Mum’s, dad’s and grandparents across Somerset, will be happy to reach the home stretch of the half term hols. The weather hasn’t been great, and even the best parents in the world will be feeling a little bit frazzled by now! I recommend a bit of pampering once the little darlings have gone back to school. Even if you are working full time, a nice long soak in the bath, reading your favourite book, or laughing out loud to your fave comedy boxset- can be a great way to unwind. If you want to go a step further, then I can seriously recommend having a professional massage to work out those stress induced aches and pains. A new beauty and massage therapy room has just opened up in the the centre of Shepton Mallet.
Former Whitstone’s pupil Becky Stokes has opened ‘Becky Beauty’ at 7, Commercial Road- and she’s offering everything from pedicures, facials, and full body massages to state of the art microblading sessions , and great prices. I treated myself to a hot ‘Lava Shell’ massage, to celebrate my six month ‘Soberversary’ last week. The salon is small, but bright and airy. Becky has chosen soft, neutral, calming fabrics and decor - and I felt at ease immediately. She’s originally a northern lass, and has a friendly approachable demeanor and witty banter which made me really warm to her. Becky explained that actual Lava shells were used in the Phillipines for centuries, and now the beauty industry are hailing them as the ‘new hot stones’. How it works ; A patented, natural, biodegradable heat technology is incorporated into the Lava Shell which then emits heat for over an hour, allowing therapists to provide a continuous and seamless body massage. Becky told me that using the shells creates an exothermic reaction, and also gives off calcium ions when heated, which transfers to your skin during the massage. I found it very relaxing, and also found the shape allowed Becky to really work into my muscles. It really hit the spot! My lower back has been bad for years, and the warmth of the shells on that area was heavenly. Check out www.beckybeauty.com and see for yourself. Another thing which is helping my bad back is yoga. I’ve only been to two sessions, run by Wendy Sugg of ‘Bruton Yoga’, but I swear I am feeling more flexible, and even taller. I can now reach the top latch on my garden gate, sounds bizarre but it’s true! Part of the sessions involve deep relaxation, and that is helping tremendously with my anxiety. I met an elderly lady in a charity shop last week who told me she’d taught it for ten years, and that she is the most flexible person in her kettlebell class. She then stood up, arched over to touch her toes , bent her head to her knees- and then revealed she was 79 years old ! I was gobsmacked, and vowed then and there to follow her example #lifegoals .
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Welcome to what the millenials will hashtag #FeelGoodFeb ! Gone are the dreary dark January days, this is the month where you reap the rewards of your new year’s resolutions and start to see some results.
If you gave up booze for ‘dry january’ you’ll no doubt have already lost some weight, and saved some money - carry on and you’ll start to find anxiety and depression starting to lift, skin and hair looking healthier, and a new found zest for life. I’m living proof! Those of you who are giving up cigarettes, caffeine , sugar and other addictive vices- may still find that cravings are a problem, and might have been fighting of colds, flus and bugs as your immune systems struggled to cope. This is the time to really take care of yourself, and invest in some ‘me’ time to reward your hard work. Massage can help rid the body of toxins, or why not try an alternative therapy? We are lucky to have an absolute wealth of holistic therapists in the local area. I went to a ‘Health MOT’ event, run by Shepton Mallet Chamber Of Commerce last week- and tried out a few therapies myself. I loved the relaxing and uplifting Indian Head Massage, done by mobile massage therapist Sara House. She offers all kinds of massage , in your own home from just £30 for an hour 07824 827090 . I got chatting to Paul Mercer, who’s recently opened ‘Intentions Aromatherapy ‘ in Shepton Mallet Market place. He’s fabulous, and had my friend and I in stitches with his humour, before sending us off with intuitively blended healing essential oils. I’ve since been into the shop , bought myself a ‘Serenity’ mist and booked a massage. I’m hooked! To find out more about the event and local healers offering Kinesiology, Bowen Technique,Yoga, Hypnotherapy, EFT, Reiki, reflexology and more , head to my latest blog at www.bryson-banks.weebly.com. It’s half term soon, so what’s on to keep the kids happy? Wells Blue have a full week of Holiday Club activities running from Monday 12th - Friday 16th February. A full day from 9 - 5pm costs £18. Bishop’s Palace in Wells will host family activity days from the Saturday ( call 01749 988111 ) and West Somerset Railway will be offering ‘Half Term’ rover tickets, and even special ‘snowdrop’ excursions. As one of our children has special needs, It can be hard to find suitable activities locally. However, now there are special activity days for children with autism aged 5 - 12, right here at Hidden Treasures, 5 Commercial Road, in Shepton Mallet. ‘Step4ward-in-2growth’ theraputic activity and sensory club is run by Becky Watson.She provides messy play, story telling, nature, music and art therapy for small groups, in a safe nurturing environment. There is a half term session on Thursday 15th February, and on Saturday 17th- with more planned monthly. To enquire and make a booking call Becky on 07737 331174 or pop into the shop. |
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