Beauty and Wellbeing Routine: Lisa Gawned, Yoga Teacher and Owner of Mukha Yoga Mats.

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

My name is Lisa Gawned Founder/Owner Sevenergy Yoga Centre and Mukha natural yoga mats.

Being a fourth generation Western Australian woman, I know how harsh the Australian environment can be on our skin. So over the years I’ve learnt that we actually have products in our household that are just as, if not better, than what we pay top dollar for in retail stores.

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I have very sensitive skin and find natural products mainly out of my kitchen work best for me, with exception to a good sun block…

Mornings start with a good splash of cold water, adding a tiny bit of olive oil (avoiding eyes) massaged in, followed with my favourite sunblock Rationale face SPF 30+, it’s the best! I never get burnt and my skin loves it!!

In the evening I cleanse with Almond meal and enough water to make a creamy paste to gently massage the day away, followed by a good rinse and a dab of witch hazel all over my face. I finish with a drop of olive oil into the palm of my hands rubbed together to create heat before massaging in an upward direction…bliss!

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

This treatment I have used for years and find it leaves my skin feeling as soft as baby’s, fresh and with a beautiful glow for a few days.

I wash my face with almond meal and water. Dab on milk of magnesia with a cotton bud (only available on eBay UK) over my face and neck, leave to dry for few minutes, rinse off. Warm a generous amount of olive oil and massage into face and neck with upward strokes. Allow the oil to stay on for five minutes. Then remove excess oil with ice cold witch hazel on a cotton bud. Great treatment also for the top of dry hands.

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

I’m a qualified Hairdresser so I cut and colour my own hair, how? Easy for a hairdresser, except the back, so I just get who ever is around to check the back and snip any stray bits off for me… the colour I use is Henna Moon from (Manna Wholefoods South Fremantle) for my greys!! Weekly treatment to soften and add shine is Coconut Oil left on for about an hour, then shampooed out.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment.

I have noticed as I’m getting older I’m getting larger pores on my face, so I’ve found using egg whites and honey once a week really helps..

I use one egg white beaten until stiff and add one tsp of honey and continue to beat until stiff . I then smother the mixture all over my face and neck. Sit back for about five minutes then rinse off. Finish with witch hazel lotion and olive oil.

♥ Your Three absolutely cannot live without, favourite products.

1. Red Island Australian cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
2. Bartholomews Meadery Honey, Denmark WA
3. Food Source Organic virgin coconut oil (treatment for the hair)

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

Regular yoga classes, even one class a week for me is like an internal massage and a spring clean for my whole being. Followed with a little meditation. Even five minutes a day if I’m time poor. I close my eyes and observe my breath at the entrance of my nostrils. I find this most beneficial if I need to offload a stressful day.

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

I would love to experience a few days at the Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria that would be the ultimate! Ahhh… even one day there!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Well I’m not a brekky person, but I understand it’s the most important meal of the day, so I start with Isowhey complete powder my favourite (vanilla) mixed with the beautiful WA farmed fresh milk to make a frothy milkshake, followed with a big tablespoon of Loving Earth raw organic coconut chocolate butter. Yummy!!

I am a pescetarian so lunch varies depending where I am, but generally sushi if I’m out and about or a home made wrap with salad and tuna when I’m home

Depending on the season from a salad and fish to curry veg, beans and legumes or pot of in season veggie soup.

Before bed I have an herb tea with a tsp of Black Chia (Nature First). These little black seeds are rich in protein and fibre and work wonders on the bowels and seem to settle my tummy!

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

Daily yoga practice from around fifteen minutes and up depending on my other commitments. Also attending one yoga class a week is important and beneficial for me. Gym once or twice a week and kayaking once a week pending weather.

♥ Do you take part in any alternate therapy or supplement? If so, discuss.

Favourite all rounder is Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar a tablespoon daily mixed with water. Bragg I find is the best brand as I believe it’s unfiltered, unheated and unpasteurized. I have read that we are meant to be 80% alkaline and 20% acidic, so this is suggested to be the winning formula to achieve this. My colleague who is a naturopath is always impressed with how alkalized I am when she does my PH test.

Also, one of my favourite people to visit regularly is Acupuncturist Dr Zhou Mi in Canning Vale. I always leave feeling good; he has amazing energy and knowledge.

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

Burn three drops of lavender, sweet orange and marjoram oil in a burner, run a bath adding Epsom salts with tea candles all around while listening to some beautiful soft chanting music as I gaze into the flame of one of the candles becoming aware of my breath. Being completely present until I retreat straight to bed.

Thanks Lisa! I hope you enjoyed reading about her unique routine, please leave any questions and comments below 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Interviews, Organic | 6 Comments »

Down to Earthy – Our Fave New Eco-Friendly Products!

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Today we’re going to get a little bit hippie on you and suggest some of our new found favourite eco and earth lovin prods! Some of them smell like nature, some of them make sure our animal friends stay safe and some of them have a low environmental impact. They’re all winners in their own way… so throw on your hemp tee, grab some used-tire sandals and follow me into the wonderful world of earthy delights.

First stop, a firm fave for many years: LUSH! They use use fruit and veggies, essential oils, and synthetic ingredients (this means minimal animal harm!) in all products. All lush products are vegetarian! In addition to not using animal fats in their prods, they are also test on people, not bunnies 🙂

Lush Cosmetics – Grass Shower Gel RRP $9.95-$34.95

Flip the cap and take a whiff, showering with this will make anyone believe you’ve spent all day rolling around in a pile of freshly mown lawn clippings. The uplifting scent gets me going in the morning, and there’s also real wheatgrass in there, so it’s almost as good as gulping a shot of the bad tasting (butohsogoodforyou) stuff. Almost.

Hottie Massage Bar – RRP $9.95

Jojoba, cocoa butter, shea butter, vanilla absolute, black pepper and ginger oil are the ingredients that make this ultra melty massage bar so good for post-workout soreness. SUPER SENSITIVE SKINS BEWARE THOUGH! While I adored having this massaged onto me thanks to an obliging boyfriend, his super sensitive eczema prone skin had other ideas and unfortunately became irritated after using it. I also have sensitive skin and was fine, so if you’re unsure, maybe test some on your skin down at your local Lush shoppe and wait a day to see if you’re safe. I hope you are, because this is a real treat.

Body Shop Earth Lovers range

Coming in delectable flavours such as pear and lemongrass, fig and rosemary and my personal favourite apricot and basil, this new range by The Body Shop is made with 100% recyclable plastic bottle, no sulphates, parabens, colourants or soap AND the gel itself is 100% biodegradable! The gorgeous scents pack a punch and that makes this one of my favourite new ‘good for the Earth’ prods 🙂 At only $14.95 you could treat yourself to a couple as well.

Echolife Macrobiotic sea salt bath crystals!

I am enjoying these baths sooooo much lately, and given we are on the edge of Autumn-Winter, it feels so lovely to slip into a warm, steamy tub. I must admit, I don’t know too much about macrobiotics, but these salts claim to be an excellent way of absorbing all the minerals the sea contains in balance.

I am not kidding when I tell you that until Yesterday I hadn’t been to the ocean in about 2 years! If you’re like me and don’t get down to the beach often enough, or are unable to due to living nowhere near one, then I think a sea salt bath is the next best thing. Just writing about this is making me want to go turn on the taps… 🙂

Endota Organic Honey & Cinnamon Lip Balm – RRP $17

Now to some organic lip smackin’ goodness. This honey and cinnamon lip balm is iiiiiiincredible! Tastes like a chai tea for the lips, or honey cinnamon toast. Perfect for this weather we are currently having! This yummy critter can be found on my lips on a daily basis. I recommend! You can check out the scent for yourself in the city David Jones 🙂

That’s all for now my loves, if you have any suggestions for great eco products we should take a look at then leave a comment!

Happy rainy Tuesday!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Posted in Organic, Products, Reviews | 9 Comments »

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Samantha Sample, Be Genki.

Sam ♥

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

I am wholeheartedly devoted to helping inform and inspire women (and men) about true natural health and beauty, whether it be via my website Be Naturally You or my body care range, Be Genki. I have a consuming love for the beach, countryside and nature. I absolutely adore animals. I choose to be vegan. I love traveling and constantly challenging myself and raising my level of consciousness.

♥ Active Energised Organic Skincare ♥

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Face care: about 6 months ago I came across a fab brand from the UK called AEOS (Active Energised Organic Skincare) that combines bio-dynamic and organic ingredients with the energies of liquid crystals and gems. I’ve been using their complete range morning and night. It is amazing! And will soon be available in Australia.

Body care: in the mornings I dry skin body brush, shower and apply Be Genki Body Oil all over.

In the evenings I spritz magnesium water all over my body.

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

I couldn’t live without swimming in the surf. Always leaves me looking and feeling more naturally beautiful. My favorite place to swim is … any of the surf beaches in Australia. We’re so spoilt for choice here.

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

Last time I popped in to Bkind Organic Beauty Bar in Subiaco I received the best advice from Jennifer who recommended John Masters Organics for my hair, and it has seriously made a difference.

♥

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Dry skin body brushing.

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

1. Be Genki Body Oils
2. AEOS Gentle Cleansing Lotion
3. AEOS Enriching Moisturiser.

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

Make the conscious choice every day to be fully present and engaged in your life; nourish your body and mind with wholesome organic produce and happy & healthy thoughts; and ALWAYS follow your heart which in turn fills you with joy.

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

I would LOVE to try acupuncture but am way too scared of needles. I know it doesn’t hurt, but the thought of needles stuck in me totally freaks me out.

A kale salad!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Breakfast: freshly squeezed organic juice: carrot, celery beetroot and ginger OR kale, cucumber, celery and parsley.
Snack: piece of spouted grain loaf with turmeric and nut spread
Lunch: big green salad and a protein smoothie packed with all that my body requires to function optimally.
Snack: coconut water and a piece of homemade raw chocolate (cacao, coconut oil, hazelnut oil, cacao butter and maca powder)
Dinner: miso soup with veggies.
I drink lots of herbal tea and water throughout the day

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I love to practice Zen Ki and Bikram yoga during the week; and on the weekends I love to start the day with an early morning jog on the beach followed by a swim in the surf.

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

I LOVE alternate therapies and am always trying out new or previously experienced ones. My one constant is that I get a deep tissue massage once a fortnight. I don’t take pills (supplements) but I do pack a lot of goodness in to my protein smoothie (all in their raw forms): udo’s omega 3-6-9 oil, chlorella, cacao, aloe vera juice, maca powder, camu camu powder, probiotics, hemp seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, psyllium husks.

Pranamat Eco – $138.

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

My favourite way to relax/de-stress is laying on my Pranamat for an hour, deep tissue massage, or a soak in the bath with lights dimmed, natural scented Be Genki Candle burning, essential oil scented Be Genki Bath Oil, eyes closed and mindful breathing.

Please leave questions below 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Other | 3 Comments »

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Courtney Therry, Makeup Artist & Mecca Cosmetica Sales Assistant.

Courtney (Ed: Check out that glowing skin!)

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

I am a twenty four year old student, make-up artist and wanna-be photographer. I am studying Arts Management at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, working part time at Mecca and Freelancing as a makeup artist anywhere! I am born and raised in Perth and currently live in Innaloo with my sister and my amazing Cavoodle, Osca.

Dr Brandt Detoxygen Experience – $115

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

My beauty routine changes all the time because my bathroom is overloading with skincare products from Mecca!

At the moment i’m using a foaming DG Skincare (formerly MD) foaming cleanser followed by Revive Sensitiff Cellular Repair Moisturiser (oil free) during the day.

At night I am using this Amazing DG retinol serum which is called Hydra Pure Radiance Renewal. It makes my skin feel like silk! Because my skin is particularly problematic I have been doing a Dr Brandt Detoxygen mask 3 times a week as well which I absolutely love. A daily Makeup routine includes a quick application of Hourglass Veil Foundation, a touch up of Nars Concealer in custard and a lather of Loreal Volume Million Lashes. Always set with Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation.

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

I cant live without manicures. I wasn’t blessed with naturally good nails so I find the sporadic manicure does wonders! I just go to my local down at Karrinyup shops!

Another fan in the long list of people who swear by this salon.

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

Although i am not precious with my hair at all, I am very fussy! Only two places- Head Studio (King St), and I always book in with either Shane or Marie, and Daniel Bromley Couture Hair (South Perth). They have not disappointed me yet!

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

A pedicure always makes me feel so polished and groomed!

Molecule 02 Fragrance – $240.

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

Such a tough one as I am completely spoilt for choice… (after much thought) I would have to say:

– Bumble and bumble hair powder
– Molecule 02 fragrance – Ed: Interestingly, it is a nature identical scent to that of an excretion from the sperm whale, said to impart a fresh, mineral smoothness!
– Kiehls Creme de Corps Body Moisturiser – a cult favorite (Available at StrawberryNET)

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

Drinking water always helps, and having just enough (but not too much) sun.

Seaweed!

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

I would absolutely love to have a seaweed wrap. I would feel so pampered.

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Two pieces of toast and a glass of orange juice. Toast always must have real butter and vegemite on it!

Lunch might be soup or rice paper rolls followed by a sweet treat (possibly Tim Tam double coat), a handful of almonds in the afternoon and a big dinner. (Followed by another sweet treat!) Dinners change all the time. Last night I made chilli con carne and that was delicious. As you have probably noticed I am not the healthiest eater!

Pup!! ♥

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I dont work out although I try to take Osca (above) for a walk every day.

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

No, but I would love to see a chinese herbalist. That is next on my agenda!

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

A face mask, a long hot shower, and a movie always do the trick! I love having massages to relax, but because I am so busy I rarely find the time during the day to make it happen.

Thanks Courtney! Any questions, leave them below 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Interviews | 7 Comments »

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Francesca Perino, Cosmetic Acupuncturist at mi:skn.

Francesca!

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

I’ve recently returned from living in the UK for 10 yrs, where I trained as an Acupuncturist. About a year ago I fulfilled my dream of opening a dedicated Cosmetic Acupuncture Clinic. Mi:skn Clinic was born from a desire to offer a natural and holistic alternative to more invasive cosmetic procedures, it is the first clinic in Perth to specialize in cosmetic acupuncture. I love my job and I love meeting people, there’s nothing better than going to work with a smile on my face every morning.

mi:skn range, available in-salon.

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Mi:skn Clinic has its own skincare range, so it makes sense that I use Mi:skn products. All our skincare is completely natural and organic and is made in small batches here in Perth, I love to know exactly what I am putting on my face. My skin routine is very simple I do the same both day and night; firstly cleanse with Mi:skn’s Revitalizing Gel Cleanser, spray some Antioxidant Mist and then before it dries follow with a few drops of Rejuvenating Serum. I also pat a little Rescue Eye Gel under my eyes to keep dark circles at bay and sort out any morning puffiness.

♥

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

I try to have regular back and neck massages, with my work I can get pretty sore muscles at the end of the day. I love the Aromatherapy Massage at Nature’s Hideaway in Mt Lawley.

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

I am so happy I have found Gemma at Christian James Hairdressers in Mt Lawley. She is not afraid to really chop into my hair and go short. I have recommended her to a lot of people, the other day someone stopped me to ask who cut my hair – I was very flattered – well, I assumed they were admiring my haircut and not trying to avoid the salon! aha.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I just don’t have the time to do home treatments. But I’ll let you in on a little ancient Chinese Medicine beauty secret. To reduce sun damage and discolouration simply boil some organic milk until a skin forms, store the skin on a saucer in the fridge, when cold apply the milk skin to discoloured areas for 10 minutes. Repeat weekly.

Alkoomie Organic Bloom – $78.

♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products? Oh that’s easy:

1. Mi:skn Rejuvenating Serum
2. Alkoomie Organic Bloom roll on perfume
3. Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps.

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

Eat well, limit sun exposure and always remove make-up thoroughly.

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

I have been told I should try Cranial Sacral Therapy to sort out my back. I have a recommendation for a practitioner in Fremantle, but to be honest it’s too far for me to go. Has anyone got any suggestions?

The only word that comes to mind is “yes”.

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I have been put on a special diet by my naturopath, so for the time being I start the day with half a cup of organic porridge cooked in oat milk and water and sprinkled with crushed nuts. I have nuts for morning snacks.

Lunch is usually a salad with some egg or tuna and a couple of ryvita. More snacks in the afternoon (popcorn, nuts, organic cornchips) and for dinner some pasta or meat/fish with salad or veg. No sugar, no dairy, no yeast and no processed foods – all my favourite foods!

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I am afraid there is no routine. I walk loads at the weekend, sometimes 2-3 hrs. Does walking up two flights of stairs three times a day count?

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

At the moment I am seeing Dr. Kitty Campion (she is awesome) she is primarily a herbalist, but also a naturopath and iridologist. I take multivitamins and probiotics, I am a strong believer in prescribed supplements, the stuff off the shelf just isn’t potent enough.

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

I love to sit in Hyde Park and watch the world go by, it has a lovely energy and really calms me.

Please leave any questions below! We also did a review of mi:skn clinic that you can find here.

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Alternative Therapy, Interviews | 1 Comment »