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Nestled between an organic pizza shop (!!!) and a yoga school, Being She is a cute little beauty & gift salon on St Brigids Ave in Scarborough. I headed down there on a gentle spring day to take part in an exciting sounding treatment called the “Wildflower Holistic Facial“, which seemed like the perfect way to coax my skin away from winter dullness and transplant it firmly in the new season.

On the drive out to Scarborough I found myself noticing plenty of little flowers growing by the side of the road, which I thought was a good sign (even if they were just weedy dandelions, they were still pretty!)

Being She uses the Heritage Healers range exclusively. If you haven’t come across it before you’re in for a treat, organic and holistic wildflower essences which work inside and out to balance the skin and and promote wellbeing – Bliss!

The experience begins with a quiz to find out your ‘persona‘ (you can take the test online, here) which will determine some of the products used, as well as flower essence drops placed under the tongue at various points throughout the facial to help balance you internally!

I was a water babe, so took a mixture of Goddess Grasstree, Macrozamia and Purple Nymph Waterlily. The combination of these three essences helps to overcome vulnerability and sensitivity, balances out male and female energies, stimulates nurturing and caring qualities and overcomes emotional dependency. Sounds good!

Throughout the next hour my face was cleansed, moisturised, exfoliated, massaged, masqued, hot toweled and my arms massaged. What a wonderful day to spend a spring saturday morning!

I found this video on the Heritage Healers website which takes you through exactly what happens during the Wildflower Holistic Facial, handy!

I believe the true test of character of a good facial is how your skin looks the next day, and I’m happy to report that upon first morning peer into the mirror my skin looked clearer and the few pimples on my chin had gone down about 50% in size!

This facial won me over.

BeingShe also have a range of other interesting treatments, such as oxygen facials, Divine Goddess Facial (!!), Chakra Energy balancing & threading, among much more!

Location:

178a St Brigids Terrace
SCARBOROUGH
WA 6019

Web: http://www.beingshe.com.au

Email: beingshe@westnet.com.au

Ph: (08) 9341 3630

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥

I’ve done it! I’ve FOUND it! My search is over. I’ve been on a mission to overhaul my skincare routine for some time now and now I think I’ve found the goodies I was after.
So, a little about me. Mid-30’s gal (I refuse to be more specific here), healthy, acne problems all through adulthood (not really disastrous acne, but enough to shake my confidence) and just coming to terms with the new lines and wrinkles that are appearing on my face.

I’m also at a point where I’ve started to switch over to organic and natural products, be it cleaning products, hair products, food and skin care.

So in regards to the skin care world, I wanted to switch to a certified organic range and this proved to be more difficult than I imagined.

So, ‘certified’ organic? You got it. CERTIFIED ORGANIC. There is a huge difference between an organic product and a ‘certified’ organic product and until I looked into it, I didn’t realise just how big a difference there is.

Anyone can claim to have an organic or natural product just by having one natural or organic ingredient in the product, but they can and usually still do contain a number of potentially harmful chemicals. To be ‘certified organic’ the product needs to be in its purest form, 100% chemical free, in other words no nasties and all the good stuff. How many times have you been tempted to buy a moisturiser or shampoo that has the words ‘Organic’ or ‘Natural’ plastered all over the label and snap it up believing you are doing something good for your wellbeing? We all do! It’s only now that I realise, anyone can plaster this claim over their labels, but scratch the surface and quite often you’ll find the actual organic or natural quota is miniscule, but because it exists in the product, they push it as a selling point. For the most part, we’re fooled by it!
So, in my mission to find a certified organic skin care range, I found Serenade Organic.

Yelo!

While basking in the sun, sipping a smoothie at Yelo overlooking Trigg beach, I saw a range of skin products perched on the shelf, nestled amongst the vintage aprons, organic muesli and environmentally friendly bits and bobs. They have a moisturiser (Nourish), a cleanser (Purify) and an eye cream (Restore). The packaging was lovely and was beautifully presented with testers. Being the ‘free sample’ whore that I am, I popped some of the moisturiser and eye cream on to give it a whirl.

♥ Travel Pamper Pack

I loved it instantly, but I wanted to see how my skin reacted to it over a longer period of use. To my delight, they had a travel pamper pack available which is a 10 day sample of 3 products for $29.95. 10 days was a great opportunity to trial it at a great price. So there began my new friendship with Serenade Organic. I took it home and used it that very night.

What first grabbed me, was the gorgeous fragrance. Natural fragrance, mind you! It’s like nothing else I’ve ever used. So hard to put into words, but it reminds me of being in the countryside. It smells like a flipping meadow! Not overpowering, but completely fresh and uplifting. I’ve been using Serenade for 6 months now and still it is the wonderful smell that gives me a lift every morning and every night. Friends will say, “Ooooh, you smell nice!” and the only thing I have on is Serenade.

So aside from the magical meadow smell, the texture and feel was the next thing to impress. Serenade has managed to get that perfect consistency of ‘not too gluggy’ and ‘not too runny’ with their moisturiser so it glides on beautifully and gives your face a feeling of firmness and invigoration. You don’t have to use a lot of it, so it lasts for ages.

♥

Then there’s the eye cream. My new best friend. I kid you not, I would marry it if only the laws would change to allow it. Every morning and every night this goes on without fail. In the morning, my eyes feel fresh and hydrated. Even after a big night! I wake up now with bright eyes that don’t resemble that of a badger.

Their cleanser is the other part to their trinity of wondrous products. Wonderfully soothing and doesn’t strip the skin like so many other cleansers can. Massaged into the skin and removed with cotton balls, removes all of the day’s impurities leaving my face fresh and clean, ready for moisturising. This cleanser has usurped all other cleansers that ever called my bathroom cabinet home.

I’ve seen on their website that they’re bringing out an Age Defy Facial Serum soon, so I’m eagerly awaiting the day that I can adopt that and give it a home. My age certainly needs defying and I love the word ‘serum’. Sounds like it has super powers!

Hailing from this gorgeous part of the world…

So there you have it! I can’t rave about this stuff more (actually I could, but you must surely get the point by now – it’s amazing!). I also love the fact it’s a W.A. product created in one of my favourite parts of the state – Yallingup. I’ve since bought the travel pamper pack for gifts for 4 of my girlfriends who are all interested in making the switch to certified organic and we are all in agreement. Jackpot!

Website: http://www.serenadeorganic.com.au
Email: hello@serenadeorganic.com.au

Review by Sheridan Crofts, music quiz master & certified organic convert!

Be well,

xoxo

♥

Thoughtful birthday present definition; the act of finding the perfect balance between sentimental, exciting and budget pleasing gifts. Or an alternative definition; an extremely difficult task. However, last night I was lucky enough to bear witness to my friend Amy completing this difficult task and presenting me the perfect birthday present- an Indian cooking class at Latasha’s Kitchen.

If you are anything like me, a lover of Indian food with the desire to replicate the authentic mouth watering smells in your kitchen, yet after reading the long and intricate essay that is the recipe you decide a store bought paste isn’t really that bad…. then this cooking class is for you! Whilst the ingredient lists are on the unique, longer side and you may not have the spices waiting on your spice shelf next to the oregano and cinnamon, it’s nothing that quick trip down to Liquorice in Claremont, Kakulas Bros in Northbridge or if you’re game an Indian supermarket, can’t quickly and cheaply solve.

And believe me, using the authentic and unique ingredients makes a huge difference both to the final taste and the satisfaction you will receive when the aromas are wafting around your kitchen (and your housemate or boyfriend start to linger in the curries’ vicinity like an impatient cat waiting to be fed).

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At 6.00pm we were greeted by Latasha herself, a passionate and knowledgeable Indian woman, with a huge and contagious smile on her face (probably from eating amazing food all day!). After the five of us were led into the back kitchen the class commenced and Latasha constructed 5 delicious meals in front of our eyes. From the toasting and grinding of aromatic spices, the adding of what seemed like buckets full of vibrant (very hot) fresh chilli’s, that unmistakable smell of sautéing onion, garlic and ginger taunting our senses and being introduced to new ingredients (one of which smelt like socks worn with your oldest but most favourite boots all day) I was taught the secrets of Indian cooking.

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It is now safe to say I will never purchase a store bought curry paste again (unless it’s a freshly made one that can be purchased in store at Latasha’s Kitchen of course). There was so much love that went into Latasha’s family, home-style recipes and the demonstration flew by as she made us laugh with her stories from her younger days in India. At the end of the class we sat down, now sporting Latasha’s huge smile on our faces, with our thali of curries, saffron rice and eggplant pickle. The curries were spicy, rich and delicious and I was surprised at how healthy the cooking methods and ingredients were, no greasy, oil laden curries here!

I would highly recommend the vegetarian cooking class at Latasha’s kitchen, I left with an impressive amount of Indian cuisine knowledge and a very full stomach! However I must unfortunately highlight two downsides. Firstly all friends and family have begun requesting that I replicate the delicious meals Latasha created and inviting themselves to dinner and secondly you must wait for 3 hours in the mouth-watering smelling kitchen as the food cooks before you get to taste the food, but believe me it is well worth the wait.

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(Left to right: South Indian Sambhar, Eggplant Kasaundi, Butternut Pumpkin Masala, Mix Vegetable Pal Khari and Saffron Rice)

Where: Latashas Kitchen, 745 Newcastle St Leederville
What: Vegetarian Indian cooking class
How much: $130 for a night of learning to prepare (then devour) a vegetarian feast!
More details: http://www.latashaskitchen.com.au/

Review by future Indian dinner-party queen, Jade Jurewicz (http://jadescinnamon.tumblr.com

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Does anyone remember those fairy shops that you used to visit for birthday parties when you were little? They were such magical places, always playing calming music, they smelt incredible, everything looked all crystal-y and beautiful and you got a feeling while you were in there that a very special secret had been bestowed upon you and that you were in fact an ACTUAL fairy. And that this was the secret. The secret you must take to the grave.

Well there is now a skincare range that has bottled that special feeling. It’s called AEOS (Active Energised Organic Skincare) and their three phase skincare range (Renew, Rebalance, Replenish) uses ‘spagyric tinctures of crystal energies together with the waveforms of colour’ to create products that will make your outsides look good and your insides feel harmonious and nurtured. ‘Crystal energies’- that’s JUST like the fairies!!!

Random drawing of fairy for extra emphasis.

Ok, let’s put the pause on the fairies (BUT ONLY FOR A MOMENT) and talk about the nuts and bolts. Despite having an inbuilt magical aura about them, do these products work? I tried the AEOS Gentle Exfoliant and the AEOS Energising Conditioner from the Renew and Rebalance lines respectively and I am pleased to say that despite the amount of times I have mentioned the f-word in this article they really are very well researched, very seriously good products.

AEOS Gentle Exfoliant (blue) 30ml – $59

The exfoliant contains Spelt, in the form of the Aura-Soma biodynamic oil which contains a high concentration of Vitamin E and leaves your skin feeling moisturized after giving it a gentle scrub. My skin had been feeling really dry to the point where I could actually feel dry patches emerging (ew) and after three days of using this they were g-o-n-e. To my delight!

AEOS Energising Conditioner 30ml – $89

The real winner though is the Energizing Conditioner. This. Smells. Amazing. It smells purely magical and fairy-like (THEY”RE BACK) and I just can’t get enough. Putting some of this clear lightweight liquid on after washing your face feels like putting on a layer of contact, the kind you cover books with, on your face. That’s how smooth it feels. Seriously contact was the only analogy I could use that comes close to how smooth it feels. Except not plastic, of course.

These products just feel so special that you want to cherish them so it comes as no surprise to me that on the back of each bottle it says ‘made with love and intention’, it just gives you a warm feeling inside. Like the fairy shops did when I was little, at last I can have that feeling back!

Available online via http://www.begenkishop.com and from Karma Living (there is a store in the Claremont Quarter shopping mall) stores nationally.

Please also visit their website to read about their awesome bio-dynamic farm where they grow most of their ingredients. That are then handpicked by fairies. Probably.

Review by Adriane Daff.

Be well,

xoxo

♥

The myfaceworks face masks have got tailoring to your specific skin concerns down pat. These cute little packets contain a cloth mask which is brimming with ingredients to get your skin on the road to… well, wherever you like!

♥ I need to… detox

The other day I was quite naughty. A gingerbread man, small packet of chips and chocolate bar had all mysteriously made their way into my tummy and I most definitely needed some damage control. A hot bath, freshly cleansed face and detox mask (which is packed full of green tea, cucumber and algae extracts) put me back on the road to recovery quicksmart. If you drink a cuppa green tea while wearing this mask you’ll see even greater benefits to your skin!

♥ I need to… wake up

This Vitamin-C Radiance Mask is perfect for weekend breakfast dates with your girlfriends or boy-friends! Here’s what I like to do:

1. Stumble out of bed, gasping in mild horror at my bleary eyes & dull skin
2. Cleanse with warm water and a gentle face wash (it shouldn’t need to be too harsh in the morning if you remember to take your makeup off the night before!)
3. Tear open the packet and apply to face, this mask has aloe vera, kiwi fruit and loads of Vitamin C
4. Lie back in bed for 15-20 minutes while the mask does its thang and try not to fall back to sleep
5. Peel mask off and rinse off excess serum
6. Marvel at the difference 20 minutes and a winner of a mask can make
7. Rock up to breakfast date with a glow and accept admiration from all angles!

♥ I need… a quickie

With a name like “I need a quickie”, this mask guarantees satisfaction in the shortest possible time. Ingredients include cucumber, grape and radish root and is a pre-makeup express mask. The only thing that confuses me about this one is that the instructions still say 15-20 minutes, same as the others, so it isn’t really any quicker, but it is perfeccct to use before a big night out as it primes the skin and makes your makeup go on smashingly well!

♥ I need to… heal

I haven’t had a chance to use this mask yet as I luckily haven’t had the need, but if you’ve been a naughty little duck and spent too much time at the beach or playing sport and have a burnt face to show for it, THIS IS YOUR GO TO!

Containing 2.6 bucketloads of aloe vera & cucumber juice, this will be just the thing to soothe your red cheeks should you be so silly enough to forget to slip, slop, slap.

The myfaceworks masks come in an even bigger range than I’ve featured here, it’s a choose your own face mask adventure series which also include such flavours as:

♥ I need to… be firm
♥ I need… a clear day
♥ I need to… bring out my youth
♥ I need… damage control

AND MORE!

Check ’em all out at Beauty Works West Australia but be warned – you’ll find it hard to pick just one!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo