I'm not a huge fan of water in winter, especially this year! It's been an absolute battle for me to get even half the recommended daily dose the last few weeks. 

Can you relate to this? I've come up with 5 easy ways to help you ditch that dry habit and help your body, and skin, get the hydration it needs. 

Hydration 101: As most of you know, your skin is the largest organ of the entire body. Interestingly enough, the skin is the last to receive moisture since the body prioritizes your vital organs (such as your heart, kidney and liver) to get hydrated first. 

So if you're like me, you might not feel as thirsty in the winter, but for your skin's sake you actually need more hydration.
TIP: If you want to learn more about seasonal weather and skin, read this fantastic blog post by Chey, the owner of Black Chicken Remedies.
 
1. Start your morning with a nice long drink
All night long we dehydrate, so in the morning we often look, and feel, like a dry sponge! Start the day with a nice long drink to help you replenish what was lost over the last 8 hours of sleep. 

2. Track your sips
Most devices have a way to track your water intake nowadays. Fit Bits are great, and you can also use your iPhone to track your daily pogress. If you're really bad at remembering, you can even set a silent alarm on the hour (or whenever you want) to vibrate on your wrist, gently reminding you when it's time for more H20.

3. Drink more tea
I know quite a few people who just really dislike drinking water. Period. This becomes even more difficult to conquer in winter in a cooler climate. Your first option is to switch to drinking room temperature water if you haven't already tried that. Drinking tepid water is better for you anyway. If that still sounds unappealing, try tea. Tea is always fantastic in winter, I mean, you can't beat a cuppa on a cold day. Remember tea has about 1/3 as much caffeine as coffee, so don't overdo it. Another delicious and healthy alternative is hot water/very warm water with the juice of half a lemon and raw honey. It's so delicious, good for gut and very invigorating. 
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4. Tantalize your tastebuds
If water doesn't sound good, try to take it up a notch. Flavoring your water with fruit and herbs is a deliciously easy way for you to make water more interesting.
My fav combos are:
Strawberry + basil
Cucumber + mint
Pineapple + mint
Cucumber, lemon + parsley 

Lenanne Ward, The Fitness Dietitian, has just released some super nifty infusion bottles that have an inbuilt diffuser for your favourite fruit or herbs. They are BPA free, 950ml and only $22.

5. Eat foods with high water content
Ok, so this is doesn't really count as "drinking" your water, but it still works in my book. It's easy to forget that fruit and veggies have a ton of water in them too. Try eating lots of fibre as well a foods with high water content as this will help to keep your body nourished. Not sure where to start? Some foods with high water content are: grapefruit, watermelon, cherries, grapes, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, and celery. 

Do you always drink like a fish, or have you noticed a drop in your water intake this winter?

EMK x 

She has worked tirelessly on herself to maintain a level of fitness most could only dream of, while running her household and multiple business. She's a serious go-getter and I'm always in awe of women who are killing it in their fields while also being a MUM.
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While a lot of her IG page is super glam and all about being a #fitmum, her Instagram stories are so down to earth and raw. Picture hilarious snaps of potty training 2.5 year old twin girls and being peed on, a lot. She puts it all out there, which I love and appreciate as a mum myself.  I don't always want to see the mums with the perfect hair, immaculate face of make up, in an insanely styled and expensive outfit (they got for free) in a picture taken by a professional photographer. Sophie is continually sharing both sides of the coin, while showing others how they too can be better versions of themselves by eating better and training mindfully.

Let's dive in!

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Many people might assume that you've been fit and fabulous your entire life and that you've been blessed with incredible genes. What message would you like to share with our readers who might not have witnessed your incredible body evolution?

Oh my goodness no! Hahaha I actually had never stepped foot in a gym until after my two sons were born. I feel like it is never too late and I truly never thought I could change my body so dramatically! I was left 30 kilos heavier after having my sons and really wanted to feel good. I wanted to feel fit, healthy and energetic. It's amazing what exercise can do to your body!


Childbirth: Traumatic or transformative?

A bit of both- all mixed into one! I have had almost 'every' experience! My first son's birth was (in reflection) an incredibly traumatic experience- every interference you could possibly imagine happened. I wanted my second son's birth to be different and it was, I walked throughout my pregnancy with him to try and remain stronger in the legs to prepare for birth and it was a beautiful birth. The twins were both breech and born via c-section- so quite a mixture in there!


What’s the single best piece of advice you could give to all our postnatal mums reading this?

There is no wrong or right way to parent. Only take on board advice that works for you.


Sum up Mum life in 3 words:

Tiring, rewarding, purposeful.


As an insanely busy mum of four, juggling multiple business, how do keep the foundations of your marriage so strong?

Our kids all go to bed at 7pm, so we have the nights to spend together. Our marriage is surprisingly great. We work so well together and we run a very chaotic organised mess of a life! LOL We have a family diary and everything is planned out so we know what is happening everyday, who is at home, who is at work, who is doing pick up and who is cooking. No relationship is perfect, but I feel blessed that our biggest issues are that my husband works out too much and that he gets angry that I don't pick my clothes up off the floor. We argue about petty things like whether the heater is safe to be left on at night time and if we baby the twins too much. Overall it just 'works'. We enjoy our routine life and love nothing more than a weekend at home!


I’ve been teaching yoga for over five years now, and I find that yoga helps me to be more mindful about how I treat my body and what I put in it. Are cardio and weight training what you use to stay grounded and focused, or do you have other go-tos?

Oh yes! Weight training is like my therapy! I feel it allows me an hour to myself and not chasing after the kids! It keeps me sane!


If you could only do ONE exercise for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Squats! I just find they work every muscle, leave me feeling exhausted, there are so many variations and it is something you can really progress in!


Social media: friend or foe?

Hmmmm a very hard one! I love social media for the reason I can reach so many more women at once, I dislike it for the fact you can hide behind a screen. Things that are said to me online would never be said to my face and I feel people are disconnected with the sense that online is the same as face to face- everyone still has feelings and emotions.


How do you practice self care?

I must admit I am always on the go, making promises to slow down, it just never really happens- however some of my key things I do give in to myself are:
My weight sessions 3-4 times a week
My blow wave once a week (time saver times 10xxxx for curly haired mums!) must do!
Early nights- gosh I love sleep and when you're awake at 4am, this is key!

Give us your fast 10!
Right now I’m:

Reading… Those Other Women
Cooking… Butter chicken
Drinking… Sparkling water
Playing… Uno!
Dreaming of… school holidays!
Loving… my girl's age, they're so funny and have so much personality coming! (age 2.5)
Buying… nothing! It's end of financial year so I am being conscious of the extra expenses!
Watching… 13 Reasons Why
Snacking on… yoghurt. I'm obsessed at the moment! My hubby jokes that I am on the yoghurt diet!
Listening… One Kiss, Calvin Harris
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Who inspires you to keep fit and healthy for you family?

EMK

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Still wanna know more?

You can follow Import Ants  on Instagram 
or on Facebook 
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Check out Strass & Co 's beautiful line of plastic free beauty
​They are on Facebook and Instagram too  
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Still unsure about what to do?
Watch this video about how to dry brush ​

Social media: friend or foe?

Friend!!! My business has been built from my Instagram. I would say 95% of all my sales are from my Instagram followers. I love the community I have built and follow on IG. 
I wish I was better with Instastories! Really trying to get better at that!


Speaking of social media, what are your FOUR favourite Instagram accounts?  Other than @ohmmyyoga of course ;-) 

1. @emilyshuman
2. @edeneats
3. @drawbertson
4. @damselindior


What's the most challenging part of being a small business owner?

Balancing life alongside your business. Small businesses need time and attention to nurture and grow. I feel that it can become difficult to have a work/life balance. I find that it's challenging to give g+g 100% of what it needs all the time. 


Who is the most famous kid to wear your Bandie?

My husband is a Hollywood film producer and did a movie with Alec Baldwin a few years ago. We gifted Alec some Bandies for his son!


What's your life mantra in one sentence? 

"It is all going to be ok!"


How has motherhood changed your perspective on life as a woman and a business owner?

 I have to admit that after having both my children I have had moments where owning a business has not seemed as important as it once did. Then I start to miss the creativity and achievement that owning a business creates and I get re-inspired all over again! 
While I sew my 2 year old daughter sits and colors in her coloring book. She calls this her "work." I love that my daughters will grow up watching me work hard to build something I am passionate about! I want them both to see that when you work hard anything is possible!

Give us your fast five:

I’m listening to….Glorious (feat. Skylar Grey) by Macklemore

I’m reading…. 123 Magic - 3 Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting

I’m loving….fresh flowers in my kitchen.

I’m lusting over…my new house!! We just bought our first house and I'm obsessed!

I’m inspired by…. working mamas who are building businesses! 


What exciting things are in store for g+g in 2018/2019?

I have some ideas for a few new products!! I'm hoping to start developing them soon! ​

​What's your favourite baby accessories you've found? Tell me in the comments below!

EMK x 

​I discovered Kate's beautiful range of organic tea before I ever knew who she was. We serve Mayde Tea at Bliss Float in Bulimba. Often times I would prepare the tea for our guests who frequented the relaxation lounge. Depending on what time of day it was, I would select a particular tea. I was so impressed with the quality, look, texture and flavors of Kate's range. I loved that her tea was organic as well as therapeutic --- and don't even get me started on her branding.... swoon. 
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So Kate, thank you so much for being apart of this special series! Tea or coffee? (only joking)
But do you drink coffee? 

Hehe yes! Once a day, and only if I actually feel like it.


What was the catalyst for you to study naturopathy and nutrition? 

My own health issues to be honest! I wanted to find the root cause for my depression and digestive issues, and fix that- rather than using bandaid options that were being prescribed by doctors.


You started your business, Mayde Tea, at 23 years of age! How did you come up with the name and what is the meaning behind it?


My middle name is May. I wanted it to be known that our products are hand made.



You have said that you used to suffer with anxiety and depression. Other than tea, how did you help to conquer these hurdles?


A lot of lifestyle changes, diet changes and hard work! I meditate every day, practice self love and eat a diet low in sugar and anything processed, and high in good fats and protein. I take a few different supplements that are required for serotonin production (which is the feel-good hormone) as well as herbs that balance hormones which was something that was out of balance and therefore exacerbating my symptoms.


If you could share one health tip with our postnatal readers, what would that be? 

It's a simple but oh, so effective one. To have a positive relationship with food!


Can you talk us through your process when you’re meeting with a new client for a consultation. 

This goes for 75 minutes, and I ask lots and lots of questions! This is so I can get to the root cause of the symptoms they’re presenting with. We explore all of the appropriate body systems and then I put together their first treatment plan.


What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? 

Having people come back on their second consultation and telling me how much their symptoms have improved! They always look physically glowing and happy, it’s the best feeling in the world for me.


 My personal fav Mayde blend is DIGEST. What’s your fav blend in your line of teas?

Restore. I will never get enough of that lemon myrtle-y goodness!



Your tea is found in over 200 cafes and retailers in Australia. What’s your goals for Mayde in the coming years?

I don’t set huge goals in the business. I mostly set personal goals and that’s to look after myself and free up some time by employing more staff, and delegating more. The business keeps doing it’s thing :)



A lot of people might not know that tea is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in commercial farming. This is one of the many reasons we should consume organic tea. What is something else we might not know about the tea industry?  

That most teabags are laced with chemicals. They’re bleached to look pretty and white, have staples and are usually fastened with glue. This all ends up in your cup!


Social media, friend or foe? 

Haha, love hate relationship! It’s fun, it's a platform for me to showcase what I LOVE which is my tea business, but it is very time consuming!


Best advice you’ve ever received?

Not to get stuck working ‘in the business’ and make sure I have space to work on it.


Worst advice? 

Not sure I’ve had any, or maybe I’ve strategically blocked it out ;)


Early riser or night owl? 

Definitely early! I wake up before the sun with so much energy and a huge appetite! 


 What is one thing you believe above all else?

That you should listen to your body before listening to anyone else.


You seem to have a love of tattoos and you have some beautiful handiwork on your arms. What do these symbolise? 

Haha yes I do! I have 'My only sunshine’ written on my arm, and that's because my granddad used to sing it to me. He was the best man in my life! I have a daisy chain which makes me remember being in Germany one day with some amazing new friends I'd met. I randomly picked up daisies and was making daisy chains for everyone! I have a swallow which represents freedom. I have a random love heart on my arm too, just because it's cute!



You like to meditate each morning. Walk us through what that looks like. Do you stay in bed, play music, use an app? 

I use the app called insight timer and listen to a guided meditation for 10 minutes each morning. Lately it's been while I’m in bed because the doona makes it a little sweeter!


I seek inspiration from….

Nature


I practice self care by….. 

Allowing at least one hour out of every day completely alone, even without a phone or any form of technology.

Our theme for June: Mindful Mama