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 307 Lord St, Highgate, on the corner of Court St.
http://www.miskn.com
Ph: 0414 277 761

Review by Liv Bambola, pretty in punctured.

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

My Paper Crane Cheat Sheet!

Darling artist My Paper Crane has come up with a way for us to keep in mind what fruit & vegies would be best for us to buy organic and which ones we can skip if need be.

Absolutely adore it! You should still make sure to wash all your produce thoroughly (including meat!) before consumption to help shake off any pesticide residue, but this handy guide should have a place in all health conscious wallets!

Organic food may currently cost a little more, but aren’t you worth it?! The money you spend on organic food now, could possibly be saved on health-care later… plus you’ll have a feather-light conscience knowing you’re helping the environment & giving your body the best possible nutritious food available!

If your local supermarket doesn’t stock any organic produce, let them know you’re interested in buying it!

There are plenty of places in Perth that stock organic produce / groceries & I’ll be highlighting some of the best for you soon, but for now, pop on over to My Paper Crane & download the sweet chart to help you make great food choices!

Found via the Bloom Cosmetics blog.

Be well,

xoxo

It’s time to announce the three LUCKY WINNERS of our April Ella Express competition! The winners were chosen completely at random by Random.org (check it out, it’s a really interesting true random number generator!)

So without further dilly-dallying, our three winners:

Wendy Christidis says:

Microdermabrasion is my favourite Ella Express experience . Instant noticeable results and flawless glowing skin make it such a worthwhile treatment.

Danielle says:

I would love the signature facial…it has been such a long time since I have gone for a facial!

Eleni says:

Radiance C Facial Treatment – because it’s my birthday in a couple of weeks and i want to GLOW!!!

Congratulations ladies, looks like you three will have perfect skin very soon!

Keep an eye on your inboxes!

For those who didn’t win, why not treat yourself at Ella Express anyway?!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥

I’ve long been the type of person to leave things until the last minute, am perpetually late, and disorganised would probably be my middle name if my parents could have seen into the future! Lucky for me, they couldn’t and I ended up with a more suitable “Kristen” instead of “Disorganised”.

This applies to many aspects of my life, including getting fit & healthy. I’ve put it off for SO LONG now. Sporadically taking up yoga classes for a term, not showing to half of them, joining the gym for a few months going 4 days a week then going cold turkey… I think a lot of people can relate to my inconsistencies.

Personally, I’ve no need to lose weight – I’m actually trying to put some on, but I’ve never been “FIT & HEALTHY” in that ideal way where flouncing up a flight of stairs comes easily, thieves need not take chase because I’d be worn out after the first two steps… you get the idea!

I also think there’s a fairly large misconception going around that thin = fit. I’ve always been thin, but unfit & still get incredulous looks when I talk about my exercise regime and frequently hear “But you don’t need to exercise!”.

However, I do! I really, really do! I decided this year was going to be the year that I really went for it and am going for fitness slowly but steadily by attending 2-3 yoga / body balance classes a week to start out. I feel so much more positive in general, I can feel my strength improving week by week (such a good feeling!) and I’m already noticing changes in the way my body looks & what it is capable of.

Everyone should work towards their own personal fitness & wellbeing goals, no matter what category you’re thrown into by the people around you “too skinny”, “too big”, “too old”.. ignore them and do what you need to do that is going to make you feel your best!

For me this means the aforementioned exercise classes, a massage once a month, spending as much time as possible with my gorgeous friends, connecting with like-minded people (that’s you!) & eating healthily to the best of my ability!

What are your own fitness & wellbeing goals? I’d love to hear!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo