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A Few Weeks in the Wellness Life: Puppies, Green Smoothies, Kale Flowers & More!

Take a look at some of the things that have been keeping my wellbeing buzzing the past few weeks! Starting with the gorgeous roast veggies with olive oil above… I just love the colours, and they were deeeeee-licious!

Yummy grilled mushroom, tomato, haloumi, rocket and spinach stack with pesto & some delicious soy sauce type thing! Washed down with a green smoothie – it is of course still Green July!

Speaking of Green July, here’s a yummy smoothie I prepared a few days ago. I’ve just started getting into smoothies with lemon, apple, greens and UDO’s Oil in them and am LOVING the combo!

I had the opportunity to check out Vanity Box Skin Couture this weekend just past, and let me tell you – it is incredible! I’ll be giving you an in-depth look at this one-of-a-kind salon in the next few weeks, but let it be known this place is in a class of its own! Check out the website for some stunning visuals!

I have cute writers! The lovely Adriane sipping on an Eden’s Green Smoothie. These are the best, and she is pretty good too.

My boyfriend is sweet and bought me kale flowers after we had an argument, they are so pretty!

MORE Green Smoothie goodness, I’m a bit obsessed at the moment, in case you couldn’t tell ;)!

One of my all time favourite combos. Magnesium bath salts and a relaxing bath oil. Ulllllltimate bliss. I’ve found that I’m having way more baths than usual at the moment due to the cold weather, anyone else?!

And last but not least, my little houndly obsession for a few weeks – this pup was in the office I’m interning at for a while, and I was in love. Unfortunately now she is gone, but too cute not to post a pic.

Thanks for reading 🙂 If you have any questions be sure to let me know!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Exercise Review: Power Plate at the Perth Pilates Studio, North Perth.

Ever had that feeling when you’re in a HUGE exercise funk? Bored of the gym, not feeling Zen enough for yoga, can’t be bothered to drag yourself out for a run? Yep…me too. I don’t know if it’s the cooler weather, but the pull of comfort food and a cosy night in is currently much more seductive than getting my exercise groove on.

I might have just the thing for you if so. Something that will make you giggle and grin and possibly even forget that you’re getting a super dooper workout. Possibly.

Enter the Power Plate at Perth Pilates Studio. I recently had the pleasure of a private session with the lithe and graceful Liz Wilson who took me through a 30 minute session, which is apparently equivalent to a hard 60-90 minutes weights workout. So super-efficient too.

Power Plate works by stimulating the body’s natural response to vibration which activates accelerated muscle contractions. It’s a low impact exercise, so suitable for people recovering from injuries, as well as exercise renegades like me.

There’s a definite knack to positioning yourself on the Plate. Before you get this there can be a strange ‘teeth chattering’ effect at times, which is rather unnerving. But Liz is there to guide you through all of this, with sessions offered either one to one or small groups.

The session involved a series of static and dynamic exercises, such as lunges and crunches, and while it was challenging, it was also fun, novel and boredom-busting. Another bonus was the massage at the end of the workout, as the Power Plate doubles up as your own personal masseuse. This boosts circulation, reducing post-workout soreness and, so they say, decreases cellulite. It’s also a great reward for all of your efforts. Did I mention super-efficient?!

Intrigued? Find out more at the Perth Pilates Studio website.

Have you ever ventured onto the Power Plate? How did you find it if so? And what are your tips for mixing things up with your exercise routine?

Article by Karen Miller, reformed gym junkie, but self-confessed endorphin addict!

Wellness WA Giveaway: Gorgeous abi and joseph pack valued at over $90!

We all know the importance of taking the time to exercise; it makes us feel calmer, look better and is vital for overall wellbeing. As many of you know, my personal favourite way to exercise is through the magic of yoga classes. I’ve also recently started a beginners pilates course at the Pilates Fitness Institute of WA – results of that one coming soon!

Something I also enjoy about heading to get my downward dog on, other than the fantastic benefits I experience, is getting kitted out in my exercise gear. I find it helps me get in the ‘zone’ and makes me much less likely to forgo the blissful stretching in favour of vegan chocolate and reruns of ‘The Bachelor’. There’s just something about cute fitness clothing that lights my fire!

With this in mind, I’m super excited to announce our latest competition in conjunction with the wonderful folk at abi and joseph. Add a touch of luxe to your lunges with abi and joseph, the Fremantle based local leaders in deluxe, fashion-focused pilates and yoga wear.

Owner Abi has made it her personal mission to create clothing that can be worn for pilates and yoga, that also double as great basics to complement the current leading fashion labels. Sounds like the perfect idea to me! 🙂

We’ve got a glorious goodie pack, consisting of the following three must-have items, for one lucky reader:

Long Scarf – Ultra Soft Merino in Candy Pink – to keep you warm in Savasana – $59.00

Headband – Lilac – no hair in your face with this lovely accesory – $17

Non-Slip Socks $15.99 – the cutest exercise socks EVER! Perfect for winter when you still want to practice yoga/pilates, but don’t want chilly toes.

These three covetable pieces are valued at $91.99 and can be YOURS!!

All you need to do to be in the running, is like Wellness WA on Facebook, and leave a comment on this blog post letting me know:

Which of the three pieces above is your fave? (you will of course get them all if you win, but I’d love to hear your top pick as I’m thinking of picking up some pieces myself!)

Entries close 10th July, so get in quick! Winner will be drawn at random.

Make sure to check out the abi and joseph website for more gorgeous clothing & accessories!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Diana Bressani, eVoke magazine.

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

Hello Wellness WA, how exciting to be interviewed, my first ever! My name is Diana Bressani and I’m the publisher/editor of eVoke magazine which is an awesome quarterly publication new to the Perth market. eVoke content focuses on natural lifestyle choices, and we have the BEST local contributors who aim to provide inspirational content for living cleaner, greener and healthier lives.

eVoke aims to promote local businesses whilst raising awareness for this lifestyle movement. I’m also married to a wonderfully supportive man who is just divine, and the mother of two very cute and clever kids, who changed my life for the better and complete our family.

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Gee, how long have you got? My husband likes to make fun of all my lotions and potions, but we’ll see who’s laughing when I’m 80 and looking fabulous!! I like to change up my skincare every 6 months or so and at the moment I’m using Arbonne RE9 skincare range which consists of a foaming cleanser both morning and night, spray toner, serum, eye cream, day cream and night cream…plus the cellular renewal masque…oh and an age defying neck cream. I’m loving Arbonne as it’s a safe product with a scientific background so I know I’m getting all the age-defying “stuff” without the harmful side effects. I’m also a huge fan of Dr Hauschka and am feeling quite guilty to be cheating on him with Arbonne….I also use Lavera eye roll-on for puffy eyes and I recently started using Zwena Argan oil for my face and hair, which is a pure indulgence, but I can feel the goodness going into my skin.

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

Well, unfortunately I am totally living without beauty treatments at the moment and couldn’t tell you the last time I treated myself…but this interview has prompted me to remedy that! I love the Li’tya Marta Kodo massage at Bodhi J, 90 minutes of a pure out of body experience, seriously decadent….picking up the phone to book one now!

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

My hair is my crowning glory, my mother says it’s because my star sign is leo and it’s my mane…anyway, I’m very fussy when it comes to my hair as it’s very thick and wild and when cut by someone who hasn’t experienced my type of hair bad bad bad things happen. I moved back to Perth almost 4 years ago and it took me 2 years to find THE hairdresser who was recommended to me by a friend with equally thick hair. Erin at Hair Outaquin in North Perth is perfection!

Ed: I have seen Diana’s ‘mane’ on a number of occasions, and it is truly glorious!

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Dry body brushing is about as DIY as I get 🙂 but essential during these winter months as my circulation slows right down.

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

Eeek…only 3???

Nutter Body Butter keeps my winter skin moisturized
Dr Hauschka tinted moisturiser and Dr Hauschka mascara in aubergine…
– And one more! My Goddess in a Bottle sprays. I’m using Blue at the moment for clarity, which I spritz myself with several times a day.

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

Getting a great bouncy blow dry and feeling my hair move in slow motion around me as I walk with purpose, and a great pilates session which stretches out all the kinks and helps with my purposeful walk.

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

I really want to do an introduction to yoga course. I tried yoga years ago, but due to being completely inflexible and probably being at the wrong class I just hated it, it hurt me sooooo bad. But over the years with the help of pilates I have stretched out some tight muscles and feel I could be ready to give it another go! BUT my all time mecca of a wellbeing activity would be to have 5 nights at a gorgeous wellness spa retreat, it’ll happen one day!

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Breakfast is a protein shake using Isowhey Complete (French vanilla) with berries, psyllium husk, LSA and Maca powder blend or a fresh vegie/fruit smoothie whizzed in my thermomix. Lunch is a bit hit and miss, my favourite is sushi, or a big salad with a soft boiled egg. During winter dinner is usually a casserole of some description, lots of lentils, root vegetables, lamb shanks or vats of pasta and vegetable soup!!

Describe your fitness routine.

Just as the cooler weather started I made a pact to myself to up the ante on my fitness so I’ve been going to the gym 3 times a week for some serious cardio classes ie. body pump and body attack as well as a cycling class. Twice a week I use my cross trainer at home for 30 minutes but I barely work up a sweat which is why I need the gym.

I also do Pilates 3-5 times a week at home as I’m a qualified Pilates instructor and am lucky enough to have a reformer (Pilates machine).

I also try to do an Xtend Barre class at The Perth Pilates Studio in North Perth when I can squeeze it in, as it’s super hardcore and is a great mix of cardio and strengthening exercises. Pilates keeps my spine moving, lengthens all my muscles and helps me retain a more neutral posture. It’s my all time favourite exercise which is essential to my general wellbeing, especially since I’m spending more and more time sitting at the computer.

Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements?

I go to my naturopath, Katrin Hoehne, about 3-5 times a year to keep me on track with my general wellbeing. Katrin usually treats me with a combination of a liquid herbal supplement, Bowen therapy and adjustments to my eating habits.

Every 3 weeks the kids and I go to Nervana Chiropractic for a spinal adjustment, the results are instantaneous and I always walk away feeling taller and lighter. AND I just started seeing Amy O’Brien at the Chinese Medicine Centre in East Fremantle who is helping me with acupuncture, cupping and Chinese herbs, as apparently my liver and gall bladder need some fine-tuning. I’m a huge fan of natural remedies and will try anything once and if it works I’ll be back! I also take spirulina tablets and a fish oil supplement most days.

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

I love to lie on the couch with a great book and some sort of snack, chocolate or corn chips to be exact. Or just lolling on the grass in the winter sun using my husbands shoulder as a pillow while the kids play close by…bliss!

Thank you Diana for taking part in our beauty & wellbeing routine, where we showcase inspiring people from Perth and beyond! Be sure to check out eVoke magazine too!

If you have any questions for Diana, please leave them below 🙂

Be well,

xoxo