by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jan 7, 2013 | Food, Products, Reviews
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♥ Hemp Seeds
Oh, my loves! Where have you honestly been all my life?
For some reason chia seeds don’t really agree with me, I’ve tried many times with little success – they seem to make me feel really spaced out. So I’ve been wondering for a long time how to boost my omega 3 intake in salads and smoothies, and hemp seeds have turned out to be the answer!
These creamy little new friends of mine are actually not approved for consumption within Australia – even though they are everywhere else in the world. Over here they’re sold for alternative uses, such as skincare, but they are food quality and perfectly safe and delicious to eat (they contain none of the chemicals that get you “high”, and are actually a different strain of hemp plant to marijuana).
I’ve been having mine in smoothies, on salads, on frozen blueberries with cinnamon and even just eating them off the spoon. They are delicious and supposed to be very good for you. I’m a convert!
Purchased from Health Kick in the CBD, $17.95 for 250gm, or you can purchase online here, at the Hemp Foods online store.
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♥ Rice Milk
Another a-ha moment I recently had was that soy milk makes me feel sick. As a vegetarian for 10 years I was pretty shocked that it took me this long to zone in on the fact that every time I made a soy smoothie or drank a cup of soy milk, I got a stomach ache, a headache and generally felt exceptionally average.
Only once I started experimenting with rice milk in my smoothies instead over the past few weeks, did I notice that “Wow, I don’t feel horrible after I drink this! Maybe soy doesn’t love me?” A pretty slow revelation indeed, but I’m really happy to have finally figured it out and switched to something that will fuel me and make me feel great. Yay!
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♥ Vanessa Megan Essential Blend Spray
This stuff is amazing! My lovely friend Haley from Peachy Clean Organic Beauty sent me a bottle when I was feeling down and I haven’t stopped using it since. The scent is SO calming and delicious at the same time, it’s got a kind of gingerbread mixed with musk scent and I love it. I spray it all around the house, on my yoga mat before I practice, when I’m feeling uptight, on my clothes before I go out if I want a light and lovely perfume, on my bed before I read there… the list goes on!
Available for $30 from Peachy Clean.
I’d absolutely love to hear what you’re crushing on right now, so please share your crushes below! 🙂
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jan 4, 2013 | Alternative Therapy, Food, Products, Reviews
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♥ Cinnamon
If someone held my spice rack hostage and said I could only choose to save one spice, it’d definitely be cinnamon! Lately I’ve been using outrageous quantities of it in at least one meal a day.
Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels and is a killer source of manganese, which is an important mineral for maintaining healthy bones.
Five ways I’ve been adding cinnamon to my diet:
♥ In greek yoghurt mixed with blueberries
♥ In coffee with a little bit of stevia
♥ In my daily green smoothie (along with cayenne pepper and ginger for a real kick up the bum in the morning!)
♥ Sprinkled on cubed pumpkin or sweet potato along with Himalayan rock salt, roasted
♥ In my banancakes (see below!)
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♥ Banancakes
I love pancakes on lazy Sunday mornings, but unfortunately they’re a “sometimes food”. I can’t even describe how thrilled I was to stumble across a “pancake” recipe with two ingredients – banana and eggs – and then to discover it tasted like banana bread…!!!!
After my first shot at making these banana-y pancakey gems, I christened them “Banancakes”. If you’re sceptical, I urge you to try these out because they are the best thing since sliced [banana] bread.
Gemma’s Banancakes
Ingredients:
♥ One medium banana
♥ Two whole, organic, free-range eggs
♥ Cinnamon!!
Method:
In a blender, whiz up the eggs until they’re frothy. Slice up the banana and add it in with a hefty pinch of cinnamon until you end up with a smooth “batter”.
Grease a frying pan with some coconut oil and pour the mixture on – smaller pikelets are easier to flip! Keep the heat on low-medium (the sugar in the banana caramelises and therefore these babies burn easily). Just like pancakes, flip the banancakes when you see little bubbles on the surface. Cook on the reverse side until they don’t feel squishy to touch – it’s about five minutes on each side.
They’re fairly moist so they don’t need any accompaniments, but they are delicious with a drizzle of organic maple syrup.
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♥ T2 Tummy Tea
This tea has helped me curb my coffee and hot chocolate addiction and up my water intake. With peppermint leaves, liquorice root, fennel seeds and calendula petals, Tummy Tea starts off refreshingly minty and ends delightfully sweet (thanks to the liquorice root). It makes for a perfect brew after a meal or snack, aiding with digestion and the sweetness tends to trick my mind into thinking I’m having dessert! Tummy Tea is sugar and caffeine-free and has been taking pride of place next to my kettle since the start of the year.
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♥ MooGoo 3 Vitamins Eye Serum
The three vitamins in the MooGoo 3 Vitamins Eye Serum are vitamins E and C (antioxidants to prevent aging) and B5 (to soothe the skin). The base is a blend of jojoba and olive oils so the product is very moisturising and you only need a little bit to go a long way.
I’ve been using this serum morning and night and have found my under-eye concealer goes on smoother now, and my dryness is improving! I’ve experienced no irritation and so far I’m impressed with how well it absorbs – even though it’s an oil, it doesn’t sit on the skin’s surface for ages, meaning you can apply it for daywear without waiting for the stuff to sink in! RRP $24.90
By Gemma Clark, who would be devastated if someone actually took her spice rack hostage.
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jan 2, 2013 | Interviews
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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m a Perth girl at heart now living in Sydney. Growing up in City Beach and going to St Mary’s, I had and still have a natural love of being outdoors, and keeping fit & healthy.
Just over a year ago, I launched an online store called Relauncher, which is all things health, beauty, lifestyle & wellbeing; with an organic & eco-friendly focus. The business is about helping people be their best, ‘relaunching themselves’ – via items from the store, as well as being inspired & motivated via the blog and social media outlets.
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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
I start each day with a warm water drink including, chopped ginger, Coconut Magic coconut oil & freshly squeezed lemon juice. I think of this as part of my beauty routine because it’s a great all-over detox which my skin definitely benefits from.
I also dry body brush everyday with a Bodecare brush – this gets my circulation pumping, along with removing dead skin cells. It’s the same brand that Miranda Kerr uses and talks about on her blog.
♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
I’ve just been to Bali and have been luxing out on the massages.
I’m going to make a point of having them more often now I’m back in Sydney. My favourite place for massages is The Beauty Bar in Erskineville, NSW. They are tucked away, and unless someone has referred you to them you probably wouldn’t know about them. It’s one of those places I refer to as a ‘hidden gem’.
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♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
I live in Sydney, so I haven’t had my hair cut / coloured in Perth for years.
In saying that, I was recently in Perth for my school reunion & had my hair done at The Blowdry Bar in Murray St, Perth.
The Blowdry Bar only recently opened in August, and I can highly recommend them if you’re wanting your hair done before going out, (they also give you a glass of bubbly). For $40, it’s money well spent.
♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
Coconut Magic coconut oil, I can’t get enough of it. It’s such a versatile product – everyone should have 2 jars. 1 for the kitchen and 1 for the bathroom.
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♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
Dry Body Brush – my skin has never felt so good after daily body brushing. Ideal for improving circulation, exfoliating and evening out fatty deposits & cellulite (especially on your thighs & bum!)
Clear Bag Liner – it’s a stylish way to stay organised. I keep all my important bits & pieces in this and transfer the liner between bags. It was also great for travelling while I was recently in Bali!
Yoga Mat Bag – I recently imported these yoga bags from New York. They carry like a yoga bag, store like a gym bag with all the amazing pockets and can also hang like a garment bag. I love slinging it over my shoulders then riding to yoga – so easy and versatile.
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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Exercise & Nutrition – I know so many people say this, but it’s the truth. Increasing blood circulation, stretching muscles and clean eating is the way to go.
Sleep – I try to get 7hrs a night. Without it, hmmm – not coping so well…
Family & Friendships – although I like a little alone time, I’m far more a people person. It’s all about the chatting, nattering & giggles.
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
It’s got to be the trapeze. I’m completely scared of heights – it makes me feel sick, dizzy and unbalanced.
There’s a trapeze school not far from where I live and I’m daring myself to give it a go. Now I’ve just put it in writing, I’ve just committed myself. I’ll have to find someone to come along with me now….
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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
I start each day with a warm water drink (including chopped ginger, Coconut Magic coconut oil & lemon juice).
Breakfast – either an omelette or sugar-free muesli.
Lunch – usually a few Vita-Weats with either tuna / salmon and a HUGE amount of salad – including mint, spinach, coriander, basil, avocado, beetroot, with lemon juice squeezed over the top & activated nuts.
I then always have either some home-made cacao balls / chocolate nut cake / raw pecan pie (something sweet that has been made with cacao powder & coconut oil). Most of the recipes can be found here!
Dinner – includes protein & greens.
Overall, I don’t add sugar to my diet and stick with eating less than 7g/100g of sugar when looking at the nutritional panel. I also exclude gluten where possible, eat a large amount of greens, superfoods & steer clear of processed foods.
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♥ Describe your fitness routine.
I rotate my fitness routine every 3 months to keep it interesting.
At the moment it’s yoga, pilates, zumba and lots of walking.
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♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
I love alternative therapies. Recently I tried Shirodhara – an Ayurvedic treatment where 1L of warmed pure sesame oil is poured on your 3rd eye (centre of your forehead). It promotes better sleep, reduced stress & removal of toxins. Bliss ☺ (Ed: If you’re looking for my top tip for an Ayurvedic doctor in Sydney, make sure you check out Yatan Holistic Ayurvedic Centre).
♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
I find yoga and pilates relaxing. When I’m stressed and busy, these forms of exercise allows my to centre on the present. A great form of Sadhana (self-enrichment).
Thanks so much to Alison for taking the time to fill out this routine, hopefully you’ve found it inspiring! If you have any questions, please leave a comment below 🙂
Find Alison in various internet places below!
Website – www.relauncher.com.au
Twitter – www.twitter.com/Relauncher
Facebook – www.facebook.com/relauncher
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Dec 31, 2012 | Other, Wellness Tips
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Hi everyone! As we all know, 2013 is just around the corner. When the clock strikes midnight we’ll be transported into a brand new year – how exciting is that?! A brand new year to look after yourself, strive to feel as healthy as possible, reach towards your biggest goals and dreams & live the life you’ve always wanted to. Every day is a chance to take a step closer to it. You can do it!
Instead of a resolution this year, I’m adopting a mantra for 2013:
“There is no limit to how radiant, alive & irresistible I can be“
The amazing Marie Forleo said this, and it’s already helping me stay on track – whenever I have a decision to make I think of this mantra and whether my actions are going to work towards radiance, or detract from it. Powerful stuff!
I’m also going to be doing the following: drinking water, eating veggies, sleeping, breathing, and moving. No pressure though, just doing the best I can.
So without further chit-chat I present to you the most read articles* of 2012 on Wellness WA!
1. Wellness WA Green Smoothie Database – seems a lot of people were getting in on the green drink action this year, something I hope to continue exploring and experimenting with in 2013!
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2. Where Can I Get a Fish Pedicure in Perth? – great question, check out my answer in the post!
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3. Health Food Focus: Natvia Natural Sweetener – with the surge in people interested in quitting sugar thanks to Sarah Wilson’s fantastic “I Quit Sugar” E-book, this recipe post about sugar alternative Natvia was a raging success!
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4. The Wonders of Pomegranates: A Three Way Pomegranate Ritual – a fantastic article on how drinking, eating, and using pomegranates on your skin is wonderful for your wellbeing and beauty!
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5. Product Review: Nature’s Botox Alternative – nuff said! People want the results of medical skincare, without the needles.
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6. Perth Market Review: Stirling Farmers Market – a new trial farmers market popped up in Stirling this year, and thanks to the support of local residents it got the go ahead from the council to keep running. Yippee!
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7. Quinoa and Where to Buy it in Perth – it’s been a good year for quinoa, this post will let you know where to pick up this super healthy superfood!
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8. Wellness Recipe: Superfood Raw Fudge Balls – I can personally attest to the yumminess of these, in fact I just whipped up a batch as I was writing this post!
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9. Perth’s Newest Deluxe Day Spa: Endota, Perth CBD – this new spa in the heart of our beautiful city caused quite a whirlwind of excitement when it launched in March. If you’ve not been yet you should certainly do yourself a favour in the New Year.
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10. Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Emma Smyth, Model – Nutrition Student – Wellness Blogger – local beauty & blogger Emma caused traffic numbers to spike dramatically in the day we posted her interview (and ever since!). A combination of her gorgeous looks, holistic approach to nutrition and exercise and her bubbly personality made this one of the top interviews we’ve done so far. Check her out!
* Some of them may not have been written in 2012, but have resonated with people this year.
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Dec 31, 2012 | Beauty Salon, Day Spa, North of River, Reviews
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I was recently treated to an ultra-luxe facial by the lovely ladies at Revive Day Spa in Mount Hawthorn, using the crème de la crème of Dermalogica products matched specifically to my skin concerns.
I arrived a bit early and chilled out with a herbal tea in Revive’s lounge area before my therapist, Kelly, came to collect me.
♥ Revive Day Spa Foyer
Revive is super clean and sanitary, without feeling hospital-like. There was just the right amount of pretty scent perfuming the room and the music was at a good volume with a playlist of easy-listening tunes. Hey, first impressions are important!!
I explained to Kelly that I had easily upset combination skin. I also had a ton of breakouts around my chin and cheeks that I wanted to magically erase. She took a closer look at my skin under a magnifying glass and suggested I try Dermalogica’s UltraCalming range along with products from the AGE smart range to gently resurface my skin and balance its pH levels.
♥ Dermalogica Products
My facial started with a gentle steam to open up my pores. The AGE smart MultiVitamin Thermofoliant, a heat-activated exfoliant with salicylic acid, was then applied to gently dissolve dead skin cells. I could feel a bit of tingling around the more sensitive areas of my face, but it wasn’t uncomfortable and if anything, a sure sign the product was doing its thing!
The UltraCalming Cleanser was very gentle and followed by the MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque, which gave my skin a generous helping of antioxidants to boost its tone and re-hydrate the drier areas of my face. I was delighted when Kelly asked me if I would mind if she gave me a hand and foot massage while the masque was on – it was so relaxing that I very nearly fell asleep.
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After a spritz of the UltraCalming Mist to calm my redness and sensitivity, Kelly massaged the UltraCalming Serum Concentrate into my skin. The serum is said to work below the surface to help minimise irritation.
Finally, my skin was re-hydrated with the UltraCalming Ultra Sensitive Tint spf30 to protect my skin from the bright sun outside while providing some light coverage. My eye area is quite dry, so Kelly used the very moisturising AGE Smart Multivitamin Power Firm eye cream.
I was left to unwind and come ever-so-close to falling asleep again, before getting ready to face the real world with a brand new, glowing complexion!
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Kelly explained that I’d see some more break-outs in the coming days due to the products she’d used drawing out the impurities. She was spot on (pun intended) and my skin did purge for about a week, but I’ve seen a huge improvement since then. This is also thanks to some Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel samples Kelly gave me. The product works wonders in reducing redness and making the recovery process quick when break-outs strike and went straight onto my Christmas wish list after only two uses!
Overall, the facial provided me with a great idea of which Dermalogica products work well with my skin and the team at Revive were incredibly informative about what each product was designed to do. While I haven’t got the budget to overhaul my entire skincare routine with Dermalogica products, the Revive ladies were very helpful in explaining which products would make the most difference in my current routine.
Reviewed by Gemma Clark, a pale, sensitive and fair-haired skincare junkie.
Be well,
xoxo
