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

My name is Jackey and I am the Loving Cook. In the day time I work in branding and marketing but in all of my in-between time I think about food and ways to eat healthily, hence my website, The Loving Cook.

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I wear moisturiser each day with a SPF, I use Nivea or Olay as I don’t like overly perfumed creams. I tend to have dry skin so keeping moisturised is important. After I shower I lather myself in thick Nivea body cream. I wear concealer everyday around my eyes and L’Oreal lash architect mascara. I also use a Natio bronzer each day as my body is more olive-toned than my face – I don’t tan my face ever – ever!

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

I am pretty low maintenance when it comes to beauty treatments as I am gun at giving myself weekly manis and pedi’s (I’ve been doing this since I was a teen), but I can’t live without regular massages. I can get really sore from training and sitting at a desk all day so I try to make time to keep my massages as regular as I can. I visit my physio or Skin Essentials in Elwood (Melbourne).

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Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I adore Bio Oil, I often lather my face and hands, particularly in winter when my skin is so dry. It’s not expensive and a little bit goes a long way. I also dab Calamine lotion, available from pharmacies, on any pimples. But be sure to only pop this on your pimple and not your entire face as this lotion can dry out your skin if used liberally. When I lived in Europe I also used olive oil as a body and face moisturiser, it works well in small quantities.

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

Lucas’ pawpaw treatment, I use it as lip balm and on any cuts. Bobbi Brown concealer, it’s thick and provides great coverage and my moisturiser, if I have none left anything will do, Sorbolene – anything!

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

Because everyone is so busy, I think it’s important to focus on what you’re doing at any given time. If you’re exercising, train hard and give it all you’ve got. If you’re about to go to bed, relax and unwind beforehand. I think it’s about balancing and prioritising everything that’s important to you and dedicating time to what’s important. It takes effort and I struggle sometimes but when I get that balance right, I feel great and like I’ve personally succeeded. That feeling is then reflected in how I look and feel. Oh and drink water! Lots of water!!! 

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What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet?

I’d like to try threading, I love IPL but would love to try threading for things like shaping my brows.

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Describe a typical day of eating for you.

For breakfast I often have my Loving Cook muesli, then mid-morning I have some veggies with my hummus or some berries and yoghurt. For lunch I have 1/2 a cup of quinoa, some form of protein and as many vegetables that can fit in a bowl.

In the afternoon I might have some fruit, some corn cakes with cottage cheese, but something crunchy is always a winner for me. For dinner I try to eat healthy and limit my carbs, I might have Slimmer Pasta with sauce and vegetables or even a roast but I try to eat more vegetables and protein or fish rather than piling up carbs which leave me feeling flat and sleepy.

I LOVE vegetables and I am pretty careful with what I eat during the week as I often review on weekends so want to enjoy my social meals while making my every day meals as delicious and nutritious as possible. I also drink up to 3 litres of water a day (including peppermint tea and warm water with lemon).

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Describe your fitness routine.

I do about 3-4 spin classes a week, I’m addicted. I also do a day of training with a trainer one day a week and either a pump or circuit class or hit the weights room at the gym. I also try to walk as much as I can as I like to get outside, being stuck in an office makes me crave the outdoors.

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

I couldn’t live without my magnesium supplement. After studying nutrition I investigated higher dosages of magnesium as I was suffering leg cramps throughout the night due to all the cardio I do. I love how magnesium relaxes my muscles and nerves and gets my body relaxed before bed. I also enjoy acupuncture and cupping on occasion when my body needs it.

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How many hours sleep do you usually get each night? Do you have any bedtime rituals or tips to help you get a great nights sleep?

Sleep is so important. I make sure I get at least 7-8 hours a night. I often wake up at 5:30am for a morning spin class so that means I get quite sleepy around 10pm each night. My routine is to tire my mind as well as my body each day so falling asleep is not a problem. Before I go to sleep each night I apply an Aesop hand cream that smells amazing.

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

Relaxing is something that doesn’t come easily to me as I am always busy but invigorated by all the projects I have on the go. I give 100% to everything I do: work, The Loving Cook, reviewing, training, socialising etc. To relax I like to spend time outdoors, ideally doing ‘incidental exercise’ as I call it. Going for walks or eating a meal and NOT reviewing it is relaxing. I also like to spend time alone and read the paper or spend time in the kitchen, without thinking too much. Switching off can be hard for me though!

You can find our more about Jackey and keep up with what she’s up to in the following ways:

FB https://www.facebook.com/TheLovingCook
Instagram http://instagram.com/thelovingcook
Twitter https://twitter.com/thelovingcook