Search Results
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on February 25, 2013
♥ Michelle Sims
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
Hi there! I’m Michelle, I’m a wife, mum and Body & Soul Coach for women. I LOVE travel, we have done alot so far and are still planning more, which is why I have created my online coaching business, so I can fulfill 2 passions at once. I am super passionate about all things natural food and health, personal and spiritual growth and I am so happy I get to combine all of these things into my business, the best part is seeing how it helps others transform! My business Wellness With Michelle is very much my heart centered passion and where I get to share what I am good at! I run my BodyBliss Coaching Programs for women wanting to step up their body, health and wellbeing.
♥
♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
So, my daily beauty routine is I always wash morning and night, and moisturise too. I am currently using Franc Essential moisturiser and face mist, a lovely lady I know has created this luxurious and all natural product, they really moisturise well.
I generally try to keep all of my skin care natural, as well as hair care too, but there are a couple things that are not, I actually use the Proactiv cleanser scrub as it really gives my skin a great clean and leaves it smooth without drying it. I wish it was natural, but its the only cleanser that has agreed with me and gives a great result, at least I get to wash it off!
I also am trying out the LʼOccitane Eye Roll-On Gel,I have to say, so far I am impressed! Face masks are usually natural clay with some honey thrown in too. I don't do these nearly as much as I would like to.
♥
An important part of my beauty routine is actually getting my greens and veggies as these really go along way to keeping my skin clear, plenty of water too. In fact, anything that keeps my digestive system happy, means my skin stays clear. I had acne for many years up until the age of 30, but since eating a higher raw and mainly vegan diet (I do eat fish) my skin has been clear. They say diet isn't a huge influence on the skin (other than too much junk) but I really have found that certain foods just dont suit certain people, healthy or not.
♥ What's the one beauty treatment you can't live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
Mm..i wish I could answer this, but I never actually go to any salons for treatments! Not for lack of wanting to..I just never make the time!
♥
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
Thats an easy one! I am loving my new hairdresser Constance at Velvet Helmet in North Fremantle, she does a mean blonde colour!
♥
♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
I use the occasional clay mask, but I have to admit, I did buy some of the Queen Helene’s Mint Julep Mask as there were heaps of great reviews and it was cheap. Its not all natural, but you know what, its actually really good!
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favorite products?
1) My mineral makeup, right now I am using Bella Pierre
2) Lip balm, i cant live with out it! I use a few brands and have many on the go at once
3) Also a moisturiser for sure.
♥
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Yep, definitely eating a lot of plant based foods with plenty of raw veggies and fruits! This and water really are the cornerstones of health. Also, I do a lot to keep tuned in with myself and to keep my mind healthy. A positive outlook on life and self nurturing/awareness go a long way to staying vibrant too. It always amazes me how mental and emotional issues can manifest as physical issues. Its so vital to consider health from an holistic approach.
♥ 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 away on a spiritual/cleanse retreat. Any retreat that rejuvenates the body & soul together. On a superficial level, i wouldn't mind trying out some eye lash extensions (LOL), the natural looking ones of course 🙂
♥
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
I always start with lemon water when i get up, then a coffee with rice milk, then either a liter of juice or green smoothie or some raw granola cereal with rice milk. Then at lunch usually a salad or nori wrap or maybe even just a smoothie, at dinner I have more cooked food such as beans, lentils, potatoes, fish or even a raw meal such as zucchini noodles.
♥
I eat rather simply these days. I do have not so crash hot days too, for example I have a had a major icecream fetish of late, but I do make my own with almond milk, banana and stevia and enjoy it all day long in a addition to a juice and dinner. I’m not perfect, but I do make sure I get some nutritional value in there. I also do love to freeze and blend fruit in summer, making a yummy sorbet.
♥
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
I do enjoy weights and walking, I do the occasional yoga too! A good bit of gardening will do the job too. Oh, I also like to get in front of the mirror and dance my ass off sometimes, it puts a smile on my face!
♥
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
I do have an amazing naturopath who I consult on occasion, her name is Kylie Robshaw from Wellness Perth. I am super fussy about who I see with that sort of thing and she is wonderful, there are few I trust with this, Kylie is the exception!
I also like to get the occasional reiki too. I do take some supplements, I am trialling Juice Plus right now, just to top up my nutrient intake, I am a big believer in wholefoods and that applies to supplements too. I do take maca on occasion as it is so good to keep the hormones balanced!
♥ 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 always aim for 7-8 hours. I fall asleep rather quick but I do love reading for sure! I aslo have a yummy homemade room spray I use, it has a blend of lavender, geranium, peppermint and oregano.
♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
The beach for sure, the ocean water is so healing to body and soul, also anything that gets me out into nature. I have a new ritual of starting every monday with breakfast at the beach then have a quick dip. I also love to get out for some morning sunshine while I journal, its good for body and soul too. I do love just to hang out with my hubby and son too, Im a bit of a home body 🙂
A million thanks to Michelle for sharing her wonderfully inspiring routine with us today, if you have any questions please leave them in the comments below!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
zp8497586rq
Posted in Interviews, Wellness Tips | 
3 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on February 14, 2013
♥
♥ Lululemon Clothing
I walked in to buy a gift voucher for a friend's birthday and walked out with that plus a pair of awesome running shorts, the most comfy workout singlet I've ever bought and a pair of the worlds best leggings. Do I regret it?…Not one bit! Served by the lovely and forever helpful Claire at the Cottesloe store, there are now about 50 other things that I'm saving up for to go back and buy. In the meantime I'll be eating/exercising/sleeping in my current purchases (washing in between of course!)
♥
♥ Organic India Tulsi Sweet Rose Tea
Turkish delight in a tea bag. This stuff is delicious and provides a perfect little sweet treat for any time of day. I discovered the pleasures of drinking it chilled and added to a smoothie (banana + nut milk + chilled rose tea + ice) and drinking it hot- the perfect accompaniment to a slice of red velvet cake 😀
♥
♥ Tara Stiles Youtube Videos
I've been trying to add 10 mins of yoga into my morning routine to help stretch out my muscles and get the blood flowing. I've also found huge improvements to my mood and subsequent calming effects on the rest of my day. If you're time poor then Tara Stiles yoga Youtube videos are the bomb! They range from about 5 to 10 minutes each with many different levels. There are more intense workouts, like this full body routine (my fav) or more calming and restorative workouts.
♥
♥ Tempeh
I'm majorly crushing on tempeh at the moment! Adding it to everything from salads to stir-fries.
♥
My latest creation involves wrapping it up with some quinoa, kale and nori to make delicious hand rolls. It also tastes amazing sliced up, quickly fried on both sides and eaten alone like little tempeh soldiers. YUM!
What are your current crushes? Share them below! 🙂
Crushes 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 bebalancedbewell.tumblr.com
zp8497586rq
Posted in Wellness Tips | 3 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on February 5, 2013
♥
One of the loveliest presents I received this Christmas was a Native Box. It's such a great concept-every month a juicy array of natural, Eco-friendly, ethical and organic products are selected for inclusion in the box. I love the idea of getting a regular surprise like this – kind of like Christmas or your birthday every month.
♥
The box I tested contained a diverse mix of products, from body care items like paw paw ointment and Aussie bush soap, healthy edibles including organic popcorn and delicious chocolate covered macadamias, along with various other body, soul and planet friendly fare.
All of the products have proved great, but just to highlight a few of my favourites from the fab fourteen:
♥
♥ Byron Bay Detox Foot patches: I've wondered about detox foot patches for ages but have always been a bit skeptical. I'm converted! I used these on Christmas Eve and woke up at 5.30 feeling extremely refreshed, before bouncing out of bed to do an early morning Bikram yoga class. Let me please note that this is not normal behaviour for me!
♥ Phytocare Daily C: these are handy sachets of vitamin C powder sweetened with stevia and xylitol, perfect for people avoiding sugar. Very effective as a post-indulgence energy boost as I found over Christmas!
♥
♥ Bee Natural Lemon Myrtle Lip Balm: the summer heat is leaving my whole body parched, lips included. This is a lovely light balm with a fresh, subtle scent. It contains super-nourishing beeswax and macadamia oil.
♥ Natralus Paw Paw Aloe Gel: I spent some gorgeous mornings at the beach over the holidays, Mettams Pool being my current favourite spot. Despite being slathered in factor 30 and sporting a very unsexy rashie top, the strong Aussie sun still managed to bake through and this gel proved a great skin soother.
From $12.75/mth plus shipping.
For more information on Native Box go to www.nativebox.com.au
What wellness treats did you find in your Christmas stocking this year?
Article by Karen, wannabe beach babe battling a serious case of shark fear!
Be well,
xoxo
zp8497586rq
Posted in Organic, Products, Reviews | 4 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on January 21, 2013
♥
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I have been hooked on personal development ever since my Dad gave me the book ‘Coach Yourself
’ after I graduated from school. The desire to really “find myself” was ignited so after a couple years of deliberation (aka fear) I moved to London to begin the search! I loved the cosmopolitan city that never sleeps and everywhere I went, even if it was just on the underground train to work – there was a sense of excitement. That you really can be whoever you want in this city and accepted for it. Moving back to Perth after the cold grey winters got the better of me and my business idea Fusion Life was born.
I wanted to bring a slice of London to Perth, to show the up and coming women that Perth can also be a place of excitement with lots to do. So day to day I now run Fusion Life which involves organizing personal/professional development and networking events in the city and updating the website with articles and tips on how to live a balanced lifestyle and make the most of our beautiful Perth!
♥
♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
I have always liked to experiment with different beauty products and very rarely purchase the same product twice. As my Fusion Life motto goes – balance is key and I like to keep trying new things on my ultimate search for a perfect balance!
Although I do have some faves of course:
• Palmers Cocoa Body Butter – yummy chocolatey scent and very nourishing.
• Aveeno Positively Radiant Face Moisturiser – natural as my face doesn’t need any more chemicals.
• Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser – face scrub gentle enough to use every day.
• Moroccan Oil Hair Treatment – everyone loves this for a reason! Helps condition and add shine to my newly blonde hair.
• Maybelline Nude Airfoam Moisturiser – like mousse for the face – goes on light and fluffy but gives me amazing coverage!
♥
Other activities that make their way into my beauty routine include:
• After my morning shower I always moisturize from head to toe.
• Use exfoliation gloves over my entire body at least twice a week.
• Drink lots of water throughout the day and take my daily Swisse Women’s Ultivite Multivitamin. If I don’t drink water I definitely notice the difference in my skin.
♥
♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
Of course you can’t go past a nice relaxing massage or facial. This helps to radiate beauty from the inside out. If I’m relaxed this shows in my care free and peaceful nature. I must admit I haven’t been to many in Perth lately, I was in Bali last year and loaded up on the treatments! If I were to have a massage or facial in Perth I would go to my brilliant beautician Corinne at The Beauty Chamber in Attadale.
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
Jelosia – Amanda and Steph, they were recommendation by my beautician and my mum! About 11 months ago I decided to go blonde for the first time ever, I was a little nervous to see if it would suit me but the girls at Jelosia helped me gradually go from dark (almost black) to a nice golden blonde which I love. Their foils are right to the root and very fine so you get a great even colour. Blonde’s definitely have more fun!
♥
♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
Love the facemask Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Ultra-Cleansing Mud Mask this is very affordable and makes my skin glow. Also doesn’t cause me to break out like I have a tendency to do with other facemasks. Also love to exfoliate my whole body with exfoliation gloves – makes my skin feel amazingly soft and smooth!
♥
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
1. Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser – this is gentle enough to use every day and gets all the make-up off as well as making my skin look vibrant.
2. Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus Hair Treatment – after going blonde my hair was so dry and seemed to snap off every time I combed it! After being used to long healthy brunette locks, the thinning blonde hair was very scary. I tried a few different treatments and nothing was working, my hair kept snapping! Then a good friend introduced me to the Redken Protein Treatment and my hair is becoming healthier every time I use it. Yay I can stay blonde!
3. Maybeline Unstoppable Eyeliner Onyx – I have used this ever since I discovered makeup and now if I don’t wear it I feel like I’m missing something!
♥
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
It’s not really a secret – but the two things that really keep everyone alive are… oxygen and water! So when I wake up every morning I try to drink a big glass of water and take 5 deep belly breaths. This along with some gentle stretching puts me in the right frame of mind to conquer the day with peak energy and vitality. So my main tips are:
1. Breathe properly – this means breathing in deep, extending your stomach to get maximum lung capacity, hold for a few seconds and release slowly. Instant stress reliever, try it now!
2. Drink lots of water all through the day – add lemon if you’re feeling extra healthy, the lemon helps to alkalise your body (the less acidic your body is – the better you will feel)
3. Get moving – we’re not designed to sit in a chair for 8 hours. I know it’s cliché but take the stairs, get off the bus a few stops away from your house, take regular breaks from the computer – it all helps. Even better find a sport that you love or a running partner to keep you motivated.
Implement those 3 simple things every single day and you will definitely notice the difference to your energy levels – no coffee required!
♥
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
I really need to try dry body brushing. Apparently this is like a detox for the skin and a few of the many benefits include:
• Removal of dead skin layers which leaves the skin looking more vibrant
• Reduction of cellulite
• Aids digestion
• Strengthens the immune system
• Increases the flow of blood which tightens the skin and prevents premature aging
And it is easy, inexpensive and invigorating to do. If it’s good enough for Miranda Kerr it’s good enough for me!
♥
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
I normally wake up and have a big glass of water to kick start the day. Then I have a shot of wheatgrass which helps to keep my body more alkaline (as opposed to acidic.) This helps with the energy levels throughout the day.
I start work early at 7am so have something simple like muesli and yoghurt for breakfast. I love a bit of crunch so like to add almonds as well.
Lunch will usually be a tuna salad with whatever veggies are taking my fancy that week! Again I love the crunch so will add some walnuts or crunchy Asian noodles. If I haven’t had time to make my lunch the night before I always have a few of the John West Tuna & Bean salads in the fridge for lazy times. Yes I love my tuna ☺
My favourite easy dinner is pan-fried salmon or chicken with mashed sweet potato, broccoli, asparagus and corn. I will have this most nights provided I am not out or if my boyfriend is over we try to cook new meals to spice up the menu – always with lots of veggies!
♥
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
I am currently training for the Mooloolaba Olympic distance triathlon in March next year with a few friends, which means lots of running and riding – I’ll be starting the swimming training next week now that it has warmed up a bit! So I run at least 5 km 3 times a week and ride to work 2 days a week.
Luckily I have a training partner that I work with and that is great motivation to not skip out the lunchtime run! We also train together sometimes on the weekend – last one was a 40km bike ride followed by a 6km run which was a real test to my fitness but so worth it! I also make sure I stretch most mornings and after every exercise session.
♥
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
I take the Swisse Women’s Multivitamin, which gives me all the vitamins, and nutrients I have missed out on in my diet that day. This is the first multi vitamin I have taken regularly that I have actually felt the difference in daily life.
I have also just started taking another dietary supplement called E3 Live. The benefits of which include: ability to manage everyday stress; increased energy and endurance; improved attention and alertness; and strengthened immune system. After a week I am definitely noticing the difference and crossing lots more off my ‘to do’ list!
♥ 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 am lucky and have always been able to sleep well. I have recently completed a Fatigue Management course and was profiled as needing to get 8-10 hours sleep for maximum energy during the day! I certainly don’t get that but do try for at least 7 hours every night. I definitely notice the difference if I don’t, and snooze the alarm a few more times! There are some good tips on the Fusion Life website for learning how to wake up earlier in the mornings.
♥
♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
When I walk out of a Les Mills Body Balance session I feel so calm and relaxed! I love it because it is a mix of pilates, tai chi, yoga and meditation and I never get bored with the routine. Either that or having a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc with friends or family will do the trick! Life is all about balance 😉
Thanks to Ashley for sharing her routine with us – if you have any questions for her, please leave them in the comments section below!
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Interviews | Comments Off on Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Ashley Piotto, Founder of Fusion Life Perth.
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on January 7, 2013
♥
♥ Hemp Seeds
Oh, my loves! Where have you honestly been all my life?
For some reason chia seeds don’t really agree with me, I’ve tried many times with little success – they seem to make me feel really spaced out. So I’ve been wondering for a long time how to boost my omega 3 intake in salads and smoothies, and hemp seeds have turned out to be the answer!
These creamy little new friends of mine are actually not approved for consumption within Australia – even though they are everywhere else in the world. Over here they’re sold for alternative uses, such as skincare, but they are food quality and perfectly safe and delicious to eat (they contain none of the chemicals that get you “high”, and are actually a different strain of hemp plant to marijuana).
I’ve been having mine in smoothies, on salads, on frozen blueberries with cinnamon and even just eating them off the spoon. They are delicious and supposed to be very good for you. I’m a convert!
Purchased from Health Kick in the CBD, $17.95 for 250gm, or you can purchase online here, at the Hemp Foods online store.
♥
♥ Rice Milk
Another a-ha moment I recently had was that soy milk makes me feel sick. As a vegetarian for 10 years I was pretty shocked that it took me this long to zone in on the fact that every time I made a soy smoothie or drank a cup of soy milk, I got a stomach ache, a headache and generally felt exceptionally average.
Only once I started experimenting with rice milk in my smoothies instead over the past few weeks, did I notice that “Wow, I don’t feel horrible after I drink this! Maybe soy doesn’t love me?” A pretty slow revelation indeed, but I’m really happy to have finally figured it out and switched to something that will fuel me and make me feel great. Yay!
♥
♥ Vanessa Megan Essential Blend Spray
This stuff is amazing! My lovely friend Haley from Peachy Clean Organic Beauty sent me a bottle when I was feeling down and I haven’t stopped using it since. The scent is SO calming and delicious at the same time, it’s got a kind of gingerbread mixed with musk scent and I love it. I spray it all around the house, on my yoga mat before I practice, when I’m feeling uptight, on my clothes before I go out if I want a light and lovely perfume, on my bed before I read there… the list goes on!
Available for $30 from Peachy Clean.
I’d absolutely love to hear what you’re crushing on right now, so please share your crushes below! 🙂
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
Posted in Food, Products, Reviews | 3 Comments »
