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♥ My Diamond Days

I’ve been talking about the benefits of meditation a lot lately, here on Wellness WA, as well as going on about it to my friends a LOT! I’ve also been creating a few little morning rituals for myself – 2 sets of sun salutations followed by a couple of minutes meditating, and it’s incredible how much better I feel on the days that I do this.

If you’d like to start meditating but are not sure how, then you need to check out My Diamond Days, a delicious program which gives you access to a large variety of high-quality guided meditations that you can listen to on your computer, MP3 player or smart phone whenever you want. My Diamond Days sends you a daily email with a new guided meditation, so you never get bored, and there’s such a big variety of meditations that if you’re not so keen on one, then you can easily go through the archives to find one that suits whatever you need at that point in time.

I like to listen to mine before bedtime using their mobile app, that 5 or 10 minutes helps calm my mind and ensure a great nights sleep. Highly recommended! Find out more at www.mydiamonddays.com

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♥ Style Your Hair

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend the launch of a brand new smart phone and tablet app that promises to make the downtime between appointments at the hairdresser less of an ordeal. Enter – Style Your Hair.

Promising to teach you how to whip together a salon-worthy hairstyle in just a few minutes with its easy to follow videos, this app was created by two of the award-winning hairdressers from local salon Chilli Couture.

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There are 67 videos in the paid version ($2.99) and there is also a free lite version which gives you a taste of the program! Available for both iPhone & Android products, this is one to check out if you need a little extra help keeping your follicles in check.

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♥ 2 x Yoga in a Row

While I’m not quite at the level of the lass in the picture above… I’m a pretty big fan of yoga. You might know this by now. If you ever want to have a chat about yoga, get in touch! I’m lucky enough to go to a gym that has fairly plentiful, high-quality yoga offerings available, in fact it was the deciding factor in me signing up! One such yoga offering comes on a Sunday afternoon in the form of two yoga classes in a row. Most people attend one or the other, but there’s a few of us who’ve cottoned on to the fact that each class is different and that double yoga = double the benefits.

I can turn up frazzled and stressed, and walk out of class two hours later with a significantly lighter mind. A cheaper option is to do two different yoga DVD’s in a row – both are sure to have different focuses, and you’ll get a double hit of stress dissolving goodness. Let me know if you try it!

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♥ AEOS Beauty Body Shower

This organic/biodynamic body wash contains the gem & crystal essences. Yep. Amethyst, turquoise, emerald, quartz and more. AEOS stands for Active Energised Organic Skincare, and these guys know how to make some truly great, and very natural, products.

“A gentle cleansing wash for the body, containing a blend of organic and biodynamic essential oils, plant extracts and the energies of gems and crystals. Rich in rosemary, white birch and gardenia to leave the skin feeling fresh and soft, whilst the scent of lemon myrtle transforms your showering ritual in to a refreshing and uplifting experience.”

I’ve been enjoying using this in the mornings, and even though I don’t really know how the whole gemstone/crystal thing works, I can’t help but think it makes my mood a little more sparkly. Available for $18.50 from Be Genki Shop.

What’s making your beauty & wellness world spin this week? Share your crushes below, I’d love to hear them!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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Rahua Shampoo and Conditioner (for healthy, lustrous hair!)

Allow me to introduce the best non-conventional shampoo & conditioner yet. I was reluctant to be hopeful prior to trying this 100% organic, natural and sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner duo, having been promised the world with other good-for-you haircare ranges and experiencing lacklustre results. As such, some more generic and chemical-laden prods had sneakily made their way back into my routine. Until today!

The amber coloured, mildly scented Rahua Shampoo is a joyful first step. Many natural shampoos I’ve tried make the hair feel kind of ‘tacky’ when you first start using them after a period of using silicone-based haircare, but this just gets right down to work and feels just as smooth and silky on the hair as the bad stuff. Win!

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The Rahua Conditioner reminds me a bit of custard, and is equally easy to apply and rinse out. Leaving my hair silky soft (softer than most “normal” conditioners!), smooth and shiny. It also contains quinoa and coconut & shea butter!

In other feel good news, every purchase of Rahua products supports sustainable industry run by local Amazonian women.

This duo is a definite winner, and one I wouldn’t hesitate to use again and again! The only restricting factor is the cost, at $40 per bottle of both shampoo and conditioner, but I’d recommend that anyone who is interested in extremely high-quality organic haircare give this a go at least once! 🙂

Both products are available from the fabulous Flora Organica Natural & Organic Skin Apothecary!

What do you think? Have you tried Rahua before? Keen to make the switch from conventional to more healthy haircare? Comment below! X

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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

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♥ 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

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My skincare routine has really been ramping up lately. I’ve started a course of LED light treatments at mi:skn (15 minutes of blue light to kill acne bacteria, then 15 minutes of red light to rejuvenate the skin and get the blood flowing), have been seeing a lovely naturopath, Marnie Downer, for the past 6 weeks who has prescribed me some hormone balancing herbal remedies (more on this to come!), have been drinking copious amounts of green juices and water – and am about to get back into exercise in a serious manner by way of a new personal trainer!!

The next step was to try something I’d been wanting to experience for a long time – microdermabrasion! Buoyed by all the positive reviews our other contributors have had (check ’em out here, here and here!), I was super excited to try hydradermabrasion – which is microdermabrasion, with a h20 twist!

My experience started with a deluxe treat, a 90 minute ‘Retreat for One‘ that was my gift for starting a new full-time job last month. This is one of my all time favourite pamper sessions, I recommend it to everyone.

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But back to the facial: it starts with an orchid filled, dimly lit room. My head resting on one of the comfiest pillows of all time, with another pillow under my knees and a deliciously cosy blanket – no chance of getting chilly here!

I have combination skin, so my face is cleansed with the Sodashi Clay Cleanser with Lime (this is the one I use at home too) to balance it out.

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Next, the microdermabrasion machine comes out to play, it’s kind of like the tube at the dentist which sucks up your saliva, but with a little abrasive brush on the tube so the dead skin cells are brushed off then sucked up like magic. The second part of the process is where the hydro comes in, it feels a bit like a cats rough tongue as the tiny stream of high-pressured water is applied and then sucked up, flushing the pores clean with pure water.

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At this point I touched my skin and it felt SMOOTH. Smoother than I have ever felt it. I didn’t have too long to think about that though, as the Sodashi Recovery Boost was applied, along with a calming mask to reduce any redness (which was minimal). My scalp was then whisked to heaven with a dreamy massage… at this point I was struggling to stay awake, and as the hot towels enveloped my face to take off the mask, I felt like snuggling into the bed and staying there all day.

♥ The Bodhi J Relaxation Lounge

Unluckily for me there were other people with much deserved pamper time waiting for their time in the gorgeous room, so with a hydrating Sodashi serum applied, I dragged myself out of there and into the comfortable relaxation lounge for a cup of mint & chamomile tea, a strawberry and some reflection on the blissful 2.5 hours (including my retreat for one) that had just passed.

The verdict? My skin LOVED the hydrodermabrasion. 24 hours+ later, it’s still feeling super smooth. My chin is prone to some pimples, and it hasn’t cleared those up, but the rest of my skin is looking great and I’ll definitely be adding microdermabrasion to my skin maintenance routine 4-5 times a year.

The Hydrodermabrasion treatment is valued at $140 and was provided complimentary for review, read our review policy here!

Find out more about Bodhi J Health + Beauty spa on their website.

Have you tried microdermabrasion before? What about hydrodermabrasion? I’d love to hear anyone elses experience with either of these treatments!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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

Hiya Wellness WA-ians. My name is Candice and I am a writer, speaker, holistic health & lifestyle coach, co-owner of an organic food co-op and spirit junkie.

Having spent many years of my life battling with weight gain, in and out of doctors with every illness under the sun, I was always searching for the ‘meaning’ of my life. It was when my husband and soul mate of 9 years was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2010 that I was really given the slap across the face I needed to change my life for the better. We took our health into our own hands and used natural treatments (such as meditation, yoga, journaling, juices, smoothies & learning to love ourselves) and I was able to rid myself of the mental and physical weight I’d been carrying around for so long.

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With the burning desire to share our learning’s with the world, we created a website, Co-Inside Wellbeing, which is updated regularly with oh-so amazing health tips, as well as words of inspiration and kick-ass ‘mostly raw’ food recipes to inspire people to choose health and love life, just as I have done. FINALLY I have found my passion and the meaning of my life… to help as many people that I possibly can to feel amazing through my website, e-books, health coaching and lectures.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Since embracing organic and natural products, my beauty routine has become quite simple.

• I start the day with a huge glass of water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. I say an affirmation to myself into the mirror which is usually… ‘I love and approve of myself’ (very powerful words!).
• I am slightly obsessed with Aromabals’ white clay wash rocks in banana/coconut right now so that’s my face wash/body wash and perfume as the scent lasts all day.
• I wash my hair every couple of days with Vanessa Megan. I have tried a ton of ‘natural’ shampoos and conditions and have found this is the only one that leaves my hair feeling silky and smooth (and without the added nasties).

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• I like to mix it up with my cosmetics and I am always trying new and exciting mineral make up, so I alternate brands often. At the moment I use bare minerals mascara, Inika blush and Nude foundation powder.

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• Once a week I indulge in a face mask. If I don’t make one myself then I slather on my favourite Halka B Cacao and Argan Mask – it’s divine!
• Every night before I go to bed I wash my face with water and wipe off excess make-up with Wot-Not Facial Wipes.
• 8 hours sleep is a MUST – this is the most important part of my beauty routine.

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

Colonic hydrotherapy! I believe the colon is the absolute cornerstone of health and wellbeing. A clean colon means proper elimination of toxins (which means amazing skin) as well as the ability to absorb important nutrients, and of course weight loss. I see Sue Munro at the Rejuvenation Centre in West Leederville once or twice a year and have done so for 7 years. The woman is a miracle worker.

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

Kelly Scafidi, without a doubt. This hair goddess of mine works out of her home in Highgate and brings my hair back to life every time I see her. I met Kelly around 3 years ago when she was at Lee Preston, after saving me from a tear-inducing ‘hair style’ from another salon. Though I no longer dye my hair, I will still travel all the way to see Kelly for one of her perfect cuts and a refreshing chat about life.

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I make a lot of my own skincare products at home such as masks, face oils and toners. Nature has provided many ‘products’ for us to use straight out of the ground that need little or no intervention – thankfully I grow some of these in my garden.

One of my favourite budget treatments came about when I was making a raw dessert and suddenly had the urge to smother raw honey all over my face. I listened to my intuition and 10 minutes later had skin softer than a baby’s bottom!

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

1. Coconut Oil – makes a fabulous moisturizer, hair treatment and an amazing addition to raw desserts and green smoothies. I even use it on my pups when they cut or graze themselves. You can use it for absolutely everything, and I mean EVERYTHING!
2. Apple Cider Vinegar – Again, it’s a product with a gazillion purposes. Fabulous for weight loss, indigestion and great in a homemade face toner. And it’s super cheap too!
3. Wotnot facial wipes – these are the only 100% natural facewipes with certified organic ingredients I’ve found and they’re amazing. Perth recently had a shortage so I was forced to use another brand for a few months. As soon as the supplier had them back in stock I bought 10! haha

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

I have five super simple rules that I live by:

1. KISS – Keep it simple sister! I apply this motto to my life in general (less stuff + less commitments = less stress). And when it comes to beauty, I’ve never felt more amazing than when I am just wearing a smile and nothing else.

2. Drink up – Water is incredible for eliminating toxins, is seriously energizing and can prevent fatigue, also when consumed first thing in the morning… gets the ol’ bowels moving. Seriously amazing stuff!

3. Laugh at everything, including yourself – ‘They’ say laughter is the best medicine and I would have to agree on this one. If I am feeling a bit off at any point, I find that laughing at myself or the situation always brings me right out of the dumps and into a much nicer place.

4. Eat organic or grow your own – I’ve been organic for quite a few years now and I feel great knowing that I am avoiding ingesting toxic pesticides and doing my bit for the planet. I also have my own vegie patch where I grow organic herbs & vegies. I find it very healing and ultra-satisfying being able to pick my produce straight out of the ground.

5. Do what you love and love what you do – find your passion and you will never work a day in your life, plus you will be the happiest version of yourself and this in itself is anti-ageing!

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

I have SOOO many wellbeing activities and events on my vision board, here are the top five coming up I’ve unleashed my manifesting monster on…

1. Tony Robbins’ Unleash the Power Within in Sydney
2. Marie Forleo’s Rich, Happy and Hot Live in New York
3. In The Wake of Our Spiritual Ancestors – Cruising the Mediterranean with Dr Wayne Dyer
4. David Wolfe’s New Year’s Celebration Retreat in Hawaii
5. Leonie Dawson’s Business Goddess Rainforest Retreat in far north QLD

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Oh yay, my favourite subject… food! 🙂 I actually eat A LOT. I’ve never really been a 3 square meals kind of gal and so I eat small meals frequently. Here’s what my day usually looks like:

First thing – A huge glass of filtered water with Apple Cider Vinegar (then a ton of water throughout the day)

Breakfast – A gigantic green smoothie filled with kale, celery, banana, vital greens, spirulina or chlorella & water, or if I am feeling adventurous then I will have a homemade buckwheat cereal with almond milk (here’s the recipe)

Lunch – Usually a gigantic green salad with avocado and a dressing of olive oil, wakame leaf, cayenne pepper, Celtic sea salt & nutritional yeast. Every now and then I will have millet, amaranth or quinoa pilaf.

Dinner – Either one of the following: tempeh burgers, kelp noodles (yummo!), raw pizza, organic sourdough toast with avo/tomato/coriander/hemp seeds & Halka B’s edible argan oil (my new fav) or a big salad similar to lunch. I have also been known to have raw dessert for dinner on various occasions (such as choc chia pudding or raw lemon cheesecake)… mostly when I remember I am an adult and I can eat what I want. Haha.

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Snacks – seasonal fruit, smoothies, my homemade raw power balls, activated nuts, carrot sticks or crackers with homemade hummus or ‘coconut mylk’ luvju chocolate by Loving Earth.

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

• Yoga, meditation and journaling are all part of my daily fitness routine. I believe the mind, body AND soul need to be ‘exercised’.
• My two dogs play a huge part in my life and when they are not throwing themselves in front of cars, my hubby and I take them out for a run, which is a great excuse to get some fresh air.
• You will also find me bouncing away on my rebounder (thanks to advice from Louise Hay) – it’s fabulous for many things including a good laugh, especially when the dogs try and bounce with me, but in particular it’s amAAAzing for stimulating the lymphatic system

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

My life is considered an alternative therapy. Haha. I drink green smoothies daily, I juice, I have spirulina, chlorella and E3live on a daily basis, I use essential oils, I get massages, I meditate, I do coffee enemas (seriously!) and every few months I take part in a cleanse or a 3 day juice fast.

I follow a 100% organic, high raw, plant- based diet but I have tests to make sure I’m tracking well and alter my diet accordingly. In that respect, I do take a few supplements that I feel I need at the time. Right now I am taking krill oil, zeolite, mega hydrate & vitamin D3 drops (just until the sun comes back out for me to bask in).

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

One of my favourite ways to relax is with my puppalups. I find that just being in their presence de-stresses me like no other activity ever could. They are so problem-free, care-free, and full of a bucketload of unconditional love that you have no other option than to be the same around them. When they have had enough of my smothering, I also turn to anything I’m passionate about to relax such as yoga, reading books, listening to Brian Johnson’s philosopher’s notes (which I’m lovin’ right now!), writing or just being with Curtis and talking about our future and big dreams. ♥

Thanks Candice! Check out Co-Inside Wellbeing if you’re interested in finding out more, and leave a comment below if you have any questions!

What do you think of Candice’s routine?

Be well,

xoxo