Lotus Day Spa

I've had the wonderful opportunity to visit two day spas recently that I've always been keen to try out and as promised to Belle, have decided to post about the experience.
First up was Lotus Day Spa located in Bondi Junction Westfield where I was spoiled with a Pure Bliss package which included a full body exfoliation, full body mud wrap, aroma shower and 30minute massage. Having only ever been for facials and never for any kind of body treatment, I was nervous about having to strip down in front of a total stranger however my (female) therapist was so professional that about 1 minute into my 1hour and 40minute treatment I was totally at ease.
The exfoliation and wrap left my skin feeling silky smooth however the highlight of the package was definitely the aroma shower which I got to experience twice (once after the body exfoliation and once after the mud wrap) and oh how I wish showering every day could be an experience like that! The aroma shower consisted of lying down in an enclosed 'body capsule' with only your head exposed while gentle jets of water sprayed down onto the body. Ahh, pure bliss indeed...
If I could have changed one thing though it would have been to have a longer massage - 30minutes was much too short! However this was a great introduction to my very first professional massage and I now understand why people make regular (legitimate!) massages a necessity in their busy lives. HIGHLY addictive.
I think the great thing about this place is that even though it's located in a busy shopping centre, once you step inside you are in a totally relaxing atmosphere which is enhanced by the friendliness of the staff. So do check out their website for a full list of their treatments and packages.
Next up, The Observatory Hotel Day Spa.

Cheap Retail Fix

I often need a little pick me up and I realised from a very young age that nothing makes me feel better than a little retail therapy. Yes, contrary to my boyfriend's hopes and dreams, buying things has the potential to make me deliriously happy.
And nothing makes me happier than bagging a bargain. I used to frequent stores such as Sportsgirl and Dotti for cheap, up-to-the minute fashion thrills but is it just me or are Sportsgirl styles becoming a bit too 'out there'? And Dotti just annoys me now as they continue to plug the Kate Moss/Sienna Miller bohemian trend.
So I'm thrilled at having discovered Forever New - cheap, fashionable clothes that don't have a Valleygirl feel about them. And after spotting a chick clad head-to-toe in the spitting image of one of the catalogue outfits in the middle of Pitt Street, it seems others have discovered the awesomeness of this brand too.
So be sure to check out your nearest store should you feel the urge for a cheap retail fix. I did this morning!

An Oldie But A Goodie - Longchamp Le Pliage

If I only had a few hundred to spend on a bag I would without a doubt choose the Longchamp Le Pliage. Ok, so it's made out of nylon (with cowhide leather trim) but so are alot of Prada bags and they run into the thousands. Plus the truly great thing about this totally roomy carryall (which comes in over 5 sizes) is that it folds up into a flat little rectangle making it the perfect travelling companion.
And great news for Sydney-siders - a new Longchamp store is set to open in the Queen Victoria Building adding to their boutique in the MLC Building (which isn't even open on Sundays!). A smaller range can also be found at Hunt Leather stores and select David Jones and Duty Free stores (see here for a full list).
I'll take a pink one thanks. And maybe a red one. And I've been wanting to get a blue bag too.. =)

Falke Hosiery

Every winter I am on a constant hunt for the perfect pair of opaque tights - ones that are thick, solid black and most importantly do NOT sag down your legs as soon as you start walking. Having tried a whole range of brands such as Kolotex, Voodoo, Wolford, Leona Edmiston, Jonathan Aston and Target, I thought perhaps it was because I was purchasing the incorrect sizes that was causing my stockings to constantly sag (and how horrible is it seeing someone adjusting their hosiery on the street!). But after trying average to extra-large and everything in between I was beginning to become resigned to the fact that perhaps saggy stockings were just a fact of life.
Enter Falke hosiery and I finally think my woes have come to an end - opaques I am finally able to wear for an entire day without having to pull up! I think I am in love...
Unfortunately, this is a German brand and does not have any stockists in Australia but luckily My Tights is able to satisfy all my Falke needs with their huge range of stock (also available at Net-A-Porter but shipping rates are much more expensive there). And unlike alot of the other size charts I've encountered for hosiery, the ones provided by My Tights are very accurate so be sure to check it out in order to obatin your correct size.