Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Amy Zempilas, Perth Lifestyle Blogger.

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

I’m a wife to a very busy husband (Channel 7 Sports Presenter, Basil Zempilas) and mum to a very busy little bee, my 15 month old daughter Ava. I also have a blog called Absolute Amy which I started a few months ago. I cover everything from recipes, beauty, travel, motherhood, fashion and lifestyle.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I start my day with a gentle cleanser, I just started using Q Silica which recently won a Best Overall Skincare award in the UK. It’s made from all natural ingredients which I love. I then use Garnier BB Cream which is essentially 3 products in 1. It provides a light coverage, sunscreen and moisturiser and creates a really subtle, fresh glow. I then use concealer for under my eyes, Australis Killer Curves mascara, MAC Blush in Desert Rose and Lancome Juicy Tubes lip gloss in Melon (Available on StrawberryNET).

Before I go to bed, I use La Prairie eye cream and Seven Wonders Argan Oil serum which contains antioxidants and Vitamin E , I’ve just started using it and have been very impressed with the results. I wake up and my skin feels super smooth and hydrated.

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

I really love to have my nails done, I don’t quite feel dressed or ‘finished’ if my nails aren’t polished. I usually head to Stylish Nails in Mount Hawthorn to get them done.

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

I go to Le Chic in Nedlands, Ranj and Mackenzie are both amazing colourists and stylists. I always leave completely happy with my hair. They’re the best!

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I absolutely love using Lavender oil, which you can find in the local supermarket. It has so many uses; from sprinkling a few drops onto my pillow at night, to popping a few drops onto a warm flannel to soothe my skin. I always take this with me when I travel as it can be used on bites and stings, as an antiseptic, and a few drops in the bath creates an immediate day spa sensation.

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

It’s so difficult to narrow it down to just three! I have to say that I have used Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat under my eyes since I was about 17. It’s the ultimate concealer for dark circles.

I also couldn’t live without lip balm, I have quite a collection but I have to say that Lucas Paw Paw ointment is my favourite.

My third product would have to be The Body Shop’s Japanese Cherry Blossom Shower gel, the smell is out of this world! It’s so clean and fresh and yummy and it also has great sentimental value as I used it when I was in labour with Ava, so it brings back wonderful memories.

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

It might sound predictable, but I try to get enough sleep, eat well, fit in some exercise and drink lots of water. If I’m feeling tired or run down, bronzer and a big smile usually helps me look and feel better.

♥ Pool view at Gwinganna Health Retreat

♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)

I would love to go to a beautiful health retreat, even for a weekend. I have it on my list of things to do.

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I start my day pretty early, sometimes around 5.30am and I usually make myself a coffee. I then have either a bowl of oatmeal with honey or share some toast and fruit with my daughter. Lunch is generally a sandwich, veggie slice or rice crackers with cheese, avocado and tomato. Afternoon tea is fruit and cheese with my daughter and I usually cook a healthy dinner for my hubby and I, something like Tuna & Veggie Pasta or a stir fry. Every night I indulge in a Whittakers coconut mini slab, I love chocolate and have found that it’s pointless to try and deny myself – it’s all about moderation and I really look forward to my little treat after dinner.

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

As much as I’d love to, I don’t get time to go to any classes or the gym, but I do make an effort to walk to the local park at least a couple of times a week with my daughter. That as well as housework seems to keep me pretty fit. I would love to fit in a yoga class, I did pregnancy yoga with Ava and it was just amazing – it really helped with my breathing for childbirth.

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

I take a multi vitamin every day, and also see a chiropractor every 6 – 8 weeks.

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

I love having candles scattered through my house and will burn one every night as away to wind down. I also love to have a cup of lemongrass and ginger tea every night, it’s so delicious and soothing. On the weekends I indulge in a glass of red, which is always a great way to relax!

Thanks to Amy for taking time out of her super busy schedule to share her routine with us!

If you have any questions, please leave them below 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Wellness Tips | 3 Comments »

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Yasemin Trollope (nee Turker), Beauty Editor @ Good Health Magazine, PRIMPED Contributor.

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

My bio reads something like this: Freelance beauty editor in charge of the beauty pages of Good Health magazine; PRIMPED.com.au contributor; proud creator of The Happiness Cocktail; health and wellness whiz; incessant tweeter; lover of pinning. My real life reads something like this: All of the above plus a loving wife to the world’s most amazing man; international happiness seeker; adorer of family, friends and all things furry; mad cook.

♥ Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation available on StrawberryNET

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I do try as many beauty products as possible so that I can honestly talk to my readers and share my opinion, rather than play make-believe. But right now I start the day with shu uemura mamachiyo skin purifier cleansing oil, Dr. Spiller Aloe Sensitive Cleansing Milk and QV Daily Moisturiser. I then apply sunscreen (I like Invisible Zinc), a mixture of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua and Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Foundations, creme blush, mascara, and eye shadow (my current obsession is Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Tortoise Shell Palette. It’s amazing!). At night I remove all my makeup with the shu cleansing oil and Bobbi Brown Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover, before cleansing again, and popping on Dr. Spiller Sensitive Beauty Night Cream and an eye cream. Phew! It never seems that much when I’m doing it, but looking back…

♥ Siam Cabana

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

It’s a toss up between a facial and a massage. I love the Omnilux Light Therapy Treatments that come with the Priori Facials I get done at the Spa Universe headquarters in Sydney. If you want to try one, give them a call and they’ll let you know where the nearest salon to you is. For a quick weekend unwind, my husband and I go to Siam Cabana in Bondi for Thai Massages. If I’m really suffering from stiff neck syndrome, I head to Glenn Walmsley in Double Bay for some myotherapy – he is a magician.

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

Unfortunately I’ve never been to Perth, but in Sydney I’ve been blessed with some great hairdressers. Brad Ngata and Barney Martin are both wonderful, as well as Hamish Glianos from PEOPLE Hairdresser in Surry Hills. If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend Suzie from Sudu Hair in Sydney. Super high quality without the price tag. WIN!

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

You really can’t beat a strawberry, honey and oat mask made in your kitchen and slapped on your skin. It’s a super quick way to temporarily add zing to your skin, and best of all, it’s chemical-free.

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

My electric toothbrush – dental hygiene is so important. My eve lom lip balm. Bronzer. Of any variety.

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

It’s not all that secret now that I blog on The Happiness Cocktail, but I am a firm believer in feeding your skin from the inside out. So, I follow a wholefood diet with lots of fruit and veggies (plus whole grains and high quality meat), try to eat a large amount of raw as well as cooked food, and keep my system alkaline by drinking barley grass and wheat grass everyday. I also love liquid chlorophyll and young baby coconut juice. YUM!

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♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)

Ha! This is a tough one because I have tried so many of them. Oh wait, I’d love to dive into a freezing pool in the Swiss Alps like they did on The Biggest Loser. That looked so, erm, refreshing. No seriously, it looked kind of wild.

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Wake up to a glass of wheat grass powder and water before sitting down to green tea. I then have a bowl of fruit with nuts. About an hour or two later I’ll have a small bowl of muesli, then have lunch (lots of greens), snack if I’m hungry, then dinner (more greens, and protein, and yumminess), elegantly finished off with couple of pieces of dark chocolate (for being so good).

♥ Beautiful Centennial Park

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

It varies. Constantly. I live in a suburb called Centennial Park which, as the name suggests, is a giant park in the middle of Sydney. It would be sacrilege to live so close and not utilise it, so I’m often seen walking or running around there. I also do boxing with my best mate, yoga, and keep my mind fit through meditation.

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

I know it’s super controversial but I get colonic hydrotherapy every now and then. I’ve done my research and I go to an amazing place with well-trained staff who know exactly what they’re doing, and it makes me spring out of bed and have whiter-than-white eyes. It works for me. I also do a 3-day juice cleanse maybe twice a year, and meditate as much as I possibly can. On top of that I take Omega 3 supplements and a probiotic.

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

Meditation is an obvious one for me, but I’m also blessed with a husband who is incredibly calm and lovely, so just being around him instantly makes me feel like everything is going to be OK. I love catching up with friends over a few glasses of red, playing with my 3 month old niece, laughing LOTS and planning holidays – because what’s life without an adventure in the pipeline?

A million and one thanks to Yaz for sharing her beauty & wellbeing routine with us today! I feel super privileged as she has been one of my ‘blogging idols’ for some time. If you have any questions for her please leave them below and make sure you check out The Happiness Cocktail for lots of yummy inspiration!

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Interviews, Wellness Tips | 5 Comments »

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Kristy Ellis, WA & SA Trainer for Mecca Cosmetica and Kit Cosmetics + Freelance Makeup Artist!

♥ Photo by Sarah Kate Dorman Photography

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

My name is Kristy Ellis and I am the WA and SA regional trainer for Mecca Cosmetica and Kit Cosmetics. I also have my own freelance makeup artistry business as well. I do weddings, special occasions, shoots and portrait sittings. I consider myself to be so lucky to have a job that makes women feel good about themselves. The person that once said to me that makeup is a superficial/fickle industry hasn’t has the opportunities I have to really make women feel amazing in their own skin. I LOVE MY JOB!!!!

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Oh good question!! My routine changes all the time with the launch of new and exciting products. But I always come back to Perricone MD. I use the Citrus Cleanser AM and PM.

My day-time serum is the Advanced Face Firming Activator (active ingredients are alpha lipoic acid and DMAE) and my night-time serum is the Concentrated Restorative Cream (active ingredient is vitamin C ester) I follow both with the Face Finishing Moisturiser and I use the Advanced Eye Area Therapy. This brand is amazing!

Twice a week I love to do a little facial by exfoliating and a mask double-up, I like to use something with a fruit acid first then follow it with something hydrating. Makeup changes everyday for me, mostly depending on how much time I have. But I do love a bright lipstick, my favourites are “Muse” by hourglass and “Schiap” by Nars.

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

I don’t get to go out and have treatments as much as I would like to but I would always pick to have a great body exfoliant and follow it with a massage. The one place that I will always go when travelling to Bali is a place called Jari Menari. It’s the most divine massage that you will ever have and the spa has relaxing and beautiful surrounds. They do a 4 hand massage there and it’s like nothing else! There is one in Seminyak and one in Nusa Dua. I really need to find somewhere to frequent in Perth! Suggestions????

ED: Bodhi J is my top pick for massage in Perth! 🙂

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

I go to see Michael O’Dowd at Lee Wallis in Claremont. The man is a genius. Last year when I wanted to lop all my (long) locks off to a short bob he did a gorgeous job. I loved it. He was really honest with me with advice and styling tips. I’m an absolute hair product junkie too, and he always suggests things that I love.

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

When I want to really give my skin (body) a great scrub and still nourish it at the same time I like to mix sugar or sea salt and olive oil. You can always add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to make it a little more fragrant.

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

I get asked this all the time in my job, I don’t have children yet but I liken it to having to pick your favourite child!!!! But I believe that if you want your skin to stay looking young you need to protect it.

♥ 1 is the Mecca ‘To Save Face SPF’. Its lightweight, non-whitening and feels great on the skin, never oily.

♥ 2 is the Lip De-Luscious SPF 25 lip protectant. Every day we layer glosses on and head out in the sun, with the main ingredient in glosses being oil, essentially we’re baking our lips in the sun. I’m not at all saying that we shouldn’t wear our fav glosses, but start the day by protecting those gorgeous lips and keep this product with your skincare in the morning (and maybe one in your car and handbag!!!!) LOVE LOVE LOVE this product. My best friend had a little scare with a lip cancer last year, so I’m super passionate about this one! Oh did I mention it has hyaluronic spheres in it too so its plumping?!

♥ 3 is the Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara. It’s the best for volume, separation and it contains rosewater and Red Seaweed Extract to regenerate lashes. I have tried so many mascaras and I consistently come back to this one.

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

I don’t think it’s any massive secret but as hard as it is sometimes, a healthy diet with lots of fresh produce and doing exercise that I love is the best way for me to stay feeling great and de-stressed. As hard as it is to get out of bed early some days, I love to go down to Port beach for a walk or run and then a quick dip before work. I don’t have a dog, but I love to watch all the dogs on the beach having a great time too. It cheers me right up!

Omnilux Facial

♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)

I would love to go have an Omnilux Facial. I have heard that they are amazing for a energising, regenerating and plumping the skin. I also keep meaning to get myself to a Bikram yoga class too.

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I have my ups and downs for sure but lately I have been reading books by James Duigan and following him on Twitter. It’s more of a lifestyle than a diet and his philosophy is all about being “clean and lean”. Lots of organic fresh produce and lean protein to help clean the body of toxicity levels (in a nutshell!!!). I’m not doing it 100% but where I can, I definitely try. He has the best breakfast recipes and being my favourite meal of the day so have been enjoying things like Buckwheat and Blueberry pancakes, Homemade Flaked Granola and Porridge with orange zest and cinnamon. Yum!!!!! Lunch is usually a salad I can grab on the run and dinner is fish, steak or chicken with veges or salad.

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I love to run! It’s a chance be on only in my own thoughts for a while and listen to music. I like to swim if I get a chance but I have just started doing a circuit class with my best friend at a little gym near my house called Fitness Results. Its full on but it’s the interval training that I need. I had set out to run the Perth Marathon this year after completed the City to Surf Half Marathon last year but time (and the extra motivation) has got away from me so I think that will go on the back burner for a bit. Maybe next year who knows? I’d love to do it in New York!!

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

I take alpha lipoic acid in a vitamin form. It’s a powerful anti-oxidant and is said to help with controlling blood sugar levels too. James Duigan (mentioned previously) has a website called bodyism.com and they do their own multi-vitamins and supplements that I take. His supplements are great and you can add them to a smoothie in the morning too.

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

Sunday morning breakfast for sure! I love to discover new and kooky little cafes with my lovely boyfriend, but if it had to be something on my own I’ll say magazines are my true vice!!! I spend so much on them but as cliche as it sounds I love to sit at home, put a good chick flick on in the background (usually something that I have seen 100 times over!!!!) cruise through the glossy pages checking out all the beautiful clothes, makeup and models. I find it really inspires me and I find it a great way to stay on-trend with what’s happening out there and it makes me get creative in trying to figure out a runway to realway solution!!!!

Thanks Kristy! If you have any questions for this makeup artist extraordinaire, please comment below! 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

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Health Food Focus: Coconut Sugar!

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My once loved white sugar substitute agave has been receiving quite a bit of negative press recently (mostly because of its 90% fructose level). Confused and left doubting agaves’ previously praised heath benefits, I embarked on a mission to find a healthier and less controversial sweetener alternative. The search led me to the discovery of my ‘sweet’ little new friend, coconut sugar!

What it is:

Coconut sugar is drawn from the sap of the coconut
 palm tree buds. It is similar in taste and color to brown sugar, with a slight caramel flavor.

Health Benefits:

Coconut sugar contains less than 9 percent fructose. It has a considerably lower glycemic index (35) than agave (42), honey (55), and cane sugar (68), thus helping to stabilize glucose levels. Coconut sugar can also do a lot more than just add sweetness to your morning coffee! It’s loaded with minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and B vitamins.

Ways to Incorporate into Your Diet:

Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for white sugar in baking or dessert recipes or anything else you’d use sugar for!

Where to Find it & Cost:

Coconut sugar can be found at most health food shops. I use the Loving Earth brand, which costs around $7.50 for 300g.

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Recipe Idea:

These cookies are to die for! They are quick, easy to make and require minimal cleaning (just what I like!). They are perfect for a picnic or to accompany a cup of tea. Just try not to eat all the mixture before the cookies make it to the oven 😛

Coconut Date Cookies

Makes 6-8 cookies

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Ingredients:

♥ 1 cup pitted dates (soaked for approx 5 mins to soften then drain)
♥ 1/3 cup rolled oats
♥ 1/2 cup shredded coconut
♥ 1 tsp baking powder
♥ 1 TBS vanilla
♥ 1-3 TBS coconut sugar (depending on how sweet you want them)
♥ 1 TBS coconut oil
♥ 1/4 cup coconut milk or choice of milk (use nut milk for vegan cookies!)

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Directions:

♥ Preheat oven to 170*C (fan forced).

♥ Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend well until there are no large date pieces.

♥ Portion mixture into equal sized balls, place on greased cookie sheet, and flatten with the back of a spoon/spatula.

♥ Bake for 12-15 minutes on 170 degrees.

♥ Remove from oven and cool on cookie rack.

♥ Store cookies in the refrigerator.

YUM! Do you like the sound of these healthy cookies?! Let us know 🙂

Article by Kavisha, self confessed ‘health foodie’ who believes a little dessert is good for the soul. She is currently studying for her Master of Wellness at RMIT University and blogs at Style My Coconut.

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Food, Products, Wellness Tips | 5 Comments »

Wellness Recipe: Quinoa and Millet Sushi.

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I love eating sushi! But sometimes I crave something more nutritious and wholesome than polished white rice. Let’s jazz it up! So when I saw this recipe from Janella Purcell on Good Chef, Bad Chef recently, I knew I would be making it oh-so very soon. You see, instead of rice she adds a mixture of quinoa and millet. Both wholegrains are gluten-free and are great sources of protein, especially in a vegetarian diet.

Recipe (adapted from Janella Purcell)

Ingredients

♥ 1 cup firm tofu, julienned
♥ 1/2 cup tamari
♥ 1 tsp sesame oil
♥ 1 cup quinoa
♥ 1 cup millet
♥ 1/2 avocado, sliced
♥ 4 spring onions, sliced lengthways
♥ 1 carrot, julienned
♥ 1 cucumber, julienned
♥ 1 tbls wasabi
♥ 2 tbls soy mayo
♥ 2 tbls black sesame seeds
4 toasted nori sheets (you may need more)

Dipping sauce

♥ 1/2 cup tamari, 1/2 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp umeboshi vinegar

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Method

1. Cook the quinoa and millet together, using 4.5 cups of water. To do this, simply bring both grains to the boil, then let simmer until the water absorbs. This takes about 15 minutes.
2. To prepare the tofu, place it in a pan and add the tamari (tamari is just a wheat-free soy sauce, but feel free to use whatever soy sauce you have) and sesame oil. Then add enough water so the tofu is just covered. Let it simmer until the water has been absorbed by the tofu. Set aside.
3. To make the rolls, place the nori sheets on a dry surface, shiny side down. Press about 1/2 cup of the grains on the sheet.

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4. Scrape a little wasabi on top, then some mayo and sesame seeds.
5. Now top with a few slices of avocado, half a spring onion, some carrot, cucumber and then some tofu.

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6. Roll up, then cut into 3cm slices. Serve with the dipping sauce.

7. …….don’t forget to eat them!

These sushi rolls were amazingly tasty! My friend, expecting white rice sushi with chicken, still thought they were delicious! I didn’t have any spring onions, wasabi, mayonnaise or black sesame seeds. But hey! Next time I might add some grated or pickled ginger. Yum 🙂

Foodie review by Hannah from Dear Asparagus.

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Food, Reviews, Wellness Tips | 5 Comments »