We are all very aware these days of our planet, and the need to take care of it. Being the mum of three young girls, it's really important to me that this world is safe and healthy for them in the future. So I was thrilled to receive a parcel full of natural New Zealand products last week from The Green House.

All of The Green House products are plant-based, free of harmful chemicals, and their packaging is 100% biodegradable. The are designed to be gentle on you, your home, and the environment. What more could you ask for?!

I started using the All Purpose Cleaner straight away, and I love it. In fact, I got into a bit of a cleaning frenzy, wiping down just about every surface in sight - benches, cupboard doors, the stovetop, even the windows. It smells divine - citrusy and clean with a hint of lavender. The Refreshing Room Spray and the Hand & Body Lotion are equally as beautiful to use, and I'm saving the Soap (the packaging is too pretty to rip open just yet!) for a special occasion.

I'm so impressed with all the products that I look forward to trying more. In particular, the First Aid Balm, and Aches & Pains Balm would both be really handy for our busy family. And the Dreamy Coconut Soy Candle sounds delicious!

Feeling inspired by The Green House's natural philosophies, I looked into some other companies who live by a similar motto. Matt & Nat (short for material & nature) make the most beautiful bags using eco/recycled/upcycled materials wherever possible, including recycled plastic bottles for linings. They don't like hurting animals and they care about the welfare of our planet, so that means no leather, and lots of vegan cupcakes for smoko.

They have even designed a range of bags exclusively for Apple, that are only sold in the Online Apple store.

And because we have to look after ourselves as well as the planet you should definitely check out Move Nourish Believe, a site by Lorna Jane, my favourite sport and activewear company. Lorna Jane believes in a three pillared philosophy of move your body, nourish from the inside out, and believe anything is possible. The new website provides daily motivation and inspiration, healthy recipes, interviews, videos and much more. Make it a daily read, right after you read my blog :)

I spent my Sunday morning at a friend's house trying an amazing new skincare range out, World Organic. My friend, Barbara (we all call her Bar) had been raving about it, and her skin was looking radiant, so I knew I'd have to try it for myself. Bar was introduced to it by her sister-n-law when she was staying with her in Auckland. Her lovely sis (n-law) ran her bath, lit candles, poured her a glass of wine, and left Bar with a cleanser and face mask. Well, she was sold, and that was before the soothing toner, the luminous moisturiser, the revival eye cream... Back home in Napier, not only does Bar own her own range, she loved it so much, she has become a consultant.

The founder of World Organic is Megan Douglas, a medical herbalist and naturopath. Megan's great grandfather was a herbalist and naturopath, as was her grandmother, so she grew up in her family's herbal manufacturing lab and shop. After becoming a successful teenage model and then a well-known fashion designer in London, Megan spent time living in India. Returning to New Zealand to start a family, Megan set about on her journey to create organic skincare and internal remedies. It's a fascinating story, and I urge you to read more over on their website.

Like Bar, I'm a convert now too. The products were all beautiful, and I can't wait to receive my supply later this week. The one I look most forward to is what they quietly call 'botox in a bottle' - Wonder Lift Serum. It's designed to replenish and revitalise tired skin, and you just need a couple of drops under your moisturiser for an instant lift - yay, I could definitely do with that!

If you're at all interested in these fabulous products I encourage you to try them by holding or attending a consultation party. This is not an ad, I'm not getting paid to do this feature, I am genuinely blown away by the products, and so thought I'd share them with you. If you're in Hawke's Bay I can put you in touch with Bar, just drop me an email.