A 'Clean' start..

Darlings, time has come for me to leap into my very first 'cleanse' for the year. Yep, it's 'detox time'..!

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As much as I have loved the abundant & carefree eating habits of the holiday period (I would have it no other way!) I have definitely reached a point where I want to give my body a much needed break so that it can readjust, recover and rejuvenate.

Those of you who read me regularly will know that my life consists of 3-4 detox routines per year. They help me stay healthy & happy, and infuse my life with a raft of positive side effects in health, appearance, performance, and just generally in a sense of wellbeing & inner peace that is hard to beat!
If you are new to the concept of detoxing/cleansing, please READ THIS POST for a good introduction. 

via Sweet Paul Magazine

Though of course you inevitably loose a little bit of weight on a good 'detox programme', it is important to know that it is not a 'diet'!
In fact I am hugely against any depriving diets or detox programmes such as the 'lemon detox' because cleansing is not about starving or alienating your body from vital nutrition, but rather to maximise it.

You should only really withdraw those substances that add congestion, toxins and pollution to your organs - such as meats, salt, sugar, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, wheat, nicotine, yeast, heavy metals, chemicals etc. Actually not only do you need to withdraw these, but also replace them with generous amounts of the right kinds of food - ones that are packed with nutrients and beneficial properties that will give your body the fuel it requires in order to perform the taxing tasks of elimination, detoxing, and healing.

01. Per Magnus Persson and 02. Susanna Blåvarg

Of course there are thousands of 'cleansing and detoxing' programmes out there. What works for me may not work for you, hence I urge each and every one to think hard and carefully about what is achievable and what will fit into your particular life style. 

It is also important to think about 'why' you want to cleanse your body because there are many programs out there that can help you achieve a specific goal such as;

- boosting your immune system

- breaking a candida cycle

- restoring the ph balance

- clearing heavy metals in your body

- detoxing the liver or/and kidneys

- expelling parasites

- recovering from long term or chronic illness 
etc etc..

via Cannelle et Vanille

Though tempting to dive deeper into one specific area, I usually prefer to do more of a 'general cleanse' where I focus on expelling toxins from all my key organs (stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, lungs, and skin). By doing this I allow my body to benefit somewhat from all of the above categories, though of course I can not reap the deeper rewards of a fully targeted programme.
I also want to say that even if you decide to cut out only one or two toxic things from your daily life and keep the rest the same, you will benefit. For example, you may decide to go at it without coffee, sugar, bread, dairy, meat, wheat or alcohol for a couple of weeks (the longer the better) - that too will have a tangible and positive effect on your health & appearance. 
Start by doing some research into some of the health areas/issues that concern you personally - e.g. tiredness, sluggishness, insomnia, bloating, mood-swings, breakouts, depression, joint ache, or what ever else may disrupt your life - and cut out a few known toxins that tend to cause those.

via Sunday In Bed

As my regular readers will know, I have grown fond of a 'detox programme' by Australian brand 'GNC Live Well' (I am not sponsored!) and I have used their so called 'detox kits' for years with great results. 
Other good programmes that are also excellent are:

1. Susan Cabot's 'Liver Cleansing Diet' 

90% of all people have over loaded livers! And this is not due to over consuming on alchol or drugs, but from living 'an average life' in today's world. Susan's books are eye opening and very well researched. I highly recommend this one for any/everyone!

2. 'The Life Tree' Cleanse

This company seems to have a great approach to health and living. I am so keen to try their cleansing programme. Including a 'parasite cleanse'! Maybe next time..

3. 'The Goop Cleanse' (by Gwyneth Parltrow) 

I am not a huge fan of 'meal replacement plans' but Gwyneth knows what she's talking about so I am endorsing this one.

And whilst you are over at 'Goop' please read THIS article on stress! xx

via Breathe Easy 

Of course you don't need a so called 'kit' or 'programme' do to a cleanse - you really can go at it without any herbal supplements or set plans! For me personally though, it is a lot easier to stick to the detox if I have something tangible to hang on to. My 'detox kit' keeps me focused & motivated, and by the time the 2 weeks of supplements have run out I am so much on track that I don't need them to keep on going. In fact I have been known to go on for up to nine weeks with enthusiasm and great results!

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Also, the herbal supplements assist certain areas of your body to expel the stored toxins. They make the elimination process a lot more efficient, and in some cases also quicker because their properties specifically target certain areas of your body.
The not so great aspect of the herbs is that the detox side effects tend to get more pronounced. The head- & joint aches, nausea, tiredness and what ever else you may feel will be better or worse pending on how toxic your body is. Though hard, the knowledge that the process is working keeps me going - i.e. the pain proves to me how much pollution is in my body, making it easier to push through.

via Dust Jacket Attic

This particular cleanse will be a tough one - not only because it is Winter (it's easier in Spring and Summer!) but mostly because I have totally allowed myself too much of the good stuff since returning to Sweden a few months ago. I have loved this 'free ride' thoroughly but now it's time to get back on track. I am set to do this (!) and I know that the few days of feeling 'under the weather' will give way to a more energetic & happier me!

via Janet Dick on Pinterest

Ok darlings, I am making myself hungry with all this talk about food so I better stop..! :)

I am kicking the detox off in the next week, and I welcome anyone who wishes to join me. Though I am not an expert, nor do I have any formal education in digestive function or detoxing I am happy to coach you through this as best I can.

Big hugs

xx Charlotta

Detox made yummy..

Hello lovelies and warm weekend greetings from Sydney! I am thrilled that the sun has returned to our Wintery patch of the world, and as such life feels pretty great! :)

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As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, I have received a few emails from people in regards to the 'detox regimes' that I embark on.

My regular readers will know that I go on a 4-8 week detox stint 3-4 times a year. In fact I am enjoying 'week 7' of my second round for 2011 as I type this!

It may come as a surprise that I use the word 'enjoying' but it is true, I am actually genuinely enjoying it! I will even go as far to say that I really look forward to my detoxes these days - so much in fact that they have become more frequent and longer!

1. Don't Settle For Less, 2. Scandie Foodie, 3. Chance Facebook, 4. Sweet Paul Magazine

 

May I add here though that I by no means am a 'health freak', nor do I intend to become one. But I do love the powerful & tangible benefits of clean, nutritious, and healthy foods. I can assure you all that eating/living this way does not mean going about daily life feeling deprived or starved in any way! 
To me it all comes down to a 'lifestyle' choice, and how we aim to find one that make us feel, look and be the best we can possibly be. Most importantly, any initiative or change to ones life and habits has to marry organically into every-day routines & life in order to work in the long run. 

1. Unknown, 2. Babauhaus, 3. Red Stamp, 4. Australian Gourmet Traveller

The detox queries I have received are mostly from people who read my 'Squeeky Clean' post at the beginning of the year. I wrote that post as an introduction and starting point for finding out more about the kind of 'detox programme' I do. It is a long and comprehensive post that takes you through the basics of detoxing and also gives reference to a couple of good sites.
There are many different programmes out there, including ones that incorporate 'fasting', 'parasite elimination' and 'breaking a candida cycle' and I am happy to talk more about all of these at a later stage. For now, I am basing my posts on a broader detox programme that will benefit everyone and that is not too hard to implement.

1. One Thousand Rings, 2. Fabulous K 3. Canelle et Vanille, 4. Sweet Paul Magazine

Some of the questions I have received relate to foods & recipes, and this brings me to the core of today's post.. namely 'yummy detox friendly foods'!
Over the (detox-) years I have built a little 'mental library' of every-day-recipes that work for me, and I will eventually add these to a dedicated 'blog page' (or separate blog..), but today I wanted to introduce you to a wonderful 'food blogette' named Maria.

This talented Finnish girl grew up in a small remote town just south of the Arctic Circle but has called Australia home since a few years back. 

Inspired by her mother and the abundance of amazing raw produce here in Sydney, she cooks up a delicious storm of healthy foods which are showcased through her vastly popular blog 'Scandi Foodie'. You will want to click that 'subscribe button' fast people!

via unknown source on Tumblr

The 'Scandie Foodie' dishes are delicious, wholesome, and packed with nutrients. Maria cooks with skill, style, and with great insight to seasonal & quality raw produce! 
Having salivated my way through her impressive and impeccably photographed (!) 'smörgasbord' of recipe posts I knew this would be the perfect reference to give my friends who asked about guidance on food & eating.
With Maria's permission I am sharing six 'detox proof' dishes that I personally will try in the near future. Rest assured though that there are plenty more where these came from..!
Thank you Maria for letting me showcase them here. You are such an inspiration to me!! xx

Chestnut & Apple Crumble - HERE

Brown Rice & Fig Tartlets - HERE

Fig & Goat's Cheese Tart - HERE

Paradise Pear & Kamut Couscous Salad - HERE

Savoy Cabbage Rolls With Brown Rice & Chanterelle Filling - HERE

Prawn & Wattleseed Fettuccine - HERE

All recipe pictures by Maria for 'Scandie Foodie' 

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That's all for now folks, but I promise to chat more about detoxing later and to also share some of my own recipes. 
Of course you are always welcome to drop me an email with more questions until then.

 via Wet Hot American Summer

Hugs to all and happy new week for tomorrow!

xx Charlotta

One last (but not least) thing! My blog and posts are being featured on the  'Decorating Forum' all week. Do pop across and check their 'forum' and Facebook out.  Thank you Julie-Ann - hope your members enjoy my blog. x

Weekend..

Hello my lovelies and happy weekend! It's a dreadfully wet, cold & grey one here in Sydney, and now more than ever I am counting the days till I am high & dry up in Summery Sweden (only 5 weeks to go..!).

source unknown (sorry..)

Following requests from a few people I all intention to do a post on detoxing this week (I am currently in week 6 of my second detox for the year - and I feel GREAT!). However time slipped through my fingers, and I am so sorry to have to delay that post till next week. xx

    Instead, I am treating you to this wonderful house-tour that I spotted over at 'Belle Vivir'. If you are not familiar with Julie's blog you are in for a treat - just full of gems of all sorts. Enjoy!

all house tour images via Belle Vivir

Isn't it just an amazing house!?! It's so full of originality & quirky charm, and I am just head over heels with the art collection! Such an interesting & eclectic mix of tribal, modern, and sculptural pieces. Would love to know the history behind some of these collections..!

OK my darlings, with that I am off to bed (the only sensible thing to do with this persistent & icy rain..)! 

xx Charlotta

Summer cleanse..!

Hello friends!

Hope you are all enjoying a marvelous weekend. We are certainly doing just that here in sunny Sydney where Summer is at it's peak and life is breezy!

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Though it would be so nice to continue being swept away in a haze of sunshine and ice creams, it is time to embark on the first of my (quarterly) 'detox programmes' for the year..!  

Though it will be hard to pull away from all the treats and temptations of Summer, I feel encouraged by the fact that my favourite food stores & markets are full of fabulous fresh produce right now. And as you know, a good detox rests on just that - fresh foods that are packed with nutrition and 'live energy'!

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As of tomorrow I will start adjusting my diet to off-load my body, and to generally allow it to eliminate stored toxins. 
I will also take herbal supplements to help stimulate various parts of my body to detox & expel all the pollution into the bloodstream so that they can be transported out of my body. It will be hard for the first few days but towards the end of the week I'll start feeling the benefits and after that it will only get better and better!

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I would love it if you joined me on this journey, but before you make up your mind please read THIS POST that I did back in August.

It takes you though the various aspects of detoxing and gives you a good overview of a 'typical day' on the programme that I follow. If you have any questions, please let me know and I'll try to help. x

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Before I sign off for today, I would like to say thank you to everyone who shared so generously their lists of 'seven things' as part of the Stylish Blogger Award. I loved reading your lists and look forward to more sharing in the future! x

Special thank you also to 'Simply My Life' for passing the award back to me. Such a sweet and much appreciated gesture! xx

 Vintage Rose Garden

And whilst I am on the subject of gratefulness, I would like to send a big hug and thank you to sweet Carole of 'Dear Designer's Blog' for passing me a brand new and wonderful award called the 'A Blog With Substance'.

As I said to Carole earlier today.. There is nothing more important to me than to have 'substance' and as such I am very moved by this nomination! Thanks again my friend, you made me very happy indeed! xx

Ok lovelies, that's it for today. I hope you join me on the detox, and that just generally you have a fabulous rest of the weekend & start to the new week!

xx Charlotta
 

P.S. Vicki and Catherine. Congratulations again on winning the photo give-away. Marshall is preparing your prints and I'll email you as soon as they have been put in the mail. xx