A Week in the Wellness Life – Juicing, Sweet Treats & Organic Goodies.

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I absolutely love a visit to any boutique-y health store, and Organic on Charles is a great find. Heaps of fresh organic fruit & veggies, drinks, skincare, chocolate and snacks, groceries and there is even a smoothie bar too! I picked up some organic red grape juice (packed with antioxidants), Quinitos – quinoa and rice based sweet ‘n crunchy snack, green tea, apples, coconut mylk luvju, strawberries & a free book. Love!

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An epic farmer’s market fresh fruit and veg haul for two. We decided that some juicing was on the cards this weekend, and are now stocked up on all the juicy essentials (apples, carrots, cucumbers, ginger, silverbeet, celery), plus lots more produce to keep my housemate and I happy and healthy for the week!

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I’ve come to the realisation that these two products make my skin feel better than almost anything else. Sodashi Rejuvenating Concentrate & Sodashi Marine Brightening Mask = total skincare heroes! The concentrate brings my face back to life when it’s looking dull & tired, and the mask amplifies that brightness by about 5 times. I’ve just comleted this little mini ritual and then massaged rosehip oil into my face, so I’m hoping for a glowing complexion in the morning!

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And what better to treat myself with than some healthy chocolatey goji berry balls whilst wearing above face mask!! These treats are the second type I’ve tried from the Modern Day Hippie organic snack range, and I’m a fan. Perfect to satisfy a craving for sweets at 3pm or 8pm at night! 🙂 Or anytime really – have them for breakfast if you like, they are packed full of healthy ingredients for guilt free gobbling.

In case you missed out on any of our articles from the past week and a bit, here is a recap:

♥ Exercise Review: Power Plate at the Perth Pilates Studio, North Perth – if you need a little something different to jazz up your exercise routine – Power Plate could be it!

♥ Beauty Product Review: Benefit High Beam Illuminator and High Brow Glow Pencil! – glowing face, found.

♥ Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Amy Zempilas, Perth Lifestyle Blogger. – Basil Zempilas’ stunning wife, Amy, shares her beauty routine!

♥ Green Smoothie Inspiration: Glowing Green Smoothie – we road test one of the most famous green smoothies!

♥ Healthy Snack Review: Modern Day Hippie Organic Snack Mixes. – one word, YUM.

♥ Beauty & Wellbeing Crushes: Vegan Chocolate, Organic Muesli, Iridology & Steam Rooms!

♥ Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Candice Aiken, Holistic Health & Lifestyle Coach and Local Blogger @ Co-Inside! – A super inspiring interview from wellness blogger Candice – not to be missed.

♥ Fitness Review: Hypoxi at The Urbane Body, Subiaco. – We road-tested Hypoxi to see if it lived up to the hype.

♥ Green Smoothie Recipe: Kiwi Sublime! – another Green July recipe!

♥ Alternative Therapy Review: Kinesis Myofascial Integration with Adrian Boyd. – another bodywork therapy trialled!

Thanks for coming along for the ride this week 🙂

I’d love to hear what wonderful wellness treats you’ve been upto, or if there’s anything new you think we should try out, leave a comment below!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Posted in Alternative Therapy, Green Smoothies, Wellness Tips | 5 Comments »

Alternative Therapy Review: Kinesis Myofascial Integration with Adrian Boyd.

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I’ve been fortunate over the years to experience many forms of body-work – massage, chiropractic, reflexology, the list goes on. The more times I encounter skilled body workers, the more deeply I appreciate that as well as having a technical understanding of the body, they are true artists.

This observation proved to be especially the case when I recently experienced a technique called Kinesis Myofascial Integration (KMI) with Adrian Boyd of KMI Perth. KMI is designed to ‘unwind’ the strain patterns residing in your body and restore its natural balance, alignment, length and ease. It consists of deep, slow manipulation, combined with movement re-education and is run over 12 sessions. Following this, the new alignment becomes integrated into your body – a new you!

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The start of the session was rather unnerving, consisting of a ‘body reading’ whereby Adrian cast his trained eye over my physique as I stood in front of a full length mirror in my undies! Once I got over the initial aversion to looking at myself in the mirror, it was fascinating. I was happy to get some positive feedback, but there were some definite ‘wonky hips’ issues to deal with. In front of the mirror Adrian moved me into a more balanced posture and the results were astounding – my legs suddenly looked so much longer and slimmer.

Now, onto the treatment itself, of which my first taste was divine. It’s a dynamic technique – you perform small movements that help Adrian identify areas of tightness and tension, and gently (if a little painfully at times) bring them back into balance. Adrian was so deeply in tune with the process that it was very easy to relax, let go and let him work his magic.

After the session I felt much lighter and more aware of my body. The subsequent sessions work ever deeper to unravel longer term and deeper areas of strain. Well worth looking into if you are dealing with body niggles and looking for a sustainable solution.

To find out more info, check out Adrian’s website, KMI Perth.

What are your favourite forms of body work and who are your go-to practitioners in Perth?

Article by Karen Miller, intrepid body-work explorer from the earthly forms to the esoteric!

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Alternative Therapy, Reviews, Western Suburbs | 2 Comments »

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Candice Aiken, Holistic Health & Lifestyle Coach and Local Blogger @ Co-Inside!

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

Hiya Wellness WA-ians. My name is Candice and I am a writer, speaker, holistic health & lifestyle coach, co-owner of an organic food co-op and spirit junkie.

Having spent many years of my life battling with weight gain, in and out of doctors with every illness under the sun, I was always searching for the ‘meaning’ of my life. It was when my husband and soul mate of 9 years was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2010 that I was really given the slap across the face I needed to change my life for the better. We took our health into our own hands and used natural treatments (such as meditation, yoga, journaling, juices, smoothies & learning to love ourselves) and I was able to rid myself of the mental and physical weight I’d been carrying around for so long.

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With the burning desire to share our learning’s with the world, we created a website, Co-Inside Wellbeing, which is updated regularly with oh-so amazing health tips, as well as words of inspiration and kick-ass ‘mostly raw’ food recipes to inspire people to choose health and love life, just as I have done. FINALLY I have found my passion and the meaning of my life… to help as many people that I possibly can to feel amazing through my website, e-books, health coaching and lectures.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Since embracing organic and natural products, my beauty routine has become quite simple.

• I start the day with a huge glass of water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. I say an affirmation to myself into the mirror which is usually… ‘I love and approve of myself’ (very powerful words!).
• I am slightly obsessed with Aromabals’ white clay wash rocks in banana/coconut right now so that’s my face wash/body wash and perfume as the scent lasts all day.
• I wash my hair every couple of days with Vanessa Megan. I have tried a ton of ‘natural’ shampoos and conditions and have found this is the only one that leaves my hair feeling silky and smooth (and without the added nasties).

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• I like to mix it up with my cosmetics and I am always trying new and exciting mineral make up, so I alternate brands often. At the moment I use bare minerals mascara, Inika blush and Nude foundation powder.

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• Once a week I indulge in a face mask. If I don’t make one myself then I slather on my favourite Halka B Cacao and Argan Mask – it’s divine!
• Every night before I go to bed I wash my face with water and wipe off excess make-up with Wot-Not Facial Wipes.
• 8 hours sleep is a MUST – this is the most important part of my beauty routine.

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

Colonic hydrotherapy! I believe the colon is the absolute cornerstone of health and wellbeing. A clean colon means proper elimination of toxins (which means amazing skin) as well as the ability to absorb important nutrients, and of course weight loss. I see Sue Munro at the Rejuvenation Centre in West Leederville once or twice a year and have done so for 7 years. The woman is a miracle worker.

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

Kelly Scafidi, without a doubt. This hair goddess of mine works out of her home in Highgate and brings my hair back to life every time I see her. I met Kelly around 3 years ago when she was at Lee Preston, after saving me from a tear-inducing ‘hair style’ from another salon. Though I no longer dye my hair, I will still travel all the way to see Kelly for one of her perfect cuts and a refreshing chat about life.

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I make a lot of my own skincare products at home such as masks, face oils and toners. Nature has provided many ‘products’ for us to use straight out of the ground that need little or no intervention – thankfully I grow some of these in my garden.

One of my favourite budget treatments came about when I was making a raw dessert and suddenly had the urge to smother raw honey all over my face. I listened to my intuition and 10 minutes later had skin softer than a baby’s bottom!

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

1. Coconut Oil – makes a fabulous moisturizer, hair treatment and an amazing addition to raw desserts and green smoothies. I even use it on my pups when they cut or graze themselves. You can use it for absolutely everything, and I mean EVERYTHING!
2. Apple Cider Vinegar – Again, it’s a product with a gazillion purposes. Fabulous for weight loss, indigestion and great in a homemade face toner. And it’s super cheap too!
3. Wotnot facial wipes – these are the only 100% natural facewipes with certified organic ingredients I’ve found and they’re amazing. Perth recently had a shortage so I was forced to use another brand for a few months. As soon as the supplier had them back in stock I bought 10! haha

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

I have five super simple rules that I live by:

1. KISS – Keep it simple sister! I apply this motto to my life in general (less stuff + less commitments = less stress). And when it comes to beauty, I’ve never felt more amazing than when I am just wearing a smile and nothing else.

2. Drink up – Water is incredible for eliminating toxins, is seriously energizing and can prevent fatigue, also when consumed first thing in the morning… gets the ol’ bowels moving. Seriously amazing stuff!

3. Laugh at everything, including yourself – ‘They’ say laughter is the best medicine and I would have to agree on this one. If I am feeling a bit off at any point, I find that laughing at myself or the situation always brings me right out of the dumps and into a much nicer place.

4. Eat organic or grow your own – I’ve been organic for quite a few years now and I feel great knowing that I am avoiding ingesting toxic pesticides and doing my bit for the planet. I also have my own vegie patch where I grow organic herbs & vegies. I find it very healing and ultra-satisfying being able to pick my produce straight out of the ground.

5. Do what you love and love what you do – find your passion and you will never work a day in your life, plus you will be the happiest version of yourself and this in itself is anti-ageing!

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

I have SOOO many wellbeing activities and events on my vision board, here are the top five coming up I’ve unleashed my manifesting monster on…

1. Tony Robbins’ Unleash the Power Within in Sydney
2. Marie Forleo’s Rich, Happy and Hot Live in New York
3. In The Wake of Our Spiritual Ancestors – Cruising the Mediterranean with Dr Wayne Dyer
4. David Wolfe’s New Year’s Celebration Retreat in Hawaii
5. Leonie Dawson’s Business Goddess Rainforest Retreat in far north QLD

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Oh yay, my favourite subject… food! 🙂 I actually eat A LOT. I’ve never really been a 3 square meals kind of gal and so I eat small meals frequently. Here’s what my day usually looks like:

First thing – A huge glass of filtered water with Apple Cider Vinegar (then a ton of water throughout the day)

Breakfast – A gigantic green smoothie filled with kale, celery, banana, vital greens, spirulina or chlorella & water, or if I am feeling adventurous then I will have a homemade buckwheat cereal with almond milk (here’s the recipe)

Lunch – Usually a gigantic green salad with avocado and a dressing of olive oil, wakame leaf, cayenne pepper, Celtic sea salt & nutritional yeast. Every now and then I will have millet, amaranth or quinoa pilaf.

Dinner – Either one of the following: tempeh burgers, kelp noodles (yummo!), raw pizza, organic sourdough toast with avo/tomato/coriander/hemp seeds & Halka B’s edible argan oil (my new fav) or a big salad similar to lunch. I have also been known to have raw dessert for dinner on various occasions (such as choc chia pudding or raw lemon cheesecake)… mostly when I remember I am an adult and I can eat what I want. Haha.

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Snacks – seasonal fruit, smoothies, my homemade raw power balls, activated nuts, carrot sticks or crackers with homemade hummus or ‘coconut mylk’ luvju chocolate by Loving Earth.

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

• Yoga, meditation and journaling are all part of my daily fitness routine. I believe the mind, body AND soul need to be ‘exercised’.
• My two dogs play a huge part in my life and when they are not throwing themselves in front of cars, my hubby and I take them out for a run, which is a great excuse to get some fresh air.
• You will also find me bouncing away on my rebounder (thanks to advice from Louise Hay) – it’s fabulous for many things including a good laugh, especially when the dogs try and bounce with me, but in particular it’s amAAAzing for stimulating the lymphatic system

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

My life is considered an alternative therapy. Haha. I drink green smoothies daily, I juice, I have spirulina, chlorella and E3live on a daily basis, I use essential oils, I get massages, I meditate, I do coffee enemas (seriously!) and every few months I take part in a cleanse or a 3 day juice fast.

I follow a 100% organic, high raw, plant- based diet but I have tests to make sure I’m tracking well and alter my diet accordingly. In that respect, I do take a few supplements that I feel I need at the time. Right now I am taking krill oil, zeolite, mega hydrate & vitamin D3 drops (just until the sun comes back out for me to bask in).

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

One of my favourite ways to relax is with my puppalups. I find that just being in their presence de-stresses me like no other activity ever could. They are so problem-free, care-free, and full of a bucketload of unconditional love that you have no other option than to be the same around them. When they have had enough of my smothering, I also turn to anything I’m passionate about to relax such as yoga, reading books, listening to Brian Johnson’s philosopher’s notes (which I’m lovin’ right now!), writing or just being with Curtis and talking about our future and big dreams. ♥

Thanks Candice! Check out Co-Inside Wellbeing if you’re interested in finding out more, and leave a comment below if you have any questions!

What do you think of Candice’s routine?

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Alternative Therapy, Organic, Wellness Tips | 11 Comments »

Exercise Review: Power Plate at the Perth Pilates Studio, North Perth.

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Ever had that feeling when you’re in a HUGE exercise funk? Bored of the gym, not feeling Zen enough for yoga, can’t be bothered to drag yourself out for a run? Yep…me too. I don’t know if it’s the cooler weather, but the pull of comfort food and a cosy night in is currently much more seductive than getting my exercise groove on.

I might have just the thing for you if so. Something that will make you giggle and grin and possibly even forget that you’re getting a super dooper workout. Possibly.

Enter the Power Plate at Perth Pilates Studio. I recently had the pleasure of a private session with the lithe and graceful Liz Wilson who took me through a 30 minute session, which is apparently equivalent to a hard 60-90 minutes weights workout. So super-efficient too.

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Power Plate works by stimulating the body’s natural response to vibration which activates accelerated muscle contractions. It’s a low impact exercise, so suitable for people recovering from injuries, as well as exercise renegades like me.

There’s a definite knack to positioning yourself on the Plate. Before you get this there can be a strange ‘teeth chattering’ effect at times, which is rather unnerving. But Liz is there to guide you through all of this, with sessions offered either one to one or small groups.

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The session involved a series of static and dynamic exercises, such as lunges and crunches, and while it was challenging, it was also fun, novel and boredom-busting. Another bonus was the massage at the end of the workout, as the Power Plate doubles up as your own personal masseuse. This boosts circulation, reducing post-workout soreness and, so they say, decreases cellulite. It’s also a great reward for all of your efforts. Did I mention super-efficient?!

Intrigued? Find out more at the Perth Pilates Studio website.

Have you ever ventured onto the Power Plate? How did you find it if so? And what are your tips for mixing things up with your exercise routine?

Article by Karen Miller, reformed gym junkie, but self-confessed endorphin addict!

Posted in Exercise, North of River, Reviews | 8 Comments »

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Diana Bressani, eVoke magazine.

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

Hello Wellness WA, how exciting to be interviewed, my first ever! My name is Diana Bressani and I’m the publisher/editor of eVoke magazine which is an awesome quarterly publication new to the Perth market. eVoke content focuses on natural lifestyle choices, and we have the BEST local contributors who aim to provide inspirational content for living cleaner, greener and healthier lives.

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eVoke aims to promote local businesses whilst raising awareness for this lifestyle movement. I’m also married to a wonderfully supportive man who is just divine, and the mother of two very cute and clever kids, who changed my life for the better and complete our family.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Gee, how long have you got? My husband likes to make fun of all my lotions and potions, but we’ll see who’s laughing when I’m 80 and looking fabulous!! I like to change up my skincare every 6 months or so and at the moment I’m using Arbonne RE9 skincare range which consists of a foaming cleanser both morning and night, spray toner, serum, eye cream, day cream and night cream…plus the cellular renewal masque…oh and an age defying neck cream. I’m loving Arbonne as it’s a safe product with a scientific background so I know I’m getting all the age-defying “stuff” without the harmful side effects. I’m also a huge fan of Dr Hauschka and am feeling quite guilty to be cheating on him with Arbonne….I also use Lavera eye roll-on for puffy eyes and I recently started using Zwena Argan oil for my face and hair, which is a pure indulgence, but I can feel the goodness going into my skin.

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

Well, unfortunately I am totally living without beauty treatments at the moment and couldn’t tell you the last time I treated myself…but this interview has prompted me to remedy that! I love the Li’tya Marta Kodo massage at Bodhi J, 90 minutes of a pure out of body experience, seriously decadent….picking up the phone to book one now!

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

My hair is my crowning glory, my mother says it’s because my star sign is leo and it’s my mane…anyway, I’m very fussy when it comes to my hair as it’s very thick and wild and when cut by someone who hasn’t experienced my type of hair bad bad bad things happen. I moved back to Perth almost 4 years ago and it took me 2 years to find THE hairdresser who was recommended to me by a friend with equally thick hair. Erin at Hair Outaquin in North Perth is perfection!

Ed: I have seen Diana’s ‘mane’ on a number of occasions, and it is truly glorious!

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Dry body brushing is about as DIY as I get 🙂 but essential during these winter months as my circulation slows right down.

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

Eeek…only 3???

– Nutter Body Butter keeps my winter skin moisturized
– Dr Hauschka tinted moisturiser and Dr Hauschka mascara in aubergine…
– And one more! My Goddess in a Bottle sprays. I’m using Blue at the moment for clarity, which I spritz myself with several times a day.

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

Getting a great bouncy blow dry and feeling my hair move in slow motion around me as I walk with purpose, and a great pilates session which stretches out all the kinks and helps with my purposeful walk.

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

I really want to do an introduction to yoga course. I tried yoga years ago, but due to being completely inflexible and probably being at the wrong class I just hated it, it hurt me sooooo bad. But over the years with the help of pilates I have stretched out some tight muscles and feel I could be ready to give it another go! BUT my all time mecca of a wellbeing activity would be to have 5 nights at a gorgeous wellness spa retreat, it’ll happen one day!

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Breakfast is a protein shake using Isowhey Complete (French vanilla) with berries, psyllium husk, LSA and Maca powder blend or a fresh vegie/fruit smoothie whizzed in my thermomix. Lunch is a bit hit and miss, my favourite is sushi, or a big salad with a soft boiled egg. During winter dinner is usually a casserole of some description, lots of lentils, root vegetables, lamb shanks or vats of pasta and vegetable soup!!

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

Just as the cooler weather started I made a pact to myself to up the ante on my fitness so I’ve been going to the gym 3 times a week for some serious cardio classes ie. body pump and body attack as well as a cycling class. Twice a week I use my cross trainer at home for 30 minutes but I barely work up a sweat which is why I need the gym.

I also do Pilates 3-5 times a week at home as I’m a qualified Pilates instructor and am lucky enough to have a reformer (Pilates machine).

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I also try to do an Xtend Barre class at The Perth Pilates Studio in North Perth when I can squeeze it in, as it’s super hardcore and is a great mix of cardio and strengthening exercises. Pilates keeps my spine moving, lengthens all my muscles and helps me retain a more neutral posture. It’s my all time favourite exercise which is essential to my general wellbeing, especially since I’m spending more and more time sitting at the computer.

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

I go to my naturopath, Katrin Hoehne, about 3-5 times a year to keep me on track with my general wellbeing. Katrin usually treats me with a combination of a liquid herbal supplement, Bowen therapy and adjustments to my eating habits.

Every 3 weeks the kids and I go to Nervana Chiropractic for a spinal adjustment, the results are instantaneous and I always walk away feeling taller and lighter. AND I just started seeing Amy O’Brien at the Chinese Medicine Centre in East Fremantle who is helping me with acupuncture, cupping and Chinese herbs, as apparently my liver and gall bladder need some fine-tuning. I’m a huge fan of natural remedies and will try anything once and if it works I’ll be back! I also take spirulina tablets and a fish oil supplement most days.

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

I love to lie on the couch with a great book and some sort of snack, chocolate or corn chips to be exact. Or just lolling on the grass in the winter sun using my husbands shoulder as a pillow while the kids play close by…bliss!

Thank you Diana for taking part in our beauty & wellbeing routine, where we showcase inspiring people from Perth and beyond! Be sure to check out eVoke magazine too!

If you have any questions for Diana, please leave them below 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Interviews | 1 Comment »