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

My name is Jackey and I am the Loving Cook. In the day time I work in branding and marketing but in all of my in-between time I think about food and ways to eat healthily, hence my website, The Loving Cook.

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I wear moisturiser each day with a SPF, I use Nivea or Olay as I don’t like overly perfumed creams. I tend to have dry skin so keeping moisturised is important. After I shower I lather myself in thick Nivea body cream. I wear concealer everyday around my eyes and L’Oreal lash architect mascara. I also use a Natio bronzer each day as my body is more olive-toned than my face – I don’t tan my face ever – ever!

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

I am pretty low maintenance when it comes to beauty treatments as I am gun at giving myself weekly manis and pedi’s (I’ve been doing this since I was a teen), but I can’t live without regular massages. I can get really sore from training and sitting at a desk all day so I try to make time to keep my massages as regular as I can. I visit my physio or Skin Essentials in Elwood (Melbourne).

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Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I adore Bio Oil, I often lather my face and hands, particularly in winter when my skin is so dry. It’s not expensive and a little bit goes a long way. I also dab Calamine lotion, available from pharmacies, on any pimples. But be sure to only pop this on your pimple and not your entire face as this lotion can dry out your skin if used liberally. When I lived in Europe I also used olive oil as a body and face moisturiser, it works well in small quantities.

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

Lucas’ pawpaw treatment, I use it as lip balm and on any cuts. Bobbi Brown concealer, it’s thick and provides great coverage and my moisturiser, if I have none left anything will do, Sorbolene – anything!

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

Because everyone is so busy, I think it’s important to focus on what you’re doing at any given time. If you’re exercising, train hard and give it all you’ve got. If you’re about to go to bed, relax and unwind beforehand. I think it’s about balancing and prioritising everything that’s important to you and dedicating time to what’s important. It takes effort and I struggle sometimes but when I get that balance right, I feel great and like I’ve personally succeeded. That feeling is then reflected in how I look and feel. Oh and drink water! Lots of water!!! 

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What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet?

I’d like to try threading, I love IPL but would love to try threading for things like shaping my brows.

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Describe a typical day of eating for you.

For breakfast I often have my Loving Cook muesli, then mid-morning I have some veggies with my hummus or some berries and yoghurt. For lunch I have 1/2 a cup of quinoa, some form of protein and as many vegetables that can fit in a bowl.

In the afternoon I might have some fruit, some corn cakes with cottage cheese, but something crunchy is always a winner for me. For dinner I try to eat healthy and limit my carbs, I might have Slimmer Pasta with sauce and vegetables or even a roast but I try to eat more vegetables and protein or fish rather than piling up carbs which leave me feeling flat and sleepy.

I LOVE vegetables and I am pretty careful with what I eat during the week as I often review on weekends so want to enjoy my social meals while making my every day meals as delicious and nutritious as possible. I also drink up to 3 litres of water a day (including peppermint tea and warm water with lemon).

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Describe your fitness routine.

I do about 3-4 spin classes a week, I’m addicted. I also do a day of training with a trainer one day a week and either a pump or circuit class or hit the weights room at the gym. I also try to walk as much as I can as I like to get outside, being stuck in an office makes me crave the outdoors.

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

I couldn’t live without my magnesium supplement. After studying nutrition I investigated higher dosages of magnesium as I was suffering leg cramps throughout the night due to all the cardio I do. I love how magnesium relaxes my muscles and nerves and gets my body relaxed before bed. I also enjoy acupuncture and cupping on occasion when my body needs it.

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How many hours sleep do you usually get each night? Do you have any bedtime rituals or tips to help you get a great nights sleep?

Sleep is so important. I make sure I get at least 7-8 hours a night. I often wake up at 5:30am for a morning spin class so that means I get quite sleepy around 10pm each night. My routine is to tire my mind as well as my body each day so falling asleep is not a problem. Before I go to sleep each night I apply an Aesop hand cream that smells amazing.

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

Relaxing is something that doesn’t come easily to me as I am always busy but invigorated by all the projects I have on the go. I give 100% to everything I do: work, The Loving Cook, reviewing, training, socialising etc. To relax I like to spend time outdoors, ideally doing ‘incidental exercise’ as I call it. Going for walks or eating a meal and NOT reviewing it is relaxing. I also like to spend time alone and read the paper or spend time in the kitchen, without thinking too much. Switching off can be hard for me though!

You can find our more about Jackey and keep up with what she’s up to in the following ways:

FB https://www.facebook.com/TheLovingCook
Instagram http://instagram.com/thelovingcook
Twitter https://twitter.com/thelovingcook

Many years ago I discovered the delight that is an eyelash perm and tint. However on some occasions, I also discovered the woe! When done properly it is amazing. When done wrong it can be a disaster! It’s taken me 10 years to give it a go again and who better to try than Tracey from Love Bodyworx in Success.

Firstly your eyes will be cleansed of any make-up. Tracey then decides what size roller to use. The size depends on the length and thickness of your lashes and how much lift you want. My lashes are little and I wanted maximum impact so we decided on small. A roller too big will have little or no effect.

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After this Tracey places the soft plastic sticky rods that act like rollers onto your eyelids with some putty. The next step is critical – Tracey has to quickly but carefully separate and place each eyelash across the roller in a precise way. Once the perming solution goes on that is exactly how they will stay. If they are crossed over that is how they remain and if your bottom lashes get caught they will look like a poodle.

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Once perfectly positioned the perming solution is applied. It stays there for about 10-15 minutes and is then gently washed off. Then a neutraliser is added for about 8 minutes, then gently washed off. Your beautician must use products of the same brand for everything as there is less chance of irritation.

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Tracey then gently eases the rollers off your eyelids with lots of soothing cold water. Next step is the eyelash tint – go for blue black, it is the darkest colour. The tint is gently painted on and allowed to take, then washed off and voila! REAL superstar eyelashes and they are all mine, no falsies and messy glue required!

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I was so impressed I kept looking at my eyelashes in the rear vision mirror and my work mates were astounded. My eyelashes that used to point downwards now sit perfectly and they look even better with mascara on! I more than love them! They are amazing! I still can’t stop looking at them a week later.

The whole process takes an hour and lasts for 6 weeks, or however long it takes for your eyelashes to fall out naturally. It’s like a little bit of magic! You won’t regret it, but only if you go to a talented beautician like Tracey.

Love Bodyworx (open Tuesday to Saturday)
254 Wentworth Parade, Success
Price: $87 ($22 lash tint, $65 perm)
(08) 9368 0396
Email: bodyworxwa@gmail.com

What is your eyelash trick? Temporary falsies? Lash extensions? 3 coats of mascara? What works for you?

Kristy Mollica freelance radio and tv presenter and lover of all things so not beige!

Be well,

xoxo

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

I’m a Perth girl born and bred, though after studying naturopathy I spent 6 years in my twenties travelling the world and the travel bug has never left me. I now share my passion for travel with others by running wellness retreats in special locations such as the Himalayas of Nepal, through my business Ashima Journeys. In fact we have our next retreat in Nepal coming up this October! I also consult part time as a naturopath at Eternal Health Clinic in Greenwood.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I have sensitive skin so I use an all natural salon-only skin care range called Osmosis. They use herbs and vitamins that have been specially formulated to actually get into the skin, rather than just sitting on the surface, and I swear by them!

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

I have had incredible results with Omnilux light therapy. I had acne when I was younger and had some leftover scarring and redness, and Omnilux really improved the quality and texture of my skin, I was quite amazed. I like to get it done at Skin Deep in Mullaloo, as it’s very close to where I live.

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

I must admit, for some reason I am not so fussy with my hair, I tend to go to the cheaper salons in the shopping centres, I find they do just as good a job as the pricier places!

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

French green clay masks, they are really detoxifying for the skin, and cost hardly anything if you make them yourself!

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

Paw paw ointment, Australian Bush Flower Essence “Love Your Body” moisturiser, and Nude by Nature mineral foundation.

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

Daily meditation and yoga helps me cope with the busyness of modern-day life.

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♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven't yet?

I would love to try a floating in a flotation tank, it sounds like it would be so relaxing. ED: A brand new floatation tank biz has just started up in the city, check out Beyond Rest Float, based in the city.

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Nutrition is one of my passions, I usually start the day with a green smoothie, snack on goji berries and pumpkin seed throughout the day and have a small portion of carbs (quinoa, spelt, chickpeas etc) with salad, and lean protein like free-range chicken, fish or tempeh with veggies at night.

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I practice Ashtanga yoga regularly and walk a few times a week. Now that it’s getting colder and darker I want to join a gym and start running too.

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

If only you could see my kitchen bench! I take heaps of supplements, mainly a plant-based protein powder, a probiotic, flaxseed oil, magnesium, glutamine, colostrum and usually some type of herbal formula I have concocted at the clinic where I work.

♥ How many hours sleep do you usually get each night? Do you have any bedtime rituals or tips to help you get a great nights sleep?

I usually get 8 hours sleep a night and I am a big believer in having “quiet-time” before bed. I have at least an hour with no computer, phone, TV etc before bed, where I just unwind, read, meditate or listen to music before going to sleep.

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

Meditation is number one, I like to go the Dhammaloka Buddhist centre in Nollamara on Fridays for meditation and to listen to one of Ajahn Brahm’s amazing talks. That inspires me for the whole week!

Thanks to Sharee for sharing her inspiring routine 🙂 If you'd like to find out more about her work check out Ashima Journeys. Any questions please leave them below! 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

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

I am an almost 23 year old Marketing and Management graduate who lives in Perth/Northbridge/North Perth (the zoning is really weird, we are postcode 6000 but more Northbridge than Perth) with her partner and bulldog. I work 9-5 in the corporate world, and enter my fashion and blogging world via Little Miss Mon Bon outside of those hours. I have always been a dance fanatic and I don’t think I will ever grow out of that!

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I am very minimalist in what I do to/put onto my skin. I have rather fussy skin in as it doesn’t need much (in way of moisturisers or treatments) and it hates a lot. If I am not careful with my products, I will end up with an ugly, bumpy face rash!

Each morning I wash my face with a gentle cleanser (my current favourite is the Neal’s Yard Rose Facial Wash), swipe on some mascara and dabble a little bronzing blush on my cheeks. To remove my makeup at the end of the day, I use the NYR Organic Make up Remover and wash my face with my NYR cleanser again. If I am going to moisturise (which is rare as my skin perspires badly under most moisturisers or breaks out in a rash), I prefer to spritz my face with a hydrating spray such as the NYR Hydrating Frankincense Facial Mist.

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

Massages. Massages for sure! As I am currently trying to save some money to buy new furniture and a car, my new favourite place to get a massage is at home from the boyfriend! Unfortunately I haven’t been able to indulge in a professional massage in a while, but a massage is a massage and I can’t complain. When I am not in money saving mode I like to salon hop and experience different massages from different salons – they all have something different to offer!

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

Bee Rizzi at Peggy Sues is my go to woman. Not only does she do wonders with my temperamentally curly hair, she is an absolute character. I love sitting in Peggy Sues eclectic space, cuddling Penny the sausage dog and chatting away to Bee. There is something so comforting about having your hair cut in a place that is very reminiscent of an Italian Nonnas house crossed with a music obsessed young woman’s room.

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I really can’t go past a warm bath with Epsom salts. I am continuously aching and sore from dancing, so Epsom salts really are a savior!

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

NYR Rose facial wash, LimeCrime lipsticks and my mascara

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

In all honesty, I find that keeping it simple and just being me works for me! No overkill with the makeup, plenty of sleep and not being on a strict diet have all worked out pretty well for me so far.

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♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven't yet?

I would absolutely love to try aerial silks (Tissu). Coming from a dancing background, aerial silks have always fascinated me. The intense muscle toning and strength that would be built up over time would be amazing. I would also like to try pilates and a green smoothie (can you believe I never have?!)

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Seeing as most of my days are spent at work, I will walk you through my typical work day of eating. My partner and I can go all out with dinners sometimes, so I try and stick to a more healthy/lean breakfast and lunch to balance it all out.

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Breakfast:

♥ A bowl of oats with skim milk or some fruit (summer fruits are the best!) with Mundella greek yoghurt with honey.
♥ One cup of tea (white with one, lemongrass and ginger or chai)
♥ A glass of water

Morning tea:
♥ One cup of tea (white with one, lemongrass and ginger or chai)
♥ Some cheese and crackers or more fruit

Lunch:
♥ Brown rice, tuna, cherry tomatoes, avocado and feta or a ham, lettuce, tomato, avocado and jarlsberg roll
♥ Glass of water

Afternoon tea:
♥ Some cheese and crackers or more fruit

Dinner:
♥ Anything from meat and vegetables to a tuna bake. We don’t really stick to a strict dinner eating plan (but we are working on that in the coming weeks!)

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I am very fortunate to be living a stone’s throw from the city, and working in the CBD. Not only am I super close to work, but I get a good hour or so of walking in when I complete the round trip each day. Each week I take 2 Jazz dance classes on a Wednesday night, and a lyrical dance class on Saturdays. If I am feeling really good, I will go for a jog around Hyde Park.

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

I used to use Carla Oates Inner Beauty Powder, but since running out I haven’t repurchased it. I really love it because it is packed full of nutrients and it tastes great – even my partner enjoys it!

♥ How many hours sleep do you usually get each night? Do you have any bedtime rituals or tips to help you get a great nights sleep?

A lot! I love my sleep; I can’t function without a good night of shut eye! Since having glandular fever I find that I get tired very easily, and if I don’t sleep properly it causes all sorts of issues. Each night I get between 7-8.5 hours of sleep, and if I am lucky, I can get a half hour power nap in during the day when I am not working.

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

I absolutely love sitting down with a big mug of tea and lighting some scented candles. If there are a couple of fashion mags thrown in there it becomes complete bliss!

Thanks Monique, check out her blog at Little Miss Mon Bon!

If you have any questions for Monique, please leave a comment below! 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

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Change, transition, and moving are all tough. There are certainly elements of them that provide a sense of excitement, but often these expected and unexpected life events can leave us feeling a little less in control and without energy and motivation to get out the door and move our bodies.

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What’s your Therapy?

I have moved a lot in my life and the one thing that I can always count on to ground me in any new surrounding is running. In my books running is like therapy, some of my worst moods have been turned around after a 30min trail run, some of my best ideas after a long run along a river and some of my best connections with friends have been made on a single-track trail. I love running, pure and simple.

Moving to Western Australia was quite the change for this Canadian Rocky Mountain girl and regardless of how open and prepared I was to this change my body was sure feeling the effects of an energy zapping transition. So I turned to the trails to lift my spirits and get a bit of that spark back I had been longing for.

I have always believed the best way to fall in love with a new place is to go for a run. We did just that in Esperance, WA when we ran from Lucky Bay to Hellfire Bay (well almost to Hellfire Bay) . Not only was this my first time in WA, but it was also my first time running in WA!

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The white sand contrasting with the clear blue ocean and then punctuated by the red rock was a spectacle that I don’t think I could quite comprehend at the time and I couldn’t have thought of a better way to experience other than with a trail run.

Nothing could have prepared me for that piece of humble pie as I realised right then and there I was so lucky to have this experience and the health and fitness to experience such a place on a run.

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What helps you gain perspective?

Energy restoring and grounding run? Mission Accomplished!

The best part about finishing this run aside from the runners high was jumping in the crystal clear water and then having a hot solar heated shower! Heaven!

A few technical tid-bits about this trail!

Trail Name: The Coastal Trail
Total Distance: approx. 15 km one way, but we did 7.5 out and back
Where we started: Lucky Bay Camp Ground
Where we turned around: Just past Thistle cove
Type of Trip: Out and Back
Type of Surface: Trail

More Information on this trail can be found here!

Do you have a favourite trail run in WA? What motivates you to run? We'd love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below!

Article by Brooke Darlington, Canadian gal turned Aussie lover, check her out at Mountain Girl Meets Surfboard!

Be well,

xoxo