The most inspirational women

In my life there have been many women who inspired me, and perhaps not for the reasons you might think...

1. Madonna - Did you know she writes lists? Me either until I read an article in a women's magazine and totally got inspired!

2. The Queen of England - She is one amazing leader. Did you know she was out and working during World War II as a princess to help her country? And her work ethic has been passed on to her children and grand children. She leads by example, I like that.

3. The woman on the cover of the magazine - you know the one, always beautiful, and at the cutting edge of fashion. Contrary to the popular saying that beauty magazines only make you feel ugly - I was inspired by them, to try out new fashions (and to create some of my very own).

4.My Mum - I learnt to take things as they come (apparently I'm very patient) and to be an independent thinker from my Mum.

5. Brown Owl - Brown Owl knew EVERYTHING! Ok maybe not everything, but she sure knew how to tie those knots and gave me life skills that I use even today. I still do the washing up the same way I learnt in Brownies (thanks Brown Owl) and I can light a camp fire with one match (no gas or flammable liquids involved).

6. Dame Margot Fonteyn - The most beautiful Ballet Dancer who ever lived, I'm not kidding, she was amazing and still dancing when most would be retired. She taught me grace and posture (I am sitting up a little straighter just thinking about it).

So that's just my opening list, but I'm sure there are more to add...

A Misson to believe in

I don't know Jade Lewis, but I do know two things about her - she is an amazing woman and I believe in her cause.

Jade and her husband Tristan together with a team of dedicated friends have a vision

A dream to see our nation drug free! A dream to see young Australians take a stand against drugs, crime and violence! A dream to see those families destroyed by drugs restored! A dream to see the lives of the drug addicted, free! A dream to see all Australians living a free and successful life!

I am truly inspired by this goal. I understand what a challenge they have taken on.

Jade Lewis and friends is an organisation with the aim of building drug free people and communities. They do this by giving practical and motivational workshops and presentations to schools, community groups, businesses and youth groups. Their main target audience is young people and women. The workshops are going into a Women's prison in the near future, with the aim of giving the prisoners back some self-confidence and empowering them to be the best they can be.

But why this mission? Jade's story came to my attention through a local news paper, adding a bit of hope amongst the rest of the articles. Jade and her husband were both addicted to drugs. Through a series of bad choices in their youth they both hit rock bottom. Both completed a rehabilitation program with Teen Challenge which has since transformed their lives. Ten years later Jade is a finalist for the Telstra Business Women's Award and is working very hard to make an impact on as many lives as she can. After all she has a mission to believe in.

10 Reasons why I drink lemon juice and water in the morning

I drink a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice in warm water every morning, here's why I do it.

1. Miranda Kerr is reported to do it, and she is a supermodel, is engaged to Orlando Bloom (swoon) and she is from Australia. Ok not really the most inspiring reason in the world, but it works for me, I mean just look at her.
2. Foods that taste sour stimulate liver function. Lemon juice in warm water is a good cleansing drink for the liver. Which means it helps to purify the blood.
3. The vitamin c in lemons helps to maintain the immune system. Good news for working in the office when your colleagues come to work with the dreaded lurgy bug.
4. Lemon juice is high in antioxidants, which means it works from the inside and makes your skin look more healthy on the outside.
5. Lemon juice stimulates the appetite. It helps me to eat breakfast, as I’m not naturally hungry at 6 in the morning, but after my glass of hot water and lemon I’m ready for anything, bring it on porridge.
6. I find if I have breakfast, I’m not looking for sugary snacks at 10am.
7. Every book I’ve read on the subject of healthy eating and living mentions drinking lemon juice at some point of the day, every day.
8. It is better for you than tea
9. It helps to keep the weight off – hello mashed potato and ricotta cheesecake
10. Lemon juice is high in potassium, which helps to relax the body and reduce mental stress and tension.

To make up a glass, I take the juice of half a lemon in a 250ml glass add some cold water and top up with boiled water from the kettle. Especially in winter time, I make sure the water isn't too cold, or I shiver for the rest of the day.