Growth of Online Counselling Bucks Therapy Trend

Kiwis wanting expert relationship advice no longer have to brave the therapists chair or struggle with appointment times thanks to the launch of a convenient online therapy service.

Renowned therapist and relationship expert Leanne French says online counselling is a fast-growing business, as more and more Kiwis find there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to get the help they want.

With more than 20 years experience in her industry, French has forged a successful career as a well-respected therapist and relationship expert, consistently called upon as a media commentator and columnist.

French says the immediacy of the new service allows people to conduct sessions in the comfort of their own home without the time pressures of everyday life and help is available outside normal work ours.

Online counselling is not like normal counselling because it attends to clients dilemmas instantaneously, which is such a help for busy people," says French. "I talk online to highly functioning people who need guidance, support and coaching so they can communicate in ways that enhance their business life and enrich their love and life decisions."

Leanne specialises in couples counselling, empowering individuals, stress management, grief, transforming addiction and enhancing creativity. She attributes the continuing success of her online counselling service to the fact that it allows people to get what they need, without having to leave their home, office, or children.

According to Leanne, when people are more aware of what they say, what they do and how they behave, they become more attentive to their own needs and the needs of others.

French’s online counselling is available at a rate of $90 per hour. An introductory email and Leanne’s first response is free of charge. Leanne also offers therapy sessions from her boutique retreat in Martinborough in the Wairarapa, as well as over the phone.

For more information visit www.mad.org.nz

Shellac Salon Finder Now Live

Find a salon near you and treat yourself to Shellac ....

http://www.creativenails.co.nz/shellac-salon-map/

Something for the blokes - or Dad!

Spice system

Add a little spice to your life with a two-in-one regime to revitalise the scalp with a warming sensation.

Saving time without compromising condition, the new Redken for Men Clean Spice 2-in-1 conditioning shampoo is highly convenient for sophisticated men with a fast-paced lifestyle. The fast acting, multi-sensorial formula enriched with fortifying protein and essential wood oils moisturises and disciplines all hair types – even the hardest to manage – and leaves hair clean, soft, with frizz under control.

“Ease and no fuss formulas are the ticket with men and this two-in-one formula ticks all the boxes,” says Redken’s national education manager Katrina Foster. “The difference between this offering and standard two-in-ones is that this is a shampoo that has integrated conditioning components within, rather than trying to amalgamate a shampoo and conditioner into one product which is not technically viable. The formula is perfect for all hair types, including coarse and medium as well as sensitive scalps, containing an optimal concentration of invigorating and soothing ingredients to help maintain the scalps natural balance.”

The first creamy conditioning shampoo from Redken for Men instantly bursts into a warm, rich, foam that releases an aromatic blend of cedar wood, warm spice and sparkling ginger for a resolutely masculine style. Apply to wet hair, massage into lather in a circular motion for one minute, then rinse.

Redken for Men Clean Spice 2-in-1 conditioning shampoo (300ml) has an RRP of $31.00 and is available from August 1.

REDKEN

Elle Macpherson Intimates LOVEBUGS is now in store!

Elle’s LOVEBUGS are available from Farmers Department Stores nationwide and Bendon Lingerie Stores.

RRPs: Bra $49.95, Bikini $24.95 and Thong $19.95

There are six LOVEBUGS colours to choose from...
Felt Tip Green brings you Balance (wear green for harmony, healing and balance)
Sunrise Red brings you Energy (wear red for energy, courage & passion)
Twilight Blue brings you Change (wear blue for tranquillity, calm and truth)
Mimosa Yellow brings you Joy (wear yellow for vitality, joy & confidence)
Island Blue brings you Calmness (wear turquoise to increase insight, intuition and originality)
Playful Purple brings you Wisdom (wear purple for spiritual insight and inspiration)

There is also the much-loved basic Black and White, which are must-haves in your wardrobe!
Black – wear black for strength
White – wear white for inner peace.

LOVEBUGS is a moulded contour bra and brief or thong. In true Elle styling, each colour is offset with a delicate contrast lace detail; the result is the perfect lingerie that’s beautiful, inspirational and just right for you. Each bra comes with a friendship bracelet designed by Elle exclusively for the LOVEBUGS collection.

New colours will pop-up every season, so for Spring/Summer 2010 the colours are not only stunning, they are limited edition.

BENDON

Recycling Scheme Turns Mobile Phones Into Money

Mobile phone users will be paid for their old and unwanted handsets as part of an innovative New Zealand-first mobile phone recycling and recovery scheme.

Money4Mobiles.co.nz aims to fully recycle as many mobile phones as possible within New Zealand, and give corporations and individuals the chance to put extra money in their pockets and help the environment too.

The phones recycled within New Zealand will be on-sold to emerging and developing nations including India, Russia, South America and China.

“There are around 1.8 million unused mobile phones gathering dust in cupboards and drawers within New Zealand alone,” says Money4Mobiles.co.nz director John Wilson.

“Money4Mobiles.co.nz encourages both individuals and businesses to send in their old mobiles for recycling and eventual sale to emerging and developing countries experiencing high demand for mobile phones.

“Kiwis will be able to help stop inappropriate and dangerous waste ending up in landfills and provide developing countries with affordable access to mobile phones, and at the same time make cash,” says Wilson.

The website Money4Mobiles.co.nz offers a step-by-step guide to recycling mobiles for cash.

Mobile phone users will be asked to input their mobile make and model before grading their phone from ‘A’ (as new condition) down to a ‘D’ (poor condition, i.e. major scratching and missing battery or back cover).

Users will be given a price based on their input. Prices start from $1 for old phones and go up to $512 and payment will be made within five working days.

“When Money4Mobiles.co.nz receives an order and it meets our terms and conditions, customers receive a payment direct to their bank account,” says Wilson.

Phones beyond repair will be used for parts and the company aims to recycle 75 per cent of all phones received.

Any surplus product not returned to a working category is stripped for parts to assist the correction of future faulty products.

“Handsets contain a number of hazardous components such as plastics, cadmium, lead and mercury in the batteries which are potential environmental threats if they are just thrown away rather than recycled,” says Wilson.

Users will be asked to remove old SIM or memory cards, as well as any existing data stored on the handset, before sending their phones to Money4Mobiles.co.nz.

Navigate launches themed magazine series

The first in a series of themed magazine issues highlighting the best of the Navigate Collection has been launched called ‘Navigate Confidential’. The first issue is all about weddings and honeymoons, and highlights the latest trend; Smaller guest lists.

Navigate works with a carefully chosen selection of luxury lodges and resorts, boutique hotels, private islands and super yachts in New Zealand, Fiji and the Cook Islands. This issue showcases unique ways to experience honeymoons and the perfect way to celebrate the biggest day of your life with the ultimate intimate wedding in luxurious style surrounded by the people you love.

Navigate Confidential is a free magazine. We bring you two magazines each year, the second edition will be launched in August 2010 with a focus on the best of Food and Wine in Oceania.

Step inside Navigate Confidential – showcasing a collection of luxury intimate wedding and honeymoon destinations in our world!

Navigate Oceania offers ten reasons to celebrate the smaller guest wedding list.
1. One of the best things about having a small wedding is the intimacy of having the people you care most about being close to you.
2. Because you are surrounded by those closest to you, your more relaxed and the feeling is a celebration rather than a production.
3. You have more control over your budget with an intimate wedding.
4. Pull out all the stops and have the lavish wedding you have always wanted and splurge on the things that really matter. Maybe it’s the out-of-this world dinner or spectacular setting.
5. Because you won’t need a large space to accommodate guests, exclusivity of venue and planning becomes easier.
6. The freedom to customize your wedding and create the perfect unique wedding that reflects just who you are.
7. Spending time with your guests, when the guest list is small makes them feel welcome and not a stranger.
8. Your small guest lists enables everyone to mix and mingle.
9. The smaller wedding includes everyone in the ceremony and you can plan your own special touches.
10. Memories are key - you and your guests will remember this truly special day because it was planned with them in mind.

The Navigate Confidential featured as an insert in the Autumn issue of MY WEDDING magazine. If you missed this copy, you can request one from:
info@navigateoceania.com or visit www.navigateoceania.com

Nail Yourself Some “Me-Time” This Winter!

Just because the weather is miserable doesn’t mean you have to be! Set aside some “me time” this winter and enjoy a luxurious experience at Verdo Nails – without breaking a nail – or the bank!

Verdo Nails is a boutique nail salon offering a full range of services to clients, from manicures and pedicures to spa treatments, nail enhancements and acrylics – staffed by a dedicated team of professionals boasting a wealth of experience in the industry.

With an express treatment lasting just 15 minutes, there’s no excuse not to look and feel fabulous this season – drop in for a quick pamper session on your way to pick up your little ones from school, or pop in for a quick pick-me-up in your lunch hour. Whatever time you can set aside, you can guarantee that you’ll leave feeling like a million dollars – without having spent it!

Owner and director of Verdo Nails, Amber McIver says with the regression in standards of nail salons, a gap in the market existed to provide women with a quality service that offered both luxury and affordability.

“I wanted to create a place where beauty was affordable without skimping on luxury. It’s that little bit of luxury that really makes our clients feel beautiful. Women deserve to be pampered and we hope to create an environment that allows that.”

“I’m a true believer in creating experiences. We aim to provide women with an experience where they feel welcome, have no need to question the expertise of our team or the quality of our products and feel assured they will receive the same high professional standard each time they visit,” says McIver.

“Cleanliness is of the utmost importance to the team at Verdo Nails. Alongside this, we strive to provide clients with a service of the highest quality and that also extends to the products we use, including our nourishing oils, scrubs and moisturisers.”

Dedicated to customer hygiene and safety, Verdo Nails is an authorized OPI nail salon and use the OPI range for all nail treatments. Containing no harsh chemicals such as DBP, Toulene and Formaldehyde, OPI provides a safe choice with professional results. Verdo Nails is also firmly anti-MMA (Methyl methacrylate liquid monomers).

Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a busy mum in need of some time out or just in the mood to be spoilt, Verdo Nails offer a gorgeous range of packages – you can even hire out the salon for a truly A-list girls night of serious pampering!

For more information and a full range of Verdo Nails’ services, visit VerdoNails.co.nz

Take our poll - what's your wedding budget?

Go here to make your selection

Unprecedented Exclusive Pacific Island Resort Wedding Offer

Elope for Free, at Fiji’s most awarded Romantic Luxury Private-Island Resort.

At Royal Davui they understand that not everyone wants the traditional wedding ceremony.

Elope for Free at Fiji’s most awarded romantic luxury private-island resort, Royal Davui, offers an unprecedented opportunity for couples to marry (or renew wedding vows) and honeymoon in tropical paradise. Elope for Free includes all the local legal co-ordination and fees, celebrant/minister, a romantic pavilion champagne dinner lit by flickering torches and scented floral decorations - and with pre ceremony exotic ‘Pure Fiji’ massages to calm the nerves. Yes all free with a min stay of 5 nights or more between 01 Nov 2010 to 31 March 2011.

Voted ‘The Most Excellent Romantic Hideaway’ in 2009 by the Conde Nast Johansens Guide and 2009 ‘Fiji’s Best Honeymoon Destination’ by the USA Modern Bride magazine, this resort understands that whether getting married, renewing your vows or honeymooning – it is all about spending time together.

“Elope for Free and sink your toes in Fiji’s newest private island escape. Idyllic, romantic and exclusive, Royal Davui Island offers true seclusion without sacrificing anything in the way of the most luxurious and indulgent wedding,” said Christopher Southwell, owner and manager of Royal Davui Island.

Royal Davui Island rises serenely out of crystalline Beqa lagoon just 40 minutes by the resorts private aircraft from Fiji’s gateway, Denarau. Redefining laid-back luxury, Royal Davui offers 16 exquisitely appointment and air-conditioned vales created with couples in mind, each with secluded terraces, stone plunge pools and views over white, soft-sanded beaches to sapphire lagoon waters. Award-winning Pure Fiji bathroom amenities including each villa’s private Jacuzzi Spa bath infuse the villas with tropical aromas. Snorkel or scuba dive to explore the private coral reef, or venture further for world angling and catamaran sailing.

The Elope for Free complimentary package has a value of FJD$2260. Valid only with a min 5-night stay at Royal Davui, villa’s with their own private plunge pools start from USD$800 plus taxes, twin share with spectacular ocean views.

Visit Royal Davui Island’s website at www.royaldavui.com.

‘Forever’ Jewellery with Soul

Suffering from ennui caused by mass produced, ‘high fashion’ jewellery, the inimitable multimedia artists at The Tattooed Heart have designed Tattoo Bijou Jewellery - an ode to decadent and very personal adornment.

Destined for women who collect unique objects of beauty to last a lifetime, the limited edition collection is handmade in Pondicherry, India and revels in silver, sapphire, ruby, peridot and citrine.

Like any lovingly acquired collection, Tattoo Bijou combines romantic pieces both custom designed and individually selected, giving the impression they have been lifted from a treasured private collection coveted for centuries.

The Tattooed Heart’s creative force behind the jewellery range, Sofia Mella, says she wanted to reignite our passion for beautiful, timeless pieces – travelling to India and working with the craftsmen as they created each piece by hand.

“Whenever I'm looking for jewellery here I always gravitate towards antique pieces with history or get them custom made. I wanted to bring a feeling of ‘forever’ to the collection.  I didn't want to create a jewellery line where you don't know where it's from or who made it or why.”

One of the key pieces in the collection is the haunting marcasite and silver owl with ruby eyes, sourced in the workshop of one of Tattoo Bijou’s self-employed jewellers, Baba.  The Indian craftsman has created a stunning piece which can be worn as a brooch as well as a necklace.

Renowned Tattooed Heart in-house artist Adam Craft was responsible for the inspired “Wild Rose” pendant and earrings – the drawings created in Auckland’s K’Rd and bought to life almost 8,000 miles away in the small workshop in Pondicherry.

Mella spent time in Pondicherry interviewing staff to ensure they experienced only the very best working conditions and were well remunerated for their flawless work. The resulting Tattoo Bijou pieces; exemplify the finest in embellishment, embrace their unique geography and demonstrate how art and beauty have no borders.

Each exquisite piece in the Tattoo Bijou collection posses a unique quality, including the Rajistani red zircon cocktail ring and a pearl, ruby, emerald and sapphire 6-strand necklace which are redolent of lost-world glamour.

“I imagine each beautiful piece has a century old story behind it,” says Mella. “I picture our jewellery being worn by absinthe swilling babes from Weimar Berlin or as the hidden treasures of a forbidden King’s concubine. I felt very passionate about making a range that was relevant to any woman who is unapologetic in her love of quality.”

Margins have also been monitored to assure that Tattoo Bijou is realistically priced, with pieces starting at $65 for a 9.25 sterling silver ring and ranging though to $2,200 for a handcut emerald Tibetan necklace.

Women who practice the art of adornment, and the men who bejewel them, will instantly understand the arch style and enduring preciousness that is Tattoo Bijou.

The Tattooed Heart studio is situated at 202 Karangahape Road, Auckland. For more information visit TheTattooedHeart.co.nz or call 09) 379 2662.

Claire Baker's Winter Hits Romantic High Note

Claire Barker’s 2010 winter collection brings radiant romantic light to winter’s gloom – painting out dull winter palettes with hopeful, vibrant shades inspired by the 1965 classic film Dr Zhivago.
‘A Song for Lara,’ is infused with Parisian joie de vivre as reflected in the clothes of Zhivago’s Tanya. The collection references the scene where, on Tanya’s return to Moscow from the City of Lights, her luminous light coral coat and hat transform the endlessly grey Moscow streetscape.
Designer Claire Barker says; “I wanted to create a range with that same hauntingly wonderful impact, so that a woman wearing my designs for this season will feel she is transforming the winter streets.”

Barker is firmly pro-glamour and anti-bulk, and much of her dress, jacket and coat-rich Winter 2010 collection is constructed in silk, cashmere and angora.
Barker’s work merges a European sensibility with an Oriental playfulness, and new, striking and unique Claire Barker prints cohesively transmit the collection’s theme of optimism.

Shapely, tailored garments continue to be made ‘just so’ through fresh – and, this season, suitably Baltic – finishing, like braided borders on epaulettes, zip detail on belts and sleeve heads, and especially designed woven wool tassels.
From the dramatic purple tones of her Lara coat to the sultry chic of her Jaguar dress Claire manages to convey a sense of liveliness which neither undermines nor overshadows her ongoing commitment to femininity and sophistication in her garments.

“I want women to feel beautiful and sexy when they wear a Claire Barker design. I want my customers to celebrate their individuality and beauty without ever feeling overstated or uncomfortable. I never indulge myself to design for design’s sake. I would never create something that I wouldn’t feel beautiful wearing myself.”

Barker opened her own workshop late last year, enabling her to continue to offer the unique combination of a very competitive price point in unremitting quality.  “One of my most important concerns is that women be offered a real choice between the chain store lines and the expensive high fashion designer labels,” she says.

With this in mind each beautifully crafted garment has been created to work in cohesion with existing wardrobe pieces to convey a sense of timeless style and effortless chic.

Lovers of the classic, elegant and feminine will find ‘A Song for Lara’ signed off in Claire Barker’s inimitable style at the Claire Barker boutique in O’Connell St, Auckland City.

THESE ARE ENTRIES TO A WASHINGTON POST COMPETITION ASKING FOR A TWO-LINE RHYME WITH THE MOST ROMANTIC FIRST LINE, AND THE LEAST ROMANTIC SECOND LINE:

1. My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife:
Marrying you has screwed up my life.

2. I see your face when I am dreaming.
That's why I always wake up screaming.

3. Kind, intelligent, loving and hot;
This describes everything you are not.

4. Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss,
But I only slept with you 'cause I was pissed.

5. I thought that I could love no other
-- that is until I met your brother...

6. Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.
But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead, the sugar bowl’s empty and so is your head.

7. I want to feel your sweet embrace;
But don't take that paper bag off your face.

8. I love your smile, your face, and your eyes
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!

9. My love, you take my breath away.
What have you stepped in to smell this way?

10. My feelings for you no words can tell,
Except for maybe 'Go to hell.'

11. What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.

WHO SAID POETRY IS BORING

Elizabeth Arden's exciting Foundation Event in March

When it comes to finding the right foundation, Elizabeth Arden has it all. 

Come discover your perfect formula - to light up your looks, care for your skin and create a beautifully flawless complexion.

Visit the Elizabeth Arden counter during 15-28 March for a complimentary foundation consultation and receive a free foundation brush* of your choice with the purchase of two or more Elizabeth Arden products, one to be a foundation.

 

* Face Powder Brush or Foundation Brush (brush choice subject to availability)

 

 

Four simple steps for the look you'll love:

 

PRIME YOUR SKIN with Intervene Timefighting Radiance Serum or Good Morning Skin Serum

 

HIDE IMPERFECTIONS with Ceramide Skin Smoothing Concealer or Flawless Finish Maximum Coverage Concealer

 

FIND YOUR FOUNDATION with Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation SPF20 or Ceramide Plump Perfect Makeup SPF15 or Intervene Makeup SPF15 or Flawless Finish Sponge-On Cream Makeup or Flawless Finish Dual Perfection Makeup SPF8 or Flawless Finish Mousse Makeup or Flawless Finish Bare Perfection Makeup SPF8

 

COMPLETE YOUR LOOK WITH A PERFECT FINISH with Ceramide Skin Smoothing Loose Powder or Flawless Finish Ultra Smooth Pressed Powder ....and a touch of colour with Ceramide Cream Blush or Color Intrigue Cheekcolor or Color Intrigue Bronzing Powder Duo

Rachel Hunter & Daughter Renee Stewart Sign To Pantene

It’s official - Rachel Hunter and her daughter Renee Stewart have been signed to global hair care brand Pantene in New Zealand and Australia.

Rachel Hunter, re-signed Pantene ambassador says; “I’m thrilled to be working with Pantene again. It was such a great campaign in the 90’s, and like the brand, I have continued to transform my hair over the years. Now I get the added bonus of sharing the experience with my beautiful daughter.”

The new Pantene venture will be 17-year-old Renee Stewart’s first professional assignment.

 “Mum and I have always been fans of Pantene, so I’m thrilled to be doing my first campaign for them,” says Stewart.

Details of the Pantene initiative are a “closely guarded secret” but will be revealed in the next few months, says Procter & Gamble’s Beauty Marketing Director Jeremy Kodomichalos.

“We are very excited to be working with Rachel on Pantene and it’s a real bonus for us to have Renee representing the brand in her professional debut,” he says.

Beautiful Skin

Having beautiful, youthful-looking skin is on everyone’s wish list, and now one of the latest professional skin treatments from Nimue can help you feel as gorgeous as the day you first fell in love. 

The ultimate gift to yourself is a series of facial Microneedling procedures from Nimue – leaders in scientific skincare – which will turn back the clock and transform your appearance.

Microneedling will restore volume and plumpness to your skin, reduce pore size, improve skin texture, soften fine lines and wrinkles, boost elasticity and help heal superficial scars.

Nimue New Zealand spokeswoman Terri Grace says the minimally invasive procedure is carried out in a professional salon by a certified skin therapist and has long-lasting effects. 

“A microneedle roller covered with hundreds of tiny needles is applied to the face and penetrates the upper layers of skin to a depth of 1mm,” Grace explains.“This creates microscopic channels in the skin and stimulates collagen production – restoring your youthful good looks almost immediately!”Grace says the procedure is not as painful as people may think, and the results speak for themselves.

Microneedling on its own will produce new collagen within approximately six weeks but Nimue have further enhanced the technique by developing a range of trans dermal solutions to speed the process up.

“These solutions contain 100 percent pure active components and when applied to the skin after microneedling they’re quickly absorbed and transform sun damaged and ageing skin. Some of the solutions have an instant firming effect, and they all reduce fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging skin.”

A minimum of six microneedling treatments are required to obtain maximum results. Nimue recommends one treatment once a week for the first month, followed by one treatment every fortnight for the second month. The youthful effects can then be maintained over the long term by treating yourself to a microneedling procedure once every two or three months thereafter.

For more information on microneedling and a list of salons that perform the treatment visit www.globalbeauty.co.nz or call 0800 144562
 

About Nimue

The Nimue product range was initially developed in 1994 aimed at the medical market for pre and post operative application as well as for advanced results-orientated skin rejuvenation treatment by skincare therapists. Nimue has since evolved into a globally-recognised brand, primarily amongst leading skin care products for its innovative formulations and cutting-edge technology based on the effective combination of exceptional ingredients with scientifically proven delivery systems.

As a primary leader in the skincare industry Nimue is renowned for its expert understanding of the skin and the effective treatment of various skin conditions.

As a dynamic brand and trendsetting innovator Nimue continues to satisfy the ever demanding industry with its unique understanding, philosophy and concept.