♥

In my elusive search for finding & making ‘me’ time, in order to reflect and just ‘be’ in a self inflicted hectic schedule of work, exercise, socialising & living life in general, I recently attended a 1 day ‘Learn to Meditate’ workshop at the Dharmapala Buddhist Centre in Fremantle accompanied by my ever so supportive Mum!

An avid Wellness devotee, I was well aware of the numerous benefits of mediation but required the 1-0-1 on ‘how to’ meditate. Being a visual learner by nature led me to seek out a local facilitated course, rather than ‘googling’ it & sifting my way through the vast array of information available on the net.

The workshop was facilitated by the Resident Teacher who provided an inspiring and entertaining guide to the essential practices of meditation, including stilling of the mind and contemplative meditation. The course provided the basic instructions needed to incorporate and establish a regular meditation practice into busy daily life.

A delicious vegetarian lunch, morning and afternoon tea were provided which consisted of an abundant assortment of fresh, healthy and re-energising foods.

At the end of the workshop I was inspired to make meditation a part of my daily routine. I’m not quite there yet, however writing this review has reignited my mission to do so! Research shows it takes 21 days to form a habit, so my goal for the next 3 weeks is to take 10 minutes out of my day to meditate, reflect and be grateful & make it a natural part of my daily routine long term.

I would definitely recommend attending the course if you’re seeking guided inspiration for your mediation practice or are just interested in finding out more about meditation in general. The centre volunteers were warm & welcoming and did I mention the food was amazing?!

p.s The course would make a great gift for a loved one.

Visit the Dharmapala Buddhist Centre / Meditation in Perth website for more information on the course structure & other courses available.

Review by Jasmin Chipper meditation rookie, busy expert.

Be well,

xoxo

♥

Brr brr brrr! The past week has been the chilliest in FOREVS. Cold mornings and nights, mixed with an assortment of sky drops lets us know that winter is well and truly ready to swallow us up, forcing a frantic search for stockings, coats and lots of layers.

The week has been equal parts stressful and opportunity filled for yours truly. I’ll soon be gracing the pages of a quarterly mag, my first foray into non-online writing (nervous indeed!) – more details to come when it’s out!

I hope you are rugged up as you’re reading this, maybe sipping on a hot tea? Bliss! Okay, so here are my beauty and wellbeing crushes at the mo:

1. Timezone Two Player Basketball.

Preferably played with a date or significant other, so you can tease them when you, a small lass with no interest in balls that fly into baskets, win by a generous amount. Oops, that’s me! But really, this is a fun way to get your heart-rate up, engage in some competitive bonding and have a laugh. Loser buys the winner a fruit smoothie!

Aussie Moroccan Oil Alternative!

2. Seven Wonders Moroccan Oil Haircare

It’s difficult to find a beauty lover who hasn’t heard of Moroccan Oil before. Offering shine, softness, easy breezy hair management AND a reduction in drying time, Moroccan Oil has had the world at it’s feet for some time now.

BUT, wouldn’t it be great if there was an Australian made, Perth owned version of this? Yes, it would. And there is!

I got to try the Seven Wonders Moroccan Treatment Shampoo, Conditioner and Oil – it has a sweet, nutty smell which I loved and it’s completely free of sulphates (woohoo!) and parabens (yippeee!). Plus it contains certified organic argan oil, the magic ingredient.

Being free of sulphates means that they don’t lather up as much as conventional hair prods, but it’s BETTER FOR YOU! And that’s the most important thing. If you’re a lover of Moroccan Oil, I suggest you test out this brand next time. Support local business and give your hair a rest from a couple of the haircare bad guys.

♥

3. Hot Lemon Water

Cold weather means hot drinks are even more excellent than usual. I’ve never been a coffee drinker, but even if you are, maybe you could try this alternative next time you’re choosing some hot liquid to warm you up? Alkalising, detoxing, yummy and cleansing, it ticks all the boxes! I had me some hot lemon water this morning and felt so great afterwards. This tradition will continue. Join me?! xo

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4. Coconut Water

Another drink I’ve been loving is coconut water, specifically the Beyond Coconut Water because it’s packaged in a glass bottle, which is better for you than plastic bottles and cardboard containers. I’ve taken a fancy to eating baked beans on toast with a bottle of coconut water post-personal training sessions and I feel like it helps me rehydrate, feel great, and the bbontoast are just a delicious source of protein to help my lil muscles recover quicker.

Ultra Tiny Link Love:

♥ http://www.just-a-minute.org/ – such a radical little way to bring yourself some peace in 60 seconds during the work day. I tried it and felt much calmer. Love!

♥ Cashew, Coconut Pudding Brekky Recipe – de.lic.ious.

Hope you enjoyed this weeks!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Keeping the spark in life by living every moment!

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

Hi! I’m Hannah. I have an awesome day job as a Project Manager, and I moonlight as a Foodologist running my own business and blog, A Foodly Affair. I am passionate about mindful eating and about helping others to find their foodly philosophy – mostly through food coaching and uncooking classes. In between times, I love to write, read, sing, dream and spend time with the people who are important to me.

Cake of Soap – Goats Milk Soap

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

What is this thing you call a “daily beauty routine”…? I wash with either my own (edible) unsoap, or with a plain goats milk soap from Cake of Soap. Although I don’t cleanse or tone, I usually moisturise – with a basic shea or nut butter.

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

My unmissable beauty treatment is one that works from within: green juice. Rawfood Karen got me hooked. My favourite blend comprises kale, celery, apple, ginger, parsley, lemon & honey. It’s super easy to make, gives you a serious and immediate energy boost from the time it hits your lips, is great for your skin, and is a real tonic for your system.

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

For the last few months, no one. It’s an experiment in progress. When I’m not feeling experimental, it’s Element Aveda in Subi. All the staff there are fabulous and I appreciate the Aveda philosophy.

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Coconut oil. Raw, organic coconut oil on your face and body, in your smoothies, desserts and main meals. So incredibly excellent for you, inside and out.

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

1. Pawpaw ointment
2. My scent – Flower, by Kenzo
3. Soy candles from PinkLoveTank

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

No secrets. I think everyone could eat more raw food, for the enzymes and energy. Whatever you do, enjoy it and be present with it. Nurture yourself with the best wholefoods you can get your hands on (organic and bio-dynamic where possible), drink plenty of water, have regular exercise and sunshine, breathe deeply, and trust in others & the universe.

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

Acupuncture. Now, if only I can avert my aversion to needles…

Yummo! Chia porridge!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

On a weekday, I like to start the day with chia porridge – but I usually wake up too late and resort to making a chia smoothie for the road, which I drink from a jar at my first meeting. If you’re playing along at home, remember that blue (from blueberries) + green (from spirulina) = grey! It tastes great, but colleagues will wince and ban you from bringing homemade juices or smoothies into work ever again.

Snacks are a nut & superfood mix (eg. goji berries, macadamias, cacao nibs, coconut shavings, almonds, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, cashews). My current vice is coffee, and I have a 2 per day habit. I also try to drink lots of water between meals.

Lunch is often a green smoothie or a raw burger from Club Zing.

Dinner starts with coconut water, a raw salad or a green juice, then a soup, pasta or curry – sometimes raw, sometimes not. I enjoy a glass or two of wine with dinner on most nights.

♥

♥ Describe your workout routine / how you keep fit?

Have you tried the 9 minute extreme cardio workout yet? I just about killed myself with it last week.
I am just getting back into whole body vibration (2-3 times/week) because I love what it does for my body shape and endocrine system. I run and practise yoga when I make the time. Oh, and I got hooked on surfing after just one lesson at David Wolfe’s Samudra Retreat earlier this year, so I am determined to make this my Winter sport.

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

I use different therapies for different issues/energies. When I am low in energy, I’ll book in for a bioresonance session. I have also tried and enjoy reiki, theta healing, far infrared saunas, music, meditation and essential oils.

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

I love a good belly laugh with my little person – and I try to get out of mobile range as often as possible.

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When was the last time you really fell in love, disappointment free? I fall in love over and over again when my will leads me towards the scenic hills landscape of Roleystone.

Where to? Genesis in the Hills; where the division between food and love is negligible.

You’ll know you are on your way to something special when the road starts winding and the still of nature starts to permeate.

The organic garden @ Genesis

You will be welcomed through a fairytale pathway which leads to the outdoor decking of this beautiful eatery, dressed with both lounge and formal style seating, naturally bathed in morning or afternoon sun. Inside the French doors; you will be greeted by a homely feeling that will bend your will, just enough. Yes, you’ll be staying, a little longer, than you usually would.

People are an essential ingredient to the overall effect of Genesis in the Hills. You will feel openly welcomed by Ita and Rivka, the women behind the concept, who, without fail, express a warmth that couples perfectly with winter chills and warm vegetarian food.

Genesis in the Hills is open Thursday to Sunday every week. 10:30-5pm on Thursday and 8:30-5pm Friday to Sunday, I adore mornings, simply because, a smile is a perfect way to meet the day. You can expect delectable cakes, quality coffees, elegant teas (like Persian rose and Sencha green) and simply scrumptious mains (vegetarian/vegan friendly).

Yum! ♥

I favour a spiced fruit and sweet potato cake with a soy cappuccino or raw juice with ginger, but I have pleasured in many other taste delights, from herbed sour dough breads to soups, salads and open sandwiches (unclose-able because they are so generous).

Aside from boasting incomparable coffee, food and atmosphere, they also host Art exhibitions throughout the year, which makes every visit to this location, a complete sensory experience. Unequalled, Genesis in the Hills is a love worth experiencing at least once. I guarantee it, but don’t hold me accountable if you become addicted! It is only natural. Enjoy!

Contact details:

Genesis in the Hills
124 Croyden Road
Roleystone WA 6111

Ph: 9397 7799

Genesis Facebook page
Web: http://www.genesisinthehills.com.au
The next up and coming event at Genesis in the Hills!

Review by Lavida Rose.

Be well,

xoxo

♥

I’m pregnant!!

Don’t get me wrong – we love hearing them from friends, then it’s all shrieks, hugs, and tears. But there’s one person we simply do not want to hear it from, and I’m pretty sure I can speak for the whole sisterhood here…your hairdresser.

Years of unflattering cuts, tragic colours, and massively botched home attempts, litters a rite of passage to be endured until you find, THE ONE. So when your hairdresser enthusiastically declares her impending motherhood, I understand that it takes all your strength not to pick up the buzz razor and fashion a reverse Mohawk through the centre of her perfectly sculpted bob.

Word of warning, if you’re a hairdresser about to make a life changing announcement, please don’t be offended if your clients don’t share your enthusiasm, it’s just that we know our life is about to become ruled by our fickle follicles.

When my last hairdresser drifted off into oblivion, I found myself skulking back to a major corporate salon I’d used years ago in the nineties, Maurice Mead Subiaco.

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Perhaps it was a case of absence makes the heart grow fonder but I was thrilled with the service. Not only were the magazines post World War II, I was given a cup of tea and placed in front of a television showing the latest fashions, then given a head massage to die for. The act of hair washing reached a whole new level when, lying back on a black leather vibrating massage chair, the apprentice worked his magic for a good 15 minutes, all the while checking on my personal level of pressure, bliss. Numb beyond belief I watched on as my stylist, Ailsa, retrieved my card and identified the colours that had worked best for me in the past then listened to what I wanted. Not only that, she checked regularly to make sure I was happy. In the end I left the salon relaxed and feeling very special. While it was a lot dearer than my previous stylist, I’d almost pay double just for the head massage, but don’t tell them that.

Maurice Meade Subiaco
9/127 Rokeby Road, SUBIACO WA 6008
Salon is located on Barker Rd

PH: (08) 9381 6447
Web: http://www.mauricemeade.com.au

Review by Glennys Marsdon – author, blogger, consumer behaviourist who’s spent a lifetime researching why we do what we do, but still hasn’t worked out Hollywood tap.

Be well,

xoxo