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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

Sure! My name is Melissa and I am a holistic health + life coach, speaker, writer and self love teacher. Four years ago I was a model, dancer, presenter and actress but after experiencing severe burn out and a cocktail of health issues something had to shift. This lead me to weeks in hospital where I decided I wanted to cure myself of adrenal fatigue and thyroid problems and thus became fascinated with holistic health. After practicing as a holistic health coach for a while I realised that it's not only about what you put in your mouth, it's about the thoughts you think moment to moment and I believe these go hand in hand. I want to inspire people to take back control of their health and life and live the life they have always dreamt of.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

For My Hair: I recently went to the relaunch of A'kin and Al'chemy and was blown away with how beautiful their products are and having been using their delicious shampoo and conditioner. They've created products with “purity” and “goodness” in mind, and they smell AMAZING. I also use Original and Mineral and love coconut oil for a leave in treatment.

For My Skin: I use Pai Moisturiser and Cleanser from Flora Organica.

For My Body: I use Indah Organic Coconut Oil on my body. It's about the purest you can get, is fair trade and harvested sustainably with local Balinese farmers. The product is gorgeous and so is their philosophy.

Make Up: I don't wear it often but when I do I use Jane Iredale.

Lady Products: I use TOM Organics. You can't get any better than this, and the packaging is super cute.

♥ What's the one beauty treatment you can't live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

Mani's and Pedi's, I love them. Any place is fine with me.

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♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

The only people that touch my hair are the team at Lily Jackson in Sydney. They are amazing and most of their products are natural.

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Tea tree oil on spots. This is awesome.

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♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

1. Coconut oil

2. Tea tree oil

3. Organic face moisturiser

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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

Drink loads of water. Don't drink coffee. Eat loads of fruit and veggies.

♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven't yet?

Maybe some of the ayurvedic treatments.

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Morning is either green smoothie or porridge. Lunch and dinner is either organic grass fed and grass finished meat or salmon with salad or veggies + loads of filtered water throughout the day + a bliss ball or two.

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I exercise every day for at least 30 mins. It changes all the time from yoga, running, walking, boxing or weights.

♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

I take a probiotic each day and don't regularly do alternative therapies but have tried a few.

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♥ 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?

8 hours every night is a must for me. My bedtime rituals are dim lights, no TV, phone or computers in bedroom and reading, meditation or deep breathing before bed.

♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

Walking in nature, meditating, sipping tea, reading, watching a good movie, yoga, laying on the grass and being around loved ones.

If you have any questions or comments for Melissa please leave them below!

Are you ready to start your path to wellness? Melissa Ambrosini has experienced first hand the power of simple, consistent changes to our thoughts and behaviours. In the past 2 years she’s held countless people on their path to wellness, transforming their bodies, relationships, finances, careers, and self-image – check out her new e-book “12 Steps to Wellness”, available from her website for $18.

Be well,

xoxo

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♥ 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!!

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♥ 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!

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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.

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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.

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♥ 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!

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♥ 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!

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♥ 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.

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♥ 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!)

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♥ 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.

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I do Vinyasa & Yin Yoga about 3-4 times a week and run on alternate days.

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♥ 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

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♥ 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!

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♥ 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

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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

A yogi who had another life as a corporate tax manager for 15 years before deciding to pursue her dream of teaching yoga full time and then opening up a yoga studio – Bikram Yoga Victoria Park – to share her passion with more people in one space (with the support of her loving, ever-patient husband)!

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

As I have dry sensitive skin, morning routine is just cleansing with lukewarm water and Vanessa Megan Rosewater Spray. After a Bikram yoga session (either practicing or teaching), I would cleanse my skin with the Vanessa Megan Clementine Organic Foaming Cleanser. If the skin is feeling dehydrated, I will use the Vanessa Megan Jasmine Face Cream. I keep it simple as I am a busy person and don’t have much time for a long complicated routine.

♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

I cannot do without a 6 weekly “Hydradermie” facial with Monika from Oxford Beauty Clinic, Leederville.

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♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

A 6 monthly trim with Davina from Head Office, Perth CBD.

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Bio Oil when the skin is feeling extremely dehydrated after cleansing and instead of using my Vanessa Megan Face Cream, I use Bio Oil and leave it overnight. It does wonders for my skin tone and hydration.

♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

Doterra Peppermint and Wild Orange Lip Balm, blusher (Clinique) and Vanessa Megan Rose Spray.

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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

Lots of fluids for hydration and Juice Plus (branded line of dietary supplements containing concentrated fruit and vegetable juice extracts fortified with added vitamins and nutrients.)

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♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet?

Crossfit! For strength and endurance!

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I have a muesli bar (or bircher muesli) for breakfast, Green or protein smoothies in between meals, a long black (coffee) every 2 – 3 days because I love the smell and taste of a good brewed coffee, nourishing lunch with (soupy) noodles + protein (chicken or fish) with vegetables and dinner is usually light – either a salad with loads of avocado, nuts and Danish feta cheese or with rice/ quinoa. If i am extremely hungry (low in energy) –my meal will include more protein (fish or chicken) with steamed vegetables together with my avocado salad. Every month, I do treat myself to a small piece of red meat (steak or lamb) as my body does function better with some red meat every once in a while.

Other treats which I may have throughout a typical day could include savoury muffin or soup. I do also treat myself to the hot chips and sea salt with vinegar if my body craves it or eggs, spinach & bacon for weekend breakfast!

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I am usually active every day with yoga as everyday will usually involve a yoga class to practice my yoga unless I am already teaching for the day.

I also try to do a personal home practice for 20 minutes + 20 minutes meditation 1x per week which is especially nurturing and centering for me during a busy week.

My new years resolution this year is to try Cross Fit so that I can balance out my yoga practice with new physical activities for additional strength building!

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♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

Acupuncture and as mentioned above Juice Plus. I find acupuncture very relaxing and balancing for me as I am a high energy individual and having an acupuncture treatment every fortnight helps me to slow down, relax and take a bit of down time for myself.

♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

Movies with my husband or girlfriends (depending on the movie).

I do find the best way to de-stress is to have 1 hour to myself at the beach or get a Thai massage session in at Thai Thai Day Spa in Langford.

What do you think of Karen's routine? If you have any questions or comments please leave them below! 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

how to get your ex girlfriend back

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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hey wellness lovers! I’m Jia Ni from sunny Perth, Western Australia. I’m a certified holistic health coach over at Happy Healthy Abundant.

I’m an enthusiastic Gemini who loves yoga, adventures, the beach, green juice, crystals, studying age old metaphysical texts, and everything health and wellness related!

Come on over to Happy Healthy Abundant to receive your FREE gift, 15 Tips to Get Happy Healthy Abundant Now. I share nuggets of wisdom and recipes to succeed (in health and life) even on the busiest schedules.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

My daily routine is pretty simple and effective. Apart from being a health coach, I’m also a student at university – so simple does it!

Every morning, I wake up as the sun rises (usually 6 a.m.), stretch, practice yoga (sun salutations are great!), and then skip into the bathroom. Here’s the low down:

The products I use are: Miessence mint toothpaste – (I adore this!), a bar of good soap like this Aromabals one or a huge chunk of handmade soap, a Sukin cleanser or Melvita’s foam cleanser, the Vanessa Megan exfoliating cleanser every other day, a hydrating rose mist, and finish with a hydrating cream/moisturizer from KORA!

I also like crystal deodorant, and coconut oil as a body moisturizer.

♥ Alchemical Oil

I also love using alchemical oil or essential oils to set the intention and tone for the day.

For haircare, I’ve been using the shampoo and conditioner from Vanessa Megan and I adore the fresh fragrance of geranium and tangerine! I use coconut oil on the ends of my hair too.

The evening routine usually the same, although if I’m feeling rather tired and want to wind down relaxing I’ll take a nice salt bath with Himalayan sea salt and essential oils, or give myself a good DIY hair mask.

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Recently, I’ve started using Bush Flower Essences and I can’t stop raving about them. Love the Abund Essence and Calm & Clear Essence.

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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 hair treatments. I colour my hair say, once or twice a year, so I pay extra care to my hair to keep it healthy.

I travel to Malaysia to visit family pretty often, and I love the Ultra Sonic Iron treatment at Number76. It leaves my hair glossy and smooth!

I also dig DIY hair treatments using coconut oil!

♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

I usually cut my own bangs and leave my hair to grow, ha!

In the event where I feel like I need a good old trim in Perth, I’ll go to Ashley at Fringe Benefits Hair Salon, Curtin University!

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

A clay mask! My gorgeous friend Dani from Scented Holistic Skin Care has an amazing French Green Clay Mask which I use 2-3 times a week to draw out the dirt and cleanse out my pores.

I highly recommend using a good quality clay mask regularly because you are essentially de-clogging any clogged pores and now the nutrients and moisture from beauty products applied onto the surface of your skin can be absorbed effectively! It also leaves your skin feeling radiant, clean, and vibrant. (Can you tell I LOVE masks yet?)

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♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

1. My Clarisonic
2. Australian Bush Flower Essences
3. A good cleanser

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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

1. HYDRATE. Drink lots of water, get yourself a 2L stainless steel bottle and make sure you finish at least one of them!
2. Eat plant-based. Fill your tummy with mostly greens, vegetables, and other plant-based nutritious food.
3. Move. Yoga, run, walk, jog. Whatever suits you best, but moving is essential to look and feel great!
4. Raise your vibrations. Surround yourself with people who you adore, inspiring mentors, messages and don’t forget to engage in activities you enjoy!
5. Sleep well. Go to bed early, in a relaxed state, and with good thoughts and vibes in your mind and heart.

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♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven't yet?

1. SUP Yoga – I love the sea, I love yoga. SUP yoga seems divine!
2. Infrared sauna – I’ve heard and read so many amazing benefits about it, I have to suss out one!
3. Kickboxing – This one’s on my 100 things to do in 2013!
4. Rock climbing – I’ve done rock climbing on a small scale, and I’d love to do something huge this year.
5. Leonie Dawson’s Paradise Retreat!

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I start off my morning with a large glass of green drink – a green juice (veggies and lemon) or green smoothie.

Lunch, depending on the season, is a mix of seasonal vegetables and high quality protein. In the summer, I love whipping up a good hearty wrap, salad or sushi rolls. In the winter, I’ll have a batch of leftover grilled vegetables and something heavier.

For dinner, we have more vegetables and a small portion of protein. I’ll make a curry to have with quinoa, or we’ll bake delicious. Meals are usually extremely simple to prepare, and I do my best to incorporate the whole rainbow so we get a spectrum of vitamins and minerals!

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In the middle of the day, if I’m craving a snack, I’ll usually have sprouted seeds or nuts, veggie sushi, coconuts, dark chocolate, raw brownies, a slice of raw cheesecake or veggie sticks and dip! I’ve written a post featuring 21 of my favourite snacks here!

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

Yoga is something I do daily. I’ll stretch heaps, and then practice for 15-45 minutes, depending on which day it is. I love walking and cycling too, and I walk/cycle to uni. I occasionally go for a run too!

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♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

I snack on Spirulina and Chorella, and love the Hawaiian Pacifica brand. I also take a dairy-free probiotic and digestive enzyme. As far as nutritional supplements, I believe that it is important to get most of our needs from food and lifestyle as long as we are in a state of health.

As a health coach, I work with clients to establish that state of health first (and sometimes supplements are essential and yield amazing results)!

As far as alternative therapies, I swear by Belinda Davidson. She’s a wonderful person, a guest expert on my eCourse, and I personally find her white light intensives and Monday white lights (which are free) a life changing experience.

♥ 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?

Yes! My lights are usually out and I’m usually sound asleep by 10pm. I’ll wake up naturally by 6am so that’s about 8 hours of sleep at least.

Most nights, I’ll lie down and make sure I go to sleep in a peaceful, relaxed state. Meditation, visualization, and chakra cleansing are some of the rituals I use to help me get aligned and have a good night’s sleep, and a beautiful day the next!

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♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

• Turning off my laptop, disconnecting from the internet, and then just anchoring myself back into my heartspace. With work, I’m very left-brained and a lot of energy is focused in the mind. Turning off all distractions, sitting on my yoga mat or a comfy couch, and then taking a few moments to breathe and focus in my heart centre relaxes me in an instant.
• Meditation – guided or in silence.
• Extreme self-care and self-love.
• Reading a book (or two).
• Journaling
• Spending time out in nature
• Hanging out with friends and loved ones

A million thanks to Jia Ni for sharing her gorgeous routine with us, if you're keen to find out more about this lovely local babe – you can follow her in these ways:

Website: http://jianiteo.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/jianihha
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jianiteo
Instagram: @jianiteo

If you have any questions or comments please leave them below!

Be well,

xoxo

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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

I loved sports growing up and was into everything including netball, tennis, soccer, karate and even trampolining. Although sporty, my weight was a problem. After a decision not to leave my teens unhappy with my weight, I took control of my health and dropped 20kg to become the fit, strong and confident person I wanted to be.

Passionate and determined to share the benefits of health and fitness with others I started up She’s a Knockout, a mobile personal training company specialising in personal training for women!

It’s so rewarding helping women achieve their goals, transforming their lives and themselves along the way. Through Personal Training, Corporate Training, Bootycamp and Boxing classes, She’s a Knockout now brings health and wellness to women all over Perth… and we’re loving it!

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I spend a lot of time outdoors so my skin is constantly thirsty. A massage therapist gave me a great tip once to add oil to my usual moisturiser – it works wonders! I mix Nivea Body Firming Lotion with Bio Oil.

Confession: I may or may not have cleaned Strawberrynet out of Clinique products. The daily routine comprises Take the Day Off Makeup Remover (you’ll never have racoon eyes again I swear!), Clarifying Lotion, Dramatically Different Moisturiser and Superbalanced Makeup. They also have a great moisturizing lip colour balm that comes in loads of colours –just ignore the weird name – Chubby Stick?!

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♥ What's the one beauty treatment you can't live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

I haven’t had the chance in Perth, but on a recent trip to Vietnam I tried my first Traditional Thai Massage. Amazing!

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♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

It took me a year to find her, and I’m not sure I want to let the secret out, but Victoria at Renos on St Quentin in Claremont is my hair guru.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

A friend of mine gave me a product to try once called Baby Foot. You pop your feet in these indivdual moisturising bags and let them do their magic! After a couple of days avoiding strapless shoes (peeling!), lovely soft baby feet emerge.

♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

♥ Nivea Firming Body Lotion
♥ Nivea Chapstick
♥ Vaalia Probiotic Natural Yoghurt

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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

I believe feeling and looking great all starts in your mind. If you think ‘I am a fit, healthy person’, you will talk that way and you will act that way. The result: you will be that way! (Ed: check out our article on Positive Affirmations for more on this!)

For me it’s drinking lots of water, exercising regularly with purpose, eating natural non-processed foods and surrounding myself with positive people.

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♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven't yet?

If the opportunity ever arose I’d love to give aerial acrobatics a go!

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Although I can’t cook to save myself, I’m definitely a foodie. So the key for me is moderation. I try to stay away from packaged foods – I know I feel good when I eat clean, so a typical day goes like this:

Breakfast: wholegrain toast, banana and cinnamon
Snack: almonds, cottage cheese
Lunch: fresh spring rolls (these are so easy to make – herbs with chicken or salmon, baby spinach, mint, carrot & cucumber in rice paper rolls)
Snack: seasonal fruit, reduced fat cheese
Dinner: salmon steak with quinoa, baby spinach, balsamic vinegar and toasted sunflower & pumpkin seeds
Dessert: natural yoghurt, berries & honey

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

Ooo my favourite bit! ☺

Fitness should be fun, so I mix things up with my exercise routine to keep my brain and body from getting bored.

Outdoor training is the best, so most of my training takes place in parks or at the beach. Each week I’ll do a combination of boxing, playing netball, weighted circuit training, running, interval training and hill sprints.

Relaxation and recovery is also important, so I do a few stretch/relaxation classes a week to stay loose and avoid injuries.

♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

In addition to a nutritious diet I take a women’s multivitamin, vitamin c and fish oil daily.

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♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

Cathcing up with girlfriends, smashing it out in a boxing session or going for a run in the sunshine are all top of my de-stress hit-list ☺

Thanks to Amanda for taking the time to share her routine with us! Check out the website if you're interested in finding out more about She's A Knockout.

If you have any questions or comments please leave them below! 🙂

Be well,

xoxo