Our Blog | Love Linen The Label — Conscious Living

My recipe for my only at home spray'n wipe

I love everything earth friendly. I try as much as I can to re-use, recycle and I'm big on anti waste. Cleaning products are some of the worst chemicals you can let into your home. This is my mothers recipe which I have adopted for my all purpose cleaner spray'n wipe. You can play with essential oils depending on personal preference and use.

Homemade Eco All Purpose Spray'n Wipe

• You will need a spray bottle, I sometimes re-purpose other bought spray bottles when those products are finished.
• Half fill with white vinegar
• Around half a cup of methylated spirits or a quarter of the spray bottle 
• Essential oils, Australian Eucalyptus Oil is a favorite of mine
• Fill up with water
• Enjoy eco cleaning that smells fresh natural amazing :)

A Plant Based Diet Is More Sustainable 

Switching to a plant based diet is really not as hard as you might think, and even if you do it 80 percent of the time, you're doing the world and your body a favour

• Plant based is cheaper - beans and legumes as a very good source of protein are far cheaper than meat
• Plant based is better for you and particularly your gut, we are not designed to eat meet, our teeth and intestines are made to break down plants, you will find this to be gentler on your whole system
• Current forecasts of meat eating and population proves we don't have enough space to feed, water and grow enough 'beef' on our planet 
• Plant based requires a lot less water to produce than animal products 
• You don't have to give up everything - every little bit counts (I for one can not turn my back on cheese!)
• Plant based also means not processed - the more 'unprocessed' your food is generally means the healthier it is, less chemicals and better for the you and the planet
• Don't Forget Your Nuts - a great snack and packed full of goodness 
• Animal agriculture is appalling, a more humane and sustainable approach truly needs to take place, if I do choose to eat animal products I try as much as possible for free range, grass fed, regenerative agriculture, supporting small local farmers
• Try it, you'll feel healthier, happier and lighter 

Reasons To Fall In Love With The Worlds Best Natural Fiber

We seem to be on trend as the world catches on - again to how good quality linen just is

1. The process to produce linen is earth friendly and natural, minimal to no water or pesticides is needed to harvest and minimal chemicals to extract the linen fibers from the flax plant is needed
2. Linen is arguably the most sustainable natural fiber in this way, being made from a plant also makes it eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable 
3. Linen cloth has a very long life, linen is well known to be more than 3 times stronger than cotton, it is also a more structurally sound fiber which means it does not loose shape and is more resistant to abrasions 
4. Linen gets better with every wash, unlike most other fibers which deteriorate linen remains strong and gets softer and silkier with time
5. Linen is known to be the go to summer material, but this works both ways as it is a natural insulator which means due to the natural ability of its fibers, linen keeps you cool when its hot and warm when its cold, it is one of, or if not the best natural fiber to regulate your natural body temperature 
6. Wearing linen makes you stand out in the crowd, linen lovers are known to appreciate a more natural and conscious way of life and well as appreciating a healthier way of living
7. Linen is easy to wear for all occasions, it is not hard to let linen take over your wardrobe, an investment worth savoring for many years to come  

Less To Live More

Maybe it started with keeping up with the Jones - but who knows. What we do know, is in our western world we have a lot. We have a lot that we don't need, we have a lot which clouds our lives and stops us from really living and enjoying what matters. 

It never ceases to amaze me how in many eastern countries and poorer nations, the happiness of the people does not necessarily coincide with how much 'materially' that they own or have.

After considering this for some time, I happened by the term minimalism. Minimalism to many people means many different things. I have found that it means to have only what you need to enjoy life, less stuff, and then more time and money because of this.

This does not mean you don't buy nice things, it means you consider purchases much more carefully instead of just mindlessly consuming from inner lack or to fill some sort of void. Minimalism to me is as much an inner journey as it is an outer. 

Everyone has their own view of what will make them happy and what they need vs what they want. It is interesting though when going through your 'stuff' and de-cluttering - how much this can positively impact your stress levels and enjoyment of time usually spent cleaning, sorting and moving around this 'stuff'. 

Minimalism also makes you value your time and happiness a lot more. If you're not happy then really - something has to change. Minimalism is not to do with just things, it's people, commitments, anything really which is not contributing to your inner peace and happiness. 

Clearing out to live with less - but really with more of what makes you happy. That's a life more worth living.

Support Local, Support Your Community

There are so many great reasons for shopping local. Festive season sometimes takes a hold however, and massive name brands do take center stage with their massive advertising budgets and the little small businesses can get lost among all the noise. We ask you to look for them, there are so so so many amazing small businesses out there producing amazing products filled with love and supporting earth and world friendly values we all hope to aspire to. 

Gift giving over the silly season can get - well a little silly! How much do we really need? Here is a quick guide to help with a more mindful choice which also supports your local community.

Consumable Products 

Handmade soap, perfume, handmade local foods, local honey, local produce, candles, incense, natural deodorant, skin care and hair care products - products you know will be used or consumed and not wasted - choose locally made, naturally made products  

Reduce Plastic 

Kids toys, clothing, plastic things which have little or no use. Shop for a non-plastic option or a cause contributing to earth friendly sustainable, re-use or re-cycle values. Shopping local makes this choice easy, there are many hand-crafters and local artisans and artists around, plus you a giving a unique gift to both the small business you are supporting and the receiver

Give An Experience 

Struggling to find the perfect gift for that someone who has everything or is difficult to buy for? An experience like a massage (or any self pamper), wine tour, hot air balloon float, couple photo shoot, or something simply that you know they will enjoy will always be well received. Choose a local service or company

Make Something From You 

Hand-make something yourself. Whether it's baking, painting, making jewelry, macrame, renewing something you have as a gift - if you are inclined this is something truly unique you can give as a gift from you. Small items are usually best and remember to shop local for your supplies 

Support a Local Cause

Supporting a local cause always feels good. If you have one you are passionate about, let everyone know instead of gifts, small donations towards this cause is how you are giving this year. Everyone can feel involved and purposeful with their giving with you 

Don't Sweat the Gift Giving

The most important gift you can give anyone is your own happiness and that you share your light with them by giving them your time. Gifts and the pressure of buying for no other reason than an expectation is both stressful and unnecessary. If this is you, explain this to your inner circle, if you need to take a break this year (or any year) know that - this is OK

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Headaches can occur for a number of different reasons. Stress and dehydration are probably the two most common causes of headaches. As we are quickly running into silly season and hotter weather, here are some natural remedies which may help you.

Stay Hydrated

Make sure you are drinking enough water, 8 glasses per day on average is the recommendation. We also know, if you are exercising or located in particularly hot and humid conditions it may be necessary to drink more and make sure you are also replacing your electrolytes. (grinding Himalayan rock salt into a glass of water can help - only a small amount you can't taste)

Ginger

Ginger (root) is known to be high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger also helps reduce vomiting and nausea associated with sever headache symptoms. Taking ginger powder in capsules or making fresh ginger tea are some ways to get the most out of this amazing plant.

Take Magnesium and B Vitamins

Magnesium is very important within the body including assisting nerve transmission and blood sugar levels. Studies suggest that those who are magnesium deficient are more prone to headaches. Vitamin B's are very important within the body also (particularly to turn food into energy) and studies have shown that vitamin B complex are a safe, natural and effective method for reducing headaches. Both of these are very cost effective supplements to source.

Eat and Drink Healthy

Diet of course is also to be more strongly considered as the primary form of absorbing adequate vitamins and minerals which help reduce the chances of headaches. Plant based foods are proven to give the most nutritional impact than any other food group and should be focused on for the majority of dietary intake. Minimizing processed foods, alcohol and preservatives is the best way to ensure you are looking after your body and mind.

Exercise and Relax

Participating in exercise reduces the frequency of headaches. It also helps to de-stress and clear the mind. Relaxation time is also just as important. Making sure you have adequate sleep and relaxation time to re-align helps also in the prevention of headaches. Meditation, Yoga or simple stretching routines are helpful in this way. 

The Original Superfood - The Flax Seed

It's no secret we love linen, and, we love how sustainable and earth friendly (and even healthy) it is. During the harvest of linen (the flax plant) every part of the plant is used. The stalks are what is used to make linen and the plant also produces flax seed oil and the original superfood - the flax seed. 

Flax seed oil and flax seeds have been used in cooking for centuries, as far back as the ancient Grecian times. These days flax seeds, ground or whole, are readily available at any supermarket and are very inexpensive. 

The flax seed is a nutrition powerhouse although they almost certainty need to be ground for your body to absorb any nutrients from them - unless you chew really well! (Sometimes it is best to grind fresh as flax meal can turn rancid quickly)

The flax seed is packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamin B, omega 3 fatty acids, and cancer fighting lignans. We only need around a tablespoon per day to benefit from their nutrients which makes them very easy to incorporate into a daily diet. 

Slip this superfood into just about anything, morning muesli, granola or porridge, bowl of fruit and yogurt, any baking, smoothie or nutribullet. 

Here Are Some Ways To Help 

Anxiety is your bodies natural response to stress. If we listen, our bodies can tell us a lot and actually do lead us back on track - if we take the time to listen. At some stage or another everyone has, or will experience some degree of anxiety. Anxiety is quiet common (along with depression) however, there are simple ways to help manage and calm your anxiety before it starts taking a heavy hold. 

Take some quiet time for self reflection 

It is important to reflect on what triggers you yourself hold. It is quiet common to have anxiety about a new job or public speaking although taking the time to identify what your triggers are, help you to be one step closer with coping with them.

Question your thought pattern 

Negative thinking can be extremely consuming and can become a big dark rabbit hole. Become aware that you are in fact, not your thoughts, and, you are in charge of bringing the distortion which negative thoughts can have, back into perspective.

Stop giving yourself a hard time 

Nobody is perfect. Second guessing yourself and feeling constantly unsure means you need to lighten up on yourself. Be true to you and your inner feeling, we all have the answers we seek within us - Trust, and treat yourself as if you were someone you loved.

Go for a walk or go out in nature 

Practice changing your surroundings to help to re-energise, refocus and re-align. Meditate, stretch or use yoga techniques to focus on your breath and quieten your mind. Take pleasure and wonder in the world around you and your bodies natural ability to re-align. 

Daily gratitude 

Keep a daily gratitude journal, start with a small number and see how you go. This is a great thing to put what's important into perspective and warm the heart and mind towards the goodness in daily life.

Treat and nourish yourself 

Whether it's a monthly massage, routines of cups of tea, lighting candles or incense, aromatherapy, positive and calming music, exercise, yoga - find what calms you and revitalises your spirit an schedule time for this regularly. 

Eat Healthy 

This seems obvious although you would be surprised of how big an impact diet can have to your emotional state, so closely linked to physical. No-body can have enough fruit and vegetables, and these, should out-way carbs and meat and dairy (if any) which you consume by a long shot. Eliminating as much processed foods as possible is also key, natural and raw is always best. 

Say No To Plastic

We are all waking up to the harmful effects of plastics. Plastics are everywhere, even when you don't think they are - you wouldn't want to know how many plastic fibers are released using just one tea bag which you then drink - maybe you do - A single plastic teabag at brewing temperature releases around 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles - American Chemical Society.. 

So what can we do? We all know plastics, such as most plastics found in clothing, take over 200 years to break down.  

It is so inspiring to be on the leading edge of the world at a time when positive change and conscious living is rising - and wow we really need it to. 

More and more of us are opting for a more minimal way of living and being conscious of what we are consuming and how.

Here are some very simple tips of what you can do in everyday life to help the war on plastic, and if you have more suggestions, please leave a comment below.

• No more plastic water bottles - invest in a unique 'forever' refillable bottle, these are not hard to come by and usually are insulating as well for hot or cold liquids

• Use a keep cup or similar for your take away drinks - there are so many beautiful options out there now - even for the wine on the beach in the evening, they're good for that too ;)
• Swap to soap bars and shampoo bars - often not only better for the planet in the long run they can actually become more cost effective for you and if you find an eco-conscious brand - you are also avoiding any adverse chemicals and toxins you wouldn't otherwise consider
• Razors - go back to the old fashioned razor, no more plastic and you just by new blades, some have a much better end result too
• Shop with reusable non-plastic bags - you can even get the little ones for you fruit and vegetables instead of reaching for a plastic bag
• Smarter shopping - opt for items and products wrapped in less or no plastic preferably and glass or tins over plastic bottles - if you look around your home you will be shocked to see how much of what we use is in plastic that doesn't need to be
• A BIG one for us - STOP WEARING PLASTIC - there is a huge movement towards natural fibers now, and, not only due to their biodegradable qualities, their natural properties make them the better option every time

Sleeping in Linen - Give the Royal Wave 

Linen has come a long way over the years. No longer hard and scratchy like Grandmas linens were, today's linen are naturally pre-softened and often stonewashed. Linen is now not uncommon to be super soft and fluid even before first washing.

Often known for being a mark of royalty having linen bed sheets (and clothing) has forever been known to have superior quality for centuries. 

Much like linen clothing, caring for your linen sheets is not hard. A regular cold gentle wash and avoidance of direct sunlight when drying are the rules of thumb. 

Most that make the change to linen sheets wished they made the leap a long time ago! The best part.. you can be in linen comfort all day long with us x

Still finding it hard to sleep - here's some top tips proven to help

1. Increase your natural light exposure during the day
2. Reduce the use of electronic devices in the evening
3. Avoid caffeine after lunchtime 
4. Try to have a consistent wake and sleep routine 
5. Avoid any alcohol intake 
6. Optimize your bedroom environment (temperature, comfortable bed and pillow, minimal light, candles, music, incense etc) 
7. Take a relaxing bath or shower 
8. Exercise regularly (not before bed though) 
9. Avoid eating in late evening
10. Relax, clear your mind and unwind

 Sweet dreams linen lovers x 

Benefits of a capsule wardrobe

I think before getting into what a capsule wardrobe is and the methods of achieving one it is important to first be inspired by the benefits so your enjoy the journey.

Less stress

A well curated wardrobe has staple styles, colours and combinations so it wont be a headache to pick your outfit.

Clothes you love

A smaller wardrobe of clothing means you are much more careful with your purchases. Each and every piece should be one of quality and that you LOVE to wear. Your whole wardrobe becomes something you feel good in no matter what you choose for your day. 

Your signature look

Having a smaller wardrobe also means you put more effort and consideration on every piece of clothing and how they go together. Carefully picking only clothing of quality that will last and that you truly love sets you apart. You become more confident and well put together. 

Saves you money

Quality over quantity. In the long run this saves you money and is better for the planet. You are also usually supporting more ethically made clothing and not sweat shop pieces made to last a short season. Feel good and do good in good fashion. 

Take time - can be years!

It is ok that a capsule wardrobe takes time to curate and establish. Enjoy the journey and enjoy the fact that it is a process to feel good about. 

A Slow and Conscious process 

Each addition or subtraction of clothing becomes a more conscious process. In order to have a smaller wardrobe of truly loved and well curated clothing takes more presence than mindlessly adding and adding. 

Greener  

A capsule wardrobe means you are not contributing to the fast fashion model. This is a worldwide problem which has escalated over the last 20 years. You value clothes made well, of quality and designed to last. Shopping local is key here, it can be fun finding those niche local brands who align with your values and you can feel good about supporting. 

Saves you space 

As a nice bonus you minimize your home buy having a smaller wardrobe. Just wait till you get spaces between the hangers and you can see everything clearly, I promise you you'll love it.