Note: NouriShe is for ladies only, sorry boys!

This is a hard review for me to write, not because of the quality of massage. No, it was excellent. Not because I’ve sprained my arm playing doubles tennis over the weekend and am having trouble typing. No, I’m not cool enough to play tennis.

This is a hard review for me to write, because I know once the ‘secret is out’ that I’m going to have difficulty booking in for what could possibly be the highest quality cheap massage in Perth.

The only child in me wants to hide this from you all, proclaiming ‘MINE!’ and be smug in my secret knowledge of the best deal in town. My Mum always made me extra cookies to share though, and it’s with that memory that I’m overcoming all of my greedy instincts to share NouriShe Massage with you.

Referred to me by one of my contributors, I was immediately struck by what Helen from NouriShe was offering:

A relaxation massage, that’s up to 90 minutes in duration, for $50. Given that I’ve been paying $105 for an hour massage, it’s safe to say I was more than a little interested especially since it had come to me highly recommended from a friend of a friend.

Ever skeptical however, I recalled my only other experience with a home based masseuse. Eagles vs. Dockers match on the radio, long fake fingernails scratching down my back, awkward overly dark room.

NouriShe is nothing like this.

The massage room is warm and cosy, with small candles, flowers & classical style music playing from an iPod speaker. It’s also perfectly lit, just a little dim. A choice of two herbal teas awaits me as I fill out the consent form. I chose peppermint.

Helen explains everything thoroughly and goes through how the massage is going to unfold, it all sounds fine and I am feeling good.

Due to long hours at the computer & my ‘could be better’ posture, there are a lot of tender spots & knots in my back, shoulders and neck. Helen is proficient in deep tissue / remedial massage as well, so works on these areas for me when she comes across them. While this part of the massage was not the most relaxing, it’s necessary to keep the back/neck healthy and I was given advice to help prevent the problems in the future.

A few of the things that stand out for me about the experience…

♥ Quite a while was spent on massaging the area where the hip meets the lower back on each side, this felt divine and is a spot often skipped over by massage therapists in my experience.

♥ The pressure used was perfect for me, a firm but caring touch.

♥ Despite being located in a home, there were small touches such as a tiny lit candle & flowers in the bathroom that helped create the experience, I really liked this.

Overall I really enjoyed my massage at NouriShe and the price is a dream.

You can leave your love & adoration for sharing this beauty with you below.

Web: http://www.nourishe.com.au
E-mail: helen@nourishe.com.au
Phone: 0437 931 653
Location: NouriShe is located at Helen’s home in Claremont.

Appointments are available Tuesday – Saturday. Last appointment of the day is at 5.30pm.

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

When offered the chance to experience a 90 minute indulgent massage involving hot ancient stones, Australian native botanicals & the opportunity to “leave my body’s energies dancing with joy” at Bodhi J Health + Beauty Spa, I reluctantly accepted 😉

Bodhi J is located in Wembley, a short drive past the picturesque Herdsman Lake – driving past is a lovely precursor to a spa treatment.

Quick Warning: This review might get a bit lengthy, I had a lot of interesting (I hope!) observations about this particular spa that I’d like to share with you.

First up the welcome area is spacious, which immediately makes for a relaxed feel. There are a stack of neatly presented and CURRENT (A+, such a rarity in any setting) magazines to browse through whilst waiting & filling in the client form.

The treatment I’m having is called the “Li’tya Marta Kodo Rock Massage” and it lasts for 90 minutes (dreamy), here is the excerpt from the Bodhi J website:

These magical Ancient Primordial Stones from North Western Australia are integrated into a treatment that is aligned with the rhythmic Kodo body massage that is inspired by traditional Australian Aboriginal techniques which tone and re-align energy flow, enhancing mind and body balance and wellness. The therapist skilfully integrates the rocks with pressure points and spiralling movements that work to ground and uplift, leaving the body’s energies dancing with joy.

A quick bathroom stop before the treatment begins reveals a well thought out addition to the spa, large enough to accommodate any disabilities and complete with hand rails. That really struck me, as I haven’t seen such facilities in all spas I’ve been to – but why should feeling and looking good be limited only to the completely able bodied? It shouldn’t, so I really commend Bodhi J for being a spa suitable for those with disabilities.

Beginning with a ‘foot bath ritual’ where my feet are dipped into water (complete with floating orchids!) and massaged, I’m then asked to close my eyes and choose from 3 scented essential oils that are presented to my curious nose. The “Reharmonise Oil” was the one that sang to me.

Next, I was asked to choose 4 rocks (out of 9-ish) I felt drawn to, that I’d like to be used in my massage!

I love customisable treatments!

Rocks chosen, my therapist got down to business. As I lay on the bed, a ‘smoking ritual’ was performed – leaves were lit, which I then inhaled through the hole where the face rests in the massage bed, then the smoke was wafted over my body. Interesting experience!

The full body massage itself was great and the hot rocks were a real treat on a cool morning, although the room was heated to a very pleasant temperature.

A word of warning to the demure, this treatment involves the therapist massaging down the middle of and around the chest (ooh la la) so if you are uncomfortable with this perhaps mention it prior to commencement!

One of my favourite parts was when tiny warm stones were placed between each of my toes, it felt really unique & special. The head massage was also blissful.

Some products from the Li’Tya range

Other things of note:

♥ The Aboriginal music & light chanting played throughout the treatment set the mood.

♥ Mid-way through the treatment some grainy rocks were softly rubbed over my back and it felt amazing.

♥ There were tealight candles in the room (real, not fake).

♥ Bodhi J use iPods in all of their rooms, I thought this was really cool.

Afterwards I had some gorgeous fresh fruit (kiwi, strawberries & pineapple) & a delicious cup of caffeine free ‘Yulu Tea’ to complete the experience.

Highly, highly recommended! If you decide to go based on my review, let me know, I’d love to hear your thoughts 🙂

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask me in the comments!

Li’tya Marta Kodo Rock Massage (90 min) $160

Contact Bodhi J Health + Beauty Spa

42C Grantham St (Cnr Nanson St)
Wembley, Western Australia 6014

Ph: (08) 9387 5152
Fax: (08) 9387 4548

Email: admin@bodhij.com.au

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

This almond does indeed look pretty angry…

I first discovered Angry Almond after I was referred there by a lady who has been living in Dalkeith for 60 years. You can’t get much more local than that, so I figured I should take her advice. She warned me that once I go there I would become addicted, and right she was.

The first time I walked into the store I was overwhelmed by the big buckets containing all sorts of wonderful grains, pulses, lentils, beans, quinoa, sugars, tea and anything else you can think of! You will also discover many tubs of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolates, lollies, sesame bars, sweet potato chips, Turkish delight – you name it, they have it!

I must mention that the prices are fantastic and let’s just say I had a Turkish delight addiction for a while there…

Sweet, sweet turkish delight ♥

There is a fridge in store that sells biodynamic milk products, tempeh, tofu and cheese, among other things. There is also a great selection of organic, fair-trade coffee beans on offer. I am personally a tea-drinker (ahem, guzzler), so I am much more interested in the bulk supply of loose-leaf green tea, oolong tea and chamomile tea, just to name a few.

There is a spice rack, Asian food section, Italian food, and a large variety of pastas…I could go on! One of my personal favourites is the section with various health-food items, such as agave, coconut oil, puffed rice, and non-dairy milks.

The Angry Almond team provides an incredible service, and this is reflected in the number of people who come buzzing through the doors to browse the exotic foods on offer or simply to pick up their regular groceries.

There is something quite satisfying about scooping up all the delicious food you want, minus the usual packaging and commercial distractions. It’s simpler. At the counter there is a plate of different products to taste-test, and if you spend over a certain amount you receive a very cool Angry Almond calico bag!

Being a uni student, there has been the odd occasion where I have gotten to the checkout only to realise that I didn’t quite have enough money to pay for everything. When I try to put items back, the lady simply insists that I take everything I wanted and pay her next time I come in! The trust I get from the owners for being a regular makes me feel valued as a customer and I really appreciate it, coming from a country town I soon realised that you don’t often get that personal touch at stores in Perth.

Healthy (ish!) Brownies!

Oh, and did I mention the prices are good? Every time I get to the checkout I am pleasantly surprised at how little the price is, and when I shop there I buy in bulk! I have been frequenting this store for three years now and I am still discovering products that inhabit this wonderful little space, so I urge you to explore Nedlands’ little secret for yourself and see what you can find! Oh, and do try the gluten-free brownies at the counter – they are divine!

Eds Note: You can also shop online for produce from Angry Almond! Check their website below, and browse their healthy morsels to your hearts content AND they will deliver to anywhere in W.A for only $3.50?! How cheap is that!

Angry Almond

71 Princess, Nedlands W.A. 6009
Ph: 93897950

Article by Heather, stealth about health. Check out her blog!

♥

Laughing is good for your health. There is a veritable roll call of measurable benefits to be gained from having a giggle, such as…

♥ Reduction of stress hormones, increase in feel-good hormones like endorphins
♥ Physical & emotional release
♥ Workout for the heart & internal organs
♥ Distraction from problems
♥ Connection with others

With this in mind and on the hunt for something different to do on a Friday night with a friend, I stumbled across Friday Night Stand Up @ Lazy Susans Comedy Den, at The Brisbane.

I’d never been to The Brisbane before and found it to be a delightful and elegantly styled ‘pub’ / venue. The Comedy Den is located upstairs (you just have to traverse what must be the steepest staircase in all of Perth to reach it!)

We were seated in a really cute room reminiscent of Seinfeld, as I and other audience members noted and at 8.30pm the acts started. There were three comedians & a host (who was also, surprise surprise, a comedian!)

Here are my thoughts about the evening in general: I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!

It was the best night out I’ve had in ages, my cheeks were hurting from laughing so much. All of the comedians were fantastic and I would honestly recommend it to EVERYONE I know. The performers vary from week to week, some of them are Perth based and others are touring acts. All are designed to get you chortling, which they do!

I should note that there were plenty of swear words, politically incorrect jokes and references to sex, so if this offends, it’s probably best to give this comedy night a miss.

Friday Night Standup costs $18 (you can book at BOCS or tickets on the door if there are any left) and it went for a little over two hours. Well worth the money and I left with a huge smile and, I’m sure, plenty of endorphins racing around my body!

Lazy Susans Comedy Den runs comedy nights Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday! So you have no excuse not to get some humour & good health into your week!

I’m not sure who Lazy Susan actually is, but she’s 130% onto a winner.

Upstairs @ the Brisbane Hotel
Cnr Brisbane & Beaufort St
Highgate Perth, WA 6003

Email: solongley@yahoo.com

Tel: (08) 9328 2543

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥ Kit ♥

What a beauty.

KIT Cosmetics, the packaging and branding says it all. The wide selection of skincare, body and make-up products are a delight and will make any girl clap her hands excitedly and giggle with glee.

I found myself at the KIT nail polish stand. “Top Gear” pastel purple and “Winner Takes” baby pink, went in the shopping bag. $15.95 each and with an endless array of shades that have names like “Go Get ’em Girl”, it’s difficult to stop at just two.

I was in the market for a good body wash and KIT has the most luscious range of body washes. I am a sucker for fruity scents and the Fresh Pear, Crisp Apple and Vanilla Body Wash ($22.95) sounded right up my alley. One sniff of the combo and I was hooked. This little incentive in the shower makes waking up early in the morning for work that tiny bit easier. They also gave me the matching moisturiser in two sample containers, which I love.

In the same range, they have Pomegranate and Pink Grapefruit, ($22.95) which according to the sale girls is the most popular and Red Current and Raspberry Leaf ($22.95) which is part of the kick-start your morning kit.

My other purchase at KIT was the Lip and Cheek Tint ($22.95). Applied to the cheeks it makes for a playful shade and on the lips, your pout is perfected. It’s a convenient size to carry in the handbag and a perfect quick-fix make-up solution in between meetings.

Other Kit products I am eager to try are the Korres Yoghurt Cream Moisturiser ($52.95) and the Too Faced Brow Envy Kit ($64.95) for immaculate brows and a direct ticket to eyebrow swoon town.

Love KIT? Have you checked out the new Enex100 KIT store? Any other stores in Enex100 you’re loving? Seen a cute courier recently and want to let us know? Comment below! x

Article by Kelly-Anne Wong, Kit obsessed Miss.