Picking Up the Pieces...

Hello 2013!! 

Now we are finally into 2013! It's been a crazy time over Christmas and New Year. A big thanks to the guys who put on the Together NYE party at the Circa Rooftop that we went to. It was a beautiful night, well decorated and the complimentary Laurent Perrier champagne went down very nicely! The free Swisse Vitamins to detox really helped the next day too!

New Years day was spent at Riva in St Kilda for their nautical themed party. The VIP balcony was pumping and everybody looked great in their outfits and the general party vibe was fantastic! Good people and good music is all you need!

Wishing everybody luck who is settling back into their work routine this week- it can be tough on our brains and bodies after we put them through so much! 

This weekend I spent some time down the beach with my two best friends Cara and Mel and the subject of detoxing came up. I know a lot of you followed my journey though Dry July last year, (I did honestly admit to one slip up!) and it seemed fitting to write my first blog of 2013 about something that is a resolution for so many people- to get into healthy habits and start looking after ourselves again!

My resolutions for 2013 are to do a sky dive and also train for a mini triathlon but for the month of January my body is screaming out for a break so I came up with a mini plan thanks to a bit of common sense and some great recommendations from friends and acquaintances. 

So firstly- TIP #1- NO DRINKING!!

There is a festival in late Jan that we are going to and it seems unrealistic that we don't have a few there so my lovely best friend Mel and I have decided that we won't touch a drop until Jan 25th. So not a full month but definitely do able and enough to get any toxins from our bodies!

TIP #2 Consistant Exercise

Thanks to some great advice from my friend Michella (who has been doing bikram yoga for years) and a recommendation from the gorgeous Carrie Bickmore I looked up Bikram Yoga Melbourne and decided to give that a go! Their website has a lot of information and will answer any questions that you have.

Bikram Yoga is done over 90minutes in a room heated to 40C. There are 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises. I had my first class this morning and couldn't believe what a workout it was. My whole body feels stretched and refreshed and strong. You sweat so much during a class that it is important to drink lots and lots of water. Bikram Yoga Melbourne run an introductory offer that is only $19 for 10 days unlimited. They are located in Richmond and Prahran. It feels great to start the year trying something new and positive!

TIP #3 Skincare

Because of all the drinking, bad food, sun exposure and late nights we have in December and early Jan it's very common to see the effects on our skin. Breakouts, dark circles and redness are all very normal this time of year. Why not give your skin a detox as well? Microdermabrasion uses a fine abrasive tip or crystals and vacuum suction to exfoliate and renew the skin. It is great for congestion, uneven skin tone and even fine lines. Luella Beauty Clinic on Chapel st does a 30 minute treatment that includes a cleanse, scrub, intensive treatment mask and facial massage for just $95 (mention this blog and get 10% off). Tips for helping detox your skin at home include purifying facial masks (my favourite is Dermalogica skin refining masque) and also remember to keep your skin hydrated with a good serum to replace moisture that can be lost from sun exposure. Try Shu Uemura Intense Moisturising Concentrate which uses minerals from the ocean to lock moisture into your skin. And of course ALWAYS ALWAYS wear 30+ sunscreen everyday! 

TIP #4 Enjoy being healthy with friends!

After such a crazy and emotional end to last year I have never been more grateful to have such amazing friends and people in my life. Not only are they there to support and be there for you but are also great to be inspired and motivated by! I'm lucky that all my friends enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle so that instead of sitting inside watching a movie or doing a McDonalds run we will (usually) opt for going for a nice walk in the sun or putting together a salad or some fresh fruit as a snack. It's great to hear their stories and exercise and lifestyle tips as well, it makes it fun and they can keep you motivated when you might not want to roll out of bed for that 6am yoga or bootcamp session! Great friends also make you laugh and there is nothing that is better for you than being happy and feeling loved! 

So please feel free to let me know any other ideas you are trying to have a healthy start to 2013 or your lifestyle resolutions! I'd love to hear about them! 

Happy 2013 Everybody… It's going to be amazing :) 

www.luellabeautysalon.com.au

www.bikramyogamelbourne.com.au

rivastkilda.com.au

www.circa.com.au