♥

I’ve long been the type of person to leave things until the last minute, am perpetually late, and disorganised would probably be my middle name if my parents could have seen into the future! Lucky for me, they couldn’t and I ended up with a more suitable “Kristen” instead of “Disorganised”.

This applies to many aspects of my life, including getting fit & healthy. I’ve put it off for SO LONG now. Sporadically taking up yoga classes for a term, not showing to half of them, joining the gym for a few months going 4 days a week then going cold turkey… I think a lot of people can relate to my inconsistencies.

Personally, I’ve no need to lose weight – I’m actually trying to put some on, but I’ve never been “FIT & HEALTHY” in that ideal way where flouncing up a flight of stairs comes easily, thieves need not take chase because I’d be worn out after the first two steps… you get the idea!

I also think there’s a fairly large misconception going around that thin = fit. I’ve always been thin, but unfit & still get incredulous looks when I talk about my exercise regime and frequently hear “But you don’t need to exercise!”.

However, I do! I really, really do! I decided this year was going to be the year that I really went for it and am going for fitness slowly but steadily by attending 2-3 yoga / body balance classes a week to start out. I feel so much more positive in general, I can feel my strength improving week by week (such a good feeling!) and I’m already noticing changes in the way my body looks & what it is capable of.

Everyone should work towards their own personal fitness & wellbeing goals, no matter what category you’re thrown into by the people around you “too skinny”, “too big”, “too old”.. ignore them and do what you need to do that is going to make you feel your best!

For me this means the aforementioned exercise classes, a massage once a month, spending as much time as possible with my gorgeous friends, connecting with like-minded people (that’s you!) & eating healthily to the best of my ability!

What are your own fitness & wellbeing goals? I’d love to hear!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥

Manna Wholefoods & Cafe is an absolute gem for those of us who are into organic, fair-trade, raw, vegetarian / vegan, healthy or just plain tasty food & groceries.

I was surprised to be informed of the existence of Manna by Conor from Perth food blog Hold The Beef, as it’s the kind of place you’d expect to find in Melbourne, 150% the type of place I’ve been wishing and hoping for and apparently it’s been right under my nose for quite some time!

Tucked down South Terrace, you’d be forgiven for missing it, however the unassuming shop front and few scattered chairs and tables give way to a wonderland of treats once you step through the door.

I spent ages trying to decide what to eat, but finally settled on a scrumptious looking (& tasting) large slice of vegetable pizza ($6) & this lovely drink below…

DELICIOUS – CoCo Coconut Juice w/Blood Orange ($4.34)

Other offerings were raw smoothies, raw salads, spelt vegetarian lasagne, tasty looking sandwiches, organic beef pies & sausage rolls, healthy desserts and a wide range of coffees & juices.

I didn’t have much chance to look around the rest of the shop as my friend wanted to leave, but I did see quite a range of fresh and frozen produce, all labeled organic / conventional which is handy and I will most certainly be back VERY soon to check out their wares and no doubt try some more food & drink!

If you live anywhere in the vicinity of Freo / South of the River I highly, highly recommend checking it out and supporting little businesses who are looking out for your health & wellbeing.

Manna Wholefoods & Cafe

274 South Tce
South Fremantle
WA 6162

Ph: (08) 9335 7995
Fax: (08) 9335 7795
manna@mannawholefoods.com.au

Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8.30am-5pm, Sun: 10am-4pm

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥

I’ve got a secret to let you in on. I understand you probably wont believe me, but everything I’m about to tell you is true!

After years & years of suffering from the dreaded “Ailuropoda melanoleuca” affliction, I’ve been cured. I’m free, I’m not a slave to this condition anymore!

Peculiar animal genus names aside, panda eyes are a well known side-effect of:

a) not removing makeup before bed, usually due to alcohol consumption prior in the evening
b) up close and personal passionate liaisons
c) sessions at the beach/pool where you foolishly forgot you were wearing mascara.

Dear me!

Clinique Lash Power Mascara changes all that.

Originally drawn to it from hearing rave reviews about the interesting & kinda fun method of removal*, I picked up Lash Power in Onyx a fair while ago and haven’t looked back.

It applies well, gives the lashes length & thickness, but most of all the staying power is second to none. It goes all day & all night without smudging. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve fallen asleep with it on (horrible I know!) and woken up in the morning with ABSOLUTELY NO SIGN OF ANY BLACK UNDER EYE MONSTROSITIES!

It’s a miracle, for sure and it’s going to take some pretty hefty convincing to knock this baby off my Ultimate Mascara Winner’s Pedestal

While the tube looks smaller than many other products, it’s been going strong for 3 months so far with me and I use it every day.

Totally love this product and do get a bit crabby when I accidentally leave it at work over the weekend because I am a complete scatterbrain that also likes to have good eyelashes at work.

* Jump in the shower or get some warm water going in your basin, carefully wet your lashes with said warm water, twist your lashes lightly with your thumb & forefinger – VOILA! Little mascara tubes / wormies in your hands!

RRP $38 AUD – Available at Clinique counters.

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥ – not the actual smoothie I had, but pretty close!

Having originally started operating on Saturdays at the Subiaco Markets, The Raw Food & Smoothie Bar has now found itself among possibly more like-minded friends in the heart of the Fremantle Markets!

After my original article on The Raw Kitchen, I’d been meaning to pop down to meet the owners Emma & Heath and also slurp up some delicious smoothies & check out their raw foodie treats.

Well let me tell you, I am SO glad I did!

I’ve been having dilemmas & issues regarding chain brand juice & smoothie stores that rhyme with “spruced” due to their yoghurt, which contains gelatine (a no-no for vegetarians). Plus they are generally high in sugar and ice, so while I know they are tasty, I’ve been on the lookout for something a little more beneficial to my body and our animal friends.

The Raw Food & Smoothie Bar ticks all my health, eco and animal friendly boxes! But most importantly, TASTE! Hooray!

I chose the ‘Strawberry Sip’ which comprised simply of frozen bananas, strawberries & almond milk. Simple. Absolutely delicious. It didn’t need a single thing more!

The price for a smoothie is now $7… for that price you get:

♥ A huge, very filling and totally delicious, thirst quenching drink that simultaneously nourishes your body and makes you feel great because there are no nasties, preservatives or things your body doesn’t want. Plus it’s not hurting our animal pals. Win.
♥ A cup that is made completely from corn (!?! I don’t know how this works, but I like it) and is 100% bio-degradable.
♥ Huge props from me!

They also have other raw goodies for sale, I saw chocolate & vanilla macaroons (drool), RAW PIZZA – this actually looked fantastic and I can’t wait to try it, RAW CHEESECAKE – again, I didn’t get to try this as I’d just eaten a huge crepe (tsk tsk!) but it looked fabulous and it’s a high priority for me, I’ll definitely be reporting back on that one!

A completely healthy junk food feast? Count me in ;)!

I really can’t recommend this business highly enough for those who are interested in wellbeing and delicious eating, which should be all of us really!

Please check them out!

Website: The Raw Kitchen / Raw Food & Smoothie Bar

Also have a gander at Em’s Beauty & Wellbeing Routine!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥

For those of you who don’t know, Body Balance is a light-medium intensity workout that combines yoga, pilates & tai-chi style movements.

In my personal experience, Body Balance (BB) is more of a workout than a standard yoga or pilates class. All the movements are done in quick succession and there is less time to rest between poses, or ‘tracks’ as they are called in BB, due to each sequence of moves being performed to music.

I’d previously read that BB is pretty easy, however as I was quite unfit I found myself huffing, puffing and generally being very worn out after my first session! It is definitely suitable for beginners, but you’re not going to just breeze through it and even as your fitness and flexibility develop, you can work harder in the poses, so it’s still challenging.

The lovely Beth usually takes the Tuesday evening (6.30pm) & Saturday afternoon (3.00pm) classes that I frequent, she is very approachable and encouraging, which is exactly what you want in a fitness instructor.

There are various ‘releases’ throughout the year, meaning that the sequence and music of the class changes, which keeps things fresh and new!

Classes generally run a little like this:

♥ A tai-chi style track to warm up
♥ Core strengthening work
♥ A track to work on balance
♥ A track to improve flexibility
♥ Some floor work that targets abs, legs & back
♥ Another tai-chi style track to settle down
♥ Meditation (MY FAVOURITE PART!)

All up the class goes for an hour and I have seen benefits from going such as a tighter tummy, more defined calves, a great feeling of relaxation for the rest of the day and consistently being in a super-cheery mood the day after I attend!

The only negative would be that because the classes have so many attendees and only one teacher, there is no time for personal attention to make sure that you are performing the poses correctly. This leaves room for the possibility of injuries, unlike most yoga classes where the teachers come around and correct you if they notice you’re not aligning yourself right.

If you have any known injuries, you can let the teacher know and they will give you alternative options.

Body Balance @ Riverton Leisureplex costs $10 for an hour and is a worthwhile addition to my exercise routine!

Riverton Leisureplex

Address: Corner of Riley and High Roads, Riverton

Fax: 9231 0910

Email: leisureplex@canning.wa.gov.au

Be well,

Annette

xoxo