Purple Tiger &raquo; Living Life WELL

Tags: Cacao and date bliss balls,Healthy Homemade bliss balls,raw chocolate ball snacks,Simple healthy bliss ball recipe

by Craig

4 comments

Gwen IrvineJanuary 24, 2014 - 2:14 PM

I can’t believe you dont use your Thermomix for this recipe!
Or was this photographed before you bought Your Thermie?ReplyCancel
- DianaJanuary 26, 2014 - 6:51 AM
  
  Hi Gwen
  Yes it was photographed before thermie 🙂ReplyCancel
JesseJanuary 17, 2023 - 3:42 PM

Wow these are amazing .. Bliss!!ReplyCancel
- CraigJanuary 17, 2023 - 4:29 PM
  
  Now this is a blast from the past young Jesse. We are heavily into making our own kefir and sauerkraut now-a-day. Yell out if you want some milk kefir grains and join the team 🙂ReplyCancel

Evohe Liquid Mineral Lip gloss

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

I recently had the pleasure of sampling Evohe’s latest addition to their makeup range for the purpose of providing a review. They have just released a range of lip glosses which are 100% natural – lead free – Vegan – with no nasty synthetics or preservatives!

For those of you who aren’t aware of the potential toxins in conventional lipsticks, here’s a good article

There are five colours available (from L to R are): Adam, Eve, Celebration, Rosella and Earth and the ingredients are listed below for those who love to read ingredient labels (like me).

Ingredients

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Mica (CI77019), Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnuaba) Wax, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (orange) Peel Oil, Tocopherol, may contain (+/-) Tin Oxide (CL 77861), Titanium Dioxide (CI77891), Iron Oxides (CI77491, CI77499), Ultramarines (CI77007), Hippophae Rhamnoides (Arctic Sea Buckthorn), Australian Bush Flower Essences.

I have to say, when I found out that they were lip glosses and not lipsticks, I was like ‘uh-oh, I’m not really a glossy kinda girl’ but I am grateful that they aren’t too glossy! So after trialling the lippies, here are some of my PROS and CONS on them …

PROS

Looooove that it’s all natural and good for my lips.
Simplicity of a small range. I like the ability to create different colours by mixing them
Leaves lips soft and dewy and definitely not too glossy (Yay!)
Cool packaging 🙂

CONS

Might be just what I’m used to, but I find the applicator a little harder to use than normal twist up lipsticks. I find it harder to stay in the contour of the lip shape and not go over (maybe that’s just the difference between a more solid lipstick vs. a liquid lipstick). Not a biggy, just might take a little practise.
Doesn’t seem to be as long-wearing as I’d like. I drink a lot of water throughout the day at work and I find that sometimes by late morning the lip colour seems to have faded in its vibrancy a little. This might be being too picky as there still is enough colour but if it could be improved in any way, I’d love for it to be longer wearing or more ‘colour-stay’

As far as colour preferences go – I LOVE Adam and Eve!! (In foreground of image below). I Don’t mind Earth and Rosella but Celebration is definitely NOT for me – way too pink for my liking.

Here’s a closer look at each colour.

ADAM

– this is one of my favourite colours in the range. It gives a soft dewy natural look that is great on its own or over the top of one of the other colours to soften them. It is slightly darker than a nude look so still great for passive days but with a hint of colour.

EVE

– It’s got to be pretty obvious that this is also another one of my favourites. Not just because it’s purple 🙂 , but because it is an earthy purple and looks terrfic on! Not loud or obtrusive, but deep and rich in highlight.

EARTH

– For me, this colour is waaaay too strong on it’s own. I am personally not a dark red lip girl but I found that having a small amount of this as a base with ‘Adam’ on top makes for a nice darker brown/earthy red that I really like.

ROSELLA

– this one is a really soft peachy colour. Can go well on it’s own for those who like a shade pinkier than nude. I love it with ‘Adam’ or ‘Eve’ as it makes it a dusty pink rather than a florally pink. As you can tell, I’m not really a florally kinda gal. 🙂

CELEBRATION

– the funny thing about this one is, when first looking at the colour on the box, Craig said this would be the best one. When I put it on, my first thoughts were “Woooaaaah! So not me. Way toooo pink!” I tried putting ‘Adam’ over the top, but I don’t think I liked it very much even then and ended up removing it. It is definitely a standout pink for those who like their lips to be the centre of attention and very pink.

Evohe are also running a campaign with a great cause, where 50% of their net profit for sales in September and October are going towards supporting a woman with breast cancer. Check it out further if you want to learn more about EVOHE Sisters Breast Cancer Campaign and find out how you can contribute towards this worthy cause.

Another bonus if you want to grab some of these new lip glosses is that Evohe have a current special where you can purchase 3 lip glosses and get a free gift of a blush or bronze powder. I blogged about their mineral makeup some time ago and I have to say I still absolutely love their makeup! It is so versatile and feels great on. My skin loves it!

So there you have it, to visit Evohe’s site, either click on the Evohe banner image to the right of this post or click here.

Over to you. Anybody else tried these lippies? What did you think?

~ Diana

Tags: Evohe Liquid Mineral lips,Evohe makeup,Evohe natural makeup,Natural lipstick

by Diana

no comments

Just What the Doctor Ordered

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Meet Dr. Charles Hew – better known to us as Charlie! Charlie is a GP at the Goonellabah Medical Centre who also specialises in musculoskeletal medicine and acupuncture. More importantly, he is a member of the Lismore running crew, a nice guy with an infectious laugh and a good friend 🙂

We decided to catch up with Charlie to glean his thoughts on this whole running and active lifestyle deal. Here’s what the doctor had to say …

Q: So how long have you been running and why did you start?

I have been a jogger for many yrs , but started running more seriously in 2009, when I joined the Saturday morning running group. Actually Bob Wells, who was my daughter’s school teacher found out I ran and, through my daughter, invited me to join the group. I think the initial invitation was 12 months previous, but it took me 12 months to work up the courage as I thought a running group meant fast, serious runners. Now I know!

Q: What inspires you to keep running?

The reason I run is to catch up with the group and have coffee after the runs and gossip. On a more serious note, I find running, to me, is a form of meditation, breathing, moving and just the peace and quiet that one feels, especially on those early mornings just at daybreak when the rest of the world is just starting the day.

Q: What do you most dislike about running?

Running day in day out in the rain [something that has been a constant feature here in Lismore the last 3 yrs!] whilst training for an event.

Q: Do you want to share about any big event(s) you’ve recently done?

I really enjoyed the 50 km ultra in Canberra 2013, where I paced the run perfectly and enjoyed every minute of it.

Q: What’s your next big goal?

My dream is to run Comrades in june 2014, but I will try a few intermediate runs in the next 6 months to see how I perform. The next big run I will focus on is the BullRun – 70 km in Melbourne in December and if things go well, then I will start training seriously for Comrades.

Q: Why do you think it is so hard for some people to get active?

I feel there is time pressures on everyone and it takes determination and commitment to get out there initially. The initial few months are harder, but once the routine is set, it is like brushing your teeth. When you run in a group, it certainly helps, as others will be waiting for you to turn up before they leave for the run so lying in bed, thinking of excuses for the next time you see them, is a lot harder than just turning up and doing it.

Q: Why do you think there’s so much noise about diets rather than lifestyle change?

I think a lifestyle change, which means looking at all facets of one’s life, including diet, exercise, work practices, smoking, drinking habits etc. is too challenging for a lot of people. Popular press makes out that if the diet is good then everything else will just fall into place, but we all know it is only one facet of a good and healthy life.

Q: In your profession, do you see many patients that could have prevented, or treat, their conditions with better nutrition and/or active more active lifestyle?

I feel that most of the illnesses/complaints I deal with on a daily basis , can be significantly improved with better lifestyle choices. This ranges from the more obvious problems like cancer, diabetes and hypertension to the less evident ones like osteoarthritis, depression, anxiety and a whole range of musculoskeletal afflictions that is rife in Western society.

Q: Are there any running myths you want to bust?

Only one… and that is you don’t have to be fast, flashy, slim or beautiful to be a runner as one sees all sizes, shapes and builds when we run in races and even in our Saturday morning running group.

Thanks Charlie for your insight and sharing of experience. Thank you also for your friendship, treating some of our injuries and continuing to set the bar higher for us! Everyone needs someone to set new goals for them 😛 We wish you all the best with your running and know that Comrades will be a reality for you one day 🙂

Here’s one from a 10km Time trial almost 2 years ago – not fast or flashy, but a true runner

~Di

Tags: Doctors who understand the benefit of running,Running doctor,Ultra marathon runner

by Diana

1 comment

Dan MunroAugust 11, 2013 - 5:12 PM

Charlie has literally saved my life and inspired me in so many ways to live an active enjoyable life despite the many musculoskeletal issues I live with.

Once again I am inspired, as soon as I’m able I’m adding running to my routine that includes bike riding, swimming and walking. Might see you on the road 🙂ReplyCancel

Lighter Side of Marathon Running

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Now most of you think that running a marathon is all about the sweat, pain and just more pain … well not really … sometimes it’s all about the cameras!! 😀

Just to help you see the lighter side and be encouraged to get out there, here’s a few more pics of us in action on course – thanks to the photographers at the GC marathon this year (with a little bit of editing work from us).

All smiles at around the 30km mark – He’s so happy he’s levitating 😉

The triage of classic fist pumps – soaking in the finishing chute glory

My look of pained determination

Sometimes they catch you at your most flattering .. hammy and glute cramps just over the finish line – ouch!

The above image goes well with this MUST WATCH video footage from the Marathon-Photos site (at bottom right hand side). Watch, turn up the volume on the player and listen out for the D’munchkin grunts (before and after the finish line). It cracks me up every time. 😀

And finally… the crowd support from Team SCU for Craig as he enters the finishing chute in style! Thanks to Jesse Perkins for filming using my iphone.

So whether you are thinking of running the 2km, 5.7km, 10km, half marathon or full marathon next year, make sure you remember to draw in the atmosphere and smile for the cameras!! 😀 Makes for some great memories.

~Di

Tags: Enjoying Gold Coast airport marathon,Enjoying marathon running,Husband and wife running marathon,Images from Gold Coast marathon 2013

by Diana

no comments

Marathon report – Almost the fairytale ending

Monday, July 15, 2013

** Spoiler alert ** we both made it 🙂 … keep reading for the detailed report

It was an early start – although our race didn’t kick off until 7:20am we wanted to be all ready and at the race precinct to watch the 10,000+ competitors start the half marathon at 6am. It was an amazing start – watching what seemed like an endless flow of runners trail out on an epic 21.1km journey. We had many friends taking on this challenge and many of them attempting their first half marathon. To all who started ‘well done’, to all who finished ‘WELL DONE !’

OK, now the half marathon is underway …. we’re next. I was a little nervous, my preparation this year was last minute and underdone due to niggly injuries, but excitement and anticipation was overtaking nervousness. My primary objective this year was to get Diana up to the 30km mark and set up for a sub 4hr marathon with nice even pacing. All going well after that, I would stick with her and we could finish ‘fairytale ending’ hand in hand under 4 hrs. Diana seemed calmer than expected, so things were looking great. We headed over to the start line and self seeded ourselves ahead of the 4hr pacer. The Gold Coast turned it on with wonderful weather conditions and streets lined with supporters and entertainers. We relaxed into a rhythm and were even pacing mostly between a 5:30-5:40 min / km pace. Di got quite relaxed and enjoyed ‘high-fiving’ all the kids cheering along our southern journey.

We turned around at Burleigh (15.6km mark) still feeling comfortable and began our journey back north. Conditions were still comfortable and everything was going to plan …. thus far. I know to some it sounds crazy, but the first 30k of the marathon is actually quite an enjoyable experience. If you have been running with plenty left in the tank earlier in the race you cross the halfway point (21.1km) feeling comfortable and like you could keep running all day. We hit the half way mark in 1hr 57min (or 1hr 59min gun time)

This put us on target for our sub 4hr marathon, with the 2min lag time at the start made up, but still not trying to go too fast at this stage. If we could average a 5:40 min / km pace for the second half we had it in the bag. Di was definitely still running within herself and heading north towards our start point she was still taking any opportunity to ‘high-five’ excited supporters (especially young kids). We were both very comfortable as this following image demonstrates …..

…this was taken at about the 27km mark (that big tall building in the background – the Q1 – was where we were going to spoil ourselves as a reward the next 5 days). It was just after the 29km mark that I started to have some early problem signs. Some mild cramping was starting to show itself 🙁

Despite the early signs of danger for me, Di was still feeling very strong so I suggested she still hold back until 32km and then spend whatever was left in the tank in the last 10km. Well, I was able to maintain a pace in the low 5:30’s up to the 32km mark and checked in with Di again. She knew the reserve tank didn’t have much left in it so she was happy to just continue with the same pace we had been setting all day. Unfortunately my cramps got worse, but I found (for a while at least) that if I didn’t slow down, speed up or do any significant turning they weren’t making me stop …. until …. just after the 35k mark.

I had achieved my primary goal of setting a restrained even pace to this point and Di was looking strong for her sub 4hr goal. With only 7km to go I had to let go of the ‘fairytale’ ending – Di had to push on to nail her 3hr ??min marathon debut, and I had to reset my goal to managing these crazy cramps and just securing a finish. I think it was a tough call for Di when she looked back and saw me walking but she made the call I was hoping she would and pushed on. With all the injury niggles I had been having, we had discussed this being a probable situation. For Di to run sub 4hrs and for me to just finish was the next best thing to the ‘fairytale’ ….. and it was looking probable.

Even though we had a tough head wind from 38km to 41km, Di still managed to run her second half in 1hr 59min. Coming through the fininshing shoot, she was focused on the goal and the elation of finishing her first marathon under 4hrs was being realised …

The cramping might have slowed me down (a lot), but it didn’t stop me, I still finished – 17min behind the dynamic D’Muchkin (Di), but not too shabby considering the challenges I had through training this time round…

Finally, we are both marathoners … and both get to sport these bad boys…

So, dear readers, should we go again? A marathon in Disney World – Florida, or the Athens Marathon perhaps? What is your opinion? “D’Munchkin” Di showed promise and could probably better her maiden marathon time if she goes again? Should I take the hint from my recurring marathon cramping issues and just specialise in half marathons or shorter? It’s obvious we are both good at hamming it up for the cameras, so should we just ‘marathon up’ to go for the ‘fairytale’ finish? Let us know your thoughts 🙂

~ Craig

Tags: Gold Coast marathon 2013,Husband and wife running marathon,Marathon running,Purple Tiger Runners,Running as a lifestyle

by Craig

2 comments