Symply Annette

Honorary Senior Fellow Award

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:15:00 GMT

I am so excited to share my fabulous news with you. On the 4th of April I was presented with an Honorary Senior Fellow Award from the Sunshine Coast University, in recognition of my contributions to small business, entrepreneurship and health advocacy.

It means so much to me to be recognised for my contribution in these areas and it humbles me to think of the lives changed as a result of my journey.

I started my Symply Too Good To Be True cookbook series with a heart to help others who were experiencing the same struggles with weightloss as I had. Many years later, the journey that has resulted has been nothing short of amazing. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined it would have brought me this far.

Throughout the journey I have never lost sight of the real reason for doing what I do and that is to help inspire others to be the best that they can be, whether it be with weightloss or in business.

On the day of the award ceremony, I was surrounded by family (even my 83 year old Mum was there) and friends who made time to see me presented with my award. I am so blessed to be where I am in life and this award is just one more opportunity to stop and be grateful for the wonderful life I have.

F.R.E.E eBook for Smart Phone Users

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:17:00 GMT

I am excited to announce the launch of my Smart Phone friendly website. With over 45% of Australians owning a Smart Phone what better way to help you find a great Symply Too Good recipe whilst you are out doing the grocery shopping or even in the kitchen, all from the comfort of your phone!

If you have a Smart Phone take a look. www.symplytoogood.com.au Now you can easily browse my website. Stay up to date with my blog, browse my great Tips to Good Health, find healthy recipes, download my free e-books and much more.

To celebrate the launch, my new F.R.E.E eBook Annette’s Secrets to Weightloss and Wellness is exclusive to my Smart Phone users! The eBook is jam packed with the things I learned on my weightloss journey. It will help you find the Healthy New You and show easy ways to get your life back on track.

Beauty Both on the Inside and Out

Tue, 01 May 2012 03:34:00 GMT

As a proud mum of 3 beautiful girls and grandmother to Porsha and my new little grandson Lincoln, I find myself once again thinking of how to avoid aging as much as possible. Most women would agree that aging gracefully is their goal and with the right skin care routine and a healthy diet you can take years off your life and look so much younger if you follow a good skin care routine, eat a healthy diet and live a happy contented life.

What you eat can make a huge difference to the quality and look of your skin and hair. Eating a diet high in fat and full of junk food can cause acne and leave you with greasy skin and lank hair.

I have seen many transformations in women and men as they lose their weight and always note one very special thing, how healthy they look, so if you want to look your best now and in years to come here are some tips:

1.    Drink 2 litres of water ever day as this not only keeps you hydrated and gives you energy it can help keep your skin supple and plumped.
2.    Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, stress and lack of sleep has a huge affect on the skin.
3.    Have a good skin care routine. Don’t believe all the cosmetic companies say. Do your research and make sure to be diligent with your skin care routine.
4.    Having a facial once or twice a month can also help keep your skin clean, hydrated, helps reduce open pores and who doesn’t love a little pampering.
5.    The #1 cause of wrinkles is sun damage. The best habit that you can create from a very early age is to apply sun block to the face every day even in winter and on cloudy days. Just like cleaning your teeth, make this a habit as it will have a huge impact on your skin.
6.    Eat a healthy diet filled with fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meats, quality carbs and low saturated fats choices. Eating in moderation is the key to good health.
7.    Eating a diet high in chocolate and other high sugar items can wreak havoc with certain skin types, which is why I would suggest that you have a slice of one of my guilt free chocolate cakes instead, better for your skin and weight management.
8.    Most importantly when you conquer your weight issues you give yourself the ability to be proud of who you are and to love yourself as you are. Let the world see you as a beautiful, happy and proud person who glows not only on the outside but on the inside too.

I always feel fabulous on the outside when I wear my Verily clothing. The fabrics are soft and comfortable to wear. For more information on the Verily range see my online store.

What to Give Mum on Mother's Day

Tue, 01 May 2012 03:57:00 GMT

Stuck for ideas on what to give mum on Mothers day?

Mums are always doing things for others and often run themselves ragged looking after the rest of the family so this year I would like everyone to give their Mums one of the most valuable gifts of all – TIME. Time for her to just soak in a tub, read a book or magazine or to have that much needed sleep in.

Here are some fun present ideas…

1. Get the kids to make vouchers for their mum and make them into a little booklet. Things to include are…I will wash the dishes tonight, I will wipe up tonight, I will tidy my room today, I will wash your car today, this voucher is for a big hug and a kiss etc. etc.

2. There are lots you can do to put a smile on your mums face and warm her heart that don’t cost a lot of money, it could be as simple as cleaning the house. Cooking dinner for a week with each person in the house taking a turn, organising a picnic where Mum doesn’t have to prepare or clean up anything or do a bath with candles and rose petals and relaxing music.

3. Even better you could pledge to help out more throughout the whole year so Mums can take the time they need for themselves more often than once a year.

4. If you can afford a present, visit my online shop to find many great ideas for mum, especially my two MOTHER’S DAY SPECIALS Neoflam cookware and Essential Oil pack.

5. Finally create a special photo album of the family just for her with little messages of love throughout the book.

Neoflam: Save up to $300 off RRP

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:37:00 GMT

FANTASTIC DISCOUNTS OF UP TO 50% OFF THE NEOFLAM RANGE
We buy direct from the supplier and are able to offer fantastic savings off the recommended retail price of our Neoflam products. We have just received notification from Neoflam advising us of some fantastic discounts off their products. Go to our online shop and see the savings over the Neoflam range (Excludes Midas extra handles). There's no better time to buy NEOFLAM cookware. While stocks last only!

Save over $300 off the 4 Piece Philos Set

This beautifully designed 4 piece Philos eco-cookware set is a must for any kitchen. The casserole dishes are designed with versatility in mind with angled walls and raised Bakelite handles to provide more leverage when cooking. FREE POSTAGE AUSTRALIA ONLY!

The 4 Piece Set Includes:
- 18cm Sauce Pan
- 20cm Casserole
- 24cm High Casserole
- 24cm Low Casserole

Why Annette loves the Neoflam cookware range:
- It is quality healthy cookware and NOTHING STICKS!
- 100% free of toxic PTFE and PFOA
- Extremely scratch resistant and durable
- NO toxic fumes emitted during use
- Superior non-stick cooking results in fat-reduced cooking
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for Solid Plate, Ceramic, Gas, Radiant Ring and Halogen

Burning Off Easter Calories

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 06:46:00 GMT

What will it take to burn off those Easter calories?
Easter can be a difficult time for anyone watching their weight. I thought you might like to see how much effort you have to put in to burn off those extra calories you may eat over Easter. I have discovered a website that helps you work out exactly how much sweat it will take. http://www.mydr.com.au/tools/calories-burned-calculator
As a guide, a 40 year old woman, 165cm tall, weighing 80 kgs will burn approximately 250 calories for every hour of walking.

If we use the 110g Cadbury Cherry Ripe egg I'm holding in the photo below as an example the person above would have to walk for 2 hours to work this off! Is it really worth it? I had to laugh when I read the nutritional panel, there were 4 servings. Who eats a 110g egg in 4 servings? So, be careful when you are reading the nutritional panel as serving sizes can be quite a bit less than you are likely to consume in one sitting.

Fish Delish

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 01:24:00 GMT

Fish has some amazing health benefits for anyone trying to lose weight.
You can’t go wrong if you include several fish meals a week into your diet. Loaded with Omega 3’s and low in fat, fish is something we should have more often. The nutritional bonuses of eating fish regularly in your diet can help to prevent life threatening strokes and heart disease. The many benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids which are found in fish can help prevent blood clots forming, thickening of artery walls, heart rhythm and helps lower blood pressure. Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel, Herring, Trout and Sardines have even more of the Omega-3 fatty acids than other fish.

If you're not a fan of eating fish then I'd suggest you take fish oil capsules on a daily bases. There's nothing wrong with having canned fish such as tuna and salmon but avoid canned fish in oil as they are high in fat. Fish is quite versatile and with Good Friday on the horizon it is a perfect time to put fish on the menu. You can bake, grill or even barbeque it but where most go wrong is over cooking fish. It can cook quickly and there is nothing worse than a dry piece of fish so only cook for 2 or 3 minutes each side. Don't destroy the benefits of fish by deep frying, instead cook in a good quality non-stick frypan, and add a little cooking spray and lemon juice to the pan. This way you keep the flavour and the goodness of the fish and keep the fats down as well.

If you find fish boring then before cooking spread some Moroccan or Cajun seasoning over it and I bet your family we be impressed. Kids love the good old fish fingers which cook up beautifully when grilled. We all love chips with fish so serve with my low-fat chip recipe. Peel a large potato for each person then cut into thick slices and then into chip shape. Par boil in the microwave in a little water then drain well. Place chips onto a flat baking tray that has been generously coated with cooking spray then spread evenly over tray. Spray over top with cooking spray then place into a hot oven for around 35 minutes or until browned. Turning once, with under 1g of fat you can’t go wrong. This recipe is from my 1st cookbook. For a change you could swap the potato for sweet potato which is ideal for people with Diabetes.

Special Encouragement from Annette Sym

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:30:00 GMT

Are you tired of putting yourself last, feeling unwell or making excuses? Do you want to change your life and become a healthy person? Annette knows first hand how difficult making these changes can be, losing 35kgs herself 19 years ago and having maintained her healthy weight range ever since. Learn Annette's secrets and tips to conquer weight issues or maintenance. Watch Annette Sym's special message below, about some of the many reasons you should attend her life changing 3 Day Retreat for 2012.

To find out more about this amazing event, call 07 5445 1250, email admin@symplytoogood.com or visit the events page on our website www.symplytoogood.com.au This is only retreat Annette will be hosting this year and there are only a few places left, so don't miss out.

F.R.E.E Live Webinars with Annette Sym

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:28:00 GMT

Don't miss my next F.R.E.E Live Webinar where you can sit in on a live discussion with Annette from the comfort of your own home, and have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the webinar.

The March Webinar will discuss some of the questions you have about dining out. What are the best menu choices and which should you avoid? Plus, what are the best takeaways?

If you haven't registered for one of the webinars below yet, then follow the links below. Places are limited so don't delay. ALL WELCOME!

F.R.E.E LIVE WEBINAR'S or $2.95 to download the recording after the Webinar

Tuesday 13th March 2012: Dining Out & Q&A's
Register here: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/176559542

Wednesday 4th April 2012: Menu Planning and Motivation for Weightloss.
Register soon from our online store

You can also listen to the recording of January's Webinar F.R.E.E, or keep up to date with future webinars in my online store.

Hope you can join me then :-)

Coeliac Awareness Week

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:25:00 GMT

Coeliac Awareness Week is held each year from 13-20 March organised by the Coeliac Society of Australia to generate more awareness regarding Coeliac Disease and the gluten free diet. So many people are being diagnosed with Coeliac which means they should avoid at all cost any food containing wheat, rye, barley and oats.

Whether you have a gluten problem or not you should try my delicious gluten-free Hazelnut and Plum Flan featured in this month's newsletter.To find out more about Coeliac disease click onto this link http://www.coeliac.org.au/

Just released: Agenda for the 2012 Workshop Retreat

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:35:00 GMT

Hot off the press is our agenda for the 2012 Workshop Retreat. We are all very excited here in the office and wanted to give you the opportunity to have a sneek peak.

Along with all the great things listed, there will be fabulous mini pamper sessions available for every
participant, included in the price of the retreat. All the food for the retreat will be from Annette's amazing cookbook series. To top all that off the resort is on the beachfront on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.

The exclusive facebook page for the event is already buzzing with excitement.

Click Here to view the agenda

There's still a few spaces left for the retreat so call our office on 07 5445 1250 or email admin@symplytoogood.com to reserve your place.

Get Annette Sym's latest F.R.E.E eBook - OUT NOW!

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:07:00 GMT

Annette's fantastic new Healthy Kids R Happy Kids eBook is available NOW. This 'must have' guide for all parents is a fabulous 40 page resource filled with practical tips and helpful information to help parents guide their children to live healthier, happier lives. Plus it includes 10 delicious kid-friendly recipes from Annette's best selling Symply Too Good To Be True cookbook series.

Follow the link below to access this fantastic F.R.E.E resource.

www.symplytoogood.com.au/healthy_kids_ebook

F.R.E.E Live Webinar: Menu Planning & Motivation for Weightloss with Annette Sym

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:08:00 GMT

Don't miss my next F.R.E.E Live Webinar on Menu Planning and Motivation for Weightloss on the 15th February 2012 at 8:00pm AEDT (Check what time this is in your state below). If you haven't registered yet, then follow the link below. Places are limited so don't delay. ALL WELCOME!

F.R.E.E LIVE WEBINAR or $2.95 to download the recording after the Webinar
MENU PLANNING & MOTIVATION FOR WEIGHTLOSS

When: Wednesday 15 February 2012
Time: 8.00pm AEDT (See below for the time in your State)
NSW / VIC / ACT / TAS - 8:00pm, SA - 7:30pm, QLD - 7:00pm,
NT - 6:30pm, WA - 5:00pm, NZ - 10:00pm

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/350780982

You can also listen to the recording of January's Webinar F.R.E.E in my online store.

Hope to see you there :-)

FEBRUARY SPECIAL: Digital Kitchen Scales On Sale!

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:30:00 GMT

This month I've got a super special on Digital Kitchen Scales available in my online store. These scales are an essential tool for preparing my recipes and I couldn't live without mine! At just $34.95 (RRP $65.00) plus postage this is a real bargain, but only for the month of February.

If you want to cook accurately and easily then grab this quality product at this crazy discount price. I have this set sitting on my kitchen bench and use them constantly. They are sturdy and measure up to 5 kilos in 1g increments, which help make cooking quick and easy. You gotta love that! Offer ends 29/02/2012 or while stocks last.

Follow the link below to purchase these great scales:
http://symplytoogood.com.au/other-products/digital-food-scales-5kg-white

Some Fun Goodies in store for Saturday Night's Gala Dinner at my Retreat

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:09:00 GMT

I can now reveal a few exciting goodies that you can expect at my 3 Day Workshop Retreat Saturday Night Gala Dinner (which is going to be so much fun). Kat Van Hoesel is a singer with an incredible voice and will be providing live entertainment during the evening (see her bio below).

Leonie from Verily who designs incredibly flattering clothes for the real women will be launching her new VERILY PLUS range to cater for sizes 16 - 24. Leonie's styling takes all our curves into account and creates high quality garments which is why I love her Verily label (and wear it) so much. I'm actually wearing one of her stunning dresses in the photo below.

On the night we will also be playing a quick round of Trivia to giveaway some fabulous prizes.

What a fabulous night it is going to be (as is the rest of the 3 life changing days) so make sure you book soon if you want to be a part of the 'new you' healthy journey.

Hope to see you there :-)

For more information visit:
www.symplytoogood.com.au/3_Day_Workshop_Retreat

KAT VAN HOESEL

Influenced by artists such as Sade, Lauryn Hill, Bill Withers, and System Band, Brooklyn, N.Y native Kat Van Hoesel, began writing at an early age. By the time she was 9 years old her eyebrow raising essays were being converted to plays performed by fellow classmates. At 13, she received an award in Excellence in Creative Writing and shortly thereafter her sincere passion for songwriting came about. It wasn't until later that Kat decided to relentlessly pursue her singing/songwriting career collaborating with the likes of Miami based D. J. Epps, London based producer "Noddy" and the drummer/producer for Wyclef Jean, "Don 1" Guilliaume.

Kat has graced her powerful, unique voice at local "open mic" venues in NYC and abroad in London, Paris, and Santiago, D. R. Currently residing on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, Kat has had minor parts in films such as Oliver Stone’s “Any Given Sunday” and Matthew McConaughey’s “Fool’s Gold” as well as independent film “Confined Spaces.” She's also been featured on several R&B and Hip Hop mix tapes and has contributed her voice to Ralf Tyrell’s “Haiti Will Rise Again” in ongoing relief efforts caused by the unsuspecting massive earthquake in January 2010.

This chanteuse is more than just singer/songwriter/producer/actress she is a light and leader who understands the power and the gifts that she's been anchored with. With her profound creativity Kat brings to the industry authentic music in the new millennium fusing sounds of funky R&B, Hip-Hop, Rock, Pop a spoonful of Jazz, and a dose of Soul to satisfy your musical palate.