Showing posts with label Wellbeing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wellbeing. Show all posts

Sunday, 27 November 2011

Sweat it out


This weekend SereneMuse visited Zen Hot Yoga & Spa located at Sherwood in Brisbane (Australia) to experience the Detox Box (as seen on The Great South East).  

This 40 minute detox involves sitting in a chair and sweating it out using Far Infrared (FIR) technology; also referred to as "happy rays". FIR heat is the most effective way to remove those nasty toxins from your body and stimulate endorphins. It's like doing a 10km run while sitting down! Trust me... the sweat will be dripping off you.


The beautiful set-up and friendly staff at Zen add to the relaxing atmosphere. You'll even be greeted with ginger tea and water. While you sweat those toxins away you can stay amused by choosing from a selection of dvd's - or bring your own dvd or music. A shower is available and much needed after your detox!

Also available at Zen Hot Yoga & Spa is Hot Yoga (obviously) and Pilates. The Hot Yoga also uses FIR heat; so if you don't feel like you're achieving anything without sweating - this is the yoga class for you! There are yoga and pilates classes every day so check out the timetable and book yourself in for some ancient therapy. 

So whether you live in Brisbane or elsewhere, research spa facilities that are utilising the FIR technology to get the most out of your time and money. SereneMuse is a big fan!

Also a great gift idea for Christmas.

xo





Sunday, 13 November 2011

Luxuriously refreshing

Homemade Iced Tea

With the weather warming up, it's a good time of year to experiment with refreshing drinks to keep you satisfyingly hydrated. Usually this would be of the alcoholic kind, but instead I've discovered the joy of making iced tea at home. I've heard these concoctions can sometimes contain a lot of sugar... but my gosh it's a delicious little treat! And whats better is that it feels good to make something yourself and experiment with all the different flavours available. No doubt we'll be bringing you more idea's for yummy new teas in the near future.

See the bottom of this post for an iced tea recipe!

The teas used by SereneMuse are purchased from T2 Tea.

Here are our tried & tested favourite products for Iced Tea...

Green Rose



A vibrant medium-strength green tea based on currents, mango, papaya and rose petals; making an engaging brew with a bold taste sensation. 




The beautiful flavours are accompanied by grassy green tea, yet not overpowered.
Best served iced in the summer, but makes a delicious cup hot or iced. 

Ingredients: green tea, dried fruit (currant, mango pieces and papaya pieces), rose petals, cornflowers and flavour.

Brew: 2tsp, 2-3mins at 80 degrees celsius.


Click here for more details and pricing.

Strawberry Sensation




Fresh berry flavours and tender tart aromas combine to make a sensational juicy tisane "for all you strawberry sweethearts". 



Crimson berries have been mixed with a hint of citrus to give it a zing. Enjoyed hot or chilled. 
Caffeine free.

Ingredients: hibiscus, apple pomace, rose hip peels, blackberry leaves, orange peel, strawberry pieces, safflowers and flavour.

Brew: 2tsp per medium tea pot, 3-5mins at 100 degrees celsius.

You may also like: Strawberries & Cream, Vanilla Slice, Sencha Sensation.

Click here for more details and pricing.

Fruit Royale

For a truly regal fruity and intense tisane, this product contains the flavours of black & red currents blended with elderberries and a touch of strawberry.





Delicious served hot or cold; though SereneMuse prefers to blend this with other tisanes. Caffeine free.  
Ingredients: hibiscus petals, elderberries, currants, blackcurrant and flavour.

Brew: 1/2 - 1tsp per 200mls, brew 3mins at 100 degrees celsius.

You may also like: Very Berry Fruitea, Turkish Apple Chunky, Botanica.

Click here for more details and pricing.

Turkish Apple

The traditional version of the national drink of Turkey, making this an all-time classic.

Oh so sweet and full of crisp, crunchy apple flavour.



Traditionally served hot, but I like mine iced in summer for a sweet treat!

Moreish is the perfect word to describe this one. Great hot as an afternoon break or served iced in summer for refreshment. Add to it, a cinnamon stick or cloves when warm, or with lemon slices and fresh mint when iced. Caffeine free.  

Ingredients: sugar, citric acid, maltodextrine, colour, anti caking agent, vitamin C and flavour.

Brew: 1 heaped teaspoon per 200ml, dissolve in water at 100 degrees celsius. For an iced jug, add 1 teaspoon per cup, fill 1/3 with water at 100 degrees celsius, stir to dissolve. Fill to top with ice and garnish with mint and lemon.

You may also like: Turkish Apple Chunky, Turkish Apple & Cinnamon, Turkish Cherry, Liquorice Legs, Gorgeous Geisha.

* This is a staple for me as I have quite a sweet tooth *

Click here for more details and pricing.

French Earl Grey

For an oh-so-fruity twist on the classic earl grey, look no further then T2's French Earl Grey.

A black tea base infused with petals, fruit and classic bergamot.

This medium-bodied tea is bold and refined with hints of peach, apricot, citrus, a field of sunflowers, rose, cornflower and hibiscus... wow! This elegant tea is full of good taste. Best served black, with a sprinkle of sugar if desired. 

Brew: 1tsp per 200ml, 2-3mins in water at 100 degrees celsius.

Click here for more details and pricing.

T2 The Jug


The perfect accompaniment for making iced tea; these 1.2L tea jugs are the easiest and most effective way to make iced tea. The lid is completely leak proof - perfect for picnics! 

Click here for more details and colour choices.









Combination Iced Tea Recipe


2tsp Strawberry Sensation
1tsp Green Rose
1/2tsp Fruit Royale
1tsp Turkish Apple (2tsp if I'm feeling naughty)*^
Boiled water
A squeeze of lemon juice*
Ice cubes
mint leaves (desired amount)*  


Process
1. Place the Strawberry Sensation & Green Rose in the detachable strainer.
2. Place the Turkish Apple in the jug.
3. Add boiling water to the jug, filling most of the way.
4. Squeeze some lemon juice into the mix.
5. Attach the strainer to the jug lid and place the lid on the jug, ensuring there is sufficient water to allow the tea to seep. Stand for 3-5mins.
6. Remove lid and remove the strainer from the lid. Replace lid.


When serving
7. Fill your glass with ice cubes.
7. Pour tea over ice and add mint leaves.

* optional
^ remove if wanting a sugar free iced tea

Find more recipe's here.

Monday, 19 September 2011

Herbal Teas

T2 Teas 

 

Yerba Mate 

An invigorating drink to promote health and friendship; Mate (mah-tay) is the national drink of Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. Made from Ilex Paraguariensis leaves native to South American rain forests, the infusion is reminiscent of tea, with a slightly smokey, herbaceous flavour. 

A stimulating, highly effective way to clear a cloudy mind or for a midday buzz. It has also been proven to be an appetite suppressant (this is not a meal replacement tea).  On a normal day I will have 1-2 cups, one around 10am and another at 2pm to stop the hunger attacks. Perfect for whenever mental alertness and energy are needed. SereneMuse loves this tea.

Brew: 1 teaspoon per 200mls, brew 3-5 minutes in water  at 100 degrees celsius. 

 

Detox

A detoxifying blend of herbs that's so good for your immune system and tastes great! Nettle is high in nutrients and minerals to boost the immune system, fennel and peppermint aid digestion and lemongrass, juniper berries, calendula and spearmint have powerful cleansing properties. Has a lemongrass & minty flavour, & is caffeine free. 

On a normal day I have 1-2 cups. This tea makes me feel amazing. A simply delicious way to turn a new leaf or to recover from a naughty night out! SereneMuse loves this tea.


Brew: 1 teaspoon per 200mls, brew 3-5 minutes in water at 100 degrees celsius.
  
Sleep Tight

This light & relaxing herbal blend is when you're ready to get your beauty sleep and call it a night. Soft lemony mintiness from lemon balm combines with the sweet perfume of rose, lavender and jasmine. With a hint of floral, lavender, mint and lemon as a base flavour, this tea is calming and quiet, warming, mild and muted, and a beautiful way to say goodnight. Enjoy a cup at night to promote sweet sleep, or in the evening to soothe and relax. Lemon balm is a digestive, so can be served  after dinner to wind things down. SereneMuse recommends this tea for anyone.
  
Brew: 1 heaped teaspoon per 200mls, brew 3-5  minutes in water at 100 degrees celsius.


*  be kind to your body xo *