Giveaway Time: Just in time for the heat… Echolife Facial Mists!

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As the heat begins to descend upon us again this week in the West, it seems like the perfect time to start thinking about the numerous ways to keep cool.

Here are a few of my tips, though with my un-airconditioned apartment and ghostly pallor I am certainly on the look out for more:

♥ PILLOWCASES IN THE FREEZER. Unfortunately it only lasts super, super briefly, but it can be a welcome few minutes reprieve.
♥ Staying hydrated. This is a biggie. Your body needs HEAPZ more water in summer. Give it what it wants.
♥ Iced green tea with lemon. Nuff said! There are some pretty snazzy T2 iced tea jugs which I think will be making their way into my already overcrowded fridge this summer.
♥ Fresh chopped fruit, chilled in the fridge for a bit.
♥ FACE MISTS! (once again, chilled in the fridge for bonus cooling points)

Our good friends over at Echolife have just come out with a fancy new range of cooling face mists, which have the added bonus of being either rejuvenating (rose), purifying (tea tree – great for problem skin), clarifying (witch hazel – an excellent toner) or calming (lavender – good for general relaxing + blemishes).

Spray throughout the day to keep cool, or onto freshly cleansed skin to get the extra benefits of the natural ingredients.

This cool feeling could be yours! 😉

We have three Echolife Facial Mists to give away, one Tea Tree, Witch Hazel & Lavender.

To win, simply let us know what your favourite thing about summer is, and which one you’d love to win! (Tip: You can click through the links above to find a more in-depth list of the benefits of each one)

Winners will be drawn on 1st December, the first day of summer, so get cracking!

So much love to everyone!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Posted in Other | 18 Comments »

Product Review: OPI Muppet Collection!

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I have a philosophy that life’s problems can be somewhat softened by pretty, twinkling nails. Just try staying in a storm of a mood whilst shaking a sparkling fist of glitter! Superficial as this may sound, we are talking about nail polish, ladies. When I heard that O.P.I was releasing a new line in collaboration with The Muppets and their up-coming movie, I knew it was well and truly time to play the music and time the lights.

The collection features 6 bright sequined glittery lacquers, four metallic shades and 2 rich shades of burgundy red, each as vibrant and equally as loud as the Muppet characters they’re named after.

I chose Divine Swine, a rhapsodic sparkling pink lacquer, because secretly I am five and currently have an obsession with all things flamboyant. I also chose Pepe’s Purple Passion, a slightly less shimmery but still enthusiastic reddish mauve, just to feel a little more age appropriate. I probably wouldn’t wear these to work if you have a uniform code because your hands will probably look as though you’ve been strangling fairies. Save these sparkly delights for special occasions.

Divine Swine requires a solid undercoat. Otherwise you could just apply multiple layers of the sparkly stuff, but it probably won’t look as good. I used a soft pink so the glitter would take centre stage. Here are the results.

♥ Divine Swine

For those who aren’t ready to commit to Sparkle Motion, try one the more subtler lacquers. Pepe’s Purple Passion is a deep shade of red wine, infused with just the right amount of shimmer for the silly season.

♥ Pepe’s Purple Passion

Are you ever too old to glitterfy your life? Who is your favourite Muppets character?

Available now on Adore Beauty, and from select salons and David Jones late November.
RRP: $19.95

Posted in At Home, Products, Reviews | 5 Comments »

Melbourne Restaurant Review: Yong Green Food, Fitzroy

♥ Photo by wheresthebeef?

When I knew I was going to Melbourne I started researching raw restaurants, vegan restaurants and vegetarian places.

I was surprised to find that since I left there two years ago the raw food revolution hasn’t taken over, it’s barely crept in, or maybe I was looking in all the wrong places.

In saying that I must tell you right now before I explode – Yong Green Food surpassed all my expectations – it was fabulous!

My daughter and I arrived at about 8:30 on a Friday night and as we approached the restaurant we saw a huge group of people out the front, “Surely they’re not waiting to go in” I said to Candice. I haven’t had to line up for a very long time to get in somewhere and I wasn’t too thrilled about the prospect of lining up for food.
But they were.

So, the deal is no reservations, you turn up, go into the restaurant write your name and number down in the book by the drink cabinet and wait to be called.
The issue was there were five names before ours and we were starving!

Sadly by this stage we’d read the menu which looked absolutely fabulous so now we couldn’t go anywhere else.

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25 minutes later and it was our turn. The only issue then was how to decide what to eat. We wanted everything on the menu, followed by another serving of each.

♥ Nacho’s with chia chips

Lentil Hot Pot

Grilled Kingfish

We knew that we would be coming back at least one more time before I returned to Perth so we decided on the Raw Nachos – chia chips with cashew sour cream, guacamole and chili as an entree to share. Candice had the Lentil Hot Pot for main while I chose the Grilled King Fish.

The nachos were amazing, the chia chips were light, crisp and divine. Candice did say that she preferred my sour cream (there’s a girl who knows which side her bread’s buttered), but agreed that it was the best guacamole she’s ever tasted.

The Lentil Hot Pot was perfect, it was a bit of a chilly night in Melbourne (surprise, surprise) and the warmth of the dish was a perfect fit.

The Grilled King Fish was lovely too, and if I hadn’t tasted the Lentil Hot Pot first I would have been in heaven, ah the joys of coveting thy neighbours food.

Surprisingly neither of us had room for dessert so we left it at that.

The service was wonderful, our waitress was full of smiles, tips and advice. And we were planning our next meal before we even walked out the door.

The next time you’re in Melbourne you must drop into Yong Green Food and then go down the road to Neo Tokyo where you can pick up your new vegan handbag.

Service: 5 stars
Food: 5 stars
Price: 5 stars

Win win win!

Note: We went back there Saturday night and then again Tuesday night (only because we were in Ocean Grove Sun and Mon) and the food was even better!

Girl crush alert! Ruby Rose was at the table next to us on Saturday night. How gorgeous is she!

In the comment box below I’d love to know anywhere in Perth that serves Raw Vegan food, or just good old-fashioned vegetarian.

Yong’s Green Food
Address: 421 Brunswick Street Fitzroy
Phone: (03) 9417 3338

Posted in Dining, Food, Interstate/International | 4 Comments »

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Jade Jurewicz, Wellness WA Contributor.

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

I’m Jade, my life is currently a jumble of PR and journalism assignments, audio book downloading, Tutti Frutti frozen yogurt obsessing, planning to start planning my wedding, reading some very serious literature (which could also be defined as chick lit) lusting over the bikini’s whilst working in Tigerlily and writing for Wellness WA!

The most amazing place in Leederville (Perhaps all of Perth!)

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.


I feel as though I was born without the make-up and beauty obsession that seems to be present in most women’s genes! My daily beauty routine is simple and I stick to a product once I find it works for me. I use Kora Organics face products, tinted moisturizer for the day as I rarely wear foundation and a thicker night cream before bed. Morning and night I apply Bio Oil to the small pimple scars on my face (it’s been a life saver following my small unwelcome stint of adult pimples last year!) and Rosehip oil has recently joined by beauty routine, it’s been fantastic so far.

Morning and night after my shower I lather myself in Natio ‘Wellness’ Body Lotion as it smells delicious, just like summer! Make-up wise I have a very simple routine; on top of my Kora tinted moisturizer I apply bronzer and mascara, Paw Paw on the lips during the day and for special occasions I love my Nars velvet matte lip pencil in Cruella, such a lush red (beware it is not boyfriend friendly, they should not be expecting any kisses after application!).

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

Again, my lack of beauty obsession genes must be noted! However I get my waxing done by Alexandra at Vanilla Beauty in Highgate; our constant gossiping almost takes most of the pain out of waxing. Other than that I love ‘Jade time’ which can only be described as a few wonderful (and necessary) hours spent catching up on all of the girly things I’ve put off whilst writing essays and drinking too much coffee; at home hair treatments, face masks, nail painting, eyebrow plucking…. this list could go on for quite awhile!

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

Unfortunately I’ve never had a hairdresser I’ve adored enough to stick with. After impulsively dying my hair black as a teenager it’s remained that similar shade until a hair dressing friend did an amazing balayage dye on it. I’m excited to have this color for summer, wearing it messy and ‘I just came back from the beach’ like (even on the sad days I can’t make it down for a dip).

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Basically any product used during Jade Time. Most purchased at that illusive place where you discover you basically need everything on every shelf and spend far too much money- Priceline. I recommend a thick and nourishing hair treatment once a week, like the Pantene one I’m currently using, to leave in for a good hour whilst drinking red wine and watching Kids Masterchef (or your reality T.V of choice) to make your hair feel super smooth and healthy. Also this may sound rather odd (but it works I promise!) lather your feet in a thick moisturizer or body butter then wrap them in glad wrap and pop some socks on for around 15 minutes. It leaves your feet feeling soft and lets them know you appreciate them for holding you up all night in your new coral wedges!

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

They would have to be Bio Oil, Kora tinted moisturizer and Rosehip Oil.

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

I’ve found balance is the best tip I could give for looking and feeling great! I discovered over my 23 years that this is the case with most aspects of my life, without balance there is that little, annoying feeling that something isn’t quite right! It’s an ongoing process to find that perfect balance between right and wrong, work and social life and the most important………. how many pieces of chocolate should be devoured on a Sunday night?

♥ Dark chocolate and raspberry cupcake at Mrs S in Maylands, delicious.

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

I would love to go on a yoga retreat, such as one that Samudra in Dunsborough offers, I can’t begin to imagine how relaxed a few days of yoga, eating amazing fresh food and being in the fresh air would feel! I would also love to be treated to a full day at a lush day spa, no expenses spared. These however can only be achieved in the near future if I win lotto. In the meantime I’ve been meaning to try pilates and bikram yoga (I’ve been too lazy/scared to try both!).

♥ One of my favourite café’s

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, making room for necessary treat’s of course. I have an unhealthy obsession with porridge and muesli, I’m literally excited to wake up every morning to eat a big bowl of one of the two! I’ve been on the search for Perth’s best muesli for a while now, so far Boucla in Subiaco is winning. Most mornings I have porridge cooked on the stove with cinnamon, pear, sunflower seeds and honey. Throughout the morning 1 or 2 coffee’s is a must and some almonds or fruit. For lunch it’s usually a chicken salad or wrap and more nuts, fruit or muesli bar in the afternoon. Dinner can be an array of things!

♥ Bircher muesli on a recent trip to Melbourne.

My staple dinner ingredients consist of avocado, lentils, pumpkin, chicken, quinoa or Israeli cous cous, coriander or basil and I love rice noodles (not all together of course!). I love cooking and my favourite meals to cook at the moment would be chicken tagine’s with chickpeas and cous cous, fish or chicken with lots of mango salsa, big pots of dahl with roasted veggies or tasty summer salads. On lazy nights my partner and I have take away Japanese or one of the delicious ready-made meals from the Herdsman. I also love to go to the Subiaco farmers market on the weekend and browse the stalls with my little cup of bircher muesli or try new Perth café’s. On the ‘treat’ side I love frozen yogurt or icecream, dark chocolate, Flipside burgers or anything smothered in honey (or even honey on a teaspoon!).

♥ My friend and I stretching for the City to Surf

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

Being a poor uni student a gym membership unfortunately doesn’t make it into my budget. However I am a huge fan of walking for both fitness and to avoid public transport. I walk home around 3 days a week from work, the 40 minute journey becomes even more of a work-out whilst wearing my small-heeled Tony Bianco boots! Walking dates with friends is always a nice way to spend time catching up, especially when frozen yogurt is waiting at the end. I jog around a park near my house then power walk to Mooba to get coffee around 3 mornings a week too. After my first beach visit in forever last week I’ve also been inspired to start yoga or pilates class, starting next week I promise!

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

Once upon a time I spent days googling vitamins in hope to find that miracle supplement that would leave me feeling like I’d just finished a yoga class then snacked on a fresh, organic salad filled with every possible super food known to man. However after purchasing a mixture of vitamins in which I thought would offer me this utopia feeling, after 2 weeks I began to forget taking them and after a month they were pushed to the back of my bathroom cabinet (I am yet to discover the miracle supplement).

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

I’m lucky in that my partner is one of the most relaxed people I’ve ever met, so I’m hoping that a little bit of his talent has rubbed off on me (although X-Box is not my idea of relaxation). I enjoy taking relaxing walks to get coffee at Louie Baxter’s or smoothies at the Subiaco weekend markets (with extra honey!), reading a book or lying down on the couch and watching whatever series I’m currently addicted to. I also enjoy writing for myself when I can, without deadlines or expectations. For the past few years I’ve been trying to write a novel however don’t expect to see it on shelves anytime soon, I’m still only 20 pages in! I’ve also found it beneficial to keep a positive outlook on life, taking a few spare minutes each day to take a few deep breaths and put things in perspective- this is very necessary during the last weeks of the uni semester believe me!

Thanks Jade! We love having you as a writer @ Wellness WA. Read more of Jade’s articles here!

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in At Home, Interviews | 2 Comments »

Poynter Farmers’ Market, Purple Carrot Tea & Rainbow Beetroot and Purple Carrot Salad.

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Poynter Farmers’ Market, ahh to have a Saturday off, visiting this place was definitely on my list of things to do. It may be small but it’s loaded with fresh local produce, rainbow beetroots, carrots, silverbeet, sweet mangoes, berries and amazing bananas – all the seasonal foods you’d hope for!

The aroma of fresh breads, pastries, cakes, chutneys, herbs and flowers decorate the entrance and I wanted to take it all home… but I could only fit what I could into my backpack, so I made sure it was an array of mixed colours, letting the leaf tops burst out my back pack to ride in the wind on my cycle back home.

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Before my cooking begins, a pot of herbal tea to hydrate the soul;

♥ ½ – 1 diced purple carrot
♥ zest of one large lemon,
♥ a good chunk of finely diced ginger

My market haul

Steep in your favourite teapot for 5 – 10 minutes and sip away whilst getting stuck into a Rainbow Beetroot and Purple Carrot Salad;

♥ 2 large purple carrots
♥ 1 large rainbow beetroot
♥ bunch of coriander
♥ 1 large green apple
♥ 1 lemon
♥ ½ red onion

You could dice all ingredients by hand or better still combine all ingredients into a processor or Thermomix (I don’t have one of these luxury items yet, but my mum’s is amazing) season with a wee bit of salt (or crushed celery seeds) and drizzle with some cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy on its own, with quinoa or a fresh salmon fillet.

Bon appetit!

Poynter Farmers’ Market is a fortnightly market located at:

Poynter Primary School
Poynter Drive, Duncraig

9am-12noon – check their website for the next market weekend!

Have you tried purple carrots or rainbow beetroot before?

Review by Adele Plumridge, Natural Medicine Naturopath & food coach; offers personalised consultations, detox programs plus food & health workshops.

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Food, North of River, Organic, Reviews, Wellness Tips | 2 Comments »