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Rahua Shampoo and Conditioner (for healthy, lustrous hair!)

Allow me to introduce the best non-conventional shampoo & conditioner yet. I was reluctant to be hopeful prior to trying this 100% organic, natural and sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner duo, having been promised the world with other good-for-you haircare ranges and experiencing lacklustre results. As such, some more generic and chemical-laden prods had sneakily made their way back into my routine. Until today!

The amber coloured, mildly scented Rahua Shampoo is a joyful first step. Many natural shampoos I’ve tried make the hair feel kind of ‘tacky’ when you first start using them after a period of using silicone-based haircare, but this just gets right down to work and feels just as smooth and silky on the hair as the bad stuff. Win!

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The Rahua Conditioner reminds me a bit of custard, and is equally easy to apply and rinse out. Leaving my hair silky soft (softer than most “normal” conditioners!), smooth and shiny. It also contains quinoa and coconut & shea butter!

In other feel good news, every purchase of Rahua products supports sustainable industry run by local Amazonian women.

This duo is a definite winner, and one I wouldn’t hesitate to use again and again! The only restricting factor is the cost, at $40 per bottle of both shampoo and conditioner, but I’d recommend that anyone who is interested in extremely high-quality organic haircare give this a go at least once! 🙂

Both products are available from the fabulous Flora Organica Natural & Organic Skin Apothecary!

What do you think? Have you tried Rahua before? Keen to make the switch from conventional to more healthy haircare? Comment below! X

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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The first time I saw Pana Chocolate my heart did a flip. They say it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but a cute package never hurt anyone. And in this case the friendly looking critters, silver hearts and recycled packaging definitely convinced me to put down my bar of Cadbury chocolate and try this new treat.

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I wasn’t disappointed. Upon opening the box the love just keeps on coming; what lies within is some sweet printed choccy wrapping paper (no boring silver foil here) and 6 squares of raw, organic, vegan chocolate heaven.

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That’s right, this isn’t your average bar of chocolate. Pana is raw, vegan, organic, handmade, low GI, dairy free, soy free, gluten free and has no added sugar. Healthy chocolate, sans guilt. For those who haven’t tried raw chocolate before and are at this point feeling rather sceptical reading that list, FEAR NOT! Here’s what the bars DO have:

♥ 50-60% cacao solids (raw chocolate material)
♥ Cacao butter & cacao powder (lots of chocolate-y cacao goodness!)
♥ Agave nectar & coconut oil (yum)
♥ Wild carob, cinnamon & himalayan sea salt
♥ Pure essential oils and superfoods, depending on which flavour you’re lucky enough to be holding in your hot little hands!

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So now to the important stuff, what does it actually taste like? I was the lucky recipient of 4 flavours: Cinnamon, Goji & Coconut, Mint & Orange!

♥ It’s rich & fudge-like in consistency. Deliciously so.
♥ While it’s different to milk chocolate, there’s none of the bitterness commonly associated with dark chocolate, which is a win in my book.
♥ The Coconut & Goji flavour has lots of yummy chunks of both goodies throughout.
♥ The other 3 flavours are smooth, as they’re flavoured with ground cinnamon/essential oils.

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The best part is, because these bars pack a concentrated chocolatey punch, a square or two is enough to satisfy even the most rampant of sweet tooths. I award this chocolate company a gold star for outstanding flavours, deliciously creamy chocolate & being super healthy and environmentally friendly. Pana Chocolate, will you marry me?

RRP $6.25-$8.50, available to buy online, or check here for your closest stockist and make your way there quick-smart!

Tell me, have you tried Pana Chocolate or seen it around? I’d love to hear what your favourite flavours are – there’s even a limited edition ‘Rose’ flavour that I’m desperate to get my hands on! Lets talk chocolate in the comments!!

This is a sponsored post, however my love for the chocolate is 100% official!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Hello wellness lovers! Welcome to another edition of beauty & wellbeing crushes – this is one of my FAVOURITE sections to write, as I get to share with you the little things that are amping up my wellness and making me feel great in a bite sized format. As always, please share your crushes below so we can all share and amplify our inspiration. Enjoy! X

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♥ Kosmea Radiance 24/7 Youth Boost

As a Rosehip Oil devotee, I’m always looking for the latest and greatest developments in the field of RHO! This newie appeals to me because it contains:

♥ Organic Rosehip Oil
♥ Organic Seabuckthorn Oil
♥ Organic Pomegranate Oil
♥ Organic Camellia Oil
♥ Apricot Kernal Oil

+ Raspberries, rosemary and much more! YUM. So far it’s on par with regular Rosehip Oil (I’ve only been using it a couple of days), but I really like the idea of the extra nutrients from the variety of oils nourishing my face just a little more than regular RHO would. RRP $21.95.

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♥ Personal Training + Sun Salutations

I’ve long avoided any form of yoga which focuses on sun salutations, due to low blood pressure & weak upper body strength which meant a lot of the poses were difficult for me. Since re-starting personal training and beginning to whip myself into shape, my upper arm strength has increased dramatically in a short period, and as such I can now do planks, low planks and cobra pose – YAY! From this I’m slowly developing a love for the way that this more active form of yoga makes me feel, and am considering taking an Ashtanga Beginners course soon 🙂

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♥ Yoga by Candlelight

I’m a super lucky duck and was recently sent the above goodies to trial, there’s a Dr Hauschka Lemon Bath, some healthy toothpaste (more on these two later) and some dreamy Luminessence soy candles in French Pear and Lemongrass + Ginger scents. I haven’t had a candle for a while so I was really excited to receive these, but was wondering how I could use them in a different way to the norm.

Solution: Yoga by candlelight. There really is something that makes a practice session that much more special when the lights are off, you’re bathed in a gentle flickering glow & the gentle scent of pears wafts about as you move from downward dog to plank pose.

And these eco-friendly, locally made (Margaret River!) Luminessence candles were perfect for the occasion! I use the French Pear variety when I want to wind down from a long day, and the Lemongrass + Ginger in the mornings to gently awaken my senses and they work a treat. Available online from Peachy Clean.

I would love to hear your crushes for the week, let me know below! 🙂

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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Imagine the feeling of complete relaxation after a yoga class, the happiness felt as you eat a piece of your favourite dark chocolate (and knowing there is a whole block left), and the feeling of contentment after you’ve given your best friend an amazingly thoughtful birthday present she loved.

Combine these emotions and you will feel like I did as I left Waitaha Day Spa after my Body Renewal and Skin Rescue Massage spa treatments. Being pampered at this beautiful day spa was a blissful two hours and something my body, mind and soul would definitely recommend – it truly is the ultimate relaxation experience.

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After weaving my way along the sparkling coast up to Hillary’s I arrived at Waitaha and was introduced to Clare who was my beauty therapist for the afternoon. The absolutely lovely and knowledgeable Clare led me to the relaxation room, where my feet were treated to a nourishing foot massage and soak.

I then entered the romantically lit treatment room for the Body Renewal Treatment, which instantly relaxed me with its soothing music and fresh aromas. This pampering treat included a scrub, wrap, steam and Vichy Shower in the hydrospa.

♥ Me, excited before the treatments begun!

Clare’s gentle hands first exfoliated me with a delicious coconut, salt, orange and lime exfoliant (good enough to eat!) which was then gently washed off and the green coffee wrap began. This wrap stimulates your body’s ability to break down fat, increases the metabolism and eliminates water retention.

I would recommend this treatment to all ladies (and men) who are wanting to get their body back to last summers toned and smooth glory, or just wanting to start the process of losing winter’s hearty meals and yummy cakes.

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The top of the hydrospa (the big space-like contraption) was then lowered, and I experienced a nice warm steam – which aided in the wrap being absorbed to work it’s magic. At the same time I also received an Argan Oil hair treatment and head massage (it smelt and felt amazing – an incredible experience). After 20 minutes, the Vichy Shower began! Water jets rained warm water from the roof of the hydrospa and washed the wrap from my body – pure luxury!

♥ A pile of fresh towels is one of the more blissful things in the world!

After I’d dried off and popped on my white robe and slippers on (have I mentioned how luxurious this was yet?) I moved into another treatment room for my Skin Rescue Massage. This started with a full Body Brush which has plentiful benefits, including; exfoliating the skin, stimulating cellular turnover and boosting lymphatic drainage (these magic brushes are sold at Waitaha for $20). The full body massage was just what my body needed, Clare worked out some knots in my back and massaged hydro-oil deep into every part of my legs, torso and arms. Perfection. The hydro-oil is so nourishing and contains jojoba oil to deeply hydrate the skin and doesn’t stain clothes which was good news for the new knit I’d worn into the spa!

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During this time of massage zen and relaxation, Clare also treated me to a Pevonia Enzymospherides Peeling cream. Smelling of summer, the pineapple and papaya enzymes in the cream are activated and remove impurities.

Last was a Pevonia Lumafirm Lift and Glow Mask which Clare let me know (I had to reconfirm later because I was in such a happy and dream-like state) that this mask renders skin ultra-luminous with a firmer, tighter and more youthful defined appearance. It’s highly recommended for aging skin or for ladies who are seeking an instant repair boost for a special day, or because they simply deserve it!

♥ The ring!

Last year on my birthday I got engaged and did not think a birthday could ever be topped by that moment. This year on my birthday I was exfoliated, wrapped, massaged, showered from head to toe at Waitaha Day Spa and while this didn’t quite top my handsome boy’s words and my emerald engagement ring, it came pretty darn close!

Whether you’re looking for a bit of love and attention coming into summer, or want to buy a thoughtful gift for your mum or a beloved friend, I’m a firm believer that Waitaha Day Spa should definitely be at the top of your list.

t: 08 9403 3633
e: relax@waitahadayspa.com.au

address:
Shop 15, Hillarys Shopping Centre
110 Flinders Avenue
Hillarys
Western Australia

Have you been to Waitaha before? What are your favourite spas in Perth? Lets chat in the comments below!

Reviewed by very relaxed and smooth skinned Jade!

Be well,

xoxo

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I’ve always restricted my diet for one reason or another – vegetarianism in my teens, a milk intolerance picked up in my twenties. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate that my somewhat ‘sensitive’ system does better without dairy, wheat and sugar. A helpful discovery, yes, but one that makes me feel quite isolated as I scour menus for an item I can actually eat, and makes me cringe when friends invite me over for dinner. It can also make cooking a bit of a challenge which, to be honest, I’ve always been a bit lazy about, relying on a few tried and tested basics.

So it was with great delight that I recently came across Lee Holmes’ wonderful book Supercharged Food: Eat Your Way to Good Health.

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The book emerged from Lees’ own health struggles with an auto-immune condition that left her barely able to function. Through trial and error, she discovered that radically changing her diet to exclude wheat, dairy, yeast and sugar led to a dramatic improvement in her health. Inspired, she set out to share her message and ideas with others, and the Supercharged Food brand was born.

♥ Photo from Superchargedfood.com

The book includes over 90 recipes based on Lee’s dietary philosophy. It is beautifully presented, with gorgeous photos that make your mouth water, enticing you into the kitchen. There’s also helpful information about healthy living, as well as support with getting organised for a new way of eating, such as sorting out your ‘supercharged pantry’.

The sign of a good cook book is that it doesn’t stay pristine for too long and my copy of Supercharged Food is now happily splattered with my culinary experiments! Current favourites are the genius ‘Crustless Quiche’ which finds its way into my lunch box most days, salmon and turnip patties for a simple but tasty supper (who’d have thought a turnip could taste so amazing?) and the gorgeously named ‘Vegetable soup on a cold night’.

Lee’s website is also fantastic and includes an online shop where you can source some of the ingredients for her recipes, such as stevia, as well as other yummy healthy stuff.

Supercharged Food has totally reinvigorated my relationship with cooking (and eating!) and I’m so looking forward to creating many more of Lee’s appetizing delights!

Where do you get inspiration about eating more healthily? Are there any books or websites that have ‘supercharged’ your food?

Review by Karen, who has a big appetite for both food and life!

Be well,

xoxo