Hello beautiful hippies and welcome to my blog. 

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I created this blog with the hopes of sharing my journey through the world of conscious living.  I have been passionate about the environment as long as I can remember, and to me, being active and healthy is just a daily part of life.  I am constantly learning new things and my curiosity and thirst for knowledge lead me down many different paths.  This is why I felt compelled to share.  I may not be a doctor or a scientist, but I can research like the best of them and don't want to just keep my findings to myself for only me to benefit.  I can appreciate that not everyone has the time to delve deeper into important topics, so I see this as a purpose and calling. 

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I guess you could label me a modern-day hippy - not necessarily the bell bottom wearing, flower power girl that first jumps to mind, but rather a human who feels connected to the earth and wants to honour and protect it, as well as utilise it.  And come to think of it, there is still a substantial amount of flower power at work. 

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For the last decade I have been dedicated to living an ethical, sustainable and conscious life.  I love making my own products or finding natural alternatives.  I am a huge foody and love to create new recipes, especially for fussy eaters.  I buy organic as my first choice, am mindful about my zero waste options and make my own amazing compost.  I am also an avid upcycle and DIY-er and believe it's all about reusing. 

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A recent passion of mine is herbal medicine and natural healing.  I've struggled with a couple of different ailments over the last 10 years and am keen to share how I overcame them and/or and living a healthy life with them.  I've never liked conventional medication,  and while I do think it has its place, I honestly believe that preventative measures and lifestyle drive health. 

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I have always been very interested in parenting and childcare.  My history as a teacher and then home-schooling mum has served me well, but I never stop educating myself on the subject.  The most important thing I'll ever do is raise my daughter, so I make sure that I am putting in maximum effort there. 

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To live a mindful life is the most rewarding feeling, and taking responsibility for my own physical, emotional and mental health, as well as incorporating mindfulness practices into my daily life has been a game changer.  Yoga, meditation, journaling, nature, connection - all of these things have a very real place in our lives, and I want to help anyone who is interested to find their own way to this bliss. 

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So, join me in discovering a non-toxic, low waste, budget friendly, eco life - full of passion, curiosity and creativity. 

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More About us...

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Our little pack consists of me, the Alpha, better known as mum or babe, but will also answer to Melissa.  My husband Vern, born Werner, but too complicated to deal with pronunciations in the UK so goes by Vern, and our funny and bright daughter Maddie, who attended the first 3 years of school where I taught, then a further 4 years unschooling, until recently going to an independent secondary school focusing on the arts.  And let's not forget about our god of mischief - Loki, the black lab. 

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We are fortunate enough to live in the Devon countryside in England, and it still blows my mind when I say that, because Vern and I are both originally from South Africa.  We met here in the UK through a mutual friend when we were in our early 20's, so it's been quite the epic journey so far. 

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I have dabbled in many different vocations in my life and definitely fit the 'jack of all trades' description.  I think that is why my friends and family are always coming to me with questions, cause Melissa is bound to know, and if she doesn't she'll find out lol

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I've been in finance, hospitality and education officially, but have a few diplomas for things ranging from photography, skin therapy, and stress management, to nutrition and childcare.  Needless to say, I love to learn and am currently in the process of studying psychology, medicinal herbs and spanish for my own interest. 

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I love the outdoors and when we go camping I never want to come back inside and feel like I could easily live that way forever.  Sometimes I really wish we still lived in tribes.  And I am definitely that one friend who is always trying to convince everyone else to run off and start an off-grid intentional community. 

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We want to buy land in Devon and build our own tiny house and get into permaculture.  I'm dying to get chickens and cannot wait until we can realise this dream.  Stay tuned! 

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I do yoga every day and don't know how I survived before it - It's a real game changer. 

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Most people want to travel the world, but I want a piece of land to call my own, where I can finally become that kooky lady that faffs around with her chickens, veggies and diy's all day, completely content in her simple life. 

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I hate driving and walk everywhere I can.  I love to walk.  Even attempted 100km once. 

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Before I sign off here, I just want to add that just because I'm sharing our lives, does not mean that what we do is the only right way, or that anything you are doing is wrong.  We are just sharing our way and what works for us.  And if even one word can have an impact on one person than my goal has been successful. 

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I really hope that this site inspires you to be more mindful, ethical and creative.  Sending you all positive vibes.