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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

Jerico!

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

My name’s Jerico, I’m a Virgo and a busy girl! I work two jobs, one in retail and the other at an arthouse cinema. I also sing, dance and play keys in local pop band Boys Boys Boys! which is super fun and a lot of work. It’s cool to have an artistic outlet, especially since i get to make fun, pop music and dance around a stage like an idiot with my buddies. I also really love Prince alot 🙂

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Like most people, I don’t like getting outta bed in the morning 🙂 So with a busy schedule and early starts, my daily beauty routine needs to be as minimal as possible.

To start my day feeling fresh, ) like to use a gentle, facial exfoliant, preferably of the fruity kind. Followed by another fruity face wash to wake me up, I use Neutrogena Visibly Clear Grapefruit facial wash then end it with Vaseline Aloe Vera Replenishing Moisturiser to make my skin lovely and soft like every girl should have! A face wash before bed is always good also to avoid that oil build up over night. And don’t forget to brush your teeth! 🙂

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

To be honest I’m not really one to go and get beauty treatments from anywhere. Most things can be done in the comfort of your own home right? I’m shy 🙂 Maybe to go and have my hair cut, keep it looking nicccce.

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

Head Studio on King Street in the city are really innovative and modern with their styles…and my friend works there, bonus!

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I guess that would have to be the budget, home hair colouring job. Cant beat it, $80… or $10? I know which one I will pick, ha.

St. Ives Apricot Scrub

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

1. St Ives Apricot Scrub for skin
2. Sheer Cover mineral foundation for fantastic coverage and a healthy glow
3. Body Shop, paw paw flavoured moisturiser to feel smooth and smell yummy

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

I ride my bike lots. Buy a bike! A really cute, vintage one with streamers that you’ll want to ride everywhere so you’ll look cute and keep fit. And H20, water is your best friend. Drink tons of it and you’ll feel and look better in every way.

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

A personal trainer would be fantastic! But they are so expenny and my schedule is crazy :(. It would be great to have someone to motivate and push you into getting fit.

Yummy, yummy mango!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Breakfast needs to be light and healthy so you get a good start to the day. So i like to start with fresh fruit, especially mangoes. Summery and sweet, mmm 🙂 I’ll grab a 1 litre soda water during the day to keep me hydrated and bubbly.

I’m a vegetarian, so for lunch i’ll mostly head to Subway for a vege salad wrap or sandwich. Wraps are good because they’re lighter, less carbs, and they taste good too. Add a diet coke to the equation and I’m good. I always get nibbly about 3 o’clock, so on a good day I’ll have a fruit muesli bar and on a naughty day I’ll have a little chocolate. I can’t help it! I love sugar 🙂 Half the time I eat dinner at work, which means a lean cuisine meal like spinach cannelloni or something similar and tasty. At home cooking is fun for me and my boy. We love Mexican and curries with lots of herbs and spices. And maybe for dessert some choc mint slice. On a naughty day of course 🙂

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

Ha, wouldn’t really call it a ‘routine’ but I do try to work out when I can. A couple of days a week a friend and i will gear up to go for a run around Hyde Park or Lake Monger. We try to do at least 30-40 mins, and make sure we SWEAT. I also try and ride my bike to work about 3 times a week. Bicycle fun!

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

Multivitamin tablets can give you a good boost. Berocca twist drinks are awesome if you need a little zing to wake you up at work on an off day. And I take fish oil tablets every day for general wellbeing.

Thanks Jerico! Any questions for our pop songstress, then leave them below in the comments!

Be well,

xoxo

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

Hello! I run a blog called April Rose. It started as a space for me to ramble and upload inspiration, but its slowly morphing into a fashion blog.

I currently post about my life and my outfits, but next year when I am studying my Diploma of Specialised Makeup Services I’m hoping to also use my blog as a portfolio of my makeup work.

Jurlique Soothing Day Care Lotion from $48 RRP.

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Ever since I was a teenager I have cleansed toned and moisturised morning and night.

Cleanser – Clean and Clear Cream Cleanser, the classic old school one, I’ve been using it since I was 14. In Winter time I like to use something from Aesop , as my skin gets very dry.
Toner – Witch Hazel.
Moisturiser – Jurlique Soothing Day Care Lotion (this stuff is AMAZING).
Scrub – At the moment its just the St Ives one, I’m not too fussy about scrubs as I don’t use them that often.
Mask – I love the Skinvitals range from Priceline, they are cloth face masks and they are so so good when you are flying or just need a pick-me-up!

I have very sensitive skin, prone to eczema and my face can also get swollen and inflamed from certain products, so I don’t really stray off what I’m used to (that’s why I’ve been using C&C since i was 14!) I’ve tried so many different products and had to throw them out after a few weeks.

Sounds like a lot but its habit for me.

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

I love getting my nails done. Love it. I feel like a lady when I get them done, and my nails grow better once they are filed professionally.

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

I used to be solely committed to Hall and Jones in the city and when they closed down I cried a little.
Now I go see Bee at Peggy Sues. I did a post about her skillz once. Check it out.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Umm I don’t really have many at home treatments I do but I do like to have a long hot shower after a bad day, put a treatment in my hair, shave my legs, and take off all my makeup and wear track pants. Instant mood lifter for me.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrate

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

Witch Hazel – I use this as a toner, I use it after waxing, and I use it on my face when I have allergies or my eczema is playing up…

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrate – Its thick so oily skinned gals may not like it too much but I use it as a primer/moisturiser.

It’s hard to get in Aus but you can track it down online for around 40 dollars. Its becoming one of my Makeup Kit essentials.

Illuminator – my favourite is MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush. This shade works for so many skin tones and I put it EVERY WHERE with a foundation brush.

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

Prep your skin by washing, toning and moisturising before whacking on foundation, the foundation will last longer and you won’t have to put as much on!

Sheer dusting of translucent powder to set foundation and prevent shine yet still let the glow through.

Use a bold lip colour and a bare eye if you are feeling tired or run down. It will bring the attention away from the tired eye area.

Retreat-y Bliss!

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

A yoga retreat! I would have to learn how to do yoga first though..

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I don’t eat red meat so that limits a lot for me. I eat heaps of nuts, fruit, salads, and pasta.
As a treat I love a good comfort meal like creamy pasta or Thai.

Moi, cycling by the river.

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

Haha zilch. I ride my bike for fun but that’s about it!

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

I take a Women’s multivitamin and Vitamin B12. I don’t eat meat so these things give me a bit of a boost.

Thanks Jacqui!

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

This event sounds incredible…

Held in the peaceful and shady grounds of Earthwise Community Centre (315 Bagot Road, Subiaco) from 10am-2pm, the festival will celebrate cruelty-free vegan living, social justice and sustainability – all growing interests for West Australians!

There will be two photography stalls on the day, so if you want a snap of your pooch bring them along!

Now that’s the one that’s sold me! The chance to mingle with copious amounts of puppies while dining on healthy vegetarian treats? I’M THERE!

It should be a great day, looking after and caring for animals is something very special that we can all do, so come down and learn more about it, taste some delicious veg food & listen to some bands on a Sunny afternoon 🙂

You can join the event Facebook Page or e-mail info@ara.org.au for more details.

Hope to see you there!

Be well,

xoxo