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July 12, 2016

11 money-saving supermarket hacks worth knowing

Want to save money on your groceries? Then you’ll love these ideas.

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Set a budget

It sounds obvious, yet many of us get busy or distracted and neglect to set a strict budget before hitting the supermarket. Allocating a weekly or monthly allowance for groceries is the first step to steering clear of unnecessary purchases and saving cold hard cash.

Pre-shop online

Suss out weekly deals and specials online before you head in store. Then base meal plans around produce that’s on special, rather than deciding on a meal and buying the ingredients regardless of cost. Apps are also a great tool. The ALDI mobile app allows you to save items to a shopping list and create reminders – both very useful after a long day (or week!).

Stock up

It’s often more cost effective to buy your groceries in bigger pack sizes. They generally have a lower unit price (more on this later) than smaller packs. If you use a product often or it’s non-perishable like, say, toilet paper, buy a bigger size to save money in the long run.

Don’t get distracted

If you’re trying to save money, stick to the outer aisles. Typically that’s where everyday essentials are kept, whilst treats and other impulse-type purchases are in placed the middle aisles. So, if you don’t trust your willpower around the biscuits, avoid the aisle altogether.

Read the fine print

The RRP is always the largest thing on the label, but savvy shoppers zone in on the smaller unit pricing: the price per kg or 100g, for example. Always go with the cheapest price per unit, not just the cheapest RRP, to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Eat before you go

Try to avoid shopping on an empty stomach. When you’re hungry, anything and everything looks good – regardless of how much it costs. Shop when you’re full up and satisfied and you’re less likely to end up with a trolley full of random products that you don’t really need.

Avoid pre-prepared

The big appeal with pre-prepped food like grated cheese, chopped veggies and diced meat is that it saves you time. But it also costs you more because effectively you’re paying someone else to do your job! A nice idea, but one that’s going to add up in the long run.

Take your own bags

Some supermarkets charge for plastic bags as an eco-initiative to reduce plastic waste so get into the habit of taking a BYO bag or box. Just think: it’s good for the environment and your economy.

Discounted items

Ask supermarket staff to point you in the direction of their discounted area as soon as you arrive. You’ll often find slightly damaged goods (like dented cans) that have been marked down. If you can, switch to late-night grocery runs. Most supermarkets discount fresh produce or products that are close to their use-by date at the end of the day.

Shop solo

Go grocery shopping on your own. You’re less likely to be swayed into a purchase when you’re flying solo and it’s easier to stick to a strict list without the kids. Those grapes and crackers might keep them quiet for five minutes, but distraction purchases soon add up!

Look at your receipt

Before you leave the supermarket, glance over your receipt. If you notice anything wrong, speak to a member of staff because, according to the Australian Retailers Association code of practice, if an item scans up wrong, you get it for free. Conditions apply.

Brought to you by ALDI. Take the Supermarket Switch Challenge today and discover high quality groceries at everyday low prices.

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July 12, 2016

Mums who put their kids to bed early have better mental health

Early to bed, early to rise gives mum, well, a well-earned break from the kids and most importantly, better mental health.

Writer_contributorMichael Sheather

Children who get to sleep early are more likely to have better health but – perhaps even more importantly – also much happier, healthier mums, according to new Australian research.

Research to be presented at the Australasian conference Sleep DownUnder 2015 in Melbourne today has found that getting kids to bed early may be even more important than simply ensuring they have a long sleep.

The study questioned 3600 Australian children three times during their first nine years of life. It is the largest study of its kind and the first to decisively show how crucial it is to get littlies nodding off earlier.

“This is valuable information for parents, many of whom will know about how important it is for their kids to get lots of sleep overall but not much about how significant the bedtime itself is,” says lead researcher Dr Jon Quach, of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and The University of Melbourne in Melbourne.

Dr Quach and colleagues from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and University of New England analysed sleep and lifestyle data collected from parents of children at ages four to five, six to seven and eight to nine.

Reaserchers divided children into four groups – those who were early to bed and early to rise, early to bed and late to rise, late to bed and late to rise and late to bed and early to rise.

Kids who were early to bed were asleep by 8.30pm, while late-to-bed kids fell asleep after this time.

Results show children who are early-to-sleep have better health-related quality of life, and this is the exciting bit – their mothers have improved mental health, compared with to the mothers of children who are late-to-sleep, because they get a little more ‘me’ time for their own interests, relationships and projects.

“So mums and dads, getting kids to bed early is not just great for them. It’s good for you too,” Dr Quach says.

“These benefits were seen in all early-to-bed kids regardless of whether they woke early or slept late.”

Writer_contributor Michael Sheather

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July 12, 2016

Salim Mehajer: ‘Only death will do us apart’

Salim Mehajer has denied his wife Aysha has applied for an AVO against him.

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Salim Mehajer has insisted “only death” would end his marriage, denying claims wife Aysha has applied for an AVO against him.

The suspended Auburn councillor accused NSW Police of having a “vendetta” against him, telling news.com.au officers had filed for the apprehended violence order without Aysha’s consent.

“Aysha has NOT taken out an AVO against me,” he said. “. The police are pursuing for an AVO.

“The police seem to have nothing better to do then follow our footsteps [sic],” he said.

Mr Mehajer also insisted his relationship with his wife had never been better, insisting rumours their marriage is on the rocks are unfounded.

“As mentioned before, only death will do us apart [sic],” he said.

He has previously denied reports of a rift after police were called to Aysha’s sister’s home near Wollongong earlier this year after Mr Mehajer was allegedly “yelling and screaming at the door”.

Mr Mehajer is due on court tomorrow to answer the request for an AVO.

He became infamous when he shut down a Sydney street for his wedding Aysha last August, leading to an investigation into his role at the council and his suspension as a councillor, as well as an investigation into corruption at the council which is still ongoing.

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July 12, 2016

Zoe and Hamish’s European holiday!

While the Southern Hemisphere shivers, Australia's favourite couple are living it up in balmy Italy.

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While the Southern Hemisphere shivers, Australia’s favourite couple are living it up in balmy Italy.

Zoe Foster Blake and her husband Hamish Blake sure know how to have a good time! In between Zoe running her beauty empire, Go-To, and Hamish’s hugely successful radio show, Hamish & Andy, the pair have found time out of their busy schedules for a well-deserved break.

Jetting to Sicily with their adorable two-year-old bub Sonny in tow, the trio looked the picture of happiness as they relaxed pool-side.

Meanwhile Hamish says of family life, “We’re trying to enjoy the stage we’re at [with Sonny] because we know it won’t last forever.”

Click through the gallery to check out their fun-filled holiday!

Doting dad Hamish simply adores his mini-me son. The Gold Logie winner opted for a pair of patterned boardshoats, a denim shirt and a Burton hat.

All bundled up in dad’s shirt!

Zoe looked stunning in a floral bikini.

2016 is shaping up to be her busiest year yet as she launches her updated cult beauty book, Amazinger Face, among a slew of other successful ventures.

But it’s Zoe’s gorgeous son that always comes first.

“He really is so blessed, though. He’s walked into this loving, fun, abundant home but it’s important for us to make sure he’s always aware that that’s not a given,” she recently explained to mybodyandsoul.com.au of her little man.

Sonny builds up the courage to jump in the pool.

This father-son duo can keep each other entertained for hours. Watch Sonny and Hamish joke about in the next slide. Gallery continues after the video!

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Hamish and Sonny Blake joke about

“We’re trying to enjoy the stage we’re at [with Sonny] because we know it won’t last forever,” the comedy star muses.

Wave to mummy!

The couple have been keeping their followers up to date with their holiday via social media and it’s fair to say fans are very jealous of their sun-drenched adventures.

Sonny takes the leap of faith into his loving parents’ arms.

“Hamish and I will walk around with the pram just to go get groceries and people come up and we’ll think, ‘Oh, they’re going to say hello to us.’ But no, they go straight to Sonny. He’s eclipsed both of us,” Zoe confessed to the ABC of her popular bub.

The beauty mogul was sure to keep sun-safe in a stylish striped rashie, oversized sunglasses and a chic boater.

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Zoe Foster-Blake reveals that her son speaks with an accent from too much TV

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July 12, 2016

Spots, moles and freckles: How to spot skin cancer

It might be winter right now but doctors are still warning people to keep an eye on their skin.

Writer_contributorDeirdre Fogarty

Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world; our rates are two and even three times that of the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

This means that, by the age of 70, two thirds of Australians will have been diagnosed with some form of the disease.

As its occurrence continues to grow, it is important to understand what exactly skin cancer is, how to spot it and what you can do to prevent it.

There are three types of skin cancer; Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma, which are also referred to as non-melanoma skin cancers, are the most common.

It is estimated that every year, nearly half a million Australians are treated for one or more non-melanoma skin cancers.

The third type of skin cancer, melanoma, is the most dangerous.

It often appears as a new mole, or an existing mole that has changed in appearance.

Keep an eye out for:

Shape. Melanomas tend to have irregular shapes and uneven borders, and can be thicker than other moles.
Colour. Moles that are unusual or uneven in colour are worth noting to your doctor.
Size. Any mole larger than seven millimetres, or which appears to be growing, may be a sign of skin cancer.

Melanoma can also appear as crusty, non-healing sores and may itch or bleed. They occur most often on the face, back, arms and legs.

Early detection is key; it’s important to get familiar with the look of your skin and to consult your doctor if anything seems different or odd.

Since skin cancers develop when skin cells have been damaged by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it’s also important to protect yourself on a daily basis.

Look for sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and make sure you’re applying it correctly.

You’ll need at least a teaspoon for each limb, front and back of the body, and to put it on 20 minutes before you go outside. After that, reapply every two hours.

Cover up in sun-protective clothing and hats, and double check that your sunglasses meet Australian standards.

The best method of prevention, however, is to avoid the sun where possible, especially during the middle of the day, when UV levels are most intense.

If in doubt, talk to your doctor about your level of risk, and for further advice.

Writer_contributor Deirdre Fogarty

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July 12, 2016

8 tips for living with a depressed partner

Living with a partner who experiences depression can be one of the biggest hurdles a relationship might face.

Writer_contributorMichael Sheather

"We dated and sex was fun, it was fairly casual but I wanted more."

(Image: Getty Images)

Your partner may have long periods of low mood, of persistent negativity, and feel that nothing is right about their life.

More than that, a partner of someone with depression may endure the added strain of trying to make sure their loved one gets all the medical and psychological help they need.

Men are far more resistant to seeking psychological help than women. It is tied up with their self-image of what is masculine and ingrained in many of the cultural perceptions of what it to be a man – to be strong, independent and self-reliant.

However, those ideals, as worthy as they might be, are often the roadblocks holding men back from getting the help they need.

The symptoms of depression can vary from severe to mild. The causes of depression are thought to involve a genetic predisposition and vulnerability to stressors in life.

The most common symptoms of depression show themselves in persistent low mood, irregular sleep patterns, little interest in sex or food, and a general decrease in the enjoyment of life.

It’s common for people to drink alcohol to excess or too often as a way of dealing with these feelings. Any one of these factors can have enormous impact on a relationship. But it doesn’t have to be like that.

Here are eight tips to weathering the relationship storm when your partner has depression

Be receptive – Try to get your depressed partner to open up about their feelings. This is difficult, particularly with men whose natural position is to keep their feelings inside. It might also be confronting but at least issues will be out in the open where they can be dealt with.
Encourage your partner to seek professional help – Depression is a treatable with psychological therapy and sometimes antidepressant medication. No-one knows your partner as well as you. If you believe that something is wrong, there probably is. The insidious nature of depression is that the person affected often doesn’t see it. Broach the topic gently with comments such as “It’s difficult seeing you suffer like this, let’s see what a doctor says.”
Offer to go to a doctor together – Depression is a highly personal condition. A doctor, particularly a GP, can’t always gauge the depth of the changes in a person’s behaviour. But you can. Tell the doctor what is happening from your perspective.
Don’t give in to anger or resentment – Sometimes a partner has to shoulder the slack when someone has depression. They might become anti-social, forcing you to make the excuses or be unable to perform their tasks. There is sometimes a fall-off in intimacy and sex. And that causes frustration. Be aware of your emotions, too.
Tell the kids – Explain what is happening to your children in an age appropriate way. They are sensitive enough to pick up on emotional changes and stress. Having the right information is important for them, too.
Be patient – Out-distancing depression takes time, even after professional diagnosis. There is a certain amount of trial and error in treatment with varying levels of therapy and medication. Give it the time it needs.
Be on the same team – Remember that you are in this together. Make sure your partner remembers that, too. Relationships rarely survive when people are going in different directions.
Seek help for yourself – Depression is often episodic in nature. There will be good and bad times. Sometimes, you will feel overwhelmed. Confide in a friend or doctor, or talk to a therapist. Sharing helps.

The Weekly compiled this article in consultation with mental health organisation SANE.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression contact SANE on 1800 18 SANE (7263) for helpful information. If you feel like there is some immediate danger please call 000.

VIDEO: ‘I Quit Sugar’ founder Sarah Wilson says the worst thing you can do to an anxious person is tell them to calm down.

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Writer_contributor Michael Sheather

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July 12, 2016

Meet Louise, my 4-month-old with two arms, two legs and one extra chromosome

A mum of a baby with Down Syndrome has penned a heartfelt essay on the confronting comments she faces on a daily basis, and what she prefers strangers would say instead.

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Caroline Boudet has only been a mother for four months, but in that time she has weathered more hurtful words than any person should bear. Caroline’s daughter Louise was born with Down Syndrome. She is also clever, and bubbly and the light of her parent’s lives. But the strangers who ask Caroline intrusive, hurtful and personal questions too often try to define Louise by her disability, instead of realising Down Syndrome is just one little part of what makes this little girl who she is. To air her frustration, Caroline penned a heartfelt essay on her Facebook page about the confronting comments she faces on a daily basis, and what she prefers strangers would say instead. You can read the touching post, in full, below.

I wrote this short piece as a rant/sob-fest, after a few comments that are all too familiar to me were made this morning during a routine medical exam for my daughter Louise. Over time, you get used to it — you tell yourself that these are simple mistakes, that you need to harden yourself — but, sometimes, enough is enough. I have asked myself what I could do to make myself feel better and maybe to stop the same thing from happening to others or to stop it from happening to me as often. I wrote this post and made it open to all of Facebook.

I would like to believe that this will put an end to the topic of my daughter’s difference, and that I will no longer have to explain it. I know too well that this isn’t the case. But if it could change just a few opinions…

This is my daughter. Louise. She is 4 months old, and has two arms, two legs, two great chubby cheeks, and one extra chromosome.

Please, when you meet someone like Louise, do not ask her mother, “Was it not detected during pregnancy?” Either it was, and we can assume she made the decision to keep the baby, or it wasn’t and the surprise was great enough that there’s no need to revisit it. And what’s more, every mother has an annoying tendency to feel guilty about everything and anything, so an extra chromosome that went undetected… I don’t need to tell you.

Don’t tell her mother, “It’s your baby, despite everything.” No. It’s my baby, period. And “Despiteeverything,” that’s an ugly first name. I prefer Louise by far.

Don’t tell her mother, “What a little Down syndrome child… etc.” No. She’s a 4-month-old child who is suffering from Down syndrome, or who has Down syndrome, if you wish. This 47th chromosome isn’t what she IS; it’s what she HAS. You wouldn’t say, “Oh what a little cancer sufferer… etc.”

Don’t say, “They are like this, they are like that.” “They” have their own personality, their own body, their own taste, their own journey. They are as different among themselves as you are from your neighbor.

I know that when we don’t see it, we don’t think about it, but words matter. They can comfort or hurt. So, think about it first for just a second, especially if you are a member of the medical community and wear a white, pink or green shirt.

I do not usually make my status open to everyone, but for this post, that will be the case. You can keep it going and share it if you wish. Because there are 500 new “Louise’s moms” every year whose days are ruined by unkind words. I know that they aren’t meant to hurt. Knowing that is enough.

The Weekly reached out to Caroline for further comment. At the time of publication, we had not yet heard back.

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July 12, 2016

The secret shame of miscarriage

The expression ‘lost a baby’ sounds incredibly irresponsible. I mean, what kind of mother could lose her baby, right? No wonder we carry a secret shame of miscarriage.

Writer_contributorDanielle Colley

I lost a baby once.

I didn’t take it to the supermarket and then forget which trolley was mine and simply walk off pushing another person’s, realising when I got home with bags full of processed chicken nuggets, tinned soup and condoms that I’d grabbed the wrong trolley in my haste.

Nor did sit down with it in my pocket and it slipped out, and fell down the side of the couch never to be seen again.

In fact, I didn’t really lose a baby at all. I knew where it was at all times.

The expression ‘lost a baby’ sounds incredibly irresponsible. I mean, what kind of mother could lose her baby, right? No wonder we carry a secret shame of miscarriage.

In between my two children, on a cheeky holiday in Bali, we conceived another child. Never ones to keep good news to ourselves for long, we shared our fortune with our nearest and dearest. Everyone was so excited.

Even though it was such early days, I imagined myself and this child’s future. I imagined their place within our family. I imagined holding it, a whole baby, even though in reality it was nothing but a few cells multiplying at the speed of light.

I imagined sniffing its little fluffy head. My baby. Inside me.

I was only nine weeks pregnant when I started to spot. I went to the toilet every five minutes to assess the situation. In a few hours the spotting had escalated to bleeding and I went to my friend’s house so I wasn’t alone, because I just knew that this bleeding was the start of my dream baby exiting stage left.

I called my husband and asked him to come home early if he could. God knows why. It’s not like he could do anything. I wasn’t in pain. It wasn’t dramatic. I was just bleeding when I shouldn’t be.

I remember sitting there, thinking that maybe I could do something – lie on the floor with my legs in the air, perhaps – to stop the flow; to keep the baby in.

Even though logically I knew that the cells were no longer my baby, that my body was over-riding my emotions and evacuating something that wasn’t right, I was still really, really sad.

“I don’t want to lose my baby” I mumbled into my lap, sitting on my friend’s grey sofa with our toddlers playing at our feet.

My friend, who knew all too well how it felt to be in my shoes, just offered me a cup of tea or a glass a red wine and gave me a hug.

There was nothing else for it. I took the red.

I was lucky in the fact that my friend had been through it. Realistically speaking, with one in five pregnancies ending in an early miscarriage (miscarrying in the first 12 weeks is known as early miscarriage. Miscarrying in the 12-20 week phase it’s known as late miscarriage and is much more rare), chances are we all know someone who has lost a child, but there is something taboo about talking about it.

Obviously, it’s not something that you drop into casual conversation with a checkout chick as it’s intensely personal, but for some reason there is a sense of failure or shame surrounding it.

Recently, someone very dear to me elatedly announced a new babe on the way. No one really waits for 12 weeks, do they? It’s such fantastically exciting news.

A few weeks later when she went for a scan and the scan showed no heartbeat. It was a very sad thing.

She was told that the fetus had failed to grow beyond six weeks, and by now she was 10 weeks. She was carrying nothing more than a little sac of cells but it felt more like the huge weight of a dead baby. She was told that she could have a curette or simply wait for it to pass and she opted for the latter.

But it didn’t pass. After four more weeks, she decided it was time for a D & C.

It’s called a missed miscarriage. Even that moniker implies some kind of failing, like missing a train or a deadline.

I tried to call her but she didn’t want to talk. I know now that she didn’t want me to feel sorry for her, but I know she also felt ashamed.

Why does a miscarriage feel like a personal failure?

We’ve since talked about it and she said she wished more people talked openly about losing their babies. Maybe she would have found it easier to talk if she’d known of more people who had experienced the same thing. If there are so many of us, why is it so hard to find people to share your story with?

People who understand exactly what it’s like to know that your pregnancy is no longer viable and has been, very intelligently, expelled by your body?

It’s important to share these stories, so we all know that we’re not alone. There’s no shame. It’s just one of those things.

Danielle Colley is a staff writer who also writes at popular Australian blog Keeping Up With The Holsbys. This was first published there.

To read more of her work click here

Writer_contributor Danielle Colley

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July 12, 2016

Jessie J and Delta Goodrem mend the rift

They may have had their ups and downs, but Jessie J has waved the white flag and Delta Goodrem couldn’t be happier.

chloe-lal

A week after the British songstress confirmed she won’t be returning to The Voice, Jessie J has mended things with her co-star Delta in a very candid shout-out.

Sharing a chummy onset snap, the 28-year-old penned this sweet tribute, “This woman works so hard. Represents her country with so much pride and cares so much about everyone she works with.”

Continuing, she gushed, “I really admire you Delta. Was so great working with you and getting to know you off camera. Congratulations on an amazing week. A number 1 album in Australia and winning the voice season 5 with Alfie!”

“So deserved! So proud,” she concluded.

Delta’s battle with Jessie may be over, but check out the latest adversity in her way in the video player below! Post continues…

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Quick to respond, Delta uploaded her own tribute to the sassy Brit, saying, “Thank you for your beautiful words, and another season ❤”

Adding, “You have brought so much to the show – your talent abounds and I am so grateful to have had you here!”

Despite their past challenges, Delts seemed to be content with her co-star’s sweet message, continuing she said, “It’s been a journey together girlfriend We’ll miss you. Respect and love always #GirlPower two seasons in a row! That’s how we do it! Xx”

It was an extraordinary season for home-grown Delta with her team coming in first and second place.

Relive the most scandalous Voice moment in the video below… Post continues!

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Alfie Arcuri took out the top spot, while teenager Adam Ladell, who suffers from Tourette’s, landed in second place.

Many fans noticed the tension between Delta and Jessie over the two seasons, with host Sonia Kruger admitting when the cameras stopped rolling, things only got worse.

“It happens more than you see on television,” Sonia recently revealed. “Jessie is a bull at a gate and that bluntness irritates the other coaches.”

“Ronan has really surprised me this series. He is very forthright, especially when Jessie J has said something inadvertently that some people might think is a bit offensive,” she added.

But it’s not all fighting for Jessie J.

The Brit got on so well with the Madden twins, she signed them on as her new managers.

The 2016 series of The Voice was the most dramatic one yet but Delta and Jessie J are determined to move on!

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July 12, 2016

Why I stopped showering and you should too

“The effect was almost immediate – after two days my skin was singing and I’ve never smelt better.”

Writer_contributorCat Rodie

Thousands of people around the world are taking up the no-shower challenge and going au naturel. But are the benefits worth the sacrifice?

A hot shower can solve a multitude of woes. It soothes aching muscles and unwinds a racing mind. It can both energise you in the morning and prepare you for sleep at the end of the day. And, in the middle of winter, a hot shower can warm you to your bones.

So why would you give that up? Well, converts of the no-shower movement say that over showering is bad for our skin, and that by washing away important bacteria we could be playing havoc with our personal hygiene.

Writing for the Guardian, Madeleine Somerville says that like the gut, our skin plays host to millions of beneficial bacteria.

“Showering destroys these happy bacterial colonies; they’re completely wiped out by all of our frequent rubbing and scrubbing.

“And when the bacteria washed off by soap repopulate, they tend to favour microbes which produce an odour – yes, too-frequent showering may actually make you smell more,” says Somerville.

I asked dermatologist Fiona Tuck if she thinks showering could be having a detrimental effect on our skin. She tells me that over cleansing the skin with perfumed alkaline soaps and body washes can upset the natural pH and microbiome making the skin more prone to sensitivity and inflammation.

“If we are constantly stripping the microbiome with exfoliates, super-hot baths and showers we can strip and dry the skin. This also weakens the good bacteria naturally present on our skin, which compromises the immune function of the skin,” she says.

Tuck says that we should avoid hot showers, scrubbing the skin and smothering the body in “washes, lotions and potions”.

“Wash daily with warm water and use a gentle pH balanced wash. Avoid overzealous scrubbing and cleansing products which can potentially do more harm than good,” she suggests.

It is sound advice. But for me, giving up a hot shower in favour of a “daily wash” is about as appealing as giving up my morning tea in favour of a glass of warm water. It may be good for my health, but I’m not going to enjoy it.

In spite of this premonition, I decided to take up the no-shower challenge to see if forgoing my scalding hot shower made a noticeable difference to my skin.

I managed five shower-free days. I wasn’t a total grot – I had a daily sink wash and used deodorant as normal. I dealt with my manky hair by wearing a beanie 24 hours a day. I don’t think I was smelly – I certainly didn’t lose any friends.

Was my skin grateful for the break? Definitely. Even after a couple of days I was using less moisturiser, my skin felt great.

Was it worth it? I’m not so sure. My skin may have been singing, but my soul was cold. Like a soak in a hot bath, a long shower is much more than a means to an end. It’s a mini massage, precious alone time and a soggy mediation.

But, while the benefit to my skin wasn’t enough to convince me, the cost of showering to the environment might be. There is no escaping the importance of water conservation.

The average seven-minute shower uses 65 liters of water. Multiply that by a couple of showers a day and that’s 910 liters a week. That’s a lot of water down the drain.

I won’t give up hot showers for better skin. But I will (begrudgingly) cut down on showers to save water. Will you?

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