Monday, May 27, 2013

BB is so 2000 and late - CC is the new kid on the block

I've blogged about BB creams before here. The difference between BB and CC creams is subtle–CC generally stands for “color correcting” or "complexion correction" and the products are meant to address issues like redness or sallowness (usually with light-diffusing particles), whereas BB creams are like a light foundations with added skin benefits.



I'm keen to try this latest offering from Clinique. I remember Clinique products since I was a little girl as my sister is a loyal fan and used them religiously.


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Confessions of a Mumzilla -Mumnesia


I used to be one of those people that could remember everything. Since becoming a mom I have become incredibly forgetful .  I recently enrolled in an Advanced Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine and the first exams and assignment was due in on the 15 March 2013 . The day Dhiyana turned 3 months old. In retrospect I don't know how I did it - mostly at typing and studying at an angle while breastfeeding , Trying to complete my assignment while battling a Pinterest addiction ( I still can't shake it). Thank goodness for a super supportive and helpful Hubby (that's how I are did it) .

The day before I had to hand in the assignment (it was finished the week before ) she just didn't want to sleep - think she knew .It was like she knew I would be out the next day . She only fell alseep at 00:30 (after trying many things) and I woke up at 3:00AM, pumped some milk , spilled half of it on our previously-very-snazzy-presently-sporting-toys-and-silly-baby hats couch and at 5:00AM I made my way to Pretoria. 

In my world Pretoria is exceptionally far and I hate driving there. It fills me with dread and anxiety.  I think I have some weird kind of agoraphobia associated with the N1 highway. It's like the anxiety had my heart in a vice. People on the highway were probably wondering why I was driving at a snail's pace on the highway in a sporty BMW. Don't laugh!

 I made it through two days of this sleep-deprived torture and the exam seemed to go remarkable well (let's not be humble here I  knew everything and breezed through the paper) . Those MCQs were no match for me. Fast forward one month during a casual conversation with another doctor who also wrote the exam. She mentioned how shocked she was about the 20 mark essay question on the treatment protocol for acne. The what? In my universe that question didn't exist . I didn't see it - where the hell was it? I felt so stupid and wondered what was happening to my brain. My husband has taken to calling me MCQ's (and pointing and laughing). 

I am super proud as I got 99% ( wonder what I did wrong) and I passed the exam ( and I would have gotten a distinction if I hadn't left out that question). 

In terms of this "Mumnesia" thing it actually is a documented phenomenon ( so it isn't just me).

The "mumnesia" phenomenon was studied by researchers at Boston University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who concluded that post-natal forgetfulness can be put down to four main factors: Priorities, pain, hormones, and fatigue.

Breast-feeding also increases the time women suffer from this forgetfulness because it circulates hormones which help mothers relax and promote a "mellow, mildly unfocused feeling". Apparently this sort of thing lasts for 12 months - but there is a bright side.




Researchers at Yale University and the University of Michigan took brain scans of 19 women's brains two to four weeks after giving birth and again three to four months later. Each mother was also interviewed on both occasions about her experiences as a parent.
The results of the study show part of each mother's brain grew considerably between the first and the second brain scans. The structural changes occurred mainly in the prefrontal cortex, parietal lobes and the midbrain. 




Monday, May 13, 2013

Aura Thai Spa Review



After a particularly harrowing week I was wearing the look of a well-worn new mom. I need a facial and perhaps a decent pedi and in my line of work you do need to look the part. 

I called on Saturday and took a chance ( I was actually trying Sinzinani but the main reception couldn't transfer me). I got through to Ketsiri (the owner of the spa) and she was so friendly and super helpful and she somehow found an appointment for me at 9:00 AM on Sunday morning. When I got there it reminded me so much of a spa we visited daily when we were on holiday in Koi Samui two years ago. The facial went well but was not extraordinary. Maybe I am a fussy pants and also then again I compare every facial to my amazing Decleor facial experiences that I used to have at Rocher Beauty. 

We started with a complimentary foot soak and scrub and then got on with the facial ( I chose an adult deep cleanse). I was extremely relaxed and I think I may have nodded off a bit! The pedi was also done in the same room so no need walk around after the facial. 

I also decided on to not have a paint done on my toes - I just wanted to give them break. The foot massage was just what I needed. I was surprised at the end of the treatment to get some complimentary nommies. Also Ketsiri said that if there was anything I was unhappy I must let her know as all she wants are her clients to be happy.She also said that if I change my mind about the pedi paint I should just come through the next day and they will do it at no charge. 


The next weekend my husband went for the sports massage (after much convincing). He hasn't had a massage  for two years ( since Thailand) so I thought it would be a cool treat. After the massage he was offered some warm ginger tea and spring rolls with a small fruit salad. He has already booked another massage for next week! He also told me to pick whatever massage I would like and he will treat me (Score!). I think I will go with either the hot compress or thai aromatherapy ( a review will follow either). I would recommend the spa for massage treatments but I'm not completely sold on their facials yet.


Khob Khun Ka Ketsiri for the lovely ,warm service and genuine care that you and your therapists have for your clients.



So for a warm, friendly and pampering experience  give Aura Thai a try - have a look at their fabulous website or just call to make an appointment - 





 
The complimentary nommies. 


Comaro View Shopping Centre
Upper Level
Shop 19C (Soon to join up with Quintessential and move to Meyersdal)

Cell: 082 499 1396
Tel: 011 432 6830 / 011 055 0005
Mail: aurathaispa@gmail.com

Mon, Tue, Thurs & Fri: 9:00 to 21:00
Sat - Sun: 9:00 to 19:00
Public Holidays: 9:00 to 19:00
Closed on Wednesdays

Update: The hubby and I recently went for a couples massage at Aura Thai. Fabulous experience - I didn't take any pictures as I thought I just want to relax and enjoy the experience. You really are pampered - ginger tea and tropical fruit snack pre-massage. There after you are led to a big couple's room (decor is amazing and the lighting is dim and cozy so you feel very comfortable). Traditional Thai style massage on flat plinths. Gosh it just remined me so much of Koi Samui. Afterwards you have some nommy satay chicken and ginger tea. Service is great, the staff are friendly,respectful and accomodating I would definitely recommend any of their massage treatments.



Saturday, May 4, 2013

Confessions of a MomZilla - Toys, Toys Glorious Toys!


I think I get more excited about my baby's toys way more than she does. I know I'm not the only one. I am particular fond of the cool bath toys I got her and I am currently fixated on getting her " luminous stars" (bath toys that light up).