My Organic Tea Favourites!

♥ Photo by Paul Monaghan/Ohhtography

I love tea. This can be proven by the following fact: currently there is a dodgy kettle in my apartment, every time my housemate or I switch it on it cuts the power to the rest of the house. The tea love is so strong, that it constantly overrides this knowledge of said dodgy kettle and I continue to try and try, failing every time and shutting off the power (which gets annoying after say, one time).

THANKFULLY, a new kettle is on the way. But for now I’m considering taking a step back about 25 years and boiling some water on the stove to make a delish cuppa.

I have been slowly incorporating more organic into my life lately, the idea that I’m putting a few less pesticides into my body is a good one, therefore I’m going to share with you my absolute fave organic teas today, and hopefully inspire some new pesty-free crushes in you too!

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♥ Endota Organic Teas

I have a giant crush on Endota, while we haven’t been lucky enough yet to have this day spa chain in Perth (though I am promised it will be here early 2012 in a CBD location!), their organic philosophy and natural, earthy treatments give me a brain buzz when I read about them!

I got to try two of these beautiful tea babes, lavender and rosehip – plus check out the box! Tea with a ribbon? Already got my heart. Having never tried LAVENDER tea before, I was pretty excited to get brewin’ late one winter night after a stressful day. It was a delicious soothing sip, and the rosehip tea? Fannnn-tastique, as always, rosehip is so good for you and really tangy & tasty. There is a generous amount of tea packed into the box as well, but you will need a teapot with strainer or some kind of infuser as it’s loose leaf.

My pick is the T2 Small Mesh Tong, it serves me well.

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♥ Clipper Decaffeinated Green Tea

I’ve previously written about this tea. Lurve lurve lurve! It’s decaf so you can drink it at any time of the day or night. My daily ritual is to turn up to work, boil the kettle, brew a cup of this and then settle into my day. I will usually drink 1-2 cups per day, but if you drink 3+ you will see incredible benefits to your skin.

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♥ T2 Organic Teas

T2 also has a new range of organic teas which I’ve checked out a few times and I think it’s great that they’re expanding their range to incorporate more organic. They have a beaut looking lemongrass & ginger tea that will soon be vying for space on my already overflowing shelf – delicious and purrrfect for keeping sniffles at bay!

In closing: tea is a total babe who can make you feel amazing for minimal bucks, certified organic tea is even better so if you haven’t already got some in your life, I reckon you should jump on the ideas above, or seek out some other varieties and organically warm up with some delish liquids! x

What are your favourite teas?

Do you have any organic? Let me know! I love to chat tea 😀

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Posted in Food, Organic, Products, Reviews | 9 Comments »

WA Beauty Product Review: Franc Essential Serum & Lemongrass Balancing Mist.

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You know those times when all you and your skin crave is just a little nurture and comfort – enter ‘Franc Essential’.

Franc are a West Australian company based in Darlington. They make stunning face and body care products without any chemicals or any other yukky harsh stuff. This is why not only are they treatments for your skin, but also work like aromatherapy and are good for the soul.

I live a very busy life and get up at 4am for my current gig and often go to bed late. My poor face was in need of a bit of TLC, hello ‘Franc Serum’! RRP $72

It’s an intense skin rescue that hydrates and helps to stave off the introduction of those pesky fine lines. Silky and indulgent, it goes a long way so you only need to use the smallest amount. From the first use my skin was glowing and my nerves calmed. In its all consuming aroma I can smell lavender, rose & geranium. It’s calming, healing and just beautiful.

The list of ingredients is like a gorgeous summer menu, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, carrot & macadamia oils and more! It’s got to be jammed packed of vitamins! However as this product is made of oils if your skin is more on the oily side this is not for you.

Now on to my next point – are times when you feel yourself flagging? Well crumple no more my lovelies! These days I just reach for my ‘Lemongrass Balancing Mist’ RRP $18 and give myself a big ol’ pickup!

Reminiscent of day spa’s I’ve visited in Asia this uplifting spray is best carried around in your handbag or the top drawer of your desk. It would also be a skin life saver when flying, making you the envy of the other passengers! On top of being a great pick me up it also prepares your skin to make your moisturiser more effective – clever little thing!

So give your skin and your soul a lift and support a fabulous West Australian company – Franc Essential.

Review by Kristy Mollica freelance TV and radio presenter, lover of girl power, farmers markets & things that are so totally not beige!

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Favourite Recipes: Avocado and Danish Fetta on Light Rye.

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♥ Avocado and Danish Fetta on Toast

Confession time: I. LOVE. AVOCADOS. Maybe not as much as the person above, who clearly wants to take their avocado obsession to the grave – which is cool – but definitely enough to want to eat them every single day.

And what’s not to love? They’re teaming with carotenoids (People consuming diets rich in carotenoids from natural foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are healthier and have lower mortality from a number of chronic illnesses – source, wikipedia), known to be highly anti-inflammatory (good for arthritis and skin conditions), promote a healthy heart, help prevent against cancer, regulate blood sugar AND taste delicious.

One of my favourite super quick and easy avocado “recipes” is as follows:

♥ 2 slices of Abbott’s light rye
♥ 1/2 an avocado
♥ Small bit of slice-able danish fetta
♥ Indigo Grinds – Caesar Salt

Bread into the toaster, slice up the avo and the danish fetta, when toast is done, spread on the avocado (or place slices, your call), place some sliced danish fetta on top, garnish with the salt grind.

DELICIOUS! Eat and bask in the deliciousness of my favourite snack.

Are you an avocado fiend like me? Let me know if you try this ‘recipe’!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Posted in Food, Wellness Tips | 6 Comments »

My Top Five Natural Beauty Product Wonders!

I think I’ve said before that being spoilt by natural and organic beauty prods is on the top of my non-guilty pleasures list. In the last couple of weeks I’ve been lucky enough to come across 5 new products that have made me swoon/spend many hours locked in my bathroom in beauty heaven. Please allow me to share them with you!

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1. Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil – from $21.95

While being excellent for scars, stretch marks and wrinkles, rosehip oil is also the BEST hydration remedy. Like many of us find in the winter months, I’m accustomed to red, tight skin after my nightly shower. I find that rosehip oil over my normal moisturiser before bed restores some of that moisture and I wake up with plump, smoother skin. Handy hint: Pull your hair back off your face so you don’t wake up looking like someone smeared your locks with grease.

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2. Trilogy Face Care Vital Moisturising Cream – $40.95

Another Trilogy love! I’ve recently begun a new job where I’m confined to an office – much to my skin’s disgust. This is causing my skin to produce more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration caused by artificial heating (clever body huh?). This moisturiser has been perfect for everyday use – super hydrating but also light enough for the morning.

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3. Joi Pure Recovery Eye Serum – $35

This product hails from our very own Swan Valley, is 95% certified organic and made from so many yummy ingredients including rose water, rosehip oil, shea butter, green tea and ginseng. If I apply before bed, I wake up and don’t look tired even if I’ve only had 5 hours sleep. Need I say more?

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4. Rejuvenate Beautifying Organic Night Cream – $69.85

This little night cream is incredibly deceiving. At first glance it could be just another organic face cream. However, I’ve been taking this product EVERYWHERE – the texture is beautiful and it’s in a pump bottle that makes it easy for girls on the go. It comes with a little info lanyard that sits around the neck of the bottle with pictures of the ingredients – such a unique idea!

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5. Herbfarmacy Organic Mallow Beauty Balm

Thanks to the lovely Perth organic beauty website Bathing Beauty, this beauty balm has become my new lip balm. I’ve previously been using a popular lip ointment that never really sank in, so didn’t combat dryness and cracking. This beauty balm is made from natural oils that absorb with ease. Use it like Vaseline – on your eyes, lips, cracked elbows…anywhere! I’ve even got my parents hooked.

Written by Ellie Swift, a new graduate in PR and journalism and loving less study/more money.

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Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Fallon Jones, Fashion and Beauty Photographer + Creativer Director @ Emergent Magazine.

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

Hi, I’m Fallon Jones and I’m a fashion and beauty photographer. I have always been a creative person and so a little over 4 years ago I started my business, Poise Photography. I am a Fully Accredited Member of the AIPP (Australian Institute Of Professional Photography) and I specialise in fashion editorial, model & designer look-books, high-end beauty and fashion advertising. I am also Creative Director at a new luxury Perth-based fashion publication, Èmergent Magazine.

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine. 

I use a tinted moisturiser every day to keep my skin hydrated. (a recent favourite is Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion). I like to use a light coverage foundation – Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Foundation with SPF18 sunscreen – because I don’t like anything to heavy on my face. I usually just use a little Ben Nye blush, Napoleon ‘Whole Lotta Lash’ Mascara and Chanel ‘Brilliant Lèvres’ Lipgloss (available at StrawberryNET). Once a week I use an exfoliating glove all over my body.

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

I can’t live without my monthly manicure. Beautiful, flawless nails make you feel like a whole new woman! I go to Jodi Gittos Beauty (0423 763 598), she always does an amazing job.

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

I have had the pleasure to work with amazingly talented people in the fashion industry and I’d have to recommend a friend of mine, Zoe, who works at Sachi for Hair. She can make anyone look and feel amazing!

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?  

Every week I use Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask on my hair. I use the hairdryer and hair straightener frequently so its a great way to get the moisture back into my hair and keep it shiny and healthy.

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

Neutrogena Cleansing Wipes, Garnier Ambre Solaire Moisturising Bronzer and my Nivea Repair & Protect Lip Balm.

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

It sounds cliché, but getting lots of sleep and drinking lots of water really does wonders for your mind and body. A steaming hot shower and full body scrub ensures a comfortable and relaxed night’s sleep!

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

I’d love to try a hot stone massage. It looks amazing so its definitely on my must-try list.

Ed: Check out our reviews of hot stone massages – one, two & three!

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I don’t really have much of an appetite in the morning so sometimes I skip breakfast (very bad I know!), but most days I have a bowl of oats or avocado on toast with a cup of tea. No two days are the same so I’ll grab some lunch wherever I am, mostly something like Subway or sushi, so I can eat on the run. I always make sure I have a good dinner eg. Chicken, fish or steak with lots of veggies and drink plenty of water.

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I used to be a real gym junkie but my hectic schedule threw me off for a while. I’m now starting to get back into going to the gym 2 to 3 days a week. I’ve done all sorts of routines with personal trainers, but I’ve found that I really love cardio work-outs. Spinning is amazing!

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

No, I try to eat healthily so I don’t take supplements but when I’ve been ill I like to take Ethical Nutrients: Inner Health Plus to restore good bacteria and get me feeling good again.

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

My favourite way to de-stress is shopping! I’ve become an online shopping addict! I also love to curl up in bed with the latest Vogue or Harpers Bazaar and, of course, a good dose of Sex & The City never fails to make me smile!

Many thanks to Fallon for taking the time to share her answers with us!

If you have any questions for her, leave them below!

Be well,

xoxo

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