by Annette @ Wellness WA | Oct 16, 2012 | Food, Products, Reviews
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The first time I saw Pana Chocolate my heart did a flip. They say it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but a cute package never hurt anyone. And in this case the friendly looking critters, silver hearts and recycled packaging definitely convinced me to put down my bar of Cadbury chocolate and try this new treat.
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I wasn’t disappointed. Upon opening the box the love just keeps on coming; what lies within is some sweet printed choccy wrapping paper (no boring silver foil here) and 6 squares of raw, organic, vegan chocolate heaven.
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That’s right, this isn’t your average bar of chocolate. Pana is raw, vegan, organic, handmade, low GI, dairy free, soy free, gluten free and has no added sugar. Healthy chocolate, sans guilt. For those who haven’t tried raw chocolate before and are at this point feeling rather sceptical reading that list, FEAR NOT! Here’s what the bars DO have:
♥ 50-60% cacao solids (raw chocolate material)
♥ Cacao butter & cacao powder (lots of chocolate-y cacao goodness!)
♥ Agave nectar & coconut oil (yum)
♥ Wild carob, cinnamon & himalayan sea salt
♥ Pure essential oils and superfoods, depending on which flavour you’re lucky enough to be holding in your hot little hands!
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So now to the important stuff, what does it actually taste like? I was the lucky recipient of 4 flavours: Cinnamon, Goji & Coconut, Mint & Orange!
♥ It’s rich & fudge-like in consistency. Deliciously so.
♥ While it’s different to milk chocolate, there’s none of the bitterness commonly associated with dark chocolate, which is a win in my book.
♥ The Coconut & Goji flavour has lots of yummy chunks of both goodies throughout.
♥ The other 3 flavours are smooth, as they’re flavoured with ground cinnamon/essential oils.
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The best part is, because these bars pack a concentrated chocolatey punch, a square or two is enough to satisfy even the most rampant of sweet tooths. I award this chocolate company a gold star for outstanding flavours, deliciously creamy chocolate & being super healthy and environmentally friendly. Pana Chocolate, will you marry me?
RRP $6.25-$8.50, available to buy online, or check here for your closest stockist and make your way there quick-smart!
Tell me, have you tried Pana Chocolate or seen it around? I’d love to hear what your favourite flavours are – there’s even a limited edition ‘Rose’ flavour that I’m desperate to get my hands on! Lets talk chocolate in the comments!!
This is a sponsored post, however my love for the chocolate is 100% official!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Oct 15, 2012 | Organic, Products, Reviews
Hello wellness lovers! Welcome to another edition of beauty & wellbeing crushes – this is one of my FAVOURITE sections to write, as I get to share with you the little things that are amping up my wellness and making me feel great in a bite sized format. As always, please share your crushes below so we can all share and amplify our inspiration. Enjoy! X
♥ Kosmea Radiance 24/7 Youth Boost
As a Rosehip Oil devotee, I’m always looking for the latest and greatest developments in the field of RHO! This newie appeals to me because it contains:
♥ Organic Rosehip Oil
♥ Organic Seabuckthorn Oil
♥ Organic Pomegranate Oil
♥ Organic Camellia Oil
♥ Apricot Kernal Oil
+ Raspberries, rosemary and much more! YUM. So far it’s on par with regular Rosehip Oil (I’ve only been using it a couple of days), but I really like the idea of the extra nutrients from the variety of oils nourishing my face just a little more than regular RHO would. RRP $21.95.
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♥ Personal Training + Sun Salutations
I’ve long avoided any form of yoga which focuses on sun salutations, due to low blood pressure & weak upper body strength which meant a lot of the poses were difficult for me. Since re-starting personal training and beginning to whip myself into shape, my upper arm strength has increased dramatically in a short period, and as such I can now do planks, low planks and cobra pose – YAY! From this I’m slowly developing a love for the way that this more active form of yoga makes me feel, and am considering taking an Ashtanga Beginners course soon 🙂
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♥ Yoga by Candlelight
I’m a super lucky duck and was recently sent the above goodies to trial, there’s a Dr Hauschka Lemon Bath, some healthy toothpaste (more on these two later) and some dreamy Luminessence soy candles in French Pear and Lemongrass + Ginger scents. I haven’t had a candle for a while so I was really excited to receive these, but was wondering how I could use them in a different way to the norm.
Solution: Yoga by candlelight. There really is something that makes a practice session that much more special when the lights are off, you’re bathed in a gentle flickering glow & the gentle scent of pears wafts about as you move from downward dog to plank pose.
And these eco-friendly, locally made (Margaret River!) Luminessence candles were perfect for the occasion! I use the French Pear variety when I want to wind down from a long day, and the Lemongrass + Ginger in the mornings to gently awaken my senses and they work a treat. Available online from Peachy Clean.
I would love to hear your crushes for the week, let me know below! 🙂
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Oct 11, 2012 | Day Spa, Massage, North of River, Reviews
Imagine the feeling of complete relaxation after a yoga class, the happiness felt as you eat a piece of your favourite dark chocolate (and knowing there is a whole block left), and the feeling of contentment after you’ve given your best friend an amazingly thoughtful birthday present she loved.
Combine these emotions and you will feel like I did as I left Waitaha Day Spa after my Body Renewal and Skin Rescue Massage spa treatments. Being pampered at this beautiful day spa was a blissful two hours and something my body, mind and soul would definitely recommend – it truly is the ultimate relaxation experience.
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After weaving my way along the sparkling coast up to Hillary’s I arrived at Waitaha and was introduced to Clare who was my beauty therapist for the afternoon. The absolutely lovely and knowledgeable Clare led me to the relaxation room, where my feet were treated to a nourishing foot massage and soak.
I then entered the romantically lit treatment room for the Body Renewal Treatment, which instantly relaxed me with its soothing music and fresh aromas. This pampering treat included a scrub, wrap, steam and Vichy Shower in the hydrospa.
♥ Me, excited before the treatments begun!
Clare’s gentle hands first exfoliated me with a delicious coconut, salt, orange and lime exfoliant (good enough to eat!) which was then gently washed off and the green coffee wrap began. This wrap stimulates your body’s ability to break down fat, increases the metabolism and eliminates water retention.
I would recommend this treatment to all ladies (and men) who are wanting to get their body back to last summers toned and smooth glory, or just wanting to start the process of losing winter’s hearty meals and yummy cakes.
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The top of the hydrospa (the big space-like contraption) was then lowered, and I experienced a nice warm steam – which aided in the wrap being absorbed to work it’s magic. At the same time I also received an Argan Oil hair treatment and head massage (it smelt and felt amazing – an incredible experience). After 20 minutes, the Vichy Shower began! Water jets rained warm water from the roof of the hydrospa and washed the wrap from my body – pure luxury!
♥ A pile of fresh towels is one of the more blissful things in the world!
After I’d dried off and popped on my white robe and slippers on (have I mentioned how luxurious this was yet?) I moved into another treatment room for my Skin Rescue Massage. This started with a full Body Brush which has plentiful benefits, including; exfoliating the skin, stimulating cellular turnover and boosting lymphatic drainage (these magic brushes are sold at Waitaha for $20). The full body massage was just what my body needed, Clare worked out some knots in my back and massaged hydro-oil deep into every part of my legs, torso and arms. Perfection. The hydro-oil is so nourishing and contains jojoba oil to deeply hydrate the skin and doesn’t stain clothes which was good news for the new knit I’d worn into the spa!
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During this time of massage zen and relaxation, Clare also treated me to a Pevonia Enzymospherides Peeling cream. Smelling of summer, the pineapple and papaya enzymes in the cream are activated and remove impurities.
Last was a Pevonia Lumafirm Lift and Glow Mask which Clare let me know (I had to reconfirm later because I was in such a happy and dream-like state) that this mask renders skin ultra-luminous with a firmer, tighter and more youthful defined appearance. It’s highly recommended for aging skin or for ladies who are seeking an instant repair boost for a special day, or because they simply deserve it!
♥ The ring!
Last year on my birthday I got engaged and did not think a birthday could ever be topped by that moment. This year on my birthday I was exfoliated, wrapped, massaged, showered from head to toe at Waitaha Day Spa and while this didn’t quite top my handsome boy’s words and my emerald engagement ring, it came pretty darn close!
Whether you’re looking for a bit of love and attention coming into summer, or want to buy a thoughtful gift for your mum or a beloved friend, I’m a firm believer that Waitaha Day Spa should definitely be at the top of your list.
t: 08 9403 3633
e: relax@waitahadayspa.com.au
address:
Shop 15, Hillarys Shopping Centre
110 Flinders Avenue
Hillarys
Western Australia
Have you been to Waitaha before? What are your favourite spas in Perth? Lets chat in the comments below!
Reviewed by very relaxed and smooth skinned Jade!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Oct 9, 2012 | Exercise, Interviews, Wellness Tips
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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I love to be fit and healthy both physically and spiritually. I devote my time to learning and teaching others about health and fitness and how they can help to be the best person they can from the inside – out. My number one passion is Pilates (my business is Renz Pilates!).
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Whilst working in London as a personal trainer in 2005 I learnt of Pilates. Within a few months of returning to Australia I commenced training with Polestar Pilates to master the method and learn to teach others. My style of workouts have since been a fusion of Pilates and personal training.
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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
I am LOVING Miranda Kerr’s Kora Organics range and have been since December 2012. I use my Cream Cleanser day and night, followed by Purifying Day and Night Cream for my face and the Recovery Eye Gel Cream for my eyes (Miranda recently recommended to try the Vitamin Enhanced Lip Balm to act like a hydrating mask for the eyes too, which I agree is divine) and the Enriched Body Lotion for my body. After my long days of teaching and training it is nice to enjoy the Hydrating Mask for my face and the lovely Rejuvenating Foot Balm for my tootsies. I am trialling a couple of new organic sun creams too but haven’t found a favourite yet (welcoming any suggestions?)
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♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
Following a run, I love rubbing my body gently with moist beach sand before swimming in the ocean allowing my skin to enjoy a natural exfoliant. I enjoy this at every sandy beach in the world I visit.
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
Karri Steele – uber cool, but sad she has just moved to Melbourne.. Aveda Subi: Nikki, Kylie & Danni – I just love Aveda – seems to work so well with my hair.
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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
Sleep. There is a reason it is called beauty sleep. Make the time and reap the benefits.
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♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
Right now: KORA Organics Cream Cleanser, Recovery Eye Gel and the Hydrating Mask
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
A positive attitude – always have honest and positive intentions – sometimes actions are perceived by others in a different light, but if you know you are acting with good intentions I believe karma always returns positive energy to you.
And sweat, laugh and move: dance, walk, run – whatever makes you smile.
♥ Chiva Som
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
Internationally: Chiva-Som, Thailand and Reethi Rah, Maldives.
Locally: Bodhi Day Spa, Wembley.
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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
Everyday is different, it depends on my mood and what I have scheduled for the day but generally..
Kickstart the day: Always a Spirulina and Vitamin C drink.
Smoothie: I will make either green smoothie made up of whatever greenery is in season – mixture of kale, spinach, celery, zucchini, spirulina mix, avocado & cucumber, or kiwi and cacao nibs, bee pollen, maca and filtered water and goji berries to serve OR a chocolate smoothie made up of raw cacao, chocolate vegan protein powder, almonds, frozen berries, bee pollen, spirulina mix, maca and filtered water.
On the weekends maybe a frozen banana-rice milk smoothie with lots of yummy extras and an egg white omelette with veggies.
Mid morning snack: I usually teach privates and classes from 6am through to lunch time, so don’t have much time for snacks. I drink lots of water and green tea in between sessions.
Lunch: Huge, super colourful salad (always changing, but as long as I can put in as many bright delicious colours as I can get my hands on) sometimes with chicken, tuna, salmon or beans of some type.
Mid afternoon: Either celery or raw zucchini with my home made hommus.
Dinner: I go out a lot for dinner, so when I order I try to stick to steamed veggies or as clean as possible. This is the one meal I am usually eating with my friends or family and I try not to be too strict amongst others as I often get reminded to be a little crazy and “try the tempura prawns!”
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After dinner treats: This is definitely my weakest point of the day. I LOVE chocolate treats. Over the years I have learnt so much about chocolate and the cleanest, healthiest ways to enjoy it. I now make my own organic chocolate with lots of special treats inside (like goji berries or cacao nibs). Right now I am working on mastering a Bliss Ball recipe (raw cacao, freshly sprouted nuts, coconut oil, etc) so much goodness packed into the cutest little ball! My boyfriend provides great feedback – so we are getting very close to mastering the perfect recipe.
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♥ Describe your fitness routine.
One thing about my fitness is that there is definitely no routine about it. I obviously do Pilates everyday. I workout a lot with clients and if I have had a day where I haven’t had much of an opportunity to move, I will get in a short run along the beach or river to pick the heart rate up or do any of the following:
♥ Dancing – I love teaching Xtend Barre at Pure Moves in Cottesloe and I am quite often dancing around my home with Tracy Anderson, and if I am out with my girlfriends we will pretty much always be making a dance floor appear out of no where!
♥ Yoga – I love Twisting Fish in Claremont
♥ Surfing – Not as much as I would like at the moment, but when & where ever I can
♥ Jacobs Ladder and Kings Park – to really pick up my cardio
♥ Boxilates – one of my new favourite classes I have designed at The Hurt Locker in Claremont
♥ Walking – either on my own or this is a great time for a girly catch-up with my friends
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♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
Some would say my super green smoothies are alternative or the spirulina I take is a supplement, but these are what is normal for me. I have tried various supplements over the years and I think they all have their merit – as long as they have good clinical research with substantiated claims and can prove the efficacy of the product they are worth trialling.I have really enjoyed Reiki in the past and currently I am enjoying a bit of an acupuncture phase.
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♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
As crazy as this may sound, I am de-stressed when I am teaching or working out. I find both of these to be quite meditative for me. When I am teaching I am 100% present and focused on my client – there is no time for any other thoughts to make my mind busy. Running is also a great time for me to clear my head and process my thoughts. I love yoga in that I am very focused on sort of surrendering myself to the universe and allowing my body and mind to move either my thoughts or body in whatever way it can.
And to relax, obviously a full body spa treatment will nearly always do the trick!
If you have any questions about Renee’s amazing lifestyle, please leave a comment below! 🙂
Check out where you can take a class with her at Renz Pilates!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Oct 8, 2012 | Other
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Fancy being pampered from head to toe in the absolutely stunning room above? Thanks to Vanity Box Skin Couture, this dream could soon be a reality!
Deluxe. Opulent. Bliss-inducing. All words that describe a trip to Vanity Box, and one very lucky Wellness WA reader will be heading there with a $100 gift voucher in hand to experience the treats of your choosing.
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The beautiful (inside and out) owner Suzey will provide our winner with a stunning experience, no matter what you decide to choose! Take a look at the recommendations page to see what’s available!
My top picks are:
♥ Eyebrow Transformation – $46
♥ Deluxe waxing of your choosing – various prices
♥ Vanity Box Deep Tissue Massage – $70 for 30 minutes
♥ CoffeeBerry Natureceuticals Lunchtime Yoga Facial – 30 minutes $110
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I can guarantee that this is a competition you don’t want to miss out on!
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To be in with a chance to win, make sure you like Wellness WA on Facebook or Twitter and leave a short & sweet comment with why you’d like to win!
Winner will be chosen at random via Random.org on the 15th of October! Looking forward to reading your entries 🙂 Good luck!!! X
For more information about Suzey’s wellbeing routine – click here.
For my full review of Vanity Box Skin Couture – click here!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
