Yoga Pilates Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Teacher of the Month: Erin Bourne

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:49:39 +0000

Name: Erin Bourne

Hometown: Gold Coast, Australia

Favourite book/s: ’The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho always a favourite and my inner science nerd loves ’Napolean’s

Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History’ (a fascinating read, really!). Also the extraordinary ‘Kabul Beauty School: an American Woman Goes Behind the Veil’, a true story that is beyond inspiring.

Favourite Movies: Humphrey Bogart movies. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favour and watch at the very least ’ Casablanca’. Then bring on a Will Ferrel movie marathon!

Favourite Food: I have a major love for vegan nachos, corn chips may just be one of the greatest food discoveries ever.

Dream holiday destination: You could put me on a plane to almost anywhere and I’d be extremely happy. Indonesia holds a special place in my heart and consistently draws me back. For my next adventures though…….Barbados, Peru, Sri Lanka, India, Maldives…this list could get ridiculously long!

Favourite Activity outside yoga: Surfing!!!! Do I really need to explain this one?

Little known Fact about me: I adore punk music. Short, fast and loud brings a smile to my face and a bounce to my step!

Life Advice: There’s no such thing as normal, only average and who wants to be that? Step off the path most travelled and follow your own, it goes where you need to go.

Essence Academy Scholarship Program

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:54:53 +0000

Here at the Essence of Living Studio we have formulated a Scholarship Program that ties into our Training Academy. This means that bi-annually we take on one special candidate recommended to us by our good friends & affiliates Scisco Career Pathways to undertake our Level 3 & 4 Certificate in Fitness specialising in Yoga & Pilates.

As we kick of Teacher Training for the year so does our first ever Scholarship candidate, Mikki Murray!

Mikki was an easy choice for us as not only had she been considering studying Fitness & health but by nature she is a sweet & considerate girl, we are certain that her journey will be one of incredible growth.

She has agreed to document her journey with us for you all to follow on our blog. This is not only a chance to see into Mikki’s journey but an opportunity to insight of what the Essence of Living Training Academy process is really like. Please see Mikki’s introduction below.

“My name is Michaela, I am 18 years old & have always had a love for Yoga/Pilates & Fitness. I always thought that being a Yoga/Pilates teacher looked to be a dream job & have had wanted & aspired to be one but could never really afford to do it. So when my good friend & Youth Worker Hayley approached me with the information that Michelle was looking for someone to do a Scholarship Program I was so happy and excited. I couldn’t believe how lucky I am to be blessed with such a great opportunity.

I begin my Yoga Teacher Training on Saturday and started my office internship today and all the girls are so lovely and it’s a really beautiful work environment. I’m really looking forward to the journey I have ahead of me with Essence of Living and i will keep you all posted with how I’m going ”

TLT Dance Classes beginning in our Studio

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:22:33 +0000

T.L.T DANCE & MUSIC Presents Adult Dance/Fitness ClassesIntroducing Our newest Essence of Living Angel:Tenaya Teale, Creator and Director at T.L.T Dance & Music.Tenaya is joining our team every Friday night at 6:00pmto teach an adult dance class, comprising contemporary jazz with an emphasis on fitness, we’re always looking for new way to make our classes fun & exciting for our gorgeous students & what better way than to let go & dance!Adult Classes incorporate all the aspects of fitness and exercise that everybody loves. Within the one hour class we do dance, pilates, stretch & strength, yoga, and cardio training. You will lose weight, tone and shape, gain strength and flexibility, and most importantly, significantly increase self-esteem and motivation. This is an intense and challenging class for all abilities and ages, and provides a fun, exciting and challenging environment to work in

A little on Tenaya: ”I have danced since I was very little and have been trained in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Acrobatics & Hip Hop.

I have always had a passion for it, but later on realised that it was for a lot more than just the art itself. Teaching and being able to witness a child overcome challenges, succeed at a new skill, or learn to be creative and independent, harmonizes this passion.
Most importantly, knowing that I have an influence over a child’s development, and can make a difference, no matter how small, upon a child’s life, is the most rewarding feeling I can think of. “

About Kristianne Solano Makeup

admin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:59:56 +0000

If you’ve ever wondered where our Essence of Living Angels get all their beauty tips & tricks here’s our secret; introducing the brilliant Kristianne Solano.

Kristianne is our only source of beauty needs when it comes to filming our DVD’s , Web Series, Photo shoots and beyond because we already know she has a flawless touch.

She tells us “that when it comes to make-up taking a more natural approach is best“, encouraged by the thought of creating a healthier, happier and deeper connected service for her clients, ”Choose natural products that are good for you and don’t forget Mother Nature!”.

“I see too many girls loose their identity in the pressures of today’s social expectations and stereotypes, leaving them looking false and un-natural. My vision is to embrace your natural beauty and encourage you as a woman to celebrate your originality. The world would be a boring place if we were all the same…”.

Makeup Services

Kristianne is a freelance artist, based on the Gold Coast, offering airbrush and traditional Makeup services.

-Bridal
-Makeup Lessons/Workshops
-Photographic
-Event Makeup (any event)

To contact her visit:

Email: kristianne@kristiannesolano.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KristianneSolano.The.Art.of.Makeup

Now Breathe… Get your Free Sportsgirl Yoga Mat

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:08:09 +0000

There’s never been a better time to get fit and feel good from the inside out, which is why we’re giving away the cutest Sportsgirl Yoga pick-me-up!

If, like us, one of your New Years resolutions is to get fit then this might just be your answer! Yoga is the perfect way to get fit, feel good from the inside out and as a bonus, it’s also super fun!

So how do I get my exclusive Sportsgirl yoga mat?

Simply head down to one of our selected stores (Pacific Fair or Surfers Paradise) to pick up a Yoga flyer between the 12th and 30th of January. The flyer will tell you the nearest Yoga school, where you can enrol in a class and pick up your freebie when you attend. (*class cost not covered by Sportsgirl)

Too easy!

Recipes: Chia Smoothie & Lean Green Detox Machine

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:04:42 +0000

I’ve decided to start from the basics, so here you will find my two basic dietary necessities a superfood smoothie & green juice.

Each day I will begin with a superfood smoothie & throughout find time to make up a green juice so I know that from the get go I have filling nutrients for the day & then at some point there are high vitamin – cleansing ingredients going into my system.

Here goes:

Chia Smoothie (serves 2)

Excellent way to fill up when you are on liquid fasts

1/2 L Oat Milk
2 tbsp of Chia Seeds – Click Here For the Top 10 Benefits of Chia
2 tbsp of LSA (linseed, sunflower seed & almond meal)
2 x Bananas
6 x Medjool Dates – Didn’t know these little yummies were Super-foods? Maybe there more to know – Click here for health benefits
Handful of ice to your pleasing

Directions: Blend & serve icy cold for ultimate taste

Lean Green Detox Machine (serves 2)

When you want to detox & cleanse or just feel amazing everyday.

2 x Apples
2 x Pears
2 x Kiwifruit
2 x Celery
1 x Lime – Sooooo good for you, Click here for the Top 10 Reasons!
1/2 bunch Kale – Arguably the ‘most’ nutritious vegetable for your insides – here are the Top 9 Reasons

Directions: Cut up itty-bitty & press through your juicer. Drink within 30 minutes for optimal nutrition.

Don’t forget to tell us how you go! Bon Appetite xxx

Student of the week: Paige Saville

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:38:45 +0000

Name: Paige Saville

Age: 23

Occupation: Student

Why I come to Essence of Living? I’ve never been to a place like Essence. I love how passionate all of the teachers are. I love being greeted enthusiastically when I walk through the door. I love how seemingly peaceful the rooms look with the little tea light candles, even though you know every muscle in your body is about to burn. When I’m stressed or upset, the first place I go is pilates.

How long have you been practising? About four months, usually 4-5 classes a week.

The benefits of your practice? I’m not being dramatic when I say pilates has changed my life, I’m fitter, lighter (almost 10kg down since my friend Sean introduced me to Essence), and mentally more resilient. I’ve spent the last few months finishing my masters degree at uni. I would often find myself sitting through a finance lecture suffocating under the intensity of a problem, so I would literally pretend I was in Michelle’s Barre class and she would be saying “nothing lasts forever”. I’ve learned that even when you’re so exhaused you feel you can’t possibly complete another set, you somehow always push through and at the end you feel amazing, I think that lesson applies to more than just pilates.

Life advice in a nutshell? Never let your memories be greater than your dreams.

Teacher of the Month: Hollie Bradley

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 02:52:07 +0000

Name: Hollie Bradley
Hometown: Auckland NZ
Favourite Books: I love history and a bit of magic too so my fav all time book is W Smith’s River God
Favourite Movies: A good old kiwi film called Whale Rider rates as no.1 feel good movie
Favourite Foods: One dish I cant get enough of which is super easy to whip up is- Feta, watermelon, lime and cracked pepper salad, with a few yummy nuts thrown in for good measure!
Dream holiday destination: my dream holiday changes by the day, it would be maybe the Swiss Alps for a snow trip, or maybe cruising the Greek Islands on a Yacht or maybe Egypt… so many beautiful diverse places to see!!!
Most enjoyed activity outside yoga & pilates: I love to wander around galleries and museums, and you will find me at the beach at any possible chance with my little fur baby Yogi the dog and husband Nic…
Unknown fact about you: When I was little I wanted to be a mermaid when I grew up
Life advice in a nutshell: Think it, feel it, do it!!!!!

Kimberley: Essence’s Flower Lady

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:13:48 +0000

Introducing Kimberley, Essence’s latest edition. Noticed the gorgeous bouquets blooming through the Studio over the last month? We have the gorgeous & vivacious Kimberley bringing the “Bloom” into our studio space. The Motto & Mantra of Essence of Living is Breath ~ Bend ~ Blossom & we’re constantly on the path to enriching the space around us with this in mind.

“My own analogy is that, when we ‘breathe’ and ‘bend’, we are like a tightly closed bud; nurturing ourselves internally and building our strength so that when we open and ‘blossom’, we can truly contribute to the beauty of the world around us.

In the fullness of the blossom, the true magic of yoga is finally revealed in what we present to the people we love, the community that surrounds us and the planet that serves as our home”.

Kimmie takes care of all our beautification needs, providing exceptional service, discretion & reliability (she even pops a few flowers in the back office so we have something uplifting to look at in every nook & crevice).

Buddhaful Kimberley is the Owner & Operator of ‘La Petite Sparklette’ where she is an abundant inspiration to all she works for servicing busy professionals & families with her Fresh Flowers & Concierge Services.

To contact her & have a personalised quote for your needs call 0414 801 324 or email harveykimberley306@gmail.com

Recipe: Vegan Spinach, Chickpea & Fetta Tart

admin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 04:56:39 +0000

Recently I’ve been spending my free time cooking & baking, one of the latest success’s is below ~ but be sure to let it cool 40 mins – 1 hour, otherwise it’ll be runny

Vegan Spinach, Chickpea & Fetta Tart

Serves 6-8. Prep & Cook Time 2 hours

500g coarsley chopped frozen spinach, thawed (can use fresh)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium (150g) brown onion, chopped finely
3 cloves garlic, crushed
420g can chickpeas, drained, rinsed
400g fresh Vegan ricotta cheese (Tofutti)
4 eggs, beaten lightly (egg substitute)
1/2 cup (40g) finely grated Vegan parmesan cheese (Parma)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
6 sheets, filo pastry
50g vegan butter, (Nuttelex) melted
100g Vegan fetta, crumbled (Tofutti)

1. Squeeze the excess moisture from the spinach, spread out in absorbent paper.

2. Heat the oil in small frying pan; cook onion and garlic over medium heat, stirring, until onion is tender. cool. Combine onion mixture, spinach, chickpeas, ricotta, eggs, parmesan and dill in a large bowl; mix well. Season to taste with salt & pepper.

3. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees/180 degrees fan-forced. Grease a 22cm spring form pan (base measurement).

4. Brush each sheet of filo with melted butter; fold each in half to enclose buttered side and form square shape. Gently press the sheets, overlapping, into the base and sides of the pan to line. Spread spinach mixture into the pan; gently push down the filo around sides of the pan to neaten. Top with fetta.

5. Place pan on oven tray; bake for about 40 minutes or until just set. Cool in pan for AT LEAST 40 minutes (or you will have a runny mess)

6. Season with Sea Salt & Pepper

xx Bon Appetite