prairie girl musings

Category: Wellness

Taking time out with Total Body Concept this winter (plus a giveaway!)

If you’re anything like me, self-care and setting aside time for yourself has fallen to the bottom of your never-ending to-do list. We’re over halfway through 2020 and I’ve been meaning to book myself in for a facial since January…

My Skincare History
I booked in for my first treatment at Total Body Concept in 2015, shortly after moving to Christchurch from Toronto. My skin was out of whack; struggling to adjust to the different climate (going from autumn to spring is confusing on many levels). My stress levels were higher than normal as I navigated a new city and looked for a job. After my initial consultation, I had my first ever mandelic acid peel and the results were transformative. I adopted a more consistent skincare regime and invested in a few serums, I’m a fan of the Ultraceuticals Ultra Clear Treatment Lotion. Pre-wedding, I kicked my skincare routine up a notch, returning for regular treatments to get my skin glowing on the day. It’s funny how we need a major life event to justify spending money on ourselves.

While I developed a slight skincare obsession during lockdown (surely I’m not alone here…) I can’t remember the last time I had a facial. With our return to Canada, I decided to sneak in one last treatment at Total Body Concept before our flight. There’s nothing like a preflight facial to get your skin in tip top shape.

Skin Consultation
My visit started with a skin consultation, where the team analysed my skin and specific problem areas so they can recommend the best course of action. I’ve had a handful of skin consultations in the past, but our skin can change with the seasons, stress, hormones, etc. so regular check-ins are a good idea. Debbie and the team then recommended I try their new Laser Genesis treatment followed by a luxurious hyaluronic facial with the incredible Annie.

Cutera Laser Genesis ($200)
Often referred to as the Hollywood Facial because celebrities swear by it, Cutera Laser Genesis is a highly effective, non-invasive skin treatment that diminishes acne scars and builds collagen. Basically, it stimulates the skin’s natural processes by remodelling collagen to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture. In addition to treating conditions associated with ageing and sun damage, it’s great for targeting blemishes and uneven skin tones (two of my biggest concerns). Using a laser light to target the layer of skin where collagen is produced, small areas of the skin are heated to 41-44 degrees to stimulate new collagen formation. It felt like I was lying on a beach in Fiji, such a nice escape from Christchurch’s dreary weather.

Hyaluronic Smooth & Fill Facial ($195)
Next I had the Hyaluronic Smooth & Fill Facial, which is another anti-ageing and blissful hour-long treatment. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in our bodies, but depletes as we get older. Our joints, skin and cells all benefit from its hydrating effects and it’s equally good at healing our skin after laser treatments or peels.

Immediately after the treatments, my skin looked plump and glowing. I was also so relaxed that I fell asleep during the hyaluronic facial and hand massage. The next day, I woke up and my skin looked even healthier. This treatment is perfect the day before an important event or celebration. It’s one I would’ve loved to have before getting married.

…and now for the giveaway!
With everything going on this year, many of us have neglected our regular self-care routines. The team at Total Body Concept understands how difficult it can be to find time for treatments and have generously offered a FREE Wellness Retreat Spa Package to one of my followers.

The two-hour long package is valued at $255 starts with a purifying shower and 30 minute infrared sauna, followed by herbal tea and bubbles in TBC’s private retreat room. You’ll then receive an hour long luxury facial and facial massage, microdermabrasion, ultra sonophoresis, Vitamin C infusion treatment before heading home with two free Ultraceuticals experience size products (includes SPF and one active).

If setting aside time and money to look after yourself is something you’d like to prioritse, I’d love to hear from you. Leave me a comment on this blog post, sharing what self care looks like to you or one of the ways you plan to look after yourself this year. You can also leave a comment on this Instagram post for a second entry. Make sure you’re following both @totalbodyconceptnz and @vanessaortynsky to be considered. The winner will be announced on Thursday, 9th July.

Finding time for self-care in whatever form can be challenging, but it’s immensely rewarding when we do.

This post is in partnership with Total Body Concept, but all opinions are my own.

July 2, 2020
What To Wear, Cook, Watch, Read & Listen To While At Home

Like many of you, I’ve been feeling anxious and slightly panicked over the past days due to our least favourite c-word. Earlier today, our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern announced that New Zealand will go into lockdown within 48 hours. To me, this offers a such sense of relief as I know it’ll help flatten the curve and reduce case numbers in our small country. It’s so important that we not only follow the government’s instructions, but look after ourselves while in self-isolation. I’ve been self-isolating for over a week already, only leaving the house to pick up essential groceries, so feel like I’m starting to get a handle on it.

As you might already know, Nick and I were preparing (both physically and mentally) to move overseas in a few short weeks. We’ll be staying put in New Zealand for the foreseeable future as travelling (both domestically and internationally) needs Most of our furniture has been sold, but fortunately some kind friends have lent us their chairs to use in the meantime.

It’s easy to focus on the negatives right now, but I’ve decided to dedicate my online space to spreading positivity; reminding you to take care of yourself mentally and physically; and hopefully providing a bit of a distraction from the headlines. During these unprecedented times, we’re invited to slow down and spend time on what matters. If you need some inspiration to become more of a homebody, here’s what I’ll be doing this month:

Wear: Ah, loungewear. Rather than go the whole nine yards and get fully dressed for a day spent working from home, I prefer to take a minimalist approach. Sometimes I’ll change into my workout gear right in the morning, do a lunchtime workout and then shower and put on more everyday clothes for the afternoon/evening. Changing once or twice throughout the day helps elevate my mood.

I’ve been known to wear my Bassike rugby pants (pictured below) on days when I might need to leave the house (which is quickly becoming a distant memory) as well as linen trousers like these from Hej Hej. I’ve been on the lookout for a matching beige tracksuit similar to this one Hailey Bieber wears so well.

Photo by Shayden Whipps

Cook: I’ve never been much of a chef or baker, but I’m determined to try out a few recipes over the next few weeks. These are the recipes I’ve been bookmarking as of late:

Banana bread
Cauliflower fried rice
Roasted courgette and chickpea salad
Savoury spinach pancakes
Dressed beetroot salad

I’ve started making smoothies every morning as well and my favourite is a green smoothie with spinach, banana, frozen açai, oat milk and peanut butter. I’ve also placed an order for some Grizzly sourdough, hot cross buns and sea salt bagels because this girl needs her comfort carbs.

Watch: I’m a big fan of thrillers and the occasional horror film (Midsommar was my jam) but during these anxiety-inducing times, I’ve been allowing myself to binge shows like Queer Eye, Schitt’s Creek and even rewatching Mad Men. If you haven’t seen Fleabag, it’s the best TV I’ve watched in years! Modern Love (it’s on Amazon) is also incredible, the first two episodes are a must watch.

Crash Landing On You is a Korean series I’ve been getting into as well and I’m keen to start watching To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. Have you seen either of these?

Listen: Pre-coronavirus, I was already on a bit of a podcast binge, but in the past two days I’ve discovered even more that are worthy of a listen.

After Work Drinks with Grace O’Neill and Isabelle Truman is my go-to. If you’re struggling with the adjustment of self-isolation, give their recent episode, ‘A Self Isolation Survival Guide’ a listen.

Don’t Keep Your Day Job with Cathy Heller is an inspiring podcast that I’ve recently started listening to. It’s very aspirational at times, but quite reassuring at the moment.

Hurry Slow with Jocelyn K. Glei is a podcast about pacing yourself, hosted by Jocelyn K. Glei. Hurry Slowly is a podcast about how you can be more productive, creative, and resilient through the simple act of slowing down.

Read: I’m ashamed to admit I’ve only finished one book since January. I was such a bookworm growing up, preferring books to other people’s company most of the time (lol), so I’m hoping to get back into reading over the next four weeks. Here’s what I’ve read and loved:

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport is brilliant. It’s all about deciding which forms of technology are absolutely essential to you (and your work) and then eliminating the rest.

The Testament by Margaret Atwood is the perfect follow-up to The Handmaid’s Tale and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s the first book I couldn’t put down in ages!

Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman is a lovely escape to gorgeous Italian in the summertime (minus the Covid-19 pandemic, of course). I’m just starting this book, but it’s so beautifully written and descriptive. Highly recommend (and watch the film, too!)

I’d love to know what you’re wearing, watching, listening to and reading — any book recommendations out there? Sending you all lots of love during this uncertain time.

March 23, 2020
6 Ways To Improve Your Mornings

Raise your hand if you’re a morning person…

Personally, I oscillate between being a morning person and a night owl. I often struggle to turn off my brain when bedtime rolls around, even when I give myself time to wind down (sans screen). Since I started working for myself, I find it difficult to ‘switch off’ and often have my most productive hours outside of the traditional 9-5 structure (like 8pm on a Friday…) Regardless, I’m well aware of the benefits of waking early and am hoping with a bit of practice, I’ll learn to love 6am starts again soon…

For those of you who are best friends with your snooze button and looking for ways to enjoy your mornings a bit more, read on. Fortunately, becoming an early riser can be learned at any age. And while this post is just as much for me as it is for you, I hope you find it useful.

Shut-down early.
We’re all aware that excessive use of technology before bed is not doing us any favours. That said, watching a movie before dozing off can be oh so tempting. I’ve found what works best is doing things that are near impossible to do with technology – a lengthly, drawn out skincare routine or even treating myself to a monthly massage just before bed. In the past I’ve struggled to read before bed, but I’ve been reading Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming and it’s hard to put down!

Start your day off right.
Someone recently asked me how I stay motivated throughout the day and for me, it’s exercise. It helps clear your mind and focus on what you’re hoping to achieve. Another idea is to start your day off with an activity you enjoy, taking the dog for a walk or meeting a friend for breakfast, you’ll look forward to getting out of bed so much more. I find early morning gym sessions are a lot easier than after work gym sessions because I’m usually half asleep, so it goes by a lot quicker and wakes me up.

Avoid technology.
Again, if you can, avoid looking at your phone or checking your emails until after you’ve had breakfast or gone through your morning activity. I’ve been storing my computer and phone downstairs, so I often forget about them until about an hour or so into my day. I find I’m less distracted throughout the day if I give myself time to meditate, eat breakfast and get dressed. Get an actual alarm clock and hide your phone in another room.

Meditate.
I’ve recently started meditating and it’s completely changed my mornings. My dad has meditated every morning for as long as I can remember, and he’s the one who inspired me to start. Since I’m a novice, I’ve started off by using mindfulness apps like Calm and Headspace, but eventually I’d like to meditate without my phone because isn’t that really the point?

Eat your favourite (and biggest) meal of the day.
Skipping breakfast isn’t an option for me, and I often spend more time preparing my first meal of the day than other meals. I love having poached or scrambled eggs on toast with sautéed spinach or granola and coconut yoghurt if I’m in a rush. Oh, and a coffee (I’ve been having mine with oat milk) is absolutely essential as well.

Plan your outfit in advance.
Or if you work from home, like I do, make sure you change out of your pyjamas. While I’m not suggesting you put on a full face of makeup and heels if you don’t have to leave the house, but changing your clothes is a surefire way to differentiate between relaxation time and working time.

Listen to your body.
If you’re really struggling to get out of bed in the morning, it could be a sign you need to make some changes. Maybe your diet needs a rehaul or you’re not in the right profession. There was a period when I absolutely dreaded getting up and getting dressed, and eventually realised that I was unfulfilled in my 9-5. While I couldn’t make any drastic changes, I started looking for ways I could transition into a career that made waking up easier.

Well, there you have my top tips for improving your mornings. I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.

Photos by Malia Rose Photographer

January 8, 2019
Self-Care Habits I’ve Adopted Since Working For Myself

Although self-employment is relatively new to me, I actually worked from home while living in Toronto. I was one of three employees at a small start-up and had a little pull-out desk in the corner of my one-bedroom apartment. It was tiny, but right next to the window, so I was able to look outside at the city below.

There were definitely ups and downs. One day I loved it and the next I resented not having an office to go to every morning. Working for yourself takes discipline and self-care. I know a few of you are self-employed and work from home as well, so I thought I’d how share the ways I’ve managed to maintain my sanity. Read on for my top seven tips…

Dedicate space to your ‘office’
If you predominantly work from home, it’s important to dedicate space to your ‘office’. Even if you don’t have a spare room, you should still set up a desk and a comfortable (ideally ergonomic chair) so you can focus and get work done. I often shift from my office (where the light is best) to our kitchen table, where I have a bit more space to spread out.

Set boundaries
Setting boundaries is one of the most challenging aspects of working for yourself because, let’s face it, there’s no one else to pick up the slack if you need to take a day off. That said, boundaries are important and you should set them. That’s not to say your boundaries will be the same as someone in a conventional job (I’m writing this on a Sunday afternoon, after all). Depending on your business goals and the type of work that you do, you might need to work the occasional Saturday or take calls after 6PM.

Get outside
This is probably what I struggle with the most (and what I struggled with when I worked for a start-up). I try to workout in the morning, just to ensure I get some fresh air to start my day off on the right foot. I also organise photoshoots, coffee dates and lunchtime meetings to ensure I’m meeting with clients and friends face-to-face rather than over the phone. Otherwise, I could easily be sitting in my pjs until 4PM…

* Please note that as of 20 March, 2020, I’m practicing social distancing and only going outside when necessary (to pick up groceries and for a short jog around my neighbourhood).

Have a strong support system
For me, this has been the most vital thing since deciding to work for myself. I’m lucky that I have a supportive partner who is able to deal with my occasional bout of neediness. And my family, though far away, are always willing to chat me through difficult periods. As a blogger, it helps to have friends who aren’t in the industry and don’t work in the digital space. I find it so important to have people in my life who know about the things I don’t choose to share online and who offer perspective when I’m spiralling into an Instagram vortex.

Find your community
That said, I also love having fellow blogger and photographer friends and friendships that started online. I’m travelling to London with my first ever Instagram friend next month, and she’s even coming to our wedding next year. It’s incredible that we live in such a digital age, where friendships can go from online to offline so seamlessly. In New Zealand, I’ve found a local community of creatives who work for themselves or from home, which helps fuel collaboration. When I started Prairie Girl Musings in 2012, the blogosphere was still such a weird, unknown space. Not a lot of people were sharing their opinions online, so I often felt quite alone and unusual. It’s exciting to see blogging receive more and more acknowledgment as a viable career.

Get used to rejection
In addition to feelings of isolation and a lack of routine, self-employed individuals also deal with rejection, especially if you’re in an industry where you’re putting yourself out there constantly. I’ve developed thick skin and mental resilience simply by pitching my ideas to brands and PR agencies day after day. Managing your emotions and not taking things personally is key and I urge you to treat your job as just that. Continue pushing yourself in the right direction and always ask for feedback because rejection is rarely personal.

Celebrate milestones
Just like at a traditional job, I’m learning to reward myself when I hit certain milestones. I’ll never forget my first sponsored blog post and how excited I was to be creating content for a brand. I poured my creativity into that campaign, coming up with a unique angle, styling and photographing the products, writing and editing my words until everything sounded just right. While it may not be time for a bonus, why not celebrate by treating yourself to a nice dinner or a maybe even a long weekend away? Without a boss to commend your efforts, give yourself permission to celebrate your hard work.

Photos by Sophie Isabella

I’d love to hear from you. If you work from home or not, let me know how you look after yourself.

August 5, 2018
Float Therapy: Here’s What To Expect

With constant noise and distraction in our daily lives, it’s increasingly difficult to disconnect. Being constantly tethered to my device, both for work and personal reasons, I’ve often tossed up the idea of a digital detox. Float therapy is another option for those looking to carve out space to think and meditate without external distractions. It involves floating in 500KGs of epsom salts and thirty centimetres of water (heated precisely to our external body temperature).

I was kindly invited to try floatation at Cloud 9 Float Club. Despite some initial hesitation and outright fear, I decided to give it a whirl. I had read all about the benefits of float therapy, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving creativity and memory, and repairing muscles after intense exercise. It would be silly not to experience it for myself, right?

Nevertheless, with 60-undisturbed minutes of sensory deprivation in a seven-foot pod awaiting, I was slightly terrified. Where would my mind go? Would I fall asleep? I’m slightly claustrophobic, so I worried I would freak out as soon as I closed myself into the 7-foot tank…

As the Cloud 9 team explained, everyone’s experience is completely different and you’ll get exactly what you need out of a float. “Some people immediately fall asleep because that’s what their body requires while others’ minds will run wild.”

Fortunately, my fears quickly evaporated and I seemed to lose all sense of space and time while I was floating. Focusing on my breath, my body slowly relaxed and space felt infinite. I decided to have my hands bent above my head (like goddess pose in yoga) as it was recommended for those with tight necks/upper backs. At first, I felt like I was floating along a river, and then through space with the worries of the day disintegrating. Meditation has never been easy for me, but in a flotation tank, focusing was the only option.

To ease you into the float, you’ll hear ten minutes of light music before 45-minutes of silence and five minutes easing you back at the end of your float. After 60-minutes of me time, Cloud 9 has plenty of all-natural bath products to help you wash away the salt and carry on with your day.

Post-float, you may want to write down your thoughts, sit on one of Cloud 9’s comfy chairs to process, or head straight home – again, everyone is different. Rather than give everything away, I urge you to try float therapy for yourself.

I hope I’ve answered any questions (and concerns) you may have about float therapy. Please leave me a comment below if you’ve ever tried flotation, I’d love to hear about your experience!

November 6, 2017