Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Sharon Kolkka, General Manager & Lifestyle Specialist at Gwinganna Retreat!

♥

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

I am very blessed, I have a beautiful daughter, two magnificent horses, I love what I do and Gwinganna is amazing. I love where I live, I am a very happy person and I genuinely love people, I also love to see people realise their full potential for health and happiness. You could say I have a lot of ‘love’ in my life!

♥

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I choose products that are active and certified organic so I am not adding to the toxic load of my body.

Morning cleanse Phyt's Lait Hydro Nettoyant, Phyt’s Hydrole Orange Toner, Phyt’s Crème Reviderm Moisturiser, 10 minutes later facial zinc. Make up is simple, Evohe (med) mineral foundation powder and Evohe blush, Subtle Energies lip balm.

Night time same cleanser in the shower as soon as I get into the house, then tone, Subtle Energies Facial Oil with Sandalwood. Before bed tone again, followed by Phyt's Crème Absolue Moisturiser…every second night I use Phyt's Serum Reviderm prior to the Crème Absolue Moisturiser.

Info about Phyt's skincare here, info about Evohe makeup here.

♥

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

The Phyt's Multi Vita Facial and I love the LI’TYA body salts used in the body scrubs at Gwinganna, they are wild harvested and are beautiful. My favourite place…..at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat of course, the therapists are nurturing and skilled and the products are simply the best.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Exfoliation at least once a week.

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

Subtle Energies facial oil with sandalwood, exotic and luxurious…divine! Phyt's lait hydro nettoyant cleanser, Phyt’s contact + gommage.

♥

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

Qi Gong, Yoga, meditation and breathing techniques, a very positive outlook on life I take things as they come daily, the great outdoors, I also take practitioner strength supplements.

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

I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to try all that I have been curious about.

♥

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I always buy organic, seasonal food and produce, I eat differently in summer (lighter salads and raw foods with lightly steamed veg) and winter (more cooked soups and casseroles etc) and I try to chew my food really well and I don't eat dairy or gluten.

Lemon juice in hot water on rising, teaspoon of apple cider vinegar before breakfast, then english breakfast tea, poached eggs, one slice of gluten free toast and greens for breakfast. Morning tea at around 11am is a cup of tea and nuts or a Gwinganna tahini ball as a snack. Lunch is salad and protein (seafood or organic chicken) followed by nuts for afternoon tea.

Dinner is steamed veg and protein (mainly fish however I do eat more red meat in winter), a cup or two of herbal tea or a pure drinking chocolate (Loving Earth is a great example of pure) in winter before bed. My ‘junk’ food is hommus and corn chips and dark organic chocolate which I love. Lots of filtered rain water (we have a tank) during the day and some lightly sparkling water with lime on hot days.

♥

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

Qi Gong most mornings, Yoga three mornings a week my own routine at home and one strong Astanga class a week, I periodically do resistance training and I horse ride three times a week.

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

Yes, every morning the first thing I do is scrape my tongue according to Ayurvedic practice, during sleep it is believed we accumulate toxins on our tongue that need to be removed prior to eating and exercise, whist this seems like a gross practice after 25 years of this practice I believe it is more gross not to do it! I see a Naturopath every six months for a checkup this is usually done using a hemaview or a live blood analysis, I also use Chinese Medical Practitioners who are masters at shifting energy in the body and I truly believe acupuncture and cupping will assist with everything from sleep problems to infertility.

♥

My medical Doctor is also a nutritionist and herbalist and I truly appreciate her knowledge of Western Medicine and how she seamlessly blends modern science with ancient wisdom, she also communicates with my Chinese Medical Practitioner and Naturopath when necessary. (see acnem.org website for a similar Doctor to support your health) I feel fully supported by my health support team and feel I am a participant in my preventative health intentions rather than a victim of my health. I also do regular body work (massages etc) to assist my body to relax and stay balanced.

I top up what is missing in key nutritionals. Everyday our bodies are under a lot of pressure in this modern technological world, every morning I take a practitioner strength probiotic as the health of our gut has a huge influence on our moods, skin, health and wellbeing. I also take magnesium every night along with vitamin C and zinc. I do supplement with vitamin D when my exposure to sun is limited. When I am feeling overwhelmed or run down I see my Doctor for some IV vitamin C or consult one of my preferred complementary health professionals.

♥

♥ 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?

Minimum seven hours, sleep is essential for so many things in our body and assists us to deal with stress better. I try to follow the body’s natural circadian rhythm getting up earlier in summer when the sun is up around 5am and in winter tend to wake around 6.30 naturally as the mornings are darker. I try to wake without an alarm (unless I am catching a plane or something) preferring to train my body to wake with the natural cycles….this takes time but is such a better way to wake up naturally. Our bodies like consistency and routine, I always try to be in bed asleep or going to sleep by 10pm latest. I avoid any caffeine after 12noon and find if I have at least four alcohol free nights and limit my intake to 1-2 glasses of red wine on the nights I do choose to drink.

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

Relaxing to me is spending time with family and friends, spending time with my horses is a joy and where I truly switch off as I become engrossed in their connection with me, I also love to read and I meditate regularly.

Head to the Gwinganna website to find out more about this little slice of spa heaven!

What do you think of Sharon’s routine? If you have any questions or comments please leave them below!

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Interviews | Comments Off on Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Sharon Kolkka, General Manager & Lifestyle Specialist at Gwinganna Retreat!

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Melissa Ambrosini, Holistic Health + Life Coach, Speaker, Writer & Self Love Teacher.

♥

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

Sure! My name is Melissa and I am a holistic health + life coach, speaker, writer and self love teacher. Four years ago I was a model, dancer, presenter and actress but after experiencing severe burn out and a cocktail of health issues something had to shift. This lead me to weeks in hospital where I decided I wanted to cure myself of adrenal fatigue and thyroid problems and thus became fascinated with holistic health. After practicing as a holistic health coach for a while I realised that it's not only about what you put in your mouth, it's about the thoughts you think moment to moment and I believe these go hand in hand. I want to inspire people to take back control of their health and life and live the life they have always dreamt of.

♥

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

For My Hair: I recently went to the relaunch of A'kin and Al'chemy and was blown away with how beautiful their products are and having been using their delicious shampoo and conditioner. They've created products with “purity” and “goodness” in mind, and they smell AMAZING. I also use Original and Mineral and love coconut oil for a leave in treatment.

For My Skin: I use Pai Moisturiser and Cleanser from Flora Organica.

For My Body: I use Indah Organic Coconut Oil on my body. It's about the purest you can get, is fair trade and harvested sustainably with local Balinese farmers. The product is gorgeous and so is their philosophy.

Make Up: I don't wear it often but when I do I use Jane Iredale.

Lady Products: I use TOM Organics. You can't get any better than this, and the packaging is super cute.

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

Mani's and Pedi's, I love them. Any place is fine with me.

♥

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

The only people that touch my hair are the team at Lily Jackson in Sydney. They are amazing and most of their products are natural.

♥

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Tea tree oil on spots. This is awesome.

♥

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

1. Coconut oil

2. Tea tree oil

3. Organic face moisturiser

♥

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

Drink loads of water. Don't drink coffee. Eat loads of fruit and veggies.

♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven't yet?

Maybe some of the ayurvedic treatments.

♥

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Morning is either green smoothie or porridge. Lunch and dinner is either organic grass fed and grass finished meat or salmon with salad or veggies + loads of filtered water throughout the day + a bliss ball or two.

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I exercise every day for at least 30 mins. It changes all the time from yoga, running, walking, boxing or weights.

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

I take a probiotic each day and don't regularly do alternative therapies but have tried a few.

♥

♥ 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?

8 hours every night is a must for me. My bedtime rituals are dim lights, no TV, phone or computers in bedroom and reading, meditation or deep breathing before bed.

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

Walking in nature, meditating, sipping tea, reading, watching a good movie, yoga, laying on the grass and being around loved ones.

If you have any questions or comments for Melissa please leave them below!

Are you ready to start your path to wellness? Melissa Ambrosini has experienced first hand the power of simple, consistent changes to our thoughts and behaviours. In the past 2 years she’s held countless people on their path to wellness, transforming their bodies, relationships, finances, careers, and self-image – check out her new e-book “12 Steps to Wellness”, available from her website for $18.

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Interviews, Wellness Tips | 2 Comments »

Wellness Recipe: Super Easy, Super Healthy Pancakes!

♥

Simple and delicious. Two things I love in the morning, and these pancakes are just that! They take 10 mins to cook up and are sooooo easy to prepare. Make the base mixture and then add whatever toppings and flavour combinations you like. Refined sugar free and gluten free so you don’t have to feel guilty about eating 3 (or 5….) and high in protein (so they’re perfect post workout!).

Makes about 5 medium sized or 6 small. So serves 1 very hungry person or 2 people willing to share!

BASIC MIXTURE

♥ 1 ripe banana
♥ 2 eggs
♥ 2 teaspoons cinnamon
♥ 1 tablespoon flax meal
♥ 1 tablespoon water
♥ 2 tablespoons quinoa flakes
♥ 1/2 -1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I used David Wolfe’s organic brown rice protein)

♥

METHOD

1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth

2. Heat some coconut oil in a pan and cook pancakes on both sides until lightly brown (turning when the top bubbles)

3. Top with anything you want (use your imagination!!!)

Topping ideas:

+ Peanut butter, shredded coconut, blueberries, walnuts (as above)

+ Almond butter, chopped figs, shredded coconut

+ Coconut butter, raspberries, chopped banana

Happy breakfast everyone!!! 😀

Do you like the look of this recipe, leave a comment below if you've tried it, I'd love to hear your thoughts & what toppings you used!

Review by Kavisha, self confessed ‘health foodie’ & pancake lover. She is currently studying for her Master of Wellness at RMIT University and blogs at bebalancedbewell.tumblr.com

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Food, Recipes, Wellness Tips | 4 Comments »

Wellness on the Coast With Cloud Nine Yoga!

♥

Have you always wanted to try yoga but were too nervous, self conscious or worried you'd be the inflexible, giggling goonie in the back row? Thought that because you can't touch your toes, or sit cross legged, you can't possibly meditate? Or maybe you're skeptical of this whole conscious breathing thing? ….. Well Hayley from Cloud Nine Yoga will make you feel right at home, from the very first class.

Yoga is for every body. The stiff ones, injured ones, pregnant ones, young and old ones, the ones who can't sit still, the ones who love to sweat, and the ones who would sometimes rather stay on the couch. Whatever your reason for being interested in yoga, (or yoga being interested in you!), you will find something in a Cloud Nine Yoga class which touches you. It might be the physical practice – which can be tailored to your body on the day, and is different every class. You might find something special in the simple observation of your breath. Or maybe it's those ten minutes at the end of every class, where you get to just BE.

At Cloud Nine Yoga, Hayley acknowledges that we are all beginners. The practice of yoga is constantly evolving with the changes in our lives, and with a vibrant sense of humor, she will safely guide you through different vinyasa sequences (postures which flow with the breath), and leave you feeling nourished but strong, vibrant and relaxed.

♥

Other benefits of a regular practice include;

♥ Improved sleeping habits
♥ Increased vitality, flexibility & strength
♥ Greater internal awareness & general wellbeing
♥ Improved posture & balance
♥ Improved digestive, respiratory & eliminatory function

♥ True relaxation & a real sense of calm

Cloud Nine Yoga offer casual / drop in classes in the northern coastal suburbs of Ocean Reef, Mullaloo and Mindarie, and a Beginners Course too. Perfect for those who've dared not to do a general class before, or those who have stepped away from the mat for a while, the 4 week course is a basic introduction into postures, breath and relaxation, and will give you the confidence to join a regular class and the insight into what yoga really is for you.

♥

Hayley is a proud alumni ambassador for lululemon Karrinyup and has enjoyed leading inspiring complimentary classes for guests and educators for over 12 months.

She is also proud to have attracted LA based, heart inspiring teacher Jo Tastula to teach at her oceanside Mullaloo studio on Tuesday April 16 for a one off special vinyasa class. Only a few spaces remain for this class and bookings are essential (hayley@cloudnineyoga.com.au or 0410 648 956).

Casual classes at Cloud Nine Yoga are $17 or a 5 class pass is $80.

Term 2 runs from May 6 – June 25 (8 weeks) and the full timetable is available on the website: www.cloudnineyoga.com.au

If this sounds like it's for you, get in touch with Hayley!

Ph: 0410 648 956
Email: Hayley@cloudnineyoga.com.au
www.cloudnineyoga.com.au – sign up for our newsletter!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cloud-Nine-Yoga/210763840042

This is a sponsored post, as always though, we will only bring you posts with content we think you will find relevant & inspiring!

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Exercise, Yoga | Comments Off on Wellness on the Coast With Cloud Nine Yoga!

Alternative Therapy Review: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with Amy O'Brien @ Fabulous Health, West Perth.

♥

I recently had the pleasure of attending an appointment with Amy O’Brien in West Perth to discuss my wellness goals and work on a plan together to attain optimal health. The 1 hour session included a consultation, acupuncture treatment and some herbs to take home with me. I first connected with Amy via email, and before attending my initial consultation Amy sent me some preliminary information including directions, a description of what the treatment would involve and some tips to help me prepare for my treatment which I found really thoughtful and helpful.

♥

Having never tried acupuncture or Chinese medicine before, I was a little tentative as I stepped into the clinic, however Amy put me at ease straight away. We chatted for around 20 minutes about my health and lifestyle as well as what I was hoping to achieve in terms of my overall wellness, with Amy asking me plenty of questions along the way. She then took my pulse, explaining that ‘blood deficiency’ is a common condition in Chinese medicine, and that my treatment would focus on warming the body and building the blood, which would in turn help to do things like nourish my skin and reverse the effects that stress has had on my body.

♥

The consultation was followed by an acupuncture session, which I have to say was very relaxing! For those of you who have never tried acupuncture before and are wondering whether it will hurt: the answer in my opinion is definitely no. I felt a slight prick as the needles were inserted, but they are so fine that you feel the pressure more than any pain. Once the needles are in you don’t even feel them anymore. Amy targeted certain areas of my body to focus on building the blood and creating mental clarity. She then left me to chill out for around twenty minutes while the needles worked their magic.

Amy took a very holistic approach during her consultation, providing me not only with direct treatment but also with general lifestyle and diet advice. One of the main points she raised was to make sure I was getting enough oxygen, which would help build the blood. Remembering to stop and breathe is something yoga has taught me, and it may seem trivial but it can work wonders for stress and mental clarity and is something we so often forget to do on a typical day in our busy lives.

♥

At the end of our session Amy provided me with some herbs to take away with me as well as a personalised write-up of my treatment goals and some tips to help me achieve these, with some further information on what she had discussed with me during the consultation.

♥

Overall I found the session to be well-rounded, relaxing and informative. Anyone who has taken Chinese herbs before would probably agree with me when I say it is a bit of an ‘acquired taste’, but it is exciting to increasingly see science backing what ancient tradition seems to have known and understood for centuries. I would definitely recommend Amy’s services as a qualified, registered practitioner and she can be contacted by email, on Facebook, or at her website www.fabuloushealth.com.au

Her clinic is located at Suite 7, 3 Lawrence Ave, West Perth.

Have you tried acupuncture or Chinese medicine before? If not, have you ever thought about it? Leave a comment below! 🙂

Reviewed by Alice Unwin, Chinese medicine and acupuncture convert!

Be well

xoxo

Posted in Alternative Therapy, Reviews, South of River | 1 Comment »