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Living Life And Surviving Cancer As Naturally As Possible | Mind Body Sleep

Living Life And Surviving Cancer As Naturally As Possible | Mind Body Sleep

Omg! What an amazing weekend. I just have to write all this down because no amount of social media posts is going to encapsulate what has been the best Mind Body Sleep event yet. Nor will they be able to convey my excitability and gratitude towards all the local businesses and farmers that have made my weekend beyond epic.

To Nic, who I met outside Swan Valley Sisters local, organic produce stall this morning…4 years cancer free from stage 4 cancer, naturally. Bloody hell, I salute you and my heart is full from you taking the time to introduce yourself and share how you’re doing this, to have a chat and exchange recipes I jotted down on the roof of your car! Thank you thank you thank you.

How do you put into words a weekend that turns out to be one of your best in the 43 years you have been on this earth?

Mind Body Sleep is what kicked it off.

An event envisaged by local naturopath Kat Blake from Invigorate Naturopathy a few years ago. It came to fruition in May 2018, in time for Mother’s Day. It is now a regular, somewhat seasonal event. One, that, in itself is all I could wish for.

Mind Body Sleep is an afternoon for women to come together, take time for themselves and learn skills to really help themselves through the throws of day to day life. I love presenting at these events. I love sharing my knowledge on how to incorporate natural products into your life, how to find the toxins in your everyday products and why you want to know. Most importantly how to get back to basics, live simply and enjoy life and how to stay here, on this earth and enjoy being here.

The women and business owners who have previously been, and who were are a part of this event, you are amazing. Together we all seem to be putting pieces of the self care, enjoy life, puzzle together. Kat Blake, Lisa Mahon – Lava and Lavender Jewellery, Jodie Tapper – Vital Wellness Pilates, Nicola Hogan – Nicola Hogan Holistic Therapies, Rebecca Glorie – Rebecca Glorie Psychology, and Shannon Bush – Creative Possibility, made October’s MBS epic beyond words. Our chosen venue The Mallard Duck restaurant, just perfect.

Time and time again I heard attendees complimenting the surrounds, noticing the long neck turtles, the bird life, the stillness, the greenery, “we are so lucky to have this so close to the city”.

To top it off, so many local businesses rallied and donated such generous door prizes. 
Lyn – The Gifting Pot, Jen – Bowen therapy, Rebecca Glorie Psychology, Print West (gifted every attendee with a keep cup), amazing.  Kardia Skin & Body – Infared Sauna, Carla Thomas – Juicy Movement Book, Nicola Hogan – Massage/Reflexology Session, Invigorate Naturopathy – Consult, Lava and Lava Jewellery – handcrafted jewellery and us a Peace Of Mind duo.

What a day it was, on Western Australia’s small business day and during the month of mental health awareness. This event truly showed what it’s all about, supporting each other.

Many of the mind body sleep team extended their visit and stayed overnight in the swan valley and thanks to Allain, owner of The Mallard Duck, we were suggested Swan Valley Sisters. Gosh, from the moment Kat and I visited a few months ago, perfect.

A property where they farm using organic principles and where they open up to the public, on weekends, a well-stocked local produce stall selling spray free, organic and biodynamic local produce, a story comes with every piece of produce you buy, it’s just beautiful.

The connection to the land, to the grower is real.

I was in friggen heaven! But I want you to know that these hard-working, down to earth Aussies still hold down full time jobs during the week, tending to the farm after knock off, and on weekends. I know the day will come that they will just solely be running this beautiful piece of the valley. So make sure you book in your accommodation and go shopping at their produce stall on the weekends to support them.

Synchronicity or meant to be. I don’t know. But Tara and Anne-Marie source from the same farm I chose to when trialing a small organic produce stall in the grounds of Verissima House where my shop was situated, over 10 years ago. This farm Muchea Produce is run by Michelle and Mario, another amazing hard-working family, I think the first Biodynamic farm accredited here in WA (I could be wrong), never the less I remember myself or my Dad driving out to Muchea to pick up the freshly harvested (that morning) goodness to then make available to the hills folk at our stall. I was thrilled to hear they are still going strong.

This morning we woke and I was excited to get ready and walk to the produce shop at Swan Valley Sisters.

I couldn’t wait to get my hands-on local goodness. No chemicals, no unnecessary long road travel. Fresh, crisp, good for you, produce. As it’s meant to be.

To Tara and Anne-Marie, who own and run the property, you ladies are awesome. Your energy infectious and your coffee amazing. Kat hadn’t forgotten her barista skills and jumped behind the counter to help out when the busy shop got busier. This is what it’s about, small businesses helping and supporting one another.

 

I happened to notice a man sitting down inside, a massive smile on his face, his eyes, clear white and talking gratitude. Enjoying the morning. So content. This same man wandered outside to leave, and as he passed us all sitting in the sun enjoying a coffee struck up a conversation that will forever stay in my heart and one that I know will help many, many people in years to come.

Nic you are such a strength, such an amazing man. 4 years cancer free from stage 4 cancer! You conquered it naturally.

He overheard the word naturopath.

He felt the pull to say g’day, ..”are you Naturopaths? Have you ever cured cancer naturally?..”

Nic said no to chemotherapy and modern medicine when he was diagnosed. His words “chemotherapy would kill me, I knew that”. He shared what he has done to get himself to where he is, shared his recipes and whom he learnt from and what he does every morning to see himself alive and well, putting on weight and surviving. 4 years, far out, that is life, that is grabbing it and shaking it up and making the most of what he’s got! This is what it is all about. Learning, educating yourself, taking care of your health, taking it back and then giving forward. Far out! And all on our Mind Body Sleep weekend. Mind blowing for me.

Sometimes you just know things are meant to be, you are in the right spot at the right time. Thank you, Nic. Meeting you cemented in my heart that I was where I needed to be, where I was meant to be and in the company of those who were perfect for me. I was listening and very, very aware.

If you’d like to come along to our next MIND BODY SLEEP, pop your name on the list and be the first to know before ticket sales go live to the general public, save some $ and not miss out on your seat. 

 

My senses were on overload! And I loved it.

Surrounded by local produce, local farmers really set’s my soul alight. Sometimes we are lucky enough to discover that feeling. That feeling where you cannot stop smiling, where you know you are in the exact right spot and doing exactly what you love. That’s me right now.

Could it get any better? You betcha!

Returning to our chalet we were then out cutting our very own spray free asparagus and picking Valencia oranges. I harp on about getting your produce as close to nature as possible. How about that. No fresher.

I actually wound down the windows, turned up the radio and sang at the top of my lungs all the way home, up the hill, on my 45 minute drive home today.

I had to write it all down. I’m so happy.

So, this is my thank you to all who made this weekend one of my most memorable. For making me feel so darn good. For taking time for themselves. For helping us all realise that life is here for right now, so we might as well bloody enjoy it.

I look forward to the next Mind Body Sleep, date is set for 23rd March 2019. Early bird tickets will be on sale soon. If you want to know when flick us an email and we’ll pop you on the notification list. We look forward to seeing you there.

Why Is Change Necessary

Why Is Change Necessary

by | Apr 30, 2021 | , | 0 Comments

This is a bit of a different blog. Not particularly about anything other than to keep you informed. As you will see from our social media posts on Instagram and Facebook we’re on a manufacturing break. You can not buy anything from our website. I know right, wtf! WHY?...

The Power Is In Your Hands

The Power Is In Your Hands

by | Mar 20, 2020 | , | 0 Comments

Quite a few years back our daughter caught Hand Foot & Mouth from kindy or day care. I freaked out, it sounded too much like the highly contagious disease Foot & Mouth that affected cloven-hoofed animals! What the heck was my daughter doing with it? But it’s a...

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7 Tips To Navigate Parenthood Naturally And Not Loose The Plot

7 Tips To Navigate Parenthood Naturally And Not Loose The Plot

Have you ever heard yourself as a Mum saying “oh gosh I wish I had of known about that when my kids were a babies”. Or, “far out, what do I do? Take him to the hospital, give him Panadol, not worry?”

Do you want to know simple ways to navigate parenthood naturally so you don’t loose the plot?

I have.

So here’s my 7 tips to help you navigate parenthood and to keep your sanity, well, most of the time.

Simple things I did to help my children, myself and other “all grown up” humans to get well, feel better, get through the day.

You know what though? We are all doing the best we can with what we know, so how ever you parent, it’s freakin fantastic, keep going.

  1. We’re doing a bloody good job even if we may not think it at the time. But take a moment, look yourself in the mirror and say,

“Hey there you, you’re doing a fantastic job, good on you”.

  1. Don’t stress if not everything is Certified Organic or natural in your cupboard. I own a natural skincare company and my kids have eaten baked beans on white toast more than once for dinner.

Give yourself a break!

 

      1. The worlds not going to end if you’re late getting them to school. Yeah, their teacher might be peeved but hey it is ok. They are there, they are fed, they are clothed and they will have a ball with their friends.
        1. Not every runny nose, cough is going to kill your kids. It can be their body cleaning it’s house.

        There’re heaps of kitchen cupboard remedies that actually work. I’ve tried and mastered many and screwed some up too, but that’s ok.

        I share those that have helped me in my E-book – Get Back To Basics Live Simply & Enjoy Life. 

      2.  

      3.  

        1. That rash, yeah that one that raises its ugly head every now and then and you say “Far out, not again. Is it eczema? Is it psoriasis? Is it an allergy? Was it the grass, or the bottle-brush they were playing on or near? Omg, are they allergic to strawberries?”. Whatever it is, it’s a sign from the body that something is not quite right.

        Awesome, qualified professionals exist right here in Perth WA, who can help you out. I found them all. I share who, why, when and how they helped my kids, me and my family in my E-Book I mentioned above.

        1. You’ve got to take time out for yourself. There’s so much to being a parent. You’re never prepared until you are there. And even then I found myself bumbling my way through. So even if it’s a couple of minutes by yourself in the toilet, DO IT! You’ll love yourself and your kids will too.

        Or you could attend one of our Mind Body Sleep Events – wooooohoa that’s a whole afternoon for just you, can you do it? Bloody oath you can. Jump over to the Events on our Facebook Page for our next one (hint – Oct 27th 2018!)

        1. Eczema, rashes, asthma, they’re all linked and it comes from the inside. Yep. That whole “listen to your gut” well if you don’t the result is these symptoms mentioned above. It is possible to strengthen your body using chemical free products.

        It is possible to strengthen the bodies system and to stop the steroid sprays used to keep the asthma at bay. We did it for both our children. I share all the good bits in my E-book, I figure if something helped me it might help you to.

        I’m not a hard core alternative hippie, I listened to the GP’s. But, I also enlisted the help of professionals who embrace a holistic approach to healing because I knew there had to be natural ways to navigate parenthood out there that wasn’t all woo woo!

        If your keen to know how I did it without toxic chemicals, grab yourself a copy of my book. It’s all in there and until the Mind Body Sleep event the 27th October2018 it is only $7AUD. So go get it! 

        The number 7 was my Mum’s favourite number, fitting for a book all about what I, as a Mum, have tried along the parenting path. My Mum imparted so much on me. One thing I always remember is her will to enjoy life, she didn’t need all the fancy stuff to have a good time.

        Enjoy the read, let’s get back to basics and start enjoying our lives. Xx

         

Heck Yes, I Need All The Help I Can Get. I Want That Book!
Why Is Change Necessary

Why Is Change Necessary

by | Apr 30, 2021 | , | 0 Comments

This is a bit of a different blog. Not particularly about anything other than to keep you informed. As you will see from our social media posts on Instagram and Facebook we’re on a manufacturing break. You can not buy anything from our website. I know right, wtf! WHY?...

The Power Is In Your Hands

The Power Is In Your Hands

by | Mar 20, 2020 | , | 0 Comments

Quite a few years back our daughter caught Hand Foot & Mouth from kindy or day care. I freaked out, it sounded too much like the highly contagious disease Foot & Mouth that affected cloven-hoofed animals! What the heck was my daughter doing with it? But it’s a...

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Back To Basics Event For New Mums & Bubs

Back To Basics Event For New Mums & Bubs

There’s a reason I do what I do and it’s all about getting back to basics and enjoying life.

I was lucky to grow up amongst the incredible raw environment of the Kimberley & Pilbara region of WA as a child. My Dad worked with the MRD, so he helped build the roads to link the town’s.

It meant we lived out of town in a caravan in the bush..amongst the red dirt and spinifex. I loved it.

I went on to study Conservation & Land Management and years later Environmental Management.

I learnt from our indigenous culture the magic of the bush – Bush medicine and bush tucker.

When I birthed my 1st child, 14 years ago & it was time to get all that was needed for him,I fell off my chair when I realised the chemical crap used to make it.

Why? How was this s**t going to help?

I knew we could do better. I knew the answer was in the bush.

I found, after a mammoth search, something that came close – Verissima. I studied aromatherapy & alternative healing.I improved every formulation to only include natural & organic ingredients. I created new products as a need arose.

I never looked back.

Now I want to help you throughout your transition into motherhood.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing in so many circumstances and it is wonderful for us Mums to help other Mums. It was all learning on the job fro me as I believe it is for just about every new Mum, so alongside my good friend and Naturopath, Kat Blake from Invigorate Naturopathy we decided to create an event that would new Mums and their bubs.

It’s going to be AMAZING! Learn so much, have us to help you and guide you and have a few laughs with your friends.

Sign Me Up – I Need To Get Back To Basics!

 

WHAT IS BACK TO BASICS FOR BUB AND NEW MUM’S ALL ABOUT?

Well if you’re feeling tired, stressed, suffering with sore, dry & cracked nipples and you have absolutely no time to go to the loo anymore let alone the time or energy to read a label on a nappy rash cream – this event, held at your home, is for you.

Kat & Nat’s Back to Basic’s for Bubs (and New Mums).

It’s very real for many women just how scary becoming a Mum can be. It’s a complete adjustment not just for you, but the whole household can be turned on its head. And somewhere in there you are supposed to be taking care of yourself. It can also be one of the most rewarding & fun times of your life!

Kat Blake – sleep, fatigue and stress specialist, is a qualified Naturopath and owner at Invigorate Naturopathy She’s dedicated to providing an alternative solution to addressing common problems experienced by many women prior to conception, during birthing and throughout the transition into motherhood. Kat may not be a mum yet but she’s a sleep magician and knows a thing or two about stress and how to help your body deal with the interrupted sleep from your new bundle of joy. She will share her tips on how to improve your energy and mental health so you don’t loose your shit at the never ending cries from bub & demands of parenthood.

Nat Wright – natural living advocate, owner and chief creator at Verissima Natural Skincare, has a big mission to teach women how to understand what’s in their skincare, so you can make better decisions; decisions that will positively affect your health and well being and that of your entire family. As far as Nat sees the world, it’s all about simple living – practical ways to live your best life. With over 14 years’ experience in natural health & wellness, Nat wants to help other women feel comfortable in their own skin & learn ways to help their family, naturally. You’ll come away from this event knowing how to quickly decipher the ingredients on any label (even when your sleep deprived) and whether it’s best left on the supermarket shelf or worth buying. Nat’s also a mum of 2 and has worked through allergies with her own children. It was during this time that her deep interest in natural healing was re-ignited.

Cost $27/pp

WHAT YOU ALL GET?

Free 5 minute iris analysis valued at $15

Back To Basics For New Mums Manual

Extensive information on how to find the toxins in your skincare

Extensive information on how to improve your sleep and improve health of your bub

Understanding on how to improve gut health

Tips on how to simply reduce the toxic load in your home

Us, in your home, a safe non-judgemental & warm environment for learning

WHAT THE LUCKY HOST ALSO GET’S?

By being our gorgeous host you receive a free Verissima product of your choice. Verissima is handmade, by Nat herself, from real ingredients providing you with a safe, healthy option for your family’s skin and wellbeing.

You’ll also receive a free 45 minute Naturopath consult with Kat valued at $110.

You’ll also have loads of tips and suggestions that we provide for you to implement immediately, and an excuse to catch up with your friends!

We’ll also be going a little deeper by helping you understand how to improve gut health for both you and bub – which can help prevent food intolerances, allergies such as asthma, eczema and hay fever.

Are you excited to learn all of this?

If this really interests you but don’t want to be travelling out in the cold & rainy winter weather then Kat & Nat are happy to come to you! We’re here to help you get back to basics and enjoy your new life with your bub.

Every attendee will receive a free mini iris reading valued at $15 along with our Back To Basics For New Mum manual.

Places are being kept minimal to ensure you get maximum benefit from this event

If this sounds like something you need- gather at least 10 of your closest, new mum friends and organise a get together at your home on Friday 29th June at 10am – 12pm.

Your bub and your friends are more than welcome.

Sign Me Up – I Need To Get Back To Basics!

 

Why Is Change Necessary

Why Is Change Necessary

by | Apr 30, 2021 | , | 0 Comments

This is a bit of a different blog. Not particularly about anything other than to keep you informed. As you will see from our social media posts on Instagram and Facebook we’re on a manufacturing break. You can not buy anything from our website. I know right, wtf! WHY?...

The Power Is In Your Hands

The Power Is In Your Hands

by | Mar 20, 2020 | , | 0 Comments

Quite a few years back our daughter caught Hand Foot & Mouth from kindy or day care. I freaked out, it sounded too much like the highly contagious disease Foot & Mouth that affected cloven-hoofed animals! What the heck was my daughter doing with it? But it’s a...

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Dangerous beauty products – eliminate Endocrine Disruptors

Dangerous beauty products – eliminate Endocrine Disruptors

Dangerous beauty products! Nothing new right?

Every year more and more research comes out that is proving the abhorrent dangers of using chemicals in our personal care products. After just publishing our latest email series on how to find the toxins in your skin care & why you want to know, I was reading further articles on the safety of our personal care products. What I read astounded me and had me walking out the room in disgust.

Why is this still happening? Why are companies allowed to manufacture such deadly cocktails?

What I find shocking and really had me raising my eyebrows this morning is that according to the medical paper – “Maternal use of personal care products during pregnancy and risk of testicular germ cell tumours in sons” published on February 18th 2018 is that –

by a woman applying a face moisturiser more than once a week, yes, only more than once a week was “associated with a significantly increased risk of Testicular Germ Cell Tumours in sons”.

Testicular Cancer – According to the Cancer Council of Australia Testicular Cancer is the 2nd most common Cancer in young men (18-39)! Is there a link here?

 The reason behind these findings this is that a lot of the everyday face moisturisers available to us are filled with known Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, EDC’s.

Endocrine Disruptors are chemicals that drastically alter or destroy the structure of your Endocrine system. Your endocrine system is composed of glands that secrete hormones into your bloodstream. These glands in turn regulate things such as your mood, your metabolism, your sexual function, growth and development. They are found in so many skin care products that are sold to us everyday.

What are the most common EDC’s in personal care products?

• Phthalates can commonly be listed as fragrance or parfum
• Bisphenol A in the packaging,
• Parabens (E.g. Isobutylparaben) anything ending in paraben,
• Chemicals used in the production of ingredients, think from the ground up. What have they been sprayed with during their growth prior to harvest.

What I also find awful is that the dangers of EDC’s have been known for such a long time. Yet here we are again, this time looking at it from a young man’s point of view. In conclusion the study noted –
“Frequent exposure to face lotion during pregnancy and while breastfeeding may be associated with increased TGCT risk. Further investigation into the endocrine disrupting effects of personal care products is warranted”.
How many times have we read or heard this? I know I’ve certainly lost count.

So, what can we do about it?

Avoid EDC’s is the simplest of answers. Actually, avoid chemicals in your personal care products altogether. But is it possible to eliminate them altogether? Well in a purist’s world, yes, it is. But is it practical?
By knowing what they are and where they are means you can avoid them. But gosh, they are everywhere.
So just do your best.

To help you along your path in using safe skin care I’ve compiled a list of further reading for you –

WHO Report: State of the science of endocrine disrupting chemicals – An 2012 assessment of the state of the science of endocrine disruptors prepared by a group of experts for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and WHO.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) The Dirty Dozen that you can find here – https://www.ewg.org/research/dirty-dozen-list-endocrine-disruptors#.WrwnRy5ubIU

Dr Peter Dingle is a well-known expert in his field of health and wellbeing. A man that I have sat and listened to many times over the years. A researcher with over 30years experience under his belt & former Associate Professor at Murdoch University here in Western Australia.
He & Toni Brown’s booklet Cosmetics and Personal Care Dangerous Beauty was first published on June 21 1999 and I would hand out to customers. He has now updated this and published Dangerous Beauty last year. I highly recommend that you read this book. I am not an affiliate in any way, I just want you to become educated and do so by reading reputable material.

No matter what we seem to do these days there is more and more evidence that the use of synthetic ingredients and chemicals in our personal care products is detrimental, actually, darn right dangerous to our health.

We need to leave any guilt at the door about what we have used up until now. We were all doing the best we could for our families with what we knew at the time. Us Mum’s learn so much in such a short space of time when our child is born. Guilt is the last thing we need to feel.

What I am trying to do by informing you of these findings is to help you understand the importance of knowing what you are putting on your skin and how you can avoid toxic substances.

Every product we create here at Verissima is made to be non-toxic giving you confidence, knowing you don’t have to guess if the products you’re using are safe for your skin or that of your family’s. Our products are available for purchase online on our website www.verissima.com.au

One little change at a time is all that is needed.
Contact me, send me an email if you have any questions. I am here to help you.

Why Is Change Necessary

Why Is Change Necessary

by | Apr 30, 2021 | , | 0 Comments

This is a bit of a different blog. Not particularly about anything other than to keep you informed. As you will see from our social media posts on Instagram and Facebook we’re on a manufacturing break. You can not buy anything from our website. I know right, wtf! WHY?...

The Power Is In Your Hands

The Power Is In Your Hands

by | Mar 20, 2020 | , | 0 Comments

Quite a few years back our daughter caught Hand Foot & Mouth from kindy or day care. I freaked out, it sounded too much like the highly contagious disease Foot & Mouth that affected cloven-hoofed animals! What the heck was my daughter doing with it? But it’s a...

Read More

Why Natural Is Not Always The Best

Why Natural Is Not Always The Best

Natural doesn’t always mean it’s natural! Confusing isn’t it? I mean if they say they’re natural skin care products AND it is for sale on our shelves, then surely it is right?

NO! IT ISN’T.

I’ve been in this industry over 10 years now and using chemical free skin care for over 15 years. It no longer surprises me to see the words “natural”, “organic”, “botanical” thrown around by those creating “natural skin care products” that are very far from being natural.

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to Natural Skin Care Products. I’m not surprised.

One of Australia’s leading brands of “natural” skin care products right at this moment is not what it markets itself as.

On closer examination of their ingredients you will find synthetics. However, they are perceived to be natural and so people, like you, buy it.

Because people buy it the shop owner keeps it in store, pretty simple business thinking there.

When the store owner or sales person is asked for a natural skin care product they actually recommend that range. I’ve tested this recently, in many stores. When I pointed out the ingredients that were not natural and therefore the product was not actually 100% natural, the common answer was “oh, I wasn’t aware of that”. Mmmmm such a worry.

My feet ached, and in the end I walked away more determined than ever to help you learn how to find the toxins in your skin care. Because I feel that you and your family deserve better than that.

I still get angry. But I don’t hold onto that emotion, that’s unhealthy and just makes me frustrated and someone that no-one wants to hang around with. What I choose to do instead is educate you on how to know if your skin care is natural. How to decipher the ingredients on the label so you can make an informed decision.

The products I create are made with heart and integrity, along with yours and your family’s well-being in mind, rather than coming from the hard sell and return on investment mindset that seems to govern so many businesses.

I choose to come from a place of healing and educating.

I believe the answer to many of today’s health problems can be solved by sourcing Biodynamic or Organic or local spray free/natural (in that order of preference) products and food.

But I also know it’s no use doing your head in trying to achieve this.

Even better is to try and do this locally and source from small family owned and run businesses to encourage and support them for their hard work. Show your appreciation and be rewarded with lasting health, happiness and strong friendships.

Get back to basics and enjoy life.

Be confident with the person, their ethics & beliefs before you buy from them. Not all things marketed as Organic or Natural are, trust me it’s the business I am in.

 

I too was very tired of Company’s touting “natural skin care products” but not practising it.

Our range is completely natural. Our natural skin care products are made from real ingredients providing you with a safe, healthy option for your skin and well being.

 

They are made with a range of high quality plant based essential oils providing you with access to the incredible medicinal properties of these pure oils (documented for centuries) that also smell amazing.

Try our Sample Pack for only $9 – experience for yourself how good our products feel on your skin and how amazing they smell. The best bit is you do not have to worry about toxic chemicals leaching into your body or that of your family’s.

 

Before I leave I’ll provide you with somewhere to go so you can check out the ingredients in your own skin care. Be prepared for a shock!

 

So go on. Go grab your jars, bottles now and get busy. Look up their ingredients using these apps and sites mentioned below.

 

TIP – Have your rubbish bin close by.

Another tip – if you cannot pronounce it / recognise it then don’t put it on your skin.

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

Chemical Maze – app available in the play store

There’s also another available that I haven’t used much Think Dirty – app available in the play store

I always delve a bit deeper and go onto NICNAS – Australia’s National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme website. I then look at their counterparts overseas E.g. Environment and Climate Change Canada.  NICNAS promotes the safe use of industrial chemicals by providing information and recommendations to other regulators and they “work closely with a range of regulatory partners at all levels of government” in order to “protect the Australian people and the environment by assessing the risks of industrial chemicals and providing information to promote their safe use”.

And then into the rabbit warren of information I go. I cringe when I look, but for your safety, your wellbeing and to help you become educated on how to ensure you are purchasing a genuinely natural product I will always research.

Once you’ve done your research and you’d like to try us out jump online and grab our Sample Pack for only $9. The postage is on us too. Enjoy.

Why Is Change Necessary

Why Is Change Necessary

by | Apr 30, 2021 | , | 0 Comments

This is a bit of a different blog. Not particularly about anything other than to keep you informed. As you will see from our social media posts on Instagram and Facebook we’re on a manufacturing break. You can not buy anything from our website. I know right, wtf! WHY?...

The Power Is In Your Hands

The Power Is In Your Hands

by | Mar 20, 2020 | , | 0 Comments

Quite a few years back our daughter caught Hand Foot & Mouth from kindy or day care. I freaked out, it sounded too much like the highly contagious disease Foot & Mouth that affected cloven-hoofed animals! What the heck was my daughter doing with it? But it’s a...

Read More

Nature’s ways to help your kids feel better

Nature’s ways to help your kids feel better

Using mother nature’s way to help your unwell kids feel better isn’t as hard as you may think.

And for those of us with young children, or children of any age really, we do everything for them, sometimes more than what we would even do for ourselves. We all know how the world stops when they become unwell, so it’s a welcome relief to have some tricks up your sleave to help them, and you, get through.

Using nature’s gifts to help your kids is so handy. I’ve found that it’s normally the middle of the night when the s**t hits the fan. The midnight hunt for a bucket is on and the call of your own bed to go back to sleep is very loud, but you decide not to in case they vomit again.

It’s comforting to have skills that allow you to remain slightly calm, and help them through the rough time.

Then there is the next day too, a looong day, mum (or dad) is knackered from lack of sleep, bubs is cranky and has a sore tummy from disturbed sleep and a serious work out on their tummy muscles.

So what can you do in this event?

What can be used from the kitchen cupboard, garden or bathroom cabinet?

When my youngest was very unwell one night. I had just crawled into bed, late, at about 11pm, and fallen into a deep peaceful sleep when I heard the unfamiliar call of “muuummmy my tummies sore”.

I thought I would share with you what I did, and pretty much always do when faced with this. Apart from panicking and throwing back a couple of Arnica pillules with some vodka (joking, but that is an option I suppose).

5 things to have on hand when kids are unwell

 

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil in Jojoba Oil to rub clockwise on tummy to help ease pain and discomfort

Neroli Essential Oil in Jojoba Oil – to rub clockwise on tummy and on chest to help with sleep and ease the nausea

Raspberry’s (frozen or fresh, or raspberry leaf tea, or in a pinch raspberry jam) – to help with an upset tummy, eases the vomiting somehow

Lavender Essential Oil – for the chuck bucket or fresh lavender from the garden – with all it’s natural goodness as an antimicrobial, antibacterial and its soothing scent its perfect for this job

A bucket, actually make that 2 buckets, is handy – somehow whilst your cleaning one they invariably need another- to contain the mess! Oh and lavender also might help you and bub drift back off to sleep.

Essential oils are renowned for their healing abilities. Roman Chamomile and Neroli’s ability to calm an upset tummy and help ease the pain is well known from ancient times. Neroli’s other reputation is a wonderful sleep oil. The calming and soothing scent they both impart is magic, and helps the caregiver too. They are wonderful to massage onto baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction. The other essential oil I always carry with me is good old Lavender, in this instance I put a single drop into the bucket and after each wash out I put a new drop. This oil has a plethora of benefits antibacterial, anti-fungal etc so acts as a wonderful germ & bug slayer in this time of need.

What else did I do?

Kept the fluids to small sips of Raspberry leaf tea. Stayed awake and rode the storm. By morning she was a little better, still not eating, but better. Then by afternoon she was her bright sparkly self again.

We took it easy on the foods, started with juicing and little sips, kept up with the Neroli and Roman Chamomile and said thank you that it passed quickly. In warm weather you can make juicy iceypoles by just blitzing up some raspberry’s, and whatever else they like, add a wee bit of water and pop in iceypole containers and in the freezer to freeze. Or just use your ice cube trays.

These are some simple tips you can use to help your children. There are many more but I thought I would just share these first to help you on your way to sanity, sleep and health.

If you think your friends or family members would benefit from reading this please share this blog with them. Together we can make a real difference to peoples lives. 

IMPORTANT NOTES – No essential oil should be placed directly on the skin, it must always be in a carrier oil (couple exceptions but another story). Neroli and Roman Chamomile are expensive oils anyway, so normally they are available already prepared in a carrier oil. Look for jojoba, the best (in my opinion) and most compatible to our own skins sebum levels. We do sell these essential oils and just give us a call or drop us an email.

Oh, Roman Chamomile in a carrier oil is also handy for TEETHING BABIES. You just rub along the jawline (on face not in mouth) as needed. If your child is not getting better always seek help from your health care professional.

Why Is Change Necessary

Why Is Change Necessary

by | Apr 30, 2021 | , | 0 Comments

This is a bit of a different blog. Not particularly about anything other than to keep you informed. As you will see from our social media posts on Instagram and Facebook we’re on a manufacturing break. You can not buy anything from our website. I know right, wtf! WHY?...

The Power Is In Your Hands

The Power Is In Your Hands

by | Mar 20, 2020 | , | 0 Comments

Quite a few years back our daughter caught Hand Foot & Mouth from kindy or day care. I freaked out, it sounded too much like the highly contagious disease Foot & Mouth that affected cloven-hoofed animals! What the heck was my daughter doing with it? But it’s a...

Read More

Business Throwback and What I’ve Learned From Writing Lists

Business Throwback and What I’ve Learned From Writing Lists

Do you have those days where there seems like an endless noise of crap in your head?

I recently found a draft blog I wrote this time last year when I was in the interesting space of going back to work and relaunching Verissima. It was a different space than I’m in now, but I can still see the seeking I’m doing now relates to where I was then when I was writing lists.

I thought you’d like to read it.

“I’ve been jotting down stuff on random bits of paper all morning in between reading a book by Lisa Messenger, doing the business accounts, stoking the fire (it’s bloody freezing today) and making a delish self-saucing choccy pudding (recipe courtesy of Jude Blereau). Writing lists seems to have become the main thing I do lately.

Why am I in a frenzy? I’m not sure.

But I need to make notes, I need to be writing lists.

In the Lisa Messenger book there’s some ideas that grab my attention:

Think Bigger

The whole “you can do it” concept is no longer a huge hurdle for me because I honestly know I can if I get off my ass and work freaking hard at it, I’ll get there. But it’s good to be reminded; don’t get bogged down in the details. What’s next?

Disrupt

Now, this fits with my ideals! I don’t have to do it the way it’s always been done; this fits with me. I too question/analyse absofreekingly everything, it’s bloody tiring.

The Why?

The other messages which I’ve heard many times recently is “know my why”.

Why am I doing this, why am I making this product, why am I marketing this way… why why why? Now, this scares the shit out of me. I think we all have a bit of “oh but what happens if they don’t like me” so we stay quiet, stay safe.

Well, I know that for this to work I have to get the fuck out of my comfort zone.

I AM MY BRAND

Who I am, how I want to be seen and who I want to be in this big old world. This needs to be the same across everything, from social media to me daily. A good thing really because I am who I am, I say it how it is, so this bit is fine. It’s just being so out there that freaks me.

What do I want to be known for?

What’s my point of difference? What do I want people to think of when they think of my brand?

Here’s what I’ve come up with:

I’m down to earth

I wasn’t born with a silver spoon

I am here to help you not rip you off for the next sale

I’m all for helping people learn how to lessen the toxic load they and their families are subjected to everyday

I’ve worked in the Agriculture Industry I know just what our produce is treated with and I understand why, I also work there now

I am passionate about protecting our environment and in getting back to basics

There’s no reason why we cannot make our own things, we cook so we can make our personal care products

Mother Nature provides for all our needs so we can use what she creates to assist us in our health

I also needed to get clear on where I am taking Verissima.

Helping mums is where I started, so I’m heading back there again. There are 36,000 babies born here in WA each year, and 120,00 of babies born in Australia this year will be Indigenous. Maybe they’d like a sample or two.

Why am I drawn to help the indigenous? Because I am proud of our heritage; I myself come from these fellas and women and they rocked their medicine cabinets by going on bushwalks and picking from Mother Nature.

Classes! Yes I need to teach people about wholefoods, the truth about what products are treated with to meet regulatory standards, why I think they need to know this, how to whip up a balm in the middle of the night if they need to.

I’m still writing lists….

I add ‘classes’ to my ever growing list.

Fast forward to today.

I am sitting in my kitchen with laptop. I had a very busy day in the cream room yesterday. I made a decision toward the end of last year, and it answers one of the questions above I had: “where am I taking Verissima?”

Well, I’m taking it to you and to the world.

So hold onto your knickers, ladies, all of the above ramble will come at you in a more orderly, informative manner through your inboxes shortly. I’m looking forward to somehow bringing all this together and bit by bit getting out of my freaking comfort zone and engaging more with you all.

If you’re not yet on our mailing list, be sure to pop your name in so you can receive all the good stuff I’ll be sending out.  http://bit.ly/VerissimaHealThyselfTips

Plus as I get organised, as I move on from just “writing lists” and actually implementing some of that stuff, I’ll be touching base around workshops we will be holding. Yes, ‘classes’ made the cut!

If you love your Social Media, then jump over to our Instagram and Facebook pages and give us some love. Spread the word far and wide. The more people we can educate on healing oneself, living simply and having fun, the better. https://www.facebook.com/VerissimaSkinCare/

and https://www.instagram.com/verissimanaturalskincare/

http://bit.ly/VerissimaNewsletter sign up to receive titbits on natural health, beauty & wellness as well as some farm shenanigans we get up to here on Booka Farm. I’ll try and include wholefood recipes, like I’ve always done and basic simple ways you can help to heal your family with what you have in your pantry.

http://verissima.com.au/ If you know what you want, and if you’re running out of your favourite product jump over to the website and pop your order in or give me a call and order over the phone.

We’re here and ready to lovingly whip up your products for you.

Oh, and perhaps add a few more things to that list…

Read More

Aromatherapy for Healing Grief

Aromatherapy for Healing Grief

Aromatherapy has always been considered a bit of a witchy medicine.

And after all – women were burned at the stake for playing with less. But that was in the old days, right? Surely we’ve moved on from that?

So why would an evolved society support a Government that halted the use of such healing power? Are we that scared of ‘magik’ still? Are we that frightened of our own historical knowledge that we hit up the chemist at the first sign something’s not quite right in our body? Why don’t we try something like aromatherapy first when we have an ailment?

What do we think will go so terribly wrong?

I have a fair idea. Heck, I’ve been in this industry for ages now and my eyes have been opened. I’ve learned a lot –

and one thing that’s abundantly clear is how impactful the almighty dollar is on the health, wellbeing, and skincare industry.

If it doesn’t make someone some money, then, they are just not interested. And if they are making money, they will do what they can to shut the person or business down that offers a different solution.

Just recently this year – March 2017 –

an Amish man was found guilty in a court of law for making his own home-made products and faces years and years in jail

Does anyone else have a ‘WTF’ moment when reading this? Why is he going to jail? For helping people? For trusting a wisdom that’s age old before asking for medical help?

“We cannot believe the FDA has gone to these lengths to silence someone because they are making a natural health product. Do not believe for one moment they are trying to save or protect anyone from harm- they are silencing and potentially putting an Amish man in PRISON for healing people without the help of pharmaceuticals. That is the extent of it. Quite frankly is shameful”. Erin at Healthnut News wrote March 10 2017 http://www.healthnutnews.com/amish-grandpa-farmer-found-guilty-charges-involving-homemade-salves-faces-48-years-prison/

So, why am I rambling on about this?

Well I want to help you learn how you can heal yourself and your loved ones,

so I am going to flick you an email from time to time with information on various health supportive tips.

It’s not medical help. I’m not suggesting you never visit your doctor again. And I don’t proclaim to be a doctor.

With that disclaimer, I’m going to kick this off by starting with one of the most powerful of essential oils. In my mind this is Rose Oil. Pure Bulgarian Rose Oil, Rosa damascina.

Be careful with what Essential Oils you choose. Not all are the same. Prices vary depending on the plant the oil comes from. Make sure you choose an oil that is pure and botanically based and not created from synthetic fragrance. Rose oil is extremely expensive as it takes roughly 30 roses to make just one drop of pure Bulgarian Rose Oil. Is it worth it? Hell, yes.

The rose is one of the most beautiful of flowers for many. My mum loved roses and her favourite of favs was the very very deep burgundy rose with the most pungent gorgeous smell. So it is apt that the first thing that pops into my head when I think of Rose Oil is my mum.

For me Rose Oil takes me back to January 2005, my son had just had his big number 1 birthday on the 21 December 2004. On January 19th 2005 my mum passed suddenly at the very young age of 55. Mums passing was put down to atrial fibrillation, basically her heart went into overdrive. I was absolutely floored.

How does Rose Oil fit into this story?

A day or two after, I set off up the hill to visit  a woman named Vera as I was studying her Aromatherapy & Alternative Healing course. My mum and dad would drive the 2 hours from Mandurah to look after our son so I could have time to go and do this. I remember walking into the office of the shop and finding Vera and not being able to hold back the tears. Vera promptly got up; found a bottle that had contained pure Bulgarian Rose Oil and filled it with Jojoba.

“Rub this over your heart chakra, Nat” she said, “and inhale whenever you need to.”

So that’s what I did. Daily. And so did my Dad, my sister, and my partner when the day came to spread Mum’s ashes from our boat at her favourite spot; the estuary at Mandurah. And it did something to us.

Interestingly, the Shop I visited that day just happened to be Verissima Natural Skincare.

(How the universe works is definitely mysterious. I had no idea that 4 years later I would decide to give up my career working with the Government to owning and running this very business.)

This story depicts one of Rose Oil’s very powerful qualities, which is to work with you in times of deep seated grief. Its amazing power somehow helps heal that burning inside your chest and calms your mind. It is the first oil I reach for when someone dear is experiencing such deep hurtful loss.

One of my favourite books, The Art of Aromatherapy by Robert Tisserand, notes Rose Oil “tones the vascular and digestive systems through purging, cleansing action rather than a stimulating one… has a soothing action on the nerves… known aphrodisiac. Being ruled by Venus it is of great use in regulating the menstrual function, is a gentle emmenagogue & cleanses the womb of impurities”

I like the fact that Verissima Natural Skincare is based around the ancient wisdom of using essential oils to heal. I am not a beauty queen, heck I hardly ever use a Cleanser or Toner!

I find it wonderful that I can create a product that you need, that will help you and not harm you.

Just like Rose Oil helped me and my family through a very tough time, essential oils can help you.

If you think about it, our skin is our largest organ. What you put on it is absorbed into our bodies. So take care with what you choose to nourish yourself with. Choose products that heal, that support you.

We create all our products ourselves, and we only use Certified Organic and Natural Ingredients, I’m extremely picky. If you cannot decide what you need from looking at our website I am only an email or a phone call away. I want to hear about you, your life, what you are going through so I can help you choose the best product for you, so don’t hesitate, get in touch.

 

‘The rose distills a healing balm the beating pulse of pain to calm’. Anacreon

My Mum and my first born.

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We Don’t Need All The Fancy Stuff

We Don’t Need All The Fancy Stuff

If there’s one main message I want to get across to people, it would be that we don’t need all the fancy stuff to get by in life, we can make our own products if we so wish.

We don’t need all the “organic” this and “organic” that, we can source pure ingredients without the price tag.

The truth is, I get so sick of people jumping on the ‘organic’ bandwagon just for sales. Because for me, it’s about the people taking the time to farm ethically — those who actually give a crap. You don’t need all those synthetic inputs, so why use them in your products? Get back to basics; cook with real ingredients.

Now I don’t want to come across as a purist. I’m just little ol’ me who drinks loads of beer, and it’s not organic! I too grab whatever I can from the local store, I don’t always buy organic, but I prefer to when I can.

But I like buying from the person who has done the back breaking work. There’s something nice about that. I just think people need to know that they can have fantastic natural products at an affordable price, and that it is made by me — a human who cares.

Time to lighten up and have a bit of fun!

What Is A Healthy Fasting Schedule?

by | 3 April 2024 | Health And Wellbeing | 0 Comments

Fasting is an ancient tool that dates way back and there are different types of ‘fasts’. If you have never done a fast before then I would recommend you try a juice fast first, firstly because, in my experience, it will dip your toes into fasting, without having super...
Read More

Healthy Travel Tips To Enjoy Your Holidays and Avoid Sickness

by | 22 February 2024 | Health And Wellbeing | 0 Comments

Travelling is a heap of fun and something I do a lot, in Australia. I have never had the desire to broaden my wings and fly over the seas to another country, until now. To be honest it freaked me out, what did I need to do, could I get clean water, fresh food, how was...
Read More

9 Phenomenal Benefits Of A Juice Fast

by | 18 August 2022 | Detox, Health And Wellbeing | 0 Comments

There’s a whole plethora of information and disinformation out there about juice fasting. So how does one know whether it’s good for you or not? I always encourage people to do their own research, collate the information and make up their own minds. Go onto reputed...
Read More

Verissima Health – Learn How To Heal Yourself

by | 26 July 2022 | Detox, Ethics And Sustainability, Health And Wellbeing | 2 Comments

Do you have those days where there seems like an endless noise of crap in your head? Am I doing the right thing? Should I be doing this? In 2021 I decided to listen to the loudest noise, share all I’ve learned about natural health, how we can become our own...
Read More

Why Is Change Necessary

by | 30 April 2021 | Business Musings, Health And Wellbeing | 0 Comments

This is a bit of a different blog. Not particularly about anything other than to keep you informed. As you will see from our social media posts on Instagram and Facebook we’re on a manufacturing break. You can not buy anything from our website. I know right, wtf! WHY?...
Read More

The Power Is In Your Hands

by | 20 March 2020 | Health And Wellbeing, Natural Skincare | 0 Comments

Quite a few years back our daughter caught Hand Foot & Mouth from kindy or day care. I freaked out, it sounded too much like the highly contagious disease Foot & Mouth that affected cloven-hoofed animals! What the heck was my daughter doing with it? But it’s a...
Read More

We’re Helping Rebuild The Australian Bush

by | 11 March 2020 | Health And Wellbeing | 0 Comments

One of the major issues I have with running my business is being acutely aware of the impact we as individuals have on the planet, let alone the impact of a business. We do what we can to tread lightly but I'm not perfect and it's darn hard to be, especially when you...
Read More

How To Easily Boost Your Bodies Defence Against Illness

by | 4 March 2020 | Detox, Health And Wellbeing | 0 Comments

There is so much going on in the world at the moment that it is very easy to get caught up in the hype of it all, feel powerless, start to stress, and just succumb to the fact that we are all going to get sick, very sick.Well guess what, every day, people do get ill,...
Read More

Whole-life Ways To Help You With That Annoying Rash

by | 30 October 2019 | Detox, Health And Wellbeing, Natural Skincare | 0 Comments

One of the most common questions I get asked is whether I have a natural skin rash cream. Which I do, but I rarely go straight to that. Why, because all it will do is put out the fire so to speak, it won’t fix the underlying inflammation issue forever. Neither will,...
Read More

Sustainable Living Starts At Home

by | 18 September 2019 | Ethics And Sustainability, Health And Wellbeing | 4 Comments

Have you ever thought about living off the land, getting away from it all and seeing if you can make it without all the stuff? In 2009 we moved into our home that I affectionately call, Booka Farm, I had a dream of creating a sustainable living back then,...
Read More

Read More

How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast

How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast

Do you want to know how to rid of a cold fast? Of course you do. No-one likes feeling darn miserable with a thumping head, nose running like a tap and a blimme annoying cough for too long.

It’s once again that time of year when the cold air wraps around us, we hunt the back of the wardrobe for our long wooly jackets, our ugg boots and beanies (well, I do). The sniffles begin.. our sinuses can become sooo sore that our head hurts and we feel cold and miserable.

Wouldn’t it be nice to know how to get rid of a cold fast, to take it on, and concur it with a vengeance.

Well I believe you can, I believe the natural remedies for cold and flu are the best go-to’s. At least initially, before you’re in that much of a mess that you can’t even get out of bed. Let’s avoid that shall we.

So when this happens to me and I want to know to get rid of a cold fast I whip up a yummy hot health-giving tea,

Mum used to make us one as kids. I have varied it and thanks to a friend of mine I have been adding awesome quality certified organic cayenne (so super powerful for sore throats).

Here it is!

  • Boiling water
  • add some lemon juice (from a fresh spray-free lemon, if possible)
  • grate your ginger and add the juice or leave the sliced ginger in to brew
  • same as garlic (about a clove)
  • some gorgeous raw honey
  • some cayenne, enough to feel the heat but not BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF!

I have given this to my kids, adjusting the sweetness and heat as needed. Give it a go!
I do try and use all organic ingredients but when it’s not on hand, use what you have.

And, for those of us who got brought up with the good ‘ol Vicks Vapor Rub, we are also accustomed to having something rubbed on our chests and even under (or up) our noses that will magically get rid of our chesty coughs, try our Chest Rub. for a non toxic, natural home remedy instead. Without the petrolatum found in a lot of over the rubs for this, it’s worth a try. It works even better when coupled with our Inhale & Heal, pure plant based essential oil synergistic blend. Pop a few drops of this in your vaporiser, or your kids and throughout the night you will be inhaling and benefiting from the ancient principles of aromatherapy. Perfect!

What’s your favourite winter recipe? Share it with me below!

Why Is Change Necessary

Why Is Change Necessary

by | Apr 30, 2021 | , | 0 Comments

This is a bit of a different blog. Not particularly about anything other than to keep you informed. As you will see from our social media posts on Instagram and Facebook we’re on a manufacturing break. You can not buy anything from our website. I know right, wtf! WHY?...

The Power Is In Your Hands

The Power Is In Your Hands

by | Mar 20, 2020 | , | 0 Comments

Quite a few years back our daughter caught Hand Foot & Mouth from kindy or day care. I freaked out, it sounded too much like the highly contagious disease Foot & Mouth that affected cloven-hoofed animals! What the heck was my daughter doing with it? But it’s a...

Read More

Booka Farm

Booka Farm

Booka Farm – Home to Verissima Natural Skincare / Ridgey Didge Roofing oh and us!

I would like to introduce you all to our Farm. We lived here for some time before it found its name.

The name Booka originates from a special place that both Brad and I hold close to our hearts.

It’s even the place that Brad and I met when youngins. I have photos of me on the beach as a wee baby.

Nothing fancy, tin shacks, pit toilet, push out windows, no air con, no tv, no phones, hot water from a “donky set-up” comprising of 44 gallon drums or hot water boiled on a wood stove and poured into a tin bath. Yep nothing fancy but everything about Booka Valley was fun – spotlighting with friends, catching occy/crays and fish galore, spending time with other family and friends (if there at the same time), dancing, seals, bonfires, motorbikes, roo & rabbit shooting (it was one way to get food) and adding on extra rooms if needed.

 

Every Chrissy holidays we would jump in the car and drive down from Hedland up in the Pilbara – that was part of the excitement.

We gave this name to our home because we intend it to be all things “back to basics” and “back to the good times”,

life does not need to be complicated.

I would love to be as self-sufficient as possible and to help others learn about farming naturally whether in your back yard or on acreage. I don’t know much yet myself, but I’m learning….. hands on style.

So we have started without even knowing it really. We brought the farm with a few sheep and pigs and then we brought some chooks (for eggs, as a bonus its fun to watch them and hatch little chicks) then I brought Verissima home. Oh and birthed our little girl Jessie here as well. WOW.

So far we can create our health products, we can grow our veg, breed sheep/pigs and chooks. Now to grow stock feed so we don’t have to buy it in, and remineralise the paddocks so we can do this without the input of synthetic chemicals. Oh and get some solar panels ASAP.. .whilst we catch a bit of rain we need more tanks so we rely on bore water a fair bit and the pump drains power like you wouldn’t believe.

I’m being guided by the books written by Pat Coleby – lots and lots to learn when it comes to soil health and regeneration, my study days are coming back to me, best I dig out my notes.

But it is fun, and this is where I will share our triumphs and challenges and photos along with me popping bits and pieces on our blog too.

Does your property have a name? What did you name it for? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

What Is A Healthy Fasting Schedule?

by | 3 April 2024 | Health And Wellbeing | 0 Comments

Fasting is an ancient tool that dates way back and there are different types of ‘fasts’. If you have never done a fast before then I would recommend you try a juice fast first, firstly because, in my experience, it will dip your toes into fasting, without having super...
Read More

Healthy Travel Tips To Enjoy Your Holidays and Avoid Sickness

by | 22 February 2024 | Health And Wellbeing | 0 Comments

Travelling is a heap of fun and something I do a lot, in Australia. I have never had the desire to broaden my wings and fly over the seas to another country, until now. To be honest it freaked me out, what did I need to do, could I get clean water, fresh food, how was...
Read More

9 Phenomenal Benefits Of A Juice Fast

by | 18 August 2022 | Detox, Health And Wellbeing | 0 Comments

There’s a whole plethora of information and disinformation out there about juice fasting. So how does one know whether it’s good for you or not? I always encourage people to do their own research, collate the information and make up their own minds. Go onto reputed...
Read More

Verissima Health – Learn How To Heal Yourself

by | 26 July 2022 | Detox, Ethics And Sustainability, Health And Wellbeing | 2 Comments

Do you have those days where there seems like an endless noise of crap in your head? Am I doing the right thing? Should I be doing this? In 2021 I decided to listen to the loudest noise, share all I’ve learned about natural health, how we can become our own...
Read More

Why Is Change Necessary

by | 30 April 2021 | Business Musings, Health And Wellbeing | 0 Comments

This is a bit of a different blog. Not particularly about anything other than to keep you informed. As you will see from our social media posts on Instagram and Facebook we’re on a manufacturing break. You can not buy anything from our website. I know right, wtf! WHY?...
Read More

The Power Is In Your Hands

by | 20 March 2020 | Health And Wellbeing, Natural Skincare | 0 Comments

Quite a few years back our daughter caught Hand Foot & Mouth from kindy or day care. I freaked out, it sounded too much like the highly contagious disease Foot & Mouth that affected cloven-hoofed animals! What the heck was my daughter doing with it? But it’s a...
Read More

We’re Helping Rebuild The Australian Bush

by | 11 March 2020 | Health And Wellbeing | 0 Comments

One of the major issues I have with running my business is being acutely aware of the impact we as individuals have on the planet, let alone the impact of a business. We do what we can to tread lightly but I'm not perfect and it's darn hard to be, especially when you...
Read More

How To Easily Boost Your Bodies Defence Against Illness

by | 4 March 2020 | Detox, Health And Wellbeing | 0 Comments

There is so much going on in the world at the moment that it is very easy to get caught up in the hype of it all, feel powerless, start to stress, and just succumb to the fact that we are all going to get sick, very sick.Well guess what, every day, people do get ill,...
Read More

Whole-life Ways To Help You With That Annoying Rash

by | 30 October 2019 | Detox, Health And Wellbeing, Natural Skincare | 0 Comments

One of the most common questions I get asked is whether I have a natural skin rash cream. Which I do, but I rarely go straight to that. Why, because all it will do is put out the fire so to speak, it won’t fix the underlying inflammation issue forever. Neither will,...
Read More

Sustainable Living Starts At Home

by | 18 September 2019 | Ethics And Sustainability, Health And Wellbeing | 4 Comments

Have you ever thought about living off the land, getting away from it all and seeing if you can make it without all the stuff? In 2009 we moved into our home that I affectionately call, Booka Farm, I had a dream of creating a sustainable living back then,...
Read More

Read More

Pausing… Then Relaunching Verissima

Pausing… Then Relaunching Verissima

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh…

I think I knew the moment my youngest one was born that something had to give, but being so in love with Verissima I decided I could do all. I’m glad I did. It’s been an absolutely wonderful challenge. I’ve watched my kids go from wee babies to a gorgeous and handsome young man and my baby into a happy and hilarious young girl. Having my business at home has allowed me to be there for them.

But then it became clear that I had to do some things differently. My children needed me. Booka Farm needed me. I wanted to see the chicks hatch and the lambs be born and to learn about sustainable farming. I wanted to spend time at the kids school being involved in what was gong on there.

We all know that life is about right now, we have to grab it before it’s gone.

So, nearly two years ago, Verissima took a very, very extended holiday. I didn’t want to consider it gone forever, I just needed to pause and refresh.

And I did.

We took some time to just be, to figure out where Verissima was going to go, and to dance through life on Booka Farm. And yes, we still helped people in the local area who relied on our gorgeous product – very special thanks to those who collected product from my letterbox and purchased batches at a time. Creating Verissima products has always been a soul satisfying process for me and I’m so appreciative that I got to continue doing that on a much smaller scale.

So, why are we back?

Every time I made up a small batch for someone, I’d find my hands flying over the ingredients and my heart singing.

I’d then get these incredible messages from people who’d waited patiently for their product. Messages of love. Messages of hope we’d be back. Messages of appreciation because Verissima helps people.
And I realised I wasn’t out of love with Verissima. I just needed to structure my business and my life with more clarity.

Simplify.

And, if you know me or you’ve been on my Facebook page, you know I get fired up about all the rubbish that is marketed to people in the name of making a few dollars. Products that won’t help, and that will do harm.

There was more than ever a space for Verissima.

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