♥ Siimon for Hair ♥

I love the idea of having a locked in service provider. You know – your GP, your dentist, your acupuncturist, so on and so forth, and whilst I’ve got most of these set, a locked in hairdresser has eluded me for a long time. I want to have someone who knows me, knows my hobbies and stupid idiosyncrasies and knows who I am immediately when I call. I essentially want an extra boyfriend/girlfriend who is good with the scissors. Some would think I’m asking too much, which is a valid point, but I am very happy to tell you that I have found this, in Siimon, the chatty and thoroughly wonderful proprietor of Siimon for Hair in Wembley.

As silly as it sounds, I arrived at Siimon for purely facetious reasons. I’m a huge Tintin fan. I love the crap out of that guy, and my younger sister who’d visited Siimon on the recommendation of a friend, told me excitedly that she’d had her hair cut by someone with a half-sleeve Tintin tattoo. So naturally, this was enough of an impetus to book an appointment for my sorely neglected hair, and check out this artistic wonder for myself.

♥

Siimon’s salon is situated on Cambridge St behind St John of God in Subiaco and has ample out the front/around the corner parking, for pretty much as long as you’ll need. I think he’s the only one who operates from there – he’s certainly the only one I see – and the salon is totally saturated with his personality, which I think tends to be lacking in other salons. There’s Tintins sitting with the magazines in the waiting area, he hand makes Tintin cards to send to clients at Christmas – the artwork (not Tintin) is clean and modernist and really great. One of my biggest reasons for coming back to Siimon is how relaxed the whole thing is – from the appointment itself to the compete lack of pressuring for follow up appointments (there is no “three week trim” pushing here. It is wonderful).

♥ A selection of the literature available for perusal

And to the actual business end: Siimon’s got a product and hair knowledge which is really extensive. On our first appointment, having ascertained that I have a flaky scalp, he talked me through the basic (common sense) things I can do to get rid of it, and did not do the immediate “hey this product will help that” thing which was really nice. Before all else he pushes nothing on you. And he’s blunt. He will tell you if you’re genius avant-garde hairstyle idea will push you over into Lady Gaga-land. And, um, some of us need that. And it’s always worth mentioning that a salon is reasonably priced – he is. Very.

So yes, Siimon for Hair. An awesome dude, a relaxed and friendly salon and a very good idea. Recommended.

Also, the review wouldn’t be complete without a photo of that fabled Tintin half-sleeve:

♥

Have you ever been convinced to try a beauty service provider based on their aesthetics? Love Tintin as much as Siimon? Let me know in the comments!

Siimon for Hair
208B Cambridge St
Wembley
9381 1777

Review by Suzanne: she is allergic to exercise, and can only be cured with cake.

♥

♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’m a 29 year old PR/ Digital Comms Exec by day, and I write about inspiration and living a big, beautiful life on my blog In Spaces Between in my spare time (or “in the spaces between.”)

I’m Sagittarian to the core, adore reading, have an addiction to lip gloss, am always looking for my next adventure and get high on excitable chats with inspiring women. I’m a passionate believer in the power of positivity and creating your own magnificent reality.

♥

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

In the mornings, I use Nivea Light 30+ sunscreen and the glorious Sodashi Rejuvenating Face and Neck Moisturiser, followed by my make-up.

At night, I cleanse with Sodashi Clay Cleanser with Lime, then give myself a mini face massage with Trilogy Rosehip Oil, and finish it all off with my Sodashi Moisturiser and a dab of Priori Eye Cream.

♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

Getting my hair done! My stylist Alisha from Mods Hair at Circle on Cavill on the Gold Coast is an absolute gem.

♥

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Hair masks made from organic coconut oil. YUM!

1. Wash hair and remove moisture with towel.
2. Apply virgin coconut oil (10 cent piece amount) to your hands and rub hands together to melt the coconut oil. If it’s already melted, just use the rubbing motion to heat it up.
3. Rub fingers through hair – I concentrate on the ends, and try and avoid putting too much oil through the top part of my hair.
4. Pop on a shower cap for about and hour, then rinse hair thoroughly and it should feel super soft and silky! If it feels too oily, give it a shampoo to remove excess oil.

♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

I couldn’t live without sunscreen, my Holy Grail mascara – Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill – and NARS Orgasm blush.

♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

Sweating it out! Everything looks better when I exercise regularly – I find my skin looks really dull if I don’t and I feel super sluggish and flat. I’m an early riser so my favourite time of the day to exercise is 5:30/ 6am so I can reap the rewards of high-octane energy all day!

♥ Six Senses Yao Noi

♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)

I’d love to go to an amazing detox retreat overseas – 7 days of juices, meditation and yoga. I plan on making that happen one day very soon.

♥ Pic from http://foodsforlonglife.blogspot.com/

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Breakfast: Hard boiled or baked eggs with spinach and mushrooms.

Morning snack: A homemade raw bliss ball, or bowl of mixed berries/chopped up fruit.

Lunch: My gorgeous fiancé makes me a big salad with tuna or chicken most days. He generally throws in lots of random bits and pieces such as leftover roast pumpkin, toasted tamari almonds or low fat fetta to keep it interesting. Failing that, I grab sushi on the run.

Afternoon snack: It used to be something naughty like chocolate, but as part of my 2012 goals, I’m mending my sneaky sugary ways and I’m trying to eat filling snacks like cheese on Rice Thins or fruit with natural yoghurt and nuts.

Dinner: My man has been a vegetarian his whole life so most of our dinners are veggie based, with tofu or a nice piece of Snapper added in for some protein. We eat a lot of Asian-inspired meals so things like lime, chilli, mint and coriander (from our herb garden) feature heavily!

♥

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I do group training – encompassing everything from hill sprints to resistance exercises and soft sand running – 3 days a week; go to the gym once a week (weights session or Body Attack) and run 2 – 3 times a week. I’ve got a goal to run 500km before 1 June, so I’m definitely ramping up my running at the moment!

♥ Chia seeds

♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

• I take a bunch of vitamins daily (B, Magnesium, Iron, Omega 3’s) and add MOR Life Alkalising Greens to fresh fruit/ vege juices for energy.
• I throw chia seeds into whatever I can (smoothies, date balls and salads).
• When I’m feeling super frazzled, acupuncture always gets me back on track. Love it.

♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

I’m not sure I’m familiar with that word? Haha!

I’m sure my loved ones would beg to differ because they don’t think I actually know how to sit still and relax, but snuggling up with a great book on our daybed, stretching out in a pilates class, meditating (before bed so I can drift into a beautiful deep sleep) or spending time with my girlfriends, laughing and chatting for hours is my idea of bliss.

Thanks so much to the lovely Rachel for taking time out from blogging and her busy schedule to share her beautiful routine with us!

If you have any questions for her, please leave them below 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

♥

We’ve teamed up with prestigious organic beauty range, Pevonia Botanica, and award winning day spa Keturah to bring you our biggest and most frenzy inducing competition YET!

If you’re in need of some indulgent pampering and ‘me time’, then look no further as you could be on your way to enjoying one of three absolutely ahhhhhmazing prizes (including the particularly jaw-dropping first prize!)…

♥

Major Prize

A Pevonia facial @ Keturah to the value of $200! (Bookings only available Monday-Friday)

There are four to choose from:

♥ Pevonia Age Defying Facial

$199 ~ 1h 15min
The most advanced defence against ageing skin. This opulent anti-ageing treatment lavishes your skin with pure Caviar Extract, Pearl Extract and performance Escutox™. Improving elasticity this luxurious mask increases oxygenation and suppleness. Promoting rejuvenation, it visibly resurfaces and dramatically reduces facial expression lines and wrinkles.

♥ Pevonia High Performance Facial
$190 ~ 1h 15min
Discover your skin’s true potential as we target specific concerns with customised, concentrated extracts infused with the aid of thermal and cooling lift-off masks. Scientifically formulated to counteract skin problems and concerns. A spectacular spa facial that delivers noticeable visible results!

♥ Pevonia Lumafirm Lift & Glow Facial
$180 ~ 1h
This outstanding facial treatment renders your skin ultra-luminous with a firmer, tighter and more youthfully defined appearance. Exclusively formulated with the latest in freeze dried technology, this remarkable treatment with cumulative benefits is ideal for any skin type showing signs of aging, or works as the perfect instant repair boost when your skin needs the ultimate ‘pick-me-up’.

♥ Pevonia Signature Facial
$135 ~ 1h
This holistic facial with pure essential oils and blended plant extracts combine to improve both your skin type and current emotional state. Powerful natural ingredients that provide visible results.

♥

2nd Prize

For the complete spa experience in your own home, one lucky pampered duck will be taking home a Pevonia Spa-at-home Essentials pack (RRP: $126.00). This includes;

♥ Silky Skin Body Scrub 50 ml Tube
♥ Bath Salts with Essential Oil Anti-Stress 60g
♥ Anti-Stress Bath & Shower Gel 50 ml Bottle
♥ Preserve Body Moisturizer 50 ml Bottle
♥ Lavender Votive 120 g
♥ Pevonia Skincare Pouch

♥

3rd Prize

Absolutely luscious, this Dry Oil Body Moisturizer indulges your skin in aromatic glory without an oily or greasy feeling. Immediately absorbed, it revitalizes and nourishes every inch of skin. RRP $73.

To be in the running for one of these spa-tastic prizes, all you need to do is:

♥ Like Wellness WA on Facebook
♥ Like Pevonia Botanica Australia on Facebook
♥ Leave a comment below, letting us know which facial you’d most like to win!

Entries close on the 5th of March, winners will be notified on Facebook & via email. GOOD LUCK! 🙂

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥

My love for Bobbi Brown first blossomed when I stumbled upon a campaign in an old magazine (probably while waiting for the dentist or something equally dismal) and was immediately taken by the image of a clean-cut, classic, yet modern woman. Intrigued, I looked further into the brand and was swept away by the story of Bobbi’s rise to the top from humble roots, her wholesome image, and her amazing advice. Last year Bobbi celebrated 20 years in the business, and I was proud to be a part of the company for that year. This year however, brings a new chapter, and even though I am no longer with Bobbi Brown, I still love to rant and rave about the products.

♥

Today my product of choice is this amazing ‘Ultra Violet’ Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow ($44) from the Neon and Nudes collection.

♥

Of course this collection has been done ‘the Bobbi way’, which requires beautiful skin, soft cheek colour and either an accent of colour on the eyes, or on the lips. Another product from the Neon and Nude line I am itching to play with is the Limited Edition Ink Liner ($46). Ink liner is not a product you will often find at Bobbi Brown, and would go amazingly with the look below.

♥ Look #1!

My hints and tricks on how to wear a neon shadow.

♥ Use an eye primer – Bobbi Brown long wearing cream shadow in Shore ($50)
♥ Lashings of black eyeliner make the colour pop – Bobbi Brown Gel Liner ($45)
♥ BIG lashes – Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara ($48)
♥ Sweep the shade over the lid as a soft wash of colour, pop on any pretty pink gloss – I like Bobbi’s Tutu ($42)- and some bronzer for a summer look
♥ Build it up to an intense smoky eye by adding a darker purple like Bobbi Brown Eggplant eyeshadow ($44) and LOTS of eyeliner
♥ Do your eyes first as this colour will drop down!

Bobbi Brown products are available in store, at the official online store or through StrawberryNET (who often don’t have the whole range, but you can pick up some pretty sweet deals through them!)

Neons and Nudes collection available in-store from the 19th Feb, and <online now! Get in quick, as it’s limited edition.

What do you think of the two looks, readers?
Which is your favourite?
Are you keen to play with some Neon Neutral looks?

Written by Jacqui. Makeup artist, Blogger and Bobbi die-hard.

Be well,

xoxo

♥

I am going to start straight off by going out on a tangent and then I will quickly get to the point of this review, which, for the record, is of a few lovely Comvita products. I tend to suffer pretty badly from hay fever in the spring-time months and after a particularly bad bout this year I decided to look into how I could stop feeling like my life force was slowly dripping out of my eyes, ears and nose every time I stepped out of the house. One of the coolest suggestions was from a naturopath who said I should have a spoonful of honey (the real deal kind of stuff) every morning. Apparently the natural pollens and…ah…bee juices (?) would help build up my resistance to the outside world which I believed was trying to kill me.

I thought this woman was a genius, but guess what? Turns out other people have been onto this honey idea for a while. Example; Claude Stratford (aged 63, go Claude!) started the whole Comvita line by making and selling a range of bee products from his home.

His goal, ‘to produce natural products that work, and acting in a way which preserves the environment for generations to come’ is something that I can really get behind, so for the purposes of this review (see I told you I would get there in the end) I tried the Brightening Moisturizer, the Intense Hydrating Mask and the Medihoney Eczema cream.

♥

I don’t think there’s much that’s been left out of the Brightening Moisturizer (RRP $44) – Olive leaf extract, liquorice root extract (for brightening), rosehip, macadamia, sunflower and soybean oils AND shea butter. AND SPF 15. I heartily applaud any moisturizer that has an SPF in it. What an added bonus. This moisturizer is thicker than your average bear but its not greasy and its doesn’t leave a slimy residue, which means you aren’t left looking shiny. I loved it. An instant addition to my use-everyday beauty products.

♥

The Intense Hydrating Mask with Manuka honey (RRP $50) is a very light mask that kind of just looks like a really heavy moisturizer. You can leave it on for a while and then rinse it off or you can keep it on overnight for something a bit more…as the name states…intense. The Manuka honey in the product is there to slow down the signs of ageing by targeting the skin’s elasticity. I really enjoyed it for its hydrating prowess; in these dry summer months this would be a friend indeed for those of you who are feeling the heat! Heaven knows your skin is feeling it too.

♥

I have left the Medihoney Eczema Cream (RRP $13.95) ’til last, because in my opinion it’s the most successful. What I am about to tell you…I do not know why I am publishing this on the Internet, but what the hey it might help others right?

I have one fingernail that I call Howard. It’s my middle finger on my right hand, and up until recently I thought we were going to lose Howard. I thought he was going to fall off. For some unknown, ungodly reason I was getting such bad eczema underneath my finger nail (ew ew ew gross I know) that it was pushing my fingernail (my poor Howard) off of my body. It was awful, it was painful and it was just plain old weird (why only one fingernail?) But guess what? The Medihoney Eczema Cream saved my Howard!

He has rejoined his nine other brother and sisters back where he belongs and things are looking good! I’ve tried many, many different products and I am being absolutely honest with you when I say that this is the first thing to really work. It might be the medical honey or the coconut oil, the evening primrose oil, the aloe vera or the vitamin E present in the product but whatever the magical ingredient I don’t live in fear of having one ugly nail-less finger.

♥ Medical Manuka Honey

The bees and I have been triumphant! Now I cant wait to try that spoon full o’ manuka honey next year when the fever of hay rears it’s ugly head once more…

In the meantime, you can get the three products I mentioned (plus many more) here:

http://www.comvita.com.au/

Have you tried medical honey before? Got some eczema that wont budge? Lets chat about it!

Review by Adriane, Wellness WA contributor & slightly embarrassed owner of Howard.

Be well,

xoxo