by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jun 8, 2010 | Products, Reviews
Thalgo Extreme Comfort Cream was first recommended to me by my sister who referred to it as a ‘miracle cream’. Now, I’m pretty cynical at the best of times (especially when I hear that overused ‘miracle’ word) but I’m a big fan of moisturizers and an even bigger fan of the discount that she was going to get me, so I gave it a shot. It retails for around $87 a pop, but you can get it for $65.25 (www.getprice.com.au) which you might think is pretty expensive for 50ml, HOWEVER, take it from me…it is definitely worth spending your hard earned on.
Allow me to go into more detail, this is one of those ‘a little goes a long way’ kind of products and from the very first time you use it you really do get the sense that the good people at Thalgo have packed as much stuff in there as possible. Now, what I refer to as ‘stuff’ Thalgo calls ‘Omega 3 and 6 and restructuring oils’ but you could tell me that ‘whales tears’ and ‘the sneeze of a wizard’ were in there and I would believe that too.
The point is the repairing ability of this product is like nothing else that I have ever used. It’s quite a thick cream (which I really like even thought I know that’s not to everyone’s taste) and it’s really hard working. For example if I have a month where I switch to a cheaper moisturizer and then switch back to the comfort cream I notice the difference in about two days. My skin feels more even in tone, is less prone to breakouts, is smoother, softer and better hydrated for a longer period of time… everything you want your skin to be.
Now – once when I was espousing the virtues of this moisturizer, a friend of mine had two very good arguments that may have crossed your mind, so I will recount this conversation for you now:
Her: What do you mean fewer breakouts? It’s not a cleanser…that’s impossible.
Me: Yeah but if I put it on first in the morning (under makeup) then it acts as a really good barrier between my skin and any makeup which stops my pores from clogging.
This has no scientific proof it just seems to make sense to me. And…
Her: I HATE thick moisturizers in the evening you feel all sticky before you go to bed and in the morning you look all shiny.
Me: Stop putting so much on.
Case closed. Seriously, try this stuff because the only thing it is missing is an SPF…and a wizard’s sneeze.
Web: http://www.thalgo.com.au
If you would like to go in and buy some Thalgo Extreme Comfort Cream in person you can get it at:
Le Beau Day Spa (Kardinya) Phone: (08) 9331 1122
Duncraig Beauty Centre (Marri Road, Duncraig) Phone: (08) 9447 8860
The Beauty Gallery (Woodvale) Phone: 08 9309 5677
Review by Adriane, 25, upcoming actress extraordinaire, likes plump skin & jam donuts.
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jun 7, 2010 | Food, Wellness Tips
I don’t think I’ve posted this recipe before, and I’ve had a truck load of people wanting to dip their toes into the wonderful world of these murky looking smoothies!
Green smoothies are one of a few things that make me feel on top of the world, full of energy & song. I cannot recommend them highly enough! Don’t be fooled by their sour looking appearance, they are actually pretty sweet and taste just like a regular berry / fruit smoothie (minus the milk!).
So, without further interference from me, here is a super basic recipe for a green smoothie from which all other recipes of mine stem from!
♥ 1/2 x cup of apple juice
♥ 1 x cup of water
♥ 1-2 x cups of washed, fresh baby spinach (you don’t generally want to use regular spinach as the taste is bitter / stronger)
♥ 1 x decent sized banana or 2 x small bananas
♥ 1/2-1 x cup of frozen fruit (your choice: blueberries, mango, raspberries… they’re all good!)
Get all that whizzing around in your blender and soon you’ll be be a convert, I 99.9% guarantee it.
If you would like some extra tips for experts, check out this Vogue Forum Green Smoothies thread for inspiration galore!
Let me know if you decide to try a green smoothie, otherwise you can come round to my joint and I’ll whip you one up PERSONALLY! Probably not actually, but I have converted a fair few skeptics this way!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jun 2, 2010 | Alternative Therapy, Inner City, North of River, Other, Reviews
Acupuncture doesn’t really have great connotations for those who don’t know about it. It contains the word “puncture”, who would willingly put themselves through that?!
I would. This week I visited mi:skn for a complimentary Facial Rejuvenation Treatment. The idea of having needles stuck in my face wasn’t my idea of fun. However, I have to say, I’m converted.
Francesca owns and runs mi:skn, the first Perth clinic to focus purely on cosmetic acupuncture. Other clinics may provide these treatments, but they’re not specialised. Having studied in the UK for four years to get her acupuncture qualification, she then went on to study for another two years to become a specialist in the field.
Forever learning, Francesca has developed her own unique approach and she’s been working in cosmetic acupuncture ever since.
The Facial Rejuvenation Treatment works to break up the natural collagen structures in your face. This process causes the body to try to fix it, and over the course of several treatments, plumps up those “life lines”. Now it won’t be as drastic as Botox, however, it will be more natural and more gradual. Research shows that Botox can cause other areas to become more susceptible to “life lines”.
Now, don’t be mistaken, cosmetic acupuncture doesn’t just work to fill in those lines, it also works with acne, headaches and cellulite. Francesca told me of one young lady who had a rather bad case of acne. The purple colour had reduced in just one session. It can also address headaches for those who are prone to them regularly. There is also a non-acupuncture option for Facial Rejuvenation if you’re not so sure about the needles.
Of course, you don’t have to be older to get these treatments; it’s a preventative approach to aging. It’s natural to age; we’re just slowing it down a little.
Your medical condition will be taken into account and if you have very sensitive skin you can rest assured that only natural essential oils are used in the treatment. If you’re not one for needles, you don’t have to worry, they are very fine and flexible enough to bend without snapping.
The music is relaxing and Francesca talks you through the process. The treatment starts with a hot towel on the face to open pores and extract impurities. A facial massage wakes it up and prepares the skin for the treatment. Jade is used to start smoothing some of those lines and cool the face down.
Francesca took my pulse before starting the acupuncture. She could tell a lot more than just whether or not my heart was beating. On the left, she picked up that I’m susceptible to back pain during my cycle. On the right, she could tell that my body wasn’t processing fluids properly. Correct on both accounts.
Needles are also placed in the lower leg to balance your natural energies and make sure not all your blood and energy rushes to your head.
Everyone is different, but for me, the needles didn’t hurt. I could still move my face and legs while the needles were in, without hurting myself, or even feeling them most of the time.
You’re left for twenty minutes before the needles come out. You can use the time to meditate or just relax. I tried to meditate, but my mind kept wandering, so I just relaxed and had some “me” time. After the treatment, I felt more awake; I could already feel that my face had more tone and it felt a lot fresher. Even if you just want something different to a facial, I would recommend this treatment.
A Facial Rejuvenation Treatment is $120, and for the best results it is good to go once a week for ten weeks. There is a discount for purchasing all ten treatments. They also have a member’s option which is cheaper again.
Mi:skn is located at 144 Summers Street, Perth.
http://www.miskn.com
Ph: (08) 9328 3350
Review by Liv Bambola, pretty in punctured.
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jun 1, 2010 | Food, Other, Products, Wellness Tips
Image from www.popcornboxes.net
Winter is the perfect time to get poppin. Picture this: snuggled up by the heater with a loved one, pet or solo (we don’t judge!), your favourite movie playing & the scent of popcorn wafting around your house like it’s your own private cinema. I’ve sold myself on it and I don’t even have a popcorn maker yet!
I was reminded of this old-fashioned, simple treat by a friend a few nights ago on a particularly frosty night. We made a huge bowl of FRESH fat-free popcorn, none of this microwave packet super oily, super salty business! Granted, we did add a smidgen of butter & a sprinkle of salt to taste, but it was a fairly pure experience. Sweet tooth’s could even use a light dusting of icing sugar, but you didn’t hear it from me! 😉
The great thing about popcorn is that it really satisfies the desire for something crunchy, usually I would be very likely to reach for a packet of chips or biscuits, this is a much healthier alternative!
Here’s what you’re gonna need:
♥ Popcorn Maker
Crazy Popper or other popcorn maker! This one is the cheapest I could find at $49.95 RRP
♥ Popping Corn
This brand can be found at supermarkets, and is about $1.50 for 100 grams. Bargain.
♥ The desire for a healthy, tasty treat.
♥ A couple of minutes.
VOILA. So much better for you than chippies or chocolate!
My popcorn lovin’ girlfriend lamented to me that she wished someone would bottle the scent and sell it: lucky for her, the fragrance company Demeter has got it covered!
Popcorn Fragrance!!!
Get popping the next time a chilly night rolls around, and let me know if you do!
Be well,
Popcorn converted Annette.
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | May 31, 2010 | Inner City, North of River, Reviews
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:
The NouriShe Massage – $50
♥ Relax and unwind
♥ Soothe aching muscles and improve circulation
♥ Relieve muscle tension and restore normal movement
(please allow 90 mins for your appointment)
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
