by Annette @ Wellness WA | Sep 27, 2011 | Organic, Products, Reviews
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Does anyone remember those fairy shops that you used to visit for birthday parties when you were little? They were such magical places, always playing calming music, they smelt incredible, everything looked all crystal-y and beautiful and you got a feeling while you were in there that a very special secret had been bestowed upon you and that you were in fact an ACTUAL fairy. And that this was the secret. The secret you must take to the grave.
Well there is now a skincare range that has bottled that special feeling. It’s called https://www.begenki.com.au/collections/aeos-energised-organicsAEOS (Active Energised Organic Skincare) and their three phase skincare range (Renew, Rebalance, Replenish) uses ‘spagyric tinctures of crystal energies together with the waveforms of colour’ to create products that will make your outsides look good and your insides feel harmonious and nurtured. ‘Crystal energies’- that’s JUST like the fairies!!!
Random drawing of fairy for extra emphasis.
Ok, let’s put the pause on the fairies (BUT ONLY FOR A MOMENT) and talk about the nuts and bolts. Despite having an inbuilt magical aura about them, do these products work? I tried the AEOS Gentle Exfoliant and the AEOS Energising Conditioner from the Renew and Rebalance lines respectively and I am pleased to say that despite the amount of times I have mentioned the f-word in this article they really are very well researched, very seriously good products.
AEOS Gentle Exfoliant (blue) 30ml – $59
The exfoliant contains Spelt, in the form of the Aura-Soma biodynamic oil which contains a high concentration of Vitamin E and leaves your skin feeling moisturized after giving it a gentle scrub. My skin had been feeling really dry to the point where I could actually feel dry patches emerging (ew) and after three days of using this they were g-o-n-e. To my delight!
AEOS Energising Conditioner 30ml – $89
The real winner though is the Energizing Conditioner. This. Smells. Amazing. It smells purely magical and fairy-like (THEY”RE BACK) and I just can’t get enough. Putting some of this clear lightweight liquid on after washing your face feels like putting on a layer of contact, the kind you cover books with, on your face. That’s how smooth it feels. Seriously contact was the only analogy I could use that comes close to how smooth it feels. Except not plastic, of course.
These products just feel so special that you want to cherish them so it comes as no surprise to me that on the back of each bottle it says ‘made with love and intention’, it just gives you a warm feeling inside. Like the fairy shops did when I was little, at last I can have that feeling back!
Available online via https://www.begenki.com.au/ and from Karma Living (there is a store in the Claremont Quarter shopping mall) stores nationally.
Please also visit their website to read about their awesome bio-dynamic farm where they grow most of their ingredients. That are then handpicked by fairies. Probably.
Review by Adriane Daff.
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Sep 26, 2011 | Interviews
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am a professional actor and am currently based in WA. I am also a co-director in an entertainment booking agency called Big Sky Entertainment WA, representing bands, tribute bands, solo artists, duos, trios, jazz, rock, magicians, comedians, burlesque, fight performers etc etc. I am married and have two children, 6 years and 17 months.
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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
I am pretty fastidious when it comes to a beauty routine both morning and night. Saying that, having small children I have had to make sure I get it down to 5 minutes as time is of the essence these days! For the last 5 years I have pretty much used an American line called ‘Paulas Choice‘. Paula Begoun is an incredible lady who has dedicated her life to researching beauty products and makeup lines all over the world. She is meticulous in her research and has written some wonderful books reviewing the products. She has also developed her own, amazing line of beauty products.
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♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
I do love a good glycolic peel…..being on the move all the time I don’t tend to stick with one particular beauty therapy, although whenever I can I do love to use Keturah Day Spas.
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
I do stick to my favourite hair salon – Lee Preston Hairdressers in South Perth. They have an incredible team who have provided me with the best cut and styles I have ever had done. They are also a very happy bunch and always seem to be on time – I have never had to wait once!
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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
Paulas Choice BHA lotion (pictured above)
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
Paulas Choice cleansers, BHA products and night moisturiser.
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Take the 5 min morning and night beauty routine to spend on yourself – not a long time but it makes all the difference in a hectic schedule. I also love ‘my time’ at the gym – I am addicted to spin classes!
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
One of those total spa wellness indulgence packages would be amazing one day….!
Yoghurt!
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
Muesli and yoghurt for breakfast, coffee and fruit/nuts for mid morning snack, tuna and salad roll for lunch, fruit in the afternoon and either fish or chicken with vegetables for dinner. I am a yoghurt freak so dessert would probably consist of one of my favourite varieties.
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
An ideal week would be to speed walk 50min 3 times a week, spin classes twice a week, and body pump twice a week.
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
My husband is a professional actor as well and also a massage therapist so I try and squeeze in a massage with him when I can.
Thanks Rebecca for taking the time to share your routine with us!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Sep 23, 2011 | Products, Reviews
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The myfaceworks face masks have got tailoring to your specific skin concerns down pat. These cute little packets contain a cloth mask which is brimming with ingredients to get your skin on the road to… well, wherever you like!
♥ I need to… detox
The other day I was quite naughty. A gingerbread man, small packet of chips and chocolate bar had all mysteriously made their way into my tummy and I most definitely needed some damage control. A hot bath, freshly cleansed face and detox mask (which is packed full of green tea, cucumber and algae extracts) put me back on the road to recovery quicksmart. If you drink a cuppa green tea while wearing this mask you’ll see even greater benefits to your skin!
♥ I need to… wake up
This Vitamin-C Radiance Mask is perfect for weekend breakfast dates with your girlfriends or boy-friends! Here’s what I like to do:
1. Stumble out of bed, gasping in mild horror at my bleary eyes & dull skin
2. Cleanse with warm water and a gentle face wash (it shouldn’t need to be too harsh in the morning if you remember to take your makeup off the night before!)
3. Tear open the packet and apply to face, this mask has aloe vera, kiwi fruit and loads of Vitamin C
4. Lie back in bed for 15-20 minutes while the mask does its thang and try not to fall back to sleep
5. Peel mask off and rinse off excess serum
6. Marvel at the difference 20 minutes and a winner of a mask can make
7. Rock up to breakfast date with a glow and accept admiration from all angles!
♥ I need… a quickie
With a name like “I need a quickie”, this mask guarantees satisfaction in the shortest possible time. Ingredients include cucumber, grape and radish root and is a pre-makeup express mask. The only thing that confuses me about this one is that the instructions still say 15-20 minutes, same as the others, so it isn’t really any quicker, but it is perfeccct to use before a big night out as it primes the skin and makes your makeup go on smashingly well!
♥ I need to… heal
I haven’t had a chance to use this mask yet as I luckily haven’t had the need, but if you’ve been a naughty little duck and spent too much time at the beach or playing sport and have a burnt face to show for it, THIS IS YOUR GO TO!
Containing 2.6 bucketloads of aloe vera & cucumber juice, this will be just the thing to soothe your red cheeks should you be so silly enough to forget to slip, slop, slap.
The myfaceworks masks come in an even bigger range than I’ve featured here, it’s a choose your own face mask adventure series which also include such flavours as:
♥ I need to… be firm
♥ I need… a clear day
♥ I need to… bring out my youth
♥ I need… damage control
AND MORE!
Check ’em all out at Beauty Works West Australia but be warned – you’ll find it hard to pick just one!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Sep 21, 2011 | Food, Products, Reviews
Perfect for the gluten intolerant, vegetarian or just plain health conscious. Quinoa is a must try!
10 fast facts you need to know about Quinoa:
♥ The seed/grain-like protein, pronounced keen-wah, was originally grown in the Andes mountain range in South America and was a staple food of the Incas
♥ It is a pseudocereal & is closely related to beets & spinach
♥ Known as quinoa in English, the spelling and pronunciation differs depending on the region in South America. In some parts it is known as ‘kinwa’ or ‘keen-wah’ or ‘kwi-NOH-a’
♥ Quinoa is a complete protein source for vegetarians which means no food combining! It is also high in iron and dietary fibre, it is used in place of grains in the same way as rice and couscous & can be used for both savoury & sweet dishes
♥ It has a delicate, nutty flavour all of its own
♥ Texture wise think somewhere between barley & cous cous
♥ It has a low Glycemic Index (35)
♥ It is completely Gluten free
♥ It comes in white, red and black varieties
♥ It can be bought puffed, flaked or whole.
As a breakfast porridge ♥
Quinoa can be substituted for just about any grain in any recipe and is a healthy alternative to rice and cous cous. I use it instead of rice with stir fries, instead of oats in porridge and instead of burghul in tabouli. You could also use it instead of barley in soups. What a versatile little seed indeed!
What does it look like?
Raw
Cooked
Where can I find it?
In the health food aisles Woolworths and Coles or any health food store.
How much does it cost?
Between $6 -$10 for a 500g packet.
How do I prepare it?
Quinoa is ridiculously easy to prepare. Just make sure you rinse*!, boil 1 part quinoa, 2 parts water and simmer for 10-12 mins or until or all the liquid is absorbed. Alternatively Fluff with a fork & voila!
*Before cooking Quinoa must be rinsed to remove the toxic (but naturally occurring) bitter coating, called Saponins.
A personal favourite recipe of mine adapted from Michelle Bridges’ version.
Quinoa Porridge with Cranberries and Raisins (I swap the raisins for dates!)
3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
500ml water
375ml low fat milk/soy milk/extra water
1/3 cup dried cranberries and 2 tablespoons raisins or chopped dates
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Combine the quinoa and water in saucepan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, covered for 10 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of the milk and the dried fruit and nuts. Cook, covered, for another for another 10 minutes and then stir in the remaining milk.
Add grated apple, fresh or frozen berries & top with cinnamon &/or honey to taste for additional yum factor!
Link love for oodles of inspiring recipe ideas for you to try!
♥ http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/collections/quinoa+recipes
♥ http://www.cookingquinoa.net
♥ http://www.101cookbooks.com/ingredient/quinoa
Bon appetit!
Are you a quinoa lover? Been pronouncing it wrong? Looking to get some into your life… lets talk about this below!
Article by Jasmin Chipper, quinoa advocate!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Sep 20, 2011 | Alternative Therapy, Products, Reviews
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Cynic: A person who questions whether something will happen or is worthwhile.
When it comes to herbal supplements that definition suits me 100% from the top of my head down to my very toes. Now, I consider myself a generally enthusiastic and open minded person, albeit a little neurotic, so it doesn’t really make sense why I should feel so harshly towards something that never really did anyone any harm (that I am aware of). So what gives? Have I had too many encounters with people who insist that drinking honey and lemon and hot water and taking echinacea will cure their category 6 flu symptoms and then upon giving the flu to ME claim they feel so much better? Probably. Perhaps that’s the neurosis in me talking, so in an effort to kick that part of my personality to the curb I agreed to try EL8 Rhodiola Rosea for energy and wellbeing.
Rhodiola Rosea in it’s natural form!
Feel free to do your own research (and I encourage you to do so if you are interested) but in a nutshell I can tell you that Rhodiola Rosea hails from the mountainous regions of eastern Siberia and the North Asian territories and is supposed to help you deal with stress, give you more energy and even help battle nervous tension and anxiety. Tension and anxiety you say? Well let’s just see what you’ve got RR because on a bad day my tension and anxiety levels could put Woody Allen to shame.
Two weeks later…
I have been taking EL8 Rhodiola Rosea everyday for the past 14 days and while the cynic in me hates to admit this…it’s working. It really is. Don’t worry, I still think drinking hot water and lemon to cure tonsillitis is idiotic BUT when it comes to energy levels and feeling less tense about stupid little things I really think the Rhodiola Rosea has been doing its job. My rose-tinted glasses have gotten a little rosea-er (had to use that pun, sorry, HAD TO) and instead of falling into an afternoon slump I have found that I have been feeling really switched on all day regardless of the time. I don’t feel sloth-like in the morning and I’ve been falling straight to sleep at night (maybe due to stress reduction?) It might all just be mind over matter, and I am certainly willing to accept that theory but just in case, I’m going to keep taking Rhodiola Rosea. I just have a really good feeling about it. A feeling that it just might be responsible for.
Available for $29.95 at http://www.rhodiolarosea.com.au.
Rambles on Rhodiola Rosea by Adriane Daff.
Be well,
xoxo
