Lady of the Lashes

X10Me Aniya

Last week I had the wonderful experience of being a first timer at X10Me salon in North Melbourne (356 Victoria Street).  The place is a little haven of girliness, gorgeously decked out with flowers, candles and a bright, simple interior that just says: “Relaaaax”.

I chose to have owner/beautician Aniya apply the Twinkle eyelash extensions in mink. She was gentle and attentive, ensuring that I was comfortable under my soft pink duvet.

Inside X10Me

Where the magic happens

The Twinkle flares out at the outer ends of the eye to mimic a more feline effect.
Not only was I thrilled with the gorgeous effect of longer, flirtier lashes, but there is NOTHING false looking about them! It just appears like a very professional application of mascara. Without the effort.  You have to love that!

Aniya is gorgeous – sweet, professional and happy to accommodate days and times that best suit you – from Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm  (03 9329 6648).
Join the X10Me Facebook page for special deals and updates on offerings and products. Next on my list? An aroma body massage...or a relaxation facial...or maybe an exfoliation with tropical oils...oh, the difficult choices!
I have some very special $50 & $20 vouchers for those who are willing to come and pick them up from Kew Recreation Centre! All you need to do is “Like” X10Me” on FB and tell me what treatment you desire!

Flirty Twinkle Lashes

For Ms Kim the Marathon Madwoman!

Get a Core to Adore

DO at least one of these moves in the next 5 days then let me know what you think - either comment on this blog (below) or on Core Integrity With Cat on Facebook.
Your core is exactly that - the centre of your body that dictates your strength, posture and stability. Working on your core means targetting your abdominals, back, glutes and hips to ensure that you are strong and balanced front/back and left/right.
The BEST moves you can do to ensure balance are single limb movements but since these require a strong core to ensure control and correct movement, start by adding some of these moves to your next workout. Remember, don't think that doing a whole lot of abs and neglecting the back and glutes is going to do you ANY favours. A sixpack that is hidden by your hunchback posture and saggy butt is not going to impress anyone - especially you.

Plank to row

Plank/Row:

• Try to set up next to a mirror to ensure that you are keeping a straight line from the top of your head to the heels (ie. a plank) OR ask a trainer to ensure you maintain alignment
• In each hand, hold a dumbbell (if you feel too unstable, hold the dumbbell in the arm you raise and rest your supporting hand flat on the ground
• Brace your abdominals, drawing your pelvic floor upward slightly THEN lift the weight by raising the elbow until you reach hip height. Squeeze gently into the rear of that shoulder and slowly release the weight toward the floor. Repeat 10 times on one side then alternate arms.



Hip extension:

• Rest your body over the fitball, with hipbones just on the edge of the ball and chest supported
• Raise alternating arm and leg in line with your spine
• Alternatively, keep both hands on the floor for support and squeeze your glutes to raise both legs
• The target is the gluteal muscles and lower back

Hamstring Curl

Hamstring curl:

• Rest both shoulders evenly on the ground and tuck chin SLIGHTLY to lengthen back of the neck and enable easier breathing and better alignment of the spine
• Position both heels hip-distance apart on the top, centre of the fit ball (it might take a bit of maneouevring to find the right position
• Brace the abs, squeeze the glutes and draw the ball towards your body by bending the knees and contracting through the hamstrings (muscles down the back of your legs)
• When you have raised your hips in line with your collarbone and squeezed your glutes to hold for a moment, gradually release the ball back out until you are at the starting position. Repeat 5 - 10 times then rest. This is a great addition to the hip extension exercise above.

Reverse curl on bench:

• I love this one! Lie on the bench with head supported and take your elbows overhead to grip the end of the bench behind your head - keep biceps close to your ears instead of flaring elbows out wide
• Brace your abs, draw your pelvic floor up gently, tuck your knees towards your chest and roll your bum off the bench while keeping your heels close to your bum (seriously, no kicking and using momentum - we don't cheat here!)

Questions? Comment below.

Coming up...

Eyelash extensions: this is exaggerated!

I'm going to tell you about my new lash'ediction (that's lashes + addiction - boom!). I'm going to tell you all about X10Me for Melbourners.

I'm going dancing at The Space - nothing crazy now...this hip isn't putting up with anything high-impact I assure you. She is a grumpy little joint.

Top knot - too easy

Will be doing an article on gym hair - what works, looks that inspire and trust me, nothing that takes longer than it does to lace up both your sneakers. I mean there's sweat involved, geez!



A little quirky but sneakers involved

Also, workout ideas to change up your routine. Dani - watch out babe. I've got ideas and I will be using you as a guinea pig. See you on the gym floor soon ;)

CALLOUT! Gym Hair

Hi all - I'm doing a little research - not curing anything or writing a doctorate, c'mon - but I want to know your "go-to" gym hair style and I want a photo. If you cringe at the thought of a photo of your gym-hair, hey, get someone to snap it from the back and remain anonymous! If you are skilled at drawing, send me an illustration.
Get on board. Get your FRIENDS on board. Get the supermarket checkout guy and the postie on board!
Send photos to me with the Subject "Gym Hair".

Ta!

Playing with Pastels

Blue lavender

Dark hair pastel makeup

Fortunately, I am blessed with dark dark hair. Unfortunately, this means it would take a lot of bleach and potential hair loss to try to go pastel-coloured. Since I won't be getting into princess mode with pale pink hair, I'm going to live out my pastel dreams in makeup. Here's some inspiration. Clip-in extensions are your friend but don't party all night, sleep with them still in and expect to ever use them again. Just a warning.

Pastel hair

One more thing! What goes really well with pale, pretty colours? FULL ON LIZA MINELLI IN CABARET LASHES. Stay tuned for how to make that happen Melbourne femmes!

Pink lavender ombre

Pale sunset cheeks

UPDATE: I AM TIP TOP!

Still fit

Thankyou to all who expressed concern over my hip problem. I adore you. I don't want any pity or the wrong idea that I am "unwell" or "ailing"! I am in NO PAIN and there are ways to remedy the issue since I'm not 85. Clearly.
SO! I won't be skipping rope, but I'm still gymming and teaching and looking after my body. xxx