A New (Very Furry) Family Member

One of the biggest highlights of the year was welcoming Rosie, our golden retriever, into the family. She has been an absolute bundle of energy and joy. Chances are you’ve already met her, as she loves greeting patients as they arrive. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and she’s certainly brought an extra dose of happiness into both our home and clinic.

Community, Creativity & Twilight Markets

Carissa and I had a wonderful time attending the Twilight Markets at Windsor Public School this year. I loved being able to share my pottery, herbal teas, flower essences and creams, while Carissa offered mini iridology sessions, which were incredibly popular.

If you enjoyed your session or missed out, don’t forget you can book in with Carissa for a more in-depth iridology assessment — she’s wonderful at what she does.

If you’re looking to get any of the goodies I had for sale, including pottery, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Most of it is available on my online shop.

Continuing Education & Professional Growth

Ongoing learning remains a big priority for me, and this year I attended several seminars, webinars, and a symposium, including:

• Learning how to implement the GEMM protocol, a gut health program designed to help reset immune function in the gut, reduce food sensitivities, and improve overall digestive health

• Gaining a deeper understanding of how to support people using GLP-1 medications, and how hormones can affect their efficacy

• Attending the Lipoedema Symposium

• Completing a course in oncology support

These experiences continue to shape how I support patients and refine treatment approaches.

Carissa’s Return

Earlier this year, Carissa returned to work after her maternity leave, and it’s been so lovely having her back. We often catch up over Zoom to discuss cases, treatment protocols, or simply check in with one another. She continues to offer consults via telehealth (Zoom video calls) and has some availabilities at Rouse Hill on a Thursday or Friday for face to face appointments.

Checking In on My Goals

At the start of the year, I set a couple of personal goals. One was to be more intentional about spending time with friends. While there’s always room for more, I’m genuinely happy with the new and deepening friendships that have grown this year.

Another goal was to achieve an unassisted pull-up. I’m not quite there yet — but I’ve made significant progress. I’m much closer to the bar, and the level of assistance I use has steadily decreased. Truthfully, I forgot about this goal for a while (until someone reminded me mid-year!), but I’m not too upset about that. Progress is progress.

Time Away & Simple Joys

We were lucky enough to take a family trip to Queensland, enjoying a little holiday and visiting some of the theme parks — a beautiful change of pace.

More recently, I’ve been finding joy back in the garden. After a few months of what felt like stagnancy, it’s been so satisfying to see the vegetables growing again and to reconnect with that slower rhythm.

Last-Minute Gift Ideas 🎁

If you’re still looking for thoughtful, meaningful gifts, here are a few ideas that are easy to organise and genuinely appreciated:

• Audible Subscription
  A wonderful gift for book lovers, commuters, or anyone wanting to learn or unwind.
  👉 https://amzn.to/4oDBUdM

• Massage or Naturopathy Gift Voucher
  The gift of rest, care, and wellbeing is always a good idea.
  👉 https://www.naturopathnsw.com.au/product-category/gift-vouchers

If you’d like more inspiration, you can also browse gift ideas from previous years here:

• https://www.naturopathnsw.com.au/xmasgiftideas2024

• https://www.naturopathnsw.com.au/gift-guide-for-the-health-and-environment-conscious

With Gratitude

Thank you to everyone who has supported myself and the practice this year — whether through appointments, conversations, events, or kind words. I’m deeply grateful.

Wishing you all a beautiful Christmas and a happy New Year, and sending thoughts of peace to all.

The post A Year in Review & Last-Minute Gift Ideas appeared first on Alison Mitchell Naturopath.

The holiday season is a time to show love and appreciation with gifts that inspire health, creativity, and joy. Whether you’re shopping for a wellness devotee, herb lover, curious kids, or even your furry friend, this guide has something special for everyone. I know what it can be like to be scrounging for last minute ideas, so I have written a last minute idea blog for you.

🎁 For the Wellness Enthusiast

• Massage or Naturopathy Gift Vouchers
  Give the gift of relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether it’s a calming massage or a naturopathy consultation, this voucher is perfect for anyone in need of some self-care.
• Water Filtration Systems
  Clean water is essential for optimal health, and high-quality filtration systems are an investment in well-being. Consider a premium gift like the Earth Tank or Waters Co MyWaterJug. These systems filter out harmful contaminants, including PFAS (forever chemicals), which can negatively impact health. A thoughtful, long-lasting gift for anyone prioritizing clean living.
• Yoga Mat
  Encourage movement and mindfulness with a durable and eco-friendly yoga mat—ideal for those who love stretching their bodies and minds.

🌿 For the Herbal Medicine Lover

• Ceramic Measuring Cups
  Taking herbal medicines is even more enjoyable with these adorable ceramic measuring cups. They’re both functional and charming, adding a little joy to every dose.
• Herb Cottage Gifts
  Browse through an extensive range of dried herbs, seeds, or young plants to grow. A perfect gift for the herb enthusiast ready to create their own remedies or teas.
• Herbal Tea Blends
  A delightful collection of organic teas for relaxation, digestion, or immune support.

🧸 For Kids

• Educational Anatomy and Herbal Medicine Books
  Ignite curiosity with engaging books like the Anatomy Book for Kids and the Herbal Medicine Book for Kids. They’re fun and educational gifts for budding scientists.
• Board Games for Family Fun
  Nothing beats quality time with classics like Operation, Battleship, Top Trumps, UNO, and Spot It.

📚 For the Bookworm

I know this isn’t natural medicine themed, but there’s nothing like losing yourself in a great story, and for the past few years, I’ve discovered the joy of audiobooks. It’s a great way to de-stress, that’s relevant isn’t it?

Whether I’m cooking, cleaning, exercising, putting away laundry, or driving by myself, listening to audiobooks has become one of my favourite ways to unwind and pass time.

• Audible Subscription
  A subscription to Audible is a fantastic gift for anyone who loves reading but wants the flexibility to listen on the go. With thousands of audiobooks to choose from, it’s a gift that keeps giving.
• Gift a Specific Title
  If you’d prefer to gift a specific book, here are some of my favourite reads from the last few years (and you can probably tell I’m a bit of a fantasy fan by these):
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) – A gripping fantasy series filled with romance and adventure.
  • The Witches of Eileanan – A beautifully crafted tale of magic, rebellion, and destiny.
  • Outlander – Time travel, romance, and historical drama rolled into one.
  • Crescent City – A fast-paced urban fantasy with unforgettable characters.
  • Dune – A sci-fi masterpiece full of political intrigue and epic adventure.
  • Outlawed by Anna North – A reimagined Western with a feminist twist.
  • The Wheel of Time Series – A high-fantasy epic for fans of sprawling worlds and intricate plots.
  • Quicksilver – A rich and intricate fantasy novel with twists and turns at every corner.

Whether it’s an audiobook subscription or a carefully chosen title, these options are sure to make any book lover’s holiday season extra special!

🥤 For the Hydration Enthusiast

A high-quality drink bottle is a practical and thoughtful gift for anyone, especially those mindful of reducing their plastic use. Whether it’s for kids, work, the gym, or outdoor adventures, these are some of my favorite picks. They’re low-to-no plastic, relatively spill-proof (a must for little ones!), and stylish to boot.

• Yeti
  Durable, sleek, and excellent at keeping drinks hot or cold for hours. Perfect for both adventurous spirits and busy professionals.
• Citron
  A great option for kids, with fun designs and practicality in mind. These are functional, spill-proof, and easy for little hands to use.
• Planet Box
  Known for their commitment to sustainability, Planet Box water bottles are ideal for eco-conscious families.
• Hydro Flask
  A cult favorite for good reason—these bottles combine practicality with a stylish design, and they keep beverages at the perfect temperature all day long.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but these are some of my go-to recommendations for drink bottles that balance function, sustainability, and style. They make great stocking stuffers or standalone gifts for anyone on your list!

Check out my gift list from a few years ago for more ideas

Happy gifting, and may your holidays be filled with love, wellness, and joy! 🎁✨

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me continue to share valuable content!

The post Christmas Gift Ideas – 2024 appeared first on Alison Mitchell Naturopath.

This rocky road inspired chocolate bark is a slightly healthier alternative to the original. It’s also a great gift idea if you’re wanting to save money and still give to those you care about this Christmas.

Ingredients

200g dark chocolate (aim for at least 70%)

140g Pomegranate seeds

60g pistachios (shelled/chopped)

20g unsweetened coconut flakes

Method

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare the pomegranate seeds, pistachios and coconut flakes in bowls.
2. Fill one large pot with water and place a smaller pot inside. Bring to a boil then reduce to lowest heat. Ensure no water is able to escape into the smaller pot! Break the dark chocolate into pieces and add it to the smaller pot. Stir continuously just until melted. Remove from stove top immediately once melted. Do not overheat as this will cause the chocolate to get lumpy.
3. Pour the melted chocolate onto the baking sheet. Use a spatula to smooth the chocolate into an even layer, about 1/4 inch thick. Quickly sprinkle the pomegranate seeds evenly over top, followed by the pistachios and finally the coconut. Transfer to the fridge or freezer and let chill for 20 to 30 minutes, or until firm.
4. Once the chocolate is firm, break or cut it into pieces. Enjoy!

The post Pistachio & Pomegranate ‘Rocky Road’ Bark – RECIPE appeared first on Alison Mitchell Naturopath.