Our Byron Bay Boho Wedding; all the details.

Hey beautiful people! I hope you’re having a great start to 2020. Can you believe we are already half way through February? It’s crazy how fast time is flying. We got our wedding photos back last week and my heart is full reminiscing on our magical day, with our nearest and dearest.

After sharing our photos with our friends and family I thought it was only fair I kept my promise and shared all the details with you too (especially for you engaged ladies out there planning weddings - I know there is lots to organise and things we want to pick other brides brains about), so hopefully this helps.

Before I do share all the highlights - you guys know I am all about being real and raw. I don't just want to show you the perfect bits of life (because let’s be honest- that’s not reality). And despite our day honestly being the best day of our lives and everything we could have wished for (which is the honest truth)… everything leading up to it was pretty much a disaster!

No word of a lie - it was a shit fight!

You know how they say planning a wedding can be ‘stressful’? Well I think I got to experience that on a whole new level! I am a positive ‘get shit done’ kind of girl, but I would be lying if I said this didn’t test me. I won’t go into too much detail (maybe a VLOG for another day) BUT just to put some things in perspective, I will summarise it for you.

THE BLOOPERS

• We booked our wedding at the Fig Tree 18 months prior, after falling in love with it at first sight. It was slightly out of our budget, but it was gorgeous, so we paid our deposit and worked out a way to make it work, and then started saving.

• A few months later The Fig Tree lost its licensing for outdoor dining, which was a massive reason why we booked the venue, wanting our dinner to be under the stars. We were a little disappointed but it was still a beautiful venue so we changed our vision and kept our booking.

• Six weeks before our wedding, (after we had finally finished all the planning and started to relax and get excited for the countdown) the Fig Tree Venue burnt down and we had to find a new venue (for the Wednesday before Christmas) and plan a new wedding in 6 weeks. We honestly contemplated calling the wedding off, but we had friends and family who were flying in from all around the world to be in Byron Bay for that day.

• The Kombi van we had organised for our wedding canceled on us 4 weeks out. 

• The owner of the AirBNB we had organised for our bridal party to stay in the week of the wedding decided to sell 3 weeks out. 

• The week before the wedding I twisted my ankle.

• The week of the wedding Jetstar went on strike and some of our guests flying in had to book new flights to ensure they would get there for the day.

• And then a few days out, a vendor that we had never spoken to, that was involved with the new venue, contacted us to chase up an invoice we had no knowledge of, or had agreed to. This was never part of our budget (which had already blown out over the series of unfortunate events!) and caused Dan a few anxious moments!

WHAT IT TAUGHT ME

In saying this - I don’t want to turn you off. The day honestly was the best day of our lives (the photos are amazing, and reflect the many memories we will cherish from the day) but they still don’t do the vibe and energy any justice. I can’t wait to share the wedding video with you when we get it!

I would do it all over again in a heart beat and it was a really good reminder of what the day was about in the first place. LOVE. We knew we would never get the opportunity to have all our friends and family, that are scattered all around the globe, together in one place (and in such a beautiful location) ever again, (unless maybe at our funeral) and we wouldn’t even be there to enjoy it!

The process built my belief in Dan and I as a team, and our ability to lean on each other when life throws a few challenges at us (which it will continue to do so). I was grateful for the process because it shook me, reminded me that I am not in control and to not be attached to things or objects.

All that matters is family, friends, love, experiences and memories. I was so so grateful that on our day we both had our immediate families there, happy and healthy, to spend our wedding day with us, and for that alone - we are truly blessed and I would choose our ‘challenges’ out of a hat any day!

THE NIGHT BEFORE

Most of our guests arrived a couple of days before the wedding. Dan had organised a boys day playing golf, then headed to the the Stone and Wood brewery whilst us ladies sat by the pool eating cheese, biscuits and drinking cocktails (my fav).

The night before we had a dinner with all our guests who had flown in at the Tree House in Byron Bay. We had wood fire pizzas, along with a drink or two, before I left with my mum and the bridesmaids. We stayed at the Fig Tree the night before (as the dairy accommodation hadn’t burnt down, just the restaurant) and left Dan and the boys at our airBNB.

THE DRESS + VEIL (P.S I am selling these if you would like them).

I went dress shopping with my mum and my best friends a year before the wedding (I would suggest doing this as soon as you can as most places suggest at least 6-9 months turn around to make/order your dress).

We went to a few shops… I knew my style and that I wanted to feel flowy, boho, hippy and carefree (and just be me!) I had always known that the Grace Loves Lace dresses symbolised my personality (and everyone had always said that they saw me in one of their dresses).

Mum begged me to try on the Alexandra dress, which I honestly did just for her because it wasn't what I saw myself in… yet it was the only dress that I lit up in and felt like ‘the one’ when I tried it on.

It’s so true what they say, you might have a picture in your mind but you often end up in the complete opposite! I opted for the 120 cm train in Ivory. It was perfect, boho, elegant and had a butt tussle so I could dance (and you know that’s always my number 1 priority!)

I wanted the best of both worlds: to feel like me with my hair down with a flower crown, but also feel elegant and timeless with my hair up with a veil. So my Girlfriend Chani gifted me with her 3 metre cathedral length ‘Chani’ Veil from Made with Love, which I wore for the ceremony then let my hair down afterwards!

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

I knew I wanted all natural earthy tones and I wanted all of us girls to feel stunning but more relaxed like the ‘girl next door vibe’. So loose curls, natural make up and a champagne or oyster coloured dress. We had 2 hours together in Melbourne and were on a mission.

We found the perfect dresses in Shieke. Not just because it was what I envisioned, but because it fitted my besties perfectly. All four of them have sexy curves and great butts! It also hugged them in the right spots! I was pretty chill and said wear whatever jewellery and shoes you like as long as the heels were beige.

THE FLOWERS

I have no idea about flowers! I spent hours looking on Pinterest to work out what I liked and then tried to find a florist who could make it happen. Despite starting to look for vendors 12 months out, I had difficulty finding someone who was available that day.

Therefore, couldn’t go with anyone that had been recommended to me. However, I stumbled across a beautiful lady named Kerilyn from Lavish Floral Design Gold Coast, who understood my vision and put together a quote that was reasonable compared to the ones I had seen online.

I had no idea flowers could be so expensive! She told me to trust her and leave it up to her. I did and I was so happy with them. She delivered and put together our bridal bouquets, a throw away posie, button holes for the boys and my dad, my flower crown and flowers/vases for the tables.

Originally, we weren’t going to have an arbor because the big Fig Tree branches created one naturally, but with the new venue we opted to get a tipi arbor. So Kerilyn made two flower features for that as-well.

THE HAIR

I have had so many compliments on our hair and make up with people asking for referrals, but I didn’t get professionals to do either! One of my best friends Sarah has always been great with hair as a dance teacher, so we had a hair trial and played around with it a few weeks before the wedding. She came over to share the morning with the girls (gotta love some girl time!), helped us get ready and did our hair.

THE MAKE UP

I never really wear make up or pay to have it done professionally, and when it has been for other peoples weddings, Dan has never liked it on me. So I didn’t see the point in paying to get my makeup done, however my bestie and bridesmaid Gretchen - loves that shit!

It’s her jam and does it for fun! So a few months before the wedding when I was visiting her, she played around and we bought a palette from Mecca with all the natural peachy tones I wanted and she did mine and all the bridesmaids makeup. She rocked it with a champagne in her hand and time to spare!

THE GROOM AND HIS MEN 

To be honest Dan dresses better than me, so I let him organise the boys. I think he always looks sexy in suspenders so I suggested that, but he did the rest. We looked on Pinterest for some styles he liked.

We wanted to keep it in the earthy tones, and be mindful the boys wouldn’t want jackets, as it was on a Wednesday in mid December, in the height of the Australian summer (so it’s hot!). Dan got his jacket and pants from Politix, the shirts from Country Road, shoes from Universal and belts from Myer.

THE WEDDING VENUE

When The Fig Tree burnt down, Byron Bay Weddings (who we had booked through initially) helped us find an alternative venue. To be honest there wasn't much available with limited notice and being the week before Christmas (we were lucky it was on a Wednesday), however we had previously viewed The Byron View Farm, and although it was a little out of our budget, they did as much as they could to help us transition everything we had already organised to this venue. I couldn’t fault it!

It was a little tricky, as with the Fig Tree everything was pretty much included being a restaurant already. But with the Byron View Farm…it was just that. A farm. So every chair, table, knife, fork, light, serviette, bin etc had to be hired in.

Byron Bay Weddings did an amazing job organising it all, setting it up and helping us with styling. All we had to do was show up on the day! So like I said the lead up to the wedding was chaos but the day itself was stress free. We didn't have to lift a finger and we ended up with the ‘dining under the stars’ after-all! The universe works in mysterious ways.  

OUR RINGS + VOWS

Both Dan and I wrote our own vows and wanted thick gold wedding bands. We got the rings specially made with some gold that I had inherited over the years in jewellery I would probably never wear.

This was particularly special as it makes the rings even more sentimental having been passed down through generations… not to mention also cheaper. So something I suggest looking into if you have some old gold jewellery laying around the house!

THE CELEBRANT 

Our good friend Anthony (who has become such a big part of our lives since being together) is great with words, speaking and bringing people together to create experiences. He actually isn’t an official ‘celebrant’ but he had run the ceremony for our friends Chani and Matt who got married the year prior and we loved how he did it.

Dan and I aren’t particularly religious but we definitely have faith and wanted spirituality as part of our ceremony - but more than anything we wanted it to be intimate, personal and interactive. We also wanted to involve all of our beautiful friends and family that have been weaved into our love story ….which he delivered (like we knew he would).

It was the best ceremony I have ever been to (and I am not even being biased!) haha. We also had an official celebrant there on the day, Christina Blanchard was so easy to work with and let Ant run the show, whilst she took care of all the official paper work!

THE CAKE

I don’t like cake so I didn’t see the point in me spending heaps of money for everyone to enjoy something I don’t! Its my wedding, I am paying for it and I don’t like cake! BUT I DO LOVE DONUTS!!! haha! So we just bought 80 Krispy Kremes and my girlfriend Caity, who is amazing at cakes (you need to check her out), did her thing and made it look pretty. That was really all I did and her being the wizard she is - did the rest! She is the best!! P.S I was having too much fun I didn’t even get a donut in the end!. 

THE VIDEOGRAPHER/PHOTOGRAPHER

I am all about vibes. So when I was looking for a photographer and videographer online, I stumbled across Beccy at BXCSMXTH and immediately decided I had to have her! I love her stuff. It always looked fun and real rather than too glossy, posed or glorified.

Having her there on our day was even more special as her energy is beautiful and makes everyone feel comfortable (especially Dan who hates photos and rarely smiles in any I have with him… if you follow me on social media and watch my stories you know this!). She was lots of fun, we even begged her to stay and party with us!

THE MUSIC

When planning the wedding I turned to Facebook and asked friends for recommendations when it came to vendors. A friend from university recommended Josh Lovegrove. We did our social media stalking (like you do) and loved his tone! I’m an old soul and grew up on James Taylor and Josh sounds just like him, so I was sold.

He was amazing! He played acoustic and does some crazy looping. All our guests commented on how much they enjoyed his music. We had him play for three hours as canapés and Pimms were being served, whilst guests mingled and played lawn games.

We made our own playlist, which was playing over the AV whilst dinner was served and in between speeches. THEN IT WAS PARTY TIME! We had all our guests RSVP with their favourite song that they were committed to dancing to, so everyone was up and boogyinggggg!

I walked down to aisle to: Paper Kites by Bloom

Our first dance was to: Babylon by Boyce Avenue 

I danced with my dad to: You’ve got a friend by James Taylor

The last song of the night was a family anthem (such a special moment): Jackson Browne: The Load out

THE TRANSPORT 

We knew how difficult it was going to be, getting all our guests to the Byron View Farm with taxis and Ubers in Byron. It’s a pretty small town and crazy busy at that time of the year. Also, not that any of our guests would drive because we like to parttyyyy and drink, but even if they did, there was limited car parks on site.

So we organised A double decker love bus (London Style), which seemed fitting considering Dan is from the UK and all his family had flown in from London. We asked our guests to bring $10 each if they wanted to be picked up from two locations in town. It would pick them up and drop them off at the end of the night (if they were going home).

We had organised an after party venue at The Bolt Hole in town for those who wanted to party on! As a dancer (and most of my friends are too), I hate when I leave a wedding and it’s just starting to get going with good music… then I have to go to bed - so we didn't! We kept partying and dancing the night away.

We did end up organising a new Kombi van through Byron Bay Kombi’s, which picked me and the Bridesmaids up from the Fig Tree and took us up to the Byron View Farm. We were hiding inside in the cottage with Champagne as all the guests arrived in the bus. We also had the Kombi for photos after the ceremony. 

THE FOOD + ALCOHOL

When we were picking venues Dan was pretty chill, he just wanted me to be happy (you know what they say a happy wife, happy life haha). But the only thing he really wanted was good food. I’m not sure if it’s a cultural thing but him and his family have always really appreciated good restaurants.

Whilst me and my family on the other hand… if there’s alcohol there, we are good! So that was another reason we chose The Fig Tree Restaurant. Even with the change of venues, The Fig Tree were still able to cater for us at Byron View Farm.

Byron Bay Weddings helped us work out how much alcohol to bring for 76 guests as it was BYO we just had to pay for corkage and their staff would serve it. My only request was Espresso Martinis and Pimms!

When we had our guests RSVP they replied with their dietary requirements and their alcohol of choice, which helped us cater rather than guessing. We did well - the alcohol kept flowing all night, I never saw an empty glass and everyone loved the food!

The Fig Tree were great at catering for dietary requirements too which helped, as we have lots of health conscious friends including vegans, vegetarians and even the coeliacs were able to enjoy a feast!

Canapés - to begin 

• Byron bay mozzarella, basil oil, fresh fig (GF) 

• Mushroom & truffle Arancini

• Ballina prawns, garlic & lemon (GF, DF) 

• Grilled chicken skewers, mirin and ginger (GF, DF) 

Mains - served on platters for guests to share 

• Dutch cream gnocchi, pumpkin & sage (GF, DF) 

• Bangalow Sweet Pork, apples & eschallot (GF, DF) 

• Lamb shoulder, celery, mint & pomegranate (GF, DF) 

Sides - to share 

• Garden carrots, thyme & rosemary (GF, DF) 

• Puy lentils, leeks & red wine (GF) 

• Rocket, roast vegetables & Persian feta (GF) 

Sweet canapés 

• Figtree chocolate and raspberry brownie (Vegan, DF) 

• Garden citrus frangipane tart 

WHAT DID IT COST?

I know a lot of the time, the thing on most brides minds planning the wedding, is money - despite not feeling comfortable enough to talk to others or out right ask about it. But as you know I am an open book, and I don’t think its fair to talk about all the amazing stuff without also talking about how much it cost to make it happen.

Like I explained at the start we knew it was going to be expensive going into it, but we also got clear on why we were doing it and what we wanted it to be for us. What we were willing to spend the money on and where we were willing to try and save.

All up the wedding cost close to $40,000 AUD. We got clarification on the final quote (before all the mishaps) around 12 months out and then we altered our budget to make sure we were saving $800 a week to be able to afford it.

We wanted to pay cash and not have to get a loan, or put ourselves in debt, all for one day. Which I know most people have to do, so I am not ignorant or unaware of how fortunate we are to have built our businesses to a point we knew that we could afford that.

My Mum and Dad wanted to buy my dress and flowers, and Dan’s parents helped us by hosting an after party BBQ the day after the wedding.. 

SOME OF MY FAVOURITE MAGICAL MOMENTS:

So many people had given us advice before the wedding day, to ensure we were present and to take opportunities throughout the day, to stand back and take it all in, as it goes so quick.

I am actually really proud of us because despite being present and amongst it all, we had lots of moments together experiencing it, as what could have seemed like a third party observer looking at the bigger picture. Just being so grateful and having our hearts explode with love for how big of a deal it was for people to travel from far and wide, from around the world, with two families, multiple countries, two lives with lots of different chapters - all coming together smiling, dancing, laughing and having fun.

This combined with my love for my new husband was a feeling I can’t explain and why I would do it all over again and can’t put a price tag on it!

I had a reveal in the cottage before my ceremony with my Mum, Dad and two brothers and it was such a beautiful moment. I don’t have words for it. The photo’s captured some special memories but the real water works started once the photographer had left the room and my Mum and Dad broke down (I had never seen my dad cry like that before). They had me, my brothers and the bridesmaids all in tears!

Our MC and best mate Casey, had organised the King boys VS the Kerr boys in an AUS VS POM boat race as it was equal teams (…we both have two brothers!) It was the funniest thing to see as I thought my family had it in the bag for sure (… considering Dan had never seen his Dad skull a beer in his life!), but it seems like Australia brings out the best in all of us and it was a dead heat!

At the end of the night the last song, ‘the load out’ played by Jackson Browne (the photographers had left so it wasn’t captured). This song holds a special meaning to my family. We had our arms around each other swaying together and belting out every lyric whilst the rest of the guests had no idea what was going on but could feel the love and created a circle around us. It was one of those moments that gave me goosebumps. 

The Love bus (double decker bus) on the way home was PUMPING! It was so much fun! I think we were all jacked up on espresso martinis - it was like a two level night club. The bottom level was fun where everyone was singing and dancing… then you went upstairs and it was NEXT LEVEL! I could have just partied on the bus and never gone anywhere and still have had the best day! 

So my advice… LET GO + TRUST

As cliche as it sounds, it all happened for a reason. The day was a fairytale. We ended up having the day we had originally envisioned - it might not have been the way we planned it but sometimes the universe knows better than we think we do.

Is the Healthstyle Emporium a pyramid scheme? Learn the Truth Now

So many women I meet love the mission behind the Healthstyle Emporium inspiring holistic healthy living around the world and helping women put their health and happiness first again.

They love the idea of creating a smart second income online, or totally changing their profession and working alongside a team of inspiring and passionate women and are excited to enjoy all the fun, personal development, support, community, connection, purpose and travel that comes with being welcomed part of our Babes in Business team. But then they learn more about our business distribution model and think "it is one of THOSE things", and decide it’s not for them (maybe this is even you, or someone you know who has already looked into joining our amazing team).

To be honest, I completely understand, I felt the same way when I was shared this business opportunity and actually said no for a few months before I said yes because I didn’t understand our business structure and I knew there was a stigma around it in society...I wanted to know:

• Is the HSE a pyramid scheme?
• Is the Healthstyle Emporium an MLM? 
• How does MLM work?
• It really is a win-win situation for all?
• Don't only the people up the top make money?
• I still think it's a Pyramid Scheme
• If the products are so good why not stock them in the supermarkets?
• I don’t know if network marketing is for me?
• So why HSE?
• What is Residual Income?

The Healthstyle Emporium Holistic Program

Which is why I wanted to be real and raw with you, and answer those questions because I had them too, and I would hate for you or someone you know to miss out on an amazing opportunity because they didn’t truly understand it. 

Is this one of those things?

I totally understand how you feel, I felt the same way and to be honest…I couldn’t be stuffed working out whether it was or wasn’t so I said no for a few months to this business, I just knew that there was a stigma around things like this (didn’t understand why nor did I take the time to).

However - I saw people I really looked up to in the health and wellness industry getting involved, they weren’t being salesy, or sleazy, they didn’t change. They were still heartfelt, genuine and it was clear they weren’t out to scam anyone. They were being authentic, having way more fun than me and living on their own terms. Meanwhile, four months had passed since someone shared the opportunity with me… I was still commuting, I was stilling working 9-5 pm, my salary was capped and I didn’t feel like I was helping anyone. I was on the verge of burnout at the age of 23 thinking is this literally what my future looks like, working 40 hours for the next 40 years…I thought those 4 years being poor and hustling at university with this $30,000 HECS debt I am still paying off -  was supposed to give me more freedom?

So I did my research and I can now say hand on my heart I am extremely proud of the beautiful community we have created and the business structure behind it…but like I said I can relate as I was where you were so…

Is the Healthstyle Emporium a Pyramid Scheme?

No. They were made illegal in the 1900s.

However, I understand why you are cautious about it because the pyramid schemes you’re referring to are known as “Ponzi schemes” (which isn’t what we do and I will explain that in a second). Most of our parents have had an experience with these illegal pyramid schemes at some point in their life before they were made illegal, which is the reason there is a stigma around what we do.  These schemes are a form of financial fraud where people make money purely by relying on people buying or investing in their business and recruiting people to join them in their business. There is no exchange of goods and services.

Is the Healthstyle Emporium MLM?

The short answer is no. The Program is independent and was created by our team of health professionals however we have partnered with an MLM company and use its business distribution model. So long answer is yes. We love and use a Multi-level network marketing / Direct Selling business model to deliver next-level value for our customers and provide flexibility and autonomy for our team.

How does Multi Level Marketing work?

Oh my god. I said it... it’s like MLM is a dirty word. But why…do you understand it?

So the best way to explain it is just like the checkout chick selling fruit and veg at your local grocery store! We do the same (although may I add, we are selling fruit and veggies that are better than organic, are tested over 4 times for pesticides, herbicides, mould and bacteria) and P.S just for the record…you don’t have to be a health professional to sell fruit, lets just clear that up! If you don’t agree please take that up with your local checkout chick at your grocery store and demand you see her qualifications, and the research on the health benefits of the fruits and veg before buying them - or god forbid the health benefits of the butter, chips and biscuits you’re putting in your basket!

So just like that checkout chick, we sell the best fruit and vegetables you can get your hands on - Juice Plus, which is a world-class wholefood nutraceutical support which aligns with our beliefs of health being holistic and food being medicine. But instead of all the money that goes into advertising for Woolworths or Coles, the rent the building is on, the rates, shipping costs, stock that just sits there and goes to waste that has to be chucked out, electricity bills, the wages for the teenager that doesn’t rock up on Sunday for his shift because he is sick (we all know he is hungover) ….in our business structure the middle man is cut out which means there is more opportunity for more money to end back in the ‘checkout chick’s’ pockets.

It really is a win-win situation for all?

Did you know in traditional business, distribution and marketing equals about 85% of the price we pay for the product?

As opposed to MLM, where only 40 - 50% of the product cost goes to distribution and marketing costs, allowing you to take advantage of a higher value product at a lower price?

The Consumer wins!

Consumers get better value for their money as less is being spent on advertising and distribution. Usually, companies that take advantage of the MLM business structure have a product or service that is cutting edge. These products are often expensive to manufacture, lots of science and research goes into them and consequently the local ‘checkout chick’ isn’t going to be educated on the millions of products in her store, nor is she going to take the time to explain why you should pick the product that is $1 more over the product you are familiar with because they really don’t care! They are there to get paid their $19 an hour and go home. If you put a cutting edge product next to the other health products in a health food store or grocery store people don’t know what they are looking for. Think of it like this… you don’t find a Porsche at your local car dealership, do you?

The Franchisee wins

This business structure is great for people like me, who have a great work ethic because we get to dictate our wage, and how much we are worth. If we want to get to work and share the product or service with others, our pay is a direct reflection of how many people we help and share our product with. This is another reason why we are not an illegal pyramid scheme, we are compensated for selling a product. We do not get paid for recruiting people in our business. Another reason why this business structure is great for people like me who have the entrepreneurial spirit, is there are low start-up costs and no risks. In AUD its $165, $50 in USA, Europe and UK £50 - which again is another reason why we are not an illegal pyramid scheme - as they rely on large start-up fees to make money usually in the high thousands. This structure is also great for women who are just looking to create a 2nd income sharing what they are passionate about or an income that works around their values whether it be kids, family, education or travel.

The Company wins

This business structure is also great for companies because instead of paying those employees who pretend to look like they are busy for the whole shift (you know we have all been there, spending the shift looking busy cleaning up an isle), they just pay the workers who are getting the work done. Don’t do the work - don’t get paid.

You don’t have to have a background in business to know this isn’t a scheme...its smart business!

Ok, I get it but don't only the people up the top make money?

In those illegal Ponzi schemes I was telling you about, yes  - where there is no product, no service, no business opportunity - just an investment, large enrolment fees and a mission to recruit others to put $$ in a ‘make-believe’ kitty - as you scam people into this scheme you make your way up to the top where you get to collect go and say byeeee suckerssss!!

But as I said (and I hope you’re picking up what I’m putting down), your earnings in this business are a direct reflection of the work you put into your business and how many people you help by flooding their body with the nutrients it needs to do what it is designed to do. There isn't some greedy guts at the top taking everything while you get a small percentage (which is more like a traditional business these days, the CEO takes the big bucks and everyone else works hard for minimum wage. Do you work in a hospital, government, retail, apprenticeship? That is more like a “pyramid structure” you were referring to earlier).  

There can be people new in this business making more money than the person who shared this business opportunity with them who had been doing it years longer - it’s just how many people you share the product or service with.  If you’re really into compensation plans and the nitty-gritty -  (this isn’t a blog for that but we can send a training video to you that goes for about an hour explaining how it all works if that’s your jam, I am sure you would even be able to find it on the Internet!)

I still think its a Pyramid Scheme

If the products are so good - why not stock them in the supermarkets?

I hope I did a good enough job at explaining why this is earlier... but if you still have doubts (I love my stats guys, I had to learn to in my honours year writing my thesis!)

Science and research studies have found we trust our friends and family more than advertising, funnily enough, we know that even though we see an advertisement of a famous singer/model advertising she’s loving $5 shampoo and conditioner…we know to call B*$#shit!

But on the other hand, if your mum or best friend saw a great movie, found a great restaurant or a skincare product and recommended it…we trust them and often will go try it for ourselves.

That is why cutting edge products with lots of research behind them that are making massive ripple effects in peoples lives, wellbeing and health is not found in a supermarket. A satisfied consumer is way more powerful with 78% of people buying a product from peer recommendation vs 14% from advertisements. Because these products are so amazing they rely on helping people get amazing results so others can genuinely and passionately share them with their loved ones. Most online businesses have caught onto this which is why they pay pretty Instagram models on your feed to post and endorse their products because they know you’ll trust them over paying thousands of dollars for advertising on tv, shops or magazines.

We have seen first hand what these products can do, from our own experiences or our clients inside the Healthstyle Emporium. Seeing the results and how amazing the Juice Plus products can be, adds fuel to my fire and makes my why so much bigger than me. That is what gives me the courage to get out there and share our mission (despite others out there not understanding and still having an ignorance towards MLM, maybe you were one of these people? I hope after reading this, I may have changed that for you).

Ok, I think I get it... But I don’t know if network marketing is for me?

I understand how you feel, trust me like I said I felt that too… even after learning all about pyramid schemes and realising this isn’t one of them.

But can I let you in on a little secret? You’re already a network marketer. In fact, we all are!

You know that TV series you recommended to your mum on Netflix? And that amazing lipstick from MAC you told your bestie about? That’s network marketing in action. And I am willing to bet that your mum and your bestie were both so grateful for a recommendation from someone they could trust. Now imagine if Netflix and Mac paid you for making recommendations just like that - for products you already love and know are making a massive difference in peoples health and wellbeing. That’s all that network marketing is, and when it works? When it’s done with authenticity and passion? Well, there’s no more powerful business model in the world.

So Why HSE?

We are in a health crisis. The World Health Organisation 2017 tells us that Chronic diseases kill 40 million people each year, equivalent to 70% of all deaths globally. The 4 groups of diseases that account for over 80% of all premature deaths are; cardiovascular diseases, followed by cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. High processed packaged diets all increase the risk of dying from a chronic illness.

Prevention is one of the most powerful things we can do when responding to chronic illnesses, providing our body with the nutrition it needs to be able to do what it is designed to do - is a massive part in it. When did we make life so complicated? We are killing ourselves, we need to stop eating shit and eat more whole foods that are touched by the sun, move our bodies, stop stressing and drink more water (we all know this!!)

However in our fast-paced lives, it’s not that we don’t know better, it is just we struggle to do better. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that only 2.5% of children are getting the recommended daily serving of fruit and vegetables.

So many of us are aware of this and are trying our best, but fail to realise that the “fresh produce” the vast majority of us are eating is sprayed with pesticides, injected with colours and preservatives and grown in nutrient-depleted soil - so the fruit and vegetables we are eating and feeding our families do not have the same nutritional value they did twenty years ago...

So Juice Plus is a convenient and affordable way for us to help our clients bridge the gap, not only for their health but for their children’s. With any adult order, the company sponsors a child under 18 years with free nutrition for up to four years. We have a responsibility to share this - this is where real meaningful change can happen. With education and support, we can start to change the terrifying health statistics I shared earlier. The results have already been amazing.

Most people who join our business have a massive passion for health and wellness and are actually health and wellness professionals themselves. They take their credibility very seriously, so we aren’t willing to share something that isn’t backed by research and a company they can trust. Juice Plus is the most research nutraceutical in the world, it has been around for 24 years and has over 30 medical journals published, proving its effectiveness.

Ok I get it, the product is amazing but I just want to be part of the Healthstyle Emporium, why not just run the program itself?

Ok, want the honest truth?

Because health is holistic, it is about the mind, body and soul. But we also know people are lazy! For example, I have a background in Psychology and Neurolinguistic Programming, and some of our clients won’t do the life coaching activities I set them, they won't try the meditation’s the team psychologists recommend, they won’t make the recipes our nutritionist has put together or the fun work out guides our PT’s have put together -  but they will take their wholefood capsules every day… so if all else fails we know that they can get great results from taking the products alone and stall gain amazing health benefits. This in turn (from a business perspective) will keep them as clients in the Healthstyle Emporium, even if they don’t use the resources we have put all our love, expertise and energy into creating for them.

Partnering up the Healthstyle Emporium with Juice Plus - also means our gorgeous clients get more value for their money. The coaches in the HSE do what we do because we are passionate about helping others and don’t believe in bandaid effects and love sharing the message of holistic and preventive health.

We are here because we want to help. Our clients are getting their wholefood products for the same price as they would if they just bought it off the international Juice Plus website, but through us, they get a beautiful holistic health program worth hundreds of dollars for free. They also have access to a range of health professionals inside the Emporium, as well as their own wellness coach, which essentially is their very own cheerleader and accountability buddy in the program to love on them and help them get back on the bandwagon after a bad day (because we all know we have them!).

P.S when do you ever buy a product from your grocery store and have the lady at the counter check in every few weeks to see how you’re loving the product and to ensure you’re having an amazing experience?

And the MLM business structure we use is what allows us to be part of the Babes in Business team and be our own boss (meaning we get to work where we want when we want and with who we want), with low start-up costs, have a mentor showing us exactly how to build a business, a blueprint and proven system we get to put our own flavour on, community to lean on, laugh and cry with, leverage resources and skills AND create a residual income doing something we are passionate about.

What is Residual Income?

Residual income is when you continue to get paid after the work is done.

If you are literally working for a living…how do you live when you’re not working?

If we ran this program without the product not only would we be doing our clients a disservice but we would all still be exchanging time for money… I  know that is what you may have been taught at school but I promise you, you will never get ahead working for a living (that's a whole other video, but if you want to watch that, you can check this VLOG I shared previously).

Ok -  so if we have decided we don't want to work for a big corporation where the man up the top makes all the big bucks and we want the freedom to work for ourselves. What happens when you are your own boss but you get sick, clients cancel on your appointments, you go on maternity leave… you don’t get paid! That is why the residual income in our compensation plan is so powerful and why so many entrepreneurs choose this business model either to supplement their existing income streams/jobs or coaching practises or replace it altogether.

Did you know 300 000 people every week are starting a home-based business, at a time where daycare is more than most mums wages, where mums are being forced back to work before they are ready because they don’t have maternity leave and are missing magical moments with loved ones. Where people are wanting to travel but don’t have enough recreational leave, people are losing their jobs and being made redundant because online businesses, technology and machines can do things better than we can - our business structure itself is in high demand.

I personally am about teaching others how to live a ‘Life Above Zero’. That is what my book and my coaching practice is called. It is my message and mission in life and this has been the vehicle I have used to create a life I love rather than settling for one. I would be doing you all a massive disservice if I didn’t share it with you, and invite you along so you can see how I did it or at the very least even explain to you why I did it, in case it has been your own lack of understanding or others uneducated (but probably well-intended) opinions that were preventing you from making a decision that could completely change your life, like it has mine.

As I said, Babes in Business is a group of passionate women helping and empowering others to live a life of health, wealth and abundance which is why I hope you can understand now why were are proud of the community we have created, the business structure we use AND the products we have partnered our online holistic health program The Healthstyle Emporium with.

Our personal motto is “knowledge is power but only when shared”, this is powerful and we care enough about you to share it with you and explain and clear up some of the misconceptions we had too.

If this is something that resonates with you - we would love to teach you how to do what we have done, just reach out. All the girls on our team are open books with such big hearts. It might be something for you, it might not be - but what if it could be exactly what you’ve been asking the universe for?

Why most people are dissatisfied with their jobs

Did you know 80% of people are dissatisfied in their jobs?

The average person works 90,000 hours in his life - that's a long time to be miserable!

How did we get here?

I think a lot of it has to do with work life balance. Once upon a time, work for most of us, was done living life. It was hunting, growing and cooking our food, teaching our children, building our homes  - we would have time for joy, connection, family, the outdoors, exercise and hobbys sprinkled throughout our day. 🌻🍃

Now most people have 8-10 hours a day where work is separate and at the expense of things that bring them joy and happiness. It doesn't help that in the USA workers only take an average of 50% of their paid vacation days.

🤯 That's crazy! You've got 90,000 hours to knock out, take the chance to chill on the beach when someone gives it to you or just stay at home and relax, spend time with your family, friends, enjoying Hobbies or do sweet fuck all with no obligation! 😎

Lauren on a rope swing

It's even sadder in Japan where 10,000 workers per year drop at their desks as a result of 60 to 70 hour work weeks 😢 -  the phenomenon so prevalent that it even has a name "Karoshi".

I think the biggest problem with all the dissatisfaction is that in most cases people are bringing the wrong mentality and the wrong expectations into their workplace.

Yes we all have to work, yes we need money, yes there will be not so fun parts in every job, yes it helps to find something you enjoy and are passionate about and try figure out a way to monetise it. But have and enjoy life OUTSIDE OF WORK, make time for it, prioritise it and protect it!

But most people think if they work long enough and make enough money eventually whatever happiness they are postponing will just sort of arrive. If that were true then why is it studies show that the peak of income that correlates to happiness is $83,000? 

🤔 There is no amount of work you would do, that will finally make the work go away and definitely no amount of money you can make that will solve all your problems. And the sooner you realise that, the sooner you can look for happiness in places where it might actually be found. ✨

Inspired by Aubrey Marcus’s book / Own the day, Own your life.

Pstttt have you ordered your copy of my book yet?

They should start arriving this week! I can’t wait to break down some of the myths for you around happiness, what it is, what it isn’t and where you can actually find that fulfilment most of us are chasing.

You can grab your copy here! Be sure to send me a photo when yours arrives and share with me your biggest break throughs and take aways.

BOOK UPDATE + 2019 REFLECTIONS / oh and let me reintroduce myself...

Happy New Year fam bam!

I hope you are feeling energised and excited for 2020 after having some quality time with your loved ones over the Christmas Break (I also hope you and your family are safe from the Aus bushfires) all my love, light and strength is being sent out to my fellow Aussies, our country and wildlife right now) and a reminder to open your heart, wallets and home where you can.

I guess I should reintroduce myself? Hi, I am Lauren Kerr! haha we had the most beautiful wedding the week before Christmas and spent the last few weeks in our love bubble with our nearest and dearest who had travelled all around the world to share our magical day with us.

The day itself was more beautiful than we could have ever imagined - despite everything leading up to it being a disaster (but I promise to share that in a later blog and all the wedding details/vendors - for now I will share a sneaky photo with you!)

Book Life Above Zero - by Lauren Kerr

So what now…

Over the last three weeks in my down time, resetting and getting re-inspired myself for a new year - I have read and listened to 5 really great books that I would love to share;

• Emma Isaacs / Winging it

• Aubrey Marcus / Own the day, Own your life

• Louise Hay / You can heal your Life

• Carmine Gallo / Talk Like Ted

• My book “Life Above Zero” twice - before the final edits went to its big print THIS WEEK! It feels so surreal! Have you ordered your copy yet?

Take my Happiness Test Now for Fun…

I only have limited copies for my community so get in quick and order yours if you would love to be one of the first to read it! Otherwise you will have to wait for the official launch date in book stores in Aus in March.

Signed Pre-ordered Copies

Pre ordered copies (will also be personally signed to say A BIG THANKYOU!) will start to arrive in your mailboxes the last week of January - the perfect time after the festive season has slowed down to set or revisit goals for 2020, dig deep and get clarity on what truly makes you happy and learn how you can make small shifts in your health, relationships and career to find the fulfilment we all seem to be chasing and try save as many as I can from the mental health epidemic.

AND YES WE SHIP WORLD WIDE!! - Order your copy here - and be sure to tag me in photos as they arrive. I can not wait to hear what you take from the book and what breakthroughs you have - all my heart, lessons and education has gone into it and I can not wait to gift it and pay it forward to you.

Annual goal setting…

Between reading, reflecting and journaling over our Wedding and Christmas hiatus - I did my annual goal setting where I set clear intentions for the year in each of my highest values (health, relationships, business, travel, wealth and personal development).

Goal 1

One of my goals I identified was to enjoy stillness. It sounds so simple but I honestly struggle to not only create more white space, but ENJOY it. I have the tendency to run a million miles per hour, juggling a hundred things at once (and getting them all done too may I add ) and then feeling guilty or uncomfortable resting. I’m your “I’m your get shit done girl 🙋🏼‍♀️” - but one thing I realised amongst the hustle is I lost my connection to my intuition.

OH OOH…

Some of you may know I twisted my ankle a few days before my wedding! I was supposed to be clocked off and in holiday mode but I felt restless and so decided to go for a big run and BAM! 

As I was reading Louise Hays book “you can heal your life” over Christmas, I had a little chuckle to myself that in her book she explained injured ankles translates to the “resistance or guilt around enjoying and accepting all the pleasure life has to offer.” Which rang so true for me.

Bouncing Back!

So here I am, committing to myself (and publicly to you too for extra accountability). This year I am making my spirituality and stillness a priority - connecting to my intuition through journaling, meditating, moon tracking and yoga AND rejoicing and accepting all the joy life has to offer (without the guilt 🥰).

I would love to hear your reflections from 2019 and what are you publicly committing to this year? I can not wait to start seeing my book in your hands, for all of you beautiful souls who have already ordered it - I am excited to see what 2020 has in store for you, be prepared for some mindset shifts.

Check out my Book

The 7 books that shifted my mindset around money and changed my life - literally!

I wanted to share with you guys

7 books that have transformed my relationship with money.

because trust me when I say -  I’ve definitely come along way since first starting my business four years ago. I never actually even thought of starting a business! I had gone through school and studied really hard to get a scholarship.

I was the first in my family to go to university and I did my Bachelor of Psychology degree before then completing my honours and writing my thesis. I assumed that I would spend the next 50 years making my way up the corporate ladder working as a health professional.

These are some of the books that personally helped me shift my mindset and essentially pivot and change my life (literally) in case you’re somebody who wants to work on your relationship with money or maybe before this email you weren't even aware you could 'have a relationship’ with money.

But first a disclaimer: I’m not getting paid any commissions or receiving any kickbacks by sharing these books with you.

Hand on my heart…

These books and people have helped me transform and change not only my mindset with money but my life; from working 50-60 hours a week being stuck in four walls, feeling like a hamster trying to keep up in the rat race spending three hours a day bumper-to-bumper on the highway, to now being able to work from any where in the world, whether it's the beach, snuggled up in bed or visiting family AND be in control of my self and net worth rather than leaving it up to someone else to tell me how much I am worth per hour. 

1. Rich Dad Poor Dad - by Robert Kiyosaki

This really helped me change the way I thought about money. I’ve always thought I would just be trading my time working my way up the corporate ladder (I wasn't too phased because let's face it - I had time on my side as an ambitious twenty-one year old!).

So I knew it might take me ten years or so, but one day I'll make good money outworking and stepping over my fellow employees to compete for pay rises and promotions.

This book made me realise how much of an asset I was to the government and business owners to have me working on creating their dreams and financial futures.

This book was a massive wake up call realising if I spent the next 10 years as a committed and loyal employee as I had intended to (as initially I aspired to be working as a clinical psychologist in the Army) it wasn’t going to get me where I wanted to be in regards to the values that are important to me and the lifestyle I personally wanted to create for myself and my future family.

2. Rich Woman - by Kim Kiyosaki.

This book is my all time favourite because it goes into the research and statistics as to why it’s important for women to not only feel comfortable to talk about money but also to understand wealth creation and have financial literacy.

It highlighted the sad and unfortunately common implications of women who do not know how to invest money let alone manage the money they already have.

This is a biggie for me and a massive mission behind our business and brand "Babes in Business" empowering women with financial literacy and helping them create smart income streams of their own.

3. The Barefoot Investor - by Scott Pape.⠀

This is extra good if you're from Australia as it's more of a practical book teaching you how to manage your money and how to get ahead financially.

He teaches you how to set up all your different bank accounts so you've got enough money to live and have fun but also to invest and have long-term security and savings.

This personally really helped me have a better relationship with money so I could put my cash flow on autopilot and not be reactive or emotional about it. That’s how we saved the house deposit for first home, paid for our wedding in cash and travel the world debt free.

4. The Four Year Career - by Richard Bliss Brooke.

I can actually get this book cheaper for you as my bestie + bizz partner Chani stars in the latest edition after sharing her story of what she was able to create with Babes in Business and her financial future in a short three years.

This book was powerful because it introduced me to the Network Marketing Profession and really showed me how I could have more leverage with my time.

I knew I was going to work the next 50 years as a great employee and be a great asset to anyone’s business because I took pride in my work and I realised that this profession and this business model was a smarter way for me to get more in return for my investment of time, energy, love, discipline, sacrifice and my work ethic.

This was pivotal for me because it helped educate me a little bit more about the network marketing profession as I had never been exposed to before, it casted a vision of what it could possibly be for me and my family.

5. Beach Money - by Jordan Adlar

This was a book I stumbled across a few years ago which introduced me to the concept of 'residual income'. The idea of getting continuously paid for something / work that you had done once and essentially creating 'beach money' and get paid while you sleep or sun bake at the beach with a cocktail in your hand! Sign me up baby!

This book opened my eyes to different ways of working and different ways of creating income rather than just trading my time for money which was something I had been conditioned to believe was the honourable and aspired way to create a life and money.

The traditional schooling system grooms you to follow the system of being a good student then a good employee, where you study hard, you do what you're told, ask no questions and don't disrupt the system.

I thought the only other way to get ahead financially was to inherit money, to have an invention, invest a lump sum into property or stocks - none of which were options for me.

So this book was a really cool way to educate me on the different vehicles and ways of creating income while I travel the world, or have kids, volunteer to projects that call to me or if I wanted to work from home or not work at all because something tragic had happened (because lets be honest - tragedies do happen and most people’s jobs don't cater for that).

6. 4 - Hour Work Week - by Timothy Ferriss.

This book was awesome as it inspired me to think outside the box and made me question why work fifty hours a week when you could work four?

It got me asking myself what were some ways I could better leverage my time, what were some things that I could outsource and were the things that I was currently spending my time on bringing me joy or getting me paid?

All the ideas and strategies that were shared in this book got me curious and creating systems of my own that allowed me to work less and ironically be able to make more. My underlying dominate belief around money was that it was tied to 'working hard' and 'exchanging time' to deserve it!

This book helped me break up with that belief for good - acknowledging as a business owner you need to upscale and outsource because businesses that turn over billions of dollars are not dependent on one persons 'time sheet' - hence money does not need to be dependent on the man hours you put in.

7. You are a bad ass at making money - by Jen Sincero.

This book helps you rewire your self talk and mindset around money and helps you become aware of your unconscious attitude towards money.

Your relationship with money can be something that is so ingrained in your DNA due to generations of shitty money stories, your intergenerational wealth or socioeconomic status.

Most of us inherit our parents relationship with money and if you don't actively read and seek wider education the cycle continues and history repeats.

This is an awesome book to help you dive in and explore your unconscious relationship with money as well as providing some really cool activities to help you to rewire and rewrite it!

Happy reading and wealth creating beautiful!

Why we did it?! The REAL story behind the HSE.

I always get asked what is it you do online? Why did you decide to stop working for the government and ditch the corporate world? Why do you not coach as much anymore? and where did the Healthstyle Emporium come from?

Now for the real story…

So I thought I would share with you the REAL story behind #theHSE hashtag you may have seen floating around on Instagram over the last few years.

Three years ago, some beautiful women who I had met online were working in the health and welfare system too and we agreed we were sick of band-aiding issues with prescription drugs and being understaffed trying to juggle crazy work loads and not having the resources and support to really help families make small sustainable healthy lifestyle choices. ⠀

We wanted to do something about the health and happiness epidemic and wanted to get rid of that bandaid, help people get back to basics, and looking at prevention....knowing that most of these diseases could have been prevented with small, educated and healthier lifestyle choices and a more positive + supporting community.

So many people I talk to in the health and wellness industry have the same vision of wanting to create a one stop shop/health hub where people can come to a safe space and be supported and learn about nourishing their mind, body and soul.

Nutting that out in terms of what that would look like logistically with time, money and risk is what prevents most of these beautiful souls from doing it though.

flourishing in the 21st century online…

So we thought considering successful businesses are growing and flourishing in the 21st century online - why not worker smarter instead of harder and do the same thing but take that beautiful space and community online?

Where health professionals could collaborate and leverage their expertise and together make a bigger impact. Previously it’s what we had all been trying to achieve independently in our own businesses, studios and coaching practises! ⠀

So that’s what we did!

You have probably seen me over the last three years partnering up and collaborating with women all around the world who are expertise’s in their area of health, or just have a passion for wellness or a massive heart and want to be part of the mission.⠀

Do you have a similar mission or vision babe?

If so let’s connect. We can make a bigger impact together - I choose collaboration over competition every time!

P.S Because its 100% online thats why we are able to travel so much and allows all the mums on the team to have the flexibility to work around the kids.

We have no boss either which means we get to choose our hours and pay! It’s a win win for our clients AND the beautiful souls behind the mission and program - smart business really!

Why is it so hard to be happy? I have a few insights...

Do you beat yourself up about not being happy all the time?

Take my happiness test here

Do you feel guilty that no matter how hard you try or how amazing things may be in life - that you’re not over the moon ‘ecstatic’ even though you know you should be?

Do you know research has found nobody is happy all the time?⠀⠀

Researchers collected thousands of ratings from hundreds of people from all walks of life asking them on a scale 1-10 how happy are you at this moment and what is going on in your life?⠀

They discovered regardless of our external circumstances, that we live in a constant state of mild but not fully satisfying happiness.

Everyone pretty much wrote 7 all the time - from when they were buying milk, watching a son’s baseball game, pitching to a big client, missed a mortgage payment, mum diagnosed with cancer or loosing an arm.

Happiness would dip to the 2-5 for a short period of time but then would return to seven. Happiness is nothing but bobbing up and down and around our level seven happiness. ⠀⠀

This was true for extremely positive events as well. Getting a fat bonus at work, going on dream vacations, getting married - ratings would shoot up for a short period of time then settle back at seven.⠀⠀

Happiness is habitual. Learn to find happiness and fulfilment in everyday life instead of thinking you’ll be happy when... this is it guys!

Don’t underestimate your resilience or over estimate how much greener the grass is on the other side of the fence.

We may all have different things and be pursuing different goals externally, but internally the majority of us are having the same experience.

NEW VLOG UP 🎥 Follow us to Nice, FRANCE 🇫🇷 🍷🥖

PART 2 OUR EUROTRIP VLOG IS LIVE
Follow us to Nice, FRANCE!

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝟵 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿!

Amsterdam, Paris, Greek Islands, Nice, UK and Australia just to name a few, but to be honest as long as we are together we find something to laugh at and entertain ourselves!

This is part two of our recent Eutrotrip where we got to create some magical moments with one of my best friends and her family in France - with lots of food, sunshine and laughs (which I'm sure you will be able to chuckle at too and admire how beautiful the French Riveria is!)

These kind of friendships make you have to believe in the universe having some master plan for the people that walk into our lives.

It was no coincidence Cloé moved from France to a small country town in Australia 15 years ago and hated this girl called “Lauren” ....and now will be walking down the isle with that same crazy girl in less than 5 months as one of my beautiful bridesmaids on my special day.

I love having these VLOGS as a way to travel back through time and revisit some of the best days of our lives with our nearest and dearest. These memories are so special to me that I wanted to share them with you too!

Enjoy!

Money is important - but time is the real currency…

Time is something you can never ever get back - and I am forever grateful for the time and flexibility I have been able to buy for myself and our future family in three short years of working online.

I am excited for the next 50 years of more magical moments like this with the amazing people people we have been blessed to have in our lives.

Just a reminder that we are closing recruitment in two weeks and are holding interviews next week for women who would love to join the Babes in Business Team…

Reply to this email if you would love me to send you some information to see if it could be a way you could create more time for the important people and things in your life too! Or lets chat up for a virtual coffee date!

How I bought more time / UK + Croatia Vlog

It’s crazy our quickly life can change when you decide you want to change it…

I am leaving Europe with such a full heart of gratitude. We have spent the last three weeks not only slowing down, relaxing and enjoying being lazy lizards under the European sun but also spending some quality time with some of our nearest and dearest.

I still pinch myself because three years ago I wouldn’t of been able to afford this trip (especially when we are getting married this year and have also been to Dubai, Bali, California and Dans off to NZ next week for his bucks party - all in the last 7 months ) but.... the biggie is I wouldn’t have the leave.  

Before Babes in Business…

I just kind of accepted that for the next 50 years I would have to work 48 weeks a year to earn my 4 weeks off and only have my maternity leave to enjoy slowing down and enjoy having a family on my own - which means that unfortunately I would have to miss out on magical moments like these, weddings, Christmas’s with our family overseas, baby’s first steps, travel and some of the things of my bucket list - but hey that’s life right?

Money is important - but time is the real currency…

Time is something you can never ever get back - and I am forever grateful for the time and flexibility I have been able to buy for myself and our future family in three short years of working online. Excited for the next 50 years of more magical moments like this with the amazing people people we have been blessed to have in our lives.

Watch Part 1 of our Eurotrip with our UK

Croatia Vlog where we got celebrate Dan’s mum Mandy’s 60th in Croatia!

We are holding interviews next week for women who would love to join the Babes in Business Team - email us if you would love us to send you some information to see if it could be a way you could create more time for the important people and things in your life too! Or lets chat up for a virtual coffee date!

Are you craving some clarity, direction and passion for life again?

Hey beautiful

As you know by now, my background and studies have been in psychology. I am super passionate about mental health and even more so how people can leverage off mindset to create more abundance, happiness and health in their lives.

I know we are in a mental health epidemic (and this may be controversial to say), despite the fact there are a lot of people out there with chemical imbalances needing medication I also believe there is a lot of people out there feeling stuck, "depressed", stagnant, unmotivated and uninspired about life for two reasons in particular;

1. They haven't set a goal.

We as humans actually get our fulfilment not so much from 'achieving' but from growing and evolving. Without a vision, a goal or something to strive towards, count down to or look forward to - you loose a sense of purpose or direction.

2. Or the goals you do have are extrinsically motivated.

You're striving to achieve goals, live or work in alignment with the values of what society or your parents expect of you, or what friends and colleagues will support.

So instead you abandon your truth, your gifts, your values and what lights you up and end up settling for a life of expectations, obligations and people pleasing without much joy, passion, expansion, freedom or authenticity suppressing 'the real you'.

In 5 sleeps my life coaching program launches!

I can't wait to be coaching my clients to help them get clarity on their values, setting goals that align with them, learning how to worry less about the opinions of others, how to regulate their own emotions, be responsible for their own happiness and stop self sabotaging!

Essentially learning how to live a life of thriving rather than just surviving…

It isn't 'woo woo', we won't just be talking about the happy and fun parts of life or work - we will be getting real and going deep.

I will be there each week to hold you accountable, set small achievable goals and ensure you're making progress until you're in full momentum and living fearlessly and passionately your own Life Above Zero.

OMG. I WROTE A BOOK!

I am so excited to be able to finally officially share this with you guys! I have been sneaky and dropped a few hints over the last 12 months and shared some sneak peaks with you, but it is time to let the cat out of the bag… I WROTE A BOOK!

I have been trying to keep you guys posted (you have probably seen me popping up in your newsfeed over the last five years) with my ventures and what I have been up to since finishing my Psychology Degree. If I haven’t had the chance personally (I am sorry, life has been so full) you can read about it here. I am so passionate about holistic health, specifically Positive Psychology.

In the Western world, we now have a higher standard of living than humans have ever known before and yet, humans today don’t seem very happy. We are experiencing a mental health epidemic - the World Health Organisation estimates that depression is currently the fourth biggest, costliest, and most debilitating disease in the world and by next year, it will be the second biggest. So I think its time for some REAL TALK. I wrote a book about the things that people don’t really talk about.

We have media bombarding us everyday telling us what we need to be happy and what should make us happy. People are overwhelmed yet still looking for purpose, meaning and an understanding of why they are feeling the way they are feeling and comparing themselves and their lives to everyone else’s highlight reels on the multiple social media platforms we are exposed to in the 21st Century.

This book equips you with the practical skills and mindset, backed with the psychology, research, and statistics to help you unlock the code to success, in your life, relationships and career (with some positive, warm and fuzzy vibes thrown in, sprinkled with tough love). This book is special because not only does it share personable stories that we can all relate to (reminding you that you are not alone in what you're going through), but it also has the credentials and research behind it giving it the credibility and applicability in the wellness, health and business space.

The publication date will be released soon, so keep your eyes on this space! We will be sure to let you know when it’s available at your closest book store! But in the meantime to thank you for your continued love and support over the last five years while I’ve been busy getting my business off the ground - I wanted to gift you with the first chapter of my book for free. I hope it serves you.

I have been DYING to share this with you - 3 years in the making.

I went LIVE yesterday on my facebook because I was so excited to share with you what we have been busy working on behind the scenes and what has been 3 YEARS in the making... 

The Healthstyle Emporium Official website and log on portal for our gorgeous clients is officially launching next month!

I wanted to thank you guys for all your love and support over last few years while we have been getting this baby off the ground.

I am not going to lie, starting your own business is scary. There has been days where I have felt overwhelmed and fell into a slump, days where I have felt burnt out and defeated by the amount of people I know who are out there struggling and in pain wishing I could give and help more, days where the self doubt has been louder than the self belief and days where I have thought "f^&k it" it would be easier to go back to working for someone else - rocking up at 9am and clocking off at 5pm...

But then I look at our private members group where I read all the real and raw testimonials of the thousands of women and families WE HAVE been able to help over the last 3 years with their health, wellness and happiness and I realise... 

it has all been worth it…

Love and Nourish

We started off with a deep aching working in the welfare and health care systems,  wishing we could do more to help more people be happier and healthier in our crazy fast paced lives.

Where somehow despite all these 21st century gadgets and social media outlets which were designed to make our lives easier and connect more people.

We have found ourselves running around like crazy people, trying to meet the crazy expectations we placed on ourselves and others, overcomplicating our health, being confused and overwhelmed with the mass amounts of information + advice out there and admittedly, although we have never being this "connected" with social media still never feeling this "disconnected" with mental health statistics still on the rise. 

Our mission was to help people slow down, get back to basics and have a one stop shop where you can be supported, encouraged, celebrated, educated and empowered to make small sustainable healthy lifestyle choices to nourish your mind, body and soul. 

because prevention is less painful, less costly and way more enjoyable than cure. 

Health really is your wealth - without it...what do you have? 

So in case we aren't already connected on Facebook, I wanted to share with you the story of where it all began so you can understand why we are so passionate and excited to share our online holistic health program with you and invite you to be part of our beautiful, supportive and positive community.  

To show my gratitude for your continuous love, support and encouragement -  I wanted to offer you the opportunity to be one of the first members inside next month. 

If you are own your own health journey and are sick of trying and spending your money on quick fixes and bandaids or if our mission of inspiring holistic and healthy living around the world resonates with you  contact me.

I would love to chat and make you a member of our free private group so you can see the impact we are making around the world to see if The HSE could be something that you would love to be part of that could also help you on your health and healing journey too.

If there is someone on your heart that you would love to help with their own health and wellness please pay the gift forward and share this blog with them - the world needs more education, more support and a place to be nurtured and reminded everything they need they have inside of them, they are loved and more than enough.

Are you a Mum?

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝗺? 

Secretly I can not wait to be a mum… (well let’s be honest it’s not that big of a secret - I tell anyone who leaves me with their bubba ).

But when I was working full time I struggled to look after just me between a 50 hour week, 10 hours commuting, trying to be a good friend, daughter, sister, partner, keep the house clean, do the groceries, cook and somewhere in there work out. I was like f@&k how do mums in the 21st century do it all?  

I felt like I was constantly chasing my tail, never getting ahead and deflated as I knew trying to fit kids into that mix would be stressful as hell, not to mention only having 9 months maternity leave then having to either live on one income or place my bubba in before and after school care just to spend 2 days a week with them and miss all their milestones... that is not what I wanted my motherhood to be like.

I don’t want to bring beautiful babies into this world just for someone else to look after them... 

That was my biggest motivator to start looking into other ways of working!

Ways I could still make a difference, have an identity outside of motherhood, have an awesome income, do something I am passionate about and enjoy,  educate and help people with their holistic health and happiness AND not have to sacrifice my career or magical moments with my future family. 

Voila .... that’s how Babes in Business was born! 

People think you have to be a “babe” to do business with us. You don’t.

That’s just where we were in our life when we started wanting to set ourselves up so when we are mums we don’t have to make the same sacrifices most women have to in the 21st century.

We work with a lot of mums in Bizz too - check out our video to get a bit of a vibe for our tribe and message me if you would love to hear more stories from other mums in our team and see the impact we are making collectively around the world, it’s pretty special. I won’t lie, I’m pretty proud of us.

#theBIBclique

Hello 2019 you beautiful thing - let's do more with less this year.

Happy New Year Beautiful! 

I hope you had a Merry Christmas and got to enjoy some quality time slowing down with your loved ones!

I know I did! We have had such a beautiful time catching up with our family and friends scattered on the other side of the globe. 

So grateful to live in a time where social media makes the miles feel not so far between and gives us the option to work for ourselves online so we can work anywhere in the world without stressing about not having leave approved and missing out on magical moments with the ones we love the most.

The small things really are the big things!

Las Vegas was all about celebrating, the UK was all about slowing down and relaxing and Dubai was all about defrosting, getting back in the sunshine and out of our comfort zones to explore.  

I promised you guys I would make a VLOG capturing all the fun - so leave it me, it's on my to do list!

Here is some photos from our last day in the Arabian Desert + some reflections I wanted to share with you as you embark on the gift of a New Year.

I've got to be honest with you, as I was sitting here while this picture was taken watching the sunrise over the Arabian Desert; I sat with a heart full of gratitude ....and itchy feet. 

No Place Like Home…

No matter how far and wide I travel, no matter what breath taking things I get to experience ....they serve as a constant reminder that nothing compares to the love and joy I find back home on the Gold Coast in Australia.

Being in love with a simple life of waking up with the sun, in our own beautiful home, next to a man I love, walking down my street to the beach and feeling the sand between my toes and sun on my face every morning, having access to clean water and the luxury to prepare healthy and fresh wholesome foods everyday while I work from home doing something that I love with people who see the world the same as me.

This is honestly what I have discovered is my own personal recipe for happiness and allows me to feel content and fulfilled every night when my head hits the pillow ... the only thing missing was my family.

And this week both my brothers moved to the Gold Coast!!

So it’s safe to say it’s a few days into the New Year and my 2019 has already been everything I have ever wanted (still missing my parents but it's taken 8 years to get the brothers here, so I won't be greedy and will enjoy this first...then I will blackmail mum and dad with grandchildren if nothing else works! haha I am evil).

The last month traveling, eating, drinking and napping was exactly what the soul needed to realign, rejuvenate and refocus.

But I am back feeling recharged and so excited to tick off some more goals and help more women create a life where they get to live and work on their own terms.

I am such a massive believer in goal setting, not just because it's fun and exciting co-creating a life of your wildest dreams BUT it is backed by science to help you bring about what you dream about. Goals are dreams with legs!

If you haven't put some time aside yet to set your intention for this year, or just don't know where to start - I wrote a blog last year to help you if you would love some extra guidance - grab a comfy spot, a pen and notebook and get all those juicy visions on paper!

don’t get too busy…

No matter what goals you do set this year, don’t get too busy chasing them that you forget all that really matters is being love and doing what brings you joy.

All the stuff you choose to fill your day with is your choice, the energy and money you spend chasing your pursuits is your choice.... but if it doesn’t bring you love and joy, all that stuff in between is just noise, don’t buy into it. Do more, with less. 

This story is one of my favourite metaphors that helps me drown out the noise in a world where we constantly are being told we have to be better and go bigger - and remember at the end of the day what it is that truly matters. I hope this serves you this year and helps you make decisions that bring you joy and love.

"An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.  Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna.  The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, "only a little while. The American then asked why didn’t he stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs. The American then asked, "but what do you do with the rest of your time?"

The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine, and play guitar with my amigos.  I have a full and busy life."

The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing, and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually New York City, where you will run your expanding enterprise."

The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?"

To which the American replied, "15 – 20 years."

"But what then?" Asked the Mexican.

The American laughed and said, "That’s the best part.  When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions!"

"Millions – then what?" Gasped the Mexican,

The American said, "Then you would retire.  Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siestas with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."

The fisherman was puzzled, "Isn’t that what I am doing now?" 

How I ditched the rat race to chase the sun instead

Wow! Where has this year gone?

Only a few weeks until Christmas - 2018 has flown by so quick! I hope you didn't waste the last 12 months you were gifted with and got to create some serious magic and tick off some of those big scary goals of yours. I am just packing my bags to head off on another trip around the world - this time (funnily enough) I am not chasing the sun.

We are heading to Las Vegas …

We are heading to Las Vegas with the Babes in Business Crew for some work (always mixed with pleasure), then London to spend the festive season with my fiancé's family (hoping for a White Christmas - keep your fingers and toes crossed for me) then Dubai for New Years because why not? It has been on my bucket list for a while so time to tick another bad boy off!

I was asked earlier this week to be on my girl friends Jess's podcast Dream, Believe and Achieve to talk openly about my transition from ditching the rat race to chasing my dreams and the sunshine instead!

As I was chatting to her I realised I haven't actually told you guys how I went from my completing my Psychology Degree, writing my thesis, to working in child protection to now being paid to travel around the world and link arms with other heart driven women who share the same passions of empowering others with holistic health, wealth and abundance.

So I thought I would share this week's podcast episode with you for a few reasons;

1. So you can understand why I am always jet setting around the world and "how" I actually get to enjoy the lifestyle I do in case it is also something that aligns or resonates with you (if so just message me, I am more than happy to send you some information to see if our business could be a good fit for you too - I am always looking for like minded, positive and passionate women to link arms with).

2. Hopefully it inspires you to pursue your own dreams if you know deep down that right now you are settling or pursuing someone else's (or even worse busting your butt to help someone achieve their goals at the expense of your own values, health and mission).

3. For the sake of not glorying my "job" or my journey. I wanted to get real and raw with you about the speed bumps and challenges I faced along the way and some psychology and mindset strategies I used to help me create a life I love with the flexibility to spend more time with the people I love - despite the naysayers, moments of self doubt and curve balls life throws at us along the way.If you would love to listen to the episode while you're driving, cooking dinner or going for your walk in the morning - click here.

Christmas Love

I hope this serves you. I am going try to drop in some love before Christmas (but if I am honest, I am actually going to try my best to stay offline so just in case I don't get to chat to you beautiful - I am wishing you and your family a Merry and safe Christmas and a happy, healthy and abundant New Year!

I am going to make a VLOG of our adventures to share with you when we are back - but if you like you can watch the VLOG here of our Las Vegas trip last year with the Babes in Business where I got to surprise my Mum and Dad and take them to Vegas too which is something that has always been on their bucket list!

Check out my Book Here

Just one of the many magical moments I have been able to create since saying yes to Babes in Business. I wonder what magic you could create for you and your family in 2019 if you asked yourself what if it could be for you too?

Follow us to Bali!

Amazing Week with our Babes in Business

So we just got back from an amazing week with our Babes in Business family. My partner and I treated ourselves to some time unplugged filling our cup up with some sunshine and smiles after our business retreat - this is a little sneak peak of what we got up to on the VLOG!

Thank You…

I will be forever grateful for the life I have been able to create with Babes in Bizz and just want to use this opportunity to remind you that if you are feeling lost, unfulfilled, stuck or stagnant in a job that you're not passionate about -  please let my VLOG ...or even MY LIFE remind you that there is a Life Above Zero and you deserve to live it.  

I’m not a millionaire and nor do I want to be. I just want the lifestyle and freedom to enjoy life instead of working 50 hours a week the best years of my life in hope I’ll get the opportunity to enjoy it in the last years of my life. Life is happening now - are you getting the time to enjoy it or have you bought into the rat race epidemic too where you seem to spend every waking hour working yet still can’t seem to get more than a week ahead?

There are so women like me who have studied 4 - 6 years at university to get a job in the corporate world - that are quitting their jobs that we worked so hard to get for this exact reason!

If you're one of them - do yourself a favour and listen to last week's episode on Babes Talking Business Vlogcast

If you're curious where we go and how we do it, or even better - email me and lets organise a time to catch up for virtual coffee date babe - because if you're anything like me...I know I had lots of questions and misconceptions so I am an open book if you would love to chat!

You can also test your happiness levels here

Have you ever wanted to ask me the same questions?

I got to catch up and connect with the beautiful coaching duo April and Angela from Soulful Of Yourself last week and share same love and light with their gorgeous online community.

We chat all things health, wellness & happiness, and empowering women to reclaim control over their lives and truly live their own Life Above Zero!

Enjoy!

2017 New Years with the Crew!

Happy Sunday you beautiful souls!

I am so sorry I haven’t dropped in some love lately, I literally hit the ground running this year with business events, conferences, celebrating gorgeous friends getting engaged and others getting married. WOW - do I feel the love this year!!

You have probably also seen I have been working on launching my THIRD business sneakily behind the scenes which is getting LAUNCHED NEXT WEEK!!!

Watch this space, I can not wait to share it with you! It is something that is so close to my heart and I know you are going to love it!

I have been so excited just to have a couple of weeks to do sweet !@#$ all!  - and I have loved every second of it! I love slowing down, tuning in, realigning and getting re-inspired. Remember that you need to be the best version of you to give the best version of you, sometimes you need to be selfish to be selfless and actually need to slow down in order to catch up.

So in saying that, I finally got around to reflecting on all the beautiful memories and laughs we had with our gang over New Years as I put together our VLOG capturing what we got up to in South West Rocks (ironically which was the last time I completely turned off - I highly recommend making time at least once a month to give yourself a complete break from social media, timelines, expectations and societal pressures).

Such beautiful memories to have and look back on (including that of our mate Griffo popping the big question and our gorgeous Kendelle saying “yes”), as we continue to move forward in our crazy fast paced lives and open new chapters.

My favourite memory from this trip was on New Years night, we all sat around a table and did our “gratefuls”, one by one we shared what we were grateful for from the year that had been.

Lots of tears (both happy and sad) - but what you feel in that moment is nothing but pure unconditional love - for the journey, for the friends, for the support, for the lessons.

I can not wait to be sitting around a table this New Years and reflect on what magic, triumphs, lessons, love and laughter 2018 brought us all - one thing I know is that none of us will never have to go through any of it alone.

I love you guys, this one is for you!

An Introvert living in an Extrovert world

I am an Introvert… What next…

A few different things inspired my VLOG this week; personal experiences for people who misread me, introverted babes I mentor in business doubting themselves in the business world because they're not an "extrovert", and clients I coach in wellness who feel guilty because they don't want to go to big social gatherings, as it feels more like a chore for them that they have to drag themselves to, rather than something that gets them excited and lit up!

So many people get surprised when I tell them I am an introvert, funnily enough though.. Im not surprised that they are surprised!

Because so many people see me with my "business jacket" on, where I do things that scare the shit out of me like VLOGS, presentations, workshops, conferences and networking events.

That is "Business" Lozz, the perception I have to muster my energy and courage to portray on my social media platforms as a way to get my vision, message and mission out there to those who need it (because I know my vision is much bigger than me, and you don't serve the world by playing small).

Im Not Surprised

Another reason why I am not surprised and people may not believe me is because so many are not aware of what the true meaning is of these words.

Unlike most believe, introversion and extroversion is not a theory about how outgoing or shy we are,  in psychology and research it actually relates to where we get our energy from.

Or in other words, how we recharge our brains and batteries - Or how I like to say it fill up your cup!

Introverts

(or those of us with introverted tendencies) tend to recharge by spending time alone - for example for me thats walking, one on one coffee or wine dates with my girlfriends, watching a movie with my partner, going for a long walk, sitting at the beach ALONE, meditating, journaling. We lose energy from being around people for long periods of time, particularly large crowds.

Extroverts

On the other hand, gain energy from other people. Extroverts actually find their energy is sapped when they spend too much time alone. They recharge by being social.

So tune in to listen to how you can learn AND understand your personality type so you can make smart decisions on how to regulate your emotions - in a way that is healthy FOR YOU (and not feel guilty if going to your friends party isn't the best thing for you do to right now).

If you're an introvert already in or embarking on - stepping into the business world which is all about MARKETING yourself as an extrovert to get your mission and message across,  tune in to hear how I use my "Business jacket" - as well as those of you who may judge others from what you perceive them to be on social media in comparison to a social setting...keep these golden nuggets in the back of your mind not only to be a better friend, but human.

Understanding others and yourself is the key to spreading kindness and compassion, and the world needs more of that. 

Try out our new Happiness Test

How to stick to your New Years Resolutions & understanding why it is so hard to make those changes.

How to Stick to your New Years Resolution

Lots of people at this time of the year set life, health, wellness, relationship, business goals and yet most of those people will abandon them at some point in the next 12 months.

So I decided to explain why this is and AND how you can prevent that from happening so you aren’t one of the phoneys who say “new year, new me” and then remain the same person you were last year, running the same mundane rat race routine, moaning about the exact same shit, telling yourself the same bullshit excuses.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up

And no, its not you, its not that your lazy, its not that you start things and never finish things, its not your personality - those are excuses and are just a “cop out”. Because the truth is change is hard - for everyone.

How does Change happen?

The sad truth is that for change to occur, the pain of staying where we are must be greater than the pain of growing... Because change is not easy, it takes effort, it takes persistence and requires commitment.

So watch my LIVE where I share with you the research, psychology and elaborate on the following tips and tricks so you don't become another statistic and you make 2018 THE BEST YEAR YET!!

1) Chase your own goals!

(You can find the blog I refer to about setting goals in accordance to your own values here)

2) Preframe that your goals are going to take....(wait for it) drum rolll.... WORRRRKKKK!

You can fill out the Change Matrix below to be really transparent with yourself what the road will look like, what it will cost you and what you have to gain.

3)  Seperate your feelings from your actions.

Acknowledge and accept, that most days...YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FEEL LIKE IT!

Try the 5 Second Rule to get that little toosh of yours into action on the days you "don't feel like it",  (lets be honest, that's all of us most days)  - you can learn more about that in Mel Robbin's Book. 

Also do yourself a favour and put some time aside today to read this letter I spoke about in my LIVE, to help you get some perspective for 2018,  the realest, rawest and truest thing I’ve read to date. Rest in peace beautiful.

Wishing you another year of health, wealth and abundance.