SIX SENSES SPA - NOVEMBER PROMOTIONS

Six Senses Spa, Symphony Hotel, Salmiah, Tel : 2577OO777

BALI MANGO AND RIO RUMBERRY BODY CREAM AT BATH & BODY WORKS

Two new limited edition of exotic smelling body creams, Bali Mango and Rio Rumberry have arrived in the latest collection at Bath and Body Works. I loved the way both felt on the skin. The fragrance from the cream leaves you smelling fabulous. 

Bali Mango comprises of juicy mango, rich sugarcane and luscious nectarine. Rio Rumberry consists of a blend of tropical berries, fresh papaya and warm vanilla blossoms. Both creams contain moisturizing complex of milk protein, hydrating rice bran oil and acai berry extract.

MOISTURIZING AND ANTI CELLULITE JEANS FROM WRANGLER

Wrangler's Denim Spa  has introduced a line of  skinny jeans with  "moistuizing and "slimming ingredients". It's reported that proven skincare ingredients rose hip oil, retinol, caffeine and shea butter are integrated directly into the fabric and dried in an oven. These are called "cosmetotextiles". When these skinny jeans are worn, they will make the skin silky smooth and allegedly reduce cellulite. The three different finishes in skinny jeans by Wrangler are infused with one of three ingredients: "Aloe Vera" to soothe sensitive skin, "Olive Extract" to moisturize or "Smooth Legs" with special formula of algae extracts, retinol and caffeine to combat cellulite. 

These moisturizing and anti cellulite ingredients in the jeans are claimed to last for 15 days (four to six washes). Not to worry, spend some more money and reload sprays are also available, which can be sprayed on the jeans to maintain the fabric's potency. The jeans sell for $150 on asos.com . Wrangler is said to have road-tested the jeans on 160 women. Apparently after 4 weeks,  69%  of them reported that the "state and appearance" of their thighs had improved. Lizzie Jagger, 28 (Rock star Mick Jagger's daughter), who already has good genes and slim legs modeled the brand for Wrangler's campaign ad. "After a day wearing Denim Spa, my legs feel great. They come out feeling more silky than usual," said Lizzie Jagger in the promotional video.

Dear weight loss aspirants, you can wear slimming outfits, sure it would aid you to look a bit slimmer, it's your choice what clothes you wear, but the absolute truth is you still have to make that lifestyle change, eat less, eat healthy and exercise to lose weight which will also help you get a healthy radiant skin. Personally I enjoy splashing a beautifully fragrant moisturizing body lotion on after a shower. 

CASHMERE FROM BATH AND BODY WORKS

Last evening, while at Marina Mall, I dropped into Bath and Body Works. They had this wonderful smelling 'Cashmere' range of body lotions, fragrance mist and  scrub. I am not sure if they have the shower gel. When I tried the 'Cashmere' body lotion, I loved it instantly, the enticing smell and the softening effect it had on the skin. The body lotion comprises of shea butter, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E. The fragrance of the body lotion is more towards  woody/orient note. It comprises of a blend of golden peach and shimmering vanilla with soft cashmere musk which give out a lovely fragrance, that lasted on my skin for over 6 hours. The moisturizing effect of the lotion is meant to last 24 hours. Try it out, its very different from any of their other body lotions.

BATH AND BODY WORKS - BODY BUTTER

Basically most of the variety of body butter available at Bath and Body Works feels really good on the skin - very nourishing and moisturizing . The only thing then left is choosing a body butter for it's fragrance . And what I liked the most are Black Amythest, Je t'aime, Sweet Pea and Japanese Cherry Blossom.



WOMEN AND MULTITASKING

Women are naturally good at multitasking -  be it at work,or at home taking care of  home, husband and children. I feel most women are comfortable and happy with multitasking. If she is taken for granted or ends up doing more than she should be without any help from her husband or a housekeeper, it can be pretty taxing, especially if she has no time for herself or for socializing or spends her weekends trying to catch up with unfinished work during the week. It's amazing isn't it when a lady returns home after 8 hours of work( let's not forget time taken for commuting, or stopping at supermarket  to do the grocery), she has fresh work awaiting her - taking care of children or their homework, cooking and probably lots more. She has no magic wand but sometimes she has to live life as if she has one, making everything possible, ensuring everyone's needs are met and pleasing everyone around her.

When a lady who is multitasking whole week, feels stressed or unappreciated or feels she is trying to do so much and racing against time, it's time to slow down, ask for husband's help or designate some of the work to a housekeeper if that's financially affordable. Think of ways to reduce the work at home. It's important to take care of one's diet, personal needs and sometime during the day or end of the day, have some time to relax everyday to replenish lost energies, socialize, go out with the family to park, beaches, shopping, game or movies. It's important to spend quality time at home with your husband and children, find time for things you like to do or a hobby,  rather than mechanically just doing routine work before you hit the bed. Be sure your happiness and well being count. It's so vital for a lady to be happy and healthy so she can appreciate and enjoy her life. So take whatever positive action it is to ensure multitasking does not lead you to neglect yourself or add more stress in your life.

VASELINE LIP THERAPY FOR DRY LIPS

The skin on our lips does not naturally create it's own moisture layer or sebum to keep the lips nourished. That's why lips tend to become dry and cause chapping. Lip balm or lip salve is a waxy substance applied on the lips to prevent dryness, to keep it soft and provide protection against wind, sun, cold and dry air. 

There are a huge variety of attractively packaged lip balms available in the market, and one would just pick up a lip balm that is tempting, heavily advertisement or that promises a great outcome. Its important to check the ingredients on the label to make sure the lip balm does not contain anything harmful. Avoid lip balms that contain phenol, menthol and salicylic acid. Go for organic or petroleum based lip balms. Petroleum keeps moisture in lips. Shea butter lip balms are good as well. 

I came across this wonderful lip therapy by Vaseline containing petroleum jelly that comes in beautiful little retro tins. I picked up the cocoa butter flavor by Vaseline from a supermarket in Victoria Center in Birmingham. It's more towards greasy than waxy, but works really well for dry dry lips. They are light, small and easy to carry (pocket size). They are also available in easy to use sticks as well, which are waxy but non-greasy. Don't wear a lipstick over it, as the true color of the lipstick won't show. I have been using mine for the past week and I am quite happy with the results. They are available at 'Boots'.

DETOX AND EXERCISE WORKSHOP AT SIX SENSES SPA HOTEL MISSONI

Yesterday I attended the 'Detox and Exercise' workshop at Six Senses Spa in Hotel Missoni. The workshop was conducted by Mr. Ezequiel Ventura, who shared some really interesting information on Detox and Exercise. He explained that we need to detox to remove the toxins that accumulate in our bodies through, air, water and even the food we eat. Six Senses Spa offers a one day or four day detox program, that would include fresh fruit and vegetable juices, herb blends, massages and exercise tailored to detoxify one's system. Benefits of detox would help release toxins from the body, feel refreshed and revitalized, tone, carry out acid purification, aid evacuation, get good sleep and speed metabolism. Detox would make you feel lighter, more energetic, give you better skin and improved health. This is to be followed by a conscious lifestyle change which means healthy eating and exercising for optimum health.  He stressed on the importance of including raw food in our daily diet.

Mr. Ventura talked about the benefits and importance of physical activity which should either be 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise 5 days a week or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise 3 times a week. He said how important it is to lose fat and gain muscle and increase muscle strength. People who are more active have lower risk to cancer, diabetes, strokes, hypertension, osteoporosis and depression which are life style diseases. And for weight loss aspirants, his advice was to eat healthy from all food groups, avoiding too much oil and sugary stuff, consume less calories, and exercise, and definitely you can lose excess weight. It's essential to include strength training, work out the whole body and don't try to lose more than 2 kg a week. Another important advice was not to fall prey for pills and diets that promises to help you lose weight fast and how dangerous liposuction can be and the best and safest way to lose weight is follow a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Mr. Ezequiel Ventura is a certified and well qualified personal trainer at Six Senses Spa who can guide you through a personalized exercise program suited for you to keep fit, lose weight or both. Six Senses Spa also has a number of therapeutical programs such as health, holistic, weight loss, stress relief, detox, energizing, relaxation and beauty programs you could avail of; all carried out by well trained therapists and staff.

Concact Six Senses Spa, Hotel Missoni, Salmiah at 25770077

Ezequiel Ventura

Six Senses Spa

Products by Six Senses Spa

Waiting Area prior to beauty/massage therapies

HOW IMPORTANT IS GOOD LOOKS

 When you think of good looks, does your mind bring you pictures of  beautiful models, movie stars or celebrities? Or people who are naturally endowed with good looks because of their genes or even ethnicity?. What is good looks according to you? Experts believe good looks is important especially in the business world and in your personal life. Now don't let this statement scare you or put you down....because anyone can actually look good. And you know 70% of what we give out to the world is outer expression which is non-verbal, but speaks so much about ourselves. So appearance does matter. If you dress sloppy, or wear clothes that are too creased or too loose or too tight or unclean , worn out or which does not fit you correctly, and your hair isn't clean or too dry, or greasy or full of dandruff - well, it does give out the wrong message. If you don't feel good from within, it shows on the outside as well.  It does not matter which country you are from or what your skin color is or whether your hair is frizzy or straight. You don't have to be 'born good looking', anyone can look good. How? ...Well, let me share some simple open secrets...follow them and then see, how good you are going to feel about yourself and how positively people will see you too.

1. Get a good haircut that suits your face and physique. Ask your hairdresser to give you tips on easy ways to style your hair.

2. Take a shower daily. Wash your hair with good shampoo frequently and style it in a simple, easy manner that looks presentable. Use a deodorant or even an antiperspirant deodorant for the underarm. Nothing worse than a smelly underarm that gives out horrible odors that suffocates others.

3. Take care of your skin with a good cleanser and moisturizer daily, that suits your skin type. Once a week, use a scrub and mask for your face to clear away the dead skin and keep your skin glowing.

4. Eat right - Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet, avoid greasy and sugary foods. Junk food spoils your skin. 

5. Exercise. When you sweat, your body rids itself of toxins. 

6. Drink 8 ot 10 glasses of water. Avoid coke, aerated drinks and packeted or bottled juices.

7. Don't dress sloppy, get some good clothes that compliment your skin and height and that is appropriate for your age and even weight.

8. Don't wear smelly, soiled or creased clothes to work. It just gives a terrible message. It's not that hard to wash your clothes, keep them fresh smelling and  iron  your clothes.

9. Don't keep repeating the same outfit for several days. 

10. Ladies can wear a bit of makeup to enhance their looks and bring out their features.

11. Make sure you wear the right footwear which is  neat and comfortable. Keep your footwear clean and don't wear dusty or worn out footwear to work.

12. Take care of your nails. Keep it clean and neat at all times. Your nails say a lot about you.

13. If you are overweight, work on reducing your weight. It shows you care about yourself. And believe me, when you lose weight, you will look fabulous and people will treat you differently.

14. If you suffer from low self esteem or depression, you may not feel encouraged to work on your outer appearance. Do some meditation to calm your nerves, work on your inner problems. Don't let emotional or mental stress prevent you from taking care of yourself. 

15. Keep a cheerful disposition. When you think and behave positive, you begin to glow on the outside and life offers you more than what you expected.

16. When your spouse enters the house, besides the comfort of a home, he or she would love to see a well groomed, clean and neat partner.

17. Don't forget to love yourself and give yourself credit for the wonderful, unique human being you are!

HOW TO PREVENT BODY ODOR

Summer has arrived and this means perspiration when you are outdoors. No perfumes and deodorants can prevent body odor. It's important to take a daily shower, but sometimes besides all the hygiene one would observe, some people end up being disappointed about body odor that would tend to develop during the day. 

Our bodies sweat in order to regulate the body temperature at 37 degrees. Our nervous system sends strong messages when we are nervous or excited, which makes the sweat glands produce a lot of moisture. We also sweat when we are out in the heat or when we exercise. And that's unavoidable.  Interestingly, sweat is actually an odorless liquid produced by the sweat glands in different parts of our bodies, like the armpit, feet, hands, chest, face, legs and genitals. The odor is produced when sweat comes in contact with bacteria on the skin surface. 

Try to consume less of garlic, onions and ginger and spices which are body odor contributors. Hormones in meat and diary also contribute to body odor. Zinc is a miracle mineral. Researchers in UK have found out that 30 mg of zinc (via supplement or food) will help defeat body odor, boost your immunity, it's good for your eyesight, fights hair fall, improves the quality and texture of your hair and skin and even lessens PMS symptoms in women. Would you believe 6 oysters provide 76 mg of zinc at once!

Here is a list of foods that contain zinc and include the ones you like in your diet and experience better health and keep body odor at bay.

* Chicken

* Turkey

* Salmon

* Sesame seeds

* Almonds

* Peanuts

* Pumpkin seeds

* Cashew nuts

* Pine nuts

* Sunflower seeds

* Shell fish (crab, lobster, clam, mussels)

Tips to fight body odor :

* Use antibacterial soap for armpits during shower

* Shave your armpits to reduce build up of bacteria

* Try to wear cottons and linens during summer to help the sweat evaporate

* Avoid coke, consume less coffee (stick to one cup a day), eat less chocolates.

* Change your clothes in case of excessive sweating. 

* Clothes begin to smell, and continue to give a foul odor after they are dry, even if  you just wore them once but sweated in them. Don't wear the clothes you sweated in, till they are washed. 

* Consume supplements or food containing zinc

* Shower after exercise / gym

* Try to consume least amount of garlic, onion, ginger and spices

*Use a non alcohol based and aluminium free antiperspirant deodorant (aluminium in antiperspirant deodorants have been suspected to promote breast cancer tissue and alzheimers)

* Visit a doctor if after all the hygiene and care, you sweat excessively and there is persistent body odor to rule out any medical cause.

WHAT'S YOUR SOUL FOOD?

Your body houses your spirit and your soul. Your body is like a vehicle that has to be given the right fuel for its optimum performance, so you can experience good health emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. 

Healthy food choices  would enliven you, energize you, make you perform your best and uplift your spirits not momentarily, but you feel a sense of power, clarity of thought and you have ceaseless energy for the day. And deep inside you feel great as the food has also nourished your soul. What are those foods?...they are no secret. They are all around us in supermarkets and grocery shops, in our refrigerator, in the markets.

Let me for the first time write down  my choices of soul food

1. Oranges

2. Dates

3. Strawberries

4. Spanish black olives

5. Farmland Haloum cheese

6. Salads (using fresh vegetables and salad leaves)

7. Mint

8. Basil

9. Watermelon

10. Banana

11. Almonds, cashewnuts, peanuts

12. Fresh Milk

13. Steamed or grilled vegetables

14. Tea (one cup in the morning), Coffee (one cup in the evening)

15. Mango and Mango juice 

Soul foods will never let you down like junk food. They will not lead you to put on weight; in fact eating soul food makes you mindful of what you eat and help you overcome food addictions. They give you nourishment, vitamins and minerals. They give you good health.  When you think of  your list of soul food, what comes into your mind?

UTOPIA SALON AND SPA

UTOPIA SALON & SPA had an elaborate stall at the recently held WHITE EXPO, 360 Mall. I spoke to the Owner, Mrs. Nadia Al Mussallam and she explained about the variety of interesting beauty, hair and nail treatments they had. Before I elaborate on that, I have some good news for parents and children. They have personalised  Princess party themes for girls, when you wish to hold a birthday party or celebration for your daughter and friends. Utopia  staff would come over to your home and bring along with them all the necessary equipment and do the hair and nails of your daughter(s) and their friends and make them look like Princesses! Doesn't that sound fabulous!

UTOPIA SERVICES:

HAIR: They have various hair treatments with fresh fruits, herbal treatment and hair masks to cater to specific needs and types of hair. They also have Indian Hair treatment that includes fruit massage for your hair, followed by hair wrap in banana leaf. Low lights and highlights are also offered.  

FACIALS: They offer Gold, Diamond and Pearl facials besides the regular soft facials and fruit facials. They also have the Bamboo facial that uses thin bamboo sticks.

FEET, HAND AND NAILS: They have various Spa Manicures and spa Pedicures, nail treatments and Nail Art.

MASSAGES: Specialized body massages are offered. They also have Bamboo massage using special bamboo wood for a relaxing and rejuvenating massage.

FEATHER EXTENSIONS FOR HAIR: Beautiful feather extensions  (natural rooster feathers from USA) are offered, either 4 feathers or single, just like how  famous celebrities sport in their hair . Once the feather extension has been fixed along with you hair, you can have them on for 4 months and even wash them and they would look the same. If you want them removed, you can always go back to Utopia to them removed.

Do visit UTOPIA Salon & Spa for a wonderful experience. They have warm, friendly and well trained staff.

Location: Jabriya, Street 4, Behind Royal Hayat Hospital, Block 3A, Al Masaaken Complex, Block 1 First Floor

Contact: 25358883

Here are some pictures I took at the UTOPIA Salon & Spa stall at WHITE EXPO

Celebrity style feather extensions for hair

Natural Rooster feather extensions for hair from USA

Special gift hampers for ladies that has personal care products

The larger bamboos are used for 'Bamboo body massage' and the small thin bamboos are used in 'Bamboo facial'

Exciting nail art is offered for young girls and ladies

Princess look with Tiara with braided styles

Braided style as part of the princess look

LAILA GALLERY SPA - SPECIAL OFFER FOR WOMEN

LAILA GALLERY SPA located in LAILA GALLERIA MALL in Salem Mubarak Street, Salmiah has a special offer for women and they are 5 different beauty treatment summer packages you can choose from to relax and destress during the summer. Contact them on 1840555 and schedule an appointment to visit the place and select an offer that suits your needs.

Timing: 10am to 12 midnight

Tel : 1840555

Offer valid: 14th July to 24 August

LIPFINITY FOR LUCIOUS LIPS FROM MAX FACTOR

MAX FACTOR has introduced 'LIPFINITY' Lip Tint for dramatic signature  lips! Available at Marina Mall, Salmiah.

MANICURE KIT AT MARKS AND SPENCER

Tired of being busy? Would you like to treat yourself to a Manicure?. Here's  a fun Manicure kit called

 'Busy but Beautiful', available at Marks and Spencer outlets (Salmiah and 360 Mall).

MOOD RESCUE FROM MARKS AND SPENCER

An exotic and sensuous blend of 'Ylang ylang, Patchouli and sweet Orange', mood rescue personal care products are available at Marks and Spencer. They are available as Hand and Nail Cream, Hand and Body Lotion and Body Cream. Whatever you may chose from the Ylang, Patchouli, Orange combination shown above, you are sure to enjoy the lovely fragrance that will uplift your mood and also give you a softer skin.

ECO FRIENDLY EARTH LOVERS SHOWER GEL FROM BODY SHOP

A Range of various fruit and herb Earth Lovers Shower Gel at Body Shop

Apricot and Basil Earth Lovers Shower gel

The sales lady testing Apricot & Basil Earth Lover shower gel on my hand. 

BODY SHOP believes in reducing environmental impact by introducing eco-friendly products. Earth Lovers Shower gel is 100% biodegradable in two ways:

* The packing (shower gel bottle) is 100% biodegradable

* The shower gel content itself is a non-soap base, eco-friendly product, as it washes down the plug hole, causing no harm to the environment.

They do not contain sulphates, parabens or colourants and come in 100% recycled bottles. Earth Lovers Shower gel is available in exotic fruit and herb scents and also a fragrance free one.

- Watermelon & Eucalyptus

- Pear & Lemongrass

- Apricot & Basil 

- Cucumber & Mint

- Lemon & Thyme

- Fig & Rosemary

- Unfragranced 

When I was at the Body Shop, I was introduced to their Earth Lovers Range of Shower gels and they all have a beautiful fragrance. After the saleslady tested the shower gel on my hand, it left my skin feeling soft with a pleasant fragrance. Earth Lovers shower gels are available in all Body Shop outlets.

65% of Body Shop outlets in UK use renewable energy as a part of their drive towards being eco concious and eco-friendly. 

PEDICURE - A TREAT FOR YOUR FEET

One the most relaxing things I personally enjoy is a PEDICURE! Love getting a pedicure done once a month. When it's done by a caring professional, it can do wonders for you. Whether you are a home maker or a working lady...you deserve a pedicure, to relax your tired feet. And when your feet is immersed in some nice warm water with bath salts, your nails cleaned and trimmed, feet and legs downwards from knees get good cleansing, scrubbing, followed by a luxurious massage for your feet and lower legs (knee downwards), and perhaps a paraffin treatment for dry skin, well, you would truly feel great, totally rejuvenated. Oh... and you get to choose what polish you would to be applied to your nails. A tip to remember is when the salon attendant or beautician is carrying out the pedicure procedures on you, please don't think of your problems, or pending work or all those 50 to 100 things you need to attend to, or about some negative person who irked you. No...just totally relax, enjoy every moment of your pedicure till the very end. Oh by the way, a pedicure should last 45 minutes to an hour. The massage should be long and relaxing, not a quickie. And then go home and admire your beautiful feet, go out wearing  lovely open sandals or flip flops and your feet is going to look great. I visited N-BAR at 1st floor, Galleria 2000, Salmiah near Sultan Center. . I didn't take any pictures from the inside  as the whole place was filled with female clientele and it's important to respect their right to privacy as all of them were receiving their beauty treatment.   Though I didn't use N-BAR's  services yet, I did speak to the staff there. They have an interesting variety of Manicures, Pedicures and Nail treatments and Specials. They are open 10 am to 10pm, 7 days a week. Tel : 25757540

What a beautiful colour - just perfect for the summer