Life...

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NEW! Shop TT online, pick up in store!

Pssssssst! You can now shop online at tabletonic.com.au and pick up your order at Table Tonic Avalon! Your order will be "bagged up" and ready to collect, saving you time and delivery costs (it's free)!

(above) Table Tonic Avalon Photo by Kimiko

Simply select "Pick up in store (FREE)" as your shipping method and leave the rest to us! Happy shopping!

TT Spotlight: 7 online stores I'm shopping right now

So. It's 2013. Every man and his dog has an online store, myself included. I wanted to share a few I'm loving right now, all relatively new discoveries for me. I know you are all a stylish bunch, but you may not have heard of these guys, so here goes. PS Cut up your credit card... NOW.

1. Eska Alikai (above)
The finest lamb leather and sheepskin. Think pieces you will keep forever.
Designed by Micha Dyball, Northern Beaches based Eska Alikai has had, what can only be described as a meteoric rise since it's inception a short year or so ago. Described by Shop til you Drop as "More New York than Newport", the label includes minimalist, clean-cut and directional leather pieces that will take you from day to night in the best possible way.  
CLICK TO SHOP ESKA ALIKAI.

2. Friends With Frank (above)
A Melbourne-based online store selling quality 100% rabbit-fur products at affordable prices (and oh yes they are!).
Featuring a seemingly small three piece collection (long jacket, short jacket and vest) in a variety of mostly neutral, shades, the label has answered all your style prayers and will see you through the Winter months with a smile. The Long "Jerry" Fur Jacket ($359) is sheer perfection. PS They are "more than happy" to accommodate customised requests where possible!  
CLICK TO SHOP FRIENDS WITH FRANK.

3. Urban Rustic (above)
A collection of handpicked, unique pieces for the discerning eye and consumer with a conscience. Items on offer are predominantly recycled or vintage, sometimes new, but always original.
I've met Sandy a few times in my shop and her newly revamped website is too impressive to leave off this list, even though I've known about it for a few months. Think of Urban Rustic as the best (online) garage sale you ever went to. PS Everything is available for hire.  
CLICK TO SHOP URBAN RUSTIC.

4. Surfdome (above)
A huuuge online/lifestyle store with oodles of surf/snow/skate brands. File it under "Something for everyone". Even the kiddies!
Delivery is free on all orders within the UK and International orders are shipped free when you spend over £75. Click here to view all their brands and prepare to say "PHWOAR".
CLICK TO SHOP SURFDOME.

5. Holystone (above)
Black. White. Edgy. Leather. Just about my Four favourite words.
I discovered Aussie label Holystone through Instagram and subsequently nearly fell over. It's very cool. I'm loving this. And these. The quality looks lovely. The prices are decent. Add to favourites! 
CLICK TO SHOP HOLYSTONE.

PS Special mention must go to Shoescribe (above), who I recently stumbled upon and, subsequently, shopped from. If shoes are your weakness, STAY RIGHT AWAY. PPS Special mention must also go to Winston Wolfe (up there with Eska Alikai and Holystone - a super-cool, leathery trio). I have their Esmeralda track pants and looove them. Happy days. Or, should I say, ker-chiiiing!

Table Tonic Avalon in TODAY'S Daily Telegraph!

The Daily Telegraph recently paid a visit to Table Tonic Avalon! Check out the feature in today's issue of their  HOME magazine! Woohoo!

Table Tonic Avalon
Shop 6, 20 Avalon Parade, Avalon NSW 2107
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm (closed Sunday/Monday).

FREE SHIPPING at tabletonic.com.au ENDS SOON!

Click to shop!

Click to shop!

Click to shop! 

Click to shop!
 

TT Life-Changer: Vital Protein

Once again, my life is going to be divided into two parts - BEFORE Vital Greens and AFTER Vital Greens. And had I not been the author of this blog, I could have quite possibly gone through life never trying/buying Vital Greens or Vital Protein (oh the horror!). I'd always seen it mentioned/advertised on Sarah Wilson's (ah-MAY-zing) blog, but always thought it was just another green powder and didn't really give it another thought.

Then a few weeks ago, they sent a few of their products over to TT HQ. THIS IS WHEN MY LIFE CHANGED PEOPLE (and just to make it clear, I am/was under no obligation to blog about it, but when things are this awesome, you will always read about them here). Right. Let's move on.

(above) Try this for your next green smoothie 2 mandarins, 1 lime, mint, celery, kale (just a little), 2t chia seeds, 2t Vital Greens, 1t coconut oil, water, ice. Blend until smooth. Crazy-awesome-good.

I've been a bit excited by the delicious, pineapple-y taste the Vital Greens Powder (Miranda Kerr's Mum Therese is a fan) has brought to my green smoothies. More recently, I have been adding it to my morning lemon water and... YUM. And PS It's not a Multivitamin. It's a Multinutrient. It was developed by two Sydney based Naturopaths in 2000. I can confidently say that the Vital Protein Powder (not to be confused with the Vital Greens Powder) will always be in my life. I'm working my way through Vanilla (so good I rushed out and bought a second container of it yesterday!), Chocolate, Green Coffee (NEW!) or original (unflavoured).

 (above) Scenes from my yesterday, also starring Jerome Dreyfuss (Johan bag), Bassike (yes I got a lovely gift voucher for Mother's Day) and some "fancy" (it says so on the packet) dried apricots.

Personally, I love that Vital Protein Powder is a 100% natural, no nasties source of protein. Pure vegetable plant protein, and bonus points for being (wait for it) gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, soy free, alkaline (pH of 7.5), low GI, Vegan, low carb and even kosher. 

I always add a huge tablespoon or two of Vanilla Powder or Green Coffee Powder (it's decaffeinated using a chemical-free process) to my new favourite TT SUPER SMOOTHIE - this one's a cracker (recipe below) and makes for brilliantly satisfying post-workout fuel.

(Serves 1)

1 ripe banana
small handful raw cashews 
1 heaped tablespoon Vital Protein Powder
1/2t vanilla paste
2 dates
1/2-1 cup water
Blend everything until smooth then chuck in half a tray of ice and blend again until smooth. Top with hemp hearts/bee pollen/goji berries etc etc (optional). 

PS If you'd like a free sample of the new Decaffeinated Green Coffee Vital Protein, click here!

Click to shop Vital Greens, Vital Protein & Vital Kids online or click to find a Vital Greens Stockist near you. 

UPDATE: International Tonic-ettes - Chemist Warehouse is one of the only online stockists of Vital Greens/Vital Protein that ships Internationally (and they're the cheapest!). Click here to shop! 

And I'd love to hear from you to know what you think of it. How do you use your Vital Protein Powder? PPS I'm going to give you my special pancake recipe soon. Four ingredients and OH. MY. GOD. Watch this space.
 

TT Spotlight: Six things I'm loving today!

1. THEY ALL HATE US ONLINE SHOP!
There are a couple of tabs I keep permanently open - One is the weather, the other is the They All Hate Us Blog. It's fashion perfection. Right on the money. And as of today, their web-shop is open! The shop will feature "a curated selection of fashion, accessories, footwear and makeup from brands we personally own and love." Each month, Tash and Elle (that's her above) will release 10 lust-worthy peices available for immediate purchase. Their first 10 "must owns" are ripe for the picking! Click to shop!


2. THE KALEIDOSCOPE BLOG
One of my favourite blogs, Kaleidoscope has relaunched! Haven't heard of it? Kaleidoscope is "a blog all about the many facets of life and design. A place where you will find inspiration as you read about fabulous designers and their work and all the things that make life beautiful!" And how good is the FREE desktop wallpaper Amanda (a Graphic Designer by trade) has created for us! Click to visit The Kaleidoscope Blog.

3. PILOT ATHLETIC WORKOUT GEAR
How did I not know about Pilot Athletic??! If you enjoy looking a little bit "Luxe" when you workout, let me introduce you to some of my favourite Pilot-y pieces. (above) The Bessie Open-Knit Jumper ($60). Way too good for just working out in. And very Isabel Marant-eque, non? Going to wear mine with white pants or head to toe black. Scrumptious. And pure cotton. Shown above with the Delta Run Short. Saving these for when I have thighs like the nice lady in the picture. (I'm thinking around Day 417 of the 30 Day Shred...) 

(above left) Prepare to fall in love with the Mile High Pocket Tight ($140). Super versatile, "figure sculpting" tights (WIN) constucted from luxurious 'Diamond Compression' fabric - polyester-elastane-carbon. But wait there's more. Front and side-leg pockets and a concealed coin pocket in the waistband (fancy a post-workout latte/juice/snack?). DOUBLE WIN. Because yes-to-pockets-in-gym-gear. (above right) The Carter Skinny Track Pant grey marle ($130). Made with luxurious French Terry fabric (they are SO SOFT!) and featuring exposed silver zips, these track pants are keeping me warm-as during my 6.30am 30 Day Shred sessions. Because knee push ups? Yeah. You need pants for those. #carpetburn

4. EAT FIT FOOD - FOR GUYS!

Mr Tonic recently did a 5 day version of the Eat Fit Food Men's X-Celerator program. It included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 snacks daily. And can I tell you how good the food was? Now Mr Tonic is 6-foot tall, he eats alot. He was never hungry! Check out the sample menu (above) and remember - If it's good enough for Hugh Jackman...

5. N.D.C BOOTS
I am a complete sucker for quality. What's the expression - "When you buy quality, you only cry once." It's true! I recently discovered Belgian brand N.D.C. (Nom de Code/Code Name), which was timely, as I was in the market for a pair of black ankle boots for Winter. Something to wear everyday. And then? These (above) happened! You should see the soles, people. Hard and smooth and ready to last 17 lifetimes. Click to buy.

6. HIPPY CLUTCHES + TOTES!
These guys have just landed at the Table Tonic online store! (above) Tassel Should Bag/Clutch in "Blues", $39 Click to buy. Also available in "Pinks". (below) Large Shoulder Bag (with Pompoms!) $44. Click to buy.

My Workout Diary: The "30 Day Shred" PART 1

So I'm doing the 30 Day Shred. Oh yes I am. Bought my copy on eBay. For 15 bucks. Happiness. Thought I'd take you all along for the ride.

So. What is it? A gruelling workout DVD by Jillian Michaels (American Biggest Loser trainer). But the best bit is that it's a (less than) half an hour workout! I swiftly bought my copy after stumbling upon some incredible "before" and "after" shots on the net (or was it instagram...)
How often do you do it? Every day for 30 days (longer if you wish). You do Level 1 for 10 days, Level 2 for 10 days and then Level 3 for 10 days. Level 1 has 3 "circuits", each comprising of 3 minutes of strength training (weights), 2 minutes of cardio (jumping jacks, "butt kicks" etc) and 1 minute of abs (who knew there were this many ways to do sits ups!?! Apparently this is the best way to lose fat and build muscle. Sign. Me. Up.
You'll need: Hand weights (I bought mine on eBay) or 2 x 500ml water bottles and a yoga mat.
My hot tips: 1. Get all your gear out the night before. Yes. Socks, undies, everything. It helps a lot. 2. The minute you get up, start the DVD playing. It doesn't allow you to skip through all the copyright/warning/"Hi I'm Jillian" schpiel, so do this and by the time you're ready to go, the DVD will be too.

Day 1: (Level 1) Breezed through it (mostly!). The hour long walks and runs I've been doing for the past couple of weeks seem to have given me great leg strength. Sweated ALOT. PS Did Level 1 a second time later that day(!). I must have been on drugs.
Day 2: (Level 1) It's great knowing what to expect from the workout in advance. Today I did it in socks - while there's a lot of cardio, it's mainly on the spot stuff and my running shoes (Nike Lunar Glide, the best, bounciest running shoe EVER INVENTED!) just felt... clunky. That's them above with my new $3.99 neon laces from Rebel Sport.

Day 3: (Level 1) It hurts to brush my teeth. I'm blaming the push-ups (which I have never done in my life). Dug out my old Nike "Free Run" trainers today, much better. Still finding parts of the workout challenging (hello side lunges with weights), although other parts are getting easier (I'm making friends with my abs, slowly).
Day 4: (Level 1) Push ups are getting easier! Woohooooo! The other side lunge thingies with "anterior" weights? Not so much.

(above) Day 3: Done and dusted! Wearing Lorna Jane crop top, Pilot Athletic track pants, Nike Free run Trainers.

Day 5: (Level 1) As of today, I have seriously glowy, clearer, smaller-pored skin. All day long. Gillian, you have my heart.  
Day 6: (Level 1) I'm starting to panic at the thought of moving onto Level 2. Toying with the idea of doing Level 1 for a couple of extra days. Will I or won't I.... Must say though, I'm really enjoying my mornings. It's such a fast-paced, and relatively short workout, that it really does fly by. Oh and PS You. Will. Sweat.

Day 7: (Level 1) Although the mornings are freezing, I am doing the 30 Day Shred in a singlet and shorts. After around 3-4 minutes, I (quickly!) fling off the singlet. You will get warm people! And quickly!  
Day 8: (Level 1) Nothing to report except that I pointed to my "abs"this morning and Jasper just laughed at me. "You don't have abs Mum"! Ouch. PS He may have a point.

Day 9: (Level 1) I should mention at this point that I am still doing push ups on my knees. And Whoa. That's hard enough. At least I know how to do push ups now. I always wondered where exactly you put your arms...  
Day 10: (Level 1) Here's what going down: I have nailed it. Level 1 feels a lot easier now. Except for that bit (still!). I am sweating less. Virtually not at all anymore, which is interesting. I must be ready for Level 2. Bring it on! GULP.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my 30 Day Shred Tonic-ettes!

Last minute Mother's Day gift alert!

Mother's Day just got SORTED! Click the image above to shop Table Tonic Gift Vouchers. Your Gift Voucher will arrive in a black gift box, tied with beautiful grosgrain ribbon and ready to give. Have it sent to your address or straight to your loved one! How good is that.

Table Tonic Spotlight: NEW stuff + Mother's Day!

(above) HEY YOU! Want three perfect Mothers day Gift ideas? Read on! These are three I'm loving: (top to bottom) 1. For the Health-y Mum: Raw Addiction by Katrina Ellis 2. For the Home-y Mum: A Place Called Home by Jason Grant 3. For the Food-y Mum: The Karen Martini Collection by Karen Martini.

(above) Speaking of Mother's Day, if you haven't heard of Grown yet, pop it on your radar ladies (and gents)! Think organic, no nasties, and even the earth-friendly, non-leeching, hardened PET bottles they come in have been "carefully chosen to protect the product - and you". Oh, and the Damask Rose, Chamomile and Lavendar Stem Conditioner? It's like a warm hug in the shower. Even my 127% tortured hair loves it.

AND LOOK WHAT JUST LANDED AT TABLETONIC.COM.AU (yes Tonic-ettes, it's a Caps Lock kinda day)! I first fell in love with American designer Thomas Paul's range when I spotted it on the Elle Decor website years ago. He used to be a designer for Calvin Klein and DKNY, so it's a jumbo thrill to have his tea towels, hand towels, melamine plates and trays, coasters AND MORE in my very own shop - and online for y'all to buy! Check it:

And PS Shipping is FREE when you spend $40 or more at tabletonic.com.au (for a limited time)! PPS Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 12th. Buy her something nice (or your Dad will be cross).

FREE SHIPPING at tabletonic.com.au!

Table Tonic + Eat Fit Food SPECIAL OFFER!

Imagine having everything you put in your mouth for 5 days delivered to your front door. And now imagine it's super healthy and crazy CRAZY delicious. Welcome to the wonderful world of Eat Fit Food. I recently did my second Eat Fit Food 5 Day Cleanse (read about my first here), and loved every minute. You may wonder "what does she have left to detox, she's so healthy?!". Well let's just say we all have our weaknesses, and we all know the downward spiral that is sugar sugar SUGAR!!! So yes. I am no saint and always welcome the opportunity to push the "reset" button and start fresh. A cleanse is a great way to do that.

Think of this one as a flexible and subtle detox that supports the body to cleanse, rejuvenate and enable weight loss. Vegetarian options are available, as are large portion sizes for men. All meals are free of dairy, wheat, gluten, red meat, unhealthy fats, refined sugars & low-zero food chemicals & preservatives.

SO. Here's how my average day went:

(above) PRE-BREAKFAST: "Apple, kiwifruit & spinach juice". Just the right size and a great way to start the day. I had this about half an hour after my 2 x 500ml jars of warm water with lemon - which I have kept up since doing a 3 day Urban Remedy juice cleanse (diary of that juice cleanse to come!).

(above) BREAKFAST: "Detox muesli with rice milk & poached berries". Really a delicious combination and the pumpkin seeds were a nice, filling addition. I'm not a bowl-of-cereal-for-breakfast kind of girl at all, but this has me reconsidering. Serving sizes are smaller than most of us might be used to, but it was always enough and I was never hungry. 
An Eat Fit Food snack bar was also included - either to have mid morning, or cut into 3 and snack on throughout the day.

(above) LUNCH: "Moroccan spiced pumpkin, kumera & butterbean soup". Way delicious.
An afternoon snack was also included - veggie sticks and hummus, or a piece of fruit.

(above) DINNER: "Ginger & garlic poached chicken with asian greens, snow peas & tamari almonds". It was really just like eating in a cafe or restaurant for every meal. The meals were healthy and the flavours were out of this world. Win win.

Here are a few more Eat Fit Food culinary masterpieces:

(above left) Brown rice & quinoa porridge with berries and (above right) Salmon, green papaya & orange salad with chia seeds.

(above left) Thai beef salad and (above right) Garlic & ginger poached barramundi with asian greens, tamari & almonds

Their website has stacks more info and plenty of tips, so have a poke around and seriously consider saving up and trying this out. It really is so rewarding in the longterm and heck, a break from cooking is rather nice too!

Alright here's the best bit: A Table Tonic EXCLUSIVE EAT FIT FOOD OFFER!

Don't forget to read about my first EFF cleanse here for even more info.