Beauty and wellness treatments to indulge in on Hamilton Island
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Beauty and wellness treatments to indulge in on Hamilton Island





Looking for some pampering and a place to kickstart your 2014 health regime? Hamilton Island’s luxury spas Qualia and Wumurdaylin might be just the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate – they totally were for me!
Spa Qualia
Located on the secluded northernmost tip of Hamilton Island (20 Whitsunday Blvdand surrounded by the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, Spa Qualia prides itself on delivering beauty and wellness in a truly Australian way. The philosophy of the treatments is to provide synergy between the body and mind by drawing on ancient Aboriginal practices.
If you’re after a spa that tackles the stresses of your busy lifestyle, Qualia is for you. With six deluxe treatment rooms on offer, it’s the ultimate in anti-stress, anti-aging, detoxifying and cleansing.
Treatments
Qualia offers facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, body wraps, men’s treatments and couples’ packages.
Some of its treatments are called “ceremonies”, in reflection of traditional indigenous practices. One of its signature ceremonies is the Bularri Yarrul, a hot-stone massage designed to relive stress and fatigue. Using the weight and warmth of naturally formed stones, the resulting energy is used to provide a heavenly full-body massage. 
Another favourite of mine is the Heaven Scent treatment that includes a milk-and-honey body wrap cocoon, an outdoor rain shower and a white-chocolate-and-organic-cocoa-butter hydration treatment to soothe and nourish your body. Finished with a calming facial treatment, this is perfect for mothers-to-be or after a day in the sun.
Naturopathy
Spa Qualia offers consultations with their highly trained naturopaths who undertake a comprehensive analysis of your nutrition and body composition. Looking at detoxification, iridology, immunity, ageing and stress, the naturopaths then create a personal wellness plan tailored to you. I guarantee you will radiate energy, life and balance afterwards.
 Yoga and meditation
Qualia offers yoga and meditation in tune with its natural surroundings. The class’s unique style is designed to reflect the island’s natural beauty, and leave you feeling connected both physically and emotionally.
Wumurdaylin
The new spa Wumurdaylin (Resort Dr) is the island’s first full-service day spa. It has 11 treatment rooms including three couples’ suites and treatments ranging from body cocoon wraps and facials to exfoliations, massages, body treatments, manicures, pedicures and wellness therapies.
Treatments
I can’t go past Wumurdaylin’s signature Botanical Spa Facials that use plant extracts, re-conditioning vitamins and precious oils that are individually tailored to your skin.
Another favourite is the range of Ocean Dreaming treatments. The signature ‘Of the Sea’ is pure heaven and includes a facial, hand-and-foot treatment, body exfoliation, mud wrap, hair-and-scalp treatment and massage. If you’re after a luxurious body wrap, you have to try ‘Of the Earth’, which infuses the skin with green tea, ginseng and lemongrass golden clay.
Wellness
Wumurdaylin offers alternative therapies such as naturopathy and Reiki. The increasingly popular Reiki is a non-invasive and gentle method that aims to naturally heal and rebalance your energy.
Superbly complementing Wumurdaylin’s pampering are the one-way glass mirrors that allow the beauty of the natural surrounds to be reflected into the spa, creating a truly unique experience. This, absolutely, is my favourite feature – body, mind and soul at one with nature.
If you need a relaxing getaway to get you through January, Hamilton Island sounds like perfect place. 
Author: Flight Centre consultants can help when planning a domestic or international getaway, including flights, accommodation or tours.  
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I Want To Hold You Even For Just A Second
Sunday, January 12, 2014
I Want To Hold You Even For Just A Second


I know I've said this to you before but I want to say it again. I admire you. I admire you for your braveness, for following your dreams, for not caring about what other people think, for giving it your all and for sticking with it.

You were never wrong and no one has to right to judge you for it. You did what you felt was needed and I salute you. Sometimes I wonder if I could do the same. You see, I tend to doubt myself but you lift me up any way, giving me advise that I wouldn't have thought of myself.

I want to see you, hug you or maybe even hold you for a second. Not because of anything but because I know behind that braveness lies a man who is weak, sad and alone. You wanted to taste life and it has given that to you. Whether it's what you've always wanted or it let you realize something else, I want you to know that I'm here, I'll always be, much like how you've always been to me.
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Hello 2014
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Hello 2014



Thank you 2013 for a wonderful year. I got my promotion, I moved to a new apartment, I went to Paris, Rome and Barcelona. It's beed good and I look forward to an amazing 2014.

May this year be the skinniest and the most stylish year ever.

Happy 2014!
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When In Paris
Sunday, December 22, 2013
When In Paris




This has been a long awaited post. I haven't really got the time to write this one down lately because life happens and I have some catching up to do. But now that I have managed that, I thought I'd share with you my thoughts on one of the most beautiful city in the world, Paris. 

Paris is definitely what it is from books, movies and photos. It is beautiful and I can't say that enough. From the moment I landed to the moment I start wondering around the streets, I knew this city was special. And I'm not going to lie, I was a bit scared. Not because of the city but because I had to experience a lot of new things on my own. I had my first quick 1 hour layover in Doha, first time to wonder around the streets and figuring out the directions on my own for a full day and I'm so scared of pickpockets because they are so rampant in Europe. Imagine getting lost and having to worry about some pickpockets, that's making me scared x 10. But thankfully, I did manage. I got lost here and there but some people are willing to help out. I end up taking the train 5 times that day, I was that bad in directions. 

But you know what they say, you learn a lot from traveling. So I took the time to sit down, absorb and  and reflect as to what the city is trying to teach me. Paris has thought me to appreciate the simple and  the finer things in life. From hardly wearing any makeup to wearing the most luxurious scents and lingerie. It's those small things but they do make a difference on how you look and feel. 

Most importantly Paris has thought me this; It's okey to be scared. It's okey to wonder and get lost because in the end you will find your way and there will be people who are kind enough to help you out.

I guess unless you experience it on your own, none of this will make sense but I was thankful to have this experience even though it seems scary at first.
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Fashion Leggings: Ways to Wear This Classic Item That Will Never Fade
Thursday, December 05, 2013
Fashion Leggings: Ways to Wear This Classic Item That Will Never Fade


Leggings are more popular than ever this season. From denim to print to leather, leggings are everywhere. Some women pull them off like a rock star, while others make us quickly turn our heads. If you want to rock your leggings, start by memorizing these universal truths:
Tights are not leggings
Tights are translucent or sheer and are usually made of a thin material. Leggings are opaque and made of thicker fabrics. Tights cling like the proverbial second skin; leggings have some give. For the classiest, most flattering look, shop for thicker, opaque fabrics that are fitted through the hip and thigh but not glued to the rest of your body.
Leggings are not pants
As flattering and comfortable as leggings can be, you don't want to look like you left your pants at home. Even women with perfect figures may reveal sights best left unseen in public. Always wear a top that, at the very least, covers your buttocks.
Leggings are also not jeans. You can't buy leggings that are pre-distressed and full of holes for a reason - they don't look fashionable, just worn out. When your leggings start pilling and showing signs of wear, it's time to retire them.
With that out of the way, let's focus on things you can do to look amazing in leggings:
What's hot in leggings
Aside from the universal rules of "thick, not thin" and "opaque, not see-through," your options are rich and varied. Solid or print, denim or leather, smooth or textured, neutrals or jewel tones: the options are seemingly endless. Chicous showcases some of this fall's new looks, including the hottest patterned leggings.
What to wear on top
The perfect top for leggings is slightly oversized and falls between the hips and mid-thigh. Long shirts or jumpers, short miniskirts, and shaped tunics are ideal. Bulky fabrics are great, but just about any fabric will work as long as it's not so thin you can see the top of your leggings through it. Large women may consider longer tops to cover more of their thighs. Petite women may want to choose a shorter top to make their legs look longer. Pose highlights some classic looks as well as a few that are a bit edgier.

As far as color and pattern, you're looking for balance. Boldly patterned leggings look great with a top or jacket in a neutral solid. Brighter tops that pick up an accent color in printed leggings are a stylish look, too. And just about any color top works with solid leggings. Just don't mix dressy with casual (yes, leggings can be dressy); pick a style and stick to it. Check out these great combinations at the Stir.
Shoes
Shoes are crucial to pulling off a stylish outfit centered around leggings. Boots are the trend of the moment, and they can easily and quickly dress an outfit up or down. Classic boots with a heel immediately add a touch of glamour, while lace-up boots project a more casual look. Mid-calf boots can camouflage thick legs, while booties look great on skinny legs.
Ballet flats are another popular option. They offer the same slender profile as leggings, and the flash of skin from the top of your foot adds a nice visual break, especially if you choose flats the same color as your leggings. You can also dress things up with metallic or embellished flats; just make sure the "dressiness" of your shoes matches that of your top.
Pumps can work, too, but save them for your dressiest tops. Otherwise, your outfit can come across as mismatched. Pumps with a long button-down shirt don't work.
Pulling It Together
As with all things fashion, accessories are the finishing touch. Layering is a hot look, with a long jacket over a shorter top or jumper. Belts are another great option. If a tunic that's long enough to cover the essentials makes you look like a tent, cinch it with a loose chain belt just above your natural waist. It will add shape to your outfit and slim down your torso. For some examples, take a look at an online fashion finder. They've pulled together dozens of ensembles to help you pull off a complete look.
It's time to put the myths to rest. All women can wear leggings, so don't let weight or age keep you from wearing a look you love. Find what works best for you, and wear it with confidence!
Megan Barnes loves trendy fashion. She enjoys turning trends into flattering looks on style blogs.
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