by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 26, 2012 | Food, Reviews, Wellness Tips
When I saw this recipe for strawberry sorbet on The Hungry Australian, I was amazed. Ingredients? Only four. And three out of four of them are foods we normally have in the house. Three out of four of them are fruits. YES! Fruits! So you’re probably guessing that the last ingredient is boatloads of sugar? Nope! Simple jam!
I decided to make mine blueberry flavoured, seeing as blueberries are cheap at the moment and I’d been dying to use some Blueberry Jam we bought when we visited Eden Gate Blueberry Farm when we were in Denmark over the Christmas/New Year holidays (by the way, this place has the most amazing blueberry ice cream!). Feel free to experiment with your favourite fruit/jam/honey!
♥ Recipe adapted from The Hungry Australian
Ingredients: (a.k.a. The (un)Usual Suspects)
♥ 2 punnets blueberries
♥ 1-2 tablespoons blueberry jam to taste (optional!)
♥ 1 frozen banana (chopped into pieced. I always have this in the freezer for my smoothies. PRO TIP: Peel and slice the banana before you freeze it!)
♥ 1 small avocado (or half a regular one)
Method
♥ Place all ingredients into the jug of your stick blender. I found that it was easier to blend with the frozen banana at the bottom of the jug and the more smooshy (i.e. blendable) ingredients at the top.
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Blend away till you receive a nice smooth consistency and everything is all mixed up. Have a taste and add more jam if you feel like it’s needed. Pour into an air-tight container and stick in the freezer. Make sure you put the lid on first (I don’t know why, but I felt the need to mention it). I love the bright vibrant colour from the blueberries!
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Every half an hour for two hours, take the container out of the freezer and give everything a good stir. I must admit that I did this once then went out shopping and didn’t come back for a couple of hours. Don’t worry, no sorbet was harmed in the making of this post! It may have been a little tougher to stir, that’s all.
There you go. Your healthy and delicious frozen treat is ready. Take it out of the freezer for 10-20 minutes to soften up a bit before eating.
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How does it taste, I hear you ask? Everyone I’ve served it to tasted it differently! For me and I think most people, it tastes like a blueberry-banana ice cream/sorbet hybrid. My mother in law thought she tasted pineapple.
Try it yourself and let me know how you go!
Be well,
xoxo
Article by Vanitha from Buttons & Bites!
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 23, 2012 | Alternative Therapy, Day Spa, Interstate/International, Reviews, Yoga
♥
When planning my trip to Bali in November last year, I wanted it to be truly rejuvenating and relaxing, a real treat for the end of the year. Needless to say, this is exactly the experience I encountered at KUSH Day Spa in Ubud.
KUSH is part of the Yoga Barn in Ubud and their treatments are based on Ayurveda – a system of traditional medicine native to India. Ayurveda is based on a life force and the pursuit of balance between the body, mind and nature; its emphasis being on preventing disease and maintaining good health.
I had been recommended the Yoga Barn by a friend and had planned to drop in to a class upon a day trip to Ubud from Seminyak. We ran out of time to attend a Yoga class, so decided on a massage at KUSH – I have been a long sufferer of daily headaches so chose the Ayuverdic Crown Massage.
The Yoga Barn is tucked away off the busy Jalan Hanoman. As we arrived, we were greeted by the friendly reception staff who were able to fit my boyfriend and I in straight away for our massages.
♥ Statues of Ganesha at Kush, known to Hindu’s as “Remover of Obstacles”
We were led upstairs to a beautiful balcony overlooking rice paddies where we were seated for our treatment. After a refreshing cup of iced lemongrass tea and filling in some information about our health history, the massages began. The experience was out of this world – the heat and humidity (and my mind numbing headache) disappeared, as the healing hands of the massage therapist completely melted all my tension away.
My favourite part of the massage was having my hair wrapped in these beautiful, cooling hibiscus leaves, where we were left to relax in the serene setting. After having our hair washed with some delicious smelling products, we were whisked back to our chairs for another cup of tea and the treatment was over. This 60-minute treatment went too quickly, but I felt so rejuvenated and calm afterwards – I may or may not have been in a bliss-induced-coma for the rest of the week!
Ayurvedic Crown Massage (60 Minutes)
180, 000 Rupiah (Approximately $20 AUD – amazing!)
Spa Treatment Menu: Kush Menu.pdf
Web: http://www.theyogabarn.com/kush
Have you had any Ayuverda treatments? Was your experience as heavenly as this?!
Review by Lucy, Wellness WA‘s newest reviewer!
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 22, 2012 | Hairdresser, North of River, Reviews
♥ Siimon for Hair ♥
I love the idea of having a locked in service provider. You know – your GP, your dentist, your acupuncturist, so on and so forth, and whilst I’ve got most of these set, a locked in hairdresser has eluded me for a long time. I want to have someone who knows me, knows my hobbies and stupid idiosyncrasies and knows who I am immediately when I call. I essentially want an extra boyfriend/girlfriend who is good with the scissors. Some would think I’m asking too much, which is a valid point, but I am very happy to tell you that I have found this, in Siimon, the chatty and thoroughly wonderful proprietor of Siimon for Hair in Wembley.
As silly as it sounds, I arrived at Siimon for purely facetious reasons. I’m a huge Tintin fan. I love the crap out of that guy, and my younger sister who’d visited Siimon on the recommendation of a friend, told me excitedly that she’d had her hair cut by someone with a half-sleeve Tintin tattoo. So naturally, this was enough of an impetus to book an appointment for my sorely neglected hair, and check out this artistic wonder for myself.
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Siimon’s salon is situated on Cambridge St behind St John of God in Subiaco and has ample out the front/around the corner parking, for pretty much as long as you’ll need. I think he’s the only one who operates from there – he’s certainly the only one I see – and the salon is totally saturated with his personality, which I think tends to be lacking in other salons. There’s Tintins sitting with the magazines in the waiting area, he hand makes Tintin cards to send to clients at Christmas – the artwork (not Tintin) is clean and modernist and really great. One of my biggest reasons for coming back to Siimon is how relaxed the whole thing is – from the appointment itself to the compete lack of pressuring for follow up appointments (there is no “three week trim” pushing here. It is wonderful).
♥ A selection of the literature available for perusal
And to the actual business end: Siimon’s got a product and hair knowledge which is really extensive. On our first appointment, having ascertained that I have a flaky scalp, he talked me through the basic (common sense) things I can do to get rid of it, and did not do the immediate “hey this product will help that” thing which was really nice. Before all else he pushes nothing on you. And he’s blunt. He will tell you if you’re genius avant-garde hairstyle idea will push you over into Lady Gaga-land. And, um, some of us need that. And it’s always worth mentioning that a salon is reasonably priced – he is. Very.
So yes, Siimon for Hair. An awesome dude, a relaxed and friendly salon and a very good idea. Recommended.
Also, the review wouldn’t be complete without a photo of that fabled Tintin half-sleeve:
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Have you ever been convinced to try a beauty service provider based on their aesthetics? Love Tintin as much as Siimon? Let me know in the comments!
Siimon for Hair
208B Cambridge St
Wembley
9381 1777
Review by Suzanne: she is allergic to exercise, and can only be cured with cake.
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 21, 2012 | Interstate/International, Interviews
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m a 29 year old PR/ Digital Comms Exec by day, and I write about inspiration and living a big, beautiful life on my blog In Spaces Between in my spare time (or “in the spaces between.”)
I’m Sagittarian to the core, adore reading, have an addiction to lip gloss, am always looking for my next adventure and get high on excitable chats with inspiring women. I’m a passionate believer in the power of positivity and creating your own magnificent reality.
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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
In the mornings, I use Nivea Light 30+ sunscreen and the glorious Sodashi Rejuvenating Face and Neck Moisturiser, followed by my make-up.
At night, I cleanse with Sodashi Clay Cleanser with Lime, then give myself a mini face massage with Trilogy Rosehip Oil, and finish it all off with my Sodashi Moisturiser and a dab of Priori Eye Cream.
♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
Getting my hair done! My stylist Alisha from Mods Hair at Circle on Cavill on the Gold Coast is an absolute gem.
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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
Hair masks made from organic coconut oil. YUM!
1. Wash hair and remove moisture with towel.
2. Apply virgin coconut oil (10 cent piece amount) to your hands and rub hands together to melt the coconut oil. If it’s already melted, just use the rubbing motion to heat it up.
3. Rub fingers through hair – I concentrate on the ends, and try and avoid putting too much oil through the top part of my hair.
4. Pop on a shower cap for about and hour, then rinse hair thoroughly and it should feel super soft and silky! If it feels too oily, give it a shampoo to remove excess oil.
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
I couldn’t live without sunscreen, my Holy Grail mascara – Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill – and NARS Orgasm blush.
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Sweating it out! Everything looks better when I exercise regularly – I find my skin looks really dull if I don’t and I feel super sluggish and flat. I’m an early riser so my favourite time of the day to exercise is 5:30/ 6am so I can reap the rewards of high-octane energy all day!
♥ Six Senses Yao Noi
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
I’d love to go to an amazing detox retreat overseas – 7 days of juices, meditation and yoga. I plan on making that happen one day very soon.
♥ Pic from http://foodsforlonglife.blogspot.com/
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
Breakfast: Hard boiled or baked eggs with spinach and mushrooms.
Morning snack: A homemade raw bliss ball, or bowl of mixed berries/chopped up fruit.
Lunch: My gorgeous fiancé makes me a big salad with tuna or chicken most days. He generally throws in lots of random bits and pieces such as leftover roast pumpkin, toasted tamari almonds or low fat fetta to keep it interesting. Failing that, I grab sushi on the run.
Afternoon snack: It used to be something naughty like chocolate, but as part of my 2012 goals, I’m mending my sneaky sugary ways and I’m trying to eat filling snacks like cheese on Rice Thins or fruit with natural yoghurt and nuts.
Dinner: My man has been a vegetarian his whole life so most of our dinners are veggie based, with tofu or a nice piece of Snapper added in for some protein. We eat a lot of Asian-inspired meals so things like lime, chilli, mint and coriander (from our herb garden) feature heavily!
♥
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
I do group training – encompassing everything from hill sprints to resistance exercises and soft sand running – 3 days a week; go to the gym once a week (weights session or Body Attack) and run 2 – 3 times a week. I’ve got a goal to run 500km before 1 June, so I’m definitely ramping up my running at the moment!
♥ Chia seeds
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
• I take a bunch of vitamins daily (B, Magnesium, Iron, Omega 3’s) and add MOR Life Alkalising Greens to fresh fruit/ vege juices for energy.
• I throw chia seeds into whatever I can (smoothies, date balls and salads).
• When I’m feeling super frazzled, acupuncture always gets me back on track. Love it.
♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
I’m not sure I’m familiar with that word? Haha!
I’m sure my loved ones would beg to differ because they don’t think I actually know how to sit still and relax, but snuggling up with a great book on our daybed, stretching out in a pilates class, meditating (before bed so I can drift into a beautiful deep sleep) or spending time with my girlfriends, laughing and chatting for hours is my idea of bliss.
Thanks so much to the lovely Rachel for taking time out from blogging and her busy schedule to share her beautiful routine with us!
If you have any questions for her, please leave them below 🙂
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 17, 2012 | Makeup, Products, Reviews
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My love for Bobbi Brown first blossomed when I stumbled upon a campaign in an old magazine (probably while waiting for the dentist or something equally dismal) and was immediately taken by the image of a clean-cut, classic, yet modern woman. Intrigued, I looked further into the brand and was swept away by the story of Bobbi’s rise to the top from humble roots, her wholesome image, and her amazing advice. Last year Bobbi celebrated 20 years in the business, and I was proud to be a part of the company for that year. This year however, brings a new chapter, and even though I am no longer with Bobbi Brown, I still love to rant and rave about the products.
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Today my product of choice is this amazing ‘Ultra Violet’ Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow ($44) from the Neon and Nudes collection.
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Of course this collection has been done ‘the Bobbi way’, which requires beautiful skin, soft cheek colour and either an accent of colour on the eyes, or on the lips. Another product from the Neon and Nude line I am itching to play with is the Limited Edition Ink Liner ($46). Ink liner is not a product you will often find at Bobbi Brown, and would go amazingly with the look below.
♥ Look #1!
My hints and tricks on how to wear a neon shadow.
♥ Use an eye primer – Bobbi Brown long wearing cream shadow in Shore ($50)
♥ Lashings of black eyeliner make the colour pop – Bobbi Brown Gel Liner ($45)
♥ BIG lashes – Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara ($48)
♥ Sweep the shade over the lid as a soft wash of colour, pop on any pretty pink gloss – I like Bobbi’s Tutu ($42)- and some bronzer for a summer look
♥ Build it up to an intense smoky eye by adding a darker purple like Bobbi Brown Eggplant eyeshadow ($44) and LOTS of eyeliner
♥ Do your eyes first as this colour will drop down!
♥ Look #2!
Bobbi Brown products are available in store, at the official online store or through StrawberryNET (who often don’t have the whole range, but you can pick up some pretty sweet deals through them!)
Neons and Nudes collection available in-store from the 19th Feb, and online now! Get in quick, as it’s limited edition.
What do you think of the two looks, readers?
Which is your favourite?
Are you keen to play with some Neon Neutral looks?
Written by Jacqui. Makeup artist, Blogger and Bobbi die-hard.
Be well,
xoxo
