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Hi I'm Lauren and I'm from Perth.

At the end of 2011, at age 22, I had been eating whatever the hell I wanted for a very long time. I did very little physical activity. I had atrocious skin, no energy, no confidence and could be pretty damn negative about life more often than not. I had very high blood pressure – somewhere around 150/110. My Doctor suggested I go on blood pressure medication for the REST OF MY LIFE.

I decided that being on that medication was pretty silly as a young person who had a long life still to live (if lucky!). I was convinced that diet and lack of exercise was my problem – I thought if I really tried hard to sort this issue out by changing my life, then there would be no need for medication. If it didn't work, then at least I tried. At least I had taken control of the situation, rather than letting life happen to me. We have so much more power than we think we do!

I got a personal trainer (Chris Vavakis from Mobile Trainer) for a few sessions, so that I could start somewhere. I increased the amount of vegetables I had in my diet, decreased the sugar and salt and ate only lean protein with my meals. It was hard and I slipped up a lot. Every time I slipped, I remembered why I was doing what I was doing and I KNEW that it was worth all the hard work. I got back on that wagon.

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Results came slow but I grew to love the feeling of burning muscles. I knew that meant that my muscles were repairing themselves much stronger than they were before. I loved all the changes I began to see in my body and delighted in the knowledge that I was getting stronger! I became an exerciser and enjoyed the activity in itself! I used to hate cooking but grew to love the challenge of using spices instead of ready-made sauces and trying a difficult dish. Everything tasted so much better and I felt better about myself ten fold because I was doing this all for myself!

My skin improved, I slept better, I felt more positive about EVERYTHING. I became more confident in all aspects of my life. People started asking me for advice about exercise and healthy eating. I lost 20 kilos.

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I cannot describe to you the absolute feeling of euphoria and sense of accomplishment I felt when I first learned just how far I had come. After 9 months to 1 year of hard work, my blood pressure was a perfect 120/80. I went home and cried and laughed and screamed. I fist pumped in the car! I was on top of the world – I had changed my life. I am convinced there is nothing in life that feels as good as knowing that you have achieved something so incredible as changing your future – I could have easily taken that medication, but instead I changed my physical situation and I changed how healthy I was. Just me – I did that!

I'm an ordinary girl. I have 24 hours in a day. I went to university, I work full time. I have loads of awesome friends and a kickass family. I'm lazy and stubborn sometimes, I like to eat sweet things. I bet we're pretty similar.

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Why does it matter how similar we are? Because there is nothing that I have, that you don't! Where I succeeded, it was because I didn't give up. I don't have any special knowledge or training. I'm not better at exercising – I started out at the bottom, just like everyone else and learnt along the way. I didn't let my brain tell me that I needed to be at any particular level before I started trying. All champions of anything start out failing, again and again and don't stop until they get there.

There is no secret. You CAN do it, you just have to try. You are stronger than you think you are. Do it for you.

Have you ever wanted to change your life? Do you have an inspiring story as well? Leave a comment in the below as we'd LOVE to hear from you!

Article by the incredibly inspiring Lauren Foreman, life changer and health & fitness lover.

Be well,

xoxo

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A new year, a new home in sunny Dunsborough (yes Samudra calls my name even more regularly now), a new favourite coffee place (that know my name and coffee already, yes local status!), a new beachside jogging track and a new list of crushes that are at the top of my lust list. I’ve found these goodies not only look after the outside of my body but their ingredients are making my insides happy too.

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♥ La Mav Omega-3 Advanced Nightly Repair Crème

As women, at a young age we begin our beauty rituals, and whilst the products may change in bottle size, price and effects – we will always go back to what works for us. I feel that this crème is one of those products. In its stylish white and silver bottle La Mav Nightly Repair Crème (OFC certified organic and Australian made and owned I must add) is wonderfully thick and absorbing and has been leaving my skin feeling nourished and smooth from night to morning. It’s list of organic and delicious sounding ingredients (Raspberry Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice) is endless, and they all work together to support the skins barrier function and enhance it’s repairing action. Available from Organic Glow for $59.95.

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♥ Apteka Relief Scalp Shampoo

In our ritual, whilst we want our products to feel nice and make us look nice, we also want them to smell lovely too. Apteka Relief Scalp Shampoo has no parabens, sulphates or artificial fragrances and smells like fresh peppermint, that means yummy smelling hair. I would recommend this product to anyone with a sensitive scalp, especially in these warm summer months. Their healing blend of organic rosemary, organic pepperming and organic tea tree will cleanse and refresh the scalp after all your time playing mermaid at the beach and frolicking in the sunshine. Available from Organic Glow for $29.95.

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♥ Cookbooks

I know we all wish that the vibrant photographs in the pages of our favourite cookbooks would just magically materialise into the bowls in front of us without the necessary food shopping, prep and cooking time. Alas, this only happens in dreams (and if we are talking dreams the food would also have no calories and be followed by a very chocolately dessert). However I have found with my two new favourite cookbooks that cooking can be quick, easy, colourful, healthy and delicious.

Now who doesn’t have a Donna Hay cookbook or 5 in their bookshelf? I’ve found with her newest edition Fresh and Light that her recipes have taken a healthier, lighter and more exciting turn. Still using her signature few ingredients and easy to follow cooking techniques, but she has introduced favourites like quinoa, light but flavoursome salads and less of the heavy carbohydrate focused meals.

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Jamie Oliver's 15-Minute Meals
has followed a similar path too and after flicking through the pages I found myself wanting to re-creating the majority of the meals featured. And whilst there has been much debate over if these meals really take 15 minutes (take it from me, they don’t!) they are simple, so tasty and will impress anyone you whip them up for. Yum!

Do any of these beauty products or books take your fancy? What skincare and haircare are you loving at the moment? And what cookbooks? Would love your recommendations! 🙂

Written by Jade, new down south local and mermaid.

Be well,

xoxo

how to get your ex girlfriend back

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

Hey wellness lovers! I’m Jia Ni from sunny Perth, Western Australia. I’m a certified holistic health coach over at Happy Healthy Abundant.

I’m an enthusiastic Gemini who loves yoga, adventures, the beach, green juice, crystals, studying age old metaphysical texts, and everything health and wellness related!

Come on over to Happy Healthy Abundant to receive your FREE gift, 15 Tips to Get Happy Healthy Abundant Now. I share nuggets of wisdom and recipes to succeed (in health and life) even on the busiest schedules.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

My daily routine is pretty simple and effective. Apart from being a health coach, I’m also a student at university – so simple does it!

Every morning, I wake up as the sun rises (usually 6 a.m.), stretch, practice yoga (sun salutations are great!), and then skip into the bathroom. Here’s the low down:

The products I use are: Miessence mint toothpaste – (I adore this!), a bar of good soap like this Aromabals one or a huge chunk of handmade soap, a Sukin cleanser or Melvita’s foam cleanser, the Vanessa Megan exfoliating cleanser every other day, a hydrating rose mist, and finish with a hydrating cream/moisturizer from KORA!

I also like crystal deodorant, and coconut oil as a body moisturizer.

♥ Alchemical Oil

I also love using alchemical oil or essential oils to set the intention and tone for the day.

For haircare, I’ve been using the shampoo and conditioner from Vanessa Megan and I adore the fresh fragrance of geranium and tangerine! I use coconut oil on the ends of my hair too.

The evening routine usually the same, although if I’m feeling rather tired and want to wind down relaxing I’ll take a nice salt bath with Himalayan sea salt and essential oils, or give myself a good DIY hair mask.

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Recently, I’ve started using Bush Flower Essences and I can’t stop raving about them. Love the Abund Essence and Calm & Clear Essence.

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

I love hair treatments. I colour my hair say, once or twice a year, so I pay extra care to my hair to keep it healthy.

I travel to Malaysia to visit family pretty often, and I love the Ultra Sonic Iron treatment at Number76. It leaves my hair glossy and smooth!

I also dig DIY hair treatments using coconut oil!

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

I usually cut my own bangs and leave my hair to grow, ha!

In the event where I feel like I need a good old trim in Perth, I’ll go to Ashley at Fringe Benefits Hair Salon, Curtin University!

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

A clay mask! My gorgeous friend Dani from Scented Holistic Skin Care has an amazing French Green Clay Mask which I use 2-3 times a week to draw out the dirt and cleanse out my pores.

I highly recommend using a good quality clay mask regularly because you are essentially de-clogging any clogged pores and now the nutrients and moisture from beauty products applied onto the surface of your skin can be absorbed effectively! It also leaves your skin feeling radiant, clean, and vibrant. (Can you tell I LOVE masks yet?)

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

1. My Clarisonic
2. Australian Bush Flower Essences
3. A good cleanser

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

1. HYDRATE. Drink lots of water, get yourself a 2L stainless steel bottle and make sure you finish at least one of them!
2. Eat plant-based. Fill your tummy with mostly greens, vegetables, and other plant-based nutritious food.
3. Move. Yoga, run, walk, jog. Whatever suits you best, but moving is essential to look and feel great!
4. Raise your vibrations. Surround yourself with people who you adore, inspiring mentors, messages and don’t forget to engage in activities you enjoy!
5. Sleep well. Go to bed early, in a relaxed state, and with good thoughts and vibes in your mind and heart.

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

1. SUP Yoga – I love the sea, I love yoga. SUP yoga seems divine!
2. Infrared sauna – I’ve heard and read so many amazing benefits about it, I have to suss out one!
3. Kickboxing – This one’s on my 100 things to do in 2013!
4. Rock climbing – I’ve done rock climbing on a small scale, and I’d love to do something huge this year.
5. Leonie Dawson’s Paradise Retreat!

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I start off my morning with a large glass of green drink – a green juice (veggies and lemon) or green smoothie.

Lunch, depending on the season, is a mix of seasonal vegetables and high quality protein. In the summer, I love whipping up a good hearty wrap, salad or sushi rolls. In the winter, I’ll have a batch of leftover grilled vegetables and something heavier.

For dinner, we have more vegetables and a small portion of protein. I’ll make a curry to have with quinoa, or we’ll bake delicious. Meals are usually extremely simple to prepare, and I do my best to incorporate the whole rainbow so we get a spectrum of vitamins and minerals!

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In the middle of the day, if I’m craving a snack, I’ll usually have sprouted seeds or nuts, veggie sushi, coconuts, dark chocolate, raw brownies, a slice of raw cheesecake or veggie sticks and dip! I’ve written a post featuring 21 of my favourite snacks here!

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

Yoga is something I do daily. I’ll stretch heaps, and then practice for 15-45 minutes, depending on which day it is. I love walking and cycling too, and I walk/cycle to uni. I occasionally go for a run too!

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

I snack on Spirulina and Chorella, and love the Hawaiian Pacifica brand. I also take a dairy-free probiotic and digestive enzyme. As far as nutritional supplements, I believe that it is important to get most of our needs from food and lifestyle as long as we are in a state of health.

As a health coach, I work with clients to establish that state of health first (and sometimes supplements are essential and yield amazing results)!

As far as alternative therapies, I swear by Belinda Davidson. She’s a wonderful person, a guest expert on my eCourse, and I personally find her white light intensives and Monday white lights (which are free) a life changing experience.

♥ 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?

Yes! My lights are usually out and I’m usually sound asleep by 10pm. I’ll wake up naturally by 6am so that’s about 8 hours of sleep at least.

Most nights, I’ll lie down and make sure I go to sleep in a peaceful, relaxed state. Meditation, visualization, and chakra cleansing are some of the rituals I use to help me get aligned and have a good night’s sleep, and a beautiful day the next!

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

• Turning off my laptop, disconnecting from the internet, and then just anchoring myself back into my heartspace. With work, I’m very left-brained and a lot of energy is focused in the mind. Turning off all distractions, sitting on my yoga mat or a comfy couch, and then taking a few moments to breathe and focus in my heart centre relaxes me in an instant.
• Meditation – guided or in silence.
• Extreme self-care and self-love.
• Reading a book (or two).
• Journaling
• Spending time out in nature
• Hanging out with friends and loved ones

A million thanks to Jia Ni for sharing her gorgeous routine with us, if you're keen to find out more about this lovely local babe – you can follow her in these ways:

Website: http://jianiteo.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/jianihha
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jianiteo
Instagram: @jianiteo

If you have any questions or comments please leave them below!

Be well,

xoxo

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♥ Lime Crime Carousel lipgloss in Snowsicle

Vegan friendly super glittery lipgloss. Need I say more?

They’ve also got a really cute tumblr!

If you'd rather check it out in person first, Red Stripe Clothing in Northbridge have a great range of Lime Crime makeup. Just before Christmas I was in there and mentioned this lipgloss and they got it in in their next order and THEN texted me when it came in so I wouldn’t miss out. Just wanted to give them a shout out because they deserve your business!

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♥ Apple Cider Vinegar by Braggs

Already a huge fan of their liquid aminos, it seemed only a matter of time til I found my way to the ACV. Benefits? Well it depends on whom you talk to, but for me personally- digestion and skin goodness are really copping the awesomeness. *Get the one with mother!*

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♥ Models Prefer Kohl Pencil in Matte Black

Makes me feel like Daria Werbowy. Pencily on one end, smudgy on the other. You want a smoky eye? No problem. Oh you want a cat eye? Can-do. A kohl pencil is a staple (seriously everyone needs one) and this is a hard-working, versatile number. Purchase.

Are any of these favourites of yours too? Have you tried Apple Cider Vinegar for it's health benefits before? Leave a comment and let me know!

Article by Adriane Daff, equal parts fan of vinegar & makeup.

Be well,

xoxo

♥ Michelle Sims

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

Hi there! I’m Michelle, I’m a wife, mum and Body & Soul Coach for women. I LOVE travel, we have done alot so far and are still planning more, which is why I have created my online coaching business, so I can fulfill 2 passions at once. I am super passionate about all things natural food and health, personal and spiritual growth and I am so happy I get to combine all of these things into my business, the best part is seeing how it helps others transform! My business Wellness With Michelle is very much my heart centered passion and where I get to share what I am good at! I run my BodyBliss Coaching Programs for women wanting to step up their body, health and wellbeing.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

So, my daily beauty routine is I always wash morning and night, and moisturise too. I am currently using Franc Essential moisturiser and face mist, a lovely lady I know has created this luxurious and all natural product, they really moisturise well.

I generally try to keep all of my skin care natural, as well as hair care too, but there are a couple things that are not, I actually use the Proactiv cleanser scrub as it really gives my skin a great clean and leaves it smooth without drying it. I wish it was natural, but its the only cleanser that has agreed with me and gives a great result, at least I get to wash it off!

I also am trying out the LʼOccitane Eye Roll-On Gel,I have to say, so far I am impressed! Face masks are usually natural clay with some honey thrown in too. I don't do these nearly as much as I would like to.

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An important part of my beauty routine is actually getting my greens and veggies as these really go along way to keeping my skin clear, plenty of water too. In fact, anything that keeps my digestive system happy, means my skin stays clear. I had acne for many years up until the age of 30, but since eating a higher raw and mainly vegan diet (I do eat fish) my skin has been clear. They say diet isn't a huge influence on the skin (other than too much junk) but I really have found that certain foods just dont suit certain people, healthy or not.

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

Mm..i wish I could answer this, but I never actually go to any salons for treatments! Not for lack of wanting to..I just never make the time!

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

Thats an easy one! I am loving my new hairdresser Constance at Velvet Helmet in North Fremantle, she does a mean blonde colour!

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I use the occasional clay mask, but I have to admit, I did buy some of the Queen Helene’s Mint Julep Mask as there were heaps of great reviews and it was cheap. Its not all natural, but you know what, its actually really good!

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

1) My mineral makeup, right now I am using Bella Pierre

2) Lip balm, i cant live with out it! I use a few brands and have many on the go at once

3) Also a moisturiser for sure.

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

Yep, definitely eating a lot of plant based foods with plenty of raw veggies and fruits! This and water really are the cornerstones of health. Also, I do a lot to keep tuned in with myself and to keep my mind healthy. A positive outlook on life and self nurturing/awareness go a long way to staying vibrant too. It always amazes me how mental and emotional issues can manifest as physical issues. Its so vital to consider health from an holistic approach.

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

I would LOVE to go away on a spiritual/cleanse retreat. Any retreat that rejuvenates the body & soul together. On a superficial level, i wouldn't mind trying out some eye lash extensions (LOL), the natural looking ones of course 🙂

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I always start with lemon water when i get up, then a coffee with rice milk, then either a liter of juice or green smoothie or some raw granola cereal with rice milk. Then at lunch usually a salad or nori wrap or maybe even just a smoothie, at dinner I have more cooked food such as beans, lentils, potatoes, fish or even a raw meal such as zucchini noodles.

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I eat rather simply these days. I do have not so crash hot days too, for example I have a had a major icecream fetish of late, but I do make my own with almond milk, banana and stevia and enjoy it all day long in a addition to a juice and dinner. I’m not perfect, but I do make sure I get some nutritional value in there. I also do love to freeze and blend fruit in summer, making a yummy sorbet.

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I do enjoy weights and walking, I do the occasional yoga too! A good bit of gardening will do the job too. Oh, I also like to get in front of the mirror and dance my ass off sometimes, it puts a smile on my face!

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

I do have an amazing naturopath who I consult on occasion, her name is Kylie Robshaw from Wellness Perth. I am super fussy about who I see with that sort of thing and she is wonderful, there are few I trust with this, Kylie is the exception!

I also like to get the occasional reiki too. I do take some supplements, I am trialling Juice Plus right now, just to top up my nutrient intake, I am a big believer in wholefoods and that applies to supplements too. I do take maca on occasion as it is so good to keep the hormones balanced!

♥ 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 always aim for 7-8 hours. I fall asleep rather quick but I do love reading for sure! I aslo have a yummy homemade room spray I use, it has a blend of lavender, geranium, peppermint and oregano.

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

The beach for sure, the ocean water is so healing to body and soul, also anything that gets me out into nature. I have a new ritual of starting every monday with breakfast at the beach then have a quick dip. I also love to get out for some morning sunshine while I journal, its good for body and soul too. I do love just to hang out with my hubby and son too, Im a bit of a home body 🙂

A million thanks to Michelle for sharing her wonderfully inspiring routine with us today, if you have any questions please leave them in the comments below!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo