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Hiya! Okay, we’re going to change the format of this a tiny bit! First up will be all the posts from the previous week, then after that will be all the wonderful little snippets I’ve come across, that way if you’ve missed out on something you can check it out 🙂 Hopefully this is helpful for everyone, hope you have had a wonderful crazy weathered week! xx

♥ Product Review: Rodial Anti-Aging Snake Venom Range – a review for those serious about anti-aging.

♥ Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Elly Squire / Clare Cupcakes, dancer for Sugar Blue Burlesque. Ooh la la! Clara is a cutie.

♥ Eyebrow Waxing Vows – following a bad eyebrow burny experience (the poor things are peeling as we speak…eww!) I devised these vows to be repeated to any new waxer you think of allowing near your little face caterpillars.

♥ Personal Trainer in Perth, a Diary: Part One! – follow me on my journey to get fitter and stronger!

♥ Blueberry, Banana & Cashew Butter Smoothie – One word: yes.

♥ Wellness WA Christmas Wishlist! – Don’t know what to get for someone? Don’t know what you want yourself? Want to shower me with gifts? This article can help you with all three!

♥ The Importance of Having a Delicious Body Wash that Makes You Feel Amazing – I think it’s very important to treat yourself as kindly as possible, and this is one little way.

♥ Walking Meditation, have you tried it? – Sarah Wilson gives us the lowdown on this interesting form of meditation.

♥ The Taste of Effort – seriously interesting! More research into the old adage that the harder something is to achieve, the more we appreciate it.

♥ What Are You Affirming? – a pretty lengthy article on one woman’s experience with affirmations, a lovely read.

♥ One of the Worlds Best Kept Beauty Secrets – what is it I wonder…?!

♥ What is a Self-Healing Acupressure Pranamat? – I’m about to find out on Monday, as I’m picking up my long awaited pranamat from the post office! SO interested to see how it goes!

♥ Feed Your Brain: Part Three! – if your brain could talk, what would it want you to be eating? Get some help here!

♥ Tips for Preparing for a Big Night Out – some ideas I hadn’t heard of here before!

♥ 100 Ways You Can Start Loving Yourself Right Now – such an excellent article, MUST READ!

♥ Give Yourself the Gift of Self-Worth, Self-Love & Self-Gratification this Holiday Season – another beautiful article by Sam from Be Genki.

That’s it for another week!

Be well and take care,

Annette

xo

♥ First up tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Elly Squire but I tend to be better known as my stage moniker Clara Cupcakes. I perform with Sugar Blue Burlesque in shows all over WA. I also teach Hula Hooping at the Burlesque Academy. In my real person life (I couldn’t live like Clara Cupcakes – she’s an absolute drunken floozy!) I like to go lindy hopping, sew pretty clothes and bake cupcakes, mostly for the Retro Market. You can usually find me otherwise rehearsing like crazy for one of our shows!

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

It’s complicated! My skin was always super easy care (just cleanse, tone, moisturise and the odd exfoliation) until I moved to Thailand. I don’t know if it was the weather or the pollution but my skin changed completely. It was both oily and dry at the same time and it got really rough and lumpy. I had to change my whole routine and all my products. I got rid of anything that had parabens and the like and just used the most natural products I could find. I have a separate day and night routines because I find my skin needs different things at different times of the day. I keep it really light and oil free during the day and put the oils back in at night. Sure my face feels a little sticky and oily when I go to bed but I wake up with the softest skin!

Burt’s Bees Radiance Creme RRP $39.95

In the mornings I use Coal Face by Lush to cleanse, rose water (which I just buy from my local market) to tone and then Burt’s Bees Daily Radiance Creme , plus arnica oil for my eyes. At night I use Burt’s Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream followed by my own tea tree toner blend and moisturize with a jojoba/vitamin e/ rose hip oil blend (that I also mix myself) and Burt’s Bee’s Carrot Nutritive Night Creme and Beeswax & Royal Jelly Eye Creme. It sounds like a lot but my skin thanks me for it!

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

I am obsessed with keeping my eyebrows groomed. I don’t really have a favourite place. I kind just go wherever is open and has a free appointment at the time.

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

I hadn’t had my hair cut for a good two years because of a terrible hairdressing fiasco that had let me somewhat bitter and vowing never to go back to anyone EVER. But I recently gave in had it all chopped off in New York at Pimps and Pinups (who were AMAZING by the way. Ask for Lizzy!). So I don’t have anyone here that I go to but I will definitely be going to Head Studio in the city for my maintenance. I have heard amazing things!

Olive Oil.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Avocado, coconut oil and jojoba oil hair mask that I make myself. It’s so easy to make great, natural treatments for yourself that don’t break the bank. I also like warm olive oil and salt as an all over body scrub.

Dr Feelgood by Benefit , RRP $53

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

♥ Dr Feelgood by Benefit – I wear this instead of foundation when I’m having a stretch of good skin days. It’s a super light balm that makes your skin look matte so you have that look of foundation without actually wearing it.

♥ Jojoba and Arnica Oils – Jojoba oil has made a huge difference to my skin. It makes it glow, but not in an oily way. You can even use it on your hair. Just put two drops on your hands and run them though your locks. It makes it soft and shiny. Arnica is also a big favourite with me because I bruise like a week old peach and this helps get rid of the colour a little quicker. I also use it under my eyes in the morning to help get rid of dark circles.

♥ Sleep Balm by Badger Balm – I used to be a troubled sleeper until I picked up a tin of this little miracle. I smell it and instantly feel more relaxed. It’s the best! I keep trying to give it to people. I think I’m starting to weird them out.

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

Cold peppermint tea in summer! It’s refreshing and helps you digest so you never feel bloated, which is the WORST in summer. Oh and always use an eye cream, no matter what age you are. It’s an investment in your skin you wont regret.

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

Acupuncture. I think it would make a difference to my horrible knee that keeps flaring up but I’m petrified of needles!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Oh gosh, my eating habits are pretty terrible right now. I think I would scandalise everyone. But I do drink a tonne of water and herbal tea. That’s all I’ll admit right now!

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I don’t really have one to be honest. I used to do a lot of yoga but it started getting expensive and unfortunately other things came first. I do hula hoop a tonne which is not only fun but great for toning and strengthening your core. I also try and go lindy hopping once a week, although I have been failing at that pretty badly lately as well.

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

I have the knees of an 80 year old. I take glucosamine and fish oil to help so i’m not hobbling around everywhere. I also take a multivitamin. That’s about it really! As for therapies, well. I say get out there and dance. It’ll cure what ails you!

Any questions for Ms. Cupcakes?

Be well,

xoxo

We wish you a Well Christmas!

With less than one month to go, I thought it was high time to spread the word about what I’d like to be receiving under my little faux-pine tree come December 25th… feel free to steal any of these ideas to show your loved ones!

1 ♥ The health, wellness & happiness of all of those who are dear to me. This goes without saying, but is nice to remember and put at the top of my list 🙂

2. ♥ Spa Pedicure at Bodhi J Day Spa ($75) ! This place is fast becoming a favourite of mine, 100% natural and organic prods are used, and the staff are lovely. I’ve never had a spa pedi before and my feet are feeling a little sad, so receiving this would make them grin (if they had mouths…)!

3. ♥ Full Body Massage at either Cove Spa, South Perth ($105) or Nourishe, Claremont ($50). I LOVE MASSAGES! Love love love. There, I said it. If you’ve yet to experience one, I can recommend either of these two places to send you to relaxation heaven.

RRP $49.

4. ♥ Philosophy Under the Mistletoe Holiday Gift Set – four mega-tasty sounding Christmas themed glosses in peppermint bark, candy cane, pink frosted cookie & cherry christmas. Lips will be sorted for the next 6 months!

RRP $58

5. ♥ Philosophy Ice Cream, You Scream Gift Set – Okay, this one is almost impossible to say no to. Vanilla icecream paired with butterscotch drizzle and caramel drizzle and these guys can be used as a body wash, bubble bath OR shampoo. What?! Limited Edition makes this as good as under the tree already, if I don’t receive it then it will be my gift to myself! 🙂 YUM!

RRP $ 45

6. ♥ Philosophy Have a Cherry Christmas – What can I say? I’m addicted to the Philosophy range, how can you blame me when their gifts are so flippin cute?!

Cherry scent has always been a favourite of mine and Cherry Christmas satisfies both the lips and the body with its ultra red lip gloss and sweet n tangy body wash / bubble bath / shampoo. Delish! x

7. ♥ Health and Beauty Magazine Subscriptions – Specifically Good Health and Wellbeing Magazine, my two favourites!

8. ♥ The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner (RRP $ 24.95) – A book I found out about from The Happiness Cocktail, basically the author travels the world to discover what countries are happiest, which ones aren’t and possible links between the two. Fascinating stuff.

9. ♥ 10 Class Pass for Yoga Moves – This yoga studio is currently topping my list of favourite places to do yoga in Perth. The quality of instructors is extremely high and it’s a really zen little environment just across from a lake. The 10 class pass would make sure I get down there more often!

Carrot, Zucchini & Parsnip Frittata Fingers… yes please.

10. ♥ A Personal Vegetarian Chef – To the best of my knowledge this doesn’t exist in Perth, but please feel free to prove me wrong. PLEASE!!! ; )

I could go on all day but better wrap it up at 10!

Tell me, whats on your Christmas Wishlist?

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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Hiya! Monday morning calls for some extra assistance this week and we’re here to throw some (hopefully) inspirational little shiny morsels into your hands and let you run with them…

So, I once again present to you the weekly round-up of all the best beauty, health & wellbeing related links that have crossed my path this week, hope you enjoy! xo

♥ My Own Journey to Fitness & Wellbeing – a few people have been asking lately so I thought I’d re-post this one. I’m currently about to take up a personal trainer which was one of the things on the list… exciting times ahead for my fitness!!

♥ How to be Fabulous in Three Easy(ish) Steps – well worth a look, the three steps are not as hard to come by as you’d expect…

♥ How do you cope with the judgey judgey voice in your head? – Sarah Wilson lets us into her brain and also looks at a few ways we can combat our nasty inner voice.

♥ Did your breakfast sabotage your skin today?

♥ How to Eat Before and After a Workout – from Healthy Bitch Daily (!!)

♥ Why You Should Apply Sunscreen First – seriously you must watch this one, I learned heaps! A really interesting video that explains the science (in an easy to understand way) of why applying sunscreen first is vital. Must must must watch!

♥ http://www.meatalternatives.org provides a list of meat alternatives search-able by brand and state!

♥ Why Happiness is Something We All Need to Invest in from the ever-lovely Yasemin from PRIMPED. Loved this one.

♥ 10 Instant Mood Boosters – do some now!

♥ Self Care Tips for Busy People – and that’s most of us.

♥ Mummies Point to Man Made Cancer – thousands of years ago cancer was almost non-existent… food for thought.

Hope you enjoyed this weeks installment, I think there’s something for everyone!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Welcome to our BRAND NEW segment, where we will uncover for you all the secret tips & tricks that well-known and upcoming “Perthonalities” employ to keep them looking and feeling on top of the world (or Kings Park)!

If you have any suggestions for Perth based darlings you’d like us to interview, send through an e-mail and we’ll try and get them to shed some light on their health and beauty routines.

First up is Adriane Daff, actress and local pretty Perthie, she has worked in films, television and most recently two plays that received rave reviews, including “The Pride“.

Read on to see how she keeps looking great…

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine!

Trying to remember to cleanse, tone and moisturize. Trying to remember to put on sunscreen. Trying not to touch my face throughout the day. Trying to do at least some sort of exercise. Trying to drink as much water as I can. Trying to get at least 7 hours of sleep. Trying to eat apples. I would describe the whole routine as ‘trying’.

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

IPL at The Beauty Gallery is pretty damn amazing. Mircrodermabrasion at the same place is also really good. And I like facials.

The best facials I’ve ever had in my life were at a place in the West Village in New York that I went to regularly up until about a year ago when I left America. My therapist was a very stern Eastern European lady (called something like Olga) and told me if I just drank more water and slept more it would make a huge difference. I wish I could go to her regularly. She was so matronly and matter of fact. I miss her.

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

I trust anyone and everyone. I’m not too prescious about my hair (and maybe not too kind) but I feel like it’s the one thing that no matter what you do to it, it’ll always grow back. So you should dye it, cut it, do whatever you like to it because it’s only temporary. In saying that though nine times out of ten when I say to someone I love your hair they tell me they got it done at Head Studio.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Visine eye drops. Eight dollars!

Juicy Tubes!

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

Lancome juicy tubes, Aesop sunscreen, Dior Diorshow mascara.

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

Sleep and water drinking! Just like Olga said! Boring. But it works, I think.

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

One day I would like to go to a really intense day spa that lasts for maybe a week and is in a really remote part of the world and you do things like immerse yourself in snow/steam in a sauna/roll around in honey/get blasted with a high pressure hose and eat only rice two times a day. Something really harsh, just to see if it works.

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you?

I’m not so good with routine, I find it really hard to get into good habits. Food both bores me and overwhelms me. I try to eat things that I know are good for me but more often than not I don’t care enough. I’m working on it.

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

Again I’m really bad with routine so I go through phases of exercise but things I always find myself going back to are walking (because it doesn’t feel like you are exercising) swimming and yoga. I recently started Bikram Yoga which I like because its mental and physical. And very challenging.

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

Not really, I’m pretty cynical and ignorant when it comes to alternative therapies (I’m sorry to say). I try to remember to take calcium tablets but that’s about it!

Thanks Adriane!

Do you like our new section?

Who would you most like to have reveal their beauty / health secrets?

Any questions for our actress friend?

Be well,

xoxo