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.
♥
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.
♥
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
♥
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.
♥
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.
♥
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.
♥
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.
♥
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
zp8497586rq
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Apr 9, 2013 | Interviews
♥
♥ 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!!
♥
♥ 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!
♥
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.
♥
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.
♥
♥ 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!
♥
♥ 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!
♥
♥ 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.
♥
♥ 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!)
♥
♥ 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.
♥
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
I do Vinyasa & Yin Yoga about 3-4 times a week and run on alternate days.
♥
♥ 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
♥
♥ 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!
♥
♥ 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
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Apr 8, 2013 | Other
We are super, duper excited to bring to you this FANTASTIC competition, with $500 worth of prizes all up – one of our biggest yet! At Wellness WA we looooove the yummy goodness of almonds, and almond milk is one of our favourite dairy-alternatives, it can be a little time consuming to make from scratch though, so the clever people at Almond Breeze have taken the hard work out of all this & provide cartons of delicious all-natural, delicious almond milk to the people of Australia. Nice one guys, and the best part is that the Original & Unsweetened varieties retail between $2.80 – $3.29 in supermarkets, PLUS there's a new chocolate version coming soon, they're all vegan, nutritious, easy to digest, and the unsweetened version is suitable for diabetics. Winners!
♥
Almond Breeze and their gorgeous spokesperson, renowned Aussie nutritionist and all round cutie, Lola Berry, is a huge fan of almond milk & her fantastic book “The 20/20 Diet” is also part of the prize!
Okay, so here’s what’s up for grabs:
♥ A copy of Lola Berry’s (awesome) book “The 20/20 Diet” – I’ve personally read this and LOVED her down to earth style & yummy recipes!
♥ 1 carton of Original Almond Breeze
♥ 1 carton of Unsweetened Almond Breeze
♥ Almond Breeze mug
♥ Salt & vinegar almonds to snack on!
♥ An Almond Breeze beach towel
♥ A digital recipe book
For your chance to win, make sure you ‘like’ the Almond Breeze Facebook page, and leave a comment below letting us know your best idea for using almond milk! You can even link to a recipe if you want… be creative!
Winner will be drawn on 22nd April 2013, entry into the competition also opts you in to our e-newsletter! Full terms & conditions are available here.
Good luck!
Be well,
Annette
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Apr 5, 2013 | Events, Exercise
Welcome to another jam packed edition of Beauty & Wellbeing Crushes! This is seriously such a fun segment for me to put together, and I would love to hear from you if you have any crushes that you think we might like to check out!
♥
♥ Xtend Barre @ Sense of Space in Subiaco
Ok, where to start with this one! A friend and I are currently on a mission to become fitness babes by ramping up our exercise routine, and this was the first cab off the rank. After seeing videos of Xtend Barre online, we approached our post-Easter class with nervousness and excitement.
2 minutes into the warmup, huffing and puffing, we both looked at each other with a fearful smile, we wanted to ramp it up, and this is what we got. 60 minutes of leg toning, butt shaping, ab firming, bicep workin' goodness, all mixed with fun tunes, loads of variation and the promise that you'll feel it for the next few days (this is a good thing!). I can also tell you that not everyone is coordinated, not everyone is perfect at all the moves, and – no one is worried! You just do your best.
The instructor (Kavan) was really lovely and we'll be going back weekly to see if we can improve on our first attempt 😉 Check out Sense of Space online, they have loads of times available!
♥
♥ Hillary's Wellness Expo
Wellness lovers rejoice! The Hillarys Wellness Expo is back! It's a free event held this weekend at Hillarys Boat Harbour on Fri 5th, Sat 6th and Sun 7th April, and features a tribe of health and spiritual practitioners as well as stalls specialising in recycled, sustainable, natural and organic products. There's also a Mongolian yurt on site and many free children’s activities.
Exhibitors include psychics, intuitive midwives, psychosomatic therapists, crystal readings, meditation sessions, plus loads and loads of health stalls. If you're free this weekend make sure you check it out!
♥
♥ Organic Peppermint Tea
Ah peppermint tea, how I love you! Throw organic into the equation and we're verging on soulmates. A really interesting thing has happened… ever since I've started drinking peppermint tea and rosehip tea (not at the same time!) each day, my skin has become exceptionally clear. They're both touted as super skin loving drinks, so I'm going to keep up with this experiment of sorts and hopefully keep enjoying clearer skin.
Have you ever tried Xtend Barre? Have you found peppermint tea or rosehip tea to be great for your skin? I'd love to talk about this with you, so leave me a comment below!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
zp8497586rq
