Thursday, 29 August 2013

Kristy - The Imperfect Mum!

Good Morning and HAPPY FRIDAY! I have had a big week here…I am trying to get super organised and ready before my next book ‘Cut out the Crap with Style’ arrives, as it is expected to arrive in the next few weeks, I have had a huge tidy and rearrange of my little warehouse and moved into a new storage space, I have cleaned out cupboards, chucked a whole heap out, gave a whole heap away and feel good for being a little more ‘clutter free’ ;-)

I am thrilled to have an interview to share with you today from one of my favourite bloggers and facebook page ‘friends’….I have a feeling you all may know her already! Kristy from the Imperfect Mum and Harleys – The Education Super Store is an inspiration to many women out there and only recently made the final 3 for the most clickable women award! What an achievement! Kristy is loving, fun, supportive, hardworking, genuine and honest….a true inspiration to all of us ‘imperfect mums’ out there….

A massive big welcome to KRISTY ….

CF4B

* Tell us a little bit about you and your family …

I’m married to my soul mate together 20 years married 10.  He is my rock and helps me keep everything ’together’

I have 3 children.  My first son would be 9 now, however he was born to early and died a half an hour after he was born.

My daughter is 7.  She is like a ray of sunshine, she has such a kind heart and cares about everyone around her.  I’m sure she will end up being some kind of animal activist. She gets very upset about rubbish that is left disgarded because of the animals that may eat it.  She is such a passionate little human.  My son is a cheeky little man who exudes life. He is a very clever little boy who is so inquisitive about how the world works and asks questions beyond his years.

CF5B

* Please tell us more about your business and what a typical workday looks like for you? 

A typical day is waking early, getting the kids ready and off to school then going to my ‘day job’ my parents own an Educational Business  I love my job as I help parents help their kids by choosing products that best suit their needs.  I am very lucky to have parents that believe in my mission which is facilitating a place where mum’s can feel safe to ask all sorts of questions Judgement free.  The Imperfect Mum was born from my personal struggles with motherhood and has grown to a huge network of over 25,000 women.

CF5C

 * How big a part does food play in your overall daily health?

It should play a bigger role.  I need to read your book.  I am desperate for a change, I really need to make some better choices. 

* What inspires you? 

I get really inspired by people who dedicate their lives to making the world a better place. People like Oprah, Mark Twain and Steve Jobs. 

* What is one piece of advice you could pass on to other Mums?

1)Be kind to yourself.

2)Be kind to others.

3)The best thing to ever do for another human is to never judge them.  

 CF6D

* If you could have dinner with any 3 people in the world who would it be and why?

Oh, now that would be the three people I have mentioned above.  What an interesting evening that would be.

* Please tell us 3 fun facts about yourself. 

-I’m sometimes very messy but I really do love order.

- My favourite thing in the world is to share a smile with a complete stranger.  Makes the world seem more ‘connected’

- Can’t stand selfish people

CF2A

CF6E
I hope you enjoyed reading Kristys interview and that you appreciate the time and effort these lovely people take to speak to me and to share their stories with you!
I can not recommend highly enough that you head on over and LIKE Kristys Facebook pages…..there are 2 things I love more than anything about Kristy and her pages….1) the honesty and 2) the genuine no judgement 

the imperfect mum

FACEBOOK: The Imperfect Mum

FACEBOOK: Harley’s – The Educational Super Store 

 

harleys education

Wishing you all a wonderful day and a beautiful weekend…..oh and HAPPY FATHERS DAY to all the Dads out there :-)

Take Care of You,
Collette x

Kristy - The Imperfect Mum!

Good Morning and HAPPY FRIDAY! I have had a big week here…I am trying to get super organised and ready before my next book ‘Cut out the Crap with Style’ arrives, as it is expected to arrive in the next few weeks, I have had a huge tidy and rearrange of my little warehouse and moved into a new storage space, I have cleaned out cupboards, chucked a whole heap out, gave a whole heap away and feel good for being a little more ‘clutter free’ ;-)

I am thrilled to have an interview to share with you today from one of my favourite bloggers and facebook page ‘friends’….I have a feeling you all may know her already! Kristy from the Imperfect Mum and Harleys – The Education Super Store is an inspiration to many women out there and only recently made the final 3 for the most clickable women award! What an achievement! Kristy is loving, fun, supportive, hardworking, genuine and honest….a true inspiration to all of us ‘imperfect mums’ out there….

A massive big welcome to KRISTY ….

CF4B

* Tell us a little bit about you and your family …

I’m married to my soul mate together 20 years married 10.  He is my rock and helps me keep everything ’together’

I have 3 children.  My first son would be 9 now, however he was born to early and died a half an hour after he was born.

My daughter is 7.  She is like a ray of sunshine, she has such a kind heart and cares about everyone around her.  I’m sure she will end up being some kind of animal activist. She gets very upset about rubbish that is left disgarded because of the animals that may eat it.  She is such a passionate little human.  My son is a cheeky little man who exudes life. He is a very clever little boy who is so inquisitive about how the world works and asks questions beyond his years.

CF5B

* Please tell us more about your business and what a typical workday looks like for you? 

A typical day is waking early, getting the kids ready and off to school then going to my ‘day job’ my parents own an Educational Business  I love my job as I help parents help their kids by choosing products that best suit their needs.  I am very lucky to have parents that believe in my mission which is facilitating a place where mum’s can feel safe to ask all sorts of questions Judgement free.  The Imperfect Mum was born from my personal struggles with motherhood and has grown to a huge network of over 25,000 women.

CF5C

 * How big a part does food play in your overall daily health?

It should play a bigger role.  I need to read your book.  I am desperate for a change, I really need to make some better choices. 

* What inspires you? 

I get really inspired by people who dedicate their lives to making the world a better place. People like Oprah, Mark Twain and Steve Jobs. 

* What is one piece of advice you could pass on to other Mums?

1)Be kind to yourself.

2)Be kind to others.

3)The best thing to ever do for another human is to never judge them.  

 CF6D

* If you could have dinner with any 3 people in the world who would it be and why?

Oh, now that would be the three people I have mentioned above.  What an interesting evening that would be.

* Please tell us 3 fun facts about yourself. 

-I’m sometimes very messy but I really do love order.

- My favourite thing in the world is to share a smile with a complete stranger.  Makes the world seem more ‘connected’

- Can’t stand selfish people

CF2A

CF6E
I hope you enjoyed reading Kristys interview and that you appreciate the time and effort these lovely people take to speak to me and to share their stories with you!
I can not recommend highly enough that you head on over and LIKE Kristys Facebook pages…..there are 2 things I love more than anything about Kristy and her pages….1) the honesty and 2) the genuine no judgement 

the imperfect mum

FACEBOOK: The Imperfect Mum

FACEBOOK: Harley’s – The Educational Super Store 

 

harleys education

Wishing you all a wonderful day and a beautiful weekend…..oh and HAPPY FATHERS DAY to all the Dads out there :-)

Take Care of You,
Collette x

Monday, 26 August 2013

Crio Bru Give-away!!!!! YAY!!!!!

Good Morning, I hope this finds you well. 
If you follow me on the wonderful world of Facebook you would have seen a question posted a week or two ago about ‘Crio Bru‘ – to be honest I had heard of it myself as a ‘wonder drink’ but I had never tried it. After the chatting on FB, you guys inadvenrtantly encouraged  me to buy some :-) …..it arrived a few days later….I tried it the next day and I have to say YEP I’m hooked. 

I got the Cocoa River Ecuador ground beans, the Mint ground beans (I think I got one of the last bags of the mint beans as they have been incredibly popular – I am sure they will have them back soon though!) and some chocolate covered Cocoa Beans (ingredients are whole cocoa beans and chocolate – cocoa beans, pure cane sugar, cocoa butter and whole vanilla beans) – I have had to hide these from Miss 11 who is a dark chocolate fan and loves them! 

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I LOVE my daily coffee but I must admit I am a little hopeless at making it so if hubby isn’t home to make me one I don’t bother (apparently its all to do with the stretching of the rice milk so he tells me!) ….. but now I have my Crio Bru which I can perfect all on my own….infact I think even my 9 year old could!

So you may be asking WHAT IS CRIO BRU??? In my words its an amazing, dark chocolate drink that is somewhere a cross between coffee and dark chocolate – I don’t know if its all in my mind but I feel instantly good as I drink it. It feels like a dark chocolatey treat but it is so good for me! 

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Here is a snippet from their website – and here is the link for more info CRIO BRU BENEFITS

The cocoa bean (also known as the cacao bean) is one of nature’s most amazing superfoods, offering high antioxidant value, mineral benefits and natural energy. Doctors and dieticians have espoused the benefits of dark chocolate for years, teaching us that the cacoa beans used to make this healthy chocolate can become a critical part of a healthy diet.

All this found naturally in a perfect little package – the cocoa bean.

Crio Brü is made from 100%, perfectly roasted cocoa beans.Nothing more, nothing less. No sugar, no chemicals, no dairy. Although Crio Brü roasts the cocoa beans, many of the health benefits found in its natural state are preserved, giving you a superior product with sky-high antioxidants, abundant minerals and healthy energy.

The cocoa beans used in Crio Brü and Crio Beans are superior to most foods because they deliver so many nutrients that we each need to boost health and wellness.

hands-beans
Crio Bru is Antioxidant Rich, Cholesterol Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Fat Free, Sodium Free, Sugar Free, helps boost your immune system, increases nbatural energy with theobromine (not caffeine), supports your heart, brain and bones with magnesium, maintains healthy blood sugar levels with chromium and zinc!

Why wouldn’t you want to drink it!!!!????

Now I have to throw a warning out there….when making this is smells like a sweet hot chocolate but don’t be deceived as it is not at all sweet on its own…..imagine a scrumptious bitter dark chocolate turned into a drink….well thats the taste. I tried it 3 ways…. black, with  a dash of rice milk and then with a dash of sweetener (I used agave but you could use whatever you like)…..I actually liked it all ways and I think it would depend on what mood I was in as to how I had it. I gave some very milky to my Miss 2 1/2 and even she liked it!  …. another friend told me she simmers it on the stove top with straight milk….so thats what I am trying today! 

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Would you like to win some!!!!!????

I am SO excited that the lovely people at Crio Bru have offered FIVE Cut out the Crap friends a chance to win ONE 340g BAG EACH! How lovely is that!

To enter simply comment here on this blog by answering the following : how do you think you would enjoy drinking your CRIO BRU….and lets make it fun by saying where !!!!!!????? 

FIVE random winners will be chosen and notified by a blog post and by email next Tuesday 3rd Sept (tip: it might be helpful to register on the homepage of my website to get my blogs sent straight to your email address so you don’t miss out on being notified if you win – cause that would be sad!)

In the meantime why not head over and check out the CRIO BRU website and facebook page and don’t forget to say hi to them and tell them I sent you :-)

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Have a GREAT day!

Take Care of You,
Collette x


Crio Bru Give-away!!!!! YAY!!!!!

Tuesday, 20 August 2013

Guest Blog and Recipe from Belinda "Living from the inside out"

Good Morning friends! I hope this finds you happy and healthy! I always love sharing blogs and pray that even just one person is helped or touched in some way with what I share. I have a feeling that more than one might be with this one….as I know for all us Mums out there, this blog has a message that we need to hear more often!
I hope you enjoy this guest blog and recipe I have for you today from the lovely …..


Belinda from Living from the Inside Out….

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Tell us a little bit about you and your family …

I live on the Gold Coast with my family – husband, Darren and two precious sons, Hayden 11 and Lachlan 8…and how could I forget our Staffy, Roadie (I am surrounded by testosterone!). I am a soccer mum…and I love it! Our boys are involved in everything – we all naturally lead a very active and healthy lifestyle.

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Please tell us more about your business and what a typical workday looks like for you? 

That’s a tricky one to answer as I wear MANY hats. I run a construction business with my husband. I am a Pilates and meditation teacher, a life coach who guides women (especially mothers) who have lost their sense of self to discover how to live their truest, happiest and healthiest life. I am also a writer and the Author of Living from the Inside Out, A Guide to Healing and Transforming your Life from Within.

Belinda pilates

No day is the same for me, but let’s try and paint a picture of a working day…here goes:

I may teach a Pilates/meditation class after I drop my children off to school. When I return home around mid-morning I will do some coaching – all my sessions are virtual (done over Skype), so I can coach anyone in any part of the world. Then, I move on to paying invoices and suppliers and do a MYOB reconciliation for the construction company. In between I will jump onto social media or write some articles or blogs, reply to emails and book meetings etc to discuss growth opportunities for Living from the Inside Out. Wow…when I break it down like that – I can see that juggling is something I am very good at! In saying that, I am also very good at walking my talk – when life feels super busy and I feel overwhelmed, I put everything aside as I know it will be there waiting for me tomorrow.

How big a part does food play in your overall daily health?

It plays a major part! I would not be able to function the way I do if food was not a priority! I work off the 80/20 rule: 80% great nutrition, 20% much more relaxed. I enjoy my occasional chai and half-strength lattes – I like meeting friends for a coffee, but I also know my limits. Food for me is the fuel that allows me and my family to live the amazing life we live!

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What inspires you? 

My children are my inspiration – providing for them, being a good example and role model for them, spending quality time with them! They light up all the corners of my life…I am very blessed! 

What is one piece of advice you could pass on to other Mums?

I mentor women everyday – this is something I am super passionate so thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my passion here:

We become immersed in our responsibilities of being a mum, wanting to protect and nurture our children every second of every day. We get so caught up in thinking that if we do not give all that we have we are not a good mum (the guilt cloud enjoys lingering around mothers) – so every moment is totally devoted to our babies.

Yet giving absolutely everything we have to our children generally leads to fatigue and exhaustion, and for some mothers, total burnout. Their health suffers, as does their confidence, and they lose touch with who they are. They give so much of themselves to everyone else that they end up having nothing left to give. And quite frankly, you can’t give what you don’t have. A car cannot run on empty and neither can you! If this sounds like you, learn to ditch the Superwoman façade and hang up your cape!

By giving your whole self away to others doesn’t leave much left for you, and this can be detrimental to anyone’s health. It is imperative that you take care of your health and own needs, so that you are the healthiest and best version of yourself that you can be. You must ensure that you look for a balance so that you can be a positive role model for your children. It’s important to show them that as much as you are fulfilled and love the role of being their mum, nurturer and protector – and wouldn’t change it in an instant – they must also be able to witness you looking after yourself.

It’s not healthy for children to see their mum constantly frazzled and worn-out, neglecting her own needs, health and wellbeing. There’s a reason flight attendants tell you to put your own oxygen mask on first. It is not a selfish act, it’s simply that you need to look after yourself first before you can look after anyone else. And this also applies in life, especially to motherhood.

My belief is that if we are happy and healthy, both physically and emotionally, we will be in a much better position to handle motherhood and the pressures that come with it, and everyone will be rewarded (happy wife, happy life/fulfilled mum, no more glum!).

Belinda May2010 080

If you could have dinner with any 3 people in the world who would it be and why?

Hmm…that’s a tricky one – can’t we turn it into a dinner party and invite more than 3? Okay, maybe not – here’s the first 3 that come to mind:

Kate Middleton for her poise, grace and authenticity.

Nelson Mandela for his humanity, wisdom and courage.

Russell Brand for his wit, honesty, and humour.  

Please tell us 3 fun facts about yourself. 

I stand on my head most mornings which is an amazing restorative pose remarkable for circulation.

I sometimes talk aloud to myself (to the Universe) saying affirmations as I walk/drive and I have been caught a couple of times – I am sure many people see me as the “crazy/strange women” who talks to herself…lol!

I represented Australia in touch football as a school girl. I have always been active and a little bit of a tom-boy – I have never been a girly-girl. Maybe that is the reason I am surrounded by males today (husband, sons and a boy dog!)…and I wouldn’t have it any other way! 

 Website – www.livingfromtheinsideout.com.au

Facebook – www.facebook.com/livingfromtheinsideoutbelindaanderson

Twitter – twitter.com/LivingfromtheIO

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Homemade Chocolate

3/4 cup organic coconut oil

1 cup raw mixed nuts, chopped (macadamias, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, almonds, or cashews – choose as many as you like)

3 tbs cacao powder (nutritionally dense superfood jam-packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals)

1/2 cup organic sultanas (or a handful of chopped dates)

1/4 cup organic maple syrup or raw honey

A pinch of Himalayan salt 

This recipe is so flexible you can add any type of dried fruits (figs, cranberries, blueberries, goji berries). Sunflower seeds, chia seeds, shredded coconut, puffed rice, almond or cacao butter, cinnamon and vanilla extract also make great additions. You can get as creative as you like. 

Line a baking dish with non-stick paper (the size of your dish will depend on how thick you want your chocolate to be – the smaller the dish the thicker the chocolate). If the coconut oil is solid, melt it in a saucepan on a very low heat until it is just melted (don’t heat too much). Remove from the heat and add all of your ingredients and mix well. Pour the mixture into your dish, spreading evenly, and place into the freezer until set. Flip on to a chopping board and cut into bite-size pieces. Store in the refrigerator, unless you eat them all first!

Did you love this blog as much as me? Please don’t forget to show support and pop over and say HI to Belinda (all the links are above!) …. I am excited to have just got her e-book …. and it is my intention to start making more ‘me’ time with even perhaps a chapter of a book a day …. I have so many lined up to read but I am starting with this one!

Wishing you a beautiful day, 

Take Care of You,
Collette x

Instagram: collette_cutoutthecrap


Guest Blog and Recipe from Belinda "Living from the inside out"

Monday, 19 August 2013

And the Little Bellies Winner is....

Good Afternoon, I hope this finds you all well and I hope you had a wonderful weekend :-)

I had a pretty big weekend although it is not as fun as that sounds! I had a wisdom tooth taken out at the Dentist Saturday afternoon and spent the afternoon in bed in pain and then the entire day on Sunday  at my daughters first Physie Comp of the year (which I am excited to say she came first). So with my mind being absent from the pain of my jaw (felt like I had been hit by a truck!) I forgot to post the winner of the Little Bellies give-away….so here it is!

A massive Congrats to Julia who was the random winner of the Little Bellies blog competition. 

This was her response: I try to cut out the crap from our food as much as I can to keep them healthy, improve behaviour, sleep and learning. Also I want to develop their tastebuds to enjoy healthy food!

Her name was drawn out of a box as there is NO way I could choose from all the responses! Thank you to all who entered. 

If Julia could please email me with her postal address that would be great! info@cutoutthecrap.com.au

A MASSIVE Thank you to Little Bellies for giving my Cut out the Crap friends the opportunity to win some goodies!

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Take Care of You, 

Collette x


And the Little Bellies Winner is....

Wednesday, 14 August 2013

"Date Balls" - 3 RECIPES

Good Afternoon! I hope this finds you well. I have had a lovely morning enjoying the sunshine at the park with my twins and some friends. They are now resting (they don’t like to have a daytime sleep much these days) and watching their favourite movie at the moment “The Lion King” …. I am off to run around and get orders done and thought before I do I should post these recipes up incase you missed them on Facebook. 

Today I have 3 versions of  a yummy recipe for you. They have been such a hit in our home, perfect for afternoon snacks for me , after dinner snacks for hubby and school treats for my big girls (the nut free version). 

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Date and Maca Balls

In a food processor place: 110g slivered almonds, 1 cup dates, 4 heaped tblspns macadamia nut spread (you can swap this for peanut / nut butter of your choice), 1-3 heaped tspns Maca powder (depends how much you like it!), 1 heaped tspn drinking chocolate, 1 tspn vanilla essence, 1/2 tspn cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Blitz for 1 minute. Use your hands to form teaspoon size balls and store in the fridge. 

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Macadamia Balls

In a food processor place: 130g raw macadamias, 1 cup dates, 4 heaped tblspns peanut butter, 2 heaped tspns Maca powder, 1 heaped tspn drinking chocolate, 1 tspn vanilla essence, 1/2 tspn cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Blitz for 1 minute. Use your hands to form teaspoon size balls and store in the fridge.

Kids Healthy School Balls – NUT FREE

In a food processor place: 1 cup dates, 1 cup sunflower seeds, 1 tspn coconut oil, 1 heaped tspn of drinking chocolate of your choice (I used Berry Choc Chunk powder from Superfoods for Kidz), 1/2 tspn cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Blitz for 1 minute and make small balls using your hands – store in the fridge.

If you haven’t heard of or used Maca before here are a few links for you from Nutra Organics and Loving Earth. Also don’t forget to head to the home page of my website here and register so these emails come direct to your inbox and you can save them so the recipes don’t get lost….and you can print up colouring in for the kids too! 

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I hope you are having a wonderful week and that you enjoy these recipes!

Take Care of You, 
Collette x

Instagram: collette_cutoutthecrap

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"Date Balls" - 3 RECIPES

Tuesday, 13 August 2013

Guest Interview....Bill Statham from THE CHEMICAL MAZE!

Good Morning friends, I hope this finds you well and having a wonderful week so far. 

I love my ‘job’ and love all the people I get to meet…either in ‘real life’ or through the world of the Internet! Today I am SO very excited to bring to you an interview from a man who wrote one of my ‘saviour’ books for when we decided to go additive free in our home. Whilst I discovered his book over a year ago, I still use it (I have the bookshelf companion, shopping companion and app for my phone – clearly I don’t want to be stuck without it!)….if you haven’t seen this book yet you must check it out….it is called THE CHEMICAL MAZE…. and the brains behind it all is the amazing BILL STATHAM….who I was blessed to interview. I hope you enjoy reading this….

Bill colour photo

Tell us a little bit about you and your family …

My immediate family consists of me and my wife Kay and we live in a small town in West Gippsland Victoria.  I grew up on a farm on the Darling Downs south of Toowoomba.  I have three sisters all younger than me and I am stepfather to Kay’s two children.

Please tell us more about your business and what a typical workday looks like for you? 

My business, Possibility.com, was established about 13 years ago as the structure for the writing and self-publishing of the Chemical Maze books.  Kay is a partner in this business and takes care of the admin side while Kay’s daughter Kat heads up the sales and marketing and social media presence.  A typical workday for me is…typically atypical : ).  Since moving into our own house, after renting for many years, my workday alternates between house renovations, establishing a vegie garden, ongoing research for future editions of The Chemical Maze and updating foreign language editions.

How big a part does food play in your overall daily health?

Food does play a big part in maintaining our health and wellbeing.  One of my catch-cries is “Your Health IS Your Life” because when we are sick that often becomes the energy focus in our life, often to the exclusion of all else. Most of us have a choice about what we eat, and the least processed or contaminated (by chemicals) our foods are the more likely they are to be health giving.

What inspires you? 

I am inspired by people who stand up for their beliefs and their rights, and the rights of others, regardless of any opposition.  Many of these people are truely courageous in their actions.

What is one piece of advice you could pass on to other parents?

This is somewhat of a difficult question, because I have no children of my own so I cannot speak from experience.  However, my observations and life experiences have shown me that parents would do well to treat their children as ‘little adults’ and not as possessions, trying to mould them to their own will.  This does not mean denying them their childhood, but more about treating them as equals. Of course children need a guiding hand, but parents should also allow their children to make their own ‘mistakes’.

If you could have dinner with any 3 people in the world who would they be and why?  

Malala Yousafzai because she is great example of someone who stands up for her beliefs and the right of others despite the very real threats of death. Aston Agar, the 19 year old Australian cricketer who showed amazing cool in his first test for his country and almost get a century…as a bowler…and a number 11…inspiring!  William Brodrick one of my favourite authors, has led a fascinating life, having been a logger, an Augustinian friar, a barrister and an award winning novelist.

Please tell us 3 fun facts about yourself. 

Not sure if these would be classified as fun facts, but here goes:

I have done both ‘fire-walking’ and ‘fire-eating’ at different stages of my life.  

When I was in my early 20′s I jokingly told friends that I would one day write a book…and it would be a bestseller.

Being an alternative minded person, I often think ‘out of the box’ and love coming up with innovative solutions to problems.

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www.thechemicalmaze.com

www.facebook.com/TheChemicalMaze

also available for sale through my website

 

A massive THANK YOU to Bill for taking the time out of his busy day to chat to me!

I haved loved learning more about the man behind this amazing book and I admire all the study and hard work he has done and continues to do to bring you the cold hard facts on food additives and make these books that can help us all! …. and WOW wasn’t he right with the comment he made back in his 20′s about writing a best seller…..he has sold over 150,000 books!!!!!!
These books are written to help you in dealing with the confusion of chemicals in your food and home. Even my Miss 11 and Miss 9 know how to look things up and read what is good and bad! I love the warning on the back of the book “WARNING: THIS BOOK COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE”

Have a wonderful day! 

Take Care of You,
Collette x

PS Don’t forget to pop your email down on the homepage of my website to ensure these blogs / recipes etc get delivered direct to your email address as often the links can get lost on Facebook x 


Guest Interview....Bill Statham from THE CHEMICAL MAZE!

Guest Interview....Bill Statham from THE CHEMICAL MAZE!

Good Morning friends, I hope this finds you well and having a wonderful week so far. 

I love my ‘job’ and love all the people I get to meet…either in ‘real life’ or through the world of the Internet! Today I am SO very excited to bring to you an interview from a man who wrote one of my ‘saviour’ books for when we decided to go additive free in our home. Whilst I discovered his book over a year ago, I still use it (I have the bookshelf companion, shopping companion and app for my phone – clearly I don’t want to be stuck without it!)….if you haven’t seen this book yet you must check it out….it is called THE CHEMICAL MAZE…. and the brains behind it all is the amazing BILL STATHAM….who I was blessed to interview. I hope you enjoy reading this….

Bill colour photo

Tell us a little bit about you and your family …

My immediate family consists of me and my wife Kay and we live in a small town in West Gippsland Victoria.  I grew up on a farm on the Darling Downs south of Toowoomba.  I have three sisters all younger than me and I am stepfather to Kay’s two children.

Please tell us more about your business and what a typical workday looks like for you? 

My business, Possibility.com, was established about 13 years ago as the structure for the writing and self-publishing of the Chemical Maze books.  Kay is a partner in this business and takes care of the admin side while Kay’s daughter Kat heads up the sales and marketing and social media presence.  A typical workday for me is…typically atypical : ).  Since moving into our own house, after renting for many years, my workday alternates between house renovations, establishing a vegie garden, ongoing research for future editions of The Chemical Maze and updating foreign language editions.

How big a part does food play in your overall daily health?

Food does play a big part in maintaining our health and wellbeing.  One of my catch-cries is “Your Health IS Your Life” because when we are sick that often becomes the energy focus in our life, often to the exclusion of all else. Most of us have a choice about what we eat, and the least processed or contaminated (by chemicals) our foods are the more likely they are to be health giving.

What inspires you? 

I am inspired by people who stand up for their beliefs and their rights, and the rights of others, regardless of any opposition.  Many of these people are truely courageous in their actions.

What is one piece of advice you could pass on to other parents?

This is somewhat of a difficult question, because I have no children of my own so I cannot speak from experience.  However, my observations and life experiences have shown me that parents would do well to treat their children as ‘little adults’ and not as possessions, trying to mould them to their own will.  This does not mean denying them their childhood, but more about treating them as equals. Of course children need a guiding hand, but parents should also allow their children to make their own ‘mistakes’.

If you could have dinner with any 3 people in the world who would they be and why?  

Malala Yousafzai because she is great example of someone who stands up for her beliefs and the right of others despite the very real threats of death. Aston Agar, the 19 year old Australian cricketer who showed amazing cool in his first test for his country and almost get a century…as a bowler…and a number 11…inspiring!  William Brodrick one of my favourite authors, has led a fascinating life, having been a logger, an Augustinian friar, a barrister and an award winning novelist.

Please tell us 3 fun facts about yourself. 

Not sure if these would be classified as fun facts, but here goes:

I have done both ‘fire-walking’ and ‘fire-eating’ at different stages of my life.  

When I was in my early 20′s I jokingly told friends that I would one day write a book…and it would be a bestseller.

Being an alternative minded person, I often think ‘out of the box’ and love coming up with innovative solutions to problems.

images

 

www.thechemicalmaze.com

www.facebook.com/TheChemicalMaze

also available for sale through my website

 

A massive THANK YOU to Bill for taking the time out of his busy day to chat to me!

I haved loved learning more about the man behind this amazing book and I admire all the study and hard work he has done and continues to do to bring you the cold hard facts on food additives and make these books that can help us all! …. and WOW wasn’t he right with the comment he made back in his 20′s about writing a best seller…..he has sold over 150,000 books!!!!!!
These books are written to help you in dealing with the confusion of chemicals in your food and home. Even my Miss 11 and Miss 9 know how to look things up and read what is good and bad! I love the warning on the back of the book “WARNING: THIS BOOK COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE”

Have a wonderful day! 

Take Care of You,
Collette x

PS Don’t forget to pop your email down on the homepage of my website to ensure these blogs / recipes etc get delivered direct to your email address as often the links can get lost on Facebook x 


Guest Interview....Bill Statham from THE CHEMICAL MAZE!

Thursday, 8 August 2013

GIVE AWAY "Little Bellies" .... your kids will LOVE this one!

Good Afternoon! I hope this finds you well and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!

I am so very honoured to be able to offer my Cut out the Crap friends a chance to win some of these NEW Little Bellies products! I got the chance to test these out on my kids and all 4 kids (ages 11, 9 and 2 1/2 year old twins) gave them double thumbs up and wanted them to be a regular part of our pantry!

This is a company I have dealt with in the past and I have to say I have always been thoroughly impressed with not only their customer service but their ability to answer all my questions in regards to what is in their products, nutritional facts and allergy / intolerance questions….this is not something you get from all companies!

The “Crispy Choo Chews” are the first gluten, wheat and dairy free product for the Little Bellies range – after getting many enquiries for this – they did it – and my Master 2 1/2 was thoroughly impressed by them!!!!!!! What an awesome treat these are for birthday parties, holidays and an on the run treat!

crispy_choo_chews_large_newINGREDIENTS: Organic wholegrain brown rice crisps (36%), organic rice syrup, organic sustainable palm oil, organic agave syrup, organic rice flour, organic humectant (glycerol), vegetable gum (guar gum), organic sunflower oil, salt, natural vanilla flavour.
May contain traces of peanuts, tree nuts, soy, egg and sesame.

The other new product is “Hoops & Loops” - which are described as “melt-in-your-mouth baby puffs” – great to encourage self-feeding and independent eating. Even my Miss 11 and Miss 9 loved these and Master and Miss 2 1/2 had them not only as a breakfast cereal but with some fruit in a container at our daily visit to the park. Perfect snack!

hoops-loops_bag_largeINGREDIENTS: Organic Rice Flour, Organic Corn Flour, Organic Skim Milk Powder, Organic Dried Banana (2%), Natural Flavour, Mineral (Iron) For 9months and up!

photo-1 copy 6

Can you hear Miss 2 1/2 saying “oooohhhhh” when I gave her these!?

I am so very excited for what I can offer ONE lucky Cut out the Crap friend! $50 WORTH OF LITTLE BELLIES SNACKS for FREE!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!

To enter, simply comment on this blog post by answering the following: Why do you “Cut out the Crap” in your little ones food?

GOOD LUCK!

One lucky random winner (within Australia only) will be chosen and notified on here and by email on Friday 16th August!

To find out more about Little Bellies, see the rest of their range and any other info you might need you can check out their website here and fun Facebook page here. Make sure you say HI and tell them I sent you ;-)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Take Care of You,

Collette x


GIVE AWAY "Little Bellies" .... your kids will LOVE this one!

GIVE AWAY "Little Bellies" .... your kids will LOVE this one!

Good Afternoon! I hope this finds you well and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!

I am so very honoured to be able to offer my Cut out the Crap friends a chance to win some of these NEW Little Bellies products! I got the chance to test these out on my kids and all 4 kids (ages 11, 9 and 2 1/2 year old twins) gave them double thumbs up and wanted them to be a regular part of our pantry!

This is a company I have dealt with in the past and I have to say I have always been thoroughly impressed with not only their customer service but their ability to answer all my questions in regards to what is in their products, nutritional facts and allergy / intolerance questions….this is not something you get from all companies!

The “Crispy Choo Chews” are the first gluten, wheat and dairy free product for the Little Bellies range – after getting many enquiries for this – they did it – and my Master 2 1/2 was thoroughly impressed by them!!!!!!! What an awesome treat these are for birthday parties, holidays and an on the run treat!

crispy_choo_chews_large_newINGREDIENTS: Organic wholegrain brown rice crisps (36%), organic rice syrup, organic sustainable palm oil, organic agave syrup, organic rice flour, organic humectant (glycerol), vegetable gum (guar gum), organic sunflower oil, salt, natural vanilla flavour.
May contain traces of peanuts, tree nuts, soy, egg and sesame.

The other new product is “Hoops & Loops” - which are described as “melt-in-your-mouth baby puffs” – great to encourage self-feeding and independent eating. Even my Miss 11 and Miss 9 loved these and Master and Miss 2 1/2 had them not only as a breakfast cereal but with some fruit in a container at our daily visit to the park. Perfect snack!

hoops-loops_bag_largeINGREDIENTS: Organic Rice Flour, Organic Corn Flour, Organic Skim Milk Powder, Organic Dried Banana (2%), Natural Flavour, Mineral (Iron) For 9months and up!

photo-1 copy 6

Can you hear Miss 2 1/2 saying “oooohhhhh” when I gave her these!?

I am so very excited for what I can offer ONE lucky Cut out the Crap friend! $50 WORTH OF LITTLE BELLIES SNACKS for FREE!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!

To enter, simply comment on this blog post by answering the following: Why do you “Cut out the Crap” in your little ones food?

GOOD LUCK!

One lucky random winner (within Australia only) will be chosen and notified on here and by email on Friday 16th August!

To find out more about Little Bellies, see the rest of their range and any other info you might need you can check out their website here and fun Facebook page here. Make sure you say HI and tell them I sent you ;-)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Take Care of You,

Collette x


GIVE AWAY "Little Bellies" .... your kids will LOVE this one!