MumLife NZ - Naturopathic Wellbeing and Self-Care

14/08/2025

How do you find meal prepping? Share your tips! 👇

06/08/2025

06/08/2025

One of my favourite herbs to drink is hibiscus — partly because it tastes good, and partly because it makes me feel like I’ve got my life together.

That deep red colour? Stunning.
The tartness? Refreshing.
And the benefits? Underrated.

Hibiscus is traditionally used to support healthy blood pressure, circulation, and cholesterol. It’s rich in antioxidants, gentle on the liver, and cooling for the body, which makes it a favourite in hot climates or when you’re running a little warm (hello hormones).

I often add it to herbal blends just to lift the flavour and add that tangy brightness. And it’s one of those herbs that even the kids will sip if I make it into a cold brew.

Anyone else a hibiscus fan? Or are there other herbs you always come back to in your teas? I’m always curious what others are loving.

31/07/2025

I’ve never been great at traditional meditation.

The whole sitting still, clearing your mind thing? My brain doesn’t work that way, and honestly, as a mum, I rarely have the space for it anyway.

But mindfulness? That I can do.

It’s the way I pause and let myself focus on something small, something present.
When I’m feeling overwhelmed or dysregulated, I don’t reach for silence or stillness, I just find whatever’s in front of me and really see it.

Like the way a plant outside is swaying in the breeze. I’ll watch it for a minute or two, no agenda, just noticing the movement. It slows my breath without me even trying.

Or when the kids are pushing my buttons and I feel my chest tightening… I zero in on something tiny, like the way their eyelashes curl or the softness in their cheeks. It’s like a little shortcut back to love and calm. Not always easy, but it helps me soften.

And when I’m doing boring, repetitive jobs like folding, wiping, tidying again, I let myself settle into a rhythm. I put on some chill music, let my body move, and lean into the moment instead of fighting it.

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be perfect.
It doesn’t have to be quiet.
It just has to be present.

And in this season of life, that’s more than enough.

What are your best mindfulness tips?

29/07/2025

Yes!

Stardust Poetry

29/07/2025

Let me know, you inspire someone else! 😍🙃

23/07/2025

I always notice the full moon coming before I even see it. My sleep shifts, the energy in the house feels different, and my body just feels... full. Over the years I’ve come to really work with the moon’s phases as part of my own rhythm, and it makes a difference!

At the new moon, I tend to pare things back. Simple meals, early nights, less social energy. It's a time for rest and quiet rebuilding. As we move towards the full moon, my energy naturally lifts, and I plan my more productive or creative work in that window. Around the full moon, I make sure I’ve got calming herbs on hand: lemon balm, passionflower, lavender, and I try to avoid overloading my calendar.

It’s not about being strict, it’s about living in sync. Our bodies, hormones, and even our moods can follow these lunar patterns, especially as women and mums who are constantly holding space for others.

If you’ve ever felt a shift but weren’t sure why, it might be worth tracking the moon for a month or two and seeing what patterns show up.

Do you notice the moon’s effect on your energy, sleep, or mood?

22/07/2025

I have been freelancing in natural skin care for a few years now, and I just love how many amazing products there are out there, I certainly have my favourite brands! But it is a mine-field trying to find what is right for your individual skin.

If you need help working out what YOUR skin needs, DM me and I can help you work out your skincare and tailor a skincare plan just for you!

22/07/2025

You don’t have to leave the house to work with a naturopath... I’m just a video call away!

Wherever you are in Aotearoa, I can support you with tailored naturopathic care that works for your real life. That might look like wholefood nutrition, herbs, supplements, or small lifestyle shifts that make a big difference.

If you're feeling flat, wired but tired, hormonal, run down, or just not quite yourself, I’m here to help you feel on top of your game.

What working with me looks like:
• A virtual consult from the comfort of your own home
• A personalised wellness plan made for your needs
• Herbs, supplements, or functional foods delivered to your door

If you’re ready to feel more balanced, energised and supported, send me a message and we’ll get started.

20/07/2025

The butter struggle is real…

If you don’t know already, butter is a beauty for brain health, hormones, and keeping our energy steady. It's full of healthy fats, fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E & K2), and let’s be frank, it just tastes better.
But whew… have you seen the price of butter lately?! 😩�It’s enough to make you side-eye the margarine! But before you go down the path of seed oils and ultra-processed spreads, there are other clever swaps that still support your health (and your baking).

Here are some budget-friendly, wholefood butter alternatives:�
Plain yoghurt – great in muffins, pancakes & loaves for moisture and a little tang.�
Nut butters – peanut or almond butter work beautifully in cookies and slices.�
Olive oil – perfect for savoury bakes, scones, and even cakes (like orange or chocolate cake).�
Mashed banana – fab in sweet baking like muffins and banana bread.�
Avocado – sounds wild but it works in brownies and rich cakes.�
Coconut oil – a nourishing fat that works well in no-bake slices, cookies, and bliss balls.

If you can stretch to a block of butter now and then, stash some in the freezer for when you want that real buttery flavour, but know you’ve got options that are still nourishing and naturally good for your body (and your wallet).

Which swap do you use most in your baking?

20/07/2025

Turmeric gets a lot of attention for inflammation and immunity (and yes, it’s the best for both), but there’s so much more going on with this golden herb.

Here’s why I love it, especially as a busy, overstimulated, under-slept mum:

💛 Brain & Mood Boost – The curcumin in turmeric helps lift serotonin and dopamine (our feel-good brain chemicals), while calming inflammation in the brain. I’m all for anything that helps with focus, memory, and not snapping at people before 9am.

💛 Skin Support – It’s been used for centuries to calm redness, soothe breakouts, and support skin healing, no fancy serum required.

💛 Gut & Liver Love – Turmeric gently encourages digestion and bile flow, helping with bloating and sluggishness. Great if your belly feels a bit off or you’ve been living off crusts and coffee.

💛 Inflammation & Immunity – Whether your joints are aching or you’re just trying to dodge yet another daycare cold, turmeric will do the trick.

If you’ve never tried my easy golden milk recipe, this is your sign. It’s creamy, spiced, and genuinely helps me wind down after a full-on day, or as a pick-me-up half way through!

19/07/2025

Need a reason to call your best friend? Here’s one backed by science: she might actually help lower your stress hormones. Research shows that women who communicate with trusted female friends during stressful times tend to have lower cortisol levels the body’s main stress chemical. These supportive social connections aren’t just comforting; they’re biologically calming.

Cortisol plays a major role in how we handle anxiety, mood, and physical well-being. When it spikes, we feel overwhelmed, anxious, and tense. But studies reveal that when women engage in “tend-and-befriend” behaviors seeking out emotional support, talking through feelings, or even hugging someone they trust their stress responses significantly decrease.

So whether it’s a deep talk, a shared laugh, or a long overdue voice note, connecting with a female friend is more than just feel-good it’s scientifically good for your health.
Sources: UCLA Stress & Affiliation Studies, Journal of Psychosomatic Research, APA Publications