Greta Zita
14.09.2012
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Friday, 7 September 2012
WIT's Baby Fridays: Pregnancy pampering
Throughout my pregnancy I've been paying extra attention to the products I used in my body an skincare regime, avoiding GM ingredients, synthetic colours, fragrances and parabens. In the last couple of months I've been trying ad testing a few selected pregnancy body treatments from the makers of my favourite beauty products. I hope you will enjoy this honest account of my experience and that you or a pregnant friend of yours gets to enjoy one of these amazing treatments.
What?
Pre Natal Treatment
Where?
ESPA life at Corinthia Hotel
For who?
For your friend that deserves a little more than just a massage
How much?
90 mins £165
Tell me more...
This treatment is a pampering and nourishing full body treatment designed to target areas prone to stress and tension during pregnancy, so don't expect "just" a massage. It all kicks off with an in depth consultation with your therapist(which I found really useful as I get a bit nervous about pregnancy treatments and want to know that the right moves and products are applied). This is your chance to tell your therapist if you've had any aches and pains and if there are any areas of your body you want her to concentrate on. Throughout there is a real sense that this treatment is being tweaked to your needs. Then you sit up on a large bed, propped up with as many pillows as you need (which I found really comfy as I haven't been able to lie on my back late in pregnancy because I get dizzy)and a gentle body exfoliation is followed by a nourishing full body massage using a fabulous combination of oil and a moisture-rich body mask which leaves your skin feeling completely soft and rejuvenated. Finally, my favourite: a truly relaxing mind and body scalp massage using their famous Scalp Mud.
Products I loved:
I'm a huge ESPA products lover and have been using the Nourishing Body Oil throughout my pregnancy. Other products used in the treatment that I loved are the Pink Hair and Scalp Mud, Exfoliating Body Polish and Replenishing Face Moisturiser.
That little bit extra...
I loved the changing rooms: you get your own private corner with mirrored dressing table, locker and shower + access to a full range of ESPA products. It's a bit like being in a 1950's Hollywood movie set with marbled floors, sumptuous chandeliers and just about the biggest shower heads I have ever seen. When booked in you also get access to the "chill out" room decked out with your own private couch cubicle, fire place, duvet and blankets where you can snuggle up and.. fall asleep!
Nit picking...
A huge spa facility spread over four floors (most underground), so not for you if you are looking for a cosy day lit experience. Some of the floor decor is a bit masculine for my taste. Treatments are expensive so make a really good gift if you are a group and wanting to treat a friend.
Verdict:
You just won't want it to finish so soon
9/10
Contact
What?
Ultimate Rose Pregnancy Massage
Where?
Aromatherapy Associates treatment rooms
For who?
For you! To kick started your first week on maternity leave
How much?
60 mins £90
Tell me more...
I love AA product philosophy and that's what drew me to trying out a treatment herein the first place.
In their BATH, BODY AND SKINCARE they do not use:
- Mineral or sulphonated oils which can block the performance of the essential oils
- GM ingredients
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
- Petrolatum
- Propylene Glycol
- Synthetic colours or fragrance
- Parabens
- Ingredients that have been tested on animals – and we don’t test our finished products on animals
- Animal derivatives, except for silk and beeswax, which are animal by-products.
I opted for a classic pregnancy body massage and it was a gorgeously relaxing experience, like a big calming hug. This massage is designed to "relieve stress and tension, ease the heavy feeling that can come with pregnancy, and help ease an aching back. Finally, a relaxing and rejuvenating full scalp and facial massage will complement this top to toe treatment". In the initial consultation the therapist tailor-makes the treatment targeted to your own individual needs starting by letting you choose the body oil used for your massage. She'll let you smell three different scents (without telling you what they are, but all completely safe to use during pregnancy), this because you are supposedly drawn to the essential oil your body actually needs. I went for rose oil, nourishing and regenerating. The therapy rooms are small and cosy, you get propped up with pillows and covered with luxe duvet.. and then get ready to fall asleep. I did!
Therapist:
Christina
Products I loved:
I loved the nourishing smell of the Renew Rose Massage and Body Oil used in my treatment which also left my skin feeling very soft. During my final scalp massage Christina also used a dash of De-Stress Frankincense Pure Essential Oil which was really fresh and regenerating. I ended up buying it because I thought it would have an uplifting effect during labour and added to my hospital bag.
That little bit extra...
After my massage I was invited to chill out in the relaxation area, while I was served complimentary black rose tea and savoured rose and cream macaroons, raisins and roasted almonds... Felt totally spoiled! Also I love it when you leave a treatment with a few samples to try at home. I was given a cute little box with products recommended by my therapist.
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| My lovely post-massage pick me up |
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| Samples to try at home |
Nit picking...
A little on the expensive side, wish it was £20 cheaper so you wouldn't think of it twice before booking.
Verdict:
8/10
Contact
What?
Calming float for mother-to-be massage combined with float
Where?
Elemis Day-Spa
For who?
The pregnant lady that loves body treatments
How much?
1hrs 45mins £150
Tell me more...
The first thing I want to say about this treatment is that pregnancy/position wise it was the most comfortable one. Getting a massage when you are heavily pregnant is a completely different experience than when you don't have a huge bump. For once you can't really lie flat on your back because your baby will press on your lungs and make you feel dizzy , so getting comfy can be really trick as you have to keep on moving from side to side and prop up with pillows. At Elemis they had a huge bean bag on the floor (so no trying to get up and down a high bed) which shapes up around you, divine! So I was really at my most comfortable. The treatment entails a "Nurturing full body massage followed by the deeply relaxing Frangipani Body Nourish Dry Float where you sink down into the warm dry floatation bed that allows you to experience the almost weightless state known as passive immersion, inducing complete relaxation of the joints and muscles without getting wet".
Therapist:
Jenny
Products I loved:
I loved the subtle smell of the Exotic Frangipani Monoi Body Oil used for my treatment.
That little bit extra...
You don't really get any extras per se but you are truly taken care of from the moment you walk in and you get a real sense that the therapist are experts at what they do. I loved Jenny's ways and her knowledge about the treatment and the products she used on me. Getting massaged later on in your pregnancy can be a little uncomfortable but I felt totally at ease and in experts hands.
Nit picking...
I must admit I didn't love the floating experience, mainly because I couldn't get comfortable lying on my back. I would love to try it again as non pregnant as it must be amazing, but during pregnancy I would recommend just the massage which was probably my favorite of all. Also the overall decor of the SPA is in need of a modernsasition as it looks a bit dated.
Verdict:
Must have been conceived by a pregnant woman it's so perfectly comfy
8/10
Contact
What?
Great Expectations
Where?
Bliss Spa
For who?
The indulgent pregnant lady that loves chocolate (me!)
How much?
75 mins £122.60
Tell me more...
This treatment does exactly what is says on the box. Described as a "bump-friendly version of the beloved Blissage75 that uses massage techniques and Mama Mio products to help maxed out mommies-to-be relax while relieving 40-week woes like tired miscles, tension, swelling, overstretched and itchy skin, and sluggish circulation."
Therapist:
Elodie
Products I loved:
I didn't love the Mama Mio massage oil they used on me but as you probably know by now I'm a huge Bliss Spa products lover, so if you happen to be in store here are some of my fav buys (which I actually picked up for a friend on the day).
That little bit extra...
Oh where do I start! First of all it's worth getting to Bliss Spa a little early to use their changing room facilities. There are huge showers and you can use a wide range of their body and skincare products. Then as you wait in the "blue room" for your thereapist you are presented with cheese and bisquits platter and offered the best bite size chocolate brownies you will ever eat. I just LOVE the concept of choc brownies at a SPA. True bliss! I also love the music selection in the treatment rooms, a mix of Nora Jones, Etta James, Jack Johnosn... there's no new age nonsense at Bliss it's just all so tongue and cheek at Bliss you just can't resist it!
Nit picking...
The beds are high, short and narrow, not great for getting comfy with a bump.
Verdict:
9/10
Contact
Friday, 31 August 2012
WIT's Baby Fridays: 7 days of style with Isabella Oliver maternity wear
Back in June I tweeted this pic as I was in hair and make up getting ready to film a little surprise... and finally I can reveal all!
I spent the day at the fabulous offices of the Isabella Oliver HQ and for one afternoon I got to play dress up with a rail of amazing clothes that I then styled with my own accessories. Being now at the end of my pregnancy and looking back at it I must say I've had a lot of fun dressing up the bump. So pregnant ladies please don't be put off by it and trust designers such as Isabella Oliver that have put in real work into designing flattering, comfortable and stylish clothing for your pregnancy. I hope you enjoy watching this video and listening to my tips as much as I did doing it and that you find some inspiration on every day maternity looks!
Click here to watch my full "7 Days of Style"
If you are in the early stages of pregnancy and looking to invest in a few key pieces to take you through the winter ahead, take a look at my column on my "Top 5 maternity essentials"
Click here for the full lowdown
Friday, 17 August 2012
WIT's Baby Friday: Something I've been waiting for...
A little while ago during Christmas in July press shows round, I went to the gorgeous showroom of the Early Learning Centre where I got the privilege to get a sneaky preview of Jools Olivers collection for Mothercare, Little Bird. "Celebrity collaborations" aren't always my cup of tea, but this one really is of a different kind, so tasteful and pretty. Jools designed an oh-so-sweet range of baby clothing and nursery furniture I found myself wanting virtually everything in the collection.
"Launching in both UK and international stores from 17th August 2012, the new collection will include nursery bedding and accessories, newborn and children’s clothing aimed at babies and children from 0 to 5 years, and original gifts suitable from birth to 3 years. The new collection features a unique mix of high quality, affordable pieces with an eclectic and timeless look and feel that reflects Jools’ love of nostalgic yet modern collectables."
I haven't been this excited about a collection hitting stores since the Marni and HM collaboration! After a long wait, here is a little preview of what I saw on the day.. I love the little gift set, perfect for newborns.
There is a little something for everyone, for the mother to be and for great little gifts and everything is available from today at selected Mothercare stores (find one near you here) and online at www.mothercare.com
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| How cute is this nursery? |
This morning I hit the Marble Arch store for a little preview and the gorgeous Oliver family were all there for the official opening: dad Jamie, mum Jools and their their four beautiful children. I had a chat with Jools who told me this has been a two years in the making job, so she is obviously really proud of the result. I went a little mad and bought two huge bags of things...
Here's what's in it...
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| I love this soft laundry basket perfect to collect all your ready-to-be-washed baby clothes £34.99 for two |
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| I'm getting this monitor for my friend's baby £20 |
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| This door stop is one of my favorite things £16 |
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| Perfect gift box for a new born: hat, slippers and a little rattle all in a chic lunch box |
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| This bambi was the inspiration behind Jool's collection £12 |
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| I also love this set of cot sheets for later on from £15 |
Watch this video from behind the scenes
Monday, 13 August 2012
Putting my "heels" up
Ciao girls!
Don't worry, no baby yet but I am taking a break from daily photo updates for a while. My baby is coming soon and I have a lot of work to get done before I do, so little time to upload photos and do posts. I will still be around on Twitter (@WITblog) with great shopping finds, little updates and posting my WIT Baby Friday. See you soon.
Love,
Laura x
Monday, 6 August 2012
My first Olympic moment
There's a little something called London 2012 going on at the moment and although I didn't express much interest in it at first, ever since I watched the opening ceremony I've been an avid (tv) spectator. We've managed to find some last minute tickets for and Italy and a UK volleyball match so today I'm cheering for both my countries! So much fun.
Warehouse jersey dress, Prada ba, Converse high tops
Friday, 3 August 2012
WITbabyFriday: 8.5 months.. it's all about comfy
By the time you are 34 weeks pregnant you will find that you are desperate for clothes that fit. And by fit I mean clothes that contour your body, that you are able to stretch, sit, walk and put your legs up in. I've literally been craving for a simple, black, jersey skirt that I can wear with a variety of different tops and shoes and I found it in the perfect Isabella Oliver skirt. I never thought I would wear something quite so body-con but not only is it one of the most comfortable things I've worn in months but it's also super stylish.
One of those things you must try to believe.
Petit Bateau top, Isabella Oliver skirt, Prada sandals, Smythson bag
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| A ruched maternity skirt, designed in Isabella Oliver signature jersey to ensure a flattering silhouette at every stage. This easy care style looks fabulous teamed with an array of tops for endless looks – wear as a strapless dress for double the versatility This style works particularly well during pregnancy, the 4th trimester and beyond. |
A breton top a stylish bag and a cool pair of designer flats totally jazz up this staple skirt- here's how I would break it down
Thursday, 2 August 2012
Louby fabulous
Ok so not quite mad crazy heels but probably the most fabulous flats I own. Thank you Christian Louboutin for putting a smile on my face! x
Denim dress, Christian Louboutin flats, Smythson bag.
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
I'm having a...
..."if I weren't pregnant kind-of-day"!
And if that were the case I would be wearing heels! I miss heels! Mad, towering, cool, leg enhancing, fabulous heels! I would wear a simple navy dress (like this shot from The Sartorialist, my ultimate favorite) and one of these craaaazy pair of sandals topped up with the glossiest pedicure. So bored of flats...
From a selection at Net-a-Porter
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Think of me in 6 months time...
Yes because when it'll be snowy and cold outside, and you'll be flicking through your December copy of RED, think of me on this July day compiling your very special Christmas gift guide. I'm having the time of my life flicking through countless Xmas look books, trawling the Internet for up and coming gifty website and finding the best gifts you can possibly think of. It'll be fab. Wait for it.
Monday, 30 July 2012
Seeing spots and hearts
Here's a little something I bought last week I wanted to share with all of you. The first drop of the fabulous J.Crew collection has just landed on net-a-porter.com so get it before it goes! I absolutely love this heart jumper, can't wait to wear it pushing pram next winter ;-)
Marni dress and belt, Smythson bag, RB ballerinas
More fab J.Crew buys from the US website:
(loving the spots themed week)
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