Laure of Nature
- Aug 5, 2023
- 6 min read

August 2023 – Elevate

Inspirations: As the month flew by, I was wondering why I was holding off writing this newsletter. The reason showed itself two days ago - the results of the Great Taste Awards. A couple of years ago, I submitted only the Lavender Kefir because of it's unique and delicate flavour and beautiful colour. I was sure it would stand out from the crowd. The judges didn't seem to understand the nature of producing a live healthy drink that's low in sugar... and therefore sweetness.

At the time I didn't think to submit the Ginger and Lemon because I thought that, on the one hand the flavour maybe too familiar, and on the other, a pile of kombuchas would be entered - using essences rather than real lemon and ginger - and would overpower my Water Kefir. Having learned from the previous experience I submitted a much stronger entry with both the Ginger & Lemon and Lavender flavours. The Ginger & Lemon won a gold star!

But... the lavender... again the judges didn't fully grasp the art of fermenting a natural drink made from real, natural ingredients. They said they liked it but the flavour was not strong enough. The thing is, all the flavours come from a second fermentation; my water kefir isn't made using fake flavours, it comes naturally from the infusion of plant, flower, fruit or root! And is therefore, an elegant and delicate floral flavour... but somehow these guys still didn't get it! Nevertheless, I am over the moon that the Ginger & Lemon has won "a star of deliciousness" as they say in their comments!

August is our late summer month, linked to the earth element in Chinese medicine, with the colours of yellow and orange. It is also linked to thyroid energy, that connects our heart with our mind. So it's a great month for elevating ourselves by connecting our soul through the heart energy. Elevating above the mind; the chatter and the mad world that seems to surround us. Finding our peace within and shining our light to the world is what we are here for... and in the life that has been gifted to us, I feel we need to show more love to everyone. According to Pam Gregory, we are going through a leap of human consciousness where more and more people are awakening and building communities and collaboration for a better world. People are opening their heart and realising how important well-being is for general but particularly mental health. This month is a powerful one with two full moons and the Lion's Gateway on 8th of August, this is a cosmic alignment (of the sun in Leo, Earth, Orion belt and Sirius) portal when increased energy flows between the physical and spiritual realms, it is a great time to manifest your dreams and elevate yourselves! The first full moon was on the 2nd of August and the next one (blue moon) will be on the 31st and amplifies the power of this portal.

What can we do to get through this period?

Expressing ourselves through journaling, talking to friends or through the expression of arts,
Releasing emotions: it is ok to cry and let go, breathwork can also be very helpful,
Self support: giving ourselves space and time is so important! We have to look after our own well-being before we can support others. Meditation, grounding, retreats, yoga are all powerful tools to give yourselves that space and help us manifest.

Diet is, as always, crucial in these moments and we can often forget about the negative impact on our bodies and minds certain foods can have on our body and mind. One of the main culprits, causing inflammation of the mind and brain is wheat and gluten. Symptoms like headaches, brain fog, joint pains, backaches are often linked to inflammation created by gluten. These symptoms would most likely indicate more of an intolerance than an allergy, and can create chronic, long-term illnesses. Therefore I would recommend testing for intolerances via a lab like York Test .

Recently I've been intrigued by the power of Raw Coconut Oil and how it enhances brain function, as it contains MCT (medium chain Triglycerides). You can read this article from Patrick Holford on its effects on the brain. It also kills off bad bacteria, is easy to digest and helps with burning fat!

Fat Latte recipe coffee with MCT oil

(inspired by Pauline Cox Book: Hungry Woman):

1 tbsp of MCT oil

120ml of you favourite coffee

240ml of unsweetened almond milk

options to add all or one:

1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder

1 tsp of raw cacao powder

1 tsp of lions mane powder

1 tbsp of collagen peptide

My mantra for this month:

I am standing in my love

I am open to all possibilities

GOOD TO KNOW:

> Holiday season:

We will be taking a little time off at the end of the month and will be closed from Thursday 24.08 until Sunday 03.09.

> South Wales Fermentation Revolution:

The WhatsApp group for fans of fermentation is growing with more fermenters being added at each market I attend. If you are keen to learn and up for sharing your fermenting experiences, text me your phone number and you'll soon be on the journey with us! (07515493402).

> St Lucian Sea Moss Gel: it is a great time to take Sea Moss gel and we are offering the Fresh & Blessed Sea Moss Gel at our markets regularly if you want to try it. Made in Cardiff, it helps to improve thyroid health, energy levels and to clear mucus - it's also full of minerals, amazing for libido and fabulous to use as a face mask to rehydrate your skin!

> Food & Drink Festival and Music Festival season: Our last festival this year will be Newport Food Festival on 14th of October!

> Absorb T- Shirts: Late Summer Sale in August: 15 instead of 18 pounds. The T-Shirts are bursting with colour and available at markets or online. The design is from an original watercolour by my cousin Brigitte, in France. The organic cotton makes them super lovely to wear!

> Drinking Water Kefir for better health: If you want to drink our Water Kefir regularly to support your health journey, there are 2 money-saving options available:

Join our subscription scheme by filling in this document and emailing it back to us completed (absorbhealth@outlook.com) *.
Learn how to make it yourself and acquire some grains - we can teach you all you need to know and provide a recipe!

*We deliver all around Cardiff and surrounding area - and further afield (see below).

> Talks to Spread the Health:

We are looking for collaborations with other businesses to spread the health and can run 1 hour free talks about Health around South Wales (retreats, foodies, chefs, yoga centres, hubs, communities...) to share knowledge for better natural health... and to play a part in reducing the strain on the NHS. If you know of any interested people or places, please do get in touch. We can also run tasting sessions of water kefir and raw kraut.

> Grouped Deliveries outside of Cardiff: We have 2 separate delivery runs each month that go east of Cardiff one week and west of Cardiff on the other. Please get in touch if you live in the areas detailed below and want a Water Kefir delivery:

Gower, Mumbles, Swansea, Swansea Valleys to Ystradgynlais: Next runs are Thurs 10.08 & 14.09
Newport, Monmouthshire and Bristol: Tues 22.08 & Thurs 28.09

WORKSHOPS and Talks:

Workshops on Fermentation and Digestive Health are restarting in September!

Sat 30.09.23 will be at Love Dove Pottery in Coed Hills - I just love this space and is perfect for small groups.
October Workshop in Roath - 52 Glenroy street - 21.10.23

Please check my calendar for the latest updates on which markets I'll be attending in the next couple of months and links to workshops (some will be updated later)!

WATER KEFIR

Flavour of the Month:

Basil & Lime is our flavour this month. We are getting our fresh Basil from Coed Organic and are super excited to know what people think of the flavour! We think it's so refreshing and the perfect Summer drink! We just hope that summer comes soon!