Free appeared first on Anna Høgh Groth.