The Best Pedicure I've Ever Had

Do not take this statement lightly. I would love to pretend to be one of those low maintenance women who can say they once got a pedicure because they got a free voucher. I'm not. I love pedicures and I will use anything as an excuse to have one. Pregnancy is the best I've come up with so far especially awesome that I literally couldn't touch my feet or get shoes on them past 6 months so I had to wear flip-flops and it would have been rude of me to not have nicely done feet as they were on show all the time. Even if they were three times their normal size and seemingly made of dough. I love manicure's too but can live without them but the bliss of having someone else deal with and rub my feet is something I find a necessity especially since having Ned. The bliss of an hour with a cup of tea and a magazine while technically doing something. I mean I can't wander around whilst my nails are being done. That would be silly.

My love of a pedicure does not mean that I get them regularly however, no no, my mostly-stay-at-home-mum bank account doesn't stretch to such luxuries on a regular basis but my sister and I decided it would be nice to treat my mum when she came up to London on her birthday in September. We didn't have a lot of time so a pedicure seemed like the perfect thing but where in Chiswick? There were a number of options and I left it up to my sister to books it having mentioned a couple of places I thought looked good. She chose The Beauty Lounge on Turnham Green Terrace and without knowing it we walked in to the best pedicure I've ever had.

I actually think it was a fab place to choose for a birthday as it looks pretty lovely and chic but that's not what was so fantastic. What makes this place worth mentioning (let it be noted I don't review every beauty treatment I have on this blog) is that we had our nails done on September 13th and I eventually removed the nail varnish on November 8th not because it needed it - there was not even the smallest of chips - but because my nails had grown so much there were huge half moons of pink toe showing. I suppose I should have left it on to see just how long it lasted but I can't bear bare toes. I had cut them and still no chip. That is amazing longevity of polish and therefore value for money. And it wasn't just me - my mum came to stay and said 'is your toe nail polish still on?' she'd been on a beach holiday and hers was still going strong.

The pedicure itself (we had the Beauty Lounge Pedicure) wasn't the cheapest at £35 for an hour but this was properly done even without knowing how long the colour was going to last. There's a lovely range of Essie and OPI colours to choose from (I took my own from Butter London) and your feet are soaked in lovely hot water - so often it can be tepid-cold which is hardly relaxing or I would have thought very helpful at softening the skin. I am also a big fan of the use of those terrifying razor-blade things rather than a file - such is the dryness of my feet - but they used a file and got my feet completely smooth. The massage was done properly and for long enough and the colour perfect, beautiful and long lasting. 

If you are in West London and want to go somewhere were they really know what they are doing, have incredible service and long-lasting results go to the Beauty Lounge on Turnham Green Terrace.

p.s I spoke to my mother about writing this post and she said she eventually removed hers on the 18th November because the regrowth was more than the colour and there was still not a chip to be seen. She confirms it to be the best pedicure she's ever had.

Return to Glory

It's rare to find anything at a fantastic price in London and I was dreading booking myself in for a pregnancy massage because I knew that if I enjoyed it I'd want more and we'd be bankrupt before the baby even arrived. But a bit of googling led to me Return to Glory 'London's leading mobile massage and beauty service' who not only offer pregnancy massage but four different pregnancy treatments including reflexology. And they do so many other treatments for the non-knocked up - deep tissue massage, couples massage, Swedish and Thai yoga massage, dance, salsa and Pilate's private lessons, facials, make overs, a whole range of treatments for men and even events for offices and parties.

The fact that you can get whatever treatment in your own home is fantastic but especially if you are in London and want a massage - the thought of being that relaxed and then having to schlep home on public transport thus undoing all the relaxation is what really swung it for me. As I wanted it asap I booked over the phone (0845 485 1195) but you get a 10% discount for booking online so it's definitely worth doing that. I couldn't believe that for £65 someone was going to come to my house with all the equipment and give me a massage.

Agnes appeared at 5 mins to the allotted time and set up quickly even though our room is tiny. She'd bought soothing music (which helped drown out  the noise of upstairs builders) and helped me get my bulk into a towel (which she kept helping me rearrange so I didn't feel like meat on a slab - all exposed). She also explained exactly what was going to happen which was nice - I knew they wouldn't offer or do any treatments that weren't safe but my husband was anxious about me getting a massage which had transferred to me a little so it was nice to have it all talked through before hand. I was getting their Signature Pregnancy Massage and I'd read a bit on the website but what I hadn't taken in was that everything gets rubbed. Your back, legs, feet, arms, face and head. IT IS AMAZING.

Obviously it depends on your therapist but the amount of pressure was just perfect - I was worried that pregnancy massage would be a bit light - and the timing great, nothing was hurried and I definitely got my full hours worth. How can this be just £65. As soon as she left - leaving me in my dressing gown beaming - I re-booked for a months time. I then called my pregnant sister and pregnant buddy and told them they have to try it out. It is really worth giving Return to Glory a go - they are incredibly helpful so if you are not sure what you need give them a call - I'm sure they will have the treatment for you.  

MW Nails

Unless its a birthday treat with Miss F, I usually don't frequent fancy nail salons. It is incredibly hard to find somewhere that incorporates high standards, great atmosphere and somewhere you can go with a friend and feel pampered without having to get into a bathrobe. MW Nails have just opened a new nail bar in Spitalfields that makes no apologies for what it is. Whether you are going in for the 101 minute Mile High treatment or a quick Shanghai Shape you are guaranteed a little bit, or a whole lot, of luxury.

Themed like an airline from the 1970's complete with real first class seats for pedicures and old fashioned announcement board showing all the treatments a visit to MW Nails is an experience. Intriguing decor and staff uniforms aside there are some serious pluses to this salon. The sheer range of treatments is fantastic - everything you could want for hands or feet is catered for; shaping, shellacing, gel, acryllic and take the worry about whether you will get a massage or not, you can add one to your treatment for £15.

Not just pretty on paper - I noticed a weird silver funnel on the nail desks and assumed, wrongly, that these were just for show. I couldn't work out what they were - they are actually for filtering the air so are fewer noxious smells in the salon. It really works - I arrived at 3pm and rather than the air being filled with the rather heady smell of varnishes there was barely any smell at all.

For those of us used to going to the slightly scary, damp nail parlor on our road the prices are a little higher but, I belive, very much worth it. I had a Perfect Panama, their signature manicure, shaped and buffed nails, and incredible massage, moisturise, hot towels and gorgeous colour for £29. MW Nails only use Essie and OPI varnishes (usually about £10 each) which have a fantastic range of colours and are great quality.

These are great to book for treats for friends too - for anyone being a maid of honour the Bridal package is a fantastic treat for both of you and, unlike a lot of salons I've been too, you can sit next to each other in first class chairs and have a good old gossip while getting your treatments. I also fancy trying the Caribbean Combo which is a luxurious mani/pedi combo for under £50 and would very much appreciate this as a present since getting pregnant being rubbed is the best experience ever without wanting to sound to weird but everything hurts more and is more sensitive. I was particularly pleased because my knuckles have just got too big for my engagement and wedding rings so a bit of pampering is what my old sausage fingers needed.Stuck for what to get a preggers friend - a voucher for here would be perfect and looks cool too.

This picture doesn't do the nails justice - colour is Tangerine by Essie

What I loved about MW Nails, apart from the fantastic result (thanks Mia!) was that this was an experience in itself. I wasn't dashing in guiltily to get my nails done, I felt relaxed and pampered, without being there for hours and really as if I was getting my moniesworth and that is what I think is lacking from many nail bars at the moment - MW Nails have filled the aching void between guilty secret and OTT luxury and I love it.

Thread Vein part 1

I suppose the very fact that I have called this Part 1 means I've made up my mind but maybe there just won't be a Part 2. I have a thread vein. For about a year and a half it's mocked me every time I look in the mirror and actually makes me more guilty about smoking then people coughing in my presence ever did. Of course it may not be smoking - it could be caused by anything but I'm convinced it's smoking. Anyway I hate it and I want it gone. No amount of foundation seems to cover it and it makes my skin blotchy. People say they can't notice it but I suddenly realised... I don't care! I can see it and I'm sure at least 80% of them are being polite.

The thing is its expensive, and not exactly pain free and I'm scared. And I don't want to have a story in the Sun with a picture of me crying and saying 'I only went in to get a thread vein removed and they burnt my face off'. Thoughts? Advice? Horror stories? Dare I even dream - success stories? xx

p.s I would have posted a picture of it but I'm not brave enough

Face Time

I don't think I've ever had a facial before. I'm trawling the dim reaches of my mind and nope I don't think I ever have. Apparently it is essential for brides-to-be. I was unconvinced but didn't want to be behind the curve and regret it later so I had a look on the internet for what other brides-to-be recommended and had had done. Dermalogica seemed to be highly recommended and I know the Mumma B loves it so I booked myself in at St James' Beauty. Again I found St James' by chance just by looking for Dermalogica facials on the internet and I was won over by what seemed to be the very (comparatively) reasonable £65 price tag.

The experience itself was fantastic. I got chatting with Rosie so it wasn't as relaxing as it could have been. That sounds bad. I was voluntarily chatting and it was very relaxing but it wasn't 'oh I think I just dropped off' relaxing. Which it would have been if I had shut up!! My face was cleaned, scrubbed, masked and moisturised over the course of the next hour and felt great when I left. I bought a sort of Dermalogica starter pack for £20 to continue the good work at home. Which I haven't started yet... I want to use up what I have now so that I can really see the difference with the new Dermalogica stuff but having realised that by that time I'll have been married for months I'm going to start this evening.

The whole experience was fantastic but what was really gratifying was that at least three people told me how great my skin was looking the next day. One girl even went away after chatting and came back to say 'what have you done to your face your skin looks amazing - it's glowing!'. So I'm now a complete convert to the way of the facial. I've got my next one in a month!! xx

Dry Skin Rears its Ugly Head

I've mentioned this before I have terrible trouble with dry skin bumps on tops of my arms and thighs. Thus far I have tried most kinds of exfoliators, oils and moisturisers to get rid of them and although I have succeeded in softening them up a bit after one day of lapsing they are back in force. I mentioned this whilst having a pedicure at Essence Beauty Rooms in Hammersmith and was recommended Environ's Derma-Lac Lotion. I nearly didn't get it as I have tried so many products that haven't worked and it is around £32 but I need to get this sorted out before I get married so I'll give it a go. I work close enough to the Essence Beauty Rooms to go in and complain if this doesn't work.

Its designed to treat rough, dry skin specifically feet and elbows and so far (fingers crossed) it really seems to be working. I've been using an exfoliating cloth in the bath and then applying the Derma-Lac with cotton wool. Although it was pretty pricey it should be used within 6-8 weeks so I feel that that's a fair trial period. After that I'm going to leave it for a week and see if they come back just as bad as they ever were. If they are reasonably fine still then I'm going to continue using this because so far the results have been fantastic. xx

R&R

Oh my goodness I'm not sure there's anything better you can do on a freezing (literally) Tuesday night than go with a good friend to get a massage. As a relative massage virgin I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Last time someone other than Mr J rubbed me it was in Turkey with my family and I'm not kidding when I say that I came out feeling like I should have asked for a gynecological consult while I was there. It is not for the faint-hearted.

But not so in the Buty Salon on Hammersmith Grove. With soothing music and a great massage it was really worth chasing away the January blues and spending some hard earned money on. Miss E booked us in and off we went with our £10 vouchers (its is January after all). It was freezing we'd been at work all day we had no idea what to expect (both of us stood, in separate rooms, whilst the masseuse stood outside waiting for us to take our clothes off, they had to come in and tell exactly what to do!). I'm always slightly aware in these situations of the luxury of paying someone to rub you while you are semi-naked but I have to say after five minutes I was in a world of my own. It was so good that I returned two days later to disloyally get my eyebrows waxed (I've been going to the same place for the past two years but since I moved last June it's become a bit of a trek).

The Buty Salon do a whole range of treatments from massages and facials to waxing and tanning. We went for a 30 minute back and neck massage which is not very cheap (£30) but actually worth every penny. They use products by Decleor which contain no preservatives and are 100% natural so you do not have to worry about whether you are going to react badly to anything - it's unlikely. You can book appointments online and with salons in Hammersmith and Fulham they have created atmosphere's to relax and soothe you after a cold day back at the office. Definitely worth a look - the Buty Salon xx