Sustainable Christmas Wrapping

Sustainable Christmas Wrapping

by | Dec 16, 2019 | Lifestyle

One of the greatest joys of the holiday season is gifting your loved ones with thoughtful & considered presents. This year you can give a little back to mother earth too with our memorable and sustainable wrapping ideas.

 

Typically wrapping paper is laminated, meaning it can’t be recycled. Raise your hand if you’ve definitely thrown mountains of wrapping paper in the recycling bin come boxing day, don’t worry; we’re guilty too. Unfortunately it contaminates the whole batch and will likely be taken straight to landfill. Whoops!

 

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve come up with some beautiful sustainable wrapping ideas to get you inspired this Christmas. The good news is; it’s simple & you probably have most of the items you need at home already.

1. Reuse scrap materials

Magazine, newspaper & old book pages all make charming & unique gift wrapping materials. Start saving a stash now so you’ll have plenty of options to play with come Christmas time.

 

2. Reuse packaging

I don’t know about you but whenever I purchase something with beautiful packaging I can’t seem to bring myself to throw it away. Well, now is the perfect time to dig them out of the cupboard and put them to good use! As an added bonus you’re also decluttering the house at the same time. Win win!

 

3. Scrap fabric 

Off-cuts of fabric & linen napkins are perfect for an au naturel earthy Christmas vibe. If you are using linen that is still stiff try washing them, then tumble drying so it gets nice and soft which is easier to work with. We’ve used the Japanese Furoshiki wrapping technique here.

 

4. Gift within a gift 

What could be better than receiving a gift within a gift? Try using a tote bag, scarf, jar or a cushion case. The options with this idea are endless! Time to get creative with guilt free zero waste gift-wrapping.

5. Time to decorate

Here comes the fun part, decorating! Try using:

. fresh leaves

. dried plants & flowers

. twine

. reuse old ribbons

. yarn

Lastly try to skip the sticky tape this year, instead using things like pegs, safety pins, scrap fabric or bluetack.

Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas Gift Guide

by | Dec 13, 2019 | Lifestyle

Here are five thoughtful gift ideas for this Christmas that you can shop at Wholelife.

For the makeup lover, gift them a 100% natural toxin & cruelty free Lük lipstick. With a wide variety of shades in store; you’re sure to find one to suit their personality to a tee. Throw in some Loving Earth chocolate for good measure!

 

 

For the person that’s hard to buy for…

This perfect little package prepared from Eco Sonya.

 

For the avid reader. We have a large range of books in store, ranging from cooking, health and well-being.

 

 

The perfect gift for someone who needs a little bit of rest and relaxation this Christmas.

 

Finally, for the friend that’s always on the go. Travel sized “A Bit Hippy” toiletries.

 

Gluten Free Brownies

Gluten Free Brownies

by | Dec 8, 2019 | Health & Wellness

Decadently fudgy with pops of nutty goodness… Have we got your attention?

Happy brownie day everyone! This flourless brownie recipe is ultra moist, delicious and a crowd pleaser for everyone regardless if they are eating gluten free. As an added bonus; they also happen to be grain free, dairy free & paleo.

 Ingredients: 

. 1/2 cup of nuts of your choice

. 125g dark chocolate

. 50g coconut oil (softened at room temp)

. 3 free range eggs

. 1 cup almond flour

. 1/4 cup cocoa powder

. pinch of seasalt

. 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks

. 175g coconut sugar

 Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Servings: 9

Lets Begin… 

1. Pre-heat your oven to 180°C & line a 20X20cm baking pan with some coconut oil and greaseproof paper.

2. Lightly crush your choice of nuts in a morter & pesel, making sure to leave them a little bit chunky for a beautiful pop of crunch when you bite into your brownie. For ours we are using activated 

hazelnuts which are available at most Wholelife stores. Of course you can opt out of using nuts for those with allergies, instead you could try using dried fruits.

3. Lightly toast the nuts in a pan until fragrant. Set aside to cool.

4. Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a glass bowl over a simmering pot of water. Once combined set aside.

5. Using a hand beater or stand mixer with a whisk attachement, whisk the eggs & coconut sugar until pale, fluffy and tripled in volume; for about 5-7 minutes.

6. Slowly drizzle in the melted chocolate mixture while stirring until the chocolate is completley incorporated.

7. Sift the almond flour & cocoa powder into the wet mix. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until smooth.

8. lightly stir in the nuts, chocolate chunks and sea salt, leaving some to sprinkle over the top of the brownie.

9. Transfer the mixture into your baking pan & smooth the top; sprinkling your leftover nuts & 

chocolate.

10. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Test the brownies by inserting a skewer, if it comes out with moist crumbs its ready.

11. Serve the brownies either still warm or cooled.  

Keep in a cool dry place in a container for 3-4 days.