Ethical Omnivores

So apparently us compassionate foodie types have been assigned a label. We are known as “ethical omnivores”. I haven’t decided yet whether I like this or not. One one hand, it seems like just another attempt to homogenise a group of people with diverse opinions so that they can be categorised, and hence marketed to. On the other hand, if I believe in the principles of ethical omnivorism, perhaps having it well defined will make it easier for others to get involved.

There are various definitions around, but I’d like to present my own, beginning with what we’re not: ethical omnivores are not failed vegetarians trying to appease their guilty consciences. Most of us believe the best way to make a difference to the welfare of animals is to support those farms who are treating animals with compassion and respect. If you’re of the more fundamentalist view that it is inherently evil to kill animals, you’re never going to accept this philosophy; but those who are vegetarian simply because they feel they can’t source meat which is produced ethically, could perhaps try a little harder.

I quite like the fact that the term ethical omnivore doesn’t just relate to meat. Quoting from an article on the subject, “An ethical omnivore may be just as concerned about the production of the bread he or she eats as the meat inside the bread.” http://animalrights.suite101.com/article.cfm/what-is-an-ethical-omnivore Having seen cereal production close up, I’m just as concerned with finding cruelty free and environmentally responsible grain farmers as I am in finding ethical meat.

From what I can gather, the label is here to stay, it seems to have been around for a while, so I’d best get used to it.

1. Use products that smell great and have minimal chemical content. This will lift your spirits (instead of gassing you and giving you a headache) and ensure your skin is protected from drying and allergic reactions.

2. Playing uplifting music when you are doing tasks you don’t enjoy will make them all the more easy to manage. We recommend Motown or the Bridget Jones soundtrack but whatever puts you in a good mood will do the trick.

3. Get yourself a cute apron. Think the domestic goddesses of the 50′s who took such pride in their domestic chores. It’s simple psychology; it’s been proven that if you smile for long enough when you feel down, you’ll start to feel happy. So, why wouldn’t it work for cleaning, put on the apron, think domestic goddess and before you know it you’ll be on the phone to McMahon & Tate asking what time Darren will be arriving home for dinner.

We’re not suggesting you become a Stepford wife, not by any stretch of the imagination, and we’re not trying to set the feminist movement back 50 years. We figure that if you’ve got to do these chores then you may as well attempt to make it enjoyable for yourself. It’s something to think about anyway.

Photo credits: Geraldine Mills

NB: This post was first published in 2007 but it’s one of our core messages so I thought we’d give it another run with the launch of our new site.

If what you read sometimes here on Gorgeous Things doesn’t make you angry then you’re probably not taking it personally.

Sure we spend quite a bit of time talking about how to take care of your skin without chemical nasties and style your hair without tipping L’Oreal’s chemistry set on your gorgeous hair. BUT I wanted to give myself and everyone else a quick reminder about what’s at the heart of Gorgeous Things.

Here goes:

1. Beauty & Brains
2. Awareness & Action
3. Natural approach first
4. Nurture yourself so you can nurture others
5. Nurture the planet

No where does it say that you need to become an activist but we do try to give you the knowledge and means you need to do something positive. Whether it be giving you reviews of earth and people friendly products, or simple ways to cut down your weekly fuel consumption and sometimes ways to feel good naturally so you don’t have to reach for the pharmaceuticals straight away.

One way to make your choices easy is (as my good friend and business partner Christian Jacobsen puts it) think of every dollar you spend as a vote.

Then take this one step further (and this is where Chirstian’s genius really kicks in) think of these votes as – for and against.

Spend a dollar in Subway, McDonald’s or KFC and that’s one vote against your local take-away food store as well as one vote for big fast food chains.

Now there’s a good way to make it personal.

Who are you voting against without really thinking about it?

Oh, and our online magazine launches in a few short weeks. Got something you want to share with Gorgeous Things readers? Well, write it down and if we think it fits well with what I’ve talked about in this post – our 5 values – we’ll publish it when we launch in May. Write about anything you like – max 1000 words.

Got something to say? Want it to be read by tonnes of women? Send it to la@gorgeousthings.com.au

Thanks to the dearly departed founder of The Body Shop, Anita Roddick  I now know better. There’s absolutely no point in chopping up a hemp rope and trying to smoke it, the level of THC in Industrial Hemp or as it’s known to those adept with a trowel, Cannabis Sativa, wouldn’t be enough to give you even the mildest buzz.

So, what’s the benefits for our planet and people in cultivating hemp for it’s fibre and oil?

Here’s what Hemp can do!

Tony Budden of ’Hemporium’ [ http://www.hemporium.com/ ] a South African company that specializes in the multifarious products that can be made from hemp, talks about the environmental, nutritional, industrial, social and spiritual benefits of using hemp to provide us with almost all of our everyday products. These range from biodegradable plastics, non toxic detergents, composites that are stronger than steel yet lighter, finest quality paper, foods, textiles and many more.

He explains how the crop is a natural pest deterrent and requires no pesticides and very little fertilizer (natural please) and touches on the fascinating history of the plant revealing many important truths of our day. A must see for people who care about the planet and want to live as harmlessly as possible! More about the history and benefits of hemp here >>

We’ve talked about organic cotton and bamboo here before so I thought it was about time we brought you a round up what’s going on in the world of hemp – things just seem to be getting more and more interesting, and way more fashionable.

Hemp Fashion

HoodLamb

Hemp with attitude!

Just love that they’ve teamed up with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to produce a range of Hemp Ts, tanks and hoodies so you can show your support for the Sea Sheperd’s anti-whaling and other worthwhile campaigns.

If you’re looking to buy HoodLamb clothing in Australia, I’d suggest giving Richie at the Gnostic Hemporium a call or drop in next time you’re up on the Central Coast. He’s got a great range of fashionable hemp, organic cotton and bamboo clothing as well as other cool stuff. I love his shop, it’s like walking into a festival.

About HoodLamb’s collaboration with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Sea Shepherd takes a direct approach to enforcing the international ban on killing whales which the Japanese Whalers illegally ignore every year. These whalers continue to kill whales under the false guise of “Research.” However, the Sea Shepherd’s direct approach has stopped approx. 60% of the whaling and taken t he profits from these whalers. Hemp HoodLamb® has outfitted the officers of Sea Shepherd in custom arctic canno HoodLamb® jackets for their 2010 arctic campaign which can be seen on the tv-show ‘Whale Wars’ which shows on both Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel. Read more here >>

Hemp in Skincare

One look at the About Us page here on our blog or on the Gorgeous Things website and you can’t help but notice my reason for starting this nearly four years ago was to share the holistic way I’d discovered to deal with my own eczema.

Hemp Oil is a fantastic Anti-Inflammatory, so added to skincare or even taken internally it can work wonders on eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and any other immune response skin condition.

The range from Hemp Hemp Hooray! caught my eye recently. We all know what a sucker I am for great packaging…but only when it’s backed up by a great product inside! Tick, and double tick for this superb range.

The founder of Hemp Hemp Hooray!, Teresa McDowell has a blog that I’d recommend checking out if you’d like to get to know this proudly Aussie, growing company a little better before handing over your hard earned dollars. Actually, I’m going to give her a call this week, maybe she’d like have a chat?

by Angela Stewart

When LA and I decided to review these products I was waiting eagerly to see if they would live up to their enticing descriptions.

My package arrived at the end of a very busy week, so it was great timing. The packaging is simple, eye catching and very easy to read.

I was lucky enough to receive the five cologne sample pack and was impressed by the cute little spritzer bottlers and the ingenious card like packaging.

Treat yourself to these gorgeous Y-yo Ethical & Safe Perfumes online from http://www.y-yo.com.au/

All of the 5 fragrance blends more than lived up to their descriptions…

Glow
definitely is the natural, ethical “happy pill”

Flow
with the invigorating mint family essential oils and floral notes of osmanthus was every bit as invigorating and reviving as it was described

Slow
was certainly the tonic to soothe, slow and take you to a tranquil place – ideal for a five minute pick me up between the end of the working day and a busy evening ahead

Mojo
well, well, well this is definitely not for the faint hearted – an exotic blend to spice things up after dark (LA’s favourite! – Ed)

Y-yo Original
is a fabulous, light and fun fragrance – it definitely doesn’t attract the mosquitoes as it claimed. People commented every time I wore them – “that is a happy, fresh perfume” – (Glow), “ your perfume is very soothing” – (Slow)….

These colognes are a fabulous range and have all aspects of life covered with the five different fragrances. I love the handy little spritzer bottles, which would easily fit into tiniest of handbags – always an important consideration!

They were a pleasure, treat and at times a lifesaver to use. My skin is quite sensitive and I often react to perfumes, but I, happily, had no adverse reactions. While I have been trialling the fragrances, at the height of hayfever season, I experienced no unpleasant sneezing or itchy eyes that are commonly (for me) a hazard when using conventional chemical-based fragrances.

Over the last few years I have read about and used a lot of essential oil products for their effects on the emotions of myself and my family, and was pleased that these products were true to their properties in this regard.

Overall I love these fragrances, the packaging, the ideals behind the products, the certified organic essential oils… there is nothing not to love. The company website was very user-friendly and easy to navigate, and all of the products were reasonably priced.

I will be certainly purchasing a lot more of them, and be including them among Chrismas gifts for my nearest and dearest – along with some Gorgeous Things tea, of course. Now I’m off to order some of those Slow soap, some Glow cologne, and some of the Mojo candles…. I love online shopping!

]]> http://www.gorgeousthings.com.au/blog/naturelle-perfumes-to-make-your-heart-sing-y-yo/feed/ 1 http://www.gorgeousthings.com.au/blog/32-natural-beauty-tips-tricks-exclusive-free-ebook/ http://www.gorgeousthings.com.au/blog/32-natural-beauty-tips-tricks-exclusive-free-ebook/#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:09:10 +0000 admin http://www.gorgeousthings.com.au/blog/32-natural-beauty-tips-tricks-exclusive-free-ebook/

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- Want to know how to get luscious locks without all the chemical nasties?

- Maybe you have sensitive skin that reacts to conventional beauty products?

- Or, perhaps you want to know how to bring your abundant inner beauty to the outside?

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Here’s 32 Tips & Tricks to do all of that & much more!

DOWNLOAD NOW – PDF (500kb)
32 Natural Beauty Tips & Tricks from Gorgeous Things

Hey there pretty lady! While you’re here – why not join the Gorgeous Things Facebook page and mailing list for regular NEW TIPS & TRICKS

Anyway, we all know there was nothing frivolous about Elle Woods in Legally Blonde – and there’s nothing frivolous about wanting to take care of your skin and presenting yourself in the way that’s increases your confidence.

We know it’s tough times ladies, money is tight and something’s gotta give. So I thought I’d share with you how I’ve cut back trips to the salon by doing some treatments at home. There’s 3 recipies your can DIY for salon quality results and save yourself a packet in the process.

What I’ve had to do is divide the procedures and treatments that I enjoy into 3 categories.

1. Essential Professional
2. Essential DIY
3. Treats

Essential Professional Treatments & Procedures

We all have different levels of skill when it comes to DIY beauty treatments and I’ve decided that these are my ‘don’t kid yourself’ procedures.

• Eyebrow Shaping
• Lash Tinting
• Monthly Deep Cleansing Facial
• Nail polish application for special occasions (I’m a big smudger)

Essential DIY Treatments

I can handle these on my own and when it comes to value for money – these are best done at home.

• Weekly Facial Exfoliation & Mask
• Weekly Body Scrub & Moisturising
• Skin softening Epson Salts Bath
• Mini Manicure & Pedicure (I have a professional do the nail polish if it’s a special occasion)

Treats

Request these in advance from your family and friends for Birthdays & Christmas – then you have the added excitement of looking forward to them.

• Half Day Body Scrub, Massage and Facial – should be about $250 – $350 so ask 5 or 6 of your girlfriends to club together on this for your Birthday, they’ll be glad the pressure’s off to choose a gift. Or perhaps all pick a day that suits you and celebrate everyone’s Birthday at once.
• Full Day of ‘The Works’ – This is best requested from husbands and generous boyfriends for Valentines Day and Anniversaries. A word of warning with this package; make sure you do it on a day where you don’t have to go out that evening. I promise you – you won’t want to go anywhere after a full day of pampering.

3 Salon Treatments for less than $10!

Skin Softening Detox Bath

1 cup Epsom Salts
5 drops of your favourite Essential Oil (suggestions – lavender to chill, citrus to energise)

Relax in a Hot Bath for 20 minutes – Epsom Salts are made from Magnesium Sulphate and are the perfect ingredient to relax muscles and move toxins along so they can be removed from your body.

Gorgeous Things Body Oil – the secret recipe for a gorgeous sheen without the slime factor

Equal parts – Jojoba Oil, Soybean Oil, Sunflow Oil & Almond Oil

Mix together as needed or buy yourself a 200 ml dark glass bottle and combine equal arts of each – must be stored in a cool, dark cupboard. Gently turn upside down a few times before each use.

Sublime Winter Scrub

1/2 cup Raw Sugar
1/2 cup Olive Oil or Sunflower Oil
5 drops of your favourite Essential Oil (suggestions – night: patchouli, day: lime)

For super soft skin – combine all ingredients in a small plastic container and apply in the shower with a face cloth. This scrub is not for your face – raw sugar is waaay to scratchy and will make your face red raw!

Their latest offering is a guide to reading the label of skincare products, which I’ll admit can be a pretty confusing exercise at times. So, if like me you don’t have a chemistry degree – here’s the facts you need to know.

Read the EWG article about Choosing better body care products here >>

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What you’ll find in the June Edition of Beauty & Brains:

• Natural Winter Skincare Tips
• How to Whiten & Brighten your clothes without Bleach
• Latest Videos on the TED site
• Anti-viral Aromtherapy to keep you Healthy
• How to make your Bedroom Allergy Free

>> Read the latest Edition of Beauty & Brains

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Inside you’ll find:

• Autumn Skincare
• Winter Vegetable Gardening Tips
• What’s on for Fairtrade Fortnight
• Curl up with a Great Book – choose from our reviews

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