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Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on June 4, 2018
Hello! Can you believe Winter is here already?! These consistent cold mornings are making it difficult to get out of bed, but I’m enjoying lighting some incense, queuing up a guided meditation (I’m currently using Insight Timer – which is life changing), making a hot cuppa lemon water and then stretching it out for 15-20 minutes with a mini yoga practice. I have to say that that this little routine is really setting me up for some great days, and I hope to continue doing it throughout Winter, although I will probably be popping the heater on too!!
This week we have a few crushes to share with you – something you can sip & something challenging- lets get to it!
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♥ Yarra Valley Green Tea
As an avid tea drinker, there’s nothing like the pleasure of trying a new variety of tea and adding it into the rotation. Having a cuppa tea allows my mind to be calm – pressing pause for a sweet, hot moment.
My two new favourite special teas that I will be sharing with you are green, but with a slight difference.
First up there’s Uncle Vic Sencha is the first certified organic green sencha tea grown in Australia! The flavour is robust – leave the tea bag in and enjoy re-filling your mug for the rest of the day. It is a perfect wake-up call alongside your daily yoga/meditation/mantra/self-love morning routine.
Secondly, Aunt Myrtle is a beautiful treat in the afternoon. As you sip the tea, the scent of lemon myrtle perfumes the air and balances out the bitterness of the green tea leaves. Lemon myrtle is well renowned bushfood and certainly makes this tea memorable. Give in to this perfect opportunity to snuggle in bed and fill your body with antioxidants at the same time.
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♥ Twice Weekly PT Sessions
Once upon a time, approximately 3-4 years ago, I was the fittest & healthiest I’d ever been. It’s funny how it works for me, often times I don’t actually realise that I’m aceing health and wellness until I somehow veer off course over time and then look back and go – WOAH, what happened?! So back then I was doing 2 x sessions weekly with my personal trainer, Moira from The Healthy Kind, and had never felt or looked better. Moira is the kind of trainer that is so lovely, friendly and cute that you can’t even get angry at her when she says you need to do another round of medicine ball overhead presses followed by maximum exertion sprints to the end of the oval. There’s also a lot of dogs where we train, so that helps too.
Unfortunately back around that time I was also going through a really tough time with the business that I owned, and working in my other job where the expectation was to take part in an additional 2-3 fitness classes a week, so I had a mini-burnout/breakdown and quit PT altogether as I just didn’t have the mental or physical capacity to handle it.
Fast forward to a few months ago where a change in career (hello desk job!), penchant for chocolate-dipped soft pretzels, and generally sedentary lifestyle meant that over the past 12 months I’d put on around 8 kilos and barely any of my clothes fit anymore – I knew something had to be done. My old PT group had still been running for all the years I was away, so I anxiously rejoined (complete with plenty of negative thoughts… “Everyone is going to be crazy fitter than I am!”, “I wont even be able to run 100 metres!”) and to my pleasant surprise found that I was actually a lot better than I expected. Baby steps, but I was doing it.
After a month or two, and seeing some small fitness improvements, but not enough to fit back into my jeans, a few of us decided that in order to take things to the next level we’d setup another weekly PT session with Moira. This has been one of the best things I’ve done! Every single session I’m seeing small improvements in both my fitness level and feeling better and better about myself 🙂
If you’re looking for some inspiration and really want to make changes in your life – I highly recommend adding at least one personal training session a week to your routine. You can thank me later!
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Other | 
Comments Off on Beauty & Wellbeing Crushes: Green Tea With a Twist & Twice Weekly Personal Training.
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on April 2, 2018
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Bonjour! I hope you’re reading this while having a brilliant hair day, feeling super-nourished, and with a cup of tea (or wine) in hand.
I really love sharing my current favourite products, exercise classes & wellness treats with you – so let’s get cracking!
♥ To Save Face SPF 50+ Sunscreen
This facial sunscreen is my go-to every single day of the year – rain, hail or shine. When I was younger I didn’t wear facial sunscreen and as a result I have a little spot of sun damage on my left cheek. Once it started appearing I quickly sprung into action and as such now make sure to pop some of this on under my makeup each day. It doubles as a primer and I love the way my makeup looks with this as a base so much, that I often use it in the evenings as well!
10/10!
♥ Reformer Pilates in Subiaco
♥ kX Pilates Subiaco
I’ve been having a little bit of a love affair with ClassPass lately and have slowly been discovering my favourite places to stretch & sweat, creating ever-changing weekly routines that work for me. I love it!
One of my faves is kX Pilates in Subiaco. This is a reformer studio that offers 50 minute classes and goes the extra mile by incorporating weights, yoga stretches, ball-work and more to create seriously shaking muscles and a toned butt & core. I’ve been to around 4-5 classes so far, and all of the teachers are friendly, helpful if you have any new or ongoing injuries, and will work you to your personal maximum ensuring you leave each class feeling like you’ve had a fantastic workout, but not been pushed past your limit. Which is my favourite way to work out!
Do yourself a favour and check out kX Pilates in Subiaco if you’re looking to tone up in 2018 (and beyond).
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♥ Adalase
This one is really new to me – during a delicious gnocchi & wine catch up with my naturopath Marnie Downer (see her, she’s the best!), I mentioned that despite making a number of changes to my diet and supplements, I was still struggling with dairy & sugar based skin breakouts. While I generally try to avoid both of these with varying degrees of success, sometimes there’s cheese and crackers at work or a party and I just can’t help myself… and then instantly regret it when an acne cyst starts popping up within 2 hours.
Cue: Adalase. This is a chewable vegan Vitamin A supplement, somewhat of a miracle, and tastes slightly like liquorice. At first I wasn’t into the taste but grew to really like it! There are 60 tablets in a bottle and for me Marnie recommended I super-dose and take 6 per day (!) and then go down to 1 per day. This proved difficult and I ended up having 2-3 a day, I just broke them in half (they are about the size of a 10 cent piece) and nibbled on them throughout the day. I then went down to 1-2 a day.
Since I have started taking this supplement, around 1-2 months, I can hand on heart say that I have not had ONE new pimple – and I’ve indulged in cheese, icecream, sugar and alcohol. Along with plenty of good things of course 😉 But generally regardless of how much goodness I put in my body, if I stray from the 100% healthy eating path it soon shows up in my skin, and I haven’t gone more than a few weeks without a zit since I was about 13 years old – so that’s 20 years!
I would love, love, love if anyone else with hormonal/cystic/general acne or pimples wanted to try this and let me know how they go with it – it’s been a confidence saver for me.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of the above, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below so we can have a chat!
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Other | Comments Off on Beauty & Wellbeing Crushes: My Favourite SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen, kX Pilates Subiaco & Adalase.
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on March 10, 2018
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What if I told you that there was a way to get your skin in tip-top, glowy shape that only required 1 facial a month for 3 months, and then every 2-3 months after that.
Sound good?
That’s what the signature Hydrafacial offering at Perth’s newest beauty clinic, Youth Lab by Dr Kate, promises – and after just one treatment I’m convinced they can deliver.
To start with, this is no ordinary beauty clinic. Dr Kate is one of Perth’s most highly regarded medical aestheticians and she has the raving, dedicated following to prove it. Kate specialises in dermal fillers & cosmetic injectables, non-surgical beauty treatments and other advanced dermal therapies. Most of these aren’t on my radar as I personally align with a more natural approach to beauty (green smoothies, yoga and saunas come at me!), however I’ve seen her work and if you’re looking for this type of service then she is second to none in Perth.
As I mentioned, I generally stick to yoga, green drinks, sweating it out, green tea, vitamin supplements and trying to get to bed early as my “beauty routine”, however after a busy couple of months and more soft pretzels with chocolate dipping sauce than I care to share with the internet, it was time for some serious measures to get my skin back on track and the opening of Youth Lab came at just the right time.
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Located on a relaxed, leafy-green West Perth street, the clinic is set in a spacious building with multiple rooms and a chic but welcoming well-lit interior. There’s free parking out the front and it’s very easy to access via public transport – win win. Upon arrival there’s pomegranate tea, comfy lounges and stacks of books to flick through while you wait.
My therapist Alison has the clearest, most glowing skin I’ve ever seen (actually, everyone who works there does!), and is incredibly knowledgable and welcoming. We have a chat and then get down to serious business – it’s Hydrafacial time!
Key Points
♥ The Hydrafacial deeply cleanses, exfoliates, extracts blackheads/clogged pores, AND intensely hydrates the skin within just one treatment
♥ The machine used has an abrasive tip and vacuum to simultaneously suck up the dead cells and dirt, whilst infusing your skin with antioxidants & hyaluronic acid for gleaming skin!
♥ Glycolic & salicylic acid are used for the pore extractions. These two work together to gently dislodge
♥ You get to check out the dirt/gunk that is removed from your skin afterwards… if you’re brave enough!
♥ This facial is perfect for improving skin congestion, and would particularly suit those with breakouts and blackheads
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After my facial, I’m taken into another room to lay under the Healite, which is an LED light (simliar to Omnilux) that promises to help promote skin rejuvenation, as well as targeting acne bacteria. Win win. Laying underneath the Healite is like basking in the sunshine on a warm day, bliss.
Post-treatments I’m feeling a little self-conscious with my totally bare skin on display, but I can see the instant improvement in texture, glow & clarity.
The team at Youth Lab recommend 3 treatments to start with, once a month for three months for the best results. If you really want to ramp up the results & acne and sun damage are your primary concerns, a course of 6 monthly treatments is recommended. Following the initial treatment course you can get away with a facial every 2-3 months – which is music to my ears!
The Nitty Gritty
Cost: $149 for the Hydrafacial, Healite additional $50
Location: Youth Lab by Dr Kate, 1 Richardson Street West Perth WA 6005
Special Offer: If you’re keen to make a booking and check out this facial, just mention Wellness WA for 20% off your first Hydrafacial before the end of March 2018!
Have you had a Hydrafacial before? Would you try one? Let’s chat in the comments!
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Other | 1 Comment »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on January 27, 2018
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Good morning! While January coming to a close and February sneaking up fast (how did that happen?!), I wanted to start our new blog series dedicated to sharing all the best health & wellbeing events that are popping up all around Perth each month. Shoot me an email if you’d like to suggest another event! Hope you enjoy xo
End of January!
Sunday 28th January
♥ Journey into the Heart with Stuart Watkins & Sounds of Samadhi – $70
Wednesday 31st January
♥ Let That Sh*t Go: Full Moon Event @ Friday’s Studio – 6:30pm-8:30pm – $57
Friday 2nd February
♥ Beyonce Routines Workshop @ Shemoves Dance Studio – 7pm-9pm – $55
Saturday 3rd February
♥ Beginners Yoga Workshop @ Bloom Yoga Perth – 1:30pm-4:00pm – $49
♥ Reset & Realign with Mandy & Mel @ Twisting Peacock Yoga – 12:30pm-2:30pm – $40
Sunday 4th February
♥ Soul Sparkle Day Retreat – 9am-4pm – $190.10
♥ The Perth Wellness Festival @ Friday’s Studio – 10:30am-5pm – $101
Wednesday 7th February
♥ Transform Your Life Through Movement Workshop @ The Little Shop of Plenty – 6:30pm-8:00pm – $10
Friday 9th February
♥ Yoga, Meditation & Nature Weekend Retreat @ Kookaburra Yoga – Friday to Sunday – starting from $450
Saturday 10th February
♥ Mindset Reset @ The Little Shop of Plenty – 9:30am-11:30am – $49 (includes workbook)
♥ Schweattt Sessions @ City Beach – 8am-12:30pm – from $26.50
♥ Love Yourself Festival @ Perth City Farm – 9am-3pm – FREE entry, small fee for workshops
Sunday 11th February
♥ Couples Tantric Connection Workshop by Soul Sparkle – 10am-12:30pm – $245 per couple
♥ Heart Your Body Retreat @ Friday’s Studio – 10am-2pm – $97
Saturday 17th February
♥ Intro to Plant Based Eating @ The Raw Kitchen – 12:30pm-3:00pm – $125
♥ Food As Medicine Masterclass @ The Raw Kitchen – 4:15pm-6:15pm – $125
Sunday 18th February
♥ Sangha Yoga Festial @ Spanda Yoga School – 8am-6pm – $40
Friday 23rd February
♥ Yallingup Retreat by The Reset: Wellness Retreats – 3 days – from $945
Saturday 24th February
♥ Pranayama + Meditate Workshop @ Blue Lotus Yoga – 10:30am-12:30pm – $45
Sunday 25th February
♥ 1-day Silent Yoga & Meditation Retreat @ Spanda Yoga School – 9:30am-3:30pm – $165
Posted in Other | Comments Off on Perth Health & Wellness Workshops & Events – February 2018 ✨
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on February 28, 2017
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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am a Pilates Instructor that wholeheartedly believes in the magic of mindful movement and the connection between mind and body in feeling well and good!
I founded Perth Pilates Collective to create a fun and supportive space for individuals to pursue their wellness goals and enjoy a mindful pilates practice in a unique environment that would not only have physical benefits, but also improve the mind.
I am a big believer that changing your physical environment and getting out amongst nature takes us off auto pilot and allows us to pause, experience the current moment and give gratitude for what is. My continuing education in psychology and keen interest in yoga further drives my curiosity and passion for helping others restore a mindful balance in physical and mental well being.
♥ Nars Laguna/Orgasm Duo
♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine! What are your non-negotiables for looking and feeling your best?.
My daily beauty routine is pretty simple and that’s the way I like it! A quality moisturiser with an exceptionally high SPF rating is a must given I am outside a lot (I like the Nivea range for affordability!), a dab of mascara (Rimmel is a goodie) and a touch of Nars Bronzer in Laguna sets me up for the day!
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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
Coconut oil is my number one natural go to after a long week, working as a face mask and all over body moisturiser. I also enjoy the Facial Glow Mask by Elemental Herbology to get my natural glow on and wake up tired skin (I have a lot of early morning starts!).
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
Batiste dry shampoo in light to medium brunette is a lifesaver to keep the sweaty hair at bay when running between studios, a nourishing facial moisturiser with 30+ SPF to protect my noggin (I like Nivea’s Light Feel Daily Face Veil) and Rimmel Scandal Eyes mascara in Extreme Black for a touch of pretty.
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet?
I would actually love to try a facial one day! The closest I’ve ever gotten is an at home mixture of oats and honey or coconut oil. Perhaps I’ll give it a go one day in an exotic location like Hawaii or the Greek islands, that’s usually where my spare time and money goes; travel!
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you – brekky, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks – the works!
I am a big breakfast kind of gal and often wake up with a rumbling tummy! Oats and banana are my staples in the morning, sprinkled with almonds, berries and a dash of peanut butter for energy and concentration throughout the day.
Given I am often on the go I snack on fruit and nuts, as they are easy to carry around and are a good sized snack in between classes that won’t make me feel sick when upside down or bouncing around at the studio! Plus the slow burning energy from nuts aids my concentration and keep me full until dinner.
Lunch almost always involves avo on a hearty slice of rye bread, topped with sauerkraut for healthy skin and nails and digestive health (plus they are both super delicious!) Dinner is a variation of vego staples; vegetables, tofu and tempeh are all favourites.
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♥ How do you like to get your body moving? Describe your weekly fitness routine.
Pilates is my go to exercise of choice at home, mixing it up between matwork and reformer classes at the studio when I have a spare moment! Pilates is a meditative practice for me. It allows me to reconnect with my body and focus my mind on the present moment. My mind is often racing and quite frankly rarely stops! Pilates slows everything down and gives me something to focus all of my pent up energy in to, whilst doing good for my body and mind; I love it!
I also dabble in yoga to stretch out a sore body after a full teaching schedule and love hiking the beautiful hills of Perth and strolling our beautiful beaches in my spare time.
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♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
My absolute favourite way to distress is a combination of pilates and yoga. I am known to integrate a touch of yoga into my pilates classes, combining the strength and core stability of pilates with the zen and tranquility of a yoga practice to calm the mind. I have also recently been introduced to essential oils which have really improved my quality of sleep.
♥ 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 struggle at times with anxiety and have found slowing down and switching off before bed time is super important to getting a good nights sleep and recharging for the day ahead, which often starts bright and early! Hours of sleep can range anywhere from 6-9 hours. For a happy medium I aim for 8 hours on average.
My top tips for a good nights’ sleep are disconnecting from technology a good 30 minutes before bed, dimming the lights in your room and doing something relaxing like reading a book, writing in a journal or meditating if you are feeling super wired! All of the above practices allow me to slow the mind and give myself permission to rest my body (and mind!) which is often a tad sore from teaching and racing around during the day.
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♥ And lastly… do you have any top secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Exercise often and be in nature as much as possible. Fresh air and the feeling of fresh grass on the feet will give you perspective and moments of gratitude in even the most challenging of times. I love to get out of the city and in to the country. I am a country girl at a heart and always find my peace by getting back to nature.
Check out Lauren + Perth Pilates Collective on Facebook & Instagram!
What do you think of Lauren’s routine? Leave a comment below if you’d like to know more! 🙂
Be well,
xo
Posted in Interviews | Comments Off on Beauty and Wellness Routine: Lauren Mason – Pilates Instructor and Founder of Perth Pilates Collective.
