♥ Keeen-Waaah! AKA Quinoa

Perfect for the gluten intolerant, vegetarian or just plain health conscious. Quinoa is a must try!

10 fast facts you need to know about Quinoa:

♥ The seed/grain-like protein, pronounced keen-wah, was originally grown in the Andes mountain range in South America and was a staple food of the Incas
♥ It is a pseudocereal & is closely related to beets & spinach
♥ Known as quinoa in English, the spelling and pronunciation differs depending on the region in South America.  In some parts it is known as ‘kinwa’ or ‘keen-wah’ or ‘kwi-NOH-a’
♥ Quinoa is a complete protein source for vegetarians which means no food combining! It is also high in iron and dietary fibre, it is used in place of grains in the same way as rice and couscous & can be used for both savoury & sweet dishes
♥ It has a delicate, nutty flavour all of its own
♥ Texture wise think somewhere between barley & cous cous
♥ It has a low Glycemic Index (35)
♥ It is completely Gluten free
♥ It comes in white, red and black varieties
♥ It can be bought puffed, flaked or whole.

As a breakfast porridge ♥

Quinoa can be substituted for just about any grain in any recipe and is a healthy alternative to rice and cous cous. I use it instead of rice with stir fries, instead of oats in porridge and instead of burghul in tabouli. You could also use it instead of barley in soups. What a versatile little seed indeed!

What does it look like?

Raw

Cooked

Where can I find it?

In the health food aisles Woolworths and Coles or any health food store.

How much does it cost?

Between $6 -$10 for a 500g packet.

How do I prepare it?

Quinoa is ridiculously easy to prepare. Just make sure you rinse*!, boil 1 part quinoa, 2 parts water and simmer for 10-12 mins or until or all the liquid is absorbed. Alternatively Fluff with a fork & voila!
*Before cooking Quinoa must be rinsed to remove the toxic (but naturally occurring) bitter coating, called Saponins.

A personal favourite recipe of mine adapted from Michelle Bridges’ version.

Quinoa Porridge with Cranberries and Raisins (I swap the raisins for dates!)

3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
500ml water
375ml low fat milk/soy milk/extra water
1/3 cup dried cranberries and 2 tablespoons raisins or chopped dates
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Combine the quinoa and water in saucepan and bring to the boil.  Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, covered for 10 minutes.  Stir in 1 cup of the milk and the dried fruit and nuts.  Cook, covered, for another for another 10 minutes and then stir in the remaining milk.
Add grated apple, fresh or frozen berries & top with cinnamon &/or honey to taste for additional yum factor!

Link love for oodles of inspiring recipe ideas for you to try!

♥ http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/collections/quinoa+recipes
♥ http://www.cookingquinoa.net
♥ http://www.101cookbooks.com/ingredient/quinoa

Bon appetit!

Are you a quinoa lover? Been pronouncing it wrong? Looking to get some into your life… lets talk about this below!

Article by Jasmin Chipper, quinoa advocate!

Be well,

xoxo

♥

Cynic: A person who questions whether something will happen or is worthwhile.

When it comes to herbal supplements that definition suits me 100% from the top of my head down to my very toes. Now, I consider myself a generally enthusiastic and open minded person, albeit a little neurotic, so it doesn’t really make sense why I should feel so harshly towards something that never really did anyone any harm (that I am aware of). So what gives? Have I had too many encounters with people who insist that drinking honey and lemon and hot water and taking echinacea will cure their category 6 flu symptoms and then upon giving the flu to ME claim they feel so much better? Probably. Perhaps that’s the neurosis in me talking, so in an effort to kick that part of my personality to the curb I agreed to try EL8 Rhodiola Rosea for energy and wellbeing.

Rhodiola Rosea in it’s natural form!

Feel free to do your own research (and I encourage you to do so if you are interested) but in a nutshell I can tell you that Rhodiola Rosea hails from the mountainous regions of eastern Siberia and the North Asian territories and is supposed to help you deal with stress, give you more energy and even help battle nervous tension and anxiety. Tension and anxiety you say? Well let’s just see what you’ve got RR because on a bad day my tension and anxiety levels could put Woody Allen to shame.

Two weeks later…

I have been taking EL8 Rhodiola Rosea everyday for the past 14 days and while the cynic in me hates to admit this…it’s working. It really is. Don’t worry, I still think drinking hot water and lemon to cure tonsillitis is idiotic BUT when it comes to energy levels and feeling less tense about stupid little things I really think the Rhodiola Rosea has been doing its job. My rose-tinted glasses have gotten a little rosea-er (had to use that pun, sorry, HAD TO) and instead of falling into an afternoon slump I have found that I have been feeling really switched on all day regardless of the time. I don’t feel sloth-like in the morning and I’ve been falling straight to sleep at night (maybe due to stress reduction?) It might all just be mind over matter, and I am certainly willing to accept that theory but just in case, I’m going to keep taking Rhodiola Rosea. I just have a really good feeling about it. A feeling that it just might be responsible for.

Available for $29.95 at http://www.rhodiolarosea.com.au.

Rambles on Rhodiola Rosea by Adriane Daff.

Be well,

xoxo

♥

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

My name is Ashlee, I grew up in the country and started modelling while I was in high school. I spent a bit of time travelling as part of the job and enjoyed taking part in fashion weeks around the country, working with great photographers and making great friends.

I then enrolled in a journalism & public relations degree at uni which I graduated from last year. While I did most of the course in Perth, I spent six months studying in London and travelling through Europe which was the best experience of my life. I now work at WAtoday as well as modelling casually.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

In the mornings I cleanse with Cetaphil and use Estee lauder day cream, it has the best texture I’ve fallen in love with it. On my body I used QV wash and a mixture of sorboline and cocoa-butter moisturisers. I’ve also started dry body-brushing after reading about it online, it apparently does wonders for your circulation so I’m hoping to get Miranda Kerr-like results – we’ll see!

At night I cleanse with Cetaphil again and sometimes tone with witch hazel to get rid of any oil build up. I then mix it up every night with something different to help repair my skin while I sleep. I either use rosehip oil, argan oil, a serum by Estee Lauder (my favourites are the Intensive Night Repair and the new Idealist serum) or a light moisturiser. I’ve just discovered oils and serums and I think they are fantastic, I love the idea of something on your skin replenishing cells as you sleep. I also love the oils, they’re so cheap and natural and they absorb straight into your skin so they aren’t actually oily at all.

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

Boring, but waxing – I believe in upkeep! I get it done by the girls at Waxworks in the city, purely because I’ve always gone there and it’s where I feel comfortable.

Photo from Scene Models

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

Hair is an odd one for me, I am actually really pedantic about my hair because it gets hammered with heat styling at shows and shoots. But I don’t really go to the hairdresser. I used to work for Maurice Meade so they would always do my hair at the Subiaco store, but now I just get it cut by a lovely friend of mine at her home. I am trying to get it cut regularly – every six weeks – so that I can start to build on its health and help it grow longer. I don’t colour my hair at all, haven’t done so for about five years I’d say.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

On the subject of hair … my best at home treatment is my Kerastase Age Recharge hair mask, which I don’t actually use as a mask but as a normal conditioner. I wash my hair probably every 3 days so I use that and let it absorb for at least five minutes. It’s expensive for a conditioner but I find it is the only thing to nourish my very dry hair!

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

The three I can’t live without would have to be cetaphil cleanser, my Estee Lauder day cream and a good eye-brow pencil or powder like Laura Mercier, or if I’m going budget Rimmel does a good one too! If I can add a fourth it would be bronzer because I’m big on a healthy glow, but I believe brows are the most important aspect of your face. Bad eyebrows really get to me and mine aren’t naturally thick enough.

Sleep! <3

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

Its clichéd but getting enough sleep and drinking enough water. I do look like hell if I don’t get enough sleep.
Of course exercise – and I don’t do enough but the warmer weather is a great motivator to take a walk on the beach or the river. It makes you feel better and if you feel good, you look good!

But also I believe in doing something you love. Nothing is better than feeling happy and relaxed – I love reading with a cup of tea, looking at fashion blogs, chocolate and a nice wine in the sun!

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

Time is my biggest detractor from doing things. I’ve been meaning to start Reformer Pilates with a girlfriend but we can never sync our schedules. I’m not a morning person so the idea of getting to a class before work makes me cringe, plus I normally try to catch up with friends after work so it’s hard to book it in!

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Okay I’m not the best eater. I wish I did but I really don’t have much of a fondness for fruit and vegetables. I usually start the day with toast – honey if I’m in a rush and avocado with tomato if I have some time. Plus a cup of tea. Then I usually eat a big lunch of leftover stir-fry and rice which is where I get my vegetables, usually capsicum, mushroom, baby corn and broccoli. I normally eat out at night time, be it tapas, Italian, Mexican or a good steak. Plus I’m a huge sweet tooth so my day is often scattered with a touch of Cadbury or something I’ve baked at home!

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

Yeah this leaves little-to-be desired as well. I have always played a lot of sport like netball and basketball however I’m not in a team at the moment. I will go walking though and exercise a lot more in summer when I can go down to the beach. I really want to get a new dog, walking a dog is the best exercise motivator for me!

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

I don’t really believe in supplements because I think you should get everything you need from the food you eat. I’m sure I don’t however, but still if I crave something I let myself have it because I believe that’s the body’s way of saying you need it. The only thing I do take is Inner-Health Plus, and I love a good herbal tea.

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

My absolute favourite way to de-stress is with a good glass of wine!
I don’t think I’m a very stressed out person, I get busy but I try not to let any issues get to me too much. Mind over matter!

Thanks to Ashlee for taking time out of her busy schedule to share her beauty & wellbeing routine with us! Any questions, please leave a comment 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

♥

Hi guys! Here is a bumper bunch of links to hopefully inspire and delight you, it’s been a while since we’ve done the wellness links, some exciting projects and plans have been taking up a bit of time – but never fear! The links are back. Hope you love them ♥

♥ 5 Easy Steps to an Alkaline Diet

♥ Mango Avocado Herbed Baby Spinach Salad – YUM!!!

♥ 10 Tips to Set Yourself Up for Success Every Day – some good ideas in here.

♥ Vegan Cheesy Hummus with Dill – now I’m getting hungry.

♥ My Spa Guide wrote up a little post about Wellness WA!

♥ Top Tips for Skin Fitness

♥ The Nutritionists Grocery Bag – see what those who are paid to tell us what to eat, shop for!

♥ Healthy Cherry Ripe – oh yes, it’s true. SO good.

♥ How Meditation Benefits Your Fitness Plan – even more reasons to meditate.

♥ Why Eat Organic? – this short video is AMAZING and everyone who is or isn’t interested in eating organic should watch it.

♥ Kris Carr: Crazy Sexy Entrepreneur – a great article about an amazing woman who kicked cancer’s ass, and is now helping others do the same.

One of my favourite yoga-babes, Tara Stiles, chats a little about yoga x

♥ 92 Year Old Yogi!!! “I’m still a beginner” – very inspiring.

♥ – Galadarling – How to Live a Beautiful Life

Hope you enjoy! And as always let me know if you find any amazing links throughout the week. xo

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥

Hello hello! It’s that time again where I get to share with you my top crushes for the week in the hopes of inspiring you to maybe develop a lil crush all of your own. This week it’s a mixed bag with some yummy, healthy treats, Perth born beauty prods and a bit of a spruik of our latest comp. Let me know if you have any questions, as always I’m happy to chat 😀

♥ Stove Cooked Porridge

My love of porridge is well known (to me), but would you believe that for all these years I’ve been microwaving it? Every morning, into the microwave for a quick, hot and tasty breaky. Last week I decided to do something I’d never done before… cook the porridge on the stove. Now I realise this might sound a bit lame to any domestic kitchen goddess babes, but for me it was a revelation. The porridge turned out so much thicker and creamier and about 2.5 x more delicious! I threw in some frozen blueberries and stirred in some nut butter – dreamy.

Porridge is really good for calming your nerves, beating stress and providing you with sustained energy to take on the day! Porridge lovers put yo hand UP!

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♥ Home Roasted Almonds

Here’s another one that makes me feel a bit silly. I only just discovered how flippin good roasted almonds are. After spouting my love to all and sundry, a work colleague of mine suggested I roast my own at home. Mind blown, again. I just don’t think of these things! She recommended popping a tray of almonds w/skins into the oven at 180 degrees, just when cooking something else or on their own if you want.

I roasted my nut babes for about 12 minutes until the skin came out looking split, as in the above picture. It was all I could do to stop myself scoffing the whole tray. I am now totally converted and have been cooking up a small tray each week to take to work as a trail mix with dried cranberries. Super delicioso. Have you tried roasted almonds?

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♥ AEOS Crystal Nail File

If you’re tired of those scrappy emery boards and the rough powdery feeling they leave on your nails, you’re going to rejoice at these new crystal nail files from AEOS!

“Metal files and emery boards tear the nail as they file, leaving rough, sharp edges. The crystal file glides across the nail tip so you can quickly and easily shape your nail to a flawless, smooth finish. Crystal files seal the nail tip as you file, preventing water, dirt and debris from seeping into the nail tip.”

The files will last you a lifetime due to the crystal not being able to harbour any bacteria. I find that pretty amazing! So long as you don’t lose it, you’ll never have to buy another nail file again. I’m a bit of a slacker when it comes to my nails, but I’ve been using this file whenever I spot a jagged edge and it’s been serving me very well indeed.

The AEOS Crystal Nail files are available for $22 from the beGenki online shop, and come in an AMAZING array of beautiful colours that you’ll want to whip out everywhere you go!

♥ Becca Butter Balm SPF 20 – $40

♥ Becca – Halcyon Days

Two of the new Becca products from the Halcyon Days Collection have been making a big impact on me these past few weeks. The Butter Balm (pictured above) immediately transported me to summery, beachy days when I first tried it – I was honestly in the best mood all afternoon after applying!

Perhaps it’s that the balm is brimming with nourishing ingredients such as shea, cocoa, avocado and jojoba butters and vitamin e, or maybe it’s the tahitian vanilla and honey mixed with the subtle scent of “the beach” that makes this product so appealing. The SPF 20 doesn’t hurt either, and guess what? It’s paraben free too!

Beach dreaming – this is the water down at Freo.

At $40 this is a seriously luxe purchase. Upon opening the gorgeous silver container (which also locks so that the lid doesn’t slip off in your bag, genius!) the amount of product looks rather small, however since using it I’ve found that it lasts for ages and ages and you only need a tiny slick to get moist, supple lips. This is the perfect summer purchase, or Christmas gift (yup, it’s nearly here again) for the beach babe who has everything!

I’m historically not a beachy girl, growing up 400+ kilometres inland will do that, but the Butter Balm has me wanting to hit the sand almost daily. Loving it.

♥ Zoe Foster ‘Amazing Face’ Competition

This ones a plug for our latest competition to win one of two copies of ‘Amazing Face’ by Zoe Foster RRP $39.95!

Enter the competition and you could soon be swooning as much as I did whilst exponentially improving your beauty knowledge. Worth it!

Bon appetit my loves. What do you think of my crushes this week? I would love to hear your crushes! Do share x.

Be well,

Annette

xoxo