Destress on the move

One of those times when work takes a toll on you and while need time off to relax and distress, you're just too busy for that. A holiday is a very distant dream and even  a relaxing spa comes a close second. But when the stars are shining in your direction, things fall in place.

That's right, I finally got my best solution with Spa on Wheels - a spa session on the back of a luxury van, that'll pick and drop you at the location of your choice. If you're in Mumbai you'd know its a God sent blessing.

So I was booked for spa session on a Thursday evening, when I swapped that dreadful ride from work to home with a relaxing spa on wheels by The Four Fountains Spa.

Work to home en route spa, now that's a wonderful start of 2014.

Welcome: The Spa arrived 15 minutes before time and confirmed their arrival. I was so excited for this new experience and quickly packed, rushed out and boarded the Spa - a van designed by Dilip Chhabria {now of course that gets brownie points}. I was greeted by a friendly welcoming chauffer who took my stuff and showed me inside the back of the Van. I stepped inside and was greeted by two masseuse, who quickly seated me to one of the two relaxing comfortable luxury seats (180 degree adjustable -  think first class seats in an airplane). It was quite spacious with wooden flooring and beige interiors. Relaxing spa music and smell immediately worked its way to relax me.

What I tried: I opted for a traditional thai head to toe massage with 2 therapists. Considering the restrictions, it was a dry body massage {while I was dressed up} and oil was used only for the foot massage.

I lied down flat on the seat facing the ceiling. There was a TV screen right in front flashing view of the front of the van, you can watch the road and know where are you headed. Interesting and thoughtful. Although a cool idea, but you may be a little uncomfortable to be in an unknown Van. The camera keeps you relaxed as you exactly know where you are going.

So there I was, finally ready to get all the stress out of my system and trying to not think about work, projects, deadlines. Only blank, happy mind.

The treatment: The treatment began with a simple ritual of washing and scrubbing the feet, quickly followed by the foot massage but one girl and head massage by the other. She checked if I wanted a dry head massage or want to use the oil, I chose dry. The body massage followed as I lied just straight facing the ceiling.

It was the shortest and the best one hour I spent {en route}. Even before I knew, the one-hour was done, and since we didn't reach the destination {Oh ya that's Mumbai traffic} I spruced up and quietly sat down listening to the soothing music, watching the screen in front and waiting to be pull on my driveway.

The Experience: The head massage was very relaxing. Foot massage I'd give a six on ten, it was good but I'd have better massages, and I'd want the masseuse to be more friendly {and perhaps smiling}. The body massage was a five on ten, considering its a van and it has its restrictions.

I found the van a little noisy, and the music could do little to fix that.

All in all I had a great experience, while I would not substitute it with my regular spa, but its a great way to relax when you're pressed with time. In fact its a wonderful gift to those pressed with time.

Note: The spa service was complimentary to BeautifyFlr by The Four Fountains Spa
 

Wishlist: Vegan Beauty Products

1. Derm Organic Shampoo - Its really hard to find shampoos that are not harsh for hair, would make them beautiful (not just in the short term but would do good to your hair in the long haul) and which is cruelty free - all at the same time. Ever since I discovered DermOrganic Shampoo I've been coveting over this product. It claims to have facial cleansers, which means no harsh chemicals, is crulety free and is enriched with Argan Oil and Omega-6 and Linoleic Acid, Vitamin E, Panthenol, Rice Amino Acids, and anti-oxidant plant extracts. Just can't wait to get my hands on it soon. I've tried the Moroccon Oil Shampoo and it's a rubbish product full of chemicals. Hoping this one is as natural as it claims. 

2. Lucas Papaw Ointment - Chapped lips, sunburn, minor burns, eczema - all problems one solution Lucas Papaw Ointment. Its a vegan ointment that has been in existence since over 100 years and has a big celebrity following too. I use Elizabeth Arden 8 hrs cream that has similar use, but with very different ingredients. Minor gripe, Lucas uses petroleum jelly. But I am definitely going to try it, on my wishlist!!

3. Stark Cleansing Balm - A balm that works as a cleanser and a hydrator; it melts away daily grime and dirt replenishing your skin with healthy antioxidant rich plant derived oils and butters. Plus its vegan. Now isn't that a wonderful product? The About us section of Stark Sincare is very compelling. It reads "We don't like the beauty industry, and lo and behold, we make all-natural skincare products. Some might think that's a bit of a conundrum, but we're ok with it. We're comfortable in our own skin, and we want you to be as well", I was sold by it and their products are a big on my wishlist. In fact Green Tea Detox Clay Mask from Stark is another vegan product that I would love to try.

4. Betty Hula Champagne and Spice Moisturising Cream - I found this on Glamour Magazine's "How to be naturally beautiful" List and have been wanting it ever since. It read "It not only comes in cutest pot known to womankind, but it smells absolutely divine and leaves the skin super smooth. Plus, the potent mix of natural shea butter, cocoa butter, aloe vera and coconut oil makes it great for smoothing irritations and fading scars and stretch marks." All of this in a vegan moisturisier, I am totally excited to lay my hands on this vegan product too.

5. OCC Lip Tar - I've used Lip Tar and I am in love with them (read here). Their reds are divine reds and I am sure the other colours from their lip tar range are equally amazing. I got them from US to India through a friend, and the product was amazing. It's really hard to find good vegan makeup, especially the lip colours. This product by all standard is amazing. Want them in all colours!!!

FOLLOW ME TO....

 






















Aren't these amazing?

FOLLOW ME TO... a series of pictures taken by Russian photographer Murad Osmann that creatively documents travels of his girlfriend Natalia and himself around the world. Each shot is taken in a similar composition at different geographies across the world - London, Paris, Hong Kong, Granada, Austria ..... etc etc etc (lucky chap). 

I totally loved them. You can follow them here.

NEW LOVE - OUTHOUSE JEWELRY

 

This fashion era is all about making a strong statement - bold yet beautiful, audacious with spunk, feminine with androgyny. Fun, fearless and audacious  that's what Outhouse Jewelry is all about. Brainchild of designer sisters Kaabia and Sasha Grewal, who come together to create edgy and eclectic baubles that have stirred the jewelry world.

From New York to Paris - just two years in existence and they've made a big mark not only in India but international markets as well. Baroque pearls, rose gold, coloured gemstones, spikes brought together in rich craftsmanship make a wonderful statement.

I am totally in love with the pearl necklace, just so many ways I can wear this to pep up any outfit.