My wellness story + 4 tips to kick start your own wellness journey

By on 8

I wrote and re wrote this post 3 or 4 times, keeping out where the idea had come from, the personal side to why I’m sharing this particular subject and it just didn’t flow freely, at all. I knew what I was trying to say and why, but keeping out the personal side to it didn’t feel right. So I scrapped the whole thing, and started again with no inhibition – sharing the personal story before I give you some advice and this is the result; 
My health and wellness journey started just over 3 years ago now, in fact, if we wanted to be really specific, it started for me on February 23rd 2010. You might ask how can I remember such a specific date or maybe more importantly why was it such a specific date, which are both valid questions. The answers to both can be answered with this. 
It was the date of my major corrective jaw surgery. 
I won’t re hash everything again, as on the anniversary last year I shared the very personal story right here on the blog which you can read above. 
What I can say is this though; before that date, I didn’t take responsibility for my own health; I ate rather unhealthily, didn’t feed my mind with positive words or books and wasn’t in a place of complete truth or joy. And don’t get me wrong. I was happy. There was just sign after sign that something wasn’t quite right – developing anxiety & adult acne were just the start. 
After my surgery however, and consequent emotional and physical changes and finally feeling like I was on the outside who I connected with on my insides – things changed. 
I did a complete life overhaul. C.o.m.p.l.e.t.e

I changed my whole diet – out went pastas, breads and rice every day of the week in came smaller portions of meat and big healthy servings of salads and vegetables. Out went skipping breakfasts every day and in came an extra meal that should have been there from the start. Out went fizzy drinks and 7 coffees a day (yes you read that right) and in came 5L of water, green smoothies and only 1-2 coffees.
I changed my whole lifestyle – out went bad and toxic friendships and in came the most loving and supportive tribe of women that is still growing today. Out went negative mind sets, negative words and limiting beliefs and in came positive affirmations, problem solving questions, inspirational books, value and goal setting and intentions. 
I changed my whole routine – out went mind numbing tv watching every night of the week and in came starting and writing this blog, out went no exercising and in came 4-5 1 hour exercise sessions a week, out went the belief I didn’t have time for anymore in my life and in came weekly yoga sessions (with my beautiful mum no less). 
And then….it came. The anxiety disappeared, the adult acne just went away, the weight dropped off and stayed off*, it was huge and obvious transformative growth that helped me to start living that truth and joy and love I was searching and yearning for through all those years of self doubt and insecurities. 
It was there the whole time I just needed to fuel it with the right stuff to help it shine. 
This is where my advice kicks in though. Love soaked, purest intention advice. 
We ALL have an incredibly unique set of gifts powerful enough to change our world. You just have to let them out. The world is in fact depending on you to set your gifts free gorgeous, and it’s up to you to make that happen. 
I know it can be a little daunting and you will have moments of overwhelm – but just start small. My overhaul didn’t happen overnight, hell it didn’t even happen within weeks – it has been quite literally a 3 year journey. 
Here are a few little suggestions to help you start your own wellness journey … 
+ Let go of worrying what other people might think. If you’re living authentically and from a place of love (which is what happens when you start to live your truth) that is a beautiful and positive thing. There is nothing negative about it. People aren’t going to judge you for being more positive and making some required changes – in fact it’s the quickest and best way to work out who should be in your life and who shouldn’t. Those that do judge and bring you down need to be cut. Worry less, live more. It’s that Simple. 
+ Start small & don’t let overwhelm stop you. If there is one thing I can’t emphasize enough it is to not try to do it all and change it all at once. Start with one thing and implement it until it’s a new habit. Remember it takes 30 days to make or break a habit  so stick at it, everyday. It might mean reading a book you have heard is amazing for 10 minutes before bed each night or cutting down vs stopping all together drinking fizzy drinks. And if you feel like you stuffed up, honour that it’s a lesson, not a failure and use the following day as a beautiful gift to start again. 
+ Be grateful. For all that you have experienced in your past that has helped shaped you today, for all that is to come in the future and for every other day in between. Life got a lot sexier and extraordinary for me when I started to become grateful – & I don’t mean grateful for just the big stuff. Be grateful for the little stuff – like hot cups of tea, the uplifting word you just heard a parent give their child, hot water, clean water, your breathe. Being grateful even if you can’t change all the other stuff puts you in a remarkable position of love – for life and it’s blessings. 
+ Practice self love everyday. This is by far and large the most crucial step in your own wellness. Love starts at ‘home’ which means directly with yourself. Letting go of limiting beliefs like “I can’t” It’s impossible” “I’m not good enough” “I don’t have the time” and instead telling yourself “I’m worthy” “I can” “It’s totally possible” “let’s do this” “I have time” will slowly change the way you view yourself and ultimately your power and world. Give your body what it needs – sleep, nutrients, water, and your mind what it needs intention, positivity, nourishment – but do this every.single.day. 
Just remember that the fact that you’re here, on this earth, breathing, means you have a purpose – the world is waiting for you to share your gifts and shine your light. You don’t need to figure it all out instantly, start small, run your race slowly and you’ll get there. I promise. 
Go on though – What are you waiting for?

Images: Here & Here

Green Smoothie Goodness

By on 2

Wherever you’re at in your own wellness journey, and however in to your healthy eating you are, one thing that I think we will all agree on is this; There is a Green Smoothie revolution happening right now that we can all get on board. 
I started drinking my daily green goodness last July and have never ever looked back. They make me feel good, they give me energy, and they help kick start my day with a breakfast I know I can rely on whether it’s consumed while I’m getting ready or once I get to work. Win/Win. 
Here is some other really cool stuff about Green Smoothies though; 
+ They really are a bangin’ source of energy. Are you a big sufferer of the 3pm sugar cravings / slump? I was too – not anymore. Guzzling a big green smoothie in the morning packed full of veggies (& a little fruit) will do wonders for you energy. 
+ It has to be said but this should never be the reason you take them (remember health is about feeling good not worrying over weight) BUT…they are low in calories, whilst being very filling. They contain high amounts of water & fiber so downing a big glass, be it in the morning for brekky or in the afternoon instead of your normal chocolate bar or piece of cake will fill you as much as a meal – without the guilt of yukky bad calories.
+ Your skin will LOVE you for it. Because smoothies are high in fiber it allows your body to eliminate toxins the right way instead of through your skin. Even if you have good skin already, it can only get better. 
Here is the thing though; YOU can make one so easily and you don’t need a super fancy or expensive blender or a recipe book with lot’s of ideas. You just need any blender, and some green vegetables and some yummy fruits. I will generally throw whatever is in the fridge in mine, but below are some of my tried and trusted ‘recipes’ shared with love just for you;
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GREEN SMOOTHIE RECIPES
The Green Goddess that even your man will drink
(Beginners Green Smoothie)

This one tastes amazing 


2 Kale leaves (roughly chopped)
1 Green Apple (roughly chopped)
2 Celery Sticks (roughly chopped)
1 Banana (frozen, pre chopped)
1/4 Mango (scooped out)
1 Nectarine (roughly chopped)
4-5 Strawberries (chopped)
1 Teaspoon of Chia Seeds 
2 cups of chilled filtered water
Handful of ice
Blend until all combined & serve straight away
For those who dare to step it up a little 
(Medium health savvy Green Smoothie)

2 Kale leaves (roughly chopped)
2 Celery Sticks leaves attached (roughly chopped)
1/2 Avacado (Scooped out)
1 Banana (frozen, pre chopped)
1 Lime (squeeze juice in to blender)
1 Green Apple (roughly chopped)
1 Kiwi Fruit (roughly chopped)
5 Strawberries (chopped)
2 cups of chilled filtered water
Handful of ice
Blend until all combined & serve straight away
The Hardcore ‘I swear it tastes ok’ Green Goodness
(Pro Top Level Green Smoothie)






















This recipe was taken from the amazing webiste Co-Inside Wellbeing 
2 stalks of celery with leaves (roughly chopped)
3 Kale Leaves (spines removed, roughly chopped)
1 Bunch of Coriander
1/4 Ripe Avocado (roughly chopped)
1 Pear, cored (roughly chopped)
1 Green Apple (roughly chopped)
1 Lime (juice squeezed in to blender)
1 Banana (roughly chopped)
4 heaped teaspoons Vital Greens Powder*
2 teaspoons of Spirulina Powder*
Handful of ice
Blend until all combined & serve straight away
*These can be found at local health food stores
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The most important thing to remember is that your health is up to you and only you; ANY little bit you do to help keep your mind and body fighting fit is a great thing. You can put anything in your blender and make it delicious for you, it’s all about fun and finding what works for you.
If you guys have any of your own recipes you would be willing to share I’d love to hear from you in the comments section it…See you there xx 

Finding your morning routine

By on 11

There I was. 
It was just an ordinary day. In fact, it started like every other. 
Off I went on my 5:30am walk, smiling away like a crazy person yelling Good Morning (!!) to every person we (Morgs is my exercise partner in crime of course) came across, followed closely by me energetically entering my work place excited and smiling as always about the day that I had ahead of me, when it came. The question I am getting asked more regularly than not recently.
“Howwww are you soooo happy in the morning? I want to start my day as well as you”
My answer came back without me even thinking and it wasn’t an answer at all, it was simply this question….
“Well, what’s your morning routine?”
I advocate and believe from the bottom of my soul that starting the day off on a wonderful foot sets me up for the rest of the day. I can smile, laugh, and be ok with bad traffic, my bosses bad moods or shitty work loads because I made time for me that morning and I know my body, mind and spirit is nourished enough to not get caught up in the unnecessary stresses. 
So what IS exactly my morning routine? 
5:20am – Wake up to a new favourite song I’ve picked for that week instead of a crappy, soul draining alarm. How? I just choose whatever song I’m loving that week from my music library. You can do this through your iphone alarm clock, click on ‘Sound’ when you are editing your alarm and you can go in to your library of songs! Smile number 1 accomplished.
5:30am – Go for a walk (between 4km – 7km) around our local area with Morgs and stop for a take away coffee at our favourite cafe (antz in your pantz) on the way home. Smile number 2, 3, 4 & sometimes 5 accomplished. And generally some belly laughs too. 
7:00am – Put on our music to get ready to & have my breakfast, which is always a big healthy green smoothie. Smile number 6, and sometimes 7 if a song I really love comes on.
7:10am – Of course this is done as I am listening to my music and drinking my green smoothie (I still love a good multi task after all) but it is one of my most important beauty routines I do, period! … Dry Brush my whole body. Read about what this is all about here & then smother it in Organic coconut oil (instead of chemical filled moisturizer).
7:45am – I am always ready and I escape to my lady cave (Morgs has generally almost always left by now) where I sit for 20 minutes right before I have to leave for work & gratitude journal.  I do this right before I leave for the reason that by the time I get in the car, I am so brimming with gratitude and joy how could I not start my day excited and happy. I am SO hyper aware whilst driving as well from seeing all the things around me at just how much else I am grateful for that I didn’t put in my book.
Of course, on my drive to work as well, I have the music a’going so by the time I am at my work, (or wherever I have to be after my morning routine) I am happy, excited and bringing everything I’ve got. 
I am well aware there are souls reading this as well going, hang on a minute though Anna, I am NOT a morning person and that’s totally ok, I have some good news for you. You can be. The amazing, almost overwhelmingly exciting news is that it takes 30 days to make or break a habit. JUST 30 days.Which means beautiful, that if you hate getting up any earlier than you have to each morning, even getting up 10 minutes earlier every day to do just ONE thing for yourself will create the new habit within a month. 
Are you ready for the challenge now?
I challenge you to just pick one thing that you love, just one thing initially so it’s not overwhelming you give up after a week and do it every single morning before work. It doesn’t need to take up your whole morning either, in fact, I encourage you to start at something that will just be 5-10 minutes. That might mean instead of turning the news on (which let’s face it is sad news at best), you play your favourite songs…loudly. It might mean that you have been wanting to shift a kg or two so you get up and do 10 minutes of lunges and squats. It could even mean you get up 10 minutes earlier so you can read some positive quotes and start your day off with your mind in a positive place.
Whatever it is though, let it be your thing. 
Once you have your new habit with getting up a little earlier to incorporate you time in to your morning you might find you can get up another 10 minutes earlier again to do it for longer, or find a new nourishing activity. 
Ready to wake up earlier tomorrow and start your own morning routine yet? I hope so. The most important thing to remember with something like this is to not be hard on yourself. If one morning you wake up and simply can’t get up, don’t beat yourself up, maybe your body is just trying to say sleep & recover a little longer that day. The amazing thing to remember is you always have a new opportunity the very next day to start again. 
I’d love to hear what you are going to try to start doing each morning for you though, so drop me a line in the comments below sharing what you are going to try to start doing. I would love to help keep you accountable too, so flick me an email at lifesshinyprettythings@gmail.com with a header “Morning Routine” and what you’re planning on doing & I’ll email you in a week or so to check in on you!
With love & light,
Anna xx
Photos found here, & here.

Health week; Dry Brushing for the skin

By on 20

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I had only heard of dry brushing recently and had known straight away I wanted to start trying it myself. The idea is that brushing your skin when it’s dry with a soft bristled brush helps detoxify it, remove dead skin cells, improves circulation – and is even said to have a calming effect! I had also heard it was great for stopping and minimising cellulite, so naturally, went to the shops straight away to get my own brush to begin. The results? I have found after just a few days little differences – especially the feel of it. Don’t take my advice though – here are some of the benefits of dry brushing from the experts, and how to do it properly should you want to try it yourself (which I can’t recommend highly enough).
Benefits of Dry Brushing
  • removes cellulite (to remove cellulite stick at it daily for months)
  • cleanses the lymphatic system
  • removes dead skin layers
  • strengthens the immune system
  • stimulates the hormones and oil-producing glands
  • tightens the skin, preventing premature ageing
  • tones the muscles
  • stimulates circulation
  • improves the function of the nervous system
  • helps digestion
  • fat deposits are better distributed
  • unplugs the pores in the skin
  • increases the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients
  • increases cell renewal
How To…Dry Brush your skin

To dry brush the skin, you will need a soft, natural fibre brush with a long handle, so that you are able to reach all areas of your body. A loofah sponge or rough towel can also be used. Do not use synthetic fibre brushes as these may be too rough for your skin.
When dry brushing, always do so before bathing or showering. You can brush from head to toe or toe to head, as long as the entire body is brushed. Use long, sweeping strokes that start from the bottom of your feet upwards, from the hands towards the shoulders, and upward on the torso in order to help lymph fluid drain back towards the heart. Be aware that stroking away from the heart puts extra pressure on the valves within the veins and lymph vessels and can cause ruptured vessels and varicose veins.
When brushing, use lighter pressure in areas where the skin is thinner and heavier pressure where it is thicker. Perform the brushing once a day, preferably first thing in the morning. A thorough brushing should take about 15 minutes to complete but any amount of time you spend on it will be of benefit. If you are feeling unwell, you can brush twice a day. Dry brush areas of cellulite for 5 to 10 minutes twice a day to help it dissolve. To see results, you will need to do so consistently for at least five months.

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So what are you waiting for? You can pick up your own brush from your local beauty store for cheap. I am getting in the habit of doing it before my morning shower each day – but of course with anything, find what works for you and then stick at it. Happy brushing!

Health week; Top 5 regrets of the dying

By on 26

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I don’t think death or dying is a comfortable topic for anybody, and why should it be? It is such a sad time for anyone when they loose a loved one and it is as everybody knows..very final. We all would love to think we have long and healthy lives ahead of us, a wish I hope for everyone, however you never know when your time will be up. I don’t think that should be a morbid thought however – in fact I use it to inspire me. To live with no regrets and make each day exciting, loving, and really ake each day count. I stumbled upon an incredibly profound and inspiring article in Good Health magazine talking about the Regrets of the dying. If there was ever any advice you can draw inspiration to live more fearlessly and truer to yourself it is that of people who are at the end of their life – and sharing what they wished they did differently … here is that advice brought to you by author Bronnie Ware with commentary by me. 

“I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me”

Bronnie: ‘This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made’.



Me: It is SO important to try to honour your dreams, do what you love in life, not be dictated by others opinions or living other peoples lives or expectations. Remember from the moment you loose your health – it can be too late so start living your true life that you’re meant to be living now, not tomorrow. 

” I wish I hadn’t worked so hard”

Bronnie: ‘This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.’



Me: I just don’t think it’s worth working yourself in to the ground your whole life to enjoy retirement when you’re too old to really actually enjoy it. Instead, I aim to have mini retirements my whole life – travel when I’m young, live hard & fast, so I never look back wishing I hadn’t worked so hard and missed out on breathe taking, awe inspiring experiences and opportunities throughout my whole life – not just at the end of it. 

“I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings”

Bronnie: Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
Me: I have a theory in life – that I don’t mind if I don’t know what others think about me (it’s none of my business anyway) but I always ensure that everybody knows exactly how I feel about them – that I love them, that I am lucky to have them in my life. I use handwritten letters and birthday & Christmas cards to remind people whenever I get a chance of my feelings. What are you doing to make sure this isn’t a regret at the end of your life?

“I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends”

Bronnie: “Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.”

Me: I think maintaining ANY relationship is incredibly important for your well being – life is richer and a lot more fun shared so make sure you are working on your own relationships no matter how busy you think life is for you (advice I need to listen to myself!) 

“I wish that I had let myself be happier”

Bronnie: “This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.”


Me: Happiness is a choice. YOUR choice. You are the only person responsible for your own happiness, and it isn’t a choice you make just once, you have to make that choice every single day you’re alive. What do they say? Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans – it’s so true. Life can be a struggle sometimes and things are certainly not always fair, but there are always lessons to be learnt, new days for fresh beginnings and beauty in the mundance. Don’t have this regret on your own death bed – choose happiness.
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So there you have it. The Top 5 regrets. I wish for each and every one of you that you live with no regrets and always have love & fun surrounding you in your life. xx

Health week; Green Smoothies for the body

By on 25

I had always heard of people, super healthy people, going on about Green Smoothies and the benefits they provided you with. My general thoughts were always similar to “Yeah Yeah, whatever, I don’t need to go to that extent, and I bet it tastes disgusting”. That was until, I found this amazing website. A couple named Curtis & Candice share day after day the most profound articles they’ve written on life & bettering your mind, body & spirit AND delicious healthy recipes … which is how & where I came to stumble upon, make & now drink their Green Smoothie recipe. It has as much good stuff as a shake could possibly have, and after just 2 days of drinking a big glass each morning – I am seeing and feeling an amazing difference. My skin is so clear and I am still buzzing with energy come 5pm in the evening. Mr M, who normally isn’t in to any of this ‘stuff” is now having his own glass of green goodness each morning as he said he noticed a difference in me almost immediately. Remember how I said it only takes 30 days to make or break a habit? Well this is my new habit forming health kick I’m starting with – A green smoothie every morning that I am actually really excited about. If you are one of those “I’ll start tomorrow or next week’ people who always put off looking after yourself secondary to work or daily to do’s, I challenge you this week to make a choice to start looking after yourself today, right now, and a green smoothie each morning is a great way to start. 



What you will need

2 stalks of celery (with leaves)
3 kale leaves, spines removed
1 bunch of coriander
1/4 ripe avocado
1 pear, cored & roughly chopped
1 green apple, cored & roughly chopped
1 lime (with a little bit of peel)
1 medium banana
3 cups of filtered water (+ an extra cup of water or coconut water if required)
4 heaped teaspoons Vital Greens Powder*
2 teaspoons Spirulina powder
To Make

Chuck everything in a blender, blend on high until smooth & drink!

*You can buy this from most Health food stores

All we need is….Health

By on 24

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There is a lesson, a powerful lesson that I am learning as each year and birthday passes, a lesson that we all know, but I think take for granted. The Lesson? That we can have all the money in the world, all the love in the world, everything we want in the world in fact – but if we don’t have our health, we have nothing. No-thing. I had a list a mile long of To Do’s last week, but was struck down with one of the worst flu’s – + chest infection & sinusitis – I’ve had in years which put me out of action for a solid week. In Anna time, that means light years. There is nothing like a bout of sickness however to slap a fresh perspective across your face which is exactly what has happened with me. I consider myself relatively healthy. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, exercise more than 4 times a week, drink 4L+ of water a day, and get to yoga once a week, so how can I and how did I get so sick? I believe because I am not valuing mind, body and spirit as a whole. Unfortunately, I don’t always listen to my body. It’s great to look after yourself on the surface, but what’s going on in your mind and internally is just as important to be taking extra good care of. It’s a whole package. I have decided I need to start taking even better care of myself, actually listening to what my body is trying to tell me. Health & Vitality is my number one value, because without that, I have nothing else, I can’t be who I want to be or do what I want to do. With that in mind, I thought the week ahead I would focus on all things for the mind, body & spirit – share some healthy recipes I’ve started using, put up some amazing inspirational quotes for the mind, look at the regrets of the dying (so we can learn from those who have been there before us) and share some great tips for taking care of your body. So here’s to a week of health, & revitalising our bodies, minds and spirits. 


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Looking after your skin

By on 55

Ever since I was younger my mum has always told me the following things about looking after my skin; Always drink plenty of water, never sleep in your make up and whenever you cleanse & moisturise don’t ever neglect your neck and neckline areas. Sure I didn’t always follow this advice in my ‘younger’ years but since my teenage days I’ve followed the rules to a T. I drink 4L of water a day, never sleep in my make up..ever and have a 3 step face cleaning routine that I follow each night. Doing all of this & more, I sadly however have been battling a mild case of almost adult acne for  the past 8 months. It wasn’t until I read on Delighted Momma’s blog about skin zones that I have managed to start combating the problem. My skin was reacting in zones 11, 13 & 12 – the reasons? A hormonal imbalance (which was confirmed by a Doctor) and from extensive dental work (my major jaw surgery). Learning the zones though has helped me battle through my skin problems so much & I think it so important you know what your skin is trying to tell you if you’re getting targeted break outs. Here is the face mapped out – pick the zone area you have trouble with and find the number and explanation below (& some tips to help you get on top of your skin problems in your trouble areas (p.s I found the best website with all of this information here – although almost every single one says the exact same thing). 

Zones 1 & 3
Traditionally, this zone is regarded as the “sister” to the bladder and digestive system. If you breakout frequently in this area, it might mean that you need to improve your elimination by drinking more water and eating more “whole” foods.
TIPS
  • Drink lots of water throughout the day.
  • Avoid make up or hair products with comedogenic ingredients (i.e. Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Mysirtate, S.D. Alcohol)
  • Be sure to properly remove all make up and cleanser (paying close attention to the hairline

Zone 2
The middle of the forehead, between the eyebrows, is related to the liver. Congestion in this zone can indicate over consumption of alcohol, rich foods, and possibly a food allergy (such as lactose intolerance).
TIPS
  • When tweezing hairs in this area, be sure to use sanitized tweezers (and try to avoid too much touching with the fingertips, as this can increase oil production).

Zones 4 & 10
The ears are a highly sensitive area related to the kidneys. If you notice that your ears are very hot, you might be stressing them out – drink plenty of plain water and cut down on caffeine and alcohol.
TIPS
  • Make certain to keep your phone or headset clean.
  • Be sure to properly rinse out shampoo / conditioner around this area.

Zones 5 & 9
The cheeks often give an accurate glimpse into any respiratory distress. Smokers or people suffering from allergies generally experience fine, broken capillaries or congestion in this area.
TIPS
  • Ensure that your make up does not contain comedogenic ingredients.
  • Make certain to keep your phone or headset clean.

Zones 6 & 8
The eyes are truly a window to the body’s health because they’re related to the kidneys. Dark circles , while often hereditary, are made worse by dehydration and poor elimination.
TIPS
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Try laying down with a cold or lavender scented eye mask to help calm irritation.
  • Never go without eye cream.
  • Completely remove make up in this area.
  • Use Total Eye Care SPF 15 during the day to help conceal dark circles, help treat current lines (& prevent future damage).

Zone 7
A reddened nose can indicate heightened blood pressure, or the early stages of rosacea. Congestion around the upper lip can occur if you use comedogenic lipsticks or liners.
TIPS
  • Be careful if extracting blackheads at home – Poor extraction techniques can damage tissues and cause broken capillaries or damaged tissues.
  • Ensure that your make up does not contain comedogenic ingredients.
  • Use overnight cleaning gel on this area if you are experiencing excess oiliness (which is very common here).

Zones 11 & 13
If you’ve had extensive dental surgery done, you might notice a breakout along the jaw line, near the ears.
TIPS
  • Avoid resting your hand here (guilty as charged!)
  • Ensure that your phone stays clean (double guilty as charged)
  • Ensure that your make up does not contain comedogenic ingredients, and completely remove all traces of make up during cleansing. 

Zone 12
Breakouts or unusual hair growth can indicate hormonal imbalance, possibly caused by extreme stress. Premenstrual breakouts are also very common on the chin.
TIPS
  • Try to avoid resting your hand on your chin.
  • Really focus on this area during cleansing and completely remove traces of cleanser.

Zone 14
Don’t forget to include your neck in your treatment regimen – its skin is just as fragile as that on your face, so it definitely needs the benefits of moistuisation and sun protection.
TIPS
  • If you are sensitive, avoid spritzing fragrance in this area.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen in this area.
  • Incorporate this area in to your cleansing routine, it is often overlooked! (Turns out mum was right all those years!)

Raw food + Friends = Love

By on 15

[All pictures seen here were taking by the gorgeous Belinda R – an amazingly talented photographer friend]

Being a lover of trying new things and adoring catch ups with dear friends, I was so excited to have plans this past weekend to try out a new little cafe in Fremantle that only serves raw and organic food – ‘The Raw Kitchen’. B & I arrived for lunch amongst a bustling Fremantle setting and sat excitedly trying to choose just what we wanted off the menu – such a hard task which is probably why we ended up with almost all the menu items on our table! From the food to the service to the chatter however it was all just superb. We sat and ate deliciously healthy goodness all the while polishing it off with Choc and Iced Coffee (all natural of course) drinks – did I mention we started with dessert first? You want to know the best part about it all though? I got to share this experience with such a gorgeous soul. It wasn’t the food or the drinks or the setting that set the day from amazing to extraordinary, it was the conversations shared. For over 3 hours, we sat and swapped stories – good and sad,  dished out advice, laughed and just enjoyed each others company. It made me realise just how important good, real, honest friends are in our lives and how lucky we are when we do happen to find them. It’s important to remember that good friends are those that want the best for you, the people that support you, that are there lifting your spirits and giving you truths that you may want to – or not want to – hear. Which reminded me. When we are lucky enough to find friends like that – we need to support them., to love them and cherish them. Vows in friendship can be just as important as vows in any relationship (marriage or not). I’m so lucky to have friends like B and others in my life and know that we’ll always have each other through the best bits and worst bits of life. So here’s to friendship – to beautiful friends, to the amazing times and memories we create with them and to sharing life with those we love.

Farmers Market

By on 16

I had awoken on Saturday morning to one very hung over – I think he was still drunk – Mr M bouncing through the bedroom doors after a big night out with the boys. He had just gotten home and in a pure moment of being too kind/his going to regret this later, he suggested we go to the Farmers Market for the morning, something I’d been dying to do for months. So off we trotted, me, well slept and sprightly, Mr M, worse for wear and hungover. But alas, regardless of our demeanour’s, we both had the same result – a lot of fun and a new found love in our local Farmers Market. We sipped on organic coffee, drank pure fruit juice, loaded up on our weekly organic fruit and veggies and I even bought myself some 100% pure oils which I’d been wanting for too long – tea tree and rose hip – and scored myself a bunch of my fav flowers from Mr M, lilies. Such a gorgeous morning and a new little place we’ll be visiting often.
[Fresh produce all ready to be eaten]
[Mr M chuffed with his find of 100% natural pure fruit juice. SO yum & SUCH a great hangover cure]
[Lots of pretty potted plants]
[Home, trying to juggle all of our purchases]