Beauty and Wellbeing Crushes: 7 Day Green Smoothie Challenge, Natural Epsom Salts and Weekend Yoga.

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1. 7 day green smoothie challenge

This past week I undertook a challenge to see what difference (if any) drinking a green smoothie each day for one week would make to my life. UNFORTUNATELY! I fell off the wagon a few days in, I’m definitely not perfect and nor do I claim to be 🙂 I did however drink a lot more of them than I usually would (4-5) in one week, and I have to be honest I’m feeling pretty darn good. I recently found out about the necessity of rotating your greens when making these type of smoothies, and I have to say I am amazed that nature is so clever. Click that link and read all about why it’s best to rotate… I’m sure it will amaze you as it did me!

In light of that I’ve been flirting with cos (romaine) lettuce in lieu of spinach and kale this week, and LOVING it!

Cos lettuce, blueberry & cashew smoothie.

1 x cup of frozen blueberries
4-6 x medium sized washed cos lettuce leaves
1/2 x cup of raw cashews
2 x cups of water
Optional: 1 x banana

Blend for 1-2 minutes. Will make enough for 2-3 big cups. I find this smoothie incredibly refreshing and it’s absolutely my new favourite, mmmm! Recommended!

2. Echolife Clay Cleansers

I lurrrrve the way this clay makes my face feel. It’s very different to cleansers I’ve gotten used to, being that it’s a lump of wiggly clay in a glass jar, but I take a 10c piece sized amount, rub it into my hands with water and then massage all over my face. It’s perfect for my skin type which is combination – few dry bits, few oily bits, few pimply bits – I’m certainly not blessed in that department. After only a few days of using this I’m already addicted and I love that it’s so natural, I’m really getting back to basics with skincare at the moment, so after cleansing I press a few drops of rosehip or jojoba oil into my face while it’s still damp, for a double hit of natural goodness!

There is also another version I like to use, that contains castor oil, for when my skin is feeling a bit drier (hello winter!).

3. Toasted cereal topping

This stuff. What can I say? It has transformed my breakfasts in the morning. I put a teaspoon of this wonder-mix, which contains organic raw linseed, sesame seeds, buckwheat, sunflower kernels, almonds and cinnamon. It’s gluten free, no added oils, sugar or salt, GMO free.

I stumbled across it one day at Farmer Jacks, Subiaco and haven’t looked back since. It gives an awesome nutty crunch and texture to my porridge in the morning and it just feels so -good- knowing that I’m getting that extra bit of easy nutrition to start my morning off the right way. I also sprinkle it into my smoothies and it gives it a really interesting flavour kick.

There are heaps of other rad products by the brand, Real Good Food, such as mixes with goji and blueberries, rice porridges, delicious looking trail mixes and MORE! Ps. I’m not getting paid to promote these! I just found them randomly and LOVE the prods, so want to share my joy!

Me at yoga… hah! Nah, it’s number one yogini babe, Kathryn Budig. Crushin’.

4. Sunday Yoga

A couple of weeks ago I took part in a generally unheard of activity… exercise, on a Sunday.

It was amazing! Admittedly, I felt a little smug as I was doing sun salutation after sun salutation when many people would still be in bed nursing a hangover from the night before. I quickly got over that and realised I was doing it for ME, not trying to be better than anyone else. It was a great note to end the week on, and I’m looking forward to it again soon.

The Yoga Company near the Subi train station (across from the road from Wagamama) do Sunday classes, if anyone knows anywhere else that does Sunday yoga, please leave a comment!

Just a couple of links for you this week… we’ve been too busy organising some excellent new competitions to browse too many other websites, but do let us know if you’ve come across anything interesting on your travels! 😉

Linkies:

Foods that promote collagen production
Foods that can help relieve stress

Past week n a bit:

We checked out some superfoods that go ON your body, not just in!
Green Smoothies: A new kind of beauty therapy – one of our most popular articles of all time!
Beauty and wellbeing routine: Ashlea Ingham, Model & Miss Universe Australia Contestant!
Planet Eve Organics – another ab-fab Aussie organic brand, LOVE!
Say bye bye to cranky winter skin!
♥ We reviewed Bikram Yoga in Scarborough to see if we’d survive…
Beauty and wellbeing routine: Lauren, Beauty on the Grove this lass is only 26 and already owns her own salon. What a go getter!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Cheap / Free: Yoga Classes at Lululemon Enex100, Perth City.

Yoga for you and your mates! [Pic: National Geographic]

I’ve known about this amazing free opportunity for a while now, and sometimes I don’t even think about letting you all know because I imagine that everyone HAS TO ALREADY KNOW about it, because it is just so awesome!

So, were you aware you can take part in yoga, pilates, capoeira & running club classes in Perth, for the low low fee of… well, nothing? Quite literally the best deal in town.

With classes both morning and night, you can indulge in a little free ‘me time’ whether you’re a chirpy morning bird or more of an evening style bird… perhaps a kookaburra?

Lululemon Athletica is a fun shop that sells all the yoga and running gear you could ever want, and they mega-generously offer these aforementioned free classes at both their Perth city store and Cottesloe store!

I would like to share with you the upcoming free fitness timetable for the Perth / Enex100 store. All you need to bring down is your fine self and a bottle of water. They provide the yoga mats, props and instruction. LOVE IT!

Tuesday, April 12
Ashtanga Yoga with Ambasaddor Rob Schutze at 6pm.

Wednesday, April 13
Pilates with Patrick Renner at 7am

Run Club with Sean O’Neill at 5.30pm

Thursday, April 14
Vinyasa Yoga with Laila Mahmud at 6pm

Tuesday, April 19

Capoeria with Bantus Capoeira at 6pm

Wednesday, April 20

Pilates with Patrick Renner at 7am

Run Club with Sean O’Neill at 5.30pm

Thursday, April 21

Vinyasa Yoga with Sam Briatico at 6pm


Tuesday, April 26

Capoeria with Bantus Capoeira at 6pm


Wednesday, April 27

Pilates with Patrick Renner at 7am
Run Club with Sean O’Neill at 5.30pm


Thursday, April 28

Power E with Makita Gabriel at 6pm

And now for the explanations of what the above are, in case you’re wondering! 🙂

Ashtanga yoga is a system of yoga transmitted to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009). This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Our Ambassador Rob Schütze, who is leading those two weeks of Ashtanga Yoga, is one of the co-owners of The Yoga Space in West Perth. He is one of eleven Australians Authorised by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois to teach Ashtanga Yoga. 

Vinyasa yoga
is one of the most commonly practised styles in the West. Sometimes referred to as “flow” yoga, the classes usually focus on breathing and movement which is almost dance-like.

Capoeira classes guarantee to have you doing this in your first lesson, ok I lie! But you could one day, and how cool does it look?!


Capoeira
 is a Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, sports, and music. It was created in Brazil mainly by descendants of African slaves with some very limited Brazilian native influences, probably beginning in the 16th century. It is known by quick and complex moves, using mainly power kicks and quick leg sweeps, with some ground and aerial acrobatics, knee, take-downs, elbows, punches and headbutts.

Power E founder Makita Gabriel will lead a class at lululemon on Thursday, April 21

Power E is a series of low impact energy workouts that energise the body, calms the mind and balances the emotions. Each workout has a specific exercise sequence to help build inner confidence, energy balance, strength, vitality and inner peace.

Enex100 is located @ 683-703 Hay Street Perth WA 6000.

Thinking of heading down? I would LOVE to hear of your experiences! I hope this information has been useful in keeping your wallet heavy!

Be well,

xoxo

Summer Outdoor Yoga in Perth!

If the idea of doing yoga in a natural setting, be it in a park or by the ocean, takes you to your happy place then you’ll want to get involved with this.

Holistic personal trainer / nutritionist / meditation & yoga practitioner Stuart Watkins will be running classes in Kings Park, Cott and City Beach throughout the 2010-2011 Summer!

I’ve recently had a personal meditation / yoga sesh with Stuart (more on that to come later) and can vouch for his knowledge, calming voice & positive / healing vibes that seem to emanate from him in droves.

Make sure you get in touch with him by the listed methods to ensure a spot. The classes are by donation, so you pay what you feel, which is a really harmonious way of doing things.

Namaste!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Sheridan Crofts, The One Thing Music Quiz.

Sheridan Crofts, The One Thing Music Quiz.

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

I run a music quiz business called The One Thing Music Quiz. It’s something I started from scratch a few years ago and I’m loving it! It’s taken a lot of hard work but there is nothing more rewarding career-wise to work doing something you love and have complete passion for. I provide and host music quiz nights and music quiz activities for pubs and private functions. Sure keeps me busy, but it’s fun and challenging.

Ella Bache Special Eye Creme 30 ml RRP $73

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Well, I do the usual stuff eg. moisturise morning and night, eye cream morning and night and exfoliate twice a week.

Masks would go on once a month or so. I’ve long had an issue with hormonal acne (booooooo) so I don’t like to aggravate my skin by going overboard with what I use. I’m at a stage now (which horrifies me) where I’m moving into the world of anti-aging products so I’m changing the products I use to get the pesky fine lines under control.

Moisturiser: ROC Complete Lift Day Cream and ROC Complete Lift Night Cream
Eye Cream: Ella Bache Special Eye Creme (Available online at StrawberryNET)
Cleanser: Ella Bache Lait Exotique and when I’m lazy Neutrogena Make-up Remover Wipes (Available online at Ella Bache. I have dark eyelashes, but a blue/black tint makes an amazing difference. I like to go make-up free when possible, so this gives my face a little glam without having to go to the effort of laying on all of the make-up. Bit of gloss, concealer, powder and tinted-up eyelashes and I’m ready to go!

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

I’m very fortunate to have a wonderfully talented friend who does my hair privately so I haven’t visited a salon for eons. I do love the salon experience, but I love spending time with my gorgeous friend more! Colour, snip and gossip!

Ella Bache Revitalisant, 110 mls, RRP $56

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I LOVE Ella Bache’s Revitalisant. I would marry it. It’s a good price for what gets a similar result to a complete facial. It goes on like a mask and it gives your skin a jolly good exfoliation. My skin feels deliciously smooth and fresh afterwards, lovely. (Available online at StrawberryNET)

Chanel Aqualumiere Lip Gloss

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

1) Ella Bache Creme Intex No. 2: I’ve been using this since I was a teenager. For problem skin, it’s a dream. I pop it on at night and it dries up any blemishes over night.

2) Chanel Lip Gloss: I only just discovered this a year ago and I’m converted. It’s so smooth and luxurious, doesn’t taste artificial and it’s Chanel! (Available online at Calvin Klein ‘Summer’ edition One fragrances. They release a new one every summer and I’m the first in line for one. It’s perfect for day wear, smells fresh and citrusy and I always get so many lovely comments about it. Aaaaah.

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

No secrets, but I would NEVER go to bed with make-up on. Big no-no. Oh and drink loads of water. Loads and loads.

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

Yoga is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but I have a lot of trouble clearing my mind enough to get the benefits. I’d also love to spend a whole day at a day spa to unwind, but they cost so much and I can’t justify the expense. Maybe one day when I’m rich! One day…

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Oh dear. I try, I really do! First things first, I always start the day with a fruit and yoghurt smoothie. Banana, berries, orange juice, almonds, LSA, Greek yoghurt – blend, blend, blend and down the hatch. Maybe I’ll have Vegemite toast too, if I’m still hungry.

Then it’s the coffee. I like STRONG coffee, but I limit it to one cup a day. I LOVE to cook, it’s my favourite thing to do aside from my business so I bake, I eat, I bake some more and I eat some more. Sometimes healthy, sometimes indulgent. I generally eat quite well, good wholesome, home-baked food. But being in pubs 4 nights a week, I succumb to pizzas and chippies quite regularly too. I don’t like to watch what I eat to the point where life isn’t fun. You gotta live, right? I do need to cut down on my chocolate intake though. I know this. My dentist does too.

Describe your fitness routine.

Oh stop. I’m pathetic at the moment. I used to have a personal trainer. I used to swim. I used to go to the gym. Now? Verging on bugger all.

I walk 2 – 3 times a week, sometimes with a hound, sometimes with a friend. I’ve just bought a bike so I’m starting to ride places. I’m going to go back to swimming which is something I was once very good at. That’s the plan anyway. With having my own business, I’ve found this has been the first part of my life to really take a backseat, but I really need to make it a priority again.

Inner Health Plus!

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

I pop a Vitamin E, fish oil and Inner Health Plus tabbie every day. Vitamin E for my skin, fish oil for my Omega 3’s and Inner Health Plus for my friendly bacteria.

You can catch Sheridan at her music quizzes 5 nights a week at various pubs around town, check it out here!

Be well,

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