Hi, I'm Julia and I’m originally from Germany, a country known for its efficiency, beautiful old cities, and – of course – its beer and the Oktoberfest. But like the rest of Northern Europe, it’s also known for its dark, grey, and rainy weather. And let me tell you, that reputation is well-earned! One of the main reasons I decided to move to Australia was the weather. Since settling on the sunny East Coast, I’ve noticed a huge difference in people’s moods. Of course, many factors contribute to happiness but trust me, back in Germany, you don’t usually get greeted...

Big changes are happening in NSW! Following the lead of WA and SA, our home state, where Byron Bay Skincare is proudly made, is stepping up to ban several single-use plastic items used for packaged food and drinks. Starting last month, paper and cardboard plates and bowls with plastic linings or coatings are no longer allowed. And from 1st January 2025, the following items will join the list of banned plastics: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) cups containing dry noodles or soup powders sealed by machines. Plastic spoons sealed inside snack packs. Plastic straws attached to juice boxes. This is an exciting...

Have you heard about ABC Date Ideas? The concept is simple and fun - couples plan a date inspired by a different letter of the alphabet, starting with 'A' and working their way through to 'Z.'  But what if you applied that same concept to yourself? Whether you’re single or not, self-care deserves the same priority you give to time spent with others. It’s not just about treating yourself occasionally - it’s about consistently nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. How do you start? First, grab some small pieces of paper and write down one self-care idea for each...

Did I check all my emails? I should call Mum later. What about that workmate whose birthday is tomorrow? Didn't I want to bake her a cake? Will I be too late for my Pilates class? I really need to catch up with my girlfriends again soon. Oh, I also should run to the dentist and get my teeth checked. The fridge is empty again; I forgot to go to the supermarket... Our brains are constantly active. And so are we. When we ask, "How are you?" we often hear, "Yeah, good, I'm busy." "I'm busy" seems to be the default...