Beauty and Wellbeing Crushes: My Current Skincare Heroes!

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Hola amigos! I thought today I’d share with you some of the products that I’ve been using pretty religiously over the last few months. I’m very lucky to be able to try a whole host of different skincare and beauty products, however when I find something that I keep reaching for, I know I’m onto a winner.

These four products have been keeping my skin very clear and glowy recently, along with the supplements that my naturopath has prescribed me.

So here we go!

♥ Ren ClearCalm 3 Clarifying Cleanser

This cleanser is marvelous for combination skins like mine. A lot of the time when I see clay cleansers I think “Ack, too drying” but this isn’t the case with the Clearcalm, it’s very gentle. The 3 is in the product name because it’s meant to work on the three areas of breakout formation – excess sebum, buildup of dead cells and blemish causing bacteria. I’d have to say I agree! Am totally loving it and reccommend it whole-heartedly! Especially when used in conjuction with…

♥ Clarisonic Mia

As previously mentioned, I feel that this is the major reason my skin has been so good to me lately. Breakouts have SERIOUSLY diminished and my skin is smoother than it has been…well, forever. Used twice a day it has my skin beaming (be careful not to use it on any active pimples (the ones with any pus in them…!) though, as it can spread the bacteria and cause more zits. Once they’ve settled a bit it’s fine! The Clarisonic is also the perfect precurser to…

♥ Rosehip oil

I’m always raving about rosehip oil, it can do no wrong in my eyes! Once my skin is smooth and clear from the above two steps, I massage three drops of RHO into my skin at night (I prefer an SPF moisturiser during the day). It works it’s miracles overnight… and in the morning I wake up with even clearer and glowy-er skin. Seriously a miracle prod! It’s packed with vitamin c, and reduces scars, dryness, pimples and even works on oily skin. WHAT CAN’T IT DO? Well it can’t make you a green smoothie unfortunately, but I hear it’s in the pipeline.

♥ Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

When I want to mix things up a bit and give my skin a break from the Clarisonic, this is my go to. It’s a rice-based enzyme powder which you add water to, then apply to your face for some at-home microdermabrasion! It’s really helpful for brightening and smoothing the skin, and works particularly well on any breakout/blackhead prone areas due to the salicylic acid content (pimple kryptonite). It’s a cult beauty product the world over, and I love it too.

Flashbacks

♥ 90 Minute Gem Inspiration Massage @ Cove Spa – super dreamy, christmas is coming and this would make an AMAZING gift!

♥ Echolife Facial Mist Giveaway! – just in time for summer… get into our latest comp!

♥ Product Review: OPI Muppet Collection – Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang are waiting to hang out on your hands and toes.

♥ Restaurant Review: Yongs Green Food, Melbourne – Take a trip interstate to this incredible restaurant that’s worth the airfare in itself.

♥ Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Jade Jurewicz, Wellness WA Contributor – One of our most popular articles of ALL TIME! Find out why so many people want to read about Jade’s fabulous wellness routine.

Much love to everyone!

What are your favourite skincare heroes at the moment?

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Posted in At Home, Products, Reviews | 7 Comments »

Vegetarian Cafe Review: Samudra, Dunsborough.

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There are moments in our life when we feel truly inspired; following a challenging yoga session, after finishing reality TV shows like the X-Factor or The Renovators (as we start shifting our furniture whilst belting out Adele songs), when we receive genuine, full-face-smile inducing compliments or for some, simply after we finish a very strong coffee resulting in creativity and inspiration literally buzzing through our veins. Eating at Samudra; an organic, sustainable and vegetarian café nestled in the heart of Dunsborough, is now listed as one of my inspiring moments.

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The moment my Tony Bianco boots crunched the gravel path and I breathed in the fresh sea-breeze all thoughts of university essays and the Samantha Wills necklace I’d just lusted after in a shop window peacefully retreated from my brain. I was ready to convert to a Birkinstock wearing, yoga practicing, hippie vegetarian. Accompanied by my lamb-loving fiancé, we weaved through the mass of large, natural wood tables and settled at a table perched on the grass, soaking up some indecisive September sun.

The inspiration began to emerge as my eyes flittered across the pages of the menu in excitement, lamb-lover not quite as enticed, pointing to the safest option Superhero Avo Sandwich- Yallingup Woodfired Sourdough topped w/ cashew cheese, tomato, avocado & alfalfa sprouts. I added to the order the Kombi Breakdown, gluten free – A flavour explosion of cumin, coriander, cardamon, clove and one of our favourite superfoods – tumeric, served w/ quinoa and the Feel-good falafels- raw- gluten free- Delicious Egyptian-style falafel balls made with carrots, sunflower seeds & aromatic spices, cumin & caraway seed, served w/ handcrafted sunflower seed aioli and couldn’t resist the Super Green Smoothie- Pear, apple, lemon, orange & kale.

Inside Samudra ♥

Gazing around the Samudra landscape, from the organic eco garden where the chefs source the majority of their produce to the timber decked café area, I realized I could keep my boots on as you did not need to have dreadlocks or favor hemp t-shirts to eat here (my apologies for the stereotyping, although a woman who obviously forgot to wear shoes or brush her hair resulting in long dreadlocks was purchasing an organic chocolate macaroon when I was paying at the end…. just saying!). There was a unique display of customers; from the tourists flaunting jeans with sport shoes (true tourist attire) looking slightly anxious reading the menu, to the couple sitting behind us loudly debating spirituality and money. Whether they came to The Kombi café for it’s genuine passion to inspire and nurture their guests by providing sustainable, organic, biodynamic meals or if they were there just because the line at the local Dome was hideously long, the air thick with relaxation and serenity was beginning to work it’s magic on their minds and stomachs!

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As our order was placed on the table my inspiration levels heightened yet again. The smell, the colours and the delicate plating was enough to demand any carnivores attention (bringing their thoughts back from daydreams about sausage rolls and meat pies from the local bakery). The simple but favourite combination of tomato, avocado and ‘cheese’ (a cashew cheese alternative) was not a let down and the toasted sourdough provided the perfect foundation for these tasty flavors.

The falafel are one of the best I’ve tried, the dense balls just oozing good-for-you-ness, full of spices and nuts and resting on top of a sunflower seed aioli. The dhal with vegetables was served with quinoa was creamy with a noticeable heat hit and very very moreish. I would be a happy woman if I could eat a bowl of their Dhal each week night whilst catching up on Kids Masterchef, perhaps with a sneaky red wine which I’m not sure would be Samudra approved. My smoothie was a vibrant green colour and it was difficult to refrain from drinking as my fiancé tried to capture the perfect picture of it, however in the end I gave in and gulped down the thick and delicious concotion. Just like the rest of Samudra’s delights it tasted like wellness and health, delectable.

Empty plates!

If you are ever in Dunsborough and have worked up an appetite perusing the streets (in the process realizing you desperately needed several new scented candles, new bathers and of course you needed another decorative elephant statue) I would definitely recommend relaxing and filling your stomach at Samudra. You know they have your health and wellbeing at heart, their recipes are constructed with passion and knowledge with ingredients sourced from the garden, available also for your exploring pleasure. As my boots crunched the gravel during my (reluctant) exit from Samudra, my body and mind healthy and light, I felt inspired to recreate my meals with similar ingredients and love. When we know how beneficial the ingredients that go into your meals are for our mind, body and spirit it’s easy to devour everything on your plate (and still purchase a goji berry bliss ball for the road). So how would I describe my experience at Samudra overall? Well it was absolutely dhal-icious 🙂

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Address:

226 Naturaliste Terrace
Dunsborough WA 6281

Web: http://www.samudra.com.au

Article by Jade Jurewicz, inspiration by Samudra. You can find Jade’s blog over @ http://jadescinnamon.tumblr.com

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Dining, Food, Reviews, South of River, Wellness Tips | 8 Comments »

Perth Cooking Class Review: Latashas Kitchen, Leederville.

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Thoughtful birthday present definition; the act of finding the perfect balance between sentimental, exciting and budget pleasing gifts. Or an alternative definition; an extremely difficult task. However, last night I was lucky enough to bear witness to my friend Amy completing this difficult task and presenting me the perfect birthday present- an Indian cooking class at Latasha’s Kitchen.

If you are anything like me, a lover of Indian food with the desire to replicate the authentic mouth watering smells in your kitchen, yet after reading the long and intricate essay that is the recipe you decide a store bought paste isn’t really that bad…. then this cooking class is for you! Whilst the ingredient lists are on the unique, longer side and you may not have the spices waiting on your spice shelf next to the oregano and cinnamon, it’s nothing that quick trip down to Liquorice in Claremont, Kakulas Bros in Northbridge or if you’re game an Indian supermarket, can’t quickly and cheaply solve.

And believe me, using the authentic and unique ingredients makes a huge difference both to the final taste and the satisfaction you will receive when the aromas are wafting around your kitchen (and your housemate or boyfriend start to linger in the curries’ vicinity like an impatient cat waiting to be fed).

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At 6.00pm we were greeted by Latasha herself, a passionate and knowledgeable Indian woman, with a huge and contagious smile on her face (probably from eating amazing food all day!). After the five of us were led into the back kitchen the class commenced and Latasha constructed 5 delicious meals in front of our eyes. From the toasting and grinding of aromatic spices, the adding of what seemed like buckets full of vibrant (very hot) fresh chilli’s, that unmistakable smell of sautéing onion, garlic and ginger taunting our senses and being introduced to new ingredients (one of which smelt like socks worn with your oldest but most favourite boots all day) I was taught the secrets of Indian cooking.

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It is now safe to say I will never purchase a store bought curry paste again (unless it’s a freshly made one that can be purchased in store at Latasha’s Kitchen of course). There was so much love that went into Latasha’s family, home-style recipes and the demonstration flew by as she made us laugh with her stories from her younger days in India. At the end of the class we sat down, now sporting Latasha’s huge smile on our faces, with our thali of curries, saffron rice and eggplant pickle. The curries were spicy, rich and delicious and I was surprised at how healthy the cooking methods and ingredients were, no greasy, oil laden curries here!

I would highly recommend the vegetarian cooking class at Latasha’s kitchen, I left with an impressive amount of Indian cuisine knowledge and a very full stomach! However I must unfortunately highlight two downsides. Firstly all friends and family have begun requesting that I replicate the delicious meals Latasha created and inviting themselves to dinner and secondly you must wait for 3 hours in the mouth-watering smelling kitchen as the food cooks before you get to taste the food, but believe me it is well worth the wait.

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(Left to right: South Indian Sambhar, Eggplant Kasaundi, Butternut Pumpkin Masala, Mix Vegetable Pal Khari and Saffron Rice)

Where: Latashas Kitchen, 745 Newcastle St Leederville
What: Vegetarian Indian cooking class
How much: $130 for a night of learning to prepare (then devour) a vegetarian feast!
More details: http://www.latashaskitchen.com.au/

Review by future Indian dinner-party queen, Jade Jurewicz (http://jadescinnamon.tumblr.com

Posted in Dining, Events, Food, Inner City, North of River, Reviews | 1 Comment »

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Penni Towner, Aussie Bombshell.

Penni Towner, Aussie Bombshell!

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

My name is Penni Towner, Director (aka “Head Bombshell”) of Aussie Bombshell – self-confessed shopaholic and lover of French champagne.

♥ Moroccan Oil, RRP $49.50

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I am fairly low-maintenance when it comes to a beauty routine. As long as my skin is clean and well moisturised, and my hair has Moroccan Oil in it, I am happy!

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

When it comes to beauty treatments, there are TWO (sorry, couldn’t just have one) women in the industry that I can’t live without.

Alison Jade, Eyebrow Specialist in Cottesloe – the woman works wonders on any brows and people DO notice the difference!

For all other waxing and beauty treatments, Sam at Iconic Beauty in Subiaco (next to Boucla) is THE BEST. I always pop in for a Shellac manicure (if you haven’t been Shellac’d, hop to it!) and when I have a few hours to spare, the Collagen Facial is AMAZING! Sam is also super quick and great at waxing which is really important for busy girls (and boys).

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

I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my hair except Chesnie at La De Da in Shenton Park. I have tried nearly every recommended “blonde specialist” in Perth, but no-one compares to Chesnie. She gets it right first time, every time and just keeps getting better and better with her colour work!
Amelia who also works at the salon is great for blow waves and style ups. $30 blow waves also makes you want to go every week!

OPI Black Shatter Ltd Edn!

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Anything from the OPI range – a quick toe polish colour change is the perfect pick-me-up – a colour to suit every mood or moment. I just returned from Salon Melbourne where they were half price… so I bought 12 and got one free….Oops! 🙂

Chanel Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover – $32 USD

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

1. Chanel Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover – This is my number one beauty product. Nothing is as quick and effective for getting rid of your eye make-up. Say goodbye to panda eyes! (Available online at StrawberryNET)

2. Nars Laguna Bronzer – gives your skin a beautiful, healthy shimmer and can be used both day and at night!

3. HD Mascara by Alison Jade – I have tried every mascara under the sun but I love this one. It has the tiniest brush I’ve ever seen, but gets right to the base, giving you full, dark lashes, with no clumping!

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

Exercise regularly, drink lots of water, get lots of sleep and stay out of the sun unless you have the right protection (slip, slop, slap, wrap!). Always treat your body with respect and think about how you want to be looking and feeling in 10, 20, 30 years’ time. Remember that your body is with you for life!

Power Plate

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

I really want to start Power Plate classes – I have done the research, there are just not enough hours in the day for me right now!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

For me, my first priority is ensuring that I have protein with every meal. Breakfast sets me up for the rest of my day and you will often find me at Cimbalino in Napoleon Street, Cottesloe, before work – I’m a scrambled eggs on gluten free toast and latte regular! Thanks Cimba!

I am terrible at planning my meals, but again, I try and focus on eating some sort of protein for lunch and dinner, and minimize my carb in-take, where possible. I also drink lots of green tea throughout the day which is full of anti-oxidants.

Unfortunately, I have quite a sweet tooth and chocolate is my weakness, although I think I’m getting better at not eating it! (haha)

Pilates!

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I suffer from chronic back pain, so it is important to focus on building and maintaining my core strength. I try to get to a Pilates class with Donna Green at Cottesloe Sports Physiotherapy – trust me, SHE’S AMAZING!

Boxing is my favourite form of exercise, and although I’ve had some time off, I recently started training back at The Ring in Northbridge. It is such a great stress relief for me, as well as an intense cardio workout. Apart from boxing, The Ring have introduced Strength Classes which are an incredibly challenge, but I find that 90% of training in mental, and once you get into it, you feel great!

I also enjoy going for a long walk along the beachfront with my iPod cranked. I try to do that at least three times a week – it’s a great start to the morning.

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

I take Ginseng 8000mG tablets to retain mental alertness and ensure that I am focussed for the day. Magnesium is also really important for joint and muscle care, so I take this twice a day – very important to take this if you are doing some tough training sessions! At the moment my product of choice for this is Repairware’s GMC – its delicious!

Cott Beach

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

Spending quality time with my family and friends is also very important to me and I love sharing a laugh and a glass of wine over a meal with the amazing people in my life.

I love the beach. Whenever I’m stressed, I will go for a walk or a swim and lose myself in the ocean. The water is such an amazing colour, we are really lucky to live in WA!

Any questions for Penni, please leave them below!

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Interviews, Western Suburbs | 2 Comments »

Alternative Review: Mi:Skn Cosmetic Acupuncture, Highgate.

Acupuncture doesn’t really have great connotations for those who don’t know about it. It contains the word “puncture”, who would willingly put themselves through that?!

I would. This week I visited mi:skn for a complimentary Facial Rejuvenation Treatment. The idea of having needles stuck in my face wasn’t my idea of fun. However, I have to say, I’m converted.

Francesca owns and runs mi:skn, the first Perth clinic to focus purely on cosmetic acupuncture. Other clinics may provide these treatments, but they’re not specialised. Having studied in the UK for four years to get her acupuncture qualification, she then went on to study for another two years to become a specialist in the field.

Forever learning, Francesca has developed her own unique approach and she’s been working in cosmetic acupuncture ever since.

The Facial Rejuvenation Treatment works to break up the natural collagen structures in your face. This process causes the body to try to fix it, and over the course of several treatments, plumps up those “life lines”. Now it won’t be as drastic as Botox, however, it will be more natural and more gradual. Research shows that Botox can cause other areas to become more susceptible to “life lines”.

Now, don’t be mistaken, cosmetic acupuncture doesn’t just work to fill in those lines, it also works with acne, headaches and cellulite. Francesca told me of one young lady who had a rather bad case of acne. The purple colour had reduced in just one session. It can also address headaches for those who are prone to them regularly. There is also a non-acupuncture option for Facial Rejuvenation if you’re not so sure about the needles.

Of course, you don’t have to be older to get these treatments; it’s a preventative approach to aging. It’s natural to age; we’re just slowing it down a little.

Your medical condition will be taken into account and if you have very sensitive skin you can rest assured that only natural essential oils are used in the treatment. If you’re not one for needles, you don’t have to worry, they are very fine and flexible enough to bend without snapping.

The music is relaxing and Francesca talks you through the process. The treatment starts with a hot towel on the face to open pores and extract impurities. A facial massage wakes it up and prepares the skin for the treatment. Jade is used to start smoothing some of those lines and cool the face down.

Francesca took my pulse before starting the acupuncture. She could tell a lot more than just whether or not my heart was beating. On the left, she picked up that I’m susceptible to back pain during my cycle. On the right, she could tell that my body wasn’t processing fluids properly. Correct on both accounts.

Needles are also placed in the lower leg to balance your natural energies and make sure not all your blood and energy rushes to your head.

Everyone is different, but for me, the needles didn’t hurt. I could still move my face and legs while the needles were in, without hurting myself, or even feeling them most of the time.

You’re left for twenty minutes before the needles come out. You can use the time to meditate or just relax. I tried to meditate, but my mind kept wandering, so I just relaxed and had some “me” time. After the treatment, I felt more awake; I could already feel that my face had more tone and it felt a lot fresher. Even if you just want something different to a facial, I would recommend this treatment.

A Facial Rejuvenation Treatment is $120, and for the best results it is good to go once a week for ten weeks. There is a discount for purchasing all ten treatments. They also have a member’s option which is cheaper again.

Mi:skn is located at 307 Lord St, Highgate, on the corner of Court St.
http://www.miskn.com
Ph: 0414 277 761

Review by Liv Bambola, pretty in punctured.

Posted in Alternative Therapy, Inner City, North of River, Other, Reviews | Comments Off on Alternative Review: Mi:Skn Cosmetic Acupuncture, Highgate.