Nourish your body – receive 10% off a purifying reflexology treatment

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Summer has arrived and nothing feels more nurturing than happy, pampered feet!  So put a spring back into your step and nourish your body with a purifying and bespoke reflexology treatment.

Reflexology not only soothes tired achy feet, but also restores the body’s natural equilibrium, inducing a deep sense of relaxation and creating harmony with oneself.  A perfect way to grow and cleanse, the body and mind for those summer months ahead!

Reflexology  works on the principle that reflex points on the feet correspond to every organ, gland and area of the body. By working on the feet, this stimulates the thousands of nerve endings and reflex points to revitalise and replenish the mind and body, so energy flows more freely and boosting the bodies self healing process. Thus, at a physical, mental and emotional level a person becomes more balanced and as reflexology has a accumulative effect, benefits will be most noticeable after four to six weekly sessions.  All treatments are adapted to suit individual client requirements.

(Reflexology 10% off, valid until 21st July 2016)

Happy feet equals relaxed body and mind, so be good to yourself!

Mairead x

Why I love being a Vegetarian

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For me being a vegetarian is truly exciting, full of amazing pulses, grains, an abundance of colourful fruit and vegetables, and exciting flavours and textures.  Whilst I have a library full of cookbooks, I find it  a tad difficult to completely follow a recipe and always have an urge to add my own twist!  So I enjoy nothing more than experimenting!

Growing up I was lucky to have a diet was full of lots of fruit and vegetables and I enjoyed nothing more than helping my Grandmother in her vegetable plot or perhaps helping myself to lots of the pickings, especially delicious ripe fruit!  My Mum always cooked everything from scratch, with many wonderful vegetarian dishes, especially lots of curries.  So as kids she had no difficulty in getting me and my sisters to eat a diet full of fruit and vegetables.  Although we also had our fair share of naughty…

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Nourish your senses – Grapefruit essential oil

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This month I’m going to explore the wonderful refreshing and uplifting essential oil of Grapefruit.  It is one of my many favourite citrus fruits, both to eat and use in a massage or a body lotion blend.  Perfect to awaken the senses first thing in the morning!

Graperfuit grow in large bunches,  on a glossy leaved tree with white flowers and the oil is mostly obtained from Israel, Brazil and USA.  The oil is expressed from deep within the peel of the Grapefruit and can range in colour from yellow through to orange/green, yielding a small quantity of oil in comparison to the other citrus oils.  It is widely used within food, cosmetics and perfumes.

Due to its balancing effect on the central nervous system Grapefruit can be beneficial during times of stress and anxiety and help stabilise depression.  It soothes the body and helps relieve headaches, migraines and premenstrual tension and may help with some of the effects of jetlag.

It is also an excellent lymphatic stimulant, nourishing tissue cells and helping to rid the body of excess water retention and build up of toxins.  It’s diuretic effect could help with cellulite.  A combination of Grapefruit, Fennel and Juniper essential oils make an perfect cleansing blend to detox the body.  Regular massage is the most effective way to improve overall skin tone, helping with flabby skin and stretch marks.

Grapefuit is known for its amazing cleansing properties, aiding the kidneys and vascular system and said to be a liver tonic, improving secretion and function.

It can be a beneficial oil for those taking part in regular sport activity, in treating stiffness and cramps in muscles, as it helps with the release of lactic acid in the muscles, therefore easing muscular aches and pains.

Within skincare it is a particularly good oil for balancing oily skin and treating skin conditions such as acne, resulting in an overall clearer complexion.

Precautions: can cause skin irritation if exposed to sunlight after application. Avoid during                                     pregnancy.

Blends well with: Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine,                                                               Lavender, Palmarosa, Rose, Rosewood and Ylang Ylang

Mairead x

 

 

 

 

Nourish your body – deep tissue massage

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Many of us are so focused on how we look on the outside that we completely forget about our inner wellbeing.  Taking time to nourish and pamper ourselves through regular relaxation results in outer radiance.  Which is why regular massage offers an amazing way to relax and rejuvenate, creating balance and harmony within our mind, body and spirit.

With today’s demanding lifestyles and free time becoming a luxury we only seek to have a de-stressing treatment such as a massage when suffering from a huge build up of tension within the body.  The old saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ has never been so appropriate .  Therefore it is important that we listen to our bodies and integrate some form of relaxation into our lives, such as a regular massage and other forms of ‘down time’ we enjoy.  This means we a less likely to suffer from ongoing muscular tension, high stress levels and mental exhaustion, which we all know can lead to ill health.

So if you find yourself suffering ongoing muscular tension and continually ‘stressed out’, then look no further than a  deep tissue massage, with the added bonus of aiding complete relaxation.

We are all in charge of our own bodies, what we put in is what we get out. So be good yourself, it will thank you for ‘me-time’!

Mairead x

Sugar and spice and all things nice – Hot Cross Buns

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During Easter who doesn’t love the spicy aroma of freshly baked hot crossed buns.  I much prefer to make my own and yes I know it is a bit of work, but so worth the effort. The difference in taste to commercially bought is miles apart, also much more rewarding and I know exactly what goes into them!  I have been making this particular Paul Hollywood recipe for a few years now and find it works beautifully when I don’t take my eye off the ball!

This recipe is from one of his older books ‘How to Bake’.  I have tried many recipes from the book, although mostly bread with good results.  If your into making bread or pastry I would definitely recommend purchasing  this book.

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These hot cross buns are packed with flavour and the addition of Apple gives a nice moist texture.  I have swapped one of the…

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Nourish your senses – Bergamot essential oil

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If you have ever sipped Earl Grey Tea you would have tasted a citrus smoky flavour, which is the unique aroma of Bergamot. It was first sold in Italy and named after the Italian city of Bergamot, used in beverages and toiletries, especially Eau de Cologne.

Citrus Bergamia is a 15 ft tree with long green leaves and white flowers.  The essential oil is squeezed from the peel, which resembles a nobbly looking lime, using the distillation method.  It demands a special climate and soil, usually grown in Italy and Morocco.

Bergamot is a light, refreshing and uplifting oil with floral overtones.  It is used for skincare, digestive complaints, urinary tract problems and emotional challenges.

In skincare it has antiseptic and healing properties to benefit acne, eczema and oily skin conditions, especially when linked to stress.  Bergamot can be used in a compresses for infections and boils and excellent for cold sores, when combined with Eucalyptus.  Note, strong sunlight should be avoided after use, as skin may burn and can irritate sensitive skin.

It works well on the digestive tract, aiding conditions such as indigestion, flatulence and loss of appetite.  A drop of Bergamot can be added to black tea.  A valuable oil for urinary tract infections such as, cystitis and other bladder problems.

In massage, Bergamot is a wonderful oil which can be used as a sedative, yet uplifting, making it excellent for any emotional problems such as, anxiety, depression and nervous tension.

Blends well with: Chamomile, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Juniper, Coriander, Cypress and Eucalyptus.

Mairead x

Nourish your body – Sleep Awareness

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We all know the vital importance of a good nights sleep in boosting your mental wellbeing. Continual poor sleep can have detrimental effect on our lives.  This can result in us feeling constantly tired, suffering from poor concentration/co-ordination, irritability, and generally feeling low, making us unable to function properly and carry out important daily tasks.  This can be dangerous in certain jobs which require good concentration.

I am one of those lucky people who has generally no problem getting off to sleep and can get back to sleep easily when (or if!) I wake during the night.

However this was not always the case.  Previously suffering from depression and severe anxiety this resulted in me having an extremely poor sleep pattern.  In fact some nights I got no sleep at all and others a few hours when at my worse.  I then developed an anxiety around not been able to sleep.  It was a vicious circle I was in and needed to get myself out of it, as my health and wellbeing was really suffering.

Once I began to get myself back on track, my sleep  started to improve over time.  I gradually taught my brain to switch off at bedtime and fill it with happy thoughts.  I told myself bedtime is for sleeping and nourishing my body in preparation for daytime and I realised that worry is such a waste of precious time and energy.  I now try to fill my life with things which make me happy and smile, leaving very little time for worry!!

Here are some of the things I found  which helped me personally.  Each persons situation is individual, and it is important if there is a reason for you not sleeping well, it is tackled or resolved if possible.

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Spring Offer – Receive 10% off a bespoke aromatherapy facial

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With the first signs of Spring underway, it is time to shake off those Winter blues and enjoy in the delight of what Spring has to offer.  With longer days and an amazing display of colourful flowers, providing a ray of sunshine!  So why not put a spring back into your step and take advantage of this seasons special offer.

Spring clean your skin with a nourishing bespoke Aromatherapy facial, to boost dull and de-hydrated skin, providing a pick-me-up after drying winter conditions.  A regular facial is a perfect booster to your daily skincare routine, helping to restore, replenish and nourish the skin, resulting in a fresh glowing complexion.  Of course not forgetting some ‘me-time’ to escape!

This facial includes, a hand, arm and scalp massage, with the little extra comfort of hot facial towels.  Each treatment is adapted to suit individual client skincare needs, giving optimum benefits.

(Bespoke Aromatherapy Facial – offer valid until 22nd March 2016)

Mairead x

Nourish your body – sore throat and laryngitis remedy

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With the change in seasons many of us can feel under the weather with colds, coughs or viral infections, especially a sore throat or laryngitis.  I personally find the use of essential oils in steam inhalation and  chest rubs or having hot drinks are the most effective remedies.  Also inhalation  has the added bonus of drawing out impurities from the skin, resulting in a clearer complexion!

Sore Throat and Laryngitis Remedy

  • steam inhalation – filling a bowl with hot water and add the following oils: 3 drops Lavender;  2 drops Chamomile and 1 drop Thyme.  Cover head with towel and steam for 10 minutes, twice daily if possible.
  • Chest/ neck rub – massage over chest, neck and behind ears with the following oils:  3 drops Chamomile; 2 drops Lemon and  1 drop Thyme.  Add to 50 ml of carrier oil (almond or grapeseed) or an unscented lotion.
  • Hot drink: in order to ease soreness make up a drink using hot water, with half a squeezed Lemon, a spoon of honey to taste and  I also add some grated ginger.

Have a go at these remedies and you such see an improvement.  Let me know how you get on.

Mairead x