Today’s a big day! It’s my son Tommy’s 18th birthday and I couldn’t be more proud of the path he is creating for his life and the choices he is making for his health. It has me thinking about my own alcohol-free journey.
I’m two years alcohol-free.
This is a big deal for me - l wanted to break a habit that was no longer serving me. I feel better for it too - calmer, clear headed and have more energy. I’m also aware two of my favourite people in the world are watching me - and as l often remind Tom and my 14 yo daughter Anja - actions speak louder than words.
I decided to go alcohol-free after reading a post from @chrissieswan that struck a chord with me. She mentioned she was having a break from alcohol and made me think l might try that too.
l recently found @awomancalledgeorge who said she doesn’t miss the ‘constant chatter’ in her mind around drinking - l agree 100%.
My lovely and wise friend told me “Personal growth is about awareness and choice, and I think taking ownership of how we choose to live and making changes that serve us is so admirable.”
Here’s to making the best choices we can and changing habits that no longer serve us.
Since my original social media post on this topic so many people have reached out so l share these tools that helped me:
I'm absolutely thrilled - we can now call ourselves an award winning business as denu won the 2023 Whitehorse Excellence in Business Award - Micro Business Sustainability!
“Denu is an outstanding example of a company that seamlessly blends beautiful, high-quality products with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. Their exquisite products for hair, body and the home not only captivate the senses but also bear the hallmark of conscious, eco-friendly practices.
From their thoughtfully designed minimal, recycled and recyclable packaging to their responsible sourcing of natural and organic ingredients, every detail reflects their unwavering dedication to the planet. They have reduced their carbon footprint by centralising their operation at a single location, and also prioritise local producers for their production inputs wherever possible, promoting both sustainability and supporting local communities.
denu’s dedication to these eco-conscious principles resulted in it being recognised with the 2023 Whitehorse Excellence in Business Award - Micro Business Sustainability.”
Linda Black, Deakin - Law School
Thank you to Whitehorse Business Group for their recognition and Crown Coaches for sponsoring this award and leading the way in sustainable practices.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Here’s to women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.
In true denu style, we asked four questions in the spirit of uplifting and celebrating each other. Today we share the words of wisdom from women we admire.
Kiralee
Share one thing that you’re proud of women for.
“I really love it when women support other women, when we raise each other up and encourage each other to have a go at something new or a new venture. New projects or starting a new business can be really scary. I loved the support I got from my friends when I first started my business. I don’t think I would be here today without them. I also love it when women don’t compete with other women. There is enough room for everyone.”
Share one hope you have for women.
“That we can remain confident in our ability to take time to ourselves… to do the exercise and relaxation activities to rejuvenate our bodies and minds. Too often, women, including me don’t spend enough time on self-care. I’m a big believer in making sure the grownups in the family take care of themselves so they can take good care of their families and those around them.
What is one thing you admire about the women around you?
“Their ability to juggle and continually prioritise. I know people say we shouldn’t juggle and multitask but that’s just unrealistic in this world if you want to be a mother and have a career.
Most of my good friends are mothers and most of them work full or part time so this skill is paramount if we want to active anything we want and have time for ourselves and our friendships as well.”
What is one thing you would like to say to inspire someone reading this quote?
“Believe in yourself and embrace the opportunities around you. I say to my kids sometimes all it takes is just saying yes.”
Hilary
Share one thing that you’re proud of women for.
“Finding the voice to call out unacceptable behaviour and comments which we may have previously ignored.”
Share one hope you have for women.
“That you truly understand self-care is not selfish - it’s essential.”
What is one thing you admire about the women around you?
“How supportive, understanding and non-judgemental they are. Oh, and also how much bloody fun they are 😊”
What is one thing you would like to say to inspire someone reading this quote?
“Run a bath, add some bath salts, light the candles, and get in!”
Rita
Share one thing that you’re proud of women for.
“Fostering optimism in the face of adversity.”
Share one hope you have for women.
“That we prioritise taking time for ourselves.”
What is one thing you admire about the women around you?
“Collaboration, commitment, diversity, and respect.”
What is one thing you would like to say to inspire someone reading this quote?
“Mistakes are what makes us grow. Spend less time reflecting and more time embracing.”
Em
Share one thing that you’re proud of women for.
“Especially during lockdown, I saw such resilience and strength of spirit in women who were doing so much- for their families and friends, neighbours and colleagues. Working from home, schooling, counselling, motivating, making life as “business as usual” as possible. Out of a difficult time, such stories or strength and resilience have lasted, and voices were found.”
Share one hope you have for women.
“My hope for women is that strength of spirit and resilience is something that all women continue to self-invest in and nurture. It shields us when we need it!”
What is one thing you admire about the women around you?
“Sense of humour and practical sense of making it happen!”
What is one thing you would like to say to inspire someone reading this quote?
“Search for your voice, be brave and enjoy the learning.”
I’ll leave you with my thought-provoking question of the day: how would you answer these questions? I’d love to hear your story.
Sarah
Founder
denu
I am absolutely thrilled to be a finalist in not just 1, but 3 categories of the Clean + Conscious Awards.
Now running in their fourth year, the Awards celebrate exceptional products that are clean (non-toxic) and conscious (ethical, sustainable and responsible). Really everything denu stands for.
The winners across the 80 categories of the 2022 Clean + Conscious Awards will be announced in October, so please wish us luck that our mindful products become winners in their categories.
Shop the denu Clean + Conscious Finalists today:
Hi there,
I often think about the connection between our sense of smell, to memory and emotion. The link always seems stronger than any other sense. With Father’s Day being a hop, skip and a jump away - I wanted to share a personal memory.
One of my Dad’s signature scents was Fahrenheit by Dior. That’s the fragrance I associated with him the most. I’ve spoken before of my Dad’s impeccable grooming: always clean cut, aftershave in his daily routine, trimmed nails. His hands were big and soft, and he always held my sister's and my hands (even in our teens - much to our embarrassment).
Sadly, he passed away 19 years ago. Just after, I remember being at the supermarket. A man came up and started unpacking his shopping beside me at the checkout. He was wearing ‘Fahrenheit’ and immediately - it caught me by surprise - I thought of my Dad.
For me, scent is the most powerful memory trigger.
Self-care and aromatherapy are often seen as feminine-centric, but I know first-hand that there are many men who enjoy the feeling of relaxing at home through the power of scent. My Dad was no exception.
We often receive amazing feedback about the scent blends of our Room and Body Mists which make the perfect Father’s Day gift (or for the important male in your life) - for instant relaxation after a long day. Help him recreate a day spa experience without ever stepping foot in the bathtub.
Sarah x
denu body, hair and home products use natural and organic ingredients, are scented using pure essential oils and are not tested on animals. Mindfully made in Melbourne, since 2007.
