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Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on November 19, 2012
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Christmas is less than SIX WEEKS away. You heard right, six weeks. How did this happen?! That’s right, with all the hard work, taking care of family & friends, busy social life and keeping up with Wellness WA (;)) the year has absolutely flown by with barely a chance to sit back and take a few centred breaths.
Bliss
That’s where Gwinganna comes in. Imagine waking up on the 25th of December to find a voucher for a 2, 3, 4 or 7 night ultimate spa and wellness retreat at one of Australia’s top spa and healing destinations – Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat. I can’t tell you how long I’ve wanted to go, this place is seriously the best wellness destination in Australia.
Fancy a little tai chi and yoga in the morning?
The 7 night detox program in particular gets me fired up, it’s described as “the Rolls Royce of lifestyle retreats is one of our most powerful options. Leave with whiter eyes, increased vitality and glowing skin.” Yes! How good would that be?!
Maybe a gorgeous bush walk is more you cup of (organic, fair trade) tea?
Gwinganna are offering a 20% discount off selected retreats in 2013 with their popular Christmas vouchers. Each retreat package at Gwinganna is fully inclusive and provides an opportunity to truly escape and recharge.
Or just relax in the infinity pool
Gwinganna’s packages include all certified organic meals and snacks, movement activities, lifestyle seminars, courtesy transfers from Gold Coast airport at set times and selected spa treatments or spa credit.
The Christmas vouchers are available for purchase until 21 December 2012, valid for stays from 20 January to 27 March 2013 and some conditions apply.
Phone 1800 219 272 or visit www.gwinganna.com for more details. And be sure to let me know if you are thinking of taking a trip over there, so I can live vicariously through you! 🙂
Tell me… would you like an amazing spa retreat for Christmas? Been naughty or nice this year? Leave a comment below!
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Day Spa, Interstate/International, Other | 
1 Comment »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on October 24, 2012
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Picture a leisurely getaway, the gorgeous late spring warmth and sunshine on your skin as you take part in a beachside morning yoga class before revelling in the delicious heat of a detoxifying sauna, drinking a fresh green juice and then sinking into massage heaven and relaxing by the indoor or outdoor pool for the rest of the afternoon. Sound like much needed bliss?
Infrared Sauna = ultimate relaxation
You’d be forgiven for thinking I’m talking about a Balinese retreat. Thankfully this one is closer than you think! We are incredibly lucky to have Leisa from Embracing Health Retreats making the trip over to WA to host one of her world renowned 8 day ultimate wellness and relaxation retreats in Busselton from the 23rd of November til the 1st of December.
Leisa is a leading Australian naturopath, live and whole (raw) foods expert, fatigue specialist and detoxification expert who is dedicated to making you feel vibrantly alive and renewed during her retreats.
The retreat is being held at the local Grand Mercure Apartments at Geographe Bay, Busselton in November, and offers a week of fun, relaxation and world class health education.
An example of the amazing raw food that will be giving you loads of energy!
“My passion”, says Leisa, “is to bring together groups of people and teach them how they can use everyday foods to improve their health. With the rise of chronic diseases such as obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, there has never been a more important message than how what you eat can change your life.”
And changing lives is what the Embracing Life! Retreat is all about.
So what does this amazing oh-my-god-book-me-in-right-now retreat include?
♥ Luxury accommodation for eight nights
♥ All food and drinks from Friday evening to Saturday morning
♥ All activities including Yoga classes
♥ Two x one hour healing therapeutic massages
♥ Two food preparation classes with our Raw Food Chef Extraordinaire
♥ One magical Art Therapy or Sound Healing Class
♥ A Wu Tao Dance Class
♥ Unlimited use of Sunlight Sauna (bliss!)
♥ Unlimited use of resort facilities
♥ Options for booking extra Day Spa treatments and Colonic Irrigation where applicable
♥ All workbooks and lecture notes
♥ A gift bag on arrival containing lots of free goodies valued at over $100!
Check out the Embracing Health website for more details, including cost and how to book in!!
And tell me…
Have you ever been on a retreat before or wanted to? Did it change you in any way?
I’d love to hear from you! 🙂
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
This is a sponsored post.
Posted in Alternative Therapy, Down South, Food, Massage, Yoga | 4 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on October 22, 2012
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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
Hi there! I’m a personal trainer, nutrition & lifestyle coach, actress/model and a blogger – all of which keeps me very busy and active! I only moved back home to Perth in April after living away for 13 years mostly in Sydney, Melbourne, South-East Asia and New York. It’s a refreshing change of speed being back in Perth and I absolutely love the climate and lifestyle here ☺
My blog, Life with Elizabeth Rose, is very much from my heart and covers lots of lifestyle topics to do with health & fitness, business and personal development. The tagline on my blog is “Dream. Create. Live with joy” – I’m always dreaming big, creating things & trying my hardest to live my life with happiness…my goal is to guide my readers and clients in doing the same with their lives, with a strong focus on health and well-being!
You can find me at Fitness First Platinum in Subiaco for personal and small group training. I’m about to run a boot camp at Cottesloe Beach beginning November 5th. I’m really looking forward to it and can’t think of a better way to start the day!
As an introductory offer, mention this interview and receive 10% off your first 4 weeks of training ☺. Register your interest at liz@lifewithelizabethrose.com
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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
I cleanse morning and night with Sukin Organics Cream Cleanser. I have very sensitive skin and find a cream cleanser to be the best! I haven’t used a toner for a few years now, and find my skin is fine without it!
I moisturize with Priori CoffeeBerry Natureceuticals Day and Night Complex which are both 98.5% natural. CoffeeBerry extract is nature’s most potent antioxidants to fight free radicals and the causes of skin aging, and it smells divine! If my skin is feeling particularly dry, I’ll add some Trilogy Rosehip Oil at night over my moisturizer.
For my eyes I use Aesop Parsely Cream Antioxidant Eye Cream…I’ve always used creams as opposed to serums for my eye area…I find my concealer goes on much easier too!
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♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
The Deluxe Skin Renewal Spa Treatment by Suzey Luong at Vanity Box! This is a superior boosting treatment incorporating a facial massage with a soothing balm and a replenishing mask that firms, hydrates and exfoliates your skin. It’s such a relaxing treatment and is like a natural botox! My skin hasn’t looked this flawless in years!
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
I go all the way up to Yanchep which is exactly an hour away from my place, so I can see the lovely Rachel Firmin who is from the UK. My Mum and Aunty see her as well, so it’s always a bit of a family affair! I love seeing Rachel as she always keeps up to date with the latest styles from London and she is so sweet and friendly and offers endless cups of tea.
Because she works from her home, having a cut and full head of foils costs me roughly half the price of going to a salon! You can contact Rachel on 0415049311.
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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
I’ve recently become an avid follower of Maria Hannaford’s blog, Econest, which is all about living life more sustainably! I love this easy and economical beauty treatment that Maria suggests…simply mash ½ an avo with a dash of milk and apply to a wet face – perfect as a skin conditioner and so simple!
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♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
1. Coconut oil – this medium chain fatty acid has so many amazing health benefits! I cook with it and sometimes use it as a face and body moisturizer, hair conditioner and shave my legs with it! You can even use coconut oil as a base of a natural deodorant.
2. Priori CoffeeBerry Mineral Perfecting Foundation 3 – It has the best coverage and loving the fact the packaging is eco-conscious.
3. INIKA – all natural certified organic mineral blush in rosy glow…I love all their products!
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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
I have a few!
1. Daily exercise is a must! I feel so much better after moving my body, even if it’s just a leisurely stroll outside in the fresh air.
2. Sleep! I aim for 7-8 hours but have been struggling with this lately! I’m terrible at falling asleep before 10pm but know I need to as I wake up so early! When I do get adequate sleep, the difference in my energy, mood and creativity is huge.
3. Nutritious, organic food and plenty of water! You are what you eat!
4. Taking time out for myself. I always feel so revitalized after a bit of “me time”.
5. Keeping a gratitude journal always makes me feel great! Every Tuesday I write my ‘LWER Tuesday’s Blessings’ with 5-10 things I’m grateful for on my Facebook page. I love it when people comment with their own gratitude list ☺
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♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet?
I’d luurve to do some kind of retreat in Ubud, Bali. I hear it’s amazing at Como Shambala, which advocates proactive holistic wellness, combining modern science with ancient healing.
I’d also love to do an Ayurvedic retreat at Deepak Chopra’s ‘Chopra Center’ in California.
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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
I eat very closely to the Paleo Diet (and recommend this to most of my clients), which is a diet that closely resembles what our ancestors ate in the Paleolithic era. It’s basically very high in protein and good fats, with lots of low starch veggies, salads, nuts & seeds and fruits such as berries.
My day always starts with a tall glass of water with lemon juice, some powdered greens in water and a probiotic. I shower then for breaky I will always have some protein such as 2 eggs with smoked salmon and wilted spinach (no toast!).
Morning tea is usually a ‘mini meal’ which is basically a bit of what I prepared for lunch (I always make a little bit more so I have enough for a snack and lunch!), or my own trail mix of activated almonds, coconut flakes and goji berries.
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Lunch is protein of some sort with either a salad or steamed greens. Kale is my favourite at the moment! So good for you!
Afternoon tea is usually one of my superfood protein smoothies from my Super Smoothie Collection, that I have post workout or a green juice.
Dinner is either oven baked salmon with veggies or chicken and salad.
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And finally for supper I have herbal tea and blueberries with 2 tablespoons of organic full-cream greek yoghurt or occasionally 30g of dark organic chocolate such as Loving Earth’s ‘luvju’ coconut mylk raw organic chocolate…yum!
I get emails all the time from women wanting guidance on what to eat. I know it can be confusing and frustrating trying to decide what to cook and which foods to buy, so I recently put together two 7 day meal plans to help shape your bod for summer! They are available for sale on my blog: click here! For the next 48 hours I’m running a special price of $17 (down from $27) for Wellness WA readers if you use the code “LWER” when you purchase!
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♥ Describe your fitness routine.
I train with weights 3 times a week, practice yoga twice a week, and do interval training (HIIT) 2-3 times a week, plus I’m about to give pole dancing a go for a bit of fun! I like variety and my body does too ☺
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
I have an entire drawer in my kitchen that is filled with supplements! At the moment, I mostly take fish oil capsules, Vital Greens, a pre & probiotic, mega B and magnesium.
I’m a bit of a fan of alternative therapies, and have experimented with many in my pursuit of tip top health! I’ve been to naturopaths, homeopaths, Ayuvedic practioners and I’ve tried kinesiology and colonics, to name a few! I’m currently seeing a GP who specializes in nutritional medicine at Health Quest in Melville, and just had my first hair mineral analysis…I’m very interested in finding out the results!
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♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
Oooh how I love relaxing! My fav ways include practicing yoga at Tamara Yoga, meditating, getting a massage/facial, or simply enjoying some quiet time at home watching a dvd.
If you have any questions about Elizabeth’s fantastic routine, please leave a comment below!
Make sure you check out her blog too!
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Interviews, Wellness Tips | 2 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on October 11, 2012
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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
Posted in Day Spa, Massage, North of River, Reviews | 2 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on October 9, 2012
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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I love to be fit and healthy both physically and spiritually. I devote my time to learning and teaching others about health and fitness and how they can help to be the best person they can from the inside – out. My number one passion is Pilates (my business is Renz Pilates!).
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Whilst working in London as a personal trainer in 2005 I learnt of Pilates. Within a few months of returning to Australia I commenced training with Polestar Pilates to master the method and learn to teach others. My style of workouts have since been a fusion of Pilates and personal training.
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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
I am LOVING Miranda Kerr’s Kora Organics range and have been since December 2012. I use my Cream Cleanser day and night, followed by Purifying Day and Night Cream for my face and the Recovery Eye Gel Cream for my eyes (Miranda recently recommended to try the Vitamin Enhanced Lip Balm to act like a hydrating mask for the eyes too, which I agree is divine) and the Enriched Body Lotion for my body. After my long days of teaching and training it is nice to enjoy the Hydrating Mask for my face and the lovely Rejuvenating Foot Balm for my tootsies. I am trialling a couple of new organic sun creams too but haven’t found a favourite yet (welcoming any suggestions?)
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♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
Following a run, I love rubbing my body gently with moist beach sand before swimming in the ocean allowing my skin to enjoy a natural exfoliant. I enjoy this at every sandy beach in the world I visit.
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
Karri Steele – uber cool, but sad she has just moved to Melbourne.. Aveda Subi: Nikki, Kylie & Danni – I just love Aveda – seems to work so well with my hair.
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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
Sleep. There is a reason it is called beauty sleep. Make the time and reap the benefits.
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♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
Right now: KORA Organics Cream Cleanser, Recovery Eye Gel and the Hydrating Mask
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
A positive attitude – always have honest and positive intentions – sometimes actions are perceived by others in a different light, but if you know you are acting with good intentions I believe karma always returns positive energy to you.
And sweat, laugh and move: dance, walk, run – whatever makes you smile.
♥ Chiva Som
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
Internationally: Chiva-Som, Thailand and Reethi Rah, Maldives.
Locally: Bodhi Day Spa, Wembley.
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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
Everyday is different, it depends on my mood and what I have scheduled for the day but generally..
Kickstart the day: Always a Spirulina and Vitamin C drink.
Smoothie: I will make either green smoothie made up of whatever greenery is in season – mixture of kale, spinach, celery, zucchini, spirulina mix, avocado & cucumber, or kiwi and cacao nibs, bee pollen, maca and filtered water and goji berries to serve OR a chocolate smoothie made up of raw cacao, chocolate vegan protein powder, almonds, frozen berries, bee pollen, spirulina mix, maca and filtered water.
On the weekends maybe a frozen banana-rice milk smoothie with lots of yummy extras and an egg white omelette with veggies.
Mid morning snack: I usually teach privates and classes from 6am through to lunch time, so don’t have much time for snacks. I drink lots of water and green tea in between sessions.
Lunch: Huge, super colourful salad (always changing, but as long as I can put in as many bright delicious colours as I can get my hands on) sometimes with chicken, tuna, salmon or beans of some type.
Mid afternoon: Either celery or raw zucchini with my home made hommus.
Dinner: I go out a lot for dinner, so when I order I try to stick to steamed veggies or as clean as possible. This is the one meal I am usually eating with my friends or family and I try not to be too strict amongst others as I often get reminded to be a little crazy and “try the tempura prawns!”
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After dinner treats: This is definitely my weakest point of the day. I LOVE chocolate treats. Over the years I have learnt so much about chocolate and the cleanest, healthiest ways to enjoy it. I now make my own organic chocolate with lots of special treats inside (like goji berries or cacao nibs). Right now I am working on mastering a Bliss Ball recipe (raw cacao, freshly sprouted nuts, coconut oil, etc) so much goodness packed into the cutest little ball! My boyfriend provides great feedback – so we are getting very close to mastering the perfect recipe.
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♥ Describe your fitness routine.
One thing about my fitness is that there is definitely no routine about it. I obviously do Pilates everyday. I workout a lot with clients and if I have had a day where I haven’t had much of an opportunity to move, I will get in a short run along the beach or river to pick the heart rate up or do any of the following:
♥ Dancing – I love teaching Xtend Barre at Pure Moves in Cottesloe and I am quite often dancing around my home with Tracy Anderson, and if I am out with my girlfriends we will pretty much always be making a dance floor appear out of no where!
♥ Yoga – I love Twisting Fish in Claremont
♥ Surfing – Not as much as I would like at the moment, but when & where ever I can
♥ Jacobs Ladder and Kings Park – to really pick up my cardio
♥ Boxilates – one of my new favourite classes I have designed at The Hurt Locker in Claremont
♥ Walking – either on my own or this is a great time for a girly catch-up with my friends
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♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
Some would say my super green smoothies are alternative or the spirulina I take is a supplement, but these are what is normal for me. I have tried various supplements over the years and I think they all have their merit – as long as they have good clinical research with substantiated claims and can prove the efficacy of the product they are worth trialling.I have really enjoyed Reiki in the past and currently I am enjoying a bit of an acupuncture phase.
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♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
As crazy as this may sound, I am de-stressed when I am teaching or working out. I find both of these to be quite meditative for me. When I am teaching I am 100% present and focused on my client – there is no time for any other thoughts to make my mind busy. Running is also a great time for me to clear my head and process my thoughts. I love yoga in that I am very focused on sort of surrendering myself to the universe and allowing my body and mind to move either my thoughts or body in whatever way it can.
And to relax, obviously a full body spa treatment will nearly always do the trick!
If you have any questions about Renee’s amazing lifestyle, please leave a comment below! 🙂
Check out where you can take a class with her at Renz Pilates!
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Exercise, Interviews, Wellness Tips | Comments Off on Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Renee Kendall, Perth Pilates Instructor.
