Organic Fruit and Vegetable Boxes in Perth: Organic ‘n Green Review!

Me with ma veggies.

Welcome to the best thing ever for people who want a very easy way to be a LOT healthier! I don’t know about you, but as much as I love going to the supermarket, I feel overwhelmed when I walk into the fresh fruit and veggie section. What should I get? What am I going to need this week? Which is freshest? How many chemicals have been sprayed onto these? Are common questions that attack me…

$45 boxes of organic fruit n veg from Organic n Green (based in Wanneroo) solve all my woes:

1. They deliver! $45 + delivery fee.

2. It’s kinda like your Mum has come round and said “Here dear, this is what is good for you that you should be eating this week”, so I then plan meals accordingly without having to deliberate over what to get at the shops.

3. We’ve ordered three times so far and the variety is huge! They pick the best, freshest stuff each day and send it off to you in a reusable foam box with frozen cooler bottle.

4. Certified organic! No pesticides & chemicals entering your body.

5. Great value. in the last box we got 43 pieces of fruit n veg, which works out to be a little under $1.50 per item. Considering that some of the items are big sweet potatoes, half a pineapple, avocadoes, and bunches of asparagus, this is awesome!

6. With each order, the value just keeps becoming more apparent. The 2nd order we received 48 items, and the most recent was 52! Excellent! Naturally there will be variation depending on what’s been supplied, but I really feel like it’s 300% worth it.

7. You can let them know what stuff you’re not so keen on, and they take it into account when creating your box o goodies.

Veggie box day is better than Christmas for me, I’m a huge dork so I get really excited when opening the carton and seeing what goodies will be entering my world that week.

Photo by Organic n Green.

Here’s what I’ve received in the three orders undertaken:

♥ Numero Uno ♥ 6 x Silverbeet stalks, 1/2 white cabbage, head of broccoli, 3 x onions, 2 x zucchini, 1 x garlic, 4 x ‘real looking’ carrots, 2 x asparagus bunches, 2 x avocados, 5 x tomatoes (roma + regular), 2 x sweet potato, 3 x kiwi fruit, 2 x mangoes, 2 x bananas, 4 x plums, 1/2 a pineapple.

♥ Two ♥ 1/2 red cabbage, 1 x bag mixed lettuces, 2 x corns, 3 x tomatoes, 3 x small cucumbers, 2 x onions, 4 x carrots, 4 x potatoes, 1 x broccoli, 1 x red capsicum, 3 x beetroot, small bag of green beans, 2 x avocados, 2 x peaches, 2 x kiwi fruit, 4 x plums, 3 x apricots, 2 x mangoes, 2 x oranges.

♥ Three ♥ Bag of baby spinach, 2 x Nashi pears, 2 x plums, 2 x bananas, 1/2 white cabbage, 1 x broccoli, 3 x apples, 5 x tomatoes, 1 x green capsicum, 1 x 250gm strawberries, 1 x mango, 3 x baby eggplants, 1 x zucchini, 1 x large ginger, 1 x large corn, small bag of green beans, 2 x kiwi fruit, 7 x baby carrots, 3 x beetroots, 7 x potatoes, 1 x sweet potato, 5 x onions, 2 x garlic.

PHEW!!!!

Organic n Green also provide a large variety of other organic produce.

This, along with personal training, yoga, massage and a good nights sleep, is one of my TOP TOP TOP tips for making yourself feel great and boosting your wellbeing.

I can’t rave about it highly enough, I’m a very happy customer! I will be trialling other organic fruit and vegetable box providers in Perth so that I can do a ‘comparative study’ 😉 and figure out the best one, but for now I’m loving these guys, their customer service is lovely to boot.

Organic n Green is owned by Tony and Alicia Lopez.

Contact: 0416 02 82 92
E-mail: sales@organicngreen.com.au

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Food, Organic, Products, Reviews | 5 Comments »

The Wonders of Rosehips: A Five Way Rosehip Ritual!

Rosehip Buds ♥

Rosehips are good guys, let me persuade you with a few quick facts about these high performing little cuties:

♥ Very high in vitamin C (an excellent antioxidant).
♥ Rose hips contain some vitamin A and B, essential fatty acids and antioxidant flavonoids.
♥ Can be used to help prevent / treat colds and flu.

The other thing they are great for?

♥ Plumping up your skin and giving you an incredible glow.

My skin is temperamental, dry in some spots, breakout prone in others – it’s very frustrating and makes it difficult to find products that will gently pat my skin into relaxed, glowy submission.

Rosehip prods are one of the very few that I’ve found that can accomplish this task of making my skin happy.

SO! What are my favourite picks and how do you go about getting your own little Rosehip Routine going? Well, I’m glad you asked…

1. A Clean Start

First up we want to remove all traces of makeup, dirt and midnight pizza snack grease to get the skin back to its natural state.

♥ ♥ ♥

Wotnot Natural Wipes contain heaps of goodies that are fantastic for the skin, one of them being our current hero Mr. Rosehip. My skin always feels great after using these, I highly recommend them and have turned quite a few people into fans. They can be tricky to source, but the Wotnot Website has free shipping so if you like your wipes all natural, organic & good for you then look no further!

2. Time for a Cuppa

♥ ♥ ♥

Next up, it’s time to get the rosehips working some magic from the inside. Packed with Vitamin C, this type of tea is a powerful ally in the quest for great skin.

Vitamin C has been proven to help our skin out in the following ways:

♥ Key ingredient in the production of collagen, which keeps skin firm & strong.
♥ Being an antioxidant, it stops pesky free-radicals, which destroy collagen leading to fine lines, wrinkles and dry skin.
♥ Antioxidants also help in the fight against UV rays.

Enough reasons to put tea cup to mouth? If not, it’s a very refreshing drink in Summer, served chilled. It has a tart taste (which I love), but if it’s a bit much pop some honey in and away you go!

I use a random supermarket brand called ‘Tasty’, but T2 Tea have some great varieties depending on how fancy you want to get. 🙂

3. Gonna Get Gooey

♥ ♥ ♥

So your face is clean, sippin’ on tea. Now it’s time to get masky. This Endota Honey & Rosehip Mask is ROCKING MY WORLD right now by making my skin dewy and ultra hydrated.

Apply to clean skin, it’s pretty goopy due to the honey, and jump in the shower after 10 minutes to rinse off. Emerge and be amazed at how soft and transformed your skin has become!

This green tube has now become a staple for me. CANT.GET.ENOUGH!

Update! Unfortunately, my one and only has been discontinued!!! In it’s place is the Rosehip & Myrrh Facemask which I’m told is also excellent, but I haven’t had the chance to try this one yet. If it’s good enough for the Three Wise Men however…

4. Oils aint Oils

♥ ♥ ♥

This organic rosehip oil claims to reduce wrinkles, blemishes and to maintain your most succulent skin and I can’t help but agree with the good Endota folk. As I’m currently out of both moisturiser and primer (scandalous, I know) I massage a drop of this into my skin post-shower in the morning before applying makeup, and rub a larger amount in post-shower-pre-bed at night.

My skin is noticeably more prone to blemishes and dryness when I’m not using it – I really do notice the difference. It also feels wonderful to be using a certified organic skincare product that contains heaps of NATURAL goodies for my skin to gobble up.

5. Don’t Forget the Lips!

♥♥♥

Rosehip is good for your lippies too! Packed full of natural ingredients, I’ve found the Aesop Rosehip Seed Lip Cream just a little bit dreamy. It leaves my lips soooo soft after using it, and it’s the perfect ending to the Rosehip Ritual! I’ve found it works best to apply at night and wake up in the morning to soft, lush lips.

I hope you enjoyed the Rosehip Ritual and possibly feel inspired to get some of these hips of roses into your life as well!

Let me know if you have any questions or have tried any of the above products! Rosy kisses.

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Posted in Organic, Products, Reviews, Wellness Tips | 11 Comments »

Spa Review: Yummy Mummy Pregnancy Day Spa, Leederville – Perth.

♥ Yummy Mummy Pregnancy Day Spa ♥

I have an admission – I had never been to a Day Spa before. Considering the fact I’m entering my 27th year on this planet and I have friends who are experts on this matter, this is quite a feat!

So not only was this itself a scary concept, throw in the fact that I am 35 weeks pregnant and incredibly self conscious at the moment, what a better time to take the plunge.

I visited Yummy Mummy Pregnancy Day Spa in Leederville thanks to a gift voucher from my sister and found it to be very welcoming. A friendly smile to greet me, peaceful decor, water offered, I began to feel at ease which was appreciated seeing how nervous I was. The chill out area had comfortable chairs, music and water with freshly cut strawberries in it, why hadn’t I tried this before? I could get used to this!

I had chosen the Aroma Massage and was taken to my treatment room by a friendly masseuse. The room was very discrete and I felt at ease making my own way to the pregnancy friendly table – complete with hole for my belly! This might have been one of the most novel parts of my morning, being able to lie face down. How you take the little things for granted.

It didn’t take me long to ‘let go’ and enjoy the massage. How could I not with the soft music, lovely massage oils and warm towels? For somebody at a time of incredibly vulnerable body image, I didn’t have a problem with a stranger touching me. My poor swollen body sure appreciated it. It was also relaxing to have confidence in the masseur and that everything they were doing was pregnancy friendly – something very important to me.

The time passed quickly and unfortunately my first experience at the day spa came to an end, but it was thoroughly enjoyed and has given me the confidence to treat myself to another! I am sure I will deserve it come 5 weeks time!

The Aroma Massage has the following price points:

50 min -$120

80 min – $160

110 min – $210

As well as an article by Yummy Mummy with some FAQ about pregnancy massage, including benefits and addressing any concerns you may have 🙂

Yummy Mummy Pregnancy Day Spa is located at:

253 Oxford Street
Leederville WA 6007

Open Hours

Monday to Friday 10am-6pm
Saturday 9am-5pm

Phone: 08 9201 1077

Review by Krystle M, heavily pregnant and newly converted to the wonders of massage!

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Beauty Salon, Day Spa, Inner City, North of River, Reviews | 21 Comments »

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Sarah Devlin, Personal Trainer.

♥ ♥

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

Howdy, I’m Sarah a 28 year old free-lance personal fitness trainer. Newly married to my best pal Patrick an Aussie, we moved to Perth in June and are planning on staying for the foreseeable future. I love my job and I’m stoked to bring my business to this gorgeous city.

I am also teaching Powerplate Classes on Monday nights over at the Perth Pilates Studio in North Perth.

Savi Body Cream.

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I guess you could call it no-fuss?? I am up early and am constantly on the move. I like my hair long so I don’t have to “do” it (it’s wavy, so the longer the straighter).

I have always been a massive believer in not putting lots of stuff on your face or the skin ends up not doing its job properly. The whole cleanse, tone, day/night cream etc. etc. just isn’t me. I have never had problem with my skin which I know is the result of a combo of eating well and exercising daily.

I always wear SPF 30 on my face though (Olay Complete Defence SPF 30, but only because its well priced and at the local super market), and always take my makeup off at night. Moisturizer daily on my body has been important in WA too, as my skin needs to get used to the dry weather and sunshine. I’m currently using a body cream by Savi, an organic company from Margaret River, which I received for Christmas.

I’ve also been using the Wotnot Wipes and am LOVING them!

An example of Indian Head Massage!

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

I still have a lot to discover in Perth, but I did have a brilliant Indian head massage from Louise Perkins at Four Essence last week.

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

Jodi from Scissor Sister in Mount Lawley recently fixed a nasty cut and highlights I had at a place in Cottesloe (I won’t name it but email me and I’ll tell you). I will be going back to her for sure as I love the space, massage chairs, good coffee, and is reasonably priced.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment? 

I am a natural blonde with blonde eyelashes and brows so I tint my own once in a while. I bought this stuff in London last year for at home tinting (didn’t keep the packaging when I moved over though so not sure of the name sorry) and it has lasted ages. I’m sure there is an equivalent here??

Diorshow Mascara – a fave among many!

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

My Mom has encouraged me to wear Mineral makeup and sent me this RMS BEAUTY “uncover-up” to use. It is pretty special stuff and she swears by it which is an intense endorsement by a lady who knows her products.

I wear Diorshow mascara as it doesn’t clump.

I love Malin and Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant which is aluminum free and fantastic. My sister in law turned me on to it.

Cottesloe Beach

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

My gorgeous, slim and stylish mother has always emphasized everything in moderation in life. I try not to deny myself anything; however I find that when I eat well, drink tons of water and exercise a lot I am the happiest and the cycle continues as I then crave this euphoric healthiness everyday.

After a long stretch of English “Summers” I went over board on the beach when I first moved to Perth. I need to keep my face out of the sun to stave off excessive wrinkles and freckles. A naturally pale face is my new mission, although it’s not a secret and you all probably live by that mantra now anyway.

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

I would love to book in for metabolic or nutrition type testing at a reputable clinic soon. A knowledgeable nutritionist I used to train in London recommends Dr. Mercola and his methods and website.

I don’t believe in all the hype around diets out there. I preach proven methods of eating unprocessed and moderate portions of all sorts of foods in your diet and expending more calories than you take in daily to my clients.

However, there have been a lot of studies recently (and more and more doctors and naturopaths are jumping on board) about how different foods that many of us think are healthy, might not be the best for us long-term. There is so much information out there and it is hard to decipher fact from fiction.

♥

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I try to mix it up a bit as I think it’s important not to eat the same thing everyday but yesterday I had;

* Brekkie was whole oat porridge made with almond milk, cinnamon, banana, chia seeds and natural peanut butter

* Coffee with a dash of full fat milk

* Lunch was a large salad of spinach, tomatoes, seeds, feta, cucumber and avocado

* I had some blueberries and almonds in a small bowl of full fat vanilla gelatin free yogurt as a snack before evening teaching

* Dinner I made a homemade prawn pad thai kind of thing with steamed broccoli on the side.

*Few squares of dark chocolate for dessert

I love cooking and constantly look for new and different recipes, but always add extra veggies and use less meat than called for.

Powerplate

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

It changes depending on my schedule, but lately I have been running 2-3x’s a week (along the West coast is such a treat), going to one yoga class that fits in with my ever-changing appointment schedule, and one powerplate session. I stretch daily and go for many beach walks. I love trying new classes of any type of exercise and different instructors. By doing this, I can expand my exercise library and use what I think works well for my clients.

I love cycling, swimming and pilates too. I used to dance professionally so I am keen to get back into some regular classes in 2011. I am active with clients all day too which I am ever grateful for.

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

Nope.

Any questions for Sarah? Leave ’em below!

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Interviews | 5 Comments »

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Tammi Ireland, Journalist / Beauty Blogger.

Tammi Ireland, Coveted Canvas.

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

I’m a mag-loving, journalist working in newspapers full-time while also free-lancing for other newspapers and online sites. Thus, my ‘fluffy’ writing had to be directed elsewhere, so I founded Coveted Canvas in March 2010. It’s a beauty website with tips and tricks, product and salon reviews, trend reports, holistic tips, competitions and more. I put all the info I’ve learnt from years working in the modelling industry and behind the scenes at mag shoots onto the web for girls like me who love experimenting with their look.

In my spare time, I write letters to myself, read books, watch Mad Men and sample Perth’s restaurants.

Bloom Organics Rosehip Oil

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Reviewing countless products means no day is the same. That being said there are some steadfast rules I stick to. I cleanse with Dermalogica’s Pre Cleanse twice (once to remove impurities, once to actually cleanse), followed by scrubbing my face and neck with their Daily Microfoliant. If I skip this step, my skin is really dull – the movement of exfoliation brings blood to the surface. Next I’ll apply a serum or moisturiser (always with SPF), depending on my plans for the day and follow with makeup.

At night I either repeat the Pre-Cleanse process or remove makeup with WotNot wipes (amazing!) before applying Bloom Organics Rosehip Oil over my face and neck, and Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye to prevent premature wrinkles. Vaseline keeps my lips from drying out during sleep.

♥ Hidden Valley ♥

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

Working six and a half days a week means I don’t get to the salon that much, which makes me extremely sad. When I do, it’s more a time-saving thing than an experience. Eyebrow waxing at Lovely Lady in Midland is great for those weeks I just can’t be bothered plucking my own brows.

That being said, I actually had my very first professional massage in June at Hidden Valley Eco Retreat, which was amazing. I’ve got vouchers for those on every one of my distributed Christmas lists.

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

Head Studio in King Street. I used to get around when it came to hairdressers but the guys at Head Studio were great when I went in to get balayage and a new style. There’s nothing more reassuring than having your stylist listen to your wants before they take to your hair with scissors! Plus the salon’s décor and coffee alone, is worth going back for.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

An at-home manicure. When I went to LA last December, I stocked up on OPI nail polishes (they’re only $7 there!) so I’m quite enjoying working my way through them all. A slick of colour on your nails can completely change your mood.

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

1. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (see above)

2. Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara for everyday because I can easily take it off and wake up without looking like a panda

3. Burt’s Bees Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açai Berry to keep my lips hydrated under the office aircon.

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

Not really secret, but I like to drink a lot of water and use concealer religiously. I can definitely feel the difference when I eat better, too, so I try to avoid bad foods and (recently) caffeine.

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

There are so many! When I started Coveted Canvas, I had no idea about some of the amazing treatments out there.

I would love to say goodbye to unwanted hair permanently with laser removal but find it hard to justify the price, I want to try meditation and more yoga, and after reading your Sodashi Chakra balance review I’d like to try that too.

ED: Check out our IPL/SPL review!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

No day’s the same but I always like a high-fibre breakfast with a few glasses of water to kick off the day. I try to eat a healthy lunch – salad roll or left-over stir-fry – but the problems come in around 3.30pm when I’ve been at my desk all day. Here I’ll have endless amounts of tea to get me through to dinner. Usually that’s protein and veggies. I snack on cashews, summer fruits and some health bars throughout.

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

It’s definitely not as good as I’d like it to be! I try and do some stretching or yoga in the morning to get my blood pumping, then walk throughout the day where I can (parking the car far from the office entrance, for example). I recently tried Zumba and plan on doing that a lot more.

Otherwise, I try to walk and use the family Ab-Swing and rower where possible. If I had more time, I would be all over the Bikram yoga and salsa dancing again. Sadly, I just can’t find time to get to the classes.

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

When I’ve had a few hard days, I’ll pop a women’s multivitamin and if I’m feeling iffy, I’ll try Inner Health Plus but really I prefer to just ride it out and get the nutrients from my diet. I’m a big believer in mind over matter and that if you think you’re well, you’ll be well.

Thanks Tammi 🙂

If anyone has any comments or questions please leave them below!

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Interviews | 1 Comment »