Product Review: beGenki Serenity Range.

The whole beGenki Serenity range!


When the beGenki Serenity products arrived in the mail, I squeezed my eyes shut and planned, in my near future, a night in the bath with lights dimmed, candles lit and Jack Johnson softly playing in the background. Finding a night off to relax was just what I needed! So why, oh why, am I two weeks post-daydream wondering what happened to this night of serene perfection?

Before you get mad at me and think “how hard is it to fit in one hour of peace” and I bullet point the thousand reasons that make me busy, I’d like to share an epiphany:

People relax in different ways.

I was beating myself up for not having a bath because they are the grand dame of the relaxation world, when I realized most days I find a way to chill out that doen’t find me a wrinkled, sweet-smelling seal impersonator by the end.

Prior to revealing my top five tips for stress relief, I must tell you about the lovely beGenki products I had the opportunity to try. The brand advocates wellness on a physical, emotional and spiritual level and to be “genki” is to be happy, healthy, positive and in harmony with oneself on all levels.

Serenity Bath & Shower Oil – RRP $34.

The two products I tried were from the Serenity range, the bath and shower oil and the body oil. The bath and shower oil was sampled in the shower after a swim session which left my poor skin gasping for moisture. The bergamot essential oil was the most dominant which gave it a refreshing and very slightly masculine scent to me. Rubbing the oils into my legs and arms was like a quick massage pre-shower and the smell and rub did provide a calming effect. However, after the shower I found the moisturising aspect of the oils couldn’t quite handle my dry skin and I still needed to slather on Benefit’s Bathina cream (current favourite moisturizer).

Bathina by Benefit – a diversion from beGenki, but also a lovely prod!

The body oil was sensational, much lighter than other massage oils I have used in the past and I didn’t feel like a grease burger once my husband gave up on the shoulder knots. The finish was more like a moisturizer and my skin loved it. Now, I just need to convince the husband to have another shot just to make sure it was as good as I remember!

So once I was moisturized and massaged and a ball of love and serenity, I thought about what truly relaxed me.

Here are my top five ways to jump out of the rat race;

1. Create a soulful playlist on your iPod, lie on the couch and stare out the window for 15 minutes. Music has long been proven to have therapeutic qualities and when the day has been too much, it helps me zone out. My current favourite is The Black Keys’ new album, Brother which is so soulful you’ll forget all your worries.

2. Get into the kitchen and bake something amazing… this isn’t for everyone, but put me in a kitchen with an apron, butter, flour and sugar and I’ll emerge singing a happy song. Fill your house with delicious smells (no candle or perfume has the same effect), dish out a slice of something wonderful for people you love and of course, you must lick the bowl.

3. Stretch out those overworked limbs. I love exercising and my body sometimes complains, so throw out your favourite beach towel in the backyard and run through a few key stretches (hamstrings, back, calves, shoulders and hip flexors are a good start) to relax your body and allow it to recuperate from daily stresses.

He’s showing us how the downward dog is done!

4. Get thee in the downward dog position. Focused breathing, stretching and meditation time at the end… there just doesn’t seem to be a better way to calm the mind and body than a yoga class. They do make the wallet squirm though, so if you’re strapped for cash, head to Lululemon in Perth or Cottesloe for free classes. Visit in-store or check their website http://www.lululemon.com for more details.

5. Book yourself in for a pedicure. Putting your feet up and having them rubbed at the same time is the ultimate stress reliever for this busy girl. I switch my phone off, the massage chair on and allow the pedicurist to work her magic on my trotters before walking out a new gal.

beGenki can be purchased online at: http://www.begenkishop.com

Review by Lisa O’Neill, a freelance journalist and part-time triathlete who loves to squeeze in as much pampering as possible in her free time.

Be well,

xoxo

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Emma Gilbert, The Raw Kitchen.

Heath & Emma

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

Hi, I’m Em – I’m a 22 year old uni student and co-owner of The Raw Kitchen. The key aim of the The Raw Kitchen is to share and teach people about not only the incredible benefits of including raw living foods into our diets, but also how delicious they can be!

We currently run a raw food and smoothie bar down at The Fremantle Markets, where we also stock a wide variety of products, books, and appliances. We run raw food workshops and events and now have a RAW catering trailer out on the roads also hitting the local festivals and events!

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Fast and simple due to necessity! In the mornings I rinse my face with fresh water, while my evening shower is my main opportunity to cleanse my face and body using a natural, organic body wash or soap. I’m not too fussy with anything beyond chemical-free ingredients so I alternate between brands like Suki and Natural Instincts that offer great value, affordable hair and body products.

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

I’m not sure if a massage technically classes as a beauty treatment, but this is certainly the one indulgence I pick first every time! Perth’s best kept secret has got be the training colleges – I’ve had many a wonderful massage from students at Endeavour College of Natural Health for $20-$30!

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

I very rarely get my hair cut professionally – in fact I quite enjoy snipping away at my ends on my balcony!

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Coconut oil and/or cacao butter – these natural oils are such amazing moisturisers! I use them on my body, hair, lips and face (as well as in my food!) and they leave you feeling so beautiful and soft and without any fear or additives or chemicals, just pure, natural goodness.

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

– Good quality essential oils for when I feel like wearing a scent
– Mineral makeup – I’ve tried a few, currently I’m using an Australian brand – Claytime.
– Neem Leaf Extract – excellent for irritations, blemishes, itches. (ED: Neem leaf is also an ingredient in some La Mer products!)

Em lives on lots of whole, fresh, raw foods to keep her looking lovely!

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

As the saying goes, it’s about what you put inside your body and I’ve certainly found this to be true. Plenty of clean, pure water, ensuring the largest part of my diet is fresh, raw, living wholefoods, daily movement, and daily activities that I love.

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

A facial from Cherry Blossoms Organic Beauty Salon in Subiaco – they use the most divine, high quality organic products from Europe.

An example of some chia porridge!

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Breakfast is often light – either a smoothie, juice, fruit, a salad, chia porridge or similar.

For lunch/dinner we very rarely go without a big salad packed with greens, sprouts, avocado, seaweeds and then whatever other veg is in season and colourful!

For snacks I might have some flax crackers and dip or vege sticks, nuts, nori rolls, fruit, or a blended soup.

And of course desserts! At the moment I’m really into frozen berries and mango, but I’m fortunate to live in a house where there is often some wonderful raw creations being experimented with so there’s often something delicious in the freezer to finish the day.

Describe your fitness routine.

Time is of the essence so I have to try to fit exercise into my day wherever I can. This often means walking/riding to uni, early morning walks, walks to the shops, stretches on the bedroom floor…and just in the last few weeks my partner and I have started attending classes as casuals at the local gym which has offered a great bit of variety and motivation.

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

We alternate a large range of different superfoods and minerals in our smoothies and daily intake. Seaweeds (spirulina, chlorella, modifilan etc) are something I make sure to get in one way or another everyday. Chia is another being such an excellent source of omega 3s, calcium and more. As far as alternative therapies go, I’m lucky that my partner Heath is a naturopath so he takes care of my health needs!

Emma & Heath can be found at their food stall, The Raw Kitchen, at the Fremantle Markets on the weekends! x

Any questions please leave them below!!

Be well,

xoxo

Weekly Wellness Wishes!

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

Weekly Wellness Gems.


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

Weekly Wellness Licks!

♥ oh, love! ♥

Hello, hello, hello! It’s Friday and that means we’re here to serve you a whole plate full of links to keep your brain ticking and your day moving along smoothly (& quickly!).

It’s been pretty chilly the last few nights and I’ve been warming up with some games of tennis, the first time I could only play for 20 minutes, then again for 20 minutes the second time… but yesterday an hours worth of tennis entered my life and I couldn’t be more pleased with my tiny fitness gains!

I’ve also been enjoying some apricot, sultana & date muffins that my sweet mum made! SO DELICIOUS and I will try and find the recipe to share 🙂

Cast your eyes over these beauties my friends…

♥ “One day, you’ll be just a memory for some people. Do your best to be a good one.” – a really sweet quote, that happens to make me a bit sad!

Diva Goes Green – Tres excellent health blog! She has some great smoothie recipes too! Nom nom nom.

Adrenal Fatique the Unanswered Illness – an article by an acquaintance of mine, Stuart Watkins, who just so happens to be an amazing personal trainer / yoga instructor / all round good guy! This article he wrote for Crazy Sexy Life is a great read! Also, he’s from Perth and is an ambassador for Lulu Lemon & runs free yoga classes there on Tuesday nights in the city store!

A Study on the Benefits of Massage found that the levels of cortisol in the blood decrease, and the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain increase. It’s Amazing for stress reduction, have you had a massage lately?!

Yoga Study – yoga has now been proven to reduce stress & anxiety over other forms of exercise, like walking. We yoga lovers already knew this, but it’s great to have some scientific evidence to back it up. If you’re stressed and haven’t tried yoga, maybe now is the time?!

Blackmores Ask a Naturopath – an amazing free service where you can ask a naturopath anything, and receive a comprehensive and detailed reply for free! Of course they are going to recommend Blackmores products, but I’ve personally used this service and found it extremely worthwhile. So try it out if you’ve got some pressing questions but can’t afford an in person consult.

A Little PH Refresher Course – find out about PH and how if affects your body.

The Three Best Efficiency Tips I’ve Ever Found – by Sarah Wilson.

Have you been drying your hair wrong all these years?!

Vegan in Perth – A blog about being vegan in Perth, whodda thought? Very good, applause, smiling cows.

Natures Greatest Superfood – I want to try this, where can it be found in Perth does anyone know?!

WIN PRIZES WITH WELLNESS WA (YES THAT IS US!!!!) the competition ends on Monday darlin’s. GET INTO IT! x

That’s all for this week!

Do any of these tickle your fancy?
Are you a vegan in Perth?
Have you been blow drying your hair wrong?
– Confession, I am critically bad at blow drying my hair! I need an intensive training course in the art, does this exist?!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo