Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Alison Morgan, Director of Relauncher!

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

I’m a Perth girl at heart now living in Sydney. Growing up in City Beach and going to St Mary’s, I had and still have a natural love of being outdoors, and keeping fit & healthy.

Just over a year ago, I launched an online store called Relauncher, which is all things health, beauty, lifestyle & wellbeing; with an organic & eco-friendly focus. The business is about helping people be their best, ‘relaunching themselves’ – via items from the store, as well as being inspired & motivated via the blog and social media outlets.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I start each day with a warm water drink including, chopped ginger, Coconut Magic coconut oil & freshly squeezed lemon juice. I think of this as part of my beauty routine because it’s a great all-over detox which my skin definitely benefits from.

I also dry body brush everyday with a Bodecare brush – this gets my circulation pumping, along with removing dead skin cells. It’s the same brand that Miranda Kerr uses and talks about on her blog.

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

I’ve just been to Bali and have been luxing out on the massages.

I’m going to make a point of having them more often now I’m back in Sydney. My favourite place for massages is The Beauty Bar in Erskineville, NSW. They are tucked away, and unless someone has referred you to them you probably wouldn’t know about them. It’s one of those places I refer to as a ‘hidden gem’.

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

I live in Sydney, so I haven’t had my hair cut / coloured in Perth for years.

In saying that, I was recently in Perth for my school reunion & had my hair done at The Blowdry Bar in Murray St, Perth.

The Blowdry Bar only recently opened in August, and I can highly recommend them if you’re wanting your hair done before going out, (they also give you a glass of bubbly). For $40, it’s money well spent.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Coconut Magic coconut oil, I can’t get enough of it. It’s such a versatile product – everyone should have 2 jars. 1 for the kitchen and 1 for the bathroom.

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

Dry Body Brush – my skin has never felt so good after daily body brushing. Ideal for improving circulation, exfoliating and evening out fatty deposits & cellulite (especially on your thighs & bum!)

Clear Bag Liner – it’s a stylish way to stay organised. I keep all my important bits & pieces in this and transfer the liner between bags. It was also great for travelling while I was recently in Bali!

Yoga Mat Bag – I recently imported these yoga bags from New York. They carry like a yoga bag, store like a gym bag with all the amazing pockets and can also hang like a garment bag. I love slinging it over my shoulders then riding to yoga – so easy and versatile.

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

Exercise & Nutrition – I know so many people say this, but it’s the truth. Increasing blood circulation, stretching muscles and clean eating is the way to go.

Sleep – I try to get 7hrs a night. Without it, hmmm – not coping so well…

Family & Friendships – although I like a little alone time, I’m far more a people person. It’s all about the chatting, nattering & giggles.

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

It’s got to be the trapeze. I’m completely scared of heights – it makes me feel sick, dizzy and unbalanced.

There’s a trapeze school not far from where I live and I’m daring myself to give it a go. Now I’ve just put it in writing, I’ve just committed myself. I’ll have to find someone to come along with me now….

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I start each day with a warm water drink (including chopped ginger, Coconut Magic coconut oil & lemon juice).

Breakfast – either an omelette or sugar-free muesli.

Lunch – usually a few Vita-Weats with either tuna / salmon and a HUGE amount of salad – including mint, spinach, coriander, basil, avocado, beetroot, with lemon juice squeezed over the top & activated nuts.

I then always have either some home-made cacao balls / chocolate nut cake / raw pecan pie (something sweet that has been made with cacao powder & coconut oil). Most of the recipes can be found here!

Dinner – includes protein & greens.

Overall, I don’t add sugar to my diet and stick with eating less than 7g/100g of sugar when looking at the nutritional panel. I also exclude gluten where possible, eat a large amount of greens, superfoods & steer clear of processed foods.

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I rotate my fitness routine every 3 months to keep it interesting.

At the moment it’s yoga, pilates, zumba and lots of walking.

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

I love alternative therapies. Recently I tried Shirodhara – an Ayurvedic treatment where 1L of warmed pure sesame oil is poured on your 3rd eye (centre of your forehead). It promotes better sleep, reduced stress & removal of toxins. Bliss ☺ (Ed: If you’re looking for my top tip for an Ayurvedic doctor in Sydney, make sure you check out Yatan Holistic Ayurvedic Centre).

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

I find yoga and pilates relaxing. When I’m stressed and busy, these forms of exercise allows my to centre on the present. A great form of Sadhana (self-enrichment).

Thanks so much to Alison for taking the time to fill out this routine, hopefully you’ve found it inspiring! If you have any questions, please leave a comment below 🙂

Find Alison in various internet places below!

Website – www.relauncher.com.au
Twitter – www.twitter.com/Relauncher
Facebook – www.facebook.com/relauncher

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Interviews | 5 Comments »

A Tale of 2 Groupon Vouchers… Featuring Discount Gym Passes & Insanely Good Makeup Tools.

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Picture a scene: you and friend sitting around doing what you do and all of a sudden their phone goes 'buzzzzz buzzzzzzz' then a second later yours goes 'buzzzzzzz buzzzzzzz' and after reading you both look up and almost perfectly in synch say; 'is $49 for 10 yoga sessions a good deal?'

Has that happened to you? No? It will. Why? Because everyone's inboxes are filling up with DEALS DEALS DEALS! Quick as a wink.

So today I'm going deep for you guys, I'm seeking out the deal BEHIND THE DEAL. And my dealer of choice today, is Groupon. In the first instance it must be said, I know it seems a little overwhelming. I know it seems easier to just bin that email without opening it. But if you do look you may just stumble upon a shining shimmering splendid.

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So with that in mind and for the purposes of this article I decided to get myself a 24-piece Makeup Brush Set for $29. I had a choice of colour (black or pink) and the delivery was free. TWENTY NINE DOLLARS! PINK! FREE! !!! My choice was motivated by the fact that I have always gazed at makeup artists brush sets in giddy wonderment (in that clap your hands together and bob on the spot kind of way) and as previously mentioned on Wellness WA, I massively enjoy drawin' on me face.

To balance this out I also bought a 20 session pass to a gym for $49 (CBD Health Spa, a gym I like and where WE ARE LOVING that I don't have to buy a full year membership, aren't we guys?) so we are now looking at a product and a service. Range. I like it.

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The brushes are flipping marvellous. I really cannot believe how it worked out to a little over a dollar a brush because the quality of them is so good. No stray brush hairs coming loose and hanging onto your chin like you're growing the world's thinnest most disgusting beard and my makeup application game has gone up a notch or two- hey don't wanna brag…all in all I'm THRILLED. The only downer was that they literally took months to be delivered – like 3 months- but my unease about that has subsided since I use these brushes everyday and am so happy with them. Plus the delivery was free so maybe chill Adriane, gees.

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And the gym one? Um…well…you know…uhhh- that one was instantaneous as soon as I bought it and so there were no problems in THAT regard. Full access to the 24hr gym, all classes and even a couple of PT sessions. But I've only been about three times. I KNOW. But I've got three months to use that one so I'll just, you know, go every single day from now until the end of the year and then I will be the Queen of Groupon Success*. That's totally possible right?

If you've been ignoring those emails because they are annoying you in their multitude then downscale to the ones you are interested in (yes you can choose) and be in it to win it. You might end up with something useful for yourself or your loved ones.

What do you guys reckon? Have you got a good Groupon deal of late?

*Groupon never said they would MAKE me go, that has to come from within…is there a deal that could help with that?

Reviews by Adriane Daff. Make up enthusiast and world class gym procrastinator.

Posted in Cheap / Free, Makeup, Products, Reviews | 2 Comments »

Share the Gift of an Inspiring and Restoring Weekend Retreat at Samudra!

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Samudra, the Wellness jewel of the South West region, is offering a holiday special on all of its weekend retreats for 2013: Receive 20% off if you book you and a friend or loved one by 31 December 2012!

These transformative weekend retreats are the perfect opportunity for a quick get away to refresh and restore your body, mind and heart – and who doesn’t need that at this time of year?! All whilst gaining insights into making healthy changes in your life. You will participate in daily yoga classes, where Samudra’s highly qualified yoga teachers will help you develop a practice to take home.

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You will also learn meditation and yogic breathing techniques to help calm the mind, discover how to use nature’s seasonal elements to enhance your diet and lifestyle regime, and take part in live-food demonstrations and other retreat specific talks. All this whilst being nourished with fresh and flavourful organic plant-based meals served from Samudra’s award winning café. You can choose from an array of holistic and inspiring retreat themes, including Yoga & Vitality, Women’s Wellness, Seasonal Detoxing, Yoga & Surfing, Yoga & Ayurveda and Yoga & Sustainable Living.

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Located in the heart of Dunsborough, Samudra is only a two and a half hour drive from Perth… but in just two days your life as you know it will be changed!

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You will feel renewed and inspired, and will re-enter your day-to-day routine with more enthusiasm, joy and vitality. What a perfect gift to share with a friend or loved one this holiday season!! Visit www.samudra.com.au or call 08 9779 9977 for more details and bookings.

This is a sponsored post, which helps us to keep helping you!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Posted in Down South, South of River | Comments Off on Share the Gift of an Inspiring and Restoring Weekend Retreat at Samudra!

WIN $125 Worth of Organic Goodies With Wellness WA & Organic Glow!

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The silly season is here, and with it comes added stresses, plenty of parties and commitments, and if you’re not careful – the dreaded dull skin. We’re here to help you with our latest must-enter competition to win a gorgeous organic goodie pack, thanks to our friends at Organic Glow!

Organic Glow stocks only cosmetics and skin care products that are free (or as free as they can be) of toxins and other synthetic ingredients. They’re chock full of natural ingredients that have as little as possible added to them which means they’re better for your body and your overall health.

There are three fantastic prizes up for grabs for one lucky winner!

♥ Pangea Organics Skin Care Discovery Kit for Normal to Combination Skin (pictured above)

Discover youthful radiance in 5 simple steps!

Kit includes:

♥ Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange Cleanser
♥ Italian Green Mandarin & Sweet Lime Toner
♥ Nigerian Ginger with Lavender & Thyme Facial Cream
♥ Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean & Cranberry Facial Scrub
♥ Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Goji Berry Mask

They sound good enough to eat! RRP $65

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♥ Baby Bear Shop Certified Organic Lavender Vanilla Relaxation Candle

Bliss out with this all natural candle, perfect during a bath, yoga session or before bed. RRP $50.

♥ Baby Bear Shop “All the Better to Kiss You With Organic Lip Balm”

Pomegranate flavour! Safe enough to use on babies’ lips. 100% natural, paraben free, cruelty-free. RRP 9.95.

To enter:

– Leave a comment with your name & favourite product of the three treats up for grabs
– Entrants agree to be signed up to the Organic Glow e-newsletter

GOOD LUCK & Happy entering!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Posted in Other | 52 Comments »

Inner & Outer Beauty Review: Q-Silica Capsules, Face Mist, Hand Cream & Makeup and Grime Cleansing Gel!

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We are lucky to live in an age where so many of the world’s natural secrets have been revealed. With super foods, unique vitamins and minerals, an abundance of yoga and fitness possibilities, luxurious hair treatments and tasty facial scrubs we are now able to incorporate these secrets into our lives to help us become the best possible version of ourselves. Silica is a secret I’ll pass on to you. It is a scientifically researched ingredient for healthy skin, hair, nails and connective tissue and I was lucky enough to try it in many different forms over the past month.

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♥ QSilica Capsules (Vegetarian)

I started taking these capsules during a warm and wonderful trip to Bali. A month later my skin still feels smooth, with no blemishes and has a tanned glow. It is difficult to say whether this is completely due to the benefits of the QSilica capsules, or a little owing to my normal skin care routine, however I have definitely noticed that my skin is smoother and more resilient to the changing weather. In the hair and nails department I haven’t observed a drastic difference (this could be to only taking them for a month so far), but my nails and hair still feel healthy and strong (hair perhaps a little frizzy due to wind, but sadly Silica can’t fix this ladies!).

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♥ REHYDRATE Energising Facial Mist

I recommend this product as a must have this summer. The light energising facial mist contains silica and aloe vera to aid in calming the skin. I used this in Bali and it became part of my group’s routine to spray this on our faces as we collapsed in our seats after a long day and ordered a fresh mixed juice. Just like the juice it will help refresh and cool you down on a scorching day!

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♥ REPAIR Strengthening Hand and Nail Cream

This is a fantastic hand cream to smother on your hands at night and massage into your well-deserving cuticles.

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I found it perhaps a little too thick to use as an everyday hand cream as it left my hands feeling slightly sticky (only slightly!) but after I used it for the week my hands did feel smoother and cuticles much healthier.

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♥ REMOVE Makeup and Grime Cleansing Gel

This light gel was the perfect end to a long day and maximised the results of taking the Silica capsules for my skin! As I don’t wear a lot of make-up, this light gel worked wonders to cleanse, tone and freshen my skin leaving it feeling clean and smooth. After massaging in rose hip oil and settling down with a herbal tea (Spiced Red Fruits by The English Teashop is my current fav, tastes like hot jelly crystals) my skin has been the best it has in years.

Tell me… have you tried silica for skincare before? I would love to hear anyone else’s experience with this wonder mineral, so leave a comment below!

Written by Jade Jurewicz, new lululemon educator and summer daydreamer (bring back sunshine, mango smoothies and the beach!)

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Products, Reviews | Comments Off on Inner & Outer Beauty Review: Q-Silica Capsules, Face Mist, Hand Cream & Makeup and Grime Cleansing Gel!