The 2013 Eco-Friendly Pet Shopping Guide

To celebrate the arrival of our long-awaited Bengal kitten on Saturday - and because I know a lot of you have pets - I've compiled a list of the must-have products for an eco-friendly, happy and healthy pet! I've spent the last few weeks getting ready for the arrival of Leopatra in our household and conducted lots of research about what pet products are currently available in Australia, especially natural and eco-friendly ones, so I thought I would share my findings with you. While I have listed mostly cat products in this shopping guide, most of the brands below also have a large range of dog products too, which I encourage you to check out.

GROOMING & CARE

Oz-Pet Litter: eco-friendly

Oz-Pet pellets is the ultimate anti microbial litter made from waste plantation timber sawdust. It stops the strong pee pong in your litter tray by eliminating, rather than masking, the smell of ammonia. The eucalyptus oil in the wood pellets stops the bacteria growing that causes the smell of ammonia in other types of litter. This eco-friendly made in Australia litter contains no additives, is ultra-absorbent and suitable for compost! RRP: $9.63 for a 5kg bag

Oz-Pet Cat Loo: the closest thing to being outdoors

The Cat Loo is an easy 1-2-3 solution that provides your cat with a natural odourless toilet that is easy to maintain and economical to use. When the litter gets wet, the particles break down and fall, or are shaken into the base tray. There is no need to change the litter as fresh litter is added to the top section only when required. RRP: $84.95

Fresh Breeze - Hard Floor

Fresh Breeze is a 100% eco-friendly and biodegradable non-toxic odour reduction technology that helps fight pet urine odour (because accidents happen!). Its habit breaker formula completely eliminates odour effectively breaking the habit beyond pet recognition.

Spa by Tropiclean - Shampoo & Renew Cologne Spa shampoo is a coconut derived cleanser with just the right amounts of botanical emollients. Ginger and white plum will leave hair shiny, manageable and brilliantly clean. The refreshing Ginger and oatmeal cologne nourish and soothe, while white tea and plumeria invigorate the senses. Spa bottles are made from recycled materials known as post consumer resin (PCR). 

FOOD

Nutrience: feed your pets the best 

Nutrience is a fixed low allergen formula. Nutrience uses all natural ingredients with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. The nutrient dense complete formulation contains minimally processed low GI carbs (brown rice and oat groats) and the best chicken and lamb meal. RRP: $31.45 for a 2.72kg bag of Kitten food or Supreme Adult Cat food.

ACCESSORIES

Becobowls - the eco-friendly pet bowl
Made from waste plant fibre material, Becobowl products are completely sustainable and fully biodegradable. The Becobowl is tough, functional and durable. The range is dishwasher friendly and available in three sizes,depending on your pet's appetite!

Mr. Fothergill's Cat Grass & Catnip Kits

Cats like to chew on cat grass as an aid to digestion and to help the elimination of fur balls. Cat grass also provides a ready supply of essential vitamins and minerals, particularly good for ‘indoor’ cats. A lot of cats also adore the fragrant catnip plant! Mr Fothergill’s Seed Raiser Kits are designed to provide a convenient all-in-one solution for seed raising. Each Kit consists of a reusable mini greenhouse, Jiffy® Quick Soil Mix pellet and a full packet of Mr Fothergill’s Organic seeds. RRP: $5.95 per kit

TOYS

ClawBag: the bundle of love that comes in the mail

Every ClawBag is filled with hand selected toys, treats and other surprises that your cat will love! ClawBag is unique and includes a range of toys, food treats, fashion, grooming & health goodies. RRP: $39.50 + $6.50 shipping

Spot Eco-Cat Teaser Wand

These eco friendly cat toys are designed for interactive play and made from all natural materials. All Eco-Cat toys contain catnip to attract your cat to these toys even more! The packaging is made from recycled materials with plant based inks.

Do you have pets? 

Are you a cat or dog person?

Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month (+ 2005 Shiraz Wine Giveaway)

Like bread, cheese and croissant, wine forms an integral part of my culture which I like to celebrate whenever possible. Wine is more than an alcoholic beverage for me, it's a tradition, a savoir-faire, a terroir.  

To celebrate the much-anticipated Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month next month, I couldn't think of a better way than giving my lovely readers a chance to win two of my favourite premium Hunter Valley wines!

Organised by The Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association, the 2013 Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month is proudly supported by the NSW Government’s tourism. With more than 80 intimate experiences to tempt wine and food lovers, this event is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the Hunter Valley way of life and join winemakers and chefs at their favourite restaurants, sample the region’s premium wine and gourmet food, and stay in one of the top hotels and resorts and cozy up by the fire.

If you’re looking for the ultimate winter getaway with an indulgent theme, Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month is for you. A full calendar of events is available online at www.huntervalleyuncorked.com.au. 

Giveaway

If you can't make it to the Hunter Valley for the Wine & Food Month, here is your chance to sample their beautiful wines from the comfort of your own home! One lucky reader will win a Hunter Valley premium wine hamper, valued at $90 and made of:

• 1x bottle of Margan Shiraz Vintage 2005 
• 1x bottle of Wandin Valley Estate 2005 Bridie’s Reserve Shiraz

To enter: Leave a comment on our Facebook page 

 "Why should you win the Hunter Valley wine prize?"

Additional entries: (leave a comment below for each additional entry)

• Tweet this Merci @MSlimalicious and @EuropeBox for giving us the chance to win a a Premium Wine Hamper! Visit www.mslimalicious.com 
• Like Europe in a Box facebook page  
• Follow @EuropeBox on Twitter
• Share this post with your friends on FB and/or Twitter using the buttons below the post Google + (G+) this post using the button at the bottom of the post 

Giveaway is open to readers in Australia. The giveaway closes on Sunday 26^th May, 9 pm. One winner will be chosen at random with the help of random.org. The winner will be notified shortly after the end of the competition. If a reply email containing the winner’s name and postal address is not received by May 30th, the prize will be forfeited and awarded to another entrant. The prize was kindly donated by The Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association. Prize value is $90.

Discloser: I did not receive any form of financial nor material compensation for this post.   

For a chance to WIN more fantastic prizes,

visit my Competition page!

A Little Bit of France with Bonne Maman

After over 2 years since my last visit to France, anything that can remind me of home is a treat. Well actually most of the things that remind me of home are treats! 

Last week, I was fortunate to be a guest at the Bonne Maman Mother's Day Breakfast at the beautiful Baroque Bistro in The Rocks. It was a fabulous experience! 

Our Venue: Baroque Bistro, The Rocks Sydney
Chef Jacques Reymond on the background

I grew up with Bonne Maman on my breakfast table. If you have been to France you may know that French people eat fresh baguette, butter and jam for breakfast, especially on the weekend (sometimes croissant in place of bread!). Bonne Maman is the most famous French gourmet preserve company in France and overseas. Bonne Maman jams are made from traditional recipes featuring high quality fruit and 100 percent all natural ingredients. They are preservative-free, contain no artificial colours nor additives. 

This particular event was to celebrate the launch of their newest product: "Confiture de Lait" (lit. milk jam) which they have translated in English by "Caramel Spread". Basically, it's the French equivalent of the Italian "Dulce de Leche". I got to try in a milkshake, it was lovely. 

I don't always blog about events I attend, but the Bonne Maman breakfast ticked all of the boxes for me, everything was wonderful: 

• the live music reminded me of the street of Paris (they had an accordionist!)
• the decoration was unreal (and hand-made!)
• the food was divine
• the people were good company
• and I even won one of the door draw prizes! French Chef Jacques Reymond cookbook!

I had a massive smile on my face the entire morning (literally! If you don't believe check out the cartoon! Oh, yes because they even had a caricaturist like in Montmartre in Paris!) 

Bonne Maman really knows how to make people happy: through simple but original experiences! No need to over-do things, being authentic and taking pleasure in the things surrounded us is the key to my heart!

Me and some new friends! 

Do you eat jam?

What is your favourite flavour?

Top 10 tips to Beat the Winter Blues

It’s over. Summer that is. I was raised in the south of France where, like in Sydney, summers are long, dry and warm. Actually the climate where I grew up is very similar to here, except that winters are colder in France with temperatures rarely above 10 degrees Celsius in the colder months. When I was in France, what I hated most about winter was “the naked trees”. Trees (and vineyards) without leaves are depressing. What I liked most was snow, but that happened rarely, maybe once or twice a year and didn't last for very long. 

Carcassonne in the winter - looking sad! 

Now, I’m in Australia and while some trees lose their leaves, many stay green, especially the tropical vegetation (ie: palm trees etc.). After living 23 years in France and 3 years in England, I really can’t complain about Australian winters. While I enjoy having seasons and try to make the most of it (ie: I like changing wardrobe once a year and eating earthy meals!), I noticed my mood still changes in the colder months, and I feel a little less happy. 

Around the world, many people are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of mild depression that occurs at the same time every year - also referred to as ‘winter blues’. Symptoms usually start in the autumn and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. SAD is diagnosed more often in women, but men have more severe symptoms. SAD is rare in Australia (1 in 300 Australians) but in countries like Canada it affects nearly 20% of the population.

My parents' garden in the winter...

My top 10 tips to beat the winter blues 

• Eat a healthy diet: aim for food with high nutritional value rather than processed manufactured food. What you eat affect your mood and energy. 

• Be active: exercise isn't only for maintaining weight and staying healthy. It’s great for relieving the stresses of life (well, so I was told!)

• Get some sun: go outdoors and suck the sunlight in to increase your level of Vitamin D. 

• Bring sunshine into your home: keep the curtains open during the day and cut back trees or bushes that block light from your windows. 

• Make the most of the season: experience new recipes with seasonal vegetables and fruits (Tarte Tatin anyone?) 

• Change your wardrobe: buy yourself a pretty cardigan, a woollen jumper and some pretty leather boots for a totally different look! You'll feel great!  

• Rest and relax: make time for the things you enjoy most (ie: playing with your kids, reading a book…) 

• Swap coffee for green tea: green tea contains anti-viral compounds as well as immune- boosting antioxidants. It's also know to relieve stress. 

• Put the music on: music is a distraction, when you’re concentrating on the music you hear, you won't focus on other negative thoughts. 

• Buy a pet: According to research, petting animals (or even gazing at an aquarium) lowers blood pressure and relieves anxiety! It also alleviates loneliness.

Do seasons have an effect on your mood or energy level? 

French Movie Giveaway: 5x Double Passes to Farewell, My Queen

You may know by now that Mister Slimalicious loves French cinema so we attend the French Film Festival every year and regularly watches French movies on SBS One etc. One of the movies I've most enjoyed at this year festival is Farewell My Queen; so when I was asked if I would talk about it on my blog, I couldn't say no - the movie was truly VERY VERY GOOD. 

If you are a francophile, then I can guarantee you will really enjoy this movie. It is based on Chantal Thomas' international best-selling novel of the same name. Farewell, My Queen will not only help you improve your French but you will also learn about France's rich history and be delighted by the beautiful scenery of Versailles. 

FAREWELL, MY QUEEN - Les Adieux à la Reine

Release date: In cinemas across Australia from June 6

Running time: 100 minutes

Rating: M (Mature themes and nudity)

Director: Benoît Jacquot

Cast: Léa Seydoux, Diane Kruger, Virginie Ledoyen, Xavier Beauvois and Noémie Lvovsky

Synopsis

1789. On the eve of the French Revolution, those living at the Court of Versailles continue to lead carefree, uninhibited lives, far from the growing unrest in Paris. When news of the assault on the Bastille reaches the court’s ears, the nobles flee along with their servants, deserting the palace… But Sidonie Laborde (Léa Seydoux), a young reader of the Court who is devoted to the Queen (Diane Kruger), refuses to believe the rumours. She is certain that under Marie-Antoinette’s protection she will come to no harm. Little does she know that these will be the last three days she will spend at her queen’s side.

Marking the return of acclaimed director Benoît Jacquot (A Single Girl, Seventh Heaven, Sade, Deep in the Woods), Farewell, My Queen brilliantly captures the passions, debauchery and chaos that engulfed the court of Marie Antoinette in its final days. Moving effortlessly from the gilded drawing rooms of the nobles to the back quarters of those who serve them, this is a period film at once accurate and sumptuous in its visual details and modern in its emotions.

Giveaway

I have 5 x Double Passes to Farewell, My Queen to giveaway (RRP: $38 each pass)! The film will screen in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart, so if you live in one of those cities here is your chance to spend a free night at the movie with your Beau! 

To enter: To be eligible, you must be a Mademoiselle Slimalicious Facebook Page Liker

AND leave a comment here telling me

"At school, what was your favourite subject and why?"

Additional entries: (leave a comment for each additional entry)

• Tweet this Merci @MSlimalicious and @EuropeBox for giving us a chance to win a 5x double passes to see Farewell, My Queen! Visit www.mslimalicious.com 
• Like Europe in a Box facebook page  
• Follow @EuropeBox on Twitter
• Share this post with your friends on FB and/or Twitter using the buttons below the post
• Google + (G+) this post using the button at the bottom of the post

Note, if you are an anonymous entrant, please make sure you include your name in the comment so I can contact you via Facebook if you win.

Giveaway is open to readers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart only. The giveaway close on Thursday 30th May, 9 pm. Five winners will be chosen at random with the help of random.org. The winners will be notified by email (if available) or on Mademoiselle Slimalicious Facebook page shortly after the end of the competition. If a reply email containing the winner’s name and postal address is not received by June 2nd, the prize will be forfeited and awarded to another entrant. The prizes were kindly donated by Transmission Films. 

Total prize pool value is of $190. I did not receive financial or material compensation for this post. I honestly really enjoyed this movie when I went to the French Film Festival in March. 

For a chance to WIN more fantastic prizes,

visit my Competition page!

Heart Week & 10 Tips to Reduce your Risks of Heart Disease

A few weeks ago I was fortunate to be invited to a lovey evening with the Heart Foundation to discuss heart health and heart disease prevention. It was an opportunity for me to learn more about heart disease in Australia. Of course, one may think I'm too young to worry about heart disease, but the reality is that it is a topic close to my heart (excuse the pun). My grand-mother died of a cardiac arrest when she was 60. So young! She died in front of a crowd while doing her fresh produce shopping at our traditional fruits and vegetables market in France. She was obese and her heart wasn't healthy. I've since learn that everyone should watch out for heart disease, not only overweight people are affected, anybody can be really.  

The thing that happens on the inside that you don’t see on the outside

Heart disease, like many other illnesses, is something we don’t always see coming. Often there are no symptoms of heart disease. We feel fine, until it's too late. One of the most important things you can do is talk to your doctor about your risk of heart disease. During a ckeck-up appointment your doctor will ask questions about your family history, will measure your blood pressure, talk about your lifestyle and diet and conduct further test like blood cholesterol if required. 

Heart Week 2013 & Facts about heart disease
From Sunday 5 May to Saturday 11 May 2013 it's Heart Week in Australia. During Heart Week 2013, the Heart Foundation wants to help improve the heart health of all Australians.

Did you know:

• Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Australian women 
• A heart attack occurs every 10 minutes in Australia
• In Australia, heart disease claims 27 female lives every day
• Nearly 30% of women aged 30-65 have been told by their GP they have high cholesterol, but only 12% are aware it’s a risk factor for heart disease

Will you recognise your heart attack? Will you know what to do if your loved one is having a heart attack?

My 10 tips to reduce your risks of heart disease

1. Be naturally active: take the stairs not the escalator, ride or walk to work etc.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
3. Avoid highly processed foods (ie: frozen meals, crackers, biscuits, ready to go sauces,  etc.). They are rich in salt, fat and sugar.
4. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables everyday
5. Eat less red meat and more fish, try also legumes (they are rich in protein)
6. Stop smoking
7. Monitor your blood pressure
8. Get regular check-ups
9. Exercise 30 min a day (ideally) - but really: anything is good
10. Stress less: do things you enjoy (except eating sweets!) like listening to music, read a book, buy a pet, start a blog, etc.

For more information about heart health, 

visit Heart Foundation Australia website

What is your family history? 

Do you have cholesterol or diabetes?

Do you know people close to you who live with heart disease?

Credit photos: 

1, 3. Heart Foundation

4. fondacoeur.com