Search Results
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on July 16, 2012
♥
♥ 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.
♥
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.
♥
♥ 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).
♥
• 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.
♥
• 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.
♥
♥ 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.
♥
♥ 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!
♥
♥ 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!
♥
♥ 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
♥
♥ 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.
♥
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.
♥
♥ 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
♥
♥ 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).
♥
♥ 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 »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on June 12, 2012
♥
Beauty & wellbeing crushes is BACK, and this time I have some superb treats to share with you. Let’s dive straight in!
♥
♥ Sodashi Brightening Marine Mineral Face Mask – $110
If you’re craving softer, brighter, plumper skin, then this new mask from Sodashi is hard to look past. Any day that a Sodashi package shows up in the mail is a good day, and this mask takes the cake in terms of excellent results! It’s one of those products that will make you want to endlessly touch your skin after you’ve washed it off due to how silky it’ll be feeling. Yum!
I’ve been using this prior to any big event (Going out to dinner with friends… I’m taking liberties with the terms ‘big’ and ‘event’ here!) and loving the results. Contains seaweed, spirulina, several varieties of clay and rosewood oil. Radiance almost guaranteed 🙂 Available from Peachy Clean.
♥ Random picture of Miranda Kerr for no other reason than she looks much better in gym wear than I do!
♥ Joining the Gym
I have been enjoying the gym SO MUCH since joining and noticing lots of small and exciting changes in my body! There are some fantastic yoga classes, and the equipment is top notch. I have started a light weights routine to try and gain some strength and put on a touch of weight, as well as doing lots of hill walking (for calf definition) and even a few sauna and steam room stints – which are resulting in some seriously glowy skin afterwards! I’m excited to continue on and develop my muscles & peace of mind. It’s been a great decision and I’m loving getting back into it 🙂
♥
♥ Grown Haircare
I was recently sent a few samples from Grown to test out, I love their ethos of ‘Botanical Beauty‘ and I’m very much enjoying the Damask Rose, Chamomile and Lavender Stem Conditioner in particular. The shampoo smells great, but I find my hair needs quite a lot of it to get the smooth clean feeling that I’m usually after. That said, my hair is a difficult beast, so I’d recommend both of these to anyone to give a go if you’re looking to give silicone-free haircare a go. Plus the bottles look just gorgeous in the shower!
♥
♥ Mecca Lit From Within – $40
I’m all for naturally derived glowing skin (think green smoothies, tonnes of water, exercise, steam rooms and rosehip oil), but sometimes we need a little extra help. And lately for me, there has been a LOT of extra help needed. I’m blaming the change of seasons!
If this sounds like you then FEAR. NOT. I’ve been mixing Mecca’s Lit From Within into my foundation/tinted moisturiser combo and have been receiving a lot of compliments on my skin since doing so. You can do this, and then also use an extra bit to highlight certain areas of your face to give it even more of a glow. I am really, really diggin this. My only qualm is that it contains carmine, which is a dried, ground up insect (sometimes this stuff is even found in yoghurt!), so I would much prefer to find a highlighter which doesn’t contain it. However it is doing some wonderful things for me at the moment, so I am putting up with the beetles until further notice! Leave me a comment if you have any alternative suggestions!
♥
♥ Cheeki Water Bottle/Smoothie Transportation Device
I was lucky enough to be sent a Cheeki stainless steel water bottle to trial recently, it came at the perfect time, as I was searching for something that could safely transport my green smoothies on the journey from my apartment, through the perils of public transport and the walk to school. This kid did the trick!
For ages I’d been using dodgy old water and juice bottles to cart around my morning smoothie extras, but they were always too small and sometimes leaked. Not the best. I’m super happy with my new stainless steel bottle and can’t believe it took me so long to try one out, I use it every day at school & at the gym and it inspires me to drink lots more water too. Love + recommend it! I preferred a the plain silver version, but Cheeki has a range of more colourful options too!
QUESTION TIME! Do you use a stainless steel water bottle? What mask are you currently loving? Recently joined the gym too? Recommendation for a carmine free highlighter? Talk to me about it below! 🙂
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
Posted in Products, Reviews, Wellness Tips | 8 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on May 28, 2012
♥
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
My bio reads something like this: Freelance beauty editor in charge of the beauty pages of Good Health magazine; PRIMPED.com.au contributor; proud creator of The Happiness Cocktail; health and wellness whiz; incessant tweeter; lover of pinning. My real life reads something like this: All of the above plus a loving wife to the world’s most amazing man; international happiness seeker; adorer of family, friends and all things furry; mad cook.
♥ Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation available on StrawberryNET
♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
I do try as many beauty products as possible so that I can honestly talk to my readers and share my opinion, rather than play make-believe. But right now I start the day with shu uemura mamachiyo skin purifier cleansing oil, Dr. Spiller Aloe Sensitive Cleansing Milk and QV Daily Moisturiser. I then apply sunscreen (I like Invisible Zinc), a mixture of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua and Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Foundations, creme blush, mascara, and eye shadow (my current obsession is Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Tortoise Shell Palette. It’s amazing!). At night I remove all my makeup with the shu cleansing oil and Bobbi Brown Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover, before cleansing again, and popping on Dr. Spiller Sensitive Beauty Night Cream and an eye cream. Phew! It never seems that much when I’m doing it, but looking back…
♥ Siam Cabana
♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
It’s a toss up between a facial and a massage. I love the Omnilux Light Therapy Treatments that come with the Priori Facials I get done at the Spa Universe headquarters in Sydney. If you want to try one, give them a call and they’ll let you know where the nearest salon to you is. For a quick weekend unwind, my husband and I go to Siam Cabana in Bondi for Thai Massages. If I’m really suffering from stiff neck syndrome, I head to Glenn Walmsley in Double Bay for some myotherapy – he is a magician.
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
Unfortunately I’ve never been to Perth, but in Sydney I’ve been blessed with some great hairdressers. Brad Ngata and Barney Martin are both wonderful, as well as Hamish Glianos from PEOPLE Hairdresser in Surry Hills. If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend Suzie from Sudu Hair in Sydney. Super high quality without the price tag. WIN!
♥
♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
You really can’t beat a strawberry, honey and oat mask made in your kitchen and slapped on your skin. It’s a super quick way to temporarily add zing to your skin, and best of all, it’s chemical-free.
♥
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
My electric toothbrush – dental hygiene is so important. My eve lom lip balm. Bronzer. Of any variety.
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking/feeling great?
It’s not all that secret now that I blog on The Happiness Cocktail, but I am a firm believer in feeding your skin from the inside out. So, I follow a wholefood diet with lots of fruit and veggies (plus whole grains and high quality meat), try to eat a large amount of raw as well as cooked food, and keep my system alkaline by drinking barley grass and wheat grass everyday. I also love liquid chlorophyll and young baby coconut juice. YUM!
♥
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
Ha! This is a tough one because I have tried so many of them. Oh wait, I’d love to dive into a freezing pool in the Swiss Alps like they did on The Biggest Loser. That looked so, erm, refreshing. No seriously, it looked kind of wild.
♥
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
Wake up to a glass of wheat grass powder and water before sitting down to green tea. I then have a bowl of fruit with nuts. About an hour or two later I’ll have a small bowl of muesli, then have lunch (lots of greens), snack if I’m hungry, then dinner (more greens, and protein, and yumminess), elegantly finished off with couple of pieces of dark chocolate (for being so good).
♥ Beautiful Centennial Park
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
It varies. Constantly. I live in a suburb called Centennial Park which, as the name suggests, is a giant park in the middle of Sydney. It would be sacrilege to live so close and not utilise it, so I’m often seen walking or running around there. I also do boxing with my best mate, yoga, and keep my mind fit through meditation.
♥
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
I know it’s super controversial but I get colonic hydrotherapy every now and then. I’ve done my research and I go to an amazing place with well-trained staff who know exactly what they’re doing, and it makes me spring out of bed and have whiter-than-white eyes. It works for me. I also do a 3-day juice cleanse maybe twice a year, and meditate as much as I possibly can. On top of that I take Omega 3 supplements and a probiotic.
♥
♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
Meditation is an obvious one for me, but I’m also blessed with a husband who is incredibly calm and lovely, so just being around him instantly makes me feel like everything is going to be OK. I love catching up with friends over a few glasses of red, playing with my 3 month old niece, laughing LOTS and planning holidays – because what’s life without an adventure in the pipeline?
A million and one thanks to Yaz for sharing her beauty & wellbeing routine with us today! I feel super privileged as she has been one of my ‘blogging idols’ for some time. If you have any questions for her please leave them below and make sure you check out The Happiness Cocktail for lots of yummy inspiration!
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Interviews, Wellness Tips | 5 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on April 24, 2012
♥
If you’re anything like me, the idea of heading to a spa retreat to completely renew and refresh yourself is high on the wish list. Personally, I’ve never been able to afford the blissful few days of complete relaxation and healthy, gourmet food & technology switch off (I don’t know if I could handle the last part!), but it is a dream of mine to one day be able to go to a health retreat a few times a year to reboot myself.
Which is why I’m so excited that Gwinganna, the holy grail of health retreats in Australia, have decided to come say hi to us WA folk for the first time and present a special wellness event in May – ‘Food, Stress and You‘!
♥
This inspiring wellness seminar will help you understand more about real food, the way we eat, stress and the factors that really affect your ability to maintain or to lose body fat. Featuring Gwinganna’s nutritionist Caroline Scott, you will leave with invaluable information, tips and the latest research on healthy eating.
♥ When: Thursday 24 May, 6.00-7.45pm
♥ Where: Hyatt Regency Perth
♥ How much: $40 per person and includes: a Gwinganna organic snack plus a selection of herbal and black teas. Book online www.gwinganna.com
The lifestyle seminars are a key component of the retreat’s innovative programs. “Guests constantly tell us the information provided in the seminars is invaluable. Part of our mission is to provide relevant take-home content that helps balance out a busy lifestyle” said General Manager, Sharon Kolkka.
This will be a really special event and tickets are selling fast! I’ve heard rumours of a goodie bag too, which can only be a positive thing 🙂
If you need some help coping with stress, and want to take a look at how food can help you get there, then this event is unmissable.
Let me know if you’re thinking of coming in the comments below!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
This is a sponsored post, but my passion for Gwinganna is 100% non-sponsored! :).
Posted in Other | 9 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on April 3, 2012
♥
My once loved white sugar substitute agave has been receiving quite a bit of negative press recently (mostly because of its 90% fructose level). Confused and left doubting agaves’ previously praised heath benefits, I embarked on a mission to find a healthier and less controversial sweetener alternative. The search led me to the discovery of my ‘sweet’ little new friend, coconut sugar!
What it is:
Coconut sugar is drawn from the sap of the coconut
palm tree buds. It is similar in taste and color to brown sugar, with a slight caramel flavor.
Health Benefits:
Coconut sugar contains less than 9 percent fructose. It has a considerably lower glycemic index (35) than agave (42), honey (55), and cane sugar (68), thus helping to stabilize glucose levels. Coconut sugar can also do a lot more than just add sweetness to your morning coffee! It’s loaded with minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
Ways to Incorporate into Your Diet:
Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for white sugar in baking or dessert recipes or anything else you’d use sugar for!
Where to Find it & Cost:
Coconut sugar can be found at most health food shops. I use the Loving Earth brand, which costs around $7.50 for 300g.
♥
Recipe Idea:
These cookies are to die for! They are quick, easy to make and require minimal cleaning (just what I like!). They are perfect for a picnic or to accompany a cup of tea. Just try not to eat all the mixture before the cookies make it to the oven 😛
Coconut Date Cookies
Makes 6-8 cookies
♥
Ingredients:
♥ 1 cup pitted dates (soaked for approx 5 mins to soften then drain)
♥ 1/3 cup rolled oats
♥ 1/2 cup shredded coconut
♥ 1 tsp baking powder
♥ 1 TBS vanilla
♥ 1-3 TBS coconut sugar (depending on how sweet you want them)
♥ 1 TBS coconut oil
♥ 1/4 cup coconut milk or choice of milk (use nut milk for vegan cookies!)
♥
Directions:
♥ Preheat oven to 170*C (fan forced).
♥ Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend well until there are no large date pieces.
♥ Portion mixture into equal sized balls, place on greased cookie sheet, and flatten with the back of a spoon/spatula.
♥ Bake for 12-15 minutes on 170 degrees.
♥ Remove from oven and cool on cookie rack.
♥ Store cookies in the refrigerator.
YUM! Do you like the sound of these healthy cookies?! Let us know 🙂
Article by Kavisha, self confessed ‘health foodie’ who believes a little dessert is good for the soul. She is currently studying for her Master of Wellness at RMIT University and blogs at Style My Coconut.
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Food, Products, Wellness Tips | 5 Comments »
