Haddington Place branch

By Chiara Pannozzo

There’s no getting around it, women love to be pampered, and pampered I was today at Zest Health and Beauty on Haddington Place. This city centre salon was established by Louise Caithness eight years ago and has continued to thrive ever since. With talented staff and premium products, it’s easy to see why Zest has such a loyal customer base, and I can confidently say that after the treatment I received today, they have just earned themselves another client.

I had the luxury of being treated to a Dermalogica Facial Mapping Facial (£50 for 1hr and 20 mins) whilst at Zest today. This consisted of a an in-depth look at my skin from the moment I walked in the door.

After completing a questionnaire covering various aspects of my skincare routine and tendencies, my skin was scrutinised as part of the mapping process. This proved to be particularly insightful in terms of the condition of my skin, with reassurances that I was doing certain things right, whilst giving me pointers for ways to improve. This also allowed the therapist to match suitable products for my skin during the facial, resulting in a bespoke treatment that targeted the necessary areas.

Once the mapping process was complete, my skin went under a number of processes to ensure it was thoroughly cleansed, including a pre-cleanser, a scrub, a facial oil treatment and a mask. All of these processes were expertly executed by a highly talented therapist, Shonand,  who truly knew how to make me relax. Whilst the mask was on my skin, she massaged my shoulders. This relaxed me to the point where I almost fell asleep.

As the treatment came to an end, a moisturiser, SPF treatment and eye cream were all applied to help enrich my freshly cleansed skin. Whilst I sipped on a glass of water, and tried to rouse myself from my state of extreme relaxation, Shonand went through my facial mapping results in more detail, recommending products that could help me to achieve my skincare goals. The whole treatment was excellent, and one that I would be very keen to repeat again.

Lousie Caithness

As the name suggests, Zest Health and Beauty provides a range of other treatments including waxing, tanning, manicures, pedicures and eyelash tinting and shaping. More details about the range of treatments available can be found on their website.

Skin Solutions

And as if building up a thriving beauty salon isn’t enough, Louise has also recently expanded her long list of talents to include a new business venture, Skin Solutions. The focus for Skin Solutions is Advanced Cosmetic Electrolysis, which can be used to treat a range of skin conditions, including mole and facial tag removal, thread veins, and pigmentation, amongst various other treatments. This service has proved particularly worthwhile, with Louise now working in clinics across Scotland, delivering these entirely professional treatments.

With so many strings to their bow, the Zest beauty group really is a one stop shop for all your beauty needs. Whether it be Shellac nails, or Caci non-surgical facelift treatments, to the more advanced Skin Solutions services, you really can find everything you need at this wonderful Edinburgh salon.

Information:

There are two branches of Zest Health and Beauty. One at the top of Leith Walk (Haddington Place) and the other in the Braid Hills Golf Range on Liberton Drive. Full details and contact numbers can be found on the website. You can meet the rest of the team here.

Various opening hours including early appointments and evenings.

You can also find Zest Health & Beauty on twitter.

Photo courtesy of Two Fat Laddies

Iain Pope and Shaun Milne call themselves “two lardy Scottish lads” and are using 2011 to lose some weight.  Five stone in fact.  Each.

Iain starts the year weighing in at 291lbs and Shaun at 238lbs.  Documenting their journey via their website and other social media methods, the pair are promising to be completely honest about their food and fitness for the next 12 months.  Having read their first few entries, we reckon it’s also going to be a pretty humorous journey as they use their journalist skills to articulate what is sure to be a painful and emotional time.

The pair of them are losing weight for health reasons, but also to raise some money for charity.  Have a look at Iain’s charity page for Macmillan Cancer Support and Shaun’s charity page for Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland.

We will be following Iain and Shaun’s progress and will interview them periodically as their weight drops.  They already have a personal trainer, but if you think you could offer any help or motivation, feel free to drop them a line.

Good luck lads!

You can find the Two Fat Laddies on twitter, look at their photos on flickr and subscribe to new entries on their website.  You can also follow their youtube channel including their video of their first run up the Royal Mile.

Judith Campbell's business

Award Winning Colour Me Beautiful Image Consultant Judith Campbell, set up Feel Brand New in 2007 and has been going from strength to strength, transforming both men and women in the Capital. “Managing your appearance is an important part of who you are. People who look good feel good, it’s as simple as that.”  Judith believes that by choosing colours and shapes that suit you and by wearing your clothes in the right way, your confidence grows and so do the many compliments you receive.

Consultation with Judith

People come though her studio doors in Newington feeling less than happy with the way they look, maybe they have become stuck in a rut, they have lost their way in knowing what suits them or they just feel it’s time for a revamp.  Whatever the reason as to why they are there, they always leave feeling transformed and much more positive about their appearance. What’s great about what Judith does, is that she offers tailor made style solutions for the individual.  You can select from short one to one consultations focusing on either colour, style or make up, go for the whole makeover package which includes wardrobe weeding and personal shopping or mix and match the services to get it right for you.  The choice is yours.
Judith is always taking Feel Brand New out and about all over the city. You will see her in various stores at the start of each season doing her fashion updates, giving people hints and tips on what’s hot and what’s not. She runs workshops on what not to wear for women’s groups, corporate clients and Edinburgh clubs and is always getting involved in various charity events and fashion shows.
“ I love what I do, it is so rewarding and I get to meet such a variety of fabulous people. I don’t have a typical client, it ranges from women to men and from 18 to 80yrs. Although my clients vary in size, shape and age, I can honestly say they all feel brand new after having invested time in themselves.”      

Great fashion advice

You can find out more about Feel Brand New on Judith’s website and you can watch Judith’s many style and make up tutorials on her youtube channel.  You can also follow her on twitter

 Total Movement workshop with Craig Ali, Saturday 17th April, 10am – 1pm

Get fit with Craig Ali

Looking to improve your energy well-being? 

Want to reduce your back and neck pain? 

Need to manage your stress levels better? 

If so,  the Total Movement workshop covering Levels 1 & 2 can help achieve all of these and more.   Craig Ali is taking the session and  the investment is £45 per person. 25% of the fees of all Total Movement Workshops will be donated to Lynne McNicoll’s - It’s Good 2 Give charity,  which helps young cancer sufferers and their families. 

Craig  owns Craig Ali’s Total Health in Edinburgh which offers fitness training, lifestyle consultations, nutritional advice, motivation coaching and thai massage.  He is also personal trainer to Mark Beaumont and Mark Cooper. 

The date for your diary is Saturday 17th April and it runs from 10am – 1pm at Room 4 Health, Tiso, Commerical Street, Leith. 

Details of workshop 

The workshop is a very light and basic workout that can benefit anyone from inactive & injured people through to serious athletes. 

 The system has been designed to build energy, freedom of movement and performance whilst reducing stress and tension. Who is it for?: 

- People rehabing from minor or extreme injury
- Anyone looking to improve posture
- People with neck, back and joint problems/pain
- Anyone wanting to improve their health & energy
- Athletes looking to improve their sporting performance
- Fitness professionals wanting improve their knowledge on mobility,
strength, flexibility & movement 

Total Movement has been used to improve the health of a varied range of individuals from executives to pensioners. The programme has also been implemented to improve the performance of many top level sportsmen including martial artists, football players and ultra-endurance athletes. Craig currently used the system to help Mark Beaumont recover from his world record breaking cycle round the world and prepare him for his next ultra endurance event with great success. 

There are different levels of the system to be worked through but everyone has to start at level one to cover all the basics. The belief is that true strength and freedom of movement cannot be achieved unless basic breath control, joint mobility, flexibility and posture are achieved first. The order of the system is:
• Level 1: Breathing & Basic Mobility
• Level 2: Flexibility & Postural Strength
• Level 3: Advanced Mobility & Core Strength
• Level 4: Body Weight Strength
• Level 5: Strength Through Multi-Joint Movements
• Level 6: Advanced Strength Through Movement
• Level 7: Dynamic Strength & Plyometric Power (for athletes) 

Levels 1 & 2 cover breathing, mobility, flexibility & posture exercises to help improve energy, movement and function whilst reducing stress and tension. Many of the routines and exercises you would recognise from yoga, pilates and tai chi. 

You can also contact Craig Ali to find out more or book your space: craig@craigalihealth.com

Massage by Knot Stressed, Onie Tibitt.

Last weekend I attended a massage taster session as part of an open day at Yoga Stable in Montgomery Street Lane (at the rear of Elm Row on the section with Valvona & Crolla).   I was made aware of this deal through the massage therapist’s twitter stream.  I booked an appointment hoping it would be a good quality session and wasn’t disappointed.

Montgomery Street Lane

Onie is well qualified in a number of massage therapies and related fields and her prices are average for Edinburgh but her quality is exceptional.  Following on from my 2010 kick to get healthy, I am also going to  be treating myself to indulgent treatments such as massage, which also benefit my health and general well-being.

The Yoga Stable and the therapy room that Onie uses has a lovely atmosphere and I was transferred to an oasis of calm in the middle of the city.  No traffic noise can be heard from the treatment room.

Onie took my medical history and then I relaxed on the massage bed as she covered me in freshly heated towels before starting.

I had a deep therapeutic massage and Onie really knows how to make someone feel good.  I have used mainly male masseurs in the past as I prefer the firmer touch, but Onie was excellent and we found a pressure that worked well for both of us.

It was only a taster session and lasted 30 minutes, but I was so impressed with her skills, that I have booked a further 2 appointments over the next month or so and look forward to a full one hour treatment which I am sure will be more beneficial.

Onie does a lot of baby-related massage therapies and pre and post natal treatments (she is a mother of two herself), but for a normal deep tissue or Indian head massage, I can personally recommended her.

All her treatments and services can be found on her web page   or you can phone her on 07717 783 230.  Knot Stressed is also on facebook

Update April 2010

I have now had two excellent full hour massages from Onie and can report that the quality is fantastic.  My only problem is finding the energy to get off the massage table when my time is up – I am so relaxed!  I have been sleeping better, far less back pain and general well being is better.  I have just booked in my mum for a massage which I have every confidence she will enjoy.

Update Autumn 2010

I am stil receiving regular massage from Onie and it was definitely my best Edinburgh discovery for 2010!  I will be asking Santa for gift vouchers for Onie as there is no better present than an hour of total relaxtion heaven, loose muscles and a good nights sleep.

Suitable for disabled?    Yes, the Yoga Stable and Onie’s room is on the ground floor, but you would have to discuss which treatments would be suitable if you couldn’t transfer to the massage table.

Entrance up the lane

Balanced Fitness and Physiotherapy is a wonderful well being centre at North West Circus Place,  Stockbridge.  The Balanced Fitness in the name is the ‘place to get fit’ and the Balanced Physiotherapy part  is the ‘place to get better’.

Determined to live a healthier life in 2010, I decided to make an appointment with one of the physiotherapists and was allocated Judith Paterson, but all of the staff are well qualified in different fields.

I have various aches and pains from numerous sports related injuries over the years and am aware that I need to correct my posture.  I discussed my past and present health with Judith who proceeded to recommend one or two exercises I could do dotted throughout my daily routine.

Typical treatment room

It was then suggested that the Bowen Technique would be appropriate to my health diagnosis and problems.  This is a holistic therapy which is only carried out after full assessment.  The Bowen Technique is gentle manipulation of soft tissue over specific points which often correspond with acupuncture points.  The treatment was conducted whilst I was fully clothed, but light and loose clothing is required to be worn.

Judith spoke through everything she was doing and at no time did I feel awkward or uncomfortable.  The process is slightly strange to those who have perhaps not received alternative treatments before, as Judith had to leave the room for a couple of minutes at a time after working one area to allow my body to respond.

My first session lasted 30 minutes and Judith was able to tell me several things about my health afterwards which made sense.  I did get full marks for being hydrated (I mainly drink water and herbal tea) but after my recent holiday abroad, my muscles were very tight.

Judith then showed me how to stand correctly and talked me through an exercise for my posture to make sure I was doing it the right way.  I liked how I was given two exercises to start with as in previous years I have found physios can bombard you with what you should do be doing all at once which leads you to being overwhelmed and not doing any of them.  Judith is a very approachable woman which is a necessity when dealing with health issues.

I was shown around the rest of the facilities and looked on impressively at the gym that is housed in the building.  You can get a fitness assessment from the relevant staff who will then help you work out an exercise programme suited for your needs.

Well equipped gym

I looked at the kettle bells and various other equipment in the gym whilst one of the trainers explained that they do a variety of strength and cardiovascular training, alongside yoga and pilates and have even devised a programme for circuit training on the Wii Fit.

It’s been a week since I visited for my treatment and I do feel better with fewer aches and pains.  My posture exercises have been completed daily when I’ve been at traffic lights or sitting on the bus and I have been endeavouring to stand correctly.  It’s taking a little getting used to, but I am getting there.

I am no medical sports expert and would have to research terms such as  ’sub maximal aerobic testing’  but have every confidence, that no matter which treatment you required, you would be dealt with professionally and competently by all of the staff working at this Stockbridge centre.

I am returning shortly for my next treatment and will chart my progress in this article.  It may be 11 weeks into 2010, but I am determined to live a healthier and fitter life this year and Balanced Fitness and Physiotherapy  are helping me achieve my aim.

35-37 North West Circus Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 6TW.  Telephone 0131 225 5390 and is next to Lindsay & Gilmour Chemist.

Suitable for disabled?  Yes, completely as there is ramp into the building and the rooms are on the ground floor.

On Monday 15th March, at Cramond Kirk Halls in Cramond Village, there will be a Reiki and Indian Head massage charity night.  This is in aid of C.C.L.A.S.P -Children’s Cancer and Leukemia Charity which is Edinburgh based.
 
The 30 minute sessions will take place between 6.00pm and 9.00pm and will cost £10 each.
 

There shall be several helpers so waiting time will be kept down.  Tea and coffee will be supplied along with some home-baking whilst you wait so come along and meet some new friends, help a good cause and have a treatment all in one night!
 
If you need more details please contact Margery Bambrick on – http://www.angelhealingwaters.com/   or Nicola Blyth at nicola1980s@hotmail.co.uk.

Edinburgh Spotlight has received treatment from both of the organisers and can vouch for the quality of their services.  With tea and cake on offer alongside the treatments, it doesn’t get much better!

This group event is run by Margery and Nicola who have a weekly donation drop in clinic in Edinburgh at the Prentice Centre with Reiki and Indian Head Massage (and occasional Reflexology) every Wednesday between 5.00pm and 8.00pm which is priced for those on low incomes.

Angel

Margery Bambrick of Angel Healing Waters has just released details of her upcoming programmes involving her excellent Angel workshops and Reiki training.  

In the North of the city at the Prentice Centre, Margery helps run weekly drop in sessions in reiki, reflexology and indian head massage.  This is a fabulous service to those who are on a low income, run by volunteers, sessions are by donation.  Every Wednesday from 5pm. 

Reiki Awareness Night  on 15th February from 5.30pm – 8.30pm.  Cramond Kirk, Cramond Village.  This night is suitable for those who are qualified in Reiki or looking for more information before committing to a course.  We shall be working on a simple energy exercise and meditation and a Reiki Empowerment for all those attending.  There shall also be a discussion on Reiki andthe transitions it has gone through since it began with Dr Usui – The founder.  Cost-£12.00
 
 
Usui Tibetan Reiki Level One on Saturday 20th February from 9.30am-4.30pm
 There shall be a follow up day after this date and homework to be completed before certificate can be obtained.  This level can be used with the self, family and friends.  Please enquire for more details.  Cost- £90.00/Concessions available to those on low income. 

Healing and Abundance Angel Workshop on Saturday 27th February from 11am – 3.00pm.  Cramond Kirk Halls, Cramond Village.  During this workshop we shall work on ways to release negative patterns in our lives with the help of the Angels and to bring abundance and happiness into our lives.This workshop shall be filled with many relaxed exercises including Angel invocation and meditation and shall be unique for all those attending.  Cost-£35.00 

     
Monthly Angel Workshop and the next date  is Tuesday 2nd March from 5.30pm – 8.30pm.  Held at the Foundation For Planetary Healing/Shamanic Centre/ Portobello High Street.  These monthly workshops shall cover many exercises on working with Angels including meditation,  Angel stories, Angel Healing and much more.  Cost -£10.00
 
These Angel workshops do not follow any religious order and are suitable for people from all walks of life.   

Angel cloud

Laughter Yoga

The class is run by Gail Bryden, founder of Your True Potential .

Laughter Yoga was developed by an Indian doctor, Dr Kataria, who recongnised that hearty laughter provides a great cardio workout, boosts your immune system, reduces pain and can help with weight loss; proving that laughter really is the best medicine.  Laughter sessions are based on the scientific fact that your body can’t tell the difference between real laughter and fake laughter, which means that you can benefit from all the physiological benefits, including getting fit by having a good laugh.  All you need to bring is an open mind and a childlike willingness to play.

The next 45 minute session is on 22nd of February at the Salisbury Centre at 7pm.  Cost is £10 (£8 concessions) call 0131 667 5438 to book.

More about the Salisbury Centre can be found here.

The annual Meadows Marathon is taking place this year on Sunday 7th March.

It’s not an actualy 26 mile marathon, but a half one (13miles) with a 5km fun run option, so something suitable for most people.

If you don’t want to run, you can perhaps volunteer or just offer moral and vocal support by spectating.   Registration closes at 12 noon on Monday the 1st of March and places are limited so don’t delay in applying.

Meadows Marathon map

Schedule for the day

09:30 – Registration Opens
10:45 – Official 5km Warm Up
11:00 – 5km Start
11:30 – 5km Award Presentations
11:45 – Official Half Marathon
12:00 – Half Marathon Start
13:45 – Half Marathon Award Presentations
15:00 – Race Closes.

We can’t predict at this stage what the weather will be like, but prepare for rain, hail, sun or snow!

Ian McCaldon

A firm shake of the hand followed by a winning smile reveals the friendly and charming nature behind this ex-professional footballer’s imposing outward appearance. As he relates his life story to me, I’m struck both by how rich and varied this 35 year old’s experiences have already been; and also how much he loves the city he’s recently returned to.

McCaldon is back on home turf to start a personal training and motivational fitness business, and – with his positive manner and attitude – he is a walking advertisement for his service.

Born in Liverpool, McCaldon was brought up in Prestonpans and was signed to Livingston FC as goalkeeper by the time he was 21. A football career path followed, and he transferred to Oxford and Chester City before fate crossed his path on a holiday in Australia. Having met the “girl of his dreams” down under, he wasted no time in terminating his contract with the Chester club then living what some may call a dream life in Coral Bay in Western Australia, working as a kayak and snorkel tour guide.

“I was a beach bum!” laughs McCaldon. “It was a great lifestyle. I’d wake up each morning, pull on my shorts, no need for shoes; and my office was the ocean!”

A year later, he was off game fishing in New Zealand before his visa ran out and he found himself back on Scottish soil. A two-year stint at Ross County in Inverness followed.

“It was like a village in comparison” he recalls, “though I still enjoyed it. The fly-fishing and hillwalking were great and the Ironworks had a good music scene going on.”

In 2007, he retired from football and ended up in London, working as a bespoke furniture fitter for high-class clients in Mayfair, Kensington and Chelsea.

“It was my own choice” he says. “I’d lost the desire for football and had a string of injuries.”

It was at this stage of his life that McCaldon first started studying for his current career, taking a one year course in osteopathy.

“It was pretty tough” he admits. “With the furniture fitting and the studying, I had one day off a week. London burnt me out.”

Reassessing his goals, he realised what it was he wanted to focus on.

“It was like pieces of a jigsaw coming together. I’ve always been into fitness and also been able to motivate people. I had all the right tools and a network of friends and contacts that made being a personal trainer a pretty appealing option.”

Never one to procrastinate, McCaldon upped sticks and spent 6 weeks in Alicante on a course that saw him emerge with a master trainer certificate, equipped with a range of physical, psychological and motivational tools to help people become what they want to be.

I'm following my heart

And why Edinburgh?

“It feels in my heart like the right place to be” he replies. “Edinburgh’s got everything – culture, diversity, a great social life. There’s a buzz about the place at the moment – you can see it in places like Leith and with all the new shops and businesses opening up. Though my friends joke by asking me ‘how long are you back for?’, I’m following my heart.”

And with another broad smile and confident handshake, McCaldon takes his leave, with the air of a man who knows in his heart what he wants and – perhaps more importantly – with the belief in his own ability to make it happen.

After even a short time in his company, I have no doubt he will.

Parkrun Edinburgh is a weekly free 5km running event organised by volunteers for runners of all abilities.  Parkrun was founded by Paul Sinton-Hewitt in England in 2004 and now it has weekly runs all over the country.

Glasgow has been having parkruns for almost a year now and many Edinburgh people travelled through to take part.   There was a demand for the race to be run in the East and the four people who got together to start the Edinburgh Parkrun are Gary, Mark, Mitch and Alia.  They spent a lot of their free time finding a suitable venue for Edinburgh, working closely with the council.  News of the Edinburgh event spread purely by word of mouth and Edinburgh Parkrun has been popular since its start 4 weeks ago.

The event starts at 9.30am sharp every Saturday, starting on the Cramond to Silverknowes promenade near the Cramond end.  The number of runners taking part each week is around 200.  All abilities and ages are welcome, even those who wish to run with their pushchairs or dogs !

Parkrun Edinburgh, pre run warm up and chat

Runners congregate, warm up together and catch a quick chat, making this a very sociable event.  One of the organisers briefs runners who have not taken part before, explaining that it is a public path still and to make sure they collect their finishing token so that their time can be registered properly.

Warm Up

Briefing by Mitch

Everybody is then invited to join the starting line and given a 30 second countdown before  the race begins.  A lot of members of Edinburgh running clubs attend Parkrun and they can be found at the front of the pack, followed by people of all ages and speed behind them.

And they're off !

Helpful Volunteers

Lucy, 11 (pictured) chose to volunteer this week as she was unable to run through injury.  She was positively beaming and happy to be there but looking forward to getting back to taking part.

Edinburgh Parkrun needs a minimum of 10-12 stewards weekly to ensure the event runs smoothly.

As the runners cross the line, one of the organisers uses a special piece of equipment to register the times.  Other stewards then hand a numbered token (in the order that they finished ) to the runner that they can take to the timing station.  Here they are given their time and it’s registered on the computer.

Running to the finish line

Afterwards, people socialise at the nearby cafe at Cramond Harbour and pass on training tips and hints.

The first person through the finishing line this week was Neil Renault of City of Edinburgh Athletic Club with a very respectable time of 15 minutes 11 secs.  Renault says his best for the course is 14:59 but had just recently run two other 5km races.

I am sure it won’t be long before some runners from the Edinburgh branch are standing on podiums collecting medals.  Ruaridh Miller, 14, ran the 5km in a very respectable 17 minutes and 18 seconds !  Definitely a name to watch out for in the future.

Neil Renault, Nov 7th first place

Edinburgh Spotlight highly recommends getting involved with this wonderful FREE community event.  There’s a wonderful friendly atmosphere on the course and lots of encouragement for those just perhaps taking up running.  No egos anywhere to be seen.

You must register by 6pm the Friday night before you intend to run and this can be done HERE

Suitable for disabled ?    Yes, they allow people to walk the course, use wheelchairs etc.  If you wish to race in an adapted racing wheelchair, please contact the organisers prior to entry to accommodate any needs you may have.

Click on a thumbnail to view images full size

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Edinburgh Leisure are doing another fantastic offer that leaves no excuses for not exercising.  Portobello swim centre is offering a FREE 7 DAY PASS to use all its’ facilities during November. 

Portobello Baths

No catch, just download the voucher and you can swim, take a class or even a turkish bath for free !  Sessions in the gym are also available.

If you join at the end of the trial, the £35 normal fee is waived, so get in trim for Christmas  

Walking with Angels Workshop

Sunday 15^th November – 11am – 5.00pm

Edinburgh Shamanic Centre, Portobello High Street.

Programme includes :-

Learn how to work with you fifth dimensional chakras, cleansing and clearing them and raising our vibration.

Work with the Angels to bring healing to each other in the group and send healing to the planet at this important time.

We shall invoke the Archangels and Ascended Masters to bring healing to the planet and to help us on all levels.

We shall discuss orbs, what are these?  Share pictures of orbs.

Share Angel stories, build and Angel alter, make fun badges for each other and work with other fun exercises to make this a relaxed, fun day for all those attending.

This course shall be run by Margery Bambrick who is an Angel Teacher with the Diana Cooper School and also an Angel Practitioner.

For details and application forms please contact Margery on www.angelhealingwaters.com /0131 551 2560

Cost – £45.00

Real Foods have two shops within Edinburgh.  One at 37 Broughton Street (shown) and one at 8 Brougham Street, Tollcross (different sides of the town centre, despite similar name)

They have a range of foods that promotes natural, healthy, ethical shopping.

Real Food Stores, Edinburgh

Inside Real Foods

Well worth a visit, if you are in Edinburgh

Suitable for disabled ?     There are a few steps up to the Broughton Street branch, but the Tollcross branch is on ground level.

Edinburgh Leisure are saying that there are no more excuses for the month of September when it comes to exercising.

They are offering a FREE swim or gym session by downloading a voucher  HERE  They are also offering a free months’ membership.  There are no contracts, so you really can try out the gym for free.

Visit the website  http://www.edinburghexcuses.co.uk/ for further information

Just want to say a HUGE well done to all those that took part in last nights’ Moonwalk either as a walker or a volunteer.

I was driving a recovery vehicle and had a few women to pick up along the route, but all due to injury rather than them giving up.

The Castle and other buildings around town were lit up pink last night.

I managed to take a few pictures as I was helping out and you can start looking at them HERE and all my Edinburgh photos are HERE

Missed out this year ?  Why don’t you do the walk or volunteer for next year – all details at http://www.walkthewalk.org/Home

Would you like a Shiatsu Massage ?   Then I recommend the Shiatsu Place on Comiston Road, Morningside .   Prices for an hours’ massage with a qualified practitioner are around £35 per hour.  The rooms are nice, private, with soothing music piped between the treatment rooms.

If you are a little short on cash, but would like to benefit from Shiatsu Massage, then book inwith a student.  They charge from £11 – £16 per hour (for second year student).  I have had massages from both and found the student’s technique to be more than satisfactory for the money I paid.

 It takes a long time to qualify in shiatsu, all staff members are very dedicated.

SUITABLE FOR DISABLED ?      Yes, access is on ground floor and so are the treatment rooms, although Shiatsu is traditionally practised on a futon on the floor, but can be done in a chair.