by Annette @ Wellness WA | Mar 19, 2012 | Day Spa, Inner City, Organic
♥ Photos by Kelly-Anne
The moment I’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! After what’s seemed like years, the amazing certified organic day spa franchise, endota, has finally made it to our West Australian shores with it’s flagship store on Hay Street in the city! *MEGA CHEERS*
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Nestled between Dick Smith & Guys Grooming, the new endota day spa offers an escape from hectic city life. Just ascend the staircase to your own personal nirvana, where the organic herbal tea flows like water and your most fantastic day spa dreams can be realised.
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Perth beauty media were invited to the launch last week, and treated to mini manis, massages, skin mapping & more, as we ducked in and out of rooms, discovering new treats within each.
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There’s something for everyone here, and before leaving this heavenly upstairs hideaway, I booked in for their signature endotarama mini-package ($135) – the organic treatment sampler: billabong footbath, half hour organic facial and half hour massage. In other words: pure bliss. It’s going to be exactly what I need after a string of late nights up doing assignments and generally stressing about my studies đ
And doesn’t a billabong footbath just sound incredible? I don’t even know what it is yet!
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So heaven is here, and to give us all a little extra reason to treat ourselves (not that we should need one!) endota have an extremely generous opening offer, with a free 30 minute facial with every 1 hour massage booked until the 31st of May!! You’d be mad not to give it a go!
endota day spa perth cbd
Level 1, 856 Hay St
Perth WA 6000
t: (08) 6181 9858
e: perthcbd@endota.com.au
endota is open 7 days (surcharge on Sundays & public holidays)
What do you think of the look of the new endota spa? I would love to hear your thoughts…and if you are keen to snap up any pampering treats for yourself!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Mar 19, 2012 | Interviews
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
Iâve always had a passion for natural therapies, particularly aromatherapy. After completing an advanced course in aromatherapy in Provence in the late 90âs I was inspired to create chemical-free skin care products for my own sensitive skin, as I couldnât find any natural skincare on the market that was effective. Word spread and I was met with such a demand from my products that I started to build a business and Sodashi was born.
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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
I love to do it all, every morning and every night. Starting with cleansing (I use the Clay Cleanser with Sandalwood), followed by compressing with Rejuvenating Concentrate which is amazing for retexturising and balancing the skin, then the Rejuvenating Skin Boost which is very firming and either the Rejuvenating Moisturiser, Samadara Ultimate Age-Defying Crème or Balancing Serum. I always apply Eye Lifting Gel and Eye and Lip Smoother and love to moisturise my body with Vanilla Body Butter.
♥ Spa @ the Four Seasons in Paris… bliss!
♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
The Samadara Ultimate Age-Defying Facial Treatment is my favourite and I make sure I have one monthly. It uses our most powerful anti-ageing product Samadara Crème and a thermal mask that heats to body temperature to infuse the product into your skin. The treatment involves a series of signature Sodashi facial massages with Rose Quartz Crystals to de-stress the skin; it visibly turns back the hands of time and leaves my skin looking radiant. When in Europe I always have a Samadara treatment at the beautiful spa at Four Seasons George V in Paris.
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
Iâm between hairdressers at the moment. (ED: Maybe check out our hairdressers review section!)
♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
Sleep! While you are asleep your skin is repairing and rejuvenating. To maximize your shut-eye time apply good quality skin care products to nourish your skin with the nutrients and anti-oxidants it needs to renew itself.
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♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
Samadara Ultimate Age-Defying Crème, Sodashi Rejuvenating Serum and our new Eye Mask.
♥ Antioxidant rich foods
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Using high quality chemical-free skincare! I also believe in a holistic approach when it comes to my overall wellbeing. I eat a healthy balanced diet, exercise, take antioxidants, drink plenty of water and make sure I take time out to relax and unwind.
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
A health retreat!
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
I donât eat red meats and try to stay away from processed foods. My fridge usually contains fresh organic vegetables, biodynamic eggs, biodynamic tofu, goat and sheep cheese. And I indulge in a bit of dark chocolate every now and then! I always make sure I eat my meals in a quiet settled environment to maximise nutritional uptake.
♥ The Eye of Revelation – the source of the Five Tibetan Rites
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
Every morning I perform the Five Tibetan Rites, a series of exercises for healing, rejuvenation and longevity. I also spend a minimum of 20 minutes on my cross trainer.
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
I have monthly Bowen Therapy, Reflexology and Acupuncture treatments.
♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
I meditate twice a day, every day. It gives me such mental clarity and it is a wonderful tool for managing stressful situations, or stress in general. Its main benefit though is that is makes me feel and be happy.
Iâm always most relaxed when Iâm with family and friends. Itâs my favourite way to unwind!
Thanks so much to Megan for sharing her wellness routine with us, I feel very privileged to have her complete it and very much hope that you all enjoyed reading it! đ
If you have any questions or comments for Megan please leave them below!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Mar 13, 2012 | Food, Products, Reviews, Wellness Tips
If the pomegranate was a woman she would be beautiful, mysterious, extremely healthy and a whole lotta people would ask her to repeat the spelling of her name! So when I was asked to explore the qualities of the elusive Pomegranate, I was puzzled and intrigued as to what I would discover.
However after trialling the Wei Pomegranate Buffing Beads, sipping POM Wonderful juice and using pomegranate in my recipes, I feel as though I have met a new exotic, exciting woman who I plan to add to my group of fruit bowl friends (and whose name I will have to practice spelling!)
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Pomegranates are the supermodels of the fruit world, envied by all other fruits for having far too many amazing qualities. And not only beautiful are they on the outside but they are beautiful for your insides too.
The red fruit is laden with seeds encased in a vibrant red pulp and bursting with antioxidants, eating the fresh seeds or drinking pomegranate juice boasts the benefits of:
♥ helping keep wrinkles at bay
♥ lowering cholesterol and blood pressure
♥ good for diabetics
♥ keeping teeth and bones strong
♥ helpful for fertility and menopause
♥ flavoursome and colourful in smoothies and salads
♥ being a rather delicious snack!
This is why Iâve created a ritual around my new and beautiful friend, the Pomegranate.
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For so long whilst perusing the fruit and veg section of the supermarket I would notice the oddly shaped POM Wonderful bottle sitting amongst the fresh dates and containers of chocolate dipping sauce for fruit (which by being placed next to strawberries makes it feel oddly healthy I find, what about you?).
I finally decided to purchase a bottle the other day and may have formed a slight addiction to the liquid ever since. POM Wonderful is a peculiar mixture of sweet and sour but makes you want to take sip after sip. It’s made up of 100% Pomegranate Juice and has all-natural ingredients, no added sugar or artificial additives. Iâve found it to be a perfect post-beach drink to banish the cringe worthy taste of beach water and to help rehydrate my exhausted body.
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Next in my pomegranate ritual is the Wei Pomegranate Buffing Beads. To add to the beach discussion, exfoliating with the Wei pomegranate buffing beads is like taking a swim in the ocean. You finish feeling clean and refreshed. The product is made up of finely milled pomegranate peels and round delicate beads that âbuff away dead skin to encourage the growth of fresh new cells and reveal the brighter, younger skin trapped underneathâ.
By adding the buffing beads to my everyday cleanser I found I received the feeling of a beneficial sand exfoliating away all of my dayâs unwanted nasties and excess skin cells (which is vital in this current ongoing heat!).
Last but not least the pomegranate in itsâ purest form. Whilst the fruit as declared previously has so many positive qualities the only negative I found was itâs popularity, I couldnât find them in stock anywhere! Finally the lovely Annette heard through the grapevine that the pomegranates were hiding out in Jacks Wholefoods and Groceries in Claremont Quarter so I got down there quickly and finally purchased a few (along with a coconut water and goji berries, plus mixed nuts from liquorice on my way out!).
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I cut the fruit in half, squeezed both halves into a bowl (you may have to use your muscles for this part) and proceeded to try with a teaspoon. Like the POM juice they are sweet but tart but also have the extra crunch from the seeds.
When considering how to introduce pomegranate into a home-cooked recipe a foodie friend told me she had a bruschetta with mushrooms, ricotta and topped with pomegranates at The Garden in Leederville however I decided to take the sweet route for my first pomegranate inspired meal.
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Pomegranate Breakfast Sundae
Method: In a glass I dripped honey down the sides for colour (and not because I could eat honey all day every day!) and then layered Margaret River creamy pot set vanilla yogurt (but you can use your yogurt of choice, the rich and delicious yogurt from the stall in the Subiaco Markets would work perfectly too) with pomegranate seeds, before topping the glass of goodness with the excess seeds and juice.
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This recipe is so versatile and so many other delicious treats can be added! If I was wanting a more filling breakfast I would add my favourite muesli between the layers, you could also add peach or banana between the layers, or for a special treat substitute the yogurt for a thickened cream sweetened with honey, agave syrup or a touch of cinnamon and mix through some crushed up meringue (I know what Iâll be craving for dessert tonight!).
Written by Jade and inspired by her new best friend the Pomegranate.
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Mar 12, 2012 | Alternative Therapy, Day Spa, Exercise, Interviews, Wellness Tips
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
Iâm the Sales and Marketing Coordinator for the chemical-free luxury skin care brand Sodashi. I studied Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations at Curtin University, Bentley and I was very lucky to be offered an opportunity with such a great company. I am also the editor for Creatures of Commonplace, a website devoted to current fashion and beauty trends.
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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
My beauty routine is a definite highlight for me because I use some of the most amazing products. Here goes:
1. Cleanser: I use the Sodashi Clay Cleanser with Sandalwood first thing in the morning. The cleanser is great to clean away any leftover residue from night products.
2. Exfoliate: I like to use Sodashiâs Rejuvenating Concentrate which is a liquid exfoliant made up of plant essences. You basically add 10 drops to a bowl of warm water, immerse your face cloth, rinse, and compress to the face. I love that it is so aromatic, almost like a mini aromatherapy session in your bathroom.
3. Boost: Next I apply my Sodashi Calming Skin Boost which is basically a leave on gel mask with amazing nutritional benefits for the skin. I leave it to deeply penetrate my skin while I brush my teeth. It also makes for a great primer before makeup!
4. Eye Lifting Gel: At the same time as the boost I apply my Sodashi Eye Lifting Gel which is great to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eye area. A life saver in the morning!
5. Moisturiser: Finally I apply my Calming Face and Neck Moisturiser by gently massaging it into my skin in an uplifting motion â itâs never too early to start practicing these anti-ageing techniques!
During the day at the office I have a bottle of Sodashi Calming Rose Mist and Burtâs Bees Lip Balm to keep my skin and lips hydrated.
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♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
I love going to Annasha Day Spa in Gooseberry Hill for a Sodashi Pure Radiance Facial or the Thermal Infusing Facial Treatment. It is such a beautiful getaway just 40 minutes outside Perth CBD.
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
I am absolutely in love with Lee Preston Hair in South Perth. They do an amazing job and I can always trust them to try new styles or colours. I have had major trust issues with hairdressers in the past, so going to Lee Preston makes it a very pleasant and stress free experience!
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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
I always do my own manicure and pedicure. My favourite colours at the moment are the Butter London âThe Full Montyâ and Chanel âPeridot.â
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
Only three!?
♥ Sodashi Clay Cleanser with Sandalwood
♥ Rejuvenating Concentrate
♥ Calming Face and Neck Moisturiser (and Eye Lifting Gel).
ED: That’s 4! đ
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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
I always find that I feel my best when I go to the gym regularly, drink lots of water and meditate daily.
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
It would be amazing to go on a wellness retreat.
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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
Breakfast: A regular day would be a banana smoothie or All Bran with Almond and Honey.
Lunch: I usually take a boiled egg, crackers, a carrot and fruit, or if I manage to be organised in the morning a chicken wrap with avocado and cucumber. I LOVE Nudies and Emma and Toms juice and drink several cups of English Breakfast Tea a day.
Night time: I can be a little slack when it comes to nutritional value but we usually cook marinated chicken or roast chicken with vegetables. We also rarely have sweet biscuits, chocolate or icecream anywhere in the house otherwise it is too tempting! We always indulge in a once a week burger or Indian dinner (usually on the weekends).
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♥ Describe your fitness routine.
I usually try to get to the gym 3 times a week for an hour workout; 10mins warm up on the elliptical followed by 20mins of squats and weights and I usually finish with 20mins cardio (10mins on the bike and 10mins on the elliptical). I wind down with 10mins of stretching. I also like to get outside for a beach walk with friends.
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
I take 3 x a day HGC+ (horseradish, garlic and vitamin C), Olive Leaf and Elderberry and Pau Dâarco (for cleansing and strengthening) and once a day Fish Oil.
At work we are very lucky to receive Bowen, Reflexology and Indian Head Massageâs once a month.
♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
I love to read, right now I am absorbed in Jessica Ruddâs books (Kevin Ruddâs daughter) and I occasionally go to my holiday house in Ledge Point to relax. We also meditate every day at work which is a great way to de-stress.
Thanks to lovely Ali for sharing her beauty & wellbeing routine with us!
If you have any questions or comments for Ali, share em below đ
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Mar 9, 2012 | Food, Organic, Wellness Tips
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Bonjour! I’ve recently become the happy owner of an iPhone, so you will be seeing a lot more piccies on Wellness WA which should make things much more colourful and visual. I hope you enjoy đ
I’ve had this smoothie the last two mornings and it’s definitely pepped me up and gotten the day off to a great start…
Magnificent Morning Smoothie!
♥ 1-2 x cup of chilled, filtered water
♥ 1 x frozen banana
♥ 1 x cup of frozen blueberries
♥ 1 x small (organic) apple
♥ 2 x cups of spinach
♥ 1 x tbsp Grants Liquid B Vitamins (love, love, love this stuff in helping to manage stress)
♥ 1 x tbsp Pepitas
Optional
♥ 2 x tsp pea protein powder
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Whiz this all up for 1-2 minutes and you’ll have a vitamin packed, cooling breakfast treat that is sure to make your toast eating housemate jealous!
I like to add the protein powder to give a more sustained energy boost, and I’m trying to gain a little weight at the moment!
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Tah dah! Final smoothie + messy bench top & gratuitous organic fruits and veggies for good measure.
What do you think of this smoothie recipe?
Let me know if you end up trying it đ
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
