What I’m turning to with the (very welcome) change in season.

Spring 2022:

1. Loco Love Butter Caramel Pecan chocolate bar [pictured], $5.95 (30 g).

Where has this been all my life?! Organic, vegan, refined sugar free and so good that words can’t describe - I guarantee it won’t disappoint. Available here.

2. Par Olive Pearl Marine Collagen Superpowder, $85 (150 g).

Collagen is a structural protein that supports connective tissue formation and repair in the body; found in bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles, it is also integral to skin, hair and nail health [1; 2]. With the body’s natural collagen stores deteriorating with age, commonly beginning between the ages of 18 and 29, hydrolysed collagen peptides - such as those in the Par Olive Pearl Marine Collagen Superpowder - have been shown to increase production of new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, thereby improving multiple physiological properties of the skin, including firmness, elasticity and hydration [2; 3].

By far my favourite collagen supplement, I have noticed a genuine, marked difference in the health of my hair, skin and nails after incorporating two teaspoons of this supplement into my daily routine for the past six months. Not only is the product quality exceptional, but I also appreciate the brand’s commitment to both transparency and sustainability - Par Olive is a true standout in the increasingly-crowded ingestible beauty market. I enjoy both the Unflavoured and Organic Coconut powders in smoothies and warm plant milk-based drinks, however a Japanese Matcha variety - featuring ceremonial-grade matcha, no less - has recently been added to the range. Available here.

3. Osea Vagus Nerve Oil, $79.95 (15 mL).

Named for the vagus (meaning ‘wandering’) nerve, a mixed cranial nerve reaching from the head and neck into the chest and abdomen, this soothing blend of Roman chamomile, Persian lime, lemon-scented tea tree, juniper berry, rosemary and lavender essential oils is designed to activate the parasympathetic nervous system - promoting the ‘rest and digest’ response, rather than ‘fight or flight’ - and reduce stress [4]. It’s the perfect size to keep at your desk or carry with you - simply apply to the wrists, sides of the neck and earlobes, inhale deeply, and enjoy a moment of calm. Available here.

4. Happy and Whole by Magdalena Roze, $35.

This beautiful book is filled with nourishing, whole food recipes, cleverly organised according to different weather conditions - which I tend to find more strongly influences what I feel like eating day to day, than season alone. This is especially true during Spring in Melbourne, where it’s not uncommon to experience everything from humid and sunny to cloudy and rainy in the space of 24 hours! The spanakopita is on regular rotation in our house. Available here.

References.

[1] Whitney, E., Rolfes, S. R., Crowe, T., & Walsh, A. (2019). Understanding nutrition (4th ed.). Engage Learning Australia Pty Limited.

[2] León-López, A., Morales-Peñaloza, A., Martínez-Juárez, V. M., Vargas-Torres, A., Zeugolis, D. I., & Aguirre-Álvarez, G. (2019). Hydrolyzed collagen - sources and applications. Molecules, 24(22), 4031-4047. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6891674/pdf/molecules-24-04031.pdf

[3] Sibilla, S., Godfrey, M., Brewer, S., Budh-Raja, A., & Genovese, L. (2015). An overview of the beneficial effects of hydrolysed collagen as a nutraceutical on skin properties: Scientific background and clinical studies. The Open Nutraceuticals Journal, 8(1), 29-42. https://benthamopen.com/contents/pdf/TONUTRAJ/TONUTRAJ-8-29.pdf

[4] Tortora, G. J., Derrickson, B., Burkett, B., Peoples, G., Dye, D., Cooke, J., Diversi, T., McKean, M., Samalia, L., & Mellifont, R. (2019). Principles of anatomy and physiology (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Note. Only products and services I genuinely love - and use often - are included in the above edit. Each inclusion is independently and personally sourced, sampled and photographed, unless otherwise credited.