Posts belonging to Category 'Interviews'

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Hannah Sforcina – Blogger, Foodologist & Mum!

Keeping the spark in life by living every moment!

♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hi! I’m Hannah. I have an awesome day job as a Project Manager, and I moonlight as a Foodologist running my own business and blog, A Foodly Affair. I am passionate about mindful eating and about helping others to find their foodly philosophy – mostly through food coaching and uncooking classes. In between times, I love to write, read, sing, dream and spend time with the people who are important to me.

Cake of Soap – Goats Milk Soap

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

What is this thing you call a “daily beauty routine”…? I wash with either my own (edible) unsoap, or with a plain goats milk soap from Cake of Soap. Although I don’t cleanse or tone, I usually moisturise – with a basic shea or nut butter.

♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

My unmissable beauty treatment is one that works from within: green juice. Rawfood Karen got me hooked. My favourite blend comprises kale, celery, apple, ginger, parsley, lemon & honey. It’s super easy to make, gives you a serious and immediate energy boost from the time it hits your lips, is great for your skin, and is a real tonic for your system.

♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

For the last few months, no one. It’s an experiment in progress. When I’m not feeling experimental, it’s Element Aveda in Subi. All the staff there are fabulous and I appreciate the Aveda philosophy.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Coconut oil. Raw, organic coconut oil on your face and body, in your smoothies, desserts and main meals. So incredibly excellent for you, inside and out.

♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

1. Pawpaw ointment
2. My scent – Flower, by Kenzo
3. Soy candles from PinkLoveTank

♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

No secrets. I think everyone could eat more raw food, for the enzymes and energy. Whatever you do, enjoy it and be present with it. Nurture yourself with the best wholefoods you can get your hands on (organic and bio-dynamic where possible), drink plenty of water, have regular exercise and sunshine, breathe deeply, and trust in others & the universe.

♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)

Acupuncture. Now, if only I can avert my aversion to needles…

Yummo! Chia porridge!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

On a weekday, I like to start the day with chia porridge – but I usually wake up too late and resort to making a chia smoothie for the road, which I drink from a jar at my first meeting. If you’re playing along at home, remember that blue (from blueberries) + green (from spirulina) = grey! It tastes great, but colleagues will wince and ban you from bringing homemade juices or smoothies into work ever again.

Snacks are a nut & superfood mix (eg. goji berries, macadamias, cacao nibs, coconut shavings, almonds, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, cashews). My current vice is coffee, and I have a 2 per day habit. I also try to drink lots of water between meals.

Lunch is often a green smoothie or a raw burger from Club Zing.

Dinner starts with coconut water, a raw salad or a green juice, then a soup, pasta or curry – sometimes raw, sometimes not. I enjoy a glass or two of wine with dinner on most nights.

♥ Describe your workout routine / how you keep fit?

Have you tried the 9 minute extreme cardio workout yet? I just about killed myself with it last week.
I am just getting back into whole body vibration (2-3 times/week) because I love what it does for my body shape and endocrine system. I run and practise yoga when I make the time. Oh, and I got hooked on surfing after just one lesson at David Wolfe’s Samudra Retreat earlier this year, so I am determined to make this my Winter sport.

♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements?

I use different therapies for different issues/energies. When I am low in energy, I’ll book in for a bioresonance session. I have also tried and enjoy reiki, theta healing, far infrared saunas, music, meditation and essential oils.

♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

I love a good belly laugh with my little person – and I try to get out of mobile range as often as possible.

Beauty and Wellbeing Routine: Lisa Gawned, Yoga Teacher and Owner of Mukha Yoga Mats.

 

First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Lisa Gawned Founder/Owner Sevenergy Yoga Centre and Mukha natural yoga mats.

Being a fourth generation Western Australian woman, I know how harsh the Australian environment can be on our skin. So over the years I’ve learnt that we actually have products in our household that are just as, if not better, than what we pay top dollar for in retail stores.

Olive oil.

 

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I have very sensitive skin and find natural products mainly out of my kitchen work best for me, with exception to a good sun block…

Mornings start with a good splash of cold water, adding a tiny bit of olive oil (avoiding eyes) massaged in, followed with my favourite sunblock Rationale face SPF 30+, it’s the best! I never get burnt and my skin loves it!!

In the evening I cleanse with Almond meal and enough water to make a creamy paste to gently massage the day away, followed by a good rinse and a dab of witch hazel all over my face. I finish with a drop of olive oil into the palm of my hands rubbed together to create heat before massaging in an upward direction…bliss!

 

What’s the one treatment you can’t live without and your favourite place to have it done?

This treatment I have used for years and find it leaves my skin feeling as soft as baby’s, fresh and with a beautiful glow for a few days.

I wash my face with almond meal and water. Dab on milk of magnesia with a cotton bud (only available on eBay UK) over my face and neck, leave to dry for few minutes, rinse off. Warm a generous amount of olive oil and massage into face and neck with upward strokes. Allow the oil to stay on for five minutes. Then remove excess oil with ice cold witch hazel on a cotton bud. Great treatment also for the top of dry hands.

Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

I’m a qualified Hairdresser so I cut and colour my own hair, how? Easy for a hairdresser, except the back, so I just get who ever is around to check the back and snip any stray bits off for me… the colour I use is Henna Moon from (Manna Wholefoods South Fremantle) for my greys!! Weekly treatment to soften and add shine is Coconut Oil left on for about an hour, then shampooed out.

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment.

I have noticed as I’m getting older I’m getting larger pores on my face, so I’ve found using egg whites and honey once a week really helps..

I use one egg white beaten until stiff and add one tsp of honey and continue to beat until stiff . I then smother the mixture all over my face and neck. Sit back for about five minutes then rinse off. Finish with witch hazel lotion and olive oil.

 

Your Three absolutely cannot live without, favourite products.

1. Red Island Australian cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
2. Bartholomews Meadery Honey, Denmark WA
3. Food Source Organic virgin coconut oil (treatment for the hair)

Do you have any any secret tips you use to keep looking/feeling great?

Regular yoga classes, even one class a week for me is like an internal massage and a spring clean for my whole being. Followed with a little meditation. Even five minutes a day if I’m time poor. I close my eyes and observe my breath at the entrance of my nostrils. I find this most beneficial if I need to offload a stressful day.

Peninsula Hot Springs… bliss!

 

What beauty treatment / wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet due to time, money, scared etc?

I would love to experience a few days at the Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria that would be the ultimate! Ahhh… even one day there!

Loving Earth Coconut Chocolate Butter (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) starting at $8.95

 

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Well I’m not a brekky person, but I understand it’s the most important meal of the day, so I start with Isowhey complete powder my favourite (vanilla) mixed with the beautiful WA farmed fresh milk to make a frothy milkshake, followed with a big tablespoon of Loving Earth raw organic coconut chocolate butter. Yummy!!

I am a pescetarian so lunch varies depending where I am, but generally sushi if I’m out and about or a home made wrap with salad and tuna when I’m home

Depending on the season from a salad and fish to curry veg, beans and legumes or pot of in season veggie soup.

Before bed I have an herb tea with a tsp of Black Chia (Nature First). These little black seeds are rich in protein and fibre and work wonders on the bowels and seem to settle my tummy!

 

Describe your fitness routine.

Daily yoga practice from around fifteen minutes and up depending on my other commitments. Also attending one yoga class a week is important and beneficial for me. Gym once or twice a week and kayaking once a week pending weather.

 

Do you take part in any alternate therapy or supplement? If so, discuss.

Favourite all rounder is Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar a tablespoon daily mixed with water. Bragg I find is the best brand as I believe it’s unfiltered, unheated and unpasteurized. I have read that we are meant to be 80% alkaline and 20% acidic, so this is suggested to be the winning formula to achieve this. My colleague who is a naturopath is always impressed with how alkalized I am when she does my PH test.

Also, one of my favourite people to visit regularly is Acupuncturist Dr Zhou Mi in Canning Vale. I always leave feeling good; he has amazing energy and knowledge.

 

How do you like to relax what are your favourite ways to de-stress?

Burn three drops of lavender, sweet orange and marjoram oil in a burner, run a bath adding Epsom salts with tea candles all around while listening to some beautiful soft chanting music as I gaze into the flame of one of the candles becoming aware of my breath. Being completely present until I retreat straight to bed.

Thanks Lisa! I hope you enjoyed reading about her unique routine, please leave any questions and comments below 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Simone Kerr, International Model.

Simone Kerr

First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Simone Kerr, I am from Bunbury WA, but I now live in Sydney with my boyfriend and cat. I work as a model and travel between Sydney and New York. I study Communications at uni by correspondence and am in the early stages of setting up my own business!

Invisible Zinc – Environmental Skin Protector (ESP) – $35

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Twice a day I cleanse with Cetaphil and apply a retinaldehyde serum from Elixxr called Formula A. In the morning I use Invisible Zinc ESP moisturiser and at night Elixxr’s Hydro Intensive. I have very sensitive skin and it has taken me a long time to find what works for me and I think I have finally nailed it! (Ed: Unfortunately we couldn’t find any info on this mysterious ‘Elixxr’ range..!)

What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

I have recently begun investing in monthly facials. My hectic work schedule means I am constantly bombarded with loads of product, thick makeup, abrasive prosthetics, shared cosmetic brushes and harsh removal processes. Having a monthly facial ensures all build up and bacteria under the skin is flushed out and the natural balance of oils is restored. Amy Erbacher from Amy Erbacher Beauty in Double Bay Sydney is the only person I go to because she tailors the facial to exactly what I need each month.

Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

I haven’t ever had my hair done in Perth, actually! In Sydney I go to Headcase Hair in Paddington, they are the reason I can have long hair! If it weren’t for them I would have had to cut it all off from all the ironing, straightening, curling, teasing and tonging that my hair goes through every day!

Facial steaming

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Whenever I am in London or New York I like to hang my head over a steaming bowl of water and teatree oil and give myself a quick steam to purge all the pollution that has been absorbed during the day. When I remove my makeup at the end of the day the cotton pad is black and I get blemishes. Steaming helps to reduce this a little.

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

1. Paw Paw lip balm
2. MAC concealer
3. Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill mascara.

Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

I try to take a ballet class two or three times a week. Keeps me fit and happy.

What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)

I have a lot of scarring from being a pimply teenager, I’d love to try laser resurfacing but I’m scared I’d burn my face off!

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I don’t think your column is long enough, I’m such a piglet! Breakfast is usually Weetbix with a chopped up banana. Lunch is usually whatever catering is on set, it can be anything from sandwiches to amazing salads and pastas. Dinner is quite often tacos with my boyfriend (sounds silly, but our guacamole is so good that a local wine bar in Bondi has started selling it!). For snacks I like yoghurt , a juice with lots of veggies or chocolate. Any kind of chocolate and lots of it!

Describe your workout routine / how you keep fit?

I take a lot of ballet classes. If I’m not too busy I will go everyday but when work is full on I can only make it two or three times a week. I also like Pilates reformer classes, I try to make at least two of these a week. I’m also pretty active, I attempt to surf with my boyfriend and we paddleboard a bit now.

Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements?

If so, discuss. I take an Active Womans Multivitamin but thats it. A yoga class here and there, but that’s so mainstream now I’m pretty sure it’s not considered “alternative”.

Thank you Simone for taking the time to fill out our questionnaire!

Be well,

xoxo

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Penni Towner, Aussie Bombshell.

Penni Towner, Aussie Bombshell!

First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Penni Towner, Director (aka “Head Bombshell”) of Aussie Bombshell – self-confessed shopaholic and lover of French champagne.

Moroccan Oil, RRP $49.50

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I am fairly low-maintenance when it comes to a beauty routine. As long as my skin is clean and well moisturised, and my hair has Moroccan Oil in it, I am happy!

What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

When it comes to beauty treatments, there are TWO (sorry, couldn’t just have one) women in the industry that I can’t live without.

Alison Jade, Eyebrow Specialist in Cottesloe – the woman works wonders on any brows and people DO notice the difference!

For all other waxing and beauty treatments, Sam at Iconic Beauty in Subiaco (next to Boucla) is THE BEST. I always pop in for a Shellac manicure (if you haven’t been Shellac’d, hop to it!) and when I have a few hours to spare, the Collagen Facial is AMAZING! Sam is also super quick and great at waxing which is really important for busy girls (and boys).

Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my hair except Chesnie at La De Da in Shenton Park. I have tried nearly every recommended “blonde specialist” in Perth, but no-one compares to Chesnie. She gets it right first time, every time and just keeps getting better and better with her colour work!
Amelia who also works at the salon is great for blow waves and style ups. $30 blow waves also makes you want to go every week!

OPI Black Shatter Ltd Edn!

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Anything from the OPI range – a quick toe polish colour change is the perfect pick-me-up – a colour to suit every mood or moment. I just returned from Salon Melbourne where they were half price… so I bought 12 and got one free….Oops! 🙂

Chanel Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover – $32 USD

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

1. Chanel Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover – This is my number one beauty product. Nothing is as quick and effective for getting rid of your eye make-up. Say goodbye to panda eyes! (Available online at StrawberryNET)

2. Nars Laguna Bronzer – gives your skin a beautiful, healthy shimmer and can be used both day and at night!

3. HD Mascara by Alison Jade – I have tried every mascara under the sun but I love this one. It has the tiniest brush I’ve ever seen, but gets right to the base, giving you full, dark lashes, with no clumping!

Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

Exercise regularly, drink lots of water, get lots of sleep and stay out of the sun unless you have the right protection (slip, slop, slap, wrap!). Always treat your body with respect and think about how you want to be looking and feeling in 10, 20, 30 years’ time. Remember that your body is with you for life!

Power Plate

What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)

I really want to start Power Plate classes – I have done the research, there are just not enough hours in the day for me right now!

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

For me, my first priority is ensuring that I have protein with every meal. Breakfast sets me up for the rest of my day and you will often find me at Cimbalino in Napoleon Street, Cottesloe, before work – I’m a scrambled eggs on gluten free toast and latte regular! Thanks Cimba!

I am terrible at planning my meals, but again, I try and focus on eating some sort of protein for lunch and dinner, and minimize my carb in-take, where possible. I also drink lots of green tea throughout the day which is full of anti-oxidants.

Unfortunately, I have quite a sweet tooth and chocolate is my weakness, although I think I’m getting better at not eating it! (haha)

Pilates!

Describe your fitness routine.

I suffer from chronic back pain, so it is important to focus on building and maintaining my core strength. I try to get to a Pilates class with Donna Green at Cottesloe Sports Physiotherapy – trust me, SHE’S AMAZING!

Boxing is my favourite form of exercise, and although I’ve had some time off, I recently started training back at The Ring in Northbridge. It is such a great stress relief for me, as well as an intense cardio workout. Apart from boxing, The Ring have introduced Strength Classes which are an incredibly challenge, but I find that 90% of training in mental, and once you get into it, you feel great!

I also enjoy going for a long walk along the beachfront with my iPod cranked. I try to do that at least three times a week – it’s a great start to the morning.

Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

I take Ginseng 8000mG tablets to retain mental alertness and ensure that I am focussed for the day. Magnesium is also really important for joint and muscle care, so I take this twice a day – very important to take this if you are doing some tough training sessions! At the moment my product of choice for this is Repairware’s GMC – its delicious!

Cott Beach

How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

Spending quality time with my family and friends is also very important to me and I love sharing a laugh and a glass of wine over a meal with the amazing people in my life.

I love the beach. Whenever I’m stressed, I will go for a walk or a swim and lose myself in the ocean. The water is such an amazing colour, we are really lucky to live in WA!

Any questions for Penni, please leave them below!

Be well,

xoxo

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Courtney Therry, Makeup Artist & Mecca Cosmetica Sales Assistant.

Courtney (Ed: Check out that glowing skin!)

First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am a twenty four year old student, make-up artist and wanna-be photographer. I am studying Arts Management at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, working part time at Mecca and Freelancing as a makeup artist anywhere! I am born and raised in Perth and currently live in Innaloo with my sister and my amazing Cavoodle, Osca.

Dr Brandt Detoxygen Experience – $115

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

My beauty routine changes all the time because my bathroom is overloading with skincare products from Mecca!

At the moment i’m using a foaming DG Skincare (formerly MD) foaming cleanser followed by Revive Sensitiff Cellular Repair Moisturiser (oil free) during the day.

At night I am using this Amazing DG retinol serum which is called Hydra Pure Radiance Renewal. It makes my skin feel like silk! Because my skin is particularly problematic I have been doing a Dr Brandt Detoxygen mask 3 times a week as well which I absolutely love. A daily Makeup routine includes a quick application of Hourglass Veil Foundation, a touch up of Nars Concealer in custard and a lather of Loreal Volume Million Lashes. Always set with Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation.

What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

I cant live without manicures. I wasn’t blessed with naturally good nails so I find the sporadic manicure does wonders! I just go to my local down at Karrinyup shops!

Another fan in the long list of people who swear by this salon.

Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

Although i am not precious with my hair at all, I am very fussy! Only two places- Head Studio (King St), and I always book in with either Shane or Marie, and Daniel Bromley Couture Hair (South Perth). They have not disappointed me yet!

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

A pedicure always makes me feel so polished and groomed!

Molecule 02 Fragrance – $240.

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

Such a tough one as I am completely spoilt for choice… (after much thought) I would have to say:

Bumble and bumble hair powder
Molecule 02 fragranceEd: Interestingly, it is a nature identical scent to that of an excretion from the sperm whale, said to impart a fresh, mineral smoothness!
– Kiehls Creme de Corps Body Moisturiser – a cult favorite (Available at StrawberryNET)

Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

Drinking water always helps, and having just enough (but not too much) sun.

Seaweed!

What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)

I would absolutely love to have a seaweed wrap. I would feel so pampered.

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Two pieces of toast and a glass of orange juice. Toast always must have real butter and vegemite on it!

Lunch might be soup or rice paper rolls followed by a sweet treat (possibly Tim Tam double coat), a handful of almonds in the afternoon and a big dinner. (Followed by another sweet treat!) Dinners change all the time. Last night I made chilli con carne and that was delicious. As you have probably noticed I am not the healthiest eater!

Pup!! ♥

Describe your fitness routine.

I dont work out although I try to take Osca (above) for a walk every day.

Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

No, but I would love to see a chinese herbalist. That is next on my agenda!

How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

A face mask, a long hot shower, and a movie always do the trick! I love having massages to relax, but because I am so busy I rarely find the time during the day to make it happen.

Thanks Courtney! Any questions, leave them below 🙂

Be well,

xoxo