by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jun 19, 2013 | At Home, Products, Reviews
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Having done IPL before (bikini line), I had a sense of what to expect with the Philips Lumea Precision Plus system (RRP $1,299.95). I assumed it’d be a gentler process purely because the people using it don’t need a course and a qualification to use it.
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The set consists of the handset, two interchangeable heads of differing sizes, a charger and a bag. The head is much heavier than the handle and some care needs to be taken since your hand is sitting very close to the power button. Because I was always using the Lumea after a shower, I’d be lightly steaming, which didn’t help. I ended up wiping off the handset after every second pass or so to make sure I didn’t slip around and accidently switch it off.
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The light is a very bright red, as opposed to the white light of the salon IPL systems. While the flash is bright, it also doesn’t “imprint” on your field of vision. My cat scuttled out of the room two flashes in.
While the interchangeable nozzles attach to the handset securely, you’re also required to press it firmly into the skin to attain the “airlock” that allows you to pull the trigger safely, and if you’re careless and inadvertently drag it along the skin at that kind of pressure you’ll probably knock the nozzle off. This will result in hot glass-skin contact which is unadvisable.
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After the first application, the most noticeable difference was a longer growback period, and many of the hairs when they came through came through a bit stunted – either doubled over, or oddly curled. I have strong, straight leg hair, so this was very noticeable on me.
The regrowth slowdown and cessation seems to happen on an individual hair by hair basis – some follicles immediately shut down, some grow oddly, some are determinedly still growing as they always have. I have big channels on my legs where hair has completely disappeared next to unconcerned normal growth. But as each application comes around, the normal hairs are shriveling up and eventually give up and don’t grow at all. There’s a perverse kind of enjoyment in this.
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Meanwhile on my belly it only took two zaps for this finer hair to disappear, and in my underarms there seems to be the same amount of hair, but the hairs are thinner and finer. But even if I’m still shaving, shaving is a good deal easier and I do not need to do it as often. I’m confident that with repeated applications this lot will slow down and cease as well.
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I’ve used this machine six times and the results have varied depending on where I’m applying. Stomach has been perfect, underarms have been encouraging and a lot more manageable, my legs have been patchy but steadily progressing. I should stress again that my leg hair is monstrous and will almost certainly put up more of a fight than yours.
I’ve done full, 12-session courses of salon IPL, which cost me far more than I’m willing to think about.
The Lumea system is admittedly expensive, but less so than doing it through a salon and it gives you the option of topping up your applications on a whim. All up, you will likely need to use the Lumea more often to get the results of the salon IPL, but salon IPL is also something of a trauma for your skin – it’s a good deal more powerful and the tradeoff is tender, red skin for a while afterwards. The Lumea did not irritate me at all. There wasn’t even any pinkness. I could slather on moisturizer directly afterwards and nothing bad happened. I’m really impressed by this system – would recommend it for those considering IPL through the more traditional means.
Find out more about it on the Philips website!
Product supplied for consideration.
Have you tried IPL in salon or at home before? Leave a comment below with your experiences!
Review by Suzanne, who also blogs over at Don’t They Know Who I Am?
Be well,
xox
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jun 17, 2013 | Dining, Food, Green Smoothies, Reviews, South of River
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Simple Nosh is a cosy family run café serving up fresh, healthy and deeelicious food (with loads of vegetarian options!). Fremantle is a healthy foodie hotspot, and this cute little café is tucked away on a quiet street just off the main strip.
We opted for a sunny spot on the outside verandah (YAY for Perth’s warm winter weather!) and scanned over the breakfast menu.
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It really excites me when I see green smoothies on café menus and although this one sounded great (spinach, apple, kiwi, banana, lemon), I opted for a freshly squeezed carrot and ginger juice instead. This one was awesome and really hit the spot.
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For breakfast I ordered the scrambled eggs on GF toast with a side of house made beans. After some recent terrible experiences (since when were baked beans and four bean mix considered house made beans!?), I’ve been on a mission to find the best beans in Perth. I’m pleased to report the beans here were VERY good! A huge portion of plump beans in the most delicious tomato sauce, the flavours were just right and tasted great with the eggs, YUM!
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My dining partner opted for the breakfast roll. The huge roll was STUFFED full of spinach, mushroom, feta, smoked salmon, basil pesto and topped with 2 poached eggs. The eggs were cooked perfectly and the salmon was so fresh. Needless to say we were both extremely satisfied with our meals : )
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Leah and her mum Irene have got a good thing going on. All ingredients are locally sourced (just what I like!), the vibe is welcoming and relaxed and they’re both are so friendly. The sofas inside looked rather comfy and would be perfect to snuggle into come winter!
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I’ll be back soon, if anything to try a slice of one of their delicious looking homemade cakes 😉 Make sure you leave room!
Simple Nosh is open 6 days a week, Mon-Sat for breakfast and lunch. 14 Norfolk Street Fremantle.
Have you been to Simple Nosh before? What’s your favourite place to eat brekky in Fremantle?
Review by Kavisha, breakfast eating connoisseur.
Kavisha was a guest of Simple Nosh, opinions & thoughts in no way influenced by this! 🙂
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jun 12, 2013 | Exercise, Other, Up North
Change, transition, and moving are all tough. There are certainly elements of them that provide a sense of excitement, but often these expected and unexpected life events can leave us feeling a little less in control and without energy and motivation to get out the door and move our bodies.
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What’s your Therapy?
I have moved a lot in my life and the one thing that I can always count on to ground me in any new surrounding is running. In my books running is like therapy, some of my worst moods have been turned around after a 30min trail run, some of my best ideas after a long run along a river and some of my best connections with friends have been made on a single-track trail. I love running, pure and simple.
Moving to Western Australia was quite the change for this Canadian Rocky Mountain girl and regardless of how open and prepared I was to this change my body was sure feeling the effects of an energy zapping transition. So I turned to the trails to lift my spirits and get a bit of that spark back I had been longing for.
I have always believed the best way to fall in love with a new place is to go for a run. We did just that in Esperance, WA when we ran from Lucky Bay to Hellfire Bay (well almost to Hellfire Bay) . Not only was this my first time in WA, but it was also my first time running in WA!
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The white sand contrasting with the clear blue ocean and then punctuated by the red rock was a spectacle that I don’t think I could quite comprehend at the time and I couldn’t have thought of a better way to experience other than with a trail run.
Nothing could have prepared me for that piece of humble pie as I realised right then and there I was so lucky to have this experience and the health and fitness to experience such a place on a run.
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What helps you gain perspective?
Energy restoring and grounding run? Mission Accomplished!
The best part about finishing this run aside from the runners high was jumping in the crystal clear water and then having a hot solar heated shower! Heaven!
A few technical tid-bits about this trail!
Trail Name: The Coastal Trail
Total Distance: approx. 15 km one way, but we did 7.5 out and back
Where we started: Lucky Bay Camp Ground
Where we turned around: Just past Thistle cove
Type of Trip: Out and Back
Type of Surface: Trail
More Information on this trail can be found here!
Do you have a favourite trail run in WA? What motivates you to run? We'd love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below!
Article by Brooke Darlington, Canadian gal turned Aussie lover, check her out at Mountain Girl Meets Surfboard!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jun 10, 2013 | Wellness Tips
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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I was born in Colombia South America around 36 years ago. I have lived a very interesting, challenging, and varied life. I started my professional career as an engineer and worked for over fourteen years for high profile corporate organisations.
At the age of ten I already knew I had a passion for colours, clothes and everything related to image. However, I was meant to go to uni and do as my other two sisters did: become an engineer. So I did.
But I never put aside my real passion. By the age of fifteen, I was trying to learn as much as I could about makeup, style and clothing. I must have read hundreds and hundreds of books and magazines, and over the last twenty years I have done all the training possible related to image, first impressions and body language. I haven’t stopped learning and being fascinated by this magical world.
A few years ago on a retreat in Bali, I discovered my purpose in life and decided to start Alba Gomez Image Consultancy. It’s been a great journey—I’ve had great moments, challenging moments, exciting moments and uncertain moments, but always deep in my heart I’ve known that this is what I am meant to be doing with my life. I love to work with women, inspiring them to embrace who they are and how they look and helping them to feel fantastic.
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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
I wash my face in the morning with Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk then I just apply the Natio BB cream and after just my make up. I drink lots and lots of water during the day and at night I take my make off with Chanel DÉMAQUILLANT YEUX INTENSE wash my face with the Clinique milk and apply some jojoba oil and leave it on when I go to sleep.
♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
Funny thing is I don’t have a preferred one really. I like trying new things and places all the time, so couldn’t pick just one.
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
Manny from Chilli Couture in Perth.
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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
The jojoba oil is the BEST for your skin. If you use it every night you will notice the difference on your skin in less than 10 days.
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products? Lancome concealer, my medicated Chapstick and my MAC black Rapidblack eyeliner.
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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
I think drinking water is the secret. I drink so much water that sometimes I have to stop myself from drinking so much. It helps to keep my skin looking good and younger. I give myself lots of positive affirmations so I can accept and love myself exactly as I am.
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♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven't yet?
Learning to dance Samba. I know it will make me really happy but I guess I am a bit scared. Samba is very different to all the Latin styles I grew up dancing with and it seems so difficult. So I’ve been saying for 8 years that I am going to learn but I haven’t… Just wrote some goals the other day and Samba classes were on my list 🙂
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♥ Describe your fitness routine.
I am part of a boot camp which I try to attend at least 3 times a week. It’s a combination of cardio, strength and weights. I also sometimes go for a brisk walks in the morning for 45 minutes.
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♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
I do take supplements, omega 3, a special supplement that my Dr recommended based on what my body lacks and green tea tablets as I do not like the taste of green tea as much but I am aware of the benefits
♥ 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?
I am so fortunate …because I sleep like a baby, usually 8-9 hours every night. But I usually do my to do lists at night before I go to sleep so I can relax knowing that my next day is already planned.
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♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favorite ways to de-stress?
I like walking while I listen to my guided meditations. I get a massage every two weeks which is absolutely important for me. I love singing and dancing my Latin music when I am feeling stressed. It makes me really happy.
Find out more about Alba's great work at her website!
If you have any questions about Alba’s routine, or anything you'd like to find out more about, please leave a comment below! 🙂
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jun 5, 2013 | Down South, Food, Green Smoothies, Reviews, Yoga
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Samudra is the home of raw food and yoga in WA. I’d visited their awesome Dunsborough café many times before, so when the opportunity came up to experience one of their weekend detox retreats you could say I was pretty darn excited 😀
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DAY 1
Arriving at the café on Friday afternoon, I was greeted by the lovely retreat organiser Erin and filled out a quick questionnaire while sipping away on a fresh green juice. I then met the gorgeous group of 10 other ladies each on their own health and wellbeing journey.
Samudra has won a heap of awards for their vegetarian café (Open 7 days a week) and upon eating there it's easy to see why.
A delicious live food dinner was consumed (the BEST zucchini ‘pasta’ I have ever had!), followed by a 45 minute yoga nidra session (which is equivalent to 2-3 hours of sleep, winning!) before bedtime.
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DAY 2
I practically bounced out of bed I was that excited! 7am was our morning yoga class with the down to earth and witty Lisa. Every morning we practiced in a beautiful yoga space located within the Samudra grounds. Complete with calming music and the BEST smelling sandalwood essence, it was a great environment to practice in. Lisa was like a walking yoga encyclopedia (her knowledge was amazing) and modified the class to suit everyone. We were taught various breathing techniques and some basic Ashtanga yoga sequences.
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After breakfast (Granola and fruit, warm almond milk and beetroot juice, YUM!), we headed back to the yoga room where Erin took an informative workshop on Ayurvedic cleansing and eating. Lunch then followed and was a delightful affair of raw dips, dehydrated crackers and veggie wraps. Even though we were ‘detoxing’, at no point during the retreat did I feel starved or deprived. In fact every meal was so filling that I almost had to force myself to eat the next one (it’s a hard life, I know). The dessert cabinet (yes dessert and coffee are all still available at the cafe) had been calling my name since arriving on Friday, and after lunch I conceded defeat, sharing a raw carrot cake with one of my fellow retreaters. It was deeeeeeeeeelish 😀
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After 2 hours of free time for treatments, beach time, browsing in the eco-store, relaxation and reflection, Erin gave a fun demo on green smoothie making with some interesting flavour combinations! In the evening we practiced yin yoga with Lisa before a nutritious dinner and then bedtime.
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Day 3
After morning yoga, we had a satisfying breakfast of berry buckwheat porridge, fruit, and green juice. The rest of the morning consisted of activities including a kitchen tour (a behind the scenes look at where all the delicious Samudra goodies are made), a sprouting demonstration and a quick demo on how to make nut ‘cheese’ (because all of us were obsessed with the cashew cheese they had been serving us!).
Before lunch we were guided through an hour of mediation practice with Mike. This was absolute bliss and I know I wasn’t the only one who fell asleep to the sound of Mikes calming voice! The afternoon yin yoga session was a great way to end the retreat and was full of fun and laughs. One thing I really loved about the retreat was how personal it all was. Erin and Lisa would join us for every meal, and were always on hand to talk and answer questions. All the staff at Samudra were so welcoming and were always willing to share their expertise and knowledge.
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You can do the retreat by yourself (you'll make friends in about 3 seconds anyway) or with a friend. Accommodation isn’t included in the price but if you’re heading down with a friend or partner sharing the price of a hotel room would save money. Another bonus- if you sign up with a friend you each get $100 off the cost of the retreat!
These retreats aren’t just about detoxing your body. They’re about detoxing your mind, clearing out negative thoughts and beliefs, recognizing what triggers bad habits and learning strategies to deal with them. If you want to do something nice for yourself, be surrounded by beautiful people, eat good food, learn more about yoga, meditation and all round health, I’d definitely recommend you book yourself in for one of these awesome weekends away!
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**Note to future Samudra visitors. You MUST try their AMAZING choco mint ‘ice cream’. It’s dairy free and made from a base of almond milk and cashews. This flavour was truly out of this world! It includes the superfoods spirulina and chlorella, which are great for detoxification. My mini tub actually melted on the way home (which wasn’t so bad) because I ended up drinking it like a smoothie. OHMYGOD YUM!
Have you ever been to a retreat, detox or otherwise? Heard of Samudra before? I'd love to hear from you in the comment section below!
Review by Kavisha, who’s already making plans for a trip back and wishes they’d extend the train line down to Dunsborough…
Disclaimer: I was a guest of Samudra's, all thoughts & opinions are 100% honest and my own!
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