MV Organic Skincare

Yes, this will be another beauty product review since I'm currently stuck in a fashion rut and therefore have absolutely nothing worth writing about on the fashion front (I'm hoping this will soon change though).
One of the main things I absolutely loathe about my complexion are the red patches that often appear on my cheeks and forehead, a condition my dermatologist refers to as rosacea which is defined by the Australasian College of Dermatologists as an "inflammatory skin condition often resulting in redness of the face". And although I'm grateful that my case is considered mild, I still have to be careful with what I apply to my face in order to not exacerbate the redness. But after years of sticking to 'safe' products like Cetaphil (pretty much the mildest facial products you can get on the market) I decided that it was time for something stronger.
At the advice of my sister, I decided to go down the organic path since less chemicals = less irritation right? And after hours spent researching the different brands available, I decided to take the plunge with MV Organic Skincare (hey, if it's good enough for Maggie Gyllenhaal it's good enough for me) and ordered their Gentle Cream Cleanser,
Rose Hydrating Mist
and their Rose Soothing and Protective Moisturiser.
The verdict? Fan-freaking-tastic. I've been using all three products for close to a year now and have seen a huge difference in my skin.
The cleanser effectively gets rid of all traces of make-up (something that Cetaphil could never do), the hydrating mist primes my skin for maximum moisturiser apsorption (I also spritz it on my face after make-up application in order for my make-up to last longer) and the moisturiser has actually reduced my facial redness.
I strongly urge those with skincare concerns such as redness, acne, sensitivity or even those who simply wish to incorporate a 3-step system into their skincare regime to give the MV Organic range a go. And for those who prefer to try before buying, there is also a MV Radiance Room in Mosman that offers such treatements as a 1 hour organic facial (I have yet to try this out but can imagine it would be a great introduction to MV products). You can check out their full product range here.

Confessions of a periodic shopaholic

There's not alot I can lay claim to knowing something before the rest of the world catches on. But one thing i will stake my claim upon, is the NOTCOT team with www.notcot.org and (formerly NOTCOT) www.tastespotting.com. These are the sites which kickstarted an interest in all things visual design. I still remember spending a good 4-5 hours during my first visit going through each of the 27 NOTCOT.org pages and it seemed alot even back then. Now at 500 pages, muchos congrats to the NOTCOT team!

NOTCOT was nothing like I'd seen before and it immediately entranced and mesmerised. Aesthetically pleasing yet simple and functional, like those solutions that seem so obvious only once presented to you. Yet as amazing as NOTCOT is, it is still only an idea behind a screen on the other side of the world.

Now enter SPACE FURNITURE store and it was like finally visiting NOTCOT in 3D and I was blown away again. Anyways, enjoy!

Myers: Ralph Lauren Grant $AUD9695

Orson & Blake

Orson & Blake: So very Frenchy chic!

Orson & Blake

Orson & Blake

Orson & Blake

SPACE FURNITURE: feels like i've seen this on Ugly Betty before

SPACE Furniture

SPACE FURNITURE: What a bargain the Poltrona Frau red armchair is at $AUD1100 when decorating your center for ants who can't read good. Both human sized armchair and pricetag are at least 3 times as big

SPACE FURNITURE:love the vivid colours in the lights and bookcase. Not sure whether the egg is a fireplace or a tv

SPACE FURNITURE

SPACE FURNITURE: Obligatory cool Bar decor picture

SPACE FURNITURE: Not sure about all the black velvet but love the last couch.

TOTALS: 0 acts committed at Myers; 0 acts committed at Orson & Blake; 0 acts committed at SPACE FURNITURE; 6 tart acts committed at Bourke Street Bakery.

All kinds of awesome

Aesop's Rind Aromatique Body Balm

I absolutely love indulging in decadent body creams - it's a little luxury I get to experience on a daily basis. And I finally got around to purchasing myself a bottle of Aesop's Rind Aromatique Body Balm which I've wanted to try for a few months. Now I have to admit having recently splashed out on Jo Malone's Grapefruit Body Creme only to find that (although divine smelling) not only did the stuff last a mere 2 weeks but it also didn't keep my skin moisturised for long after application, I was a bit skeptical with pricey body moisturisers (before my Jo Malone purchase, The Body Shop Body Butters were the most expensive body creams I had purchased at $27.95 a tub). But in the end the lovely citrus scent of Aesop's Body Balm won me over and although it may initially seem pricey at $99.50, bear in mind you are getting 500mL for that price as opposed to Jo Malone's $125 for 175mL pricetag. Having used the Body Balm for the past week I must say I am impressed with my skin not once experiencing that dry, tight feeling at any time throughout the day. I now can't wait til I run out so that I can try the equally delicious-smelling Geranium Leaf version! You can check out Aesop's products online here or click here to find your nearest store.

The Observatory Hotel Day Spa

The Observatory Hotel Day Spa is one of the more famous day spas in Sydney and so I was ecstatic to be able to finally experience what the hype was all about. I had booked my treatment 3 months in advance (early reservations are highly recommended as I was told by my therapist that the Day Spa is always busy) and boy, was the experience worth the wait.
The Day Spa is located in the Observatory Hotel's sub-basement and as soon as you step out of the elevator it feels as if you've entered another world thanks to the entrance's dim mood lighting as well as a view of the hotel's amazing pool to your right:

Yes, the blissful experience begins straight away here. Clients who are booked in for treatments lasting 1 hour or more are able to fully utilise the hotel's pool, gym and sauna facilities and this was all explained to me immediately upon arrival by the very friendly receptionist who then proceeded to provide me with with my personal locker key before leading me to the ladies change rooms (btw, I've never been to change rooms that provided a section to hang your clothes as well as amenities such as hairdryers and even Listerine!).
Now onto the treatment: I was fortunate enough to be able to experience The Full Body Facial which is a 3 hour package consisting of a full body exfoliation, macadamia body wrap, Tibetan Temple massage (1.5 hours in total) and a La Prairie hydrating facial (1.5 hours). All up I had two therapists - one who carried out the first three sections of the package and another who performed the facial.
The body exfoliation and wrap left my skin totally supple however I must admit that the Tibetan Temple massage left me quite disappointed (much too short!). Thankfully though, the facial part of my treatment made up for this by beginning with a relaxing back massage.
For me, the highlight of the package was definitely the Hydrating Facial: my therapist kindly explained to me each product she was using every step of the way and I left not only with a whole list of La Prairie products suitable for my skin but also an absolutely glowing complexion. What's more, all clients who purchase a La Prairie product on the day of their treatment receive a 20% discount on the price of their treatment. So being the sucker that I am (especially when it comes to things that claim to make me look younger!) I left with a little goodie =)

So I now understand why so many claim the Day Spa to be one of the top in Sydney. And though pricey, their facials are SERIOUSLY good. Their full list of treatments can be found here - do check it out!