#beauty therapist in Berwick

[julisebeautytherapy]

Beauty Therapist in Berwick

A beauty therapist performs a variety of treatments on clients. This includes facials, manicures and pedicures, waxing, and massage. They also provide advice on skincare and makeup. This career offers a flexible schedule and good pay.

Olier Spa is a beauty salon in London with a team of experienced beauticians. They offer a range of classic treatments, including eyelash extensions and brow lamination.

Brazilian Butterfly Berwick

Brazilian Butterfly Berwick offers the ultimate in beauty therapist in Berwick treatments right here in the heart of Berwick. Their experienced professionals provide super smooth, soft skin and you can book your appointment online any time you like. Whether you're looking for waxing, IPL hair removal and skin treatments or spray tanning, they've got you covered. Visit them today at 5/4-6 Wheeler St, Berwick.

Looking bronzed, hairless and fabulous for the beach? Look no further than Brazilian Butterfly Epping, offering a wide range of services including waxing and spray tans. Visit them today to get the bronzed body you've always wanted! Prices are subject to change.

Studio Soleil Beauty Salon

Whether you’re looking for a quick touch-up or a full makeup transformation, Studio Soleil Beauty Salon is the place to go. Their professional makeup artists have an unmatched eye for beauty and aesthetics and can help you achieve any look you want. They also know how to bring out your best features and enhance your natural beauty therapist.

Studio Soleil is a gender-inclusive salon for all peoples and does not tolerate homophobia, transphobia, racism or xenophobia in any form. The salon is located on the one-way street Forth Street in North Berwick, just opposite the Auld Hoose. It’s only a short walk from the beach, harbour and Seabird Centre.

The salon’s prices are slightly higher than other local salons, but the quality of work and service make it worth the extra cost.

Wellness Oasis

The self-described one-stop shop for a decidedly vast array of offerings, Wellness Oasis offers everything from CBD facials and body massages to venik platza (an ancient Russian bathing ritual that involves getting whacked with leafy bundles of aromatic tree branches). In addition to the typical services, it also houses an ancient Egyptian-themed spa with pillars etched with hieroglyphics and a hammam that envelopes patrons in rejuvenating eucalyptus inhalation steam.

This enchanting oasis is where New York City goes to spa. Located on Governors Island, the spa features over 20 wellness spa experiences that are sure to leave you refreshed and renewed. To make the most of your visit, arrive 60 minutes prior to your treatment. This gives you time to enjoy the exclusive spa pools and relax before your appointment begins. The spa also has a tea lounge and private relaxation rooms that you can use while enjoying your treatment. Guests are encouraged to bring their own swimsuits and towels.

Helen Mulloy Reid

Helen Mulloy Reid is a beauty & holistic body therapist, aromatherapist, make up artist & yoga teacher who offers a personalised well-being service for women, men & teens at her beautiful beauty studio in the seaside town of North Berwick. Her tempting range of beautifully devised beauty treatments include facials, brow & lash services, manicures, pedicures, waxing, massage & pregnancy treatments using carefully chosen organic, natural & vegan product ranges specially designed to enhance your natural beauty therapist Melbourne.

You can book your treatment online at her website and choose from a menu of services that includes manicures, pedicures, nail extensions, waxing, massages, and facials. Prices start at £50 and vary according to the type of service you need. All treatments are performed by Helen in her own beautiful and inviting spa. Her natural calming aura and grounding energy will help you to relax and feel soothed in mind, body and soul. She wants you to be your own kind of beautiful and will help you look and feel fabulous from the inside out.

[purifyskinclinic]

Facials in Melbourne

From acne busting facials to a glow-giving anti-aging treatment, there are so many skin treatments to choose from in Melbourne. Here, we've rounded up our favourites to help you find the best fit for your skin concerns.

Tucked away off Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn is Made by Self, a studio that uses the very best products and potions. Their signature Tailor Made Facial takes your individual skin concerns into account and is incredibly popular.

Made by Self

Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy to help you get the glowy look you’re after or need a little more long-term treatment, Melbourne has a lot of options when it comes to facials.

Made by Self is the kind of place where you don’t have to worry about clinical white spaces or products that require a chemistry degree to understand – this Hawthorn salon blends eastern and western techniques to create unique facials that will leave you feeling rejuvenated on the inside as well as out. They offer a stimulating Gua Sha treatment that works to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation, or buccal massages that tone and sculpt your face.

The cult ’Camera Ready’ facial is their most popular choice, featuring deep cleaning exfoliation followed by a customised serum infusion. They also offer a range of mini and deluxe facials, and they’re all priced at less than $200.

Sense of Self

Located behind a graffiti-splattered door in Collingwood, Sense of Self is a day spa and bathhouse inspired by bathhouses around the world. The brainchild of filmmaker Mary Minas and botanist Freya Berwick, Sense of Self strips back the spa experience to its roots with a 'no bulls**t' approach to wellness.

Taking cues from Roman-style bathhouses, the double storey warehouse Sense of Self is split into a massage and mindfulness studio on the upper level and a modern day spa and communal bathhouse below. The latter houses a large mosaic tiled mineral bath, Finnish sauna and cold plunge pool.

Little Co

Little Co is a boutique spa with a focus on holistic wellness. Its interior is filled with plants and eco-friendly products, and it eschews clinical white spaces in favour of earthy tones.

The ethos is simple: treat your skin from the inside out with a personalised approach, whether that’s improving digestion and liver health or just taking some time to slow down. Treatments are divided into ‘Remedy’ and ‘Ritual’ – with the former a deeply nourishing customised facial that leaves you feeling relaxed, nurtured and empowered, while the latter is a full mind and body experience designed to renew much more than your complexion.

Their Remedy Facials are tailored to your skin type, while their Rituals involve full body massage and meditative soundscapes. They also offer a range of specialised treatments that target specific skin concerns, including rosacea, acne and sensitive skin.

Me Skin & Body

A good facial helps remove dead skin cells, hydrates and rejuvenates the skin. It also eliminates toxins and promotes blood circulation to the skin.

The process helps to reduce acne, blackheads and other skin issues. The therapists will also recommend suitable professional products to use after the treatment to keep your skin fresh and supple.

Facials melbourne are a great way to refresh your skin and feel great about yourself at the same time. Regular exfoliation and massages help to hydrate the skin, prevent premature aging, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

A range of treatments are available at Me Skin & Body, including detoxifying facials, infusions and laser toning. The therapists are friendly and welcoming, and the salon is clean and well maintained.

Miss Fox

In the heart of Melbourne CBD, Miss Fox is a beauty salon, spa and clinic that was awarded World's Best Beauty Salon in 2018 and 2019. With a full menu of luxe massages, facials, manicures, lash lift, spray tan, waxing and more, you're bound to find something that fits your needs.

They offer both prescribed medifacials and clinical-strength spa facials that will leave you looking years younger. Or go for the Divine Rose Gold Facial which utilises 24K gold leaf and organic rose oil to cleanse, exfoliate, massage and finish with crystal healing to rejuvenate your skin.

They also have a pregnancy spa treatment that will help ease your aches and pains, as well as a hens party package that will allow you to get your girls together for some pampering. Don a robe and slippers, enjoy lunch platters, Champagne and indulge in a day of pampering.

[mikeyd1986]

MIKEY’S PERSONAL BLOG 138, January 2019

Developing any new routine or habit takes a considerable amount of time and patience. It doesn’t matter whether you have a mental illness and a disability or not, it’s just simply not going to instantly happen. And this is the logic I have to follow when it comes to building a new routine for myself when it comes to household cleaning tasks and cooking meals at home.

There’s a lot of preparation involved with both of these things plus finding the effort and motivation to physically complete them. But fortunately my occupational therapist Ambika has put together a rough daily schedule to put aside time to do just that. Plus I’ve also got my parents for support when it comes to which cleaning products I need to use and what ingredients I need to buy. So it’s not as daunting as it seems on the surface.

On Monday afternoon, I had an appointment with my occupational therapist Ambika from Everyday Independence. Today I had my first cooking trial and I decided to make Spaghetti Bolognese as it was one of the simplest recipes I could think of at the time. It felt like I was on a cooking segment without the producers, drama and television cameras. Luckily I had all my ingredients stocked and recipe printed out and ready to go. https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/spaghetti-bolognese/335cceba-3913-4172-8a28-44ad7a960ef4

It was helpful to have Mum in the kitchen with me as she was a good assistant and provided some wise safety tips as I was going along like: always lifting the saucepan lid away from you when it’s on the heat and using separate bowls for cut vegetables and any scraps. I think the most difficult part for me is making it a habit to cook once a week and motivating myself to actually do it. But otherwise cooking isn’t too hard for me really. https://www.reluctantgourmet.com/basics/

On Monday night, I had my first small group HIIT class of 2019 with Cinamon Guerin at CinFull Fitness. Like anything you’ve taken a break from, it’s often a struggle getting back into the swing of things but tonight there was nothing stopping this crew. It was a full house tonight and we managed to power through many reps including kettle bell squats, mountain climbers, renegade push ups, overhead presses, star jumps, bicep curls, med ball slams and V-ups.

We finished up by doing a short circuit which included Russian twists, weighted lunges and lifts, battle ropes, kettle bell swings, tricep dips, TRX rows and bicep curls and mountain climbers on synthetic grass. It was a challenging class as always (my form wasn’t the best and my legs were shaking by the end of it) but we all had a lot of fun supporting each other and getting through it together.

On Tuesday afternoon, I had a follow up appointment with my psychiatrist Dr. Ricardo Peralta at Vita Healthcare in Mount Eliza. After receiving the following text message from OPTIMIND last week (Dr. Ricardo Peralta will no longer be consulting at OPTIMIND), I started to worry about whether I’d need to seek out another psychiatrist. But fortunately the reception staff at Vita Healthcare reached out to me a few days ago and informed me that Dr. Ricardo has moved clinics and that my appointment for today was still valid. http://www.vitahealthcare.com.au/psychiatry.html

Mount Eliza is a beautiful coastal town located on the Mornington Peninsula, about 5 minutes drive from Frankston. It’s a relief to know that Dr. Ricardo hasn’t moved too far away from Patterson Lakes and it only takes me about 35-40 minutes to drive to Mount Eliza from home. It’s not very often that I drive down there and it’s always nice to explore a different area once in a while. https://www.travelvictoria.com.au/mounteliza/

Getting to the clinic on time was a stressful endeavour as I ended up cutting through the back streets of Frankston and then had to navigate unfamiliar territory in the heart of Mount Eliza. But I made it there and that’s the main thing. When I arrived, I noticed that both receptionists were super busy taking phone calls but eventually I got their attention. The waiting room was very comfortable with the walls lined with plush two-seater sofas.

I usually get really anxious leading up to the appointment itself but once I’m in that consultation room, I immediately feel more at ease. Today was probably the most relaxed I’ve ever been with Dr. Ricardo, discussing things like increasing my antidepressant medication from 10mg to 15 or 20mg (Escitalopram / Lexapro) and my stress/emotional triggers at work, the times when I get the most overwhelmed and anxious while working in a busy retail environment and still waking up around 3-4am most nights. 

It also helped that he met me halfway, literally sitting across from me in one of the armchairs. This is certainly a noticeable difference compared to most doctors who would refuse to sit in anything but an office chair behind a desk. That image of authority; I’m the doctor and you’re the patient. And his mannerisms showed that he had a down to earth, human side to him rather than the cold and clinical stereotypes often associated with psychiatrists.

It’s amazing to think that in just a few months I’ve begun to really trust and open up to Dr. Ricardo and I feel thankful that he ended up being my psychiatrist. He is very reasonable, understanding and compassionate to my needs. And he was more than happy to increase the dosage of my medication, especially in order to cope and better manage my symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia. 10mg just isn’t quite cutting it.

On Wednesday morning, I made the mistake of increasing my antidepressant medication way too quickly. Within an hour, I was already experiencing some strong side effects such as feeling flustered and feverish in the face, light headedness and blurred vision. Luckily Mum and I were nearby First Health Medical Centre at Casey Central Shopping Centre so I could get checked out.

The receptionist was quick to put me onto the first available doctor who was Dr. David Tai Kie. I only had to wait around 5 minutes or so before he saw me. After explaining that my psychiatrist recommended the dosage increase after starting the 10mg for around 1-2 months, I wasn't prepared for all the side effects jumping straight to 20mg. Dr. Tai Kie recommended that I alternate the doses between 10mg and 20mg over the next week to allow my body to adjust to it. https://www.healthline.com/health/escitalopram-oral-tablet

The receptionist was also very helpful when it came to getting my medical records transferred from Narregate Medical Centre to First Health, as well as informing me what hours Dr. Tai Kie works should I want to see him again. Considering how average I was feeling through all of this, I couldn't have been happier with the level of service I received especially from my first visit. Highly recommend this clinic and Dr. David Tai Kie. https://www.firsthealth.net.au/our-clinics/narre-warren-south-clinic/

On Thursday morning, Mum and I visited the Wilson Botanic Park Berwick. Today I was determined to not let anything ruin my visit here so I had no appointments on and any phone calls and messages from people would have to wait (Sorry, NOT sorry). It was a beautiful partly cloudy 23 degree day so perfect conditions for a walk around. We decided to walk around the Basalt Lake track featuring a boardwalk, large volcanic rocks and a bird hide.

We managed to spot a few turtles and birds around the edges of the lake as well as on the rock deposits and tall grass. We only spent about an hour at the park but that was more than enough for both of us. They had a train ride making regular trips around the lakeside trails with many children and parents on board. I always seem to feel very peaceful and relaxed whenever I’m here, so long as my phone doesn’t become a huge distraction!

On Thursday night, I went to an RPM class with Nicky at YMCA Casey RACE in Cranbourne East. I was feeling so tired this afternoon that I literally dozed off in bed and then freaked myself out a little when I woke up and saw that the time was 4:50 PM. I had to put the air conditioner on high in my car just to keep myself alert driving to Casey RACE. Luckily I managed to arrive there safely and on time for my class. https://www.caseyrace.ymca.org.au/gym/group-fitness

Our instructor Nicky was certainly interesting to say the least. From her dreadful, croaky singing voice to her wild yelling and crazy, infectious enthusiasm, she was far from boring and made the class more exciting. She selected a diverse mixture of older tracks including: Good Time by Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen (RPM 58), Ugly Heart by G.R.L. (RPM 66), Kings and Queens by Thirty Seconds To Mars (RPM 53) and Kick Start My Heart by Motley Crue (RPM 39). http://www.totallylesmills.com/site/rpm

Considering how sleepy and exhausted I’ve been feeling today, I still managed to put in a decent effort today with my workout, hitting an average range of 60-70 RPM and a maximum of 128 RPM. I burned around 348 calories and cycled a total distance of around 18.5 km. https://lesmills.com.au/rpm

On Friday morning, I had an appointment with my Speech Pathologist Amon from Everyday Independence. Once again, I was getting myself really nervous and worked up for no reason at all. I turned the radio on because dealing with dead pan silence is absolutely excruciating and uncomfortable for me. Plus having background music tends to put my nerves at ease. I guess it’s just that feeling of “not knowing” that gets me so worked up because I like to be prepared.

Today we worked on some strategies that can be used to achieve my goals: making new friendships, feeling more confident in social situations and spending more time hanging out with friends. A lot of it was quite hypothetical which is something I find challenging, thinking on my feet and without structure. But it felt good knowing that I came up with a plan going forward with conversation starters, how to interact with other people, what to say and making conversations flow better.

On Friday night, I did my first Restorative/Yin yoga class with Dani Iacovelli at Soul Flame Yoga in Beaconsfield. I think one of my biggest challenges from last year was my reluctance to embrace change and it's the reason why I quickly turned away from Soul Flame Yoga. After practicing yoga at this studio under the name "Just Be Yoga & Meditation" for over 8 years, it came as a rude shock when the studio name suddenly got changed. I couldn't handle it. It wasn't the same for me. And that "fight or flight" reaction took over me. I fled as fast as possible.

But now that I've had several months to process this, I'm willing to give the studio another shot this year. To be fair, something keeps drawing me back there whether it be the location in Beaconsfield, the yoga teachers and students or the studio space itself, which has recently been renovated and redecorated over the last 12 months or so. The colour scheme now includes a soft pale grey, stone grey, khaki green and eucalyptus green whilst still retaining elements of the original design such as the props area and wall unit in the reception area for personal belongings. https://www.facebook.com/pg/soulflameyoga/

Dani was very warm in her approach and immediately set me at ease. She offered the yoga class for free as technically this was my first time at Soul Flame but I was still grateful for the gesture. I have to admit that I was a little rusty on the mat tonight as it’s been a few weeks since my last proper yoga class but I quickly got into the rhythm again.

Dani gave us lots of options tonight and I decided to take many of the prop-assisted variations given how tight and inflexible my joints and muscles were feeling tonight. The poses and movements were did in tonight’s class include: Frog pose, Pigeon pose, Low Lunge, Downward Facing Dog, Lizard pose and Reclined Bound Ankle pose.

I didn’t stick around for the 45 minute meditation afterwards as I was really tired already and felt like I did enough today. I think the most important thing that I gained from tonight is that my fears and anxieties have gently evaporated. I still have a sense of belonging here which is something I’ve been wanting for years, particularly in a yoga studio. It’s often tough finding a place that you feel connected at but Soul Flame Yoga could indeed be the one. https://www.soulflameyoga.com.au/our-story/

“All this running around. Trying to cover my shadow. An ocean growing inside. All the others seem shallow. All this running around. Bearing down on my shoulders. I can hear an alarm. Must be morning. I heard about a whirlwind that's coming 'round. It's gonna carry off all that isn't bound.” Tame Impala - Let It Happen (2015)

“I was raging, it was late. In the world my demons cultivate. I felt the strangest emotion but it wasn't hate, for once. Yes I'm changing, yes I'm gone. Yes I'm older, yes I'm moving on... They say people never change, but that's bullshit, they do.” Tame Impala - Yes I’m Changing (2015)

[rdcspa-blog]

At RDC & Spa, we specialize in providing a complete range of grooming treatments to make you look and feel your gorgeous best. Our qualified Beauty Therapists can take care of all your waxing requirements. With our waxing services, you can reveal your silky smooth and radiant skin with confidence. We pride ourselves on being able to offer truly bespoke services to all our clients. For all your waxing needs in Berwick, Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Beaconsfield or Pakenham, we have the perfect solution for you. Our therapists are efficient, hygienic and trained to minimize discomfort to offer an experience that you would love to come back to.

For Women

Eye Brow Reshaping      $20

Full Leg                            $42

Full leg and Bikini           $60

3/4 Leg                            $32

3/4 Leg and Bikini          $55

Half Leg                           $22

Half Leg and Bikini         $42

Full Arm                          $25

​

For Men

Eye Brows                       $20            

Full back                         $79

Half back                         $42

Chest                               $42

Chest and Abdomen      $79

Half Arm               $20

Bikini                     $25

Brazilian               $50

Full Face               $40

Lip                         $15

Chin                       $15

Cheek                    $20

Under Arm            $18​

​

Shoulders            $34

Full Leg                $79

Half Leg               $37

Full Arm               $42

[zoejonesfan]

Skin Clinic Berwick - Ultimate Indulgence

Ultimate Indulgence Day Spa & Beauty Therapy clinic truly is a one stop destination for all your beauty needs!Once you are in the hands of our highly qualified therapist’s you can be assured of excellent results. To know more please visit at Ultimate Indulgence or call on (03) 56 291 138

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/best-luxury-spas-uk/

17 of the Best Luxury Spas in the UK

Spa days are one of the best ways to relax here in the UK and no matter where you are in the country, you’re never too far from the nearest luxury spa. Here at House Parties, many of our farm houses, cottages and manors come with swimming pools and hot tubs, so you can create your own spa experience in your home away from home. But for those who aren’t staying in one of our pool holiday homes, here is a list of some of the best luxury spas worth checking out the next time you’re away.

1. Harrogate Turkish Baths

The spa town of Harrogate is one of the most well-known tourist towns in the North, and attracts many tourists every year. It’s recognised for its fantastic boutique shopping and its tea rooms, particularly the world-famous Betty’s Tea Rooms. But it’s also known for its wonderful Turkish Baths & Health Spa. A great way to spend the day and fantastic for all ages. The great thing is, there are so many treatment packages available so you can find the perfect spa deal to suit your group/party. With spa days ranging from the Express Pamper to the Turkish Signature Spa Experience.

2. Dormy House, Worcestershire

Dormy House is a favourite in the Cotswolds, offering everything from accommodation and fine dining to a luxury spa that aims to have its guests spoilt rotten from head to toe. The Dormy House Spa is designed as a sensory sanctuary to beautify the body and soothe the soul. And on site, guests will have access to an indoor and outdoor pool area, a blend of soothing therapies on offer, a serene terrace with hot tub, plus a Scandinavian style thermal suite. Spa day packages with unlimited access start from £195. Children are also welcome in the pool between certain hours for those who are travelling with kids.

3. Calcot Manor Spa

The Calcot Manor Spa is set within a cluster of beautiful farm buildings, thoughtfully preserved on the outside and modernised for total luxury on the inside. It features a large indoor pool, a number of treatment rooms, a lounge and relaxation area, plus an outdoor hot tub surrounded by relaxing lavender that also overlooks an open wood fire. It’s pure paradise, and some of the treatments are to die for too. The products used are from the Aromatherapy Associates, so guests can enjoy complete relaxation. Give the 45 minutes Rose Facial a go for beautiful skin and make sure you make time to refuel with the spa’s healthy dishes. Book ahead because the spa is hugely popular with both locals and tourists.

4. Thermae Bath Spa

Perhaps the most famous spa town in the UK is Bath, not only for its historic Roman spa attraction, but also because the city has so much to offer in terms of shopping, sightseeing, food and drink. So you can combine your spa break with all sorts of adventures. As Britain’s original thermal spa and the only naturally warm spa pool in the country, the Thermae Bath Spa is a must. The waters are rich in minerals and are believed to have numerous healing effects on the body. The rooftop swimming pool provides spectacular views of the city and indoors, you will find a wonderful Turkish steam room, an indoor swimming water circuit, a relaxation area and treatment rooms.

5. TOR Spa Retreat, Kent

Treat yourself to a day of rejuvenating treatments and relaxation at the beautiful TOR Spa Retreat in Kent. Surrounded by stunning landscaped gardens and lovely countryside, you’ll feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The property has a fantastic pool, Finnish sauna and steam room. And during your visit, you can help yourself to hot and cold drinks, including herbal teas, chai and Ayurvedic infusions. Every detail has been considered so guests can have an unforgettable spa experience. From the huge selection of books and magazines or the gentle background music to the enticing vegetarian menu, TOR Spa Retreat has left no stone unturned.

6. The Devonshire Spa at Bolton Abbey

This luxury spa retreat is tucked away in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. So if you’re looking to get away from it all, this is the place to come for peace and quiet. The unique setting on the Bolton Abbey Estate means that you’ll have mind-blowing views wherever you turn, and the spa itself features the best facilities you could wish for. Including a whirlpool spa and indoor pool, 5 treatment rooms, a fully equipped gym, steam room and sauna, a Rasul Temple, a ‘Tropical Experience’ shower, a lounge and relaxation zone, and an outdoor terrace with secluded sun trap.

7. Lucknam Park, Wiltshire

This is a venue that impresses straight away. From the moment you arrive, there will be that wow factor. Drive down the mile-long driveway lined with beech and lime trees and you will reach the imposing Palladian mansion. Inside there are over 40 rooms and suites available for guests who want to stay over, a Michelin star restaurant, and a luxury spa with the best facilities. Including a 20 metre swimming pool, a hydrotherapy pool, five thermal cabins, and treatment rooms with therapies using exclusive products from Anne Semonin, Ila and Carita. There is also a gym and fitness centre, plus acres and acres of land which can be explored on horseback if you’re a keen rider.

8. Fawsley Hall Spa

Fawsley Hall Spa in Northamptonshire is one for the spa connoisseurs. Within this striking Tudor estate is a wellbeing centre that has been designed for the most luxurious of treatments and facilities that have been installed to the highest specs. A sanctuary for tired city folk, the Fawsley Hall Spa will revive the body and mind and features a swimming pool overlooking a secret garden, an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, a relaxation room, a steam room and sauna, and much more. The onsite experienced therapists use Elemis products for their beauty treatments, and dining options cover everything from Afternoon Tea to traditional Sunday lunch.

9. Cowshed Spa at Soho Farmhouse

Looking for a bit of exclusivity? The Soho Farmhouse in Chipping Norton is a members’ club set in 100 acres of wonderful Oxfordshire countryside. There are 4 levels of membership that can be applied for via their website. And access to their Cowshed Spa is available for all members or farm guests. Within the exclusive spa, guests can enjoy manicures, pedicures, massages and numerous mud and body therapies. There is also a steam room, a sauna, an ice room and hot tubs. Additionally, there’s a men’s grooming salon so this is the ideal spa for couples.

10. Cameron House, Loch Lomond

This is the perfect place to visit if you are staying in the nearby Stuckgowan House. Imagine a luxury spa with all the workings of a 5 star venue. Now throw in a panoramic lake view that will blow your mind. The spa at Cameron House boasts one of the most spectacular rooftop pools that overlooks Loch Lomond, and guests can also make the most of all the other spa facilities on site. Including the various different treatment rooms, the thermos and hydro pools, and the VIP couples room complete with mineral room, steam bath, and balcony. To refuel, make sure you visit the Spa Café for healthy snacks and light bites.

11. Lime Wood, Hampshire

Lime Wood is a favourite for city dwellers; located just 90 minutes from London by Train, this spa is an easy escape from the capital. Set in the idyllic New Forest and surrounded by wild ponies and wildlife roaming near the grounds, you really will feel like you’ve travelled a lot further. The spa features a rooftop herb garden where you can enjoy peaceful relaxation time, morning yoga or meditation. Onsite, you will find a hydro pool, steam room and sauna room, an outdoor hotpool and a mud house. Plus spa visitors will get to enjoy drinks from the pretty courtyard bar or enjoy upscale dining at the Michelin star restaurant.

12. Archerfield House, North Berwick

One of the newest spas from Sisley is Archerfield House in North Berwick, set on 550 acres of glorious landscaped grounds. Onsite the Archerfield House estate is Fletcher’s Cottage, where the luxury spa offers everything from the Sisley Supreme Anti-Ageing Facial for restoring tone and radiance to the Sisley Body Treatment involving deep muscle relief. You can finish off your spa session with a hot stone massage or by relaxing in one of the private bath huts available. Located in Scotland, just 40 minutes away from the city of Edinburgh, the spa at Archerfield House is ideal for a romantic Scottish weekend away.

13. Elan Spa at Mallory Court

An education in luxury and complete indulgence, Elan Spa at Mallory Court is the ultimate spa experience. Located in one of Britain’s most illustrious spa towns, Royal Leamington Spa. Tucked away in the beautifully landscaped grounds of Mallory and surrounded by trees and foliage, Elan Spa is a secret hideaway filled with sublime, state of the art facilities and treatment rooms. This is the place where people come to de-stress and get away from the noise of the city. Lifestyle spa memberships are also available for those who wish to come back time and time again.

14. Rudding Park

The exclusive Rudding Park in Harrogate is one of the grandest venues in the North. In addition to its fine dining restaurant, rooms and wedding services, it also features a luxurious spa. Offering full or half day spa packages for those in search of some relaxation and serious pampering. The packages include bespoke treatments, access to the spa’s Mind and Sense zones, access to the rooftop pool and garden, and hydrotherapy and thermotherapy experiences. Full days start from just £77.

15. The Treatment Rooms, Brighton

A secret haven set in the heart of a busy city. The Treatment Rooms is a favourite for any spa aficionado. There is no pool but if you’re looking for the best massage around, this is the place to go. Inside, you will find a large welcoming reception and changing room area, 10 treatment rooms, a relaxation room, massage rooms and a retail shop selling sumptuous lotions and potions to keep your face and body looking great at home. There are treatments available for both men and women, so it’s ideal for a couple’s spa day. And massages range from LaStone massage, Ayurvedic Indian Head Massage, Lava Shell massage, Hot Stone Massage, Legology to Oncology massage.

16. The Malvern Spa

The Malvern Hills are a walkers’ favourite and the town of Malvern itself is a charming little tourist hotspot with cafes, tea rooms, antiques and boutique shopping. A great place for a little weekend away with family or your other half. If you’re visiting, make sure you don’t miss The Malvern Spa, a lovely little venue with an ‘outdoor pool area and an endless list of spa packages to suit you and your group. From the basic Relax Spa package and the Discovery Package to the Luxury Hen package and the His & Hers Malvern Spa Experience, this is the ideal place for relaxing with loved ones.

17. The Forest of Wellbeing

The Forest of Wellbeing Spa at The Bicester Hotel is set in 134 acres of spectacular countryside and peaceful landscaped gardens plus an 18-hole golf course. So if you’re planning a romantic spa weekend for two, or the ultimate his & hers day out, this is definitely worth checking out the next time you’re holidaying in Oxfordshire. Spa days offer full use of the facilities, access to the gym, use of the studio classes and a spa lunch included in the price of the package. The spa has a 20 metre swimming pool, a hydrospa and spa pool, sauna room and steam room, foot spas and feature showers.

  If you don’t want to leave your luxurious holiday home then we can help you arrange for beauty treatments to be carried out in the property for you; perfect for a hen party or birthday celebration.

[julisebeautytherapy]

Julise Beauty Therapy in Berwick

Find the best nail salons and beauty professionals near you with Fresha. Read genuine reviews from authentic customers and book an appointment online.

julise beauty therapy berwick provides services like Waxing, eyelash and eyebrow treatments, spray tan, and makeup application and nails. Their team of professional therapists is experienced and certified in their field.

Waxing

Waxing is an effective way to remove large patches of hair at one time. While it can be uncomfortable, the results last longer than shaving and can prevent ingrown hairs from forming.

Before waxing, clients should wash the area to remove any dirt or skin care products, then dry it thoroughly. They should also trim the hair to about a quarter of an inch in length for the wax to adhere to it effectively.

Once the wax is applied, your technician will either cover it with a paper strip or pull it off, depending on the type of wax used. The resulting skin is usually smooth and soft, and side effects such as redness or sensitive areas usually resolve quickly.

Eyebrows

Julise beauty therapy reviews offers a full range of eyebrow services including threading, waxing and brow lamination. While eyebrow threading plucks individual hairs from the brow using twisted strands of cotton, brow lamination is similar but doesn’t remove any hair and instead defines the shape of the brow by chemically straightening the follicles. This process is perfect for taming thick, unruly brows to give them a more defined, brushed-up look.

Julise beauty therapy is dedicated to providing their clients with the highest level of service. The salon follows strict hygiene controls and regularly trains their professional therapists to ensure the best possible results.

Lash & Brow Treatments

Julise Beauty Therapy is a local beauty salon offering a wide range of services including waxing, piercing, brow and lash treatments, spray tanning, make-up applications and massage. They are dedicated to providing the best service possible and have stringent hygiene controls in place to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

Choose a treatment at a time that suits you. Fresha’s genuine reviews and recommendations mean it’s easy to find a top-rated beauty parlour that fits your schedule. Book online with confidence and get reminders in the lead up to your appointment. It’s the smarter way to self-care.

Spray Tan

Julise beauty therapy offers a wide variety of services including waxing, piercing, brow and lash treatments as well as spray tanning. Their team is dedicated to providing their customers with the highest quality service. They ensure this by adhering to strict hygiene controls and ensuring their therapists receive ongoing training. They also provide an extensive range of facials to suit every skin type, from teen acne treatments to deep cleans for normal skin and luxurious facials to celebrate a special occasion.

19 Oshea Rd, Berwick VIC 3185. Australia.

Massage

Whether you’re dealing with stress or an injury, a massage can help. The stroking, kneading and warming of skin and muscles can relieve tension and pain and can also boost your energy levels.

The length of a treatment varies, so it’s important to book in advance. Make sure you leave plenty of time to relax and wind down afterward, too. It’s not a good idea to squeeze in a session while you’re prepping for an important meeting or taking the kids to their after-school activities.

10 Wheeler Street Berwick, VIC 3806 Vagaro Online Bookings

[mikeyd1986]

MIKEY’S PERSONAL BLOG 119, August 2018

On Monday afternoon, I decided to focus on some mental health recovery and self-care by going down to YMCA Casey ARC for a spa, sauna and steam room session. Last week I experiencing a lot of emotional issues which were triggered by my social isolation, depression and craving company from friends. But today I felt like I was more prepared and tried harder to tune into my own solitude. Even sitting by myself at McDonald's Fountain Gate, whilst was challenging and a little uncomfortable, was still manageable. But it’s the only true way to build my strength and independence as a person. https://www.elitedaily.com/life/culture/being-lonely-and-being-alone/1203747

On Tuesday afternoon, I attended an information session for a Leading Platform Assistant, a job I applied for with Metro Trains, held at Cliftons Melbourne in Collins Street. I have to say that I was feeling pretty unprepared for this info session as I was so focused on other things happening in my life like work, dealing with my mental health issues, NDIS planning and an upcoming trip to Dromana. Plus there wasn’t many details in my email invitation as to what would be in store for me at the session. https://au.linkedin.com/jobs/view/leading-station-assistant-at-metro-trains-melbourne-801704675

Clifton’s, which is located on Level 11 at 440 Collins Street, is a conference center featuring a restaurant and several meeting/presentation rooms. It really wasn’t that surprising to see how corporate the environment and other attendees were, several of which were dressed in fancy suits. Today’s session stirred up some emotions in me because change and making decisions are huge triggers for me. I knew that if I continued along this pathway that I would have to somehow juggle my other commitments and that was a really daunting prospect for me.

Sitting in a nearby bakery with Mum, I started to work myself up over the numerous possibilities and what if scenarios around progressing towards getting a job with Metro Trains. The reality is that there are only 35 vacant positions available out of 200 candidates so as expected, this is a lot of competition to be successful. I was asking myself: Am I ready for this? Will I be able to handle having a second job? What if it gets too much for me and I have performance anxiety and mess up? But that’s what my brain does: gets ahead of itself and starts catastrophizing everything.

I need to focus on one stage at a time. The next part will involve doing an online video screening assessment followed by a group interview in a couple of weeks time. There’s still no guarantees but I feel like I’ll regret it if I don’t even try to go for this job. Life is all about taking risks and embracing challenges and while there are many barriers in my way to get there, I’m sure that I can do it. And if I’m not successful, then it’s still good experience to have. http://www.metrotrains.com.au/careers/

On Wednesday afternoon, Mum and I arrived at the Kangerong Holiday Park Dromana. We booked cabin number 16 which contains two bedrooms, a bathroom, a toilet, kitchen and dining areas and a lounge room. After settling in and working out an itinerary of sorts, we explored the main shopping district along Point Nepean Road which features many cafes, restaurants and retail stores. It’s been a few years since I last visited Dromana and despite a few new shops and residential properties being built, it’s pretty much the same. https://www.travelvictoria.com.au/dromana/

On Thursday morning, Mum and I visited the Peninsula Hot Springs in Fingal. You would think this would be a relaxing experience but sadly a lot of things were setting off my anxiety today: getting myself orientated around the retreat, feeling pressured by time, lack of sleep, irritability, impatience, mood swings, the behaviour of other guests (e.g. taking endless amounts of selfies and posing for photos), getting missed calls and messages on my phone, general worries about my life. My brain is so used to making plans and schedules so “relaxing” is actually not easy for me to do.

However, once I was actually bathing in the mineral water, I did have some moments of relaxation. We chose to get the bathing package which includes the Spa Dreaming Centre and Bath Houses with robe, towel and locker hire all included. Something I wasn’t prepared for was the amount of steps we had to climb getting from place to place but it was good exercise for both of us. https://www.peninsulahotsprings.com/experiences/bathe/

We were surrounded by lots of natural wildlife and bushland with a number of ducks, wrens and finches for company. In the afternoon, Mum and I treated ourselves to twin 45 minute facial treatments with two lovely female beauty therapists, Michelle and Eleanor. This was probably the highlight for me as I could spend the time meditating and doing absolutely nothing! We got to experience a range of essential oils, lotions and creams from the Synthesis Organics range as well as some gentle massage into the base of the head, neck and shoulders. https://www.peninsulahotsprings.com/experiences/spa/face/

I think that if I made visiting the hot springs a regular thing, I would be a lot more settled and less worried. The staff were all wonderful and welcoming. On reflection, I think that I got myself really wound up and overwhelmed by all the different options and facilities available that I didn’t know which ones I should make a priority. And also it took a while for Mum and I to navigate around through the bath houses and various baths and pools. But again being my first time, it was a lot to take in and next time it’ll be a lot easier for me to adjust to.

After this, my responsibilities from back at home came down on me like an avalanche. I got contacted by the local NDIS office in Narre Warren to arrange for a planning meeting to be booked. I was so unprepared for this as my head was far away from anything NDIS related. Plus I wasn’t expected to be contacted so soon with the rollout only a couple of days away. Why am I such a high priority? But anyway, it’s probably the most daunting step of the whole process so I’ll be glad when it’s over. http://www.disabilityservicesconsulting.com.au/resources/ndis-planning-how-to

I also had to cancel an appointment to see a sleep specialist in Berwick tomorrow. The timing was off and I really can’t afford to do it anyway. Plus I still want to considering some more natural remedies to help me sleep better at night. Money will always be a huge barrier for me but I know that getting adequate sleep and a good quality of sleep is important so I’m gonna do what it takes to improve on it. https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/insomnia-sleep-remedies/

On Friday afternoon, Mum and I went for a drive (with the assistance of the Google Maps navigation lady) from Dromana to Rosebud to Red Hill. After having a wonderful big breakfast each at Sliced Cafe in Rosebud Plaza, we visited to lavender farm to discover that there wasn’t much there at all besides a restaurant and a small gift shop. Obviously coming to end of Winter, it’s too early for an lavender to be growing but it was still disappointing that there wasn’t even a proper shop there. https://redhilllavender.com.au/

Next we dropped into Peninsula Galleries Red Hill which is located on a beautiful acre property. It’s surrounded on all sides by rolling hills, large towering trees and several different farms and vineyards. The weather was beginning to clear up as we arrived. We had a brief look through the art gallery and had an iced coffee. I was still feeling quite bloated and unsettled after the big breakfast this morning and the change in weather was noticeably affecting my mood and energy levels. https://www.peninsulagalleries.com.au/

On Friday night, we treated ourselves to a night out at The Rye Hotel. Annoyingly, the weather turned again and it began bucketing down as we left Dromana. But in typical Melbourne fashion, it cleared up once again as we arrived in Rye. The hotel borrows a lot of influences from 1920’s Art Deco style with lots of curved architectural features, glass panels and brass furniture. The stunning view from the main bistro area looks out over Nepean Highway onto the beach in the distance. Sitting close to the fireplace in comfy circular-shaped chairs, I ordered the classic beer battered fish n’ chips as well as a slice of mud cake. https://www.ryehotel.com.au/restaurant

On Saturday morning, Mum and I visited the Heronswood House and Gardens in Dromana to finish off our 3.5 day trip down to the Mornington Peninsula. Unfortunately my negative mood made an unwelcome return. At first I thought it was just due to the usual factors like the cold, Wintery weather, not getting enough sleep, daytime sleepiness, hunger pains. But I knew that there was a deeper, underlying cause. I suddenly realised that it’s Father’s Day tomorrow.

This day is such a huge emotional trigger for me when it comes around every year. The absence of my biological Dad and also not having very close relationships to many male father figures in my life always leaves me feeling empty, lost and depressed. Plus it’s really snuck up on me this year as I’ve had barely any time to process it or get organised for celebrating the day with my step-dad. It’s just one of those days I don’t like thinking about.

The other source was the fact that we’d be returning home this afternoon. This has been an ongoing issue for both Mum and myself in which the notion of “going back to reality” is a very distressing one. Not only is it back to reality but it’s back to my to-do list, back to my responsibilities, back to the area in which we live, back to work, back to routine. But the only way to really cope with it is to embrace things that we both enjoy doing in order to balance out the mundane.

The gardens themselves were very impressive: a cross between the royal botanical gardens and scenes from the film The Secret Garden. It contains a large variety of trees, shrubs, palms, ferns, succulents, vegetables and fruiting plants as well as massive pine trees and tangling vines. There is also a garden shop which is run by The Diggers Club and offers plenty of different plants, seeds, garden accessories and ornaments to buy at both retail and members prices.

The Heronswood heritage property was originally built by William Hearn in 1871 in the architectural style of Gothic Revival. It has more recently been converted into a fully-functioning restaurant which serves morning and afternoon teas and lunches. Mum and I decided to order a serving of scones with jam and cream each. https://www.diggers.com.au/our-gardens/heronswood/

“Mother Mary, Please answer my prayers, I want to run free, And I need you to be there. I'm going to take some chances I never took before, I've got to live my life, And I'm gonna risk it all. I look to the sky, And suddenly I know, I've made up my mind, I'm never letting go.” Vanessa Amorosi - The Power (2000)

“I spend my life, trying to do things right but all I do is fall to my face with my hands on my head so many times. But then I learnt, after being burnt to get back up and push straight on stop the tears people move on, on. Well it’s alright to be myself, now I’ve learnt to stand. Well it’s okay to be just who I am. I spent years really hating me, longing to be friends. Now I hope that you can understand. This is who I am.” Vanessa Amorosi - This Is Who I Am (2009)

[mikeyd1986]

MIKEY’S PERSONAL BLOG 96, March 2018

On Monday morning, I went to see Dr. Mah Mah at Narre Gate Medical Center in Narre Warren. I was running late as usual having slept in this morning, that classic Beatles song “A Day In The Life” could be a running monologue to describe most Mondays for me (Woke up, fell out of bed. Dragged a comb across my head. Found my way downstairs and drank a cup. And looking up, I noticed I was late...).

The issues with my ears from the infection to blockage and soreness through the glands and sides of my face was becoming like an episode of Days Of Our Lives (Previously on Michael’s auditory health issues). I was doing everything possible to treat myself, even spending my actual birthday resting up in bed and giving myself regular doses of pain killers and antibiotics. And yet it still hadn’t cleared up or stop hurting.

Being a Monday morning, the waiting room was packed with mum, dads, tradies and annoying screeching children running around (luckily I could only partially hear them). I wished that my doctor could simply prescribe me with a new set of ears (maybe an ear transplant?) but alas that’s not realistic. She advised me to stop taking the Ciproxin ear drops and instead put 10 drops of Waxsol in each ear for the next two nights and came back to see her on Wednesday. I’ll seriously do anything at this point just to get rid of the pain and discomfort. https://1800bulkbill.com.au/medical-centre/narregate-medical-dental-centre

After my appointment, I had birthday shopping to do as it’s my Mum’s birthday tomorrow. Truthfully, I wasn’t in the best state health wise nor in the mood to be shopping but I didn’t really have a choice. Plus it’s my Mum and she’s important to me and I’ll happily put up with an ear infection for her. My first stop was JB HI-FI Narre Warren where I bumped into my friend Tom Armstrong who happens to work at the store. I briefly caught up with him and he helped me out with getting a powerbank. Tom is an absolute sweetheart, no joke!

Next stop was Chemist Warehouse to stock up on my drugs (of the prescription variety of course). I’ve made a couple of trips here recently and now it’s not as daunting and overwhelming as it usually is. I guess you slowly get used to where all the products are located plus it wasn’t that busy. I managed to be in and out within 10 minutes or so. I needed more waxsol drops, cotton balls, a liquid inhalant for my Euky Bear vapouriser and panadeine forte. https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/

Lastly I dropped into a lovely little shop called the Berwick Curtain Nook located inside the Village Arcade and off High Street, Berwick. Whilst I was feeling a little awkward coming here by myself, I pretty much knew what I wanted to buy Mum. I got her a paperback notebook with an elephant on the front, a ceramic ornament with a beautiful inspirational quote and a grey Scottish Terrier ornament.

The lady went to the trouble of wrapping the ornaments in tissue paper and placing them in a bright red gift bag as I mentioned that it was my Mum’s birthday tomorrow. Thankfully it didn’t quite turn into the scene from Love Actually with Rowan Atkinson going overboard with the gift wrapping (Any ribbon? Cellophane? Rose petals? A box? NO THANK YOU!) but my pain threshold wasn’t letting up. However, I was very grateful for her service considering how last minute this was. http://www.berwickcurtainnook.com.au/

On Tuesday morning, we celebrated Mum’s birthday by each having a much deserved massage at Body & Balance in Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre. We decided on getting the oil neck and shoulder massage plus reflexology foot massage and hot stone therapy. The lady did a really thorough job without going too intense in the pressure department. I could actually relax into it even with the noise of the broken air conditioner above me.

I did get myself a little confused though as the lady said something quickly and left the room. I was left there wondering if she was coming back or if I was supposed to go outside the room. I was still feeling half deaf and she was also softly spoken so it was difficult to hear her. Looking at the digital clock on the table, it read 10:30am meaning that I still had another 20 minutes and my massage wasn’t over. So therefore I trusted my instincts, got dressed and met her outside.

Mum and I both reclined back on these circular rotating arm chairs whilst our female massage therapists went to work on our feet. It’s been months since I’ve had a proper foot massage done so I could feel how tense and sensitive they were in places but it was still a lovely experience all the same. The only thing that bothered me was that the massage staff were all having a conversation in Chinese the entire time which I thought was kinda rude. But I decided to let it go and tried to focus on enjoying the massage. https://www.cranbournepark.com.au/stores/body-balance/

On Wednesday afternoon, Mum and I saw Dr. Mah Mah at Narre Gate Medical Center in Narre Warren. I think I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been to the doctors in the past fortnight but now I’m getting over it. Thankfully the pain in my ears has eased up quite a bit and the waxsol drops have helped to soften up the ear wax blocking up the ear canals. So it was a huge relief when Mah Mah could syringe my ears so that I could hear clearly again.

I also decided to get a blood test ordered as it’s been over a year since my last one. She added a FBE (Full Blood Count), Urea/Electrolyte/Creatine, Cholesterol/Triglycerides/HDL/LDL, Glucose, TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) and TES (Testosterone) levels. Over the past couple of months, I’ve noticed that I’ve been having periods of low energy and chronic fatigue so I think a blood test would be really helpful in figuring out what I’m deficient in.

In addition (I literally had a list of things to see her about today, no joke!), I wanted to get the dosage of my antidepressants increased. I’ve been taking Zoloft (Sertraline) tablets at 150mg for about 5 months now and my psychologist recommended that I increase it up to 200mg due to scoring a severe level of anxiety on a recent assessment I did. Plus I have noticed that there are times where the antidepressants seem ineffective when it comes to my mood so it couldn’t hurt to try increasing it.

On Thursday morning, I had my first Employ Your Mind session with my support worker Ally Lamb at Wise Employment Narre Warren. Basically, EYM is “a program that helps build the thinking and social skills that are important for work and other areas of life”. Ally recommended it to be as she knows how much I struggle with communication in social situations and dealing with my mental health issues. http://www.fifeemploymentaccesstrust.com/employ-your-mind.html

The first session was pretty straight forward and more of an introduction to the program. There are four phases in total which each run for 6 weeks with a short break in between. Phase 1 is done individually with the learning coach (Ally Lamb) whilst Phases 2,3 and 4 are run in small groups. We went through what her role as a learning coach is and I also filled in a questionnaire called the General Self Efficacy Scale.

The second part of the session involved the concept of cognitive remediation and going through parts of the human brain (frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, cerebellum, temporal lobe, brain stem). Basically it’s about being able to improve cognitive or thinking skills. Lastly we discussed how mental health issues can affect or impact upon cognitive skills and make it even more difficult to learn, concentrate and retain information. http://www.wiseemployment.com.au/en/community/ndis-supports-and-services/

Unfortunately my ears were still not 100% clear even after I got them syringed/irrigated at the doctors yesterday. It’s hard to explain but they still “feel” blocked even though my hearing is a lot better than it was earlier this week. I could be experiencing tinnitus or that my ear canals are too dry and not lubricated enough. Hopefully it clears up and heals naturally over the next few days.

On Friday morning, Mum and I went to the Morning Melodies social function at the Waltzing Matilda Hotel in Springvale. We were running late (no surprises there!) so we didn’t end up getting to the function room until around 10.45am or so. Thankfully we caught most of the performance though. Today we had Brian Muldoon doing the “Johnny O’Keefe tribute” show. It was partly a history lesson as Brian talked about Johnny’s life back in the early 60’s and 70’s, the television shows we became known for and the downward spiral that followed due to his mental illness.

Brian performed many of his classic hits including Shout!, Sing Sing Sing, She Wears My Ring, So Tough, The Sun’s Gonna Shine Tomorrow, It’s too late she’s gone, The Wild One and She’s My Baby. Most of Johnny O’Keefe’s songs carried a positive, uplifting message to them in order to help people’s moods up and push through the tough times in life. I feel like this is very relevant to the challenges we face in life today. https://www.entertainoz.com.au/listings/brian-muldoon/artist_profile_details

On Friday night, I went to a Vinyasa flow yoga class with Jade Hunter at YMCA Casey ARC, Narre Warren. I haven’t been to a fitness class in nearly two weeks now due to my health problems and being busy with other commitments like my birthday, appointments and my VCAT hearing. However, considering my ears were feeling a lot better, I decided to go back tonight. It’s funny how quickly you miss the gym when you haven’t been for a while.

I also read that certain yoga poses can help to unblock and relieve the pressure built up inside the ear canals so there’s another good reason to do. Tonight was a little more challenging than usual with lots of balancing, twists and binds thrown into the mix. I wasn’t really prepared for all of that nor did I have the flexibility to do everything Jade was demonstrating (Putting my legs behind my head? Yeah right!).

We did our usual Vinyasa flow sequence (Downward Facing Dog, Plank, Chaturanga, Cobra/Updog) plus Standing Poses (Warrior 2, Standing Forward Bend, Half Lift, Chair pose, Reverse Triangle pose), Seated Poses (Boat pose, Staff pose, Wide Legged Forward Bend, Happy Baby) and Inversions (Shoulder Stand, Plow pose). I could hear my ears popping which was a good sign plus my body heated up quite quickly during the class.

Jade does go the extra mile though considering we are doing yoga inside a creche. She added candles, burning incense, beautiful yoga music and some brass Tibetan bowls and chimes to the space which gave it the appropriate atmosphere for a yoga class. https://www.doyouyoga.com/the-perfect-vinyasa-flow-routine-for-beginners-30159/

[mikeyd1986]

MIKEY’S PERSONAL BLOG 35, January 2017

On Monday night, I had my first yoga class for the year at Just Be Yoga and Meditation in Beaconsfield. Walking into the studio, I immediately noticed several new changes to the space including a lime green feature wall, a large om symbol and lotus flower, a new wall unit with incense burning and a few added decorations in the waiting/reception area. It’s good to see studio owner Dell Brown changing things up every year whilst keeping other elements in tact.

In tonight’s class, Michelle talked about making the most of every moment and expecting uncertainty in life. This is something that’s pretty hard for me as I’m a very structured and organised person and I’m not good with spontaneity. Unexpected change is one of my many anxiety triggers but I’m finding ways to cope better with it. Some of the poses and sequences we did tonight include:

Flowing Sequence 1...Standing forward bend, half lift, stepping back into a low lunge, downward facing dog, stepping back into standing forward bend and mountain pose.

Flowing Sequence 2...Three legged dog, knee to nose pose, place knee down in front of opposite wrist and straighten leg out behind you. Lean forwards into pigeon pose.

Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing)...Sitting in a crossed legged position whilst sitting on the edge of a folded blanket or bolster, place your index finger and middle finger onto your third eye and use the thumb and forefinger to block each nostril. Take an inhalation through the right nostril whilst blocking off the left. Next block the right nostril and exhale through the left nostril. Repeat this process by inhaling through the left nostril with the right blocked and exhaling through the right nostril. http://www.artofliving.org/au-en/yo...

On Tuesday morning, Mum and I attended a local walking group at Balla Balla Community Centre in Cranbourne East. The weather was generally quite humid and overcast with short breaks of sunshine. We walked down Berwick-Cranbourne Road alongside the lifestyle aged care facilities and then turned right into Casey Fields. We had a good chat catching up on the Christmas holidays and plans for the new year.

I was trying hard to remain in the present moment by focusing my attention to the scent of the newly mowed grass, the people playing tennis on the courts and the sound of the birds chirping in the trees above. Walking is very good for increased mobility through the lower body especially and clearing the head of negative thoughts. http://www.ballaballa.com.au/progra...

On Tuesday night, I attended my first Body Combat class for the year at YMCA Casey ARC in Narre Warren. I was feeling really dazed and out of it waiting to go in and unfortunately I don’t think my body was ready for tonight’s class. Still I managed to push myself regardless with the complex series of jabs, uppercuts, hooks, knee lifts and kicks. It’s a really tough mixture of martial arts, karate and boxing with high intensity cardio. 

Being my second time doing this, I evidently struggled to keep up with the movements and missed a few reps but like the Energizer Bunny, I was determined not to give up. My goal is to improve my fitness levels and to lose weight, however long it takes. My instructor Cinamon Guerin really encouraged everyone to keep pushing themselves through the dripping sweat and physical exhaustion. 

It felt good that she actually recognised me after the class. Even though I’ve been going to group fitness classes for nearly three months now, it still takes a lot of courage to walk into that class and not get caught up in thoughts of self-doubt. I still shit myself sometimes but it’s definitely worth it. https://www.lesmills.com.au/bodycom...

On Thursday morning, I went to my first Body Balance class for the year at YMCA Casey ARC in Narre Warren. I’ve honestly missed going to this class and it’s been several weeks since I last went so naturally quite a few of the poses we did were quite challenging for me but I did my best. I also have enough self-awareness to know how limited my flexibility and balance is so I can only do so much with my body and I really don’t want to hurt myself. 

Today’s class involved the following exercises: Tai-Chi warm up (Overhead circles, side-to-side flow), Balancing (Tree pose, Dancer pose, Eagle pose), Yoga (Downward facing dog, Warrior 2, Lunge), Pilates (Climb The Rope, Bridge pose), Core/Flexibility (Bird pose, Seated spinal twists, Forward fold) and Relaxation. My instructor Wendy Lynne Perrow is always very accommodating and lenient when it comes to these exercises as everyone is at different levels of fitness. It certainly puts my mind at ease walking into her classes.   https://www.fitnessfirst.com.au/fin... 

On Friday morning, I had my first massage in over a year at Relax Beauty Nails & Laser Clinic in Narre Warren South. In the past, I’ve always been really self-conscious and nervous stepping into a beauty salon, probably because I hated my body and I couldn’t handle somebody else touching it. Now I just have to put my trust issues aside and remind myself that a massage therapist is a professional and I have nothing to worry about. 

Today, I still had moments where I had to force myself to relax by taking some deep breaths in and out during the massage but for the most part, I managed to sit still for it. There was some beautiful Asian and Indian music being played during my hour session so naturally I was getting very sleepy. Thankfully, my therapist didn’t engage in much small talk with me, so I was able to enjoy the silence and feel comfortable having tension released from my joints and muscles. http://relaxbeautyclinic.com.au/nar... 

Lately I’ve been realising the importance of self-care and this year I’m going to commit myself to having a massage once a month. Like my positive affirmations, I need to remember that I do deserve to give myself a break and that I am worthy of pampering myself once in a while. I try to meditate once or twice a day and do things that I enjoy such as reading, adult colouring, listening to music and taking a relaxing bath. http://au.reachout.com/what-is-self... 

“I’m high above the world. Why should I feel pain or feel alone? To be protected like a simple boy. If I choose to let you down. Begin to know. You’re free to go.”                  Karnivool - Simple Boy (2009)