5 Wellness Tips to Survive the Party Season!

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The ‘party season’ can be a lot of fun but can also leave us feeling tired and less than healthy. Be mindful this season as you engage in fun and celebration and you can sail through the festive time with a glow and vibrant health.

My top 5 tips this party season

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1. Stay hydrated: Water does more than quench your thirst and regulate your body’s temperature; it is also keeps the tissues in your body moist, especially the brain which is very sensitive to hydration levels. During the daytime ensure to get at least 1 litre, and have another litre for every hour of exercise you do. Consume a couple of glasses of water before a night out and add a glass of water in between alcoholic drinks. A great option for replenishing body salts after a night out is coconut water or a pinch of sea salt in a glass of water. Just a pinch and it needs to be Celtic sea salt or Himalayan salt.

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2. Diet: Maintain a healthy balanced diet, with lots of greens such as kale, spinach, rocket. Choose seafood as it contains omega-3 essential fats or the ‘good fats’ which are great for your skin and protecting the liver from ‘bad fats’ such as those found in deep fried foods. Avocado is a superfood, considered a treasure trove of nutrients, fibre and potassium which we need for energy. It’s also rich in antioxidants which quench free radical damage and support a healthy liver.

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3. Tired?: The likely thing we turn to for a ‘pick me up’ is caffeine or sugary foods. Both are stimulants that instigate a dumping of sugar in your blood stream which is very short lived and can lead to further poor food choices, inevitable weight gain and ongoing fatigue. Instead of a sugar-filled muffin or caffeine boost go for a protein snack such as nuts and seeds, vegetable sticks with hummus or avocado dip. Best of all opt for nature. A walk in the nearest park or at the beach will get clean oxygen flowing through your body and energise you.

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4. Take a nap before a late night: Make it a power nap! Research suggests a 20 minute nap is optimal for restoration to the body both physically and mentally. A nap will improve alertness, increase productivity, stress relief and control appetite. If you have ever woken from a nap feeling groggy and more sleepy this is called ‘sleep inertia’ and is best avoided by maintaining the 20 minutes.

5. Limit sugar and alcohol: these substances will lead to weight gain. The amount of sugar found in a couple of pieces of fruit plus a teaspoon of refined sugar or honey daily is as much as the body can generally cope with. Any excess will usually be stored as fat. Sugars are in many processed foods so read ingredient labels often. Enjoy 1-2 standard alcoholic drinks daily but try to have at least 3 alcohol free days per week for healthy liver function. Drink less if you are trying to lose weight.

What are your top tips for staying well during the party season? Let us know in the comments below!

Article by Shannon McNeil, Wellness Manager and Senior Naturopath at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat. Find out more about special Christmas offers at Gwinganna here!

Be well,

xoxo

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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

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Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Renee Kendall, Perth Pilates Instructor.

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

I love to be fit and healthy both physically and spiritually. I devote my time to learning and teaching others about health and fitness and how they can help to be the best person they can from the inside – out. My number one passion is Pilates (my business is Renz Pilates!).

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Whilst working in London as a personal trainer in 2005 I learnt of Pilates. Within a few months of returning to Australia I commenced training with Polestar Pilates to master the method and learn to teach others. My style of workouts have since been a fusion of Pilates and personal training.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I am LOVING Miranda Kerr’s Kora Organics range and have been since December 2012. I use my Cream Cleanser day and night, followed by Purifying Day and Night Cream for my face and the Recovery Eye Gel Cream for my eyes (Miranda recently recommended to try the Vitamin Enhanced Lip Balm to act like a hydrating mask for the eyes too, which I agree is divine) and the Enriched Body Lotion for my body. After my long days of teaching and training it is nice to enjoy the Hydrating Mask for my face and the lovely Rejuvenating Foot Balm for my tootsies. I am trialling a couple of new organic sun creams too but haven’t found a favourite yet (welcoming any suggestions?)

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

Following a run, I love rubbing my body gently with moist beach sand before swimming in the ocean allowing my skin to enjoy a natural exfoliant. I enjoy this at every sandy beach in the world I visit.

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

Karri Steele – uber cool, but sad she has just moved to Melbourne.. Aveda Subi: Nikki, Kylie & Danni – I just love Aveda – seems to work so well with my hair.

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Sleep. There is a reason it is called beauty sleep. Make the time and reap the benefits.

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

Right now: KORA Organics Cream Cleanser, Recovery Eye Gel and the Hydrating Mask

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

A positive attitude – always have honest and positive intentions – sometimes actions are perceived by others in a different light, but if you know you are acting with good intentions I believe karma always returns positive energy to you.

And sweat, laugh and move: dance, walk, run – whatever makes you smile.

♥ Chiva Som

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

Internationally: Chiva-Som, Thailand and Reethi Rah, Maldives.
Locally: Bodhi Day Spa, Wembley.

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Everyday is different, it depends on my mood and what I have scheduled for the day but generally..

Kickstart the day: Always a Spirulina and Vitamin C drink.
Smoothie: I will make either green smoothie made up of whatever greenery is in season – mixture of kale, spinach, celery, zucchini, spirulina mix, avocado & cucumber, or kiwi and cacao nibs, bee pollen, maca and filtered water and goji berries to serve OR a chocolate smoothie made up of raw cacao, chocolate vegan protein powder, almonds, frozen berries, bee pollen, spirulina mix, maca and filtered water.
On the weekends maybe a frozen banana-rice milk smoothie with lots of yummy extras and an egg white omelette with veggies.

Mid morning snack: I usually teach privates and classes from 6am through to lunch time, so don’t have much time for snacks. I drink lots of water and green tea in between sessions.

Lunch: Huge, super colourful salad (always changing, but as long as I can put in as many bright delicious colours as I can get my hands on) sometimes with chicken, tuna, salmon or beans of some type.

Mid afternoon: Either celery or raw zucchini with my home made hommus.

Dinner: I go out a lot for dinner, so when I order I try to stick to steamed veggies or as clean as possible. This is the one meal I am usually eating with my friends or family and I try not to be too strict amongst others as I often get reminded to be a little crazy and “try the tempura prawns!”

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After dinner treats: This is definitely my weakest point of the day. I LOVE chocolate treats. Over the years I have learnt so much about chocolate and the cleanest, healthiest ways to enjoy it. I now make my own organic chocolate with lots of special treats inside (like goji berries or cacao nibs). Right now I am working on mastering a Bliss Ball recipe (raw cacao, freshly sprouted nuts, coconut oil, etc) so much goodness packed into the cutest little ball! My boyfriend provides great feedback – so we are getting very close to mastering the perfect recipe.

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

One thing about my fitness is that there is definitely no routine about it. I obviously do Pilates everyday. I workout a lot with clients and if I have had a day where I haven’t had much of an opportunity to move, I will get in a short run along the beach or river to pick the heart rate up or do any of the following:

♥ Dancing – I love teaching Xtend Barre at Pure Moves in Cottesloe and I am quite often dancing around my home with Tracy Anderson, and if I am out with my girlfriends we will pretty much always be making a dance floor appear out of no where!

♥ Yoga – I love Twisting Fish in Claremont

♥ Surfing – Not as much as I would like at the moment, but when & where ever I can

♥ Jacobs Ladder and Kings Park – to really pick up my cardio

♥ Boxilates – one of my new favourite classes I have designed at The Hurt Locker in Claremont

♥ Walking – either on my own or this is a great time for a girly catch-up with my friends

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

Some would say my super green smoothies are alternative or the spirulina I take is a supplement, but these are what is normal for me. I have tried various supplements over the years and I think they all have their merit – as long as they have good clinical research with substantiated claims and can prove the efficacy of the product they are worth trialling.I have really enjoyed Reiki in the past and currently I am enjoying a bit of an acupuncture phase.

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

As crazy as this may sound, I am de-stressed when I am teaching or working out. I find both of these to be quite meditative for me. When I am teaching I am 100% present and focused on my client – there is no time for any other thoughts to make my mind busy. Running is also a great time for me to clear my head and process my thoughts. I love yoga in that I am very focused on sort of surrendering myself to the universe and allowing my body and mind to move either my thoughts or body in whatever way it can.

And to relax, obviously a full body spa treatment will nearly always do the trick!

If you have any questions about Renee’s amazing lifestyle, please leave a comment below! 🙂

Check out where you can take a class with her at Renz Pilates!

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Exercise, Interviews, Wellness Tips | Comments Off on Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Renee Kendall, Perth Pilates Instructor.

Beauty Product Review: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence!

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After having my facial at Endota, I started thinking about a lot of steps I skip in my skincare routine. Because I MISBEHAVE and sometimes don’t do the right thing by skin. However, I do enjoy complaining about it, loudly, and on the Internet.

In the facial I had my therapist use a toner on me, ok no big surprise there. But I had slacked off in that department. And I feel really bad that I slacked off because I had a bottle of SK-II sitting on the shelf at home waiting for me. (Bracing myself for the backlash here) This product has CULT STATUS and I can’t believe I hadn’t started using it sooner…but you see there was one problem…

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SK-II is the kind of product your boyfriend looks at and says ‘what’s that bottle of water for?’ and you say ‘ITS NOT A BOTTLE OF WATER YOU WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND THE SECRET WONDERS OF BEING A WOMAN‘ but inside…I did not know what to do with this bottle of water. There were no instructions in English, only a few lines on the back of the bottle in Japanese…(and my year 9 level understanding of this language was not going to cut it). So I turned to the Vogue Forum, which is where I go when I have any of life’s big questions, and don’t-you-know-it those Voguers knew what the heck was up. Use it like a toner GUYS!

I learnt a little more than this though, such as, you can put about 5 drops into your palm and apply it to your face with your hands or put it on a cotton wool ball and apply it that way. Apparently if you want the product to last longer…go for the hands. I also learnt that you could keep it cool in the fridge for an added indulgence. Sweet!

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The secret ingredient is….Cate Blanchett…HAHA- just kidding gang, although I think her perfect face sure helps sales, but really the secret ingredient is Pitera. After much research into yeast our friends over at SK II discovered that it was Pitera that was keeping the Japanese sake brewers hands so soft and supple, and they thought we better chuck this on our faces quick smart.

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And honest to goodness it is good. I use it as a toner (as we by now have well and truly ascertained) before applying a moisturizer and have been using it twice a day (I rub the leftovers into my hands like Mr. Burns to get the most out of every drop) and I have really noticed some truly great results. The product is supposed to target; firmness, wrinkles and spots but I have seen a dramatic difference in the texture of my skin. Like, a serious difference.

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My skin was so dry it was like a crusty salt lake and (ready for this visual image) this bottle of water has restored the moisture and texture of my face back into a bountiful ocean (salt lake > water > ocean). It just feels so smooth and re-hydrated. It fits in perfectly with the rest of my skincare regime and I really enjoy using it. It is expensive but I also do really think it’s worth giving a go, even if it is only once because I haven’t spoken to one person yet who has had a negative experience.

Actually, if any of our readers have, leave a comment…I honestly would love to hear your thoughts because, I know for me, this innocuous looking bottle of water has given my skin a winter resurrection! Rejoice!

So do tell, have you tried SK-II Facial Treatment Essence?

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is available in David Jones & online at Adore Beauty!

Review by Adriane Daff.

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Products, Reviews | 5 Comments »

Beauty Product Review: RICH Skincare Range!

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Not too long ago, opting for natural skincare meant you might have to compromise on quality or results. But the recent explosion of eco-friendly products onto the market, as well as tried and trusted brands amping up their purity credentials, has changed the beauty landscape immeasurably.

Whilst this is something to celebrate for the conscious consumer, it also introduces the conundrum of choice. Time spent poring over lotions and potions deciding which one to spend your precious dollars on can be enjoyable, but it can also be a tad bewildering. So we at Wellness WA are very pleased to help fast-track your decision making process by trialling some of the loveliest newcomer ‘au naturel’ brands available.

One such new kid on the block is RICH Skincare. It ticks all the right boxes for clean skincare, with no sulphates, parabens, artificial colours or fragrances. The range combines science with nature, incorporating the best natural elements from anti-ageing research. More superficially, it has beautiful, chic packaging, which looks very pretty in your bathroom.

I tested three products, replacing the ones I use day-to-day – the Deep Cleansing Milk, Ultra Hydrating Day Cream and Advanced Peptide Night Cream. As their name suggests, the products are very succulent – perfect for my winter skin. They have a delicate, fresh fragrance, in keeping with the natural ethos. But how did they perform?

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♥ The Deep Cleansing Milk ($44.95) was very effective at removing make up, including eye make-up, and without making my eyes sting like some other natural cleansers I’ve used. It glided on smoothly and rinsed off cleanly leaving my skin soft and refreshed.

♥ The Ultra Hydrating Day Cream ($49.95) was very moisturising, but without the heaviness you sometimes get in anti-ageing creams. I also found that a little went a long way, so good value.

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♥ The Advanced Peptide Night Cream ($59.95) was my favourite of the three. It felt like such a soothing and luscious treat for my skin after a long day and the fine lines around my eyes do seem to have softened.

All that and RICH is also made in Australia, so a smaller carbon footprint too. One more thing to make your skin glow!

If you’d like to trial this range, you’re in luck! Tomorrow we’ll be giving one lucky reader the chance to win a goodie pack consisting of an Ultra Hydrating Day Cream & an Advanced Peptide Night Cream!!! Stay tuned 🙂

Review by Karen Miller.

Be well,

xoxo

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