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

♥

Wellness WA loves supporting local beauty businesses, so when a sample pack arrived from Joi Pure, I was hopeful that the products would be great so that I could share them with you – luckily, they are, so come with me and we’ll have a little chat about this Brigadoon based skincare company!

First of all, I have to mention the packaging – glass pots & jars which are dark blue, helping to shield the inner ingredients from damaging sunlight. They’re also absolutely adorable and I feel calm just looking at them! It’s like there’s a little apothecary in my shower!

Secondly, the ethos behind the brand is very admirable. They’re a natural & organic aromatherapy based line that focuses on the healing qualities of essential oils.

My personal favourite product was the Gentle Facial Wash:

Key Ingredients:
Organic Almond Oil moisturises and cleanses., Aloe Vera soothes and heals., Castile Cleanser gently cleanses., Pure Essential Oils: Lemon,True Lavender,Bergamot Calabrian.

♥ I found it smelled really natural with a hint of ‘herbs’, but in a good way!
♥ Cleansed my combination / breakout prone skin well & without drying.
♥ Worked really well with the Kosmea Muslin Cloth (my current favourite!)

Their products are stocked nationally & internationally including Poland & New Zealand. It’s so inspiring to see W.A. based beauty businesses excelling, we have a lot to offer the world & Joi Pure is a shining example of that

Address:

JOI Pure
31 Tarbenian Way
Brigadoon
Western Australia 6069

Email: info@joipure.com

Website: http://www.joipure.com

Be well,

xoxo

♥

Welcome to April my darlings! To celebrate the changing of the seasons, the impending skin imperfections from copious egg devouring and just to spread some love to our fabulous readers, Wellness WA has teamed up with Ella Express to give away some very special prizes throughout April!

Entering is so easy!

♥ All you need to do, is visit the ELLA EXPRESS website.

♥ Pick your dream treatment from the list that you’d choose to put your $100 voucher towards! (so hard to choose!)

♥ Leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address & your treatment choice!

♥ VOILA! You are in the running to win one of these indulgent vouchers!!

Only one entry per person, winners drawn at random on the 30th of April.

Ella Express has salons in the City, Joondalup, Warwick, Floreat, Whitford City & Dunsborough!

Enter now for your chance to win!!

Be well,

xoxo

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!

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

Pretty nails that have nothing to do with article ahead!

Readers will know of my quest to find perfect acrylic nails in the Eastern Suburbs. Herewith the second installment!

Location location location:

LA Nails
159 Walter Road, Dianella. Ph: 9275 4419

(Salons also in Kingsway Shopping Centre and Mirrabooka Shopping Centre.)

Service: Permanent French acrylic refills, after 4 weeks’ growth.

I found this salon by doing a search on the web and, since I drive down Walter Road most days, I was curious to see what the salon would be like. It’s tucked into a strand of shops and parking is easy, so if you live around this area and want convenience, then this is not a bad bet. The low-down on this salon is that it won’t win any awards for service or creativity but it does the job. Unfortunately there are other salons out there that do a better job at a better price.
Service

I called on the Friday and got a Saturday appointment at the time I wanted. When I arrived, the nail tech hadn’t finished with the previous customer, so I waited for 15 minutes. Not that big a deal – there is a coffee machine for customers. Once it was my turn, again, there wasn’t a lot of conversation or interaction with the nail tech although she was polite and efficient. Apparently they were short-staffed and she was the only one on that day.
Nail form

I was very happy with the shape – the nails were shaped square-round and thinner than the previous salon’s efforts. However, the nails were a bit chunky through the middle and could have been filed further to flatten then out. The thing I was least happy with was the ration of white to pink. There was way too much white! For some reason, some salons insist on starting the white powder about half way down the nail bed. Even when I asked for less white, the result still wasn’t natural looking.
Technique

Again this salon uses a tip to cut through the drying white powder which creates a nice, even crescent shape. Electric drills and emery boards are used. Gel was applied to create a glossy look.

Time

1 hour, in addition to the 15 minutes I was kept waiting prior to my appointment.

Cost

$50.00 for refills, although when I got home I discovered that the price-list states that refills are $45.00. Disappointingly, I was not alerted to the price difference or provided with an explanation.

Overall rating

♥ ♥ ♥ (2.5)

Article by Bron, resident nail aficionado & expert!