#Snoopette : Cat Woods

I’m Cat Woods [@cat13gram] and I author Core Integrity With Cat, teach barre, do some freelance writing and editing, and I’m also doing my yoga teacher training at The Yoga Social in Melbourne CBD. I have been doing yoga for the past 15 years and it is the one thing that remains a constant passion in my life, besides writing, and I know I will never know everything or master every aspect of it. I love that. I will always be a student! Being a writer and a barre instructor means I am not confined to conservative fashion or beauty. That said, I don’t feel like myself with a full face of makeup or shunning makeup completely out of some idea of yoga Puritanism!
I had terrible acne as a teenager and went through two courses of Roaccutane. It cleared up my skin, but it made me extremely conscious of using products that genuinely hydrate, cleanse and nourish skin as opposed to stripping it of natural oils or clogging it and causing spots. My favourite brands for skincare are natural and I flit between using different ones from day to day and week to week. I love Kiehl’s toners and eye creams. Thalgo does great cleansers and serums. At the moment I’m using their Foaming Marine Cleanser (smells ocean fresh) and Hydra Marine Serum. I also love a weekly exfoliation with Goodness Every Week Facial Scrub. It’s a new range that is all about chia seeds. Smells fab and the pastel coloured packaging makes me smile.


I am all about a great sports massage, even though it’s so expensive, which is why I figure if I’m teaching and talking for work – why can’t I find a facial massage therapist? So I did my Google research and contacted the most highly rated Australian facialist, Jocelyn Petroni for her local recommendation. Jocelyn only works in New South Wales, but she said there was no other option than Valli Shubere if I wanted the ultimate facial massage. Valli operates from Herbario and has been doing herbal beauty and health for over 30 years. Valli, Marcel and herbalist Vito Cozza take traditional European Botanical Medicine and apply it to internal and beauty treatments. Unlike most, the herbal preparations are totally pure and potent. It is a little like being pummelled – I won’t kid you, it can hurt to have your cheeks and jawline massaged when you’re a typical tooth-grinder, but it is worth it for the glow you get later. Valli does nutritional assessments and programs too but I haven’t tried these.

I am all about nail colours since I am looking at my fingers and toes all the time as an instructor. I love OPI and Orly in particular. They have great colours and they are paraben, sulfate free with cute names. Especially loving the new Purple Palazzo Pants. I also love Orly Nailtrition as a paint-on treatment for broken, brittle nails that have seen too many colour changes and too much remover! It gives a really shiny, glossy finish too. I paint it on while I’m binge watching The Americans or Game of Thrones.

Daily, I wash and tone then after a few espressos, I apply L’Oreal Lumi Magique because it’s the perfect shade and it lasts through my workout and class without caking or dripping or clogging my pores. It is lightweight but it covers any redness.
I am all about the glow so I love Physicians Formula Powder Palette Mineral Glow Pearls applied with a big brush. I’m an amateur but I know how to wield a brush when it comes to blusher and bronzer. Definitely not with a heavy hand! I don’t spend a lot on brushes. The Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection is available in chemists and beauty shops. It looks much more expensive than it really is! The Flat Contour Brush is my most used. It’s super soft and does triple duty on bronzer, blusher and highlighter.
I love Lancome Blush Subtil in tawny 011 Brun Roche as a bronzer. I sweep it from the top of my ear lobe under my cheekbones then apply a bit of blusher (Urban Decay Afterglow in Crush for true pink or the paler ballet pink of Youngblood Mineral Blush in Zin.
I love lip colours and I find them in my glovebox, my bathroom, my loungeroom, under the bed, in the kitchen, falling out of my iPad carry case... literally, I have lipsticks, lipliners and lipglosses everywhere. I’ve just discovered Bite Beauty from Canada. They do food-quality, all-natural lipsticks that are highly pigmented so they last through a lot of talking and coffee. My new addiction is Luminous Lipstick in Cassis, a deep fuschia.

I find that my eyes get red and sensitive if I wear much eye makeup beyond a simple slick of liner. I don’t make it a regular habit, but I do indulge in eyelash extensions a few times a year because it means I look glammed up without having to do anything! If I’m careful not to use oil-based cleansers and don’t fiddle with them, they last around 3 weeks. I am super fussy about where I get it done though because I don’t want any messing around near my eyeballs! I go to The Lash Beauty Bar in North Melbourne. Aniya started this tiny, gorgeous salon a few years back and has since introduced massage and facials. I had a massage there years ago that was wonderful, but now I’ll just go for lash extensions on the rare occasion. When I flutter them in the mirror, it reminds me of classic film actresses of the 1930s and 40s. theatre actresses and ballerinas.. That big, dramatic eyed flutter that says ‘I’m costumed and I’m bold. Bring on the stage.’

Onzie Ahimsa Tank Top
Having said that, I am not able to be anything or anyone other than entirely myself when I’m teaching. I don’t become any louder or stricter. It’s not a performance, after all. I am really fortunate to share my love and knowledge of pilates and body awareness, barre, dance and soon yoga too. I love it. I love doing it, I love researching and choreographing, practicing and correcting and empowering people to feel flexible, strong and balanced.

Since I spend every day in gym clothes, I have amassed a wardrobe of outfits that is like a rainbow of lycra. There are some $10 Kmart singlets in there but mostly it’s OmShanti , Onzie, and Mika Yogawear for leggings and crop tops.
Purusha People Leggings
I have also just discovered Purusha People for mermaid print, iridescent, highly original yoga pants and there’s also some amazing iridescent, very Australian Gothic “Black Opal” leggings at DivaFit.

Finally, my unruly and naturally curly (but mostly just frizzy) hair responds best to the Pureology brand. They don’t use sulphates, parabens, lots of preservatives and chemical ingredients. My poor scalp reacts to most products by getting dry, itchy and flaky. So I’m careful to stick to what I know works! My latest haircare addition is Pureology Serious ColourCare Strength cure Cleansing Conditioner– it leaves my hair soft and non-greasy or heavy. Smells divine.

The Best Herbal Facial in Australia

Like a sports massage for the face, Valli Shubere applies her adept fingers and palms to the face and kneads and caresses to reshape and release tension.
In her 30 years of treating the body with herbal medicine, and applying purely herbal based tonics to the face, Shubere has mastered her technique to the point of being in constant demand in Australia, America and Europe.

I discovered Valli when I asked the queen of celebrity facials in Sydney, Jocelyn Petroni, who she'd recommend in Melbourne. It was without hesitation that she gave me one name: Valli Shubere.

Valli operates from the Prahran Herbario clinic (222 Chapel Street). Downstairs is the store and this is where the herbal tonics for body and face are expertly concocted by herbalist of 37 years, Vito Cozza. Upstairs, the treatment room is warm, simple and welcoming.
Treatments are tailored - anything from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the needs and nature of the client. Valli sees many actors, models and presenters who are posing and pulling faces for hours daily. Her treatment is designed to release tension that can cause facial muscles to tense and cause anything from sinus blockages to undereye bags or tight jaws.

The Herbario Dispensary downstairs offers dry herbs, fluid extracts, herbal tablets, essential oils and nutritional supplements. A nutritional assessment can determine your needs.

I'm sworn to secrecy on the names of Melbourne models, actors and athletes who attend, but I can assure you there are some very fine faces who rely on Valli's massage and nutritional herbal expertise for their wellbeing and beauty.

Herbario website 
Book an appointment 

Scholl Be Right!

The issue of hygiene in the gym and studio is confronting when you end up getting a nasty case of athlete's foot. Those shared yoga mats really should be cleaned but I have been to countless gyms and studios where they get stepped and lunged and sweated all over and then thrown in a heap.
However.
So, a little request please. Consider a trek to the supermarket to pick up a Hard Skin Remover, Anti-Perspirant for the feet and...if you need, Anti-Fungal treatment. I can personally recommend Scholl's but if you are going to get a pedicure at a salon, choose a VERY VERY clean and sterile one!

BEFORE Gym Time is Pedicure Time!

Yoga Books For Inspiration

I start my Yoga Teacher Training this weekend, and I won't lie, I'm nervous about launching into it. I'm excited, too. And mostly, I feel that it's the right choice. As someone who questions herself constantly, to feel so sure about something speaks volumes to me.
I want to be practicing, exploring, teaching and sharing yoga for the rest of my life. Flowing, vinyasa, meditation-on-the-mat yoga.

With that in mind, I've added to my bookshelf. Three different but inspiring yoga books.

Yogavataranam: The Translation of Yoga is intended for those studying yoga. It is an exploration of Sanskrit intended for university courses, yoga students and self study.
The Indian method of learning Sanskrit is by memorising texts and then learning what they mean. The Western approach is to learn the alphabet, grammar, syntax and then build the vocabulary (like all language lessons of my school years!). This book by Zoe Slatoff-Ponte incorporates both methods. It promises

  • step-by-step instructions on writing the alphabet 
  • sidebars on Indian philosophy and culture
  • a glossary of Sanskrit terms
  • original translations of passages from classic yoga texts including Yogasutra, Bhagavadgita and Upanisads
There's web-based audio files linked to each chapter so that you can perfect your pronunciation too. I know this is a book I'll be returning to...a lot.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga looks deceptively slender and thankfully, it fits in my handbag so my guilt over not reading what is on my bookshelf can accompany me every day, everywhere. This is "a handbook for living yoga philosophy".
This little volume shows how to apply the principles of yoga to everyday life and our perspective on the big and small issues. This is not designed to be academic or deeply investigative. Perfect for yoga students and also just the mildly curious. 
The Eight Limbs of Yoga by Stuart Ray Sarbacker and Kevin Kimple @ Readings

The Eight Limbs of Yoga are:
  1. Yama: The first limb, yama, deals with one’s ethical standards and sense of integrity, focusing on our behavior and how we conduct ourselves in life. Yamas are universal practices that relate best to what we know as the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
  2. Niyama: This has to do with self-discipline and spiritual observances. Regularly attending temple or church services, saying grace before meals, developing your own personal meditation practices, or making a habit of taking contemplative walks alone are all examples of niyamas in practice.
  3. Asanas: These are the postures practiced in yoga, with the ultimate aim of caring for and nurturing the body. Through the practice of asanas, we develop the habit of discipline and the ability to concentrate.
  4. Pranayama: Generally translated as breath control, this fourth stage consists of techniques designed to gain mastery over the respiratory process while recognizing the connection between the breath, the mind, and the emotions. 
  5. Pratyahara: This means withdrawal or sensory transcendence. It is during this stage that we make the conscious effort to draw our awareness away from the external world and outside stimuli.
  6. Dharana: As each stage prepares us for the next, the practice of pratyahara creates the setting for dharana, or concentration. Having relieved ourselves of outside distractions, we can now deal with the distractions of the mind itself
  7. Dhyana: Meditation or contemplation, the seventh stage of ashtanga, is the uninterrupted flow of concentration.
  8. Samadhi: Patanjali describes this eighth and final stage of ashtanga, samadhi, as a state of ecstasy. At this stage, the meditator merges with his or her point of focus and transcends the Self altogether.


Do Your Om Thing is a memoir by Rebecca Pacheco, better known as @OmGal . Bec challenges the idea of the perfect yogi - flawless in their intentions, integrity, every living breath and perfectly executing every pose every time. It is an exploration of what it is to love yoga and to approach it as it ought to be approached, as a road to wisdom that isn't about striving to be the best, or to master everything, stop and pin a badge on yourself... Yoga is going to be different things at different times of life and circumstances. The idea of yoga off the mat is really explored. How to merge ancient philosophy and traditions from an Eastern world into a hectic, constantly evolving Western world is the cause of much angst for yogis (isn't it? I find it is!) and to read Bec's memoir is to find humour and joy in being imperfect but deeply curious and passionate about yoga as a practice and a school to learn about your everyday self and your infinite self.

Mulga's Magical Colouring Book Finally! This one is for fun. An exercise in mindfulness, this colouring book is by Sydney artist Mulga, a freelance illustrator, poet, mural painter, t-shirt designer and market stall master. He draws quirky animals, zombies and bearded ragamuffins. I am starting with the seahorse, because...well, why not start with the seahorse?



Crazy over Coconuts - 100% Coconut Water

I am coming to this whole coconuts for health thing a little late in the game, sure, but I'm going crazy for coconut water. The paleo peeps can keep their bone broth but they are definitely onto something with this pre yoga, post barre tonic. So fresh.
The selling point for me is the purity. I don't want any sugared up, chemical additives and flavours loaded mass-market junk. Raw C coconut water is 100% pure green coconut water, totally natural and no added sugar or sodium.

Pete Evans bought into Raw C as part owner and has since had his name and image associated - but coconut water is not just for the paleo and superfood geeks. It is a great basis for smoothies and it is a much smarter alternative to diet drinks, soft drinks and sports drinks which are often full of sodium and preservatives.

Most supermarkets and health food, organic stores and cafes are stocking Raw C - but to save yourself the hunt, you can look up stockists by postcode or buy online.

This recipe is republished from the Raw C website. Happy digestive system, happy brain, happy days. Mint, cucumber, coconut water are the basis. Substitute the kale for spinach if you prefer. I like kiwi fruit rather than mango. Have fun working out your own signature blend.

Minty Fresh Green Smoothie

1 big handful of Spinach
1 big handful of baby Kale leaves
3 inch piece of Cucumber, peeled
6 (or more if you like) Fresh Mint leaves
2 Mango Cheeks
1 Frozen banana
1 Cup of Ice Blocks
2 Cups Natural Raw C coconut water
Blend, Drink and Enjoy!
Recipe by: @cookcleancusine

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Bite - Vegan Beauty from Canada

So you thought Canadians were only fabulous for Degrassi Junior High and double denim? Wrong!
Turns out there's more to those northern stars than just lovelorn teenagers and jean genius.
After 16 years of formulating beauty products, Susanne Langmuir founded BITE Beauty in 2011 as the result of developing sensitivy to non-natural ingredients and cosmetic chemicals. BITE is made from food-grade, antioxidant ingredients that are technically healthy and natural enough to eat. Don't though.
From 2011 to today, BITE cosmetics are handcrafted one at a time in Toronto, where they are milled in small batches and heated at low temperatures to retain the integrity of the organic ingredients. Totally vegan, totally cruelty free.
I've got the deep, daring Cassis which is a burgundy wine and the purple-hued, violet vision that is high pigment pencil in Violet. Everything from nude to radical red. Not widely available - I went to Ry.com.au (Recreate Yourself.)
Find RY on Facebook and Twitter

      






Makeup Inspiration from the 2015 Runways

I used to love the runway shots of John Galliano for Dior. Alexander McQueen also sent some ethereal and alien looks storming down the catwalk too. Makeup artists like Val Garland and Pat McGrath created futuristic creatures that lived on imaginary underwater islands, or punk-cyber-goth bombshells with huge hair and glued on diamantes and lashes.
Now, short of the nightclubs, these looks aren't going to wash in everyday life, but be inspired to dare something different.

The beauty of makeup is you can transform - take on a role that is more confident, more daring, more adventurous than you feel. 

Then you can wipe it off and change again.
Here's my pick of the 2015 looks you can adopt and adapt.

Nanette Lepore did iridescent purple lips, spidery lashes and metallic gold nails. Try doing ONE of these things at a time. As a purple lover, my preference is daring the lilac lip. Go on! Maybelline Color Elixir in Vision in Violet. Try a gold shimmer from NYX (Roll On Shimmer in Almond).
The Givenchy runway shots were ubiquitous. Sure, it's extreme.

The Victorian Chola Gang looked tribal and dark and confronting, but editors swarmed to the images and the clothes were not lost beneath the styling. While in Barcelona, I noted gleefully that all the beautiful young things were tattooed and pierced. The once rare septum piercing was no longer confined to hippies or punks. And the
super small rings that merely glinted under lights were super chic. If you're not ready for the real thing, I recommend a faux septum piercing. I got mine
from Junylie on Etsy.

As ever, Chloe and Michael Kors runways gave us a youthful nude palette that emphasised flawless skin, blushed cheekbones and beige toned eyes and lips. Go for the super luxe foundation (Urban Decay Naked Skin) and then pick budget friendly NYX for the entire nude palette.

Depending on whether you're gothic pale or Naomi Campbell, your nude colours will fall within a spectrum of flattering shades. Go for peachy (NYX Lipstick in Snow Cap) through rose beige (Pops Explosif) and make a subtle statement with the NYX Love In Rio eyeshadow kit of three shimmery beige/brown options. Skip the eyeliner and emphasise the lashline with Over The Taupe eyeshadow. Blush is mandatory - hit the apple of your cheeks and trace up to the outer corners of your eyes. With a subtle brushstroke - we're not going for a warpaint look.

Need a bit of oomph to your lips? Put a subtle dot of Angel Food Cake Butter Gloss in the cupid's bow and in the centre of your lower lip to finish. The light-reflecting gloss will make your lips appear fuller and smoother.

At Home in the Wholefood Kitchen

Whether you are vegetarian, vegan or just love a great vegetable-based dish to break up the meat-and-3-veg approach of usual...I totally recommend Amy Chaplin's At Home in the Whole Food Kitchen (Jacqui Small Books). The photography is amazing - you will want to make everything. Well, ok, you'll want someone to make it as long as you can eat it.
From sweet corn frittata (mouth-wateringly good) to salads that will not leave you feeling deprived or undernourished in the slightest. Plus, there's a guide to what to stock your pantry with to be prepared for adventuring into wholefood recipes full of flavour and nutrients. This isn't a fad diet. While some of the recipes are going to tick the paleo or gluten free boxes, they are not designed to appease any particular dietary needs.
The beauty of embracing wholefoods is to choose good quality, seasonal produce (whatever fruit/veg/legumes/fish/poultry and meat) are available fresh and local rather than pre-packaged, pre-prepared foods. The less that happens to your food between coming from the ground, the plant or the creature and to your plate makes it more "Whole".
If this means you can't eat avocadoes and bananas every one of the 365 days of the year because they're just not growing 365 days of the year close to you, you'll adapt and find new foods to embrace and prepare! Take the challenge.
Here's one of my favourites. Looks fabulous. Tastes incredible.
BEETROOT CHICKPEA CAKES WITH TZATZIKI

MAKES 12 CAKES
SERVES 4
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil,
plus more for brushing cakes and tray
520 g (1 lb 3 oz/3. cups) cooked chickpeas (see page 68),
or 2 425-g (15-oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed well
2 red onions, finely diced
8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
2 red beetroot (340 g/12 oz), grated on largest hole of a box grater
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
30 g (1 oz/. cup) chopped dill
Freshly ground black pepper
Tzatziki to serve (recipe follows)
Preheat oven to 190oC/375oF/Gas Mark 5. Line a baking tray with
baking parchment, lightly brush with olive oil and set aside.
Place chickpeas in a bowl and crush with a potato masher; set
aside. (Don’t mash the chickpeas completely. The mixture should be
somewhat chunky.)
Warm olive oil in a wide frying pan over medium heat. Add onions
and saute for 5 minutes or until browning. Add garlic and salt and
cook for another 3 minutes. Stir in grated beetroot and continue
cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes or until beetroot are cooked. Add
balsamic vinegar and remove from heat. Add to mashed chickpeas along
with chopped dill and mix well to combine. Season to taste with salt
and pepper.
Divide mixture into 12 and shape into 12 cakes. Place on prepared
tray and brush top and sides of each cake with olive oil. Bake for
15 minutes, rotate tray and continue baking for another 15 minutes or
until brown on the bottom. Remove from oven; allow to cool for
5 minutes before serving.
To serve, slide a thin spatula under each cake and flip onto plate so
bottom side is up. Top with tzatziki or serve it on the side.

TZATZIKI
Tzatziki is a fantastic Greek yogurt dip or side dish
made with cucumbers, dill, garlic and olive oil. The first
time I ate it was on a trip to Greece with my best
friend, Guinevere, many years ago. The tzatziki we
had was served with cooked beetroot and beetroot greens,
and the simple and extremely tasty combination has
stuck with me ever since. Don’t save it just for these cakes;
tzatziki is delicious served with roasted vegetables,
simple grains and crunchy summer salads.
MAKES 480 ML (16 FL OZ/2 CUPS)
1 large (225-g/8-oz) Middle Eastern cucumber (or
a regular cucumber, peeled and deseeded)
360 ml (12 fl oz/1. cups) whole-milk Greek
yogurt or Labneh (page 215)
10 g (. oz/. cup) chopped dill
2 garlic cloves, crushed
. teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil,
plus more for drizzling
Freshly ground black pepper
Grate cucumber on the largest hole of a box
grater, place in a sieve and squeeze out juice with
your hands. Drink or discard juice and add
cucumber to a medium bowl along with yogurt,
dill, garlic, salt, olive oil and a pinch of black
pepper. Stir to combine, season to taste and serve
drizzled with olive oil. Store any leftovers in an
airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Recipe and image from At Home in the Whole Food Kitchen (Jacqui Small Books) $39.99 available now in all good bookstores and online.

I Am A Real Woman & So Is Every Woman Even In Yoga Pants

I fully endorse the feelings expressed here by the wonderful yoga teacher, Kathryn Budig. I wear tight, fitted clothing for teaching and working out and I yet I feel like I need to wear a big logo warning people not to give me their opinions on my body.
I'm not wrapping myself up like chopped meat that you can scan and decide if you'll buy me. I am human in yoga pants. So keep your opinions to yourself. That goes for all men and women in tight pants. We're human, too.
Also - if you love barre but you're sick of all the airbrushed models on Instagram that are apparently the "summer bodies" or "barre bodies" you're going to achieve if you pay to do classes, don't subscribe. I have had to let a few go. Barre is amazing for your body - both how it looks and feels. And it's fun. Be selective with the images and messages you subscribe to.

Superfoods for Super Skin


Every morning I make my green smoothie with green superfoods powder. Now I have a new routine also - detox for my face with a grainy cleanser full of vitamins and green goodness! I am loving Australian brand Sukin Super Greens facial scrub. Full of the goodness of kale, spirulina, chlorella and parsley and trust me, it smells gorgeously sweet and not horribly "healthfoody" at all.
Just to be sure I am absolutely super, I followo up with super green detoxifying Facial Recovery Serum - again full of goodness.
Did I mention Australian owned and made? Go team.
sukin is available at Priceline

A new label is the reason this brand caught my eye - while 7th Heaven is a new name, this is actually the renewal and rebirth of a long lived skincare brand. It is bigger, better and bolder than ever so I had to stock up on a few "weekly indulgence" facial masks. Particular formulas for particular concerns. Manuka honey is great for hydration, healing and moisturising. Berries are great for reinvigorating the skin and senses and there's also strawberry, apricot and tropical flavours. Totally recommend you spend the spare change on it - very budget friendly!
7th Heaven is available at Target and Woolworths

Kombucha + Charity = KombuchAID

KombuchAID makes fermented, bottled tea that is not only tasty, but also great for your guts AND your conscience. Kombucha is all the rage in health circles at the moment for its digestive system boosting probiotic effect. Like kimchi, it is the product of fermentation and timely bottling that creates this elixir of good bacteria.
A fellow yoga lover and entrepreneur, Geneva founded KombuchAID as a way to support refugees on the Thailand-Burma border. 10% of proceeds from the tea and workshops go towards this project.
In her own words, Geneva Pritchard explains.

How and when I founded KombuchAID
My husband and I moved to Melbourne two years ago from New Zealand with our life belongings consisting of two bicycles and two boxes.  He was recruited to a really great position here, and began working immediately upon arrival.  I sought out to create a like-minded community by finding the closest yoga studio (Power Living South Melbourne)and signing up for the 40-day yoga challenge.  During that time I began brewing my own kombucha as a way to kick-start my health and wellness lifestyle in my new setting.  Each Monday at the 40-day challenge meditation meet up I brought my booch, and my fellow yogis started asking about it, wanting to try it, then wanting to buy it.  Over the course of a couple months I quadrupled production and went from bottling in used Grolsch beer bottles to formalising a proper business and launching KombuchAID.  It was a beautifully organic process of business building. 
My background is deeply routed in development and humanitarian work.  I have a masters degree in public health, and have spent the majority of the last ten years working with health and education projects among refugee populations on the Thailand-Burma border, spending two and a half years living amidst very remote communities.  When I started KombuchAID, I knew there had to be a giving component woven into the fabric of the business.  It was my aim to create a product that made people feel good physically, produced from a business model that made consumers feel good about purchasing.  Thus KombuchAID was born, a fermented probiotic tea with the ability to promote optimal health, using a business model that makes all decisions based on core ethics and integrity.   Going back to my roots and passion, we donate 10% of proceeds to refugee populations on the Thailand-Burma border.  
Where is it available?
We are available at about 20 stores and yoga studios throughout Melbourne.  A couple of my favourite places to buy KombuchAID are at Smith and Deli in Fitzroy, at CERES Market in East Brunswick or CERES Fair Food boxes, and of course at my home studio where it all began, Power Living South Melbourne.  For a complete list of retailers check out our website www.kombuchaid.com.

What is kombucha?Kombucha is a fermented tea with a rich anecdotal history that claims it detoxifies the body and energizes the mind. Ancient Chinese tradition has revered kombucha as the “immortal elixir” due to its role in aiding digestion, joint health and detoxification.  
Kombucha is packed full of vitamins, enzymes and acids including: B1 Thiamine, B2 Riboflavin, B3 Niacin, B6 Pyridoxine, B9 Folic Acid, B12 Cobalmin, Bromelain, Papain, Glucuronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Chondroitin sulfate, Tannic Acid, Usnic Acid

Upcoming Workshops
An exciting element of KombuchAID are the home-brew workshops.  I absolutely love teaching these workshops.  It is a great space to educate people on the benefits of probiotics and how adding something like kombucha to an already healthy diet can create efficiencies in the body leading to optimal health.  Two stats I love to work with are that 80% of your immune system is in your digestive system, and 90% of serotonin is produced in your digestive system.  Wow!  Kombucha promotes a strong, well-balanced gut that leads to so many health benefits, both physical and mental.  The workshop includes a home-brew kit that enables each student to leave and get a brew going right away.

We have two upcoming workshops:at Bikram Yoga Yarraville, and at the Henley Club.  To stay up to date with available workshops, keep an eye on the Events page

Ode to the Maverick Fashion Twins Viktor & Rolf

I love quirky, edgy, strange and surreal. I love intelligent, rule-breaking, ferocious spirits that burn bright. So, it will come as no surprise that I love Viktor & Rolf.
I know you weren't expecting to read about haute couture here (yes, no leggings!) but I couldn't resist when I saw the pictures of Viktor & Rolf's ridiculous, amazing, funny and clever haute couture show in Paris.
Staged in a gallery, models appeared to be wearing the paintings - complete with wooden frames and paint-spattered canvas clothing. Rather than lurking backstage, designers Viktor & Rolf awaited the models on the catwalk to remove the canvas pieces and hang them on the wall! Thus, creating their own gallery. Check it out on their Instagram.
Genius.
I'm thinking I might frame my yoga leggings and make some sort of psychedelic rock-poster-yoga-style gallery in my living room. It's art.
I can't afford to buy haute couture - so it may be the closest I come to Viktor & Rolf style fashion madness. I have loved them since they brought a model out with a pillow attached to her head and her hair spread out as if she'd just awoken Sleeping Beauty like from a trance. I got obsessed with
Flowerbomb. Remember the perfume bottle that looked like a glass grenade full of pink?
A photo posted by Viktor&Rolf (@viktor_and_rolf) on
It's the ten year anniversary so use this opportunity to go discover it if you haven't already. It's very sweet, very sparkly and yet it's in a GLASS GRENADE. It will look a treat displayed in my framed yoga legging gallery...
Flowerbomb @ Myer
Viktor & Rolf Website

Match your Yoga Pants with your Nails

It's as simple as the title suggests. I'm not going to tell you anything hugely deep and insightful. The world is a big, difficult and troubling place. But it's also full of tiny little joys and for me, nail polish and a kickass pair of yoga pants will make me ecstatic.

Find the little joys.

I do feel guilty over waving pom poms around when I find rainbow zebra print leggings (ahem, Dharma Bums!) and polka dot print with ROSES (thanks, Om Shanti!)... but really, if I am able to be so easily thrilled by something SO simple then I know I am blessed to be alive and to be me.

Maybe you find your joy in taking yourself for a coffee and people watching, or reading TV Week, or getting a pedicure, or watching that Disney movie for the 500th time... whatever it is, stop feeling guilty. Life is too short. And if there's haters? Well, haters gonna hate. This is how we roll!
Find your inspiration on Instagram - and then just try getting off it...
Om Shanti Clothing
Onzie
Fifth Element
Dharma Bums
Orly
OPI

Grapely Good in Dry July

Good news now that we are fully immersed in Dry July: you don't need red wine to get a good dose of powerful, grape-derived antioxidant Resveratrol. So all that bleating from wine merchants about how red wine is full of antioxidants and hey, have some dark chocolate with it too - please.

So what is this magical compound?

Resveratrol is found in the skin of red grapes and also in peanuts and berries. It's a plant compound considered to be extremely high in antioxidants, which protect against environmental damage to the skin and body.
Some research has shown it to be highly effective for weight loss in obesity - but these are animal studies and are not definitive. It has also proven promising in protecting against heart disease and other age-related conditions including Alzheimer's and macular degeneration (eye disease).



The bottom line here is, regardless of whether it is going to prolong your life and ensure you are disease free - it IS a powerful antioxidant that nourishes from the inside out. It can only improve your heart function, skin clarity and collagen strength and early studies suggest it defends against tissue degradation - a key factor in arthritic pain.

Try Bioglan Resveratox

Try Swisse Grapeseed Ultiboost Grape Seed 12,000mg 60 tablets

Facts Opinions and a Candy Crying Imaginary Friend

I went to see Disney's Inside Out yesterday and it is a psychologist's dream movie! For adults, there's so much richness in the simple characters who represent emotions from sadness to fear, disgust and joy.
The concept of memory, long term and core memories, the ability to be sad and joyful and to build "islands" from the things we really care about (family island, friendship island, hockey island, etc) made my VCE Psychology textbooks come to life in technicolour.

I loved it.
Of all the moments where I thought, "yes! remember THAT next time you're feeling sad or hopeless!" there was the most brief of moments where Joy and Sadness are on the Train of Thought and Joy accidentally knocks over some boxes. This intermingles Facts with Opinions.
"Oh, facts and opinions. Who can tell them apart?"

 I work in the fitness and media industries where opinions are as present as oxygen. I'm definitely not immune to the power of opinion presented as fact but as I get older and wiser, MOST of the time I'm able to distinguish and remind myself that opinions are highly emotional, borne of individual experience and ingrained ideas and values.

That doesn't mean they don't have a lot of value - it is just a reminder that we need to know they're not Fact. I am reminding myself of this as I go to do photos for a pictorial workout guide! In the space of two days, I was given two very different opinions on my body and while I was angry and upset that people feel they can comment on my body as if I'm up for auction in the stockyard, I also reminded myself that we all have opinions and preferences and ideas of beauty and fitness and wellbeing that differ. Whether you believe I'm too thin, too fat, just perfect or any grey area between, your opinion is totally valid to YOU. I don't need to know!
But if it is shared, and you'll get it too, remember that for every opinion there will be an opposite one and there's zillions of people with even more zillions of opinions out there. Our own values and what we know and can prove matters most of all.

Ultimately, Joy wants to run the show and we can let her. Even if Disgust, Fear and Sadness take us for a spin sometimes!

Hair Makeover - Ombre, Colour Investment Advice and Photos!

 I love a hair makeover – new colour, new cut – to signal the end or the start of something. I just finished up a work contract and I’m approaching more teaching, which I love. Rather than a new Porsche or a trip to Ibiza, I invested in my hair instead.
From dark brown with a bit of copper through the ends, I went ombre – or lighter at the ends with balayage technique. Because red is like a clingy boyfriend you just CAN’T GET RID OF, it took two appointments to tone up the light ends and get rid of the redness. Because hair appointments aren’t cheap and there’s so many options, I want to drill down to some haircare basics that will see your colour last and hopefully you can also see a big improvement in strength and softness.
1.    
   Olaplex: I had this treatment in-salon and also have the at-home conditioning treatment. It is a new system designed to protect colour, strengthen strands that have been highly processed, and create softness and shine. I definitely notice my hair feels softer and easier to style after I’ve used it. It’s early days still!
http://olaplex.com.au/

2.  Protein, silica and vitamins: Your hair is made up
of keratin protein. Just like your skin, muscle and nails it requires protein and essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to build and maintain lustre and strength. I eat lots of lean protein in the form of meat and fish, as well as taking a supergreens supplement every day for multivitamins and I also take a daily silica supplement. I definitely notice my nails get longer when I’m taking silica. By the way, the Q Silica spot gel is freaking amazing. If I need a spot gone overnight, it’s my new go-to.

3. Colour and damaged hair specific products: Depending on the shade of your hair, you may need a blue or red-based toner to maintain the colour.  I use the L’Oreal Vitamino range of shampoo, conditioner and also a new CC cream. Yes, CC cream for the hair! It is Color Corrector which means it ensures the integrity of your colour – no brassiness creeps in. Especially necessary if you are a swimming pool user...chlorine is NOT your friend. The range is available in salons, online or at Hairhouse Warehouse 

4. Non-damaging styling products: Remember the scrunchie? I learned how to sew them and use to pump out neon coloured scrunchies while watching Beverly Hills 90210. The following are absolutely mandatory for being gentle on fragile, post-colour hair.
  • Brushology Detangling Comb
  • Black Mini Scrunchies
  • Bobby Pins in Travel Case


http://www.scunci.com.au/

Conflict Between loving the Superficial and Leading a Meaningful Life

It might be hard to believe considering how often I write about skin and makeup, but I do feel a true conflict over
a) my deep passion for yoga, health and a meaningful, creative life AND
b) my ecstasy over discovering an incredible lipstick shade

Does one mean the other shrinks in importance or value? I hope not. The way I choose to see it is that I lead a blessed enough life that I can find the joy and thrill in something as simple as lipstick and nailpolish. I also go crazy for an amazing editorial in Italian Vogue. 
That said, I'm thoroughly enjoying Yoga Girl by Rachel Brathan (out through Hachette)and read biographies and autobiographies of powerful, spirited and creative women like Judy Cassab, Peggy Guggenheim and Coco Chanel.
I am a complete set of contradictions and it does bring me great angst, but so many things bring me great joy and without doing any harm to anyone, so I am trying to find peace in that!

Now that I've come clean on my contradictions and conflict over my love of the superficial, I have to share the things that are thrilling me the most. And look, makeup is an artform. It's creative expression, endless variations on texture, colour and application. It's playing with crayons or painting watercolours made into a daily ritual. Even the Egyptians were poisoning themselves just to have a kohl-rimmed eye. It's ancient. There's culture and tradition in it. 

If it brings you joy, and it harms nobody, indulge with me...

Urban Decay Naked Skin is vegan, weightless, perfect coverage foundation from the cult beauty brand that is best known for their nude eye palette range. I am all about perfect skin and foundation that conceals without looking obvious, and definitely survives a yoga class and a full day or running around without resulting in blemishes. This ticks all my boxes. Exclusive to Mecca Maxima. Check out their Top 10 UD Obsessions!

Dior Secret Garden IV is the amazing campaign featuring Rihanna. The mini-film is incredible (view it!) Look, I won't be jetting off to Paris or investing in a Dior handbag anytime soon, BUT I discovered the products that were used to achieve that French Film Star bombshell lip and that's romantic enough for me. She is wearing the Rouge Dior lipstick shade #941 Cannage and the Lip Liner Thrilling Plum #943 (Rouge Dior Couture @ Myer)

10 Minute Booty Barre Workout

I love Tracey Mallett. An ex-dancer who has a whole range of barre DVDs and online training videos, she does fun and TOUGH workouts. You don't need to do an hour - you can feel a burn through the abs and thighs in this 10 minute workout. Maybe you do it once in the morning then again in the evening. Just an idea. Did you do it? Do you love it? Come and tell me on Facebook!

Going Green for Protein & Cleansing & Superfoods Affair

No, I'm not about to set up home in the tree tops, scaling up and down the trunk by rope and sending communications via pigeon.

I'm just going to green-ify my insides and refresh, rejuvenate, re-energise.

I'm not into a cleanse or a detox. I don't believe the body is "toxic", only some of our habits. You can't outrun or disguise bad habits but you can gradually try to build and establish good ones.

The more good habits, the better. Some naughtiness and indulgence is absolutely necessary for the spirit so don't become a total puritan!

After indulging my coffee habit to the point of 8 hardcore black coffees a day, I know I need to face the horrible sleep deprivation and wonky appetite I've dealt myself. I'm going green.

I've stocked up on green tea and can't wait until Forest Superfoods starts stocking matcha green tea. Soon, I'm promised.
In the meantime, I've ordered moringa powder and aloe vera juice. There's every sort of green and raw, natural supplement you could want or need and they are super friendly. I had questions and mere minutes after sending an email, bam! Responses. 

Moringa contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It's commonly used in Africa and India as a treatment to restore nourishment where vitamins and minerals are sorely lacking. The leaves, when dried and powdered, can be used as a condiment or added to your daily juice/smoothie. 
It is also recommended for iron deficiency, arthritis and rheumatism (joint pain), heaches, fluid retention and to boost the immune system after an infection.
Or just too much coffee.

Moringa Powder from Forest Super Foods

My nan once snapped off the sharp blade of an aloe vera plant and told me the juice would nourish my skin and clear up spots. Since this same woman taught me that boston bun is the best frigging sweet thing on earth and buying fish and chips then wrapping it in your own newspaper like you prepared it yourself, I totally trusted her. Not only was she correct that aloe vera is nourishing and cleansing when applied to the skin, it is also a great tonic to drink. Hugely popular in herbal medicines, it contains many vitamins including A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6. Aloe Vera is also one of the few plants that contains vitamin B12. Some of the 20 minerals found in Aloe vera include: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, and manganese.
PLUS it aids in digestion and stomach pain. Again, coffee havoc.

Aloe Vera juice from Forest Super Foodshttp://forestsuperfoods.com.au/

Thanks nan.