by Annette @ Wellness WA | Apr 18, 2013 | Interviews, Wellness Tips
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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
Sure! My name is Melissa and I am a holistic health + life coach, speaker, writer and self love teacher. Four years ago I was a model, dancer, presenter and actress but after experiencing severe burn out and a cocktail of health issues something had to shift. This lead me to weeks in hospital where I decided I wanted to cure myself of adrenal fatigue and thyroid problems and thus became fascinated with holistic health. After practicing as a holistic health coach for a while I realised that it’s not only about what you put in your mouth, it’s about the thoughts you think moment to moment and I believe these go hand in hand. I want to inspire people to take back control of their health and life and live the life they have always dreamt of.
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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
For My Hair: I recently went to the relaunch of Akin and Alchemy and was blown away with how beautiful their products are and having been using their delicious shampoo and conditioner. They've created products with “purity” and “goodness” in mind, and they smell AMAZING. I also use Original and Mineral and love coconut oil for a leave in treatment.
For My Skin: I use Pai Moisturiser and Cleanser from Flora Organica.
For My Body: I use Indah Organic Coconut Oil on my body. It's about the purest you can get, is fair trade and harvested sustainably with local Balinese farmers. The product is gorgeous and so is their philosophy.
Make Up: I don’t wear it often but when I do I use Jane Iredale.
Lady Products: I use TOM Organics. You can't get any better than this, and the packaging is super cute.
♥ What's the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
Mani’s and Pedi’s, I love them. Any place is fine with me.
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♥ Who do you trust with your hair, and why?
The only people that touch my hair are the team at Lily Jackson in Sydney. They are amazing and most of their products are natural.
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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
Tea tree oil on spots. This is awesome.
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♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
1. Coconut oil
2. Tea tree oil
3. Organic face moisturiser
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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Drink loads of water. Don’t drink coffee. Eat loads of fruit and veggies.
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven't yet?
Maybe some of the ayurvedic treatments.
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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
Morning is either green smoothie or porridge. Lunch and dinner is either organic grass fed and grass finished meat or salmon with salad or veggies + loads of filtered water throughout the day + a bliss ball or two.
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
I exercise every day for at least 30 mins. It changes all the time from yoga, running, walking, boxing or weights.
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
I take a probiotic each day and don’t regularly do alternative therapies but have tried a few.
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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?
8 hours every night is a must for me. My bedtime rituals are dim lights, no TV, phone or computers in bedroom and reading, meditation or deep breathing before bed.
♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
Walking in nature, meditating, sipping tea, reading, watching a good movie, yoga, laying on the grass and being around loved ones.
If you have any questions or comments for Melissa please leave them below!
Are you ready to start your path to wellness? Melissa Ambrosini has experienced first hand the power of simple, consistent changes to our thoughts and behaviours. In the past 2 years she’s held countless people on their path to wellness, transforming their bodies, relationships, finances, careers, and self-image – check out her new e-book “12 Steps to Wellness”, available from her website for $18.
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Apr 16, 2013 | Food, Recipes, Wellness Tips
Simple and delicious. Two things I love in the morning, and these pancakes are just that! They take 10 mins to cook up and are sooooo easy to prepare. Make the base mixture and then add whatever toppings and flavour combinations you like. Refined sugar free and gluten free so you don’t have to feel guilty about eating 3 (or 5….) and high in protein (so they’re perfect post workout!).
Makes about 5 medium sized or 6 small. So serves 1 very hungry person or 2 people willing to share!
BASIC MIXTURE
♥ 1 ripe banana
♥ 2 eggs
♥ 2 teaspoons cinnamon
♥ 1 tablespoon flax meal
♥ 1 tablespoon water
♥ 2 tablespoons quinoa flakes
♥ 1/2 -1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I used David Wolfe’s organic brown rice protein)
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METHOD
1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth
2. Heat some coconut oil in a pan and cook pancakes on both sides until lightly brown (turning when the top bubbles)
3. Top with anything you want (use your imagination!!!)
Topping ideas:
+ Peanut butter, shredded coconut, blueberries, walnuts (as above)
+ Almond butter, chopped figs, shredded coconut
+ Coconut butter, raspberries, chopped banana
Happy breakfast everyone!!! 😀
Do you like the look of this recipe, leave a comment below if you've tried it, I'd love to hear your thoughts & what toppings you used!
Review by Kavisha, self confessed ‘health foodie’ & pancake lover. She is currently studying for her Master of Wellness at RMIT University and blogs at bebalancedbewell.tumblr.com
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Apr 15, 2013 | Exercise, Yoga
Have you always wanted to try yoga but were too nervous, self conscious or worried you’d be the inflexible, giggling goonie in the back row? Thought that because you can’t touch your toes, or sit cross legged, you can’t possibly meditate? Or maybe you’re skeptical of this whole conscious breathing thing? ….. Well Hayley from Cloud Nine Yoga will make you feel right at home, from the very first class.
Yoga is for every body. The stiff ones, injured ones, pregnant ones, young and old ones, the ones who can’t sit still, the ones who love to sweat, and the ones who would sometimes rather stay on the couch. Whatever your reason for being interested in yoga, (or yoga being interested in you!), you will find something in a Cloud Nine Yoga class which touches you. It might be the physical practice – which can be tailored to your body on the day, and is different every class. You might find something special in the simple observation of your breath. Or maybe it’s those ten minutes at the end of every class, where you get to just BE.
At Cloud Nine Yoga, Hayley acknowledges that we are all beginners. The practice of yoga is constantly evolving with the changes in our lives, and with a vibrant sense of humor, she will safely guide you through different vinyasa sequences (postures which flow with the breath), and leave you feeling nourished but strong, vibrant and relaxed.
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Other benefits of a regular practice include;
♥ Improved sleeping habits
♥ Increased vitality, flexibility & strength
♥ Greater internal awareness & general wellbeing
♥ Improved posture & balance
♥ Improved digestive, respiratory & eliminatory function
♥ True relaxation & a real sense of calm
Cloud Nine Yoga offer casual / drop in classes in the northern coastal suburbs of Ocean Reef, Mullaloo and Mindarie, and a Beginners Course too. Perfect for those who've dared not to do a general class before, or those who have stepped away from the mat for a while, the 4 week course is a basic introduction into postures, breath and relaxation, and will give you the confidence to join a regular class and the insight into what yoga really is for you.
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Hayley is a proud alumni ambassador for lululemon Karrinyup and has enjoyed leading inspiring complimentary classes for guests and educators for over 12 months.
She is also proud to have attracted LA based, heart inspiring teacher Jo Tastula to teach at her oceanside Mullaloo studio on Tuesday April 16 for a one off special vinyasa class. Only a few spaces remain for this class and bookings are essential (hayley@cloudnineyoga.com.au or 0410 648 956).
Casual classes at Cloud Nine Yoga are $17 or a 5 class pass is $80.
Term 2 runs from May 6 – June 25 (8 weeks) and the full timetable is available on the website: www.cloudnineyoga.com.au
If this sounds like it's for you, get in touch with Hayley!
Ph: 0410 648 956
Email: Hayley@cloudnineyoga.com.au
www.cloudnineyoga.com.au – sign up for our newsletter!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cloud-Nine-Yoga/210763840042
This is a sponsored post, as always though, we will only bring you posts with content we think you will find relevant & inspiring!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Apr 12, 2013 | Alternative Therapy, Reviews, South of River
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I recently had the pleasure of attending an appointment with Amy O’Brien in West Perth to discuss my wellness goals and work on a plan together to attain optimal health. The 1 hour session included a consultation, acupuncture treatment and some herbs to take home with me. I first connected with Amy via email, and before attending my initial consultation Amy sent me some preliminary information including directions, a description of what the treatment would involve and some tips to help me prepare for my treatment which I found really thoughtful and helpful.
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Having never tried acupuncture or Chinese medicine before, I was a little tentative as I stepped into the clinic, however Amy put me at ease straight away. We chatted for around 20 minutes about my health and lifestyle as well as what I was hoping to achieve in terms of my overall wellness, with Amy asking me plenty of questions along the way. She then took my pulse, explaining that ‘blood deficiency’ is a common condition in Chinese medicine, and that my treatment would focus on warming the body and building the blood, which would in turn help to do things like nourish my skin and reverse the effects that stress has had on my body.
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The consultation was followed by an acupuncture session, which I have to say was very relaxing! For those of you who have never tried acupuncture before and are wondering whether it will hurt: the answer in my opinion is definitely no. I felt a slight prick as the needles were inserted, but they are so fine that you feel the pressure more than any pain. Once the needles are in you don’t even feel them anymore. Amy targeted certain areas of my body to focus on building the blood and creating mental clarity. She then left me to chill out for around twenty minutes while the needles worked their magic.
Amy took a very holistic approach during her consultation, providing me not only with direct treatment but also with general lifestyle and diet advice. One of the main points she raised was to make sure I was getting enough oxygen, which would help build the blood. Remembering to stop and breathe is something yoga has taught me, and it may seem trivial but it can work wonders for stress and mental clarity and is something we so often forget to do on a typical day in our busy lives.
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At the end of our session Amy provided me with some herbs to take away with me as well as a personalised write-up of my treatment goals and some tips to help me achieve these, with some further information on what she had discussed with me during the consultation.
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Overall I found the session to be well-rounded, relaxing and informative. Anyone who has taken Chinese herbs before would probably agree with me when I say it is a bit of an ‘acquired taste’, but it is exciting to increasingly see science backing what ancient tradition seems to have known and understood for centuries. I would definitely recommend Amy’s services as a qualified, registered practitioner and she can be contacted by email, on Facebook, or at her website www.fabuloushealth.com.au
Her clinic is located at Suite 7, 3 Lawrence Ave, West Perth.
Have you tried acupuncture or Chinese medicine before? If not, have you ever thought about it? Leave a comment below! 🙂
Reviewed by Alice Unwin, Chinese medicine and acupuncture convert!
Be well
xoxo
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by Annette @ Wellness WA | Apr 9, 2013 | Interviews
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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I was a principal show girl and model in Paris which was an amazing experience, but it left me physically, mentally and spiritually exhausted. That’s when I turned to Yoga to help heal my body and keep me fit, but ended up embracing the holistically healthy lifestyle it promotes. Yoga changed my understanding of what I thought it was to be a ‘healthy beautiful’ person.
This kick started my love affair with all things natural and nourishing, and that’s how I came to fall in love with natural & organic beauty and start Flora Organica!
Now I spend my days researching the most amazing non toxic beauty products from around the world to bring to Australia! Soon the store will include wellness products as well as I am so passionate about a holistic approach to beauty so watch this space!!
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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
My daily routine changes a lot depending on the weather, the seasons, hormones. At the moment because the weather is warmer I tend to use lighter products.
In the morning I use Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser or if I am in a real hurry an Ecocare Apple and Honey Facial Wipe does the trick.
I follow this with Kimberly Sayer’s Anti Oxidant SPF moisturizer. SPF is an absolute MUST if you are concerned with aging and this one doesn’t smell or feel like a typical SPF, which is a huge positive!
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At night I like to nourish my skin a little more so I’ll opt for Pai Camellia & Rose Cleanser or Ecocare Coconut Oil followed by Absolution Cleansing Water just to leave my skin feeling fresh.
After cleansing I’ll use Pai Rosehip & Chamomile Cream which is amazing, especially if you have sensitive skin. Natalie Portman is a huge fan.
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If I feel like my skin needs a litte more hydration ill go for serum or oil such as Pai Rosehip Oil or Black Chicken Love Your Face Serum, which is an incredible locally made product.
♥ What's the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
I don’t often get beauty treatments done as I have every product under the sun in my bathroom to pamper myself with! I prefer to have a wonderful massage, chinese cupping, Osteo treatment or a bit of acupuncture because I know if I’m feeling good it will radiant fare more than just getting a facial.
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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
Coconut oil. It is the ultimate beauty budget all rounder. Cleanser, face and body moisturizer, hair treatment. You can also use it as a wellness treatment such as oil pulling or eating a spoonful a day for it’s amazing health benefits not to mention cooking with it!
Just make sure it is raw and organic like the ecocare one I stock!
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♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favorite products?
Only 3?! That’s a bit tough! I guess I would have to say:
1. Soapwalla Deodorant Cream – One of the only natural deodorants that I have come across that works! It is my number 1 best seller.
2. Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser – a bit on the pricey side but totally worth it! I have combination skin so it needs regular light exfoliation but I find most are too harsh for my skin. This product strikes the perfect balance.
3. Ecocare Raw Organic Coconut Oil. It’s good for everything!
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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
I know it sounds cliché but beauty really is more than skin deep. Regular Yoga, meditation, a healthy diet, and daily journaling and affirmations really help me to feel my absolute best. When I feel great I seem to attract great things into my life.
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♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet?
I just bought a voucher to try salt therapy which I am really excited about!
Salt therapy involves breathing in microscopic salt particles which has a positive effect on respiratory and skin aliments. The dry sodium chloride aerosol in the Salt Room eliminates airborne particles from the airways and helps the body purge itself of toxins. Salt Therapy is a safe natural therapy and has no side effects.
Check out Salt Rooms for more details (not currently available in WA, but there are options to open a biz if anyone is keen!)
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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
I usually have a smoothie in the morning made of coconut water, coconut oil, LSA, Glow Beauty Powder, Chocolate Sun Warrior raw vegan protein powder and maybe some frozen banana or mixed greens like kale and spinach.
I mainly snack on fruit and nuts during the day.
Lunch with be sushi or a salad and dinner generally tends to be steamed vegetables sometimes with a protein such as broiled chicken.
I tend to keep things really simple.
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♥ Describe your fitness routine.
I do Vinyasa & Yin Yoga about 3-4 times a week and run on alternate days.
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♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
My favorite supplements are Garden of Life RAW from the US because they are formulated from raw, live organically grown fruits and vegetables rich with probiotics, enzymes and products of their fermentation. I take their Raw Kombucha Probiotic for good gut health, and Oceans 3 fish oil & Resveratrol for healthy hair and skin.
They are starting to pop up at some good quality health food stores in Australia. Otherwise you can order them on iherb.com
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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?
I try and get 8 hours a night. I will light a candle, have a cup tea and read a book as it sets my sleeping ritual otherwise I can be up all night. If I am having trouble sleeping I will put a touch of Tata Harper Aromatic Nighttime Treatment on my chakra points, it really helps!
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♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
Simple things really help. Lighting a candle in my room really soothes me. Reading inspiring or wellness books such as The Power of Now
. Talking with my mother as she always knows what to say! I’ll also use Tata Harpers Aromatic Stress Treatment as it just smells so uplifting.
Yin Yoga is also amazing for de stressing. If you have never tried Yin it is an absolute must as it helps to release tension and emotions that we often keep locked up in our body without even realising it.
If you have any questions or comments on Sabrina's gorgeous routine, please leave them below!
Be well,
xoxo
