Our Blog | Love Linen The Label — Self Care

1. Wear What You Love Everyday

Everyday is a special occasion to be alive. Embrace the moment, embrace now and dress your best everyday, embrace your style no matter what future goals or aspirations you may have. Don't wait for that special moment - that special moment is and always will be - NOW

2. Embrace Your Unique Body

Regardless of what body shape or type you are, you are beautiful and you should embrace the uniqueness which is you. Don't let your insecurities or hang-ups get in the way of embracing your personal style. 

3. Don't Get Sucked Into A Rule Book

There are so many opinions of what looks good and what body shape and so on. At the end of the day it is good to stay informed but also your opinion and you feeling good is what matters most. Regardless of your age, body type and shape, don't let this get in the way of your personal style and wearing what you love.

4. Detox Your Wardrobe

Do not wear clothes that make you feel bad. Have a clear out if you need, and get rid of any clothes you do not feel amazing in, don't fit you, or, you have never worn. Donate or sell are good ways to sustainably clear out.

5. Quality over Quantity

Studies show most people wear only 35% of their wardrobe. You don't actually need many clothes! Curate a capsule wardrobe of your signature style. This will make your personal style stronger and you will feel more confident only wearing what you love. Quality clothing also stands out in a crowd of fast fashion which makes up most clothing in the world. Stand out and support values which resonate with you. We support local, ethically and sustainably made and of course quality natural fibers.

Reasons to Drink More Green Tea 

1. Tea can boost your immune system

Green tea boosts the number of "regulatory T cells" in the body, which are important for the immune system, according to research from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

"When fully understood, this could provide an easy and safe way to help control autoimmune problems and address various diseases," study researcher Emily Ho, an associate professor at the university says. The research, published in the journal Immunology Letters, specifically focused on the green tea compound EGCG, which is a kind of polyphenol. Researchers believe that the compound may work via epigenetics-by influencing expression of genes-rather than "changing the underlying DNA codes," Ho said in a statement.

2. Tea may lower your risk of heart disease

A review in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that drinking three or more cups of tea per day is linked with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, potentially because of the amount of antioxidants tea contains. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that green tea and black tea have atherosclerosis-preventing effects, though the FDA has yet to allow tea makers to claim that green tea can affect heart disease risk.

3. Tea could shrink tumors

Scottish researchers found that applying a compound in green tea called epigallocatechin gallate to tumors shrinks them in size.

"When we used our method, the green tea extract reduced the size of many of the tumors every day, in some cases removing them altogether," study researcher Dr. Christine Dufes, senior lecturer at the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, said in a statement. "By contrast, the extract had no effect at all when it was delivered by other means, as every one of those tumors continued to grow."

4. It can boost your cognitive function as you age

Drinking green tea could help you function better with basic tasks such as bathing and dressing yourself as you get older, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The research, which included 14,000 adults ages 65 and older over a three-year period, showed that the ones who drank the most green tea had the best functioning in old age compared with those who drank the least.

"Green tea consumption is significantly associated with a lower risk of incident functional disability, even after adjustment for possible confounding factors," the study researchers concluded.

5. It may lower blood pressure

Drinking black tea could slightly decrease blood pressure, according to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Reuters reported that participants drank either black tea, or a non-tea beverage that had similar caffeine levels and taste, for six months, thrice daily. The researchers found that those assigned to drink the black tea had a slight decrease in blood pressure, though not enough to bring someone with hypertension back into a safe zone, according to Reuters.

Source - The Editors of Huffington Post Healthy Living

There is nothing better than natures goodness

It is so comforting to know exactly what you are putting on your skin.

I have been making my own Aloe Vera cream for a few years now, it is just too simple and easy and GOOD not to share it with you!

1 Cup Pure Aloe Vera Gel - I choose Australian Made (aloeveraaustralia.com.au)

2 TBS Rosehip Carrier Oil - choose quality Australian Made (Nessentials is just one) 

You can use a different carrier oil such as Jojoba or Argan oil - I use Rosehip oil because is high in vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is a natural retinoid that helps fight aging, and both vitamins can help reverse the effects of the sun on your skin.

Essential Oils of choice - 12 - 18 drops per TBS carrier approx

Some I use which are excellent for skin particularly face are

• Frankincense 
• Myrrh
• German Chamomile
• Ylang Ylang
• Cypress
• Sage
• Geranium
• Lavender
• Lemongrass

Method: Add your essential oils to your carrier oil before you add to the Aloe Vera. I use a hand held kitchen blender to whip into a beautiful cream in seconds, you can also hand whip though. Keeps very well and I live in a hot and humid climate, you can refrigerate if you wish to aid in further cooling affect to the skin if you're using more as a first aid cream. 

Let me know if you give this a try - enjoy x

Shampoo With A Purpose - made in N.S.W

Just wanted to share a little goodness with you :)

My partner and I have been fully converted to shampoo bars - yay!

These are AMAZING - I know there is a lot to choose from out there and we think we got the jackpot first go but wherever you choose to get yours do your happy dance in the shower :)

These shampoo bars are equivalent to SIX bottles (plastic) of shampoo and conditioner!

SUPER massive happy dance - in the shower of where-ever hehe ;P

Happy Shampooing!

Love Helen x

https://www.shampoowithapurpose.com/

P.S. My partner and I share the same bar so good for all you minimalists (like me) and our first bar is almost at it's over 5 month end - still can't believe they are this good!

Love Yourself, Love Your Body, Love Your Size

"I love my body and care for her lovingly everyday. I am grateful for my healthy body and mind"

Self love does not always come easily, it is a journey and usually takes quiet some time. I have always struggled with body image and the perception that women need to be super slim and tiny to be beautiful. I'm a size 12. I often wear size 8 and 10 also and sizing of fashion has always confused me.

Through a love of linen our sizing is to Australian standards. I have found in truth however we are ALL different, it is not even reasonable to segregate female sizes into a couple of categories. We all have different bodies, shapes and sizes and areas which we like to hide or show and different styles which we know will suit our shape, and those that wont.

This consideration does actually make designing a challenge for we can't obviously please everyone with every style. It is however, for this reason many of our pieces are Free Size covering a particular range of sizes. Our ranges are for real women, our styles are all forgiving and not tight at all on the body, comfort and flow is of our highest priority. We have carefully created a relaxed fit while maintaining femininity and styling to keep a flattering shape, and we are always learning, love Helen - Founder and Designer xx

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 

Some Powerful Methods to Help Overwhelm 

We do have the habit of the glorification of busy. Life is not ment to be lived at a crazy pace where you are in some sort of permanent whirl-wind. The natural pace of life is something to be cherished and valued as it is natural and healthy. 

Even those of us most balanced, find times in our lives where we experience over-whelm, when everything seems to be happening at once and we have no idea where to start or what to do next. Here are some simple tips to help with those over-whelming times. 

One Thing at a Time

Focus on one thing at a time. Whatever you are doing - focus on just that and try to block any thought of anything else out. Being present to the task at hand will help calm and steady your approach to each individual thing. 

Stop and Breath

Your mind is racing and chattering. Stop everything and breath. Have some water or a cup of tea and sit quietly listening to your breath, quiet you mind by focusing on just your breathing. Calm your perspective and slowly prioritize. This may mean letting go of commitments or anything causing too much strain. 

Take Down the Mountain

We do sometimes make mountains out of molehills. A handy way of prioritizing is doing a brain dump by writing a list. Determine which things are high priority and which are not. Tackle just one at a time and feel good when you accomplish them, reward yourself with a break. Pro-active - not reactive is best. 

Express Your Feeling and Take Time For You

Be aware of your emotions and how you are feeling. If it helps talk with a friend or loved one to lift some weight off your shoulders. Expressing your feelings and acknowledging them is one step closer to helping you feel better. Take some time for yourself to do something which makes you feel better and more relaxed so you can put things into perspective.  

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.

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.