Beauty school dropout…♥

There is nothing I love more than beauty treatments. Now, I don’t mean the unfortunate necessities of waxing, I’m talking about facials, pedicures, manicures, massage… the fun stuff! Treatments that make you feel amazing as well as look good.

The only problem is, they are pricey. When an average facial or treatment these days is around $70 – $150 it’s no wonder I have blocked pores, unkempt feet and problem cuticles!

But gather round girls (and boys!)… What if I told you a deluxe 90 minute facial cost only $40? Or a deluxe pedicure $35? How about a two hour pampering package for only $60?

Welcome to Central Tafe’s Beauty Therapy Skincare Clinic. A place for students to perfect their technique and gain practice to complete their qualifications.

After a week of frivolous spending, and in need of a little pampering I decided to give the Tafe beauty clinic a go. In the waiting room, I was asked to fill out a form outlining any medications I was on, what my current concerns with my skin are, current skin care regime etc. I saw some ladies come out and re-book straight away. One lady, who must be a regular, booked manicure & pedicure sessions for the next three months!

Now this is a no frills premises. Located in the Mount Lawley campus, the clinic is a large room, shared by all, separated by room dividers. There are change rooms to undress if needed and you are provided with a robe.

I had a deluxe facial which lasted around an hour. Even though there were other people in the room, everyone was super quiet, and so I didn’t find it hard to relax. The student I had was excellent. She explained everything, including all the products she was using and why, and what was about to happen. She used Dermalogica products on me – so you know they are being taught with good products.

I had a crème cleanser, a facial steaming procedure, a mask and a neck,shoulder and hand massage. The student I got said she was very interested in remedial massage and it showed. She had a very firm technique which was great. When she massaged my face it was obviously lighter – but perhaps a touch too firm for the face area.

All in all my experience was great and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back. When I went to reception to pay it was filled with people re booking. So my advice is get in quick, as this clinic books up weeks in advance.

The Beauty Therapy Skin Care Clinic is located at the Mt Lawley Campus on the corner Lord and Harold Streets, Mt Lawley, in Room W202 (upstairs, West Wing).

The Clinic is open Friday 10:30am – 3:30pm and Saturday 9:30am – 12:00pm during term time only.

For further information and booking enquiries please
phone (08) 9427 3770.

Article by Yvette Coyne, helping your beauty dollar go further!

♥

Saturday night saw the launch of the WA VIP Card at The George in the CBD.

Wellness WA is working hand in hand with the card, we are in charge of getting all of the excellent beauty, health & wellbeing businesses on board the card so that they can provide a discount to our members! E-mail beauty@wavipcard.com.au for more information if you are interested! Also, mention Wellness WA if you purchase a card and it will help us all out!

So back to the night in question, with nothing to wear I had to run out and pick up a new dress (Cue!) and heels which set me back a bit. And then the make-up and hair, oh dear!

I picked up some Bloom nailpolish in 2 shades: Amber & Edie ($29.95 for two)

“Amber”

This is the one I chose for the evening, the Bloom polish has really stayed on my nails and I’m impressed with the consistency and look of it. There is also a BAJILLION colours to select from, so I do recommend you check em out in Myer!

Post-shopping I ventured over to my monthly massage @ Cove Spa to unwind but I had a dilemma… shonky eyebrows! This just wouldn’t do for the evening ahead so I asked / pleaded nicely and the girls accommodated me easily and I had a tidy up before the massage, which was lovely as usual. Yay!

Then it was time to sort out a wash & blow dry for my dirty, messy hair (charming, I know). I tried 3 places before actually getting in somewhere, Saturday afternoon is big for hair appointments – who knew?! Well, I probably should have!

I wasn’t 100% impressed with the service I received at the particular salon, the woman was very off with the fairies and didn’t seem to be paying that much attention to what she was doing. However it WAS late in the day, they were very busy and I was lucky to actually get an appointment… plus the result turned out okay so I dealt with it, but try not to get myself into a situation where I’d have to go there again!

After that it was time to nap & then get ready. The night was lovely and we drank champagne with strawberries and blueberries to up the “Wellness Factor” , watched Bob Evans rock out a little and had prom photos taken!

Today is porridge, watermelon & green tea for breakfast & a yoga class Tonight to help work out the weekends alcoholic sins.

How was your weekend?! Any beauty treats? I’d love to hear about it!

Be well,

xoxo

Grill’d

♥

Ancient sediment. It’s what you have probably been living under if you’re unaware that there are ALL OUT BURGER WARZ taking place nightly in various hip suburbs throughout Perth.

Burger joints, all vying for a piece of your sandwich lovin’ dollar, are popping up everywhere, all trying to be the next tastiest thing and I’ve taken it upon myself to review the various vegetarian options they’re sporting. Hard life, hard life.

I had experienced a small sample of Grill’d joy on a trip to Melbourne long-ago, their claims of 100% vegan burger patties filled my heart with joy & jealousy at the time.

Namely because I knew such forward-thinking food outlets would never come to Perth. Pout. Internal frustration. Vague thoughts of moving to Melbourne. Deal with it.

NOT SO PERTHIES, NOT SO. Grill’d now exists smack-bang in Mt Lawley (next to Astor / Gelare). Winners.

So, Garden Goodness Burger:

Ingredients: Premium quality veggie pattie (vegan), beetroot, tasty cheese, avocado, salad, relish & herbed mayo.

The wholemeal bun thrills me, the pattie tastes a little smoky in the most delicious of ways and the beetroot adds a tiny bit of messy sweetness to the whole ordeal. The star of the show, however is the holy herbed mayo.

This stuff is INSANELY tasty and I’m not much of a mayo girl. If you order the chips, bypass the relish & go straight for the herbed mayo dipping sauce, you wont regret.

Overall, the burger is magnificent. So much so, that I literally ordered it THREE TIMES last week when I live about 35-40 minutes drive from Mount Lawley, so that’s serious business or addiction on my end.

I am rating it 4.5 / 5. It loses half a point due to my own fussiness, gourmet lettuce leaves aren’t my thing so I always eradicate them from my burger.

Dear Grill’d,

Annette

Grill’d

Location: Mt Lawley

669 Beaufort Street
Mt Lawley 6050

Ph:9271 9444

Be well,

xoxo

♥ Zoe ♥

Last night, as previously mentioned myself and another Wellness WA-er were lucky enough to be two of a handful of girls to be spoilt by the company, knowledge and devastating good looks of one Ms. Zoe Foster of Primped fame, she is kind of my idol, shhh!

We also got a David Jones beauty goodie bag to rival anything you have ever seen before. Ever. EVER. I showed a boy afterwards and even HE was incredibly impressed with the amount o’ loot we received!

So I’m going to do a little write-up of the event, because I’m new to this whole ‘beauty event’ game and it’s still quite thrilling, plus, you really missed out if you weren’t there so I’d love to share!

The event started with a bunch of pleased-as-punch ladies being ushered into a roped off area, complete with water, delish muffins, little sammies and of course our gracious host waiting in the wings.

Zoe chatted to us about the new David Jones / PRIMPED lookbook, which is a visual delight and I strongly recommend picking one up, so pretty. We then went on a tour of 10 different DJ’s brands, learning of her faves, the best picks for the season, and even picking up more samples and treats on the way!

♥

One of which was a mini bottle of Miss Dior Cherie!!! Amazing kids, absolutely amazing.

I’ll be doing a separate post on the other contents of the goodie bag and some of my thoughts, so keep an eye out for that.

After the tour, it was Q n A, where we learned that Zoe eats what she wants and still manages to outshine everyone. Her mega-tip is OMNILUX and I quote:

“You can drink 48 tequila shots and still have glowing skin” – sold yet?

After our time was up, my colleague and I bought copies of her new fiction book, Playing the Field and got them signed. It was a fantastic event and I look forward to stalking, or they call it “Following” these days don’t they?!, Zoe on Twitter & PRIMPED even more now!

34.5 stars / 5

Were you there? Do you think Zoe Foster is a right stunner? Do you like delish muffins? Talk to me about any of these things!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥

HELLO! The past two weeks have been extremely busy in the Wellness WA camp and as such I haven’t been pumping out as many delicious articles as I would like to, sorry!

But please rest assured that there are so many amazing things in the wings, just waiting to come out and pounce on you when you least expect it, like a wonderful new puppy dog and you’ll remember why you love it and turn a blind eye to that time (or 12) that pups weed on the carpet and made you question why you even got it in the first place! Alright, terrible analogy OVER!

Yesterday I was lucky enough to attend a seminar on ANTI-AGEING, which my friends will laugh about because at the ripe old age of 26, I commonly get mistaken for a lass of about 19-20. Anywho, the seminar was very-very-very-very interesting & extremely scientific. Flashbacks to high-school chemistry were frequent and I left really convinced that Dr Joseph A Lewis II (he pioneered the use of alpha hydroxy acids in skincare & much more!) knows what he is talking about. I also learned that lizards produce their own vitamin c, so they do not need to eat it!

If you are looking for some anti-ageing products then I would recommend checking out his brand, Priori Skincare, which is bursting at the seams with antioxidants and because he is super switched & has wonderful skin for an older guy. I’m a convert!

Second piece of news on the agenda,

ZOE FOSTER IS COMING TO PERTH!
♥

You may or may not know, but Zoe Foster is without a doubt, the raddest woman in the Australian beauty industry.

Basically she is touring all over this sun burnt land of ours (cliches ahoy) promoting the hells out of her wonderful little PRIMPED LOOK BOOK which is pretty-pretty & you can catch a glimpse of it here: http://www.primped.com.au/zoes_blog/comments/the_primped_djs_look_book_instores_grab_the_final_spots_and_reap_the_reward/

Zoe can be found at David Jones, Perth City store, and in front of my star struck eyes on these dates:

Friday March 19, Hay Street, Perth at 6.30pm and 7.30pm
Perth Saturday March 20 at 10.30am

Please believe me when I say you would be very silly not to pop along to view this glorious Miss for yourself! I am lucky enough to have a seat, goody bag & glass of champers awaiting for me on arrival (but only because I booked!), however anyone can come watch and see what she has to say. HIGHLY. RECOMMENDED. !!!.

See you there!

Be well,

xoxo

Ilcsi AHA Spicy Organic Facial

The Skin Deep brochure states that this is “The hottest facial in town” and they weren’t kidding! I’ve been looking for a natural facial treatment that will deliver smooth glowing fresh looking skin and I think I have found exactly what I am looking for. This all natural treatment provides fruit acids to smooth the skin and spicy paprika to boost circulation and detoxify your skin.

Ilcsi is a Hungarian based natural skin care company that relies on quality hand picked herb, fruits and vegetables. Ilcsi products contain no synthetic colouring agents, paints or animal-based ingredients. According to the Spa Universe website, Australia’s stockist for Ilsci, the philosophy of the brand is simple and natural: it accommodates to the modern need that prefers natural skincare methods, but still demands results. This is possible due to the high concentration of herbs, fruits and vegetables found in Ilcsi products.

The facial started with a double cleanse of the delicious smelling Rose Petal Cleanser and a light exfoliation. Next AHA fruit pulp is smoothed over the skin, the apple and grape extracts help to smooth and retexturise. A layer of thin Hessian is then placed over the skin and the Paprika herbal treatment applied. This is when it really starts to heat up, you feel hot but not uncomfortable. You can really feel your blood pumping. While this is kicking in to action, my therapist gave me an arm exfoliation. The mask stays on for about 15 minutes or until it dries. Some light fanning by my therapist takes away any last minute tingling. After the spicy mask is removed a lovely cold Rose Hip Gel mask was applied. This instantly took any heat in my face away. Rose Hip Serum and moisturiser were then applied which further cooled and calmed my skin.

Paprika Herbal Treatment

My skin was pinkish for about an hour post treatment, which my therapist did warn me about. The results were amazing- my skin was soft, glowing and radiant. I had someone stop me at the supermarket to ask what I use on my skin! It’s an absolutely great treatment to have pre event and the best thing about it is that you can buy the products and do it all at home; you can even do it a few times a week. As someone who has used microdermabrasion, chemical peels and Omnilux I can say that this is the most effective treatment I have ever had. I can’t wait for my next appointment!

Ilcsi AHA Spicy Organic Facial

Cost: $130 (approx)

Time: Approx 90 mins

Where: Skin Deep Medi Spa Salons (Como, Floreat, Mullaloo and Perth)
http://www.skindeep.net.au

Ilcsi
http://www.spauniverse.com.au

Article by Hannah Lee!

Be well,

xoxo

♥

According to the flyer, the health studio “Bikram Yoga” (or heated yoga) provides a certain type of yoga that is conducted in a room heated to 38 degrees celcius, so that the muscles are warmed and a deeper workout can occur!

To put it simply: you’re gonna sweat.

Bikram Yoga is a 90 minute program of 26 pre-determined poses & postures, plus 2 breathing exercises. The benefits of Bikram include:

♥ Stretching and strengthening muscles, joints & more.
♥ Increased mental clarity & stress reduction.
♥ Stimulation of the organs to cleanse & provide fresh oxygenated blood to the body. This helps restore all systems to optimal working order for total health.

At this stage, the concept sounded so unappealing, what with all the talk about mass sweating.

As I entered the zenly decorated reception area of Bikram Yoga (complete with small fountains), already I could feel a slight rise in humidity. The instructors were extremely friendly as they explained to me the concept and goals of their company and they were extremely open as they answered any questions I had.

Set with a yoga mat, a beach towel and two bottles of water, I stepped into a room that was similar to a sauna minus the steam. During the briefing, the instructor urged us to try our hardest to stay in the room for the whole class, even if it was just lying down on the mat if we felt like we weren’t handling the environment well. The point of this class was to focus solely on yourself without worrying about what other classmates are doing and, contrary to regular yoga, the eyes must be open the whole time.

The class started well enough with some of the typical yoga positions such as the half moon pose. At this stage I was thinking, this isn’t so bad I can totally do this for 90 minutes! However about 30-45 minutes into the class, the room was 10 degrees hotter than when we first started and that’s when the sweating really began.

I was also thanking my mum in my mind as she convinced me to bring a beach towel instead of a tiny face towel. Around this time I started to feel a little light-headed and so I decided to sit the next few poses out, trying to gain some energy back and convincing myself not to step out of the class. A few people decided to rest around this time too, reassuring me that I wasn’t the only one struggling.

After a few minutes of resting I joined the class again, keeping up surprisingly comfortably. Going against the rules, I looked around at the class, and everyone, including myself, was sweating insane amounts! Towards the end of the class the temperature cooled mildly and before I knew it the class was finished.

The poses performed in a Bikram Yoga class.

It may seem that I didn’t enjoy myself in this class but in reality, I loved it! I felt rejuvenated and fresh walking out of the studio and I could breathe easier too. Another benefit was that my skin felt softer (after a good shower).

Overall it was a very intense 90 minutes, very very challenging but incredibly worth it as there are plenty of benefits for your body (as above).

My advice is that you have to listen to your body and take it easy if you’re doing it the first time, especially if you haven’t exercised in a while. The yoga experience combined with the friendly and welcoming instructors has definitely convinced me to come back for more!

They have a special offer for newcomers who are local to Perth, $20 for unlimited Bikram Yoga over 10 days! Unbeatable value and a fantastic way to find out if it suits your lifestyle

Bikram Yoga – http://www.perthbikramyoga.com.au

Location

NOR

158a Vincent Street, NORTH PERTH
On the corner of Vincent and Fitzgerald Streets

SOR

248 Leach Highway MYAREE
(beneath REBEL Sports)

To find out more, contact Jenny Sterpini, certified Bikram Yoga Instructor on 0403 496 422.

Article by Hanna Baradja

Have you tried Bikram Yoga? Too scared? Want to know more? Leave a comment! xx

♥

Taking the Blah Out of Your Blahniks

As I gaze adoringly at a pair of emerald green Louboutin pumps with that cheeky, unmistakeable red under sole, deep down, I know that this is an unrequited love. We are not to be, those green pumps and I. But it’s not the price tag that amounts to the GDP of a small African nation, which gives me pause. It’s the heels. They’re not even really that high but I just know the consequences of flirting with these beauties will be severe.

Now I confess that I am often the first to put fashion way before comfort. I will suffer through wayward corsetry boning digging into my skin all night, just so my waist is that little bit flatter. I will wear a Nancy Gantz a size smaller, rendering me incapable of breathing, as long as all the wobbly bits are kept in place. I have even been known to tear off supportive strapping around a shoulder injury, because it didn’t look right under a dress. But I think my feet have finally cured me of my vanity.

Disturbingly, a puffy lump and some rather alarming broken capillaries have appeared on the inside of my ankle, accompanied by sharp pain through my heel.

I hobbled off to see my lovely podiatrist at Centrepod Podiatry in Mount Lawley.

A podiatrist is a health professional who deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs (http://www.podiatrywa.com.au/index.php). They must hold tertiary qualifications and be registered with their state registration boards in order to practice.

The first thing you should know about podiatrists is that they have very cool chairs.

Like dentists chairs but that go up… way up… (and without the lights and perky dental assistants). Positioned on aforementioned chair, my podiatrist examined my feet, twisting them, pressing on them and treating them with all the intrigue of a spy novel. Then he had me do a few movements, such as standing on one foot, raising and lowering, then feet apart and so on. Hmmmm…. I got an inkling that serious biomechanics are involved in manoeuvring us human beings from point A to point B.

After a bit more pressing and some frowning, the podiatrist solemnly announced that I had tibial posterior tendonitis (http://www.podantics.com.au/posterior-tibial-tendon-dysfunction.html ). This is caused when the tendon of the foot that runs into the calf and supports the arch, is overused and start to weaken. The result is the foot begins to pronate, or roll inward.

The problem is partly due to, you guessed it, ill-fitting shoes. And in summer the problem gets worse. All those cute little strappy numbers lack sufficient instep support, so the muscles and tendons of your foot have to work double-time to hold your feet, ankles and ultimately, knees, in place. Boring and unfashionable, I know, but true… And ultimately, very painful.

♥

Treatment would involve trips to the physio for ultrasound, cold packs, anti-inflammatories and mojitos. (OK, that last bit was self-prescribed but you have to admit, it’s still a good idea). Prevention was orthotic footwear. When I bemoaned the unsightly state of most orthotic footwear, Podiatrist astutely noted “You’re just thinking about fashion now”. Damn straight, sweetie; that’s all I think about. He shrugged nonchalantly and said “Well, they’re your feet”.

And so they are. They deserve better. I then knew it was time; I wanted to make it up to my feet – to show them I was really committed and that I would no longer betray them with footwear that required scaffolding or that had more straps than backstage at a Victoria’s Secret show. I’ve reassessed my footwear and I’m thinking carefully each day about what shoes I can wear that will adequately support my instep. I invested in top-quality trainers so I can exercise pain-free, and make my calves and ankles stronger so my feet don’t have to work so hard. I’m even down to colour-coordinating my wardrobe with my growing range of Birkenstocks.

Three sessions of physio later, all that weird swelling has gone down and my feet, whilst not completely pain-free, are more mobile and well, happier. I think our relationship has begun to “heel”. (OK, groan if you must).

This whole experience has given me a new appreciation for my feet, not to mention being dazzled by my podiatrist’s metatarsal magnificence. Feet are incredibly intricate structures but every day, we take for granted all the stretching, stabilising and weight-bearing our maligned tootsies do. And it’s all down to podiatrists to understand and repair them when things go wrong. That’s no mean feet. (OK, I’m done with the foot jokes now).

Stuff Your Feet Will Love:

Feldene Gel 50g (Anti-inflammatory gel for strains and tendonitis)
$16.99

Eulactol Heel Balm (Gold) 120ml (ointment for cracked or dry heels)
$19.95

Birkenstocks Sandals and Shoes (funky footwear that support your feet in the right places)
$120.00

Mizuno “Nirvana” trainers (designed for the pronating foot and providing instep support)
$269.95

Pedicure with paraffin wax (as part of the pedicure, your feet are coated in warm paraffin; it’s very hydrating and ultra-relaxing!)
$60.00 – $80.00

Prices are approximate and may vary between retailers, sizes and styles.

Beaufort Physio and Centrepod Podiatry

777 Beaufort St (corner of Third Ave), Mount Lawley.

Phone: (08) 9473 1155

Prices

$59.00 for a standard podiatry consultation. Services may be claimable through private health insurance, through some government concessions or through certain Medicare rebates (on referral from a General Practitioner). Check with the podiatry clinic to see if you are eligible for private or public rebates.

Opening Hours

Open Monday to Saturday; by appointment only.

Article by Bron, whose feet now like her a whole lot more.