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Gaby’s Wedding Plans – the decisions ahead …

gaby — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:32:35 +0000

Regular followers of Luxury Shopper would know that me and Lachlan are engaged. This weekend we set the date for our wedding! An October Spring wedding.

We have been to seven weddings this year from Whale beach (Northern Beaches), South head, Leura Everglades Gardens … and a friends farm. So we think we have a great selection of experiences to choose from. After talking with friends and family, we decided that we are going to Sydney’s next Wedding Expo. We will keep you posted. Over the last few months we have been thinking what we have to do. Our list of things to do include the following:

ceremony location
reception location
decorations for the ceremony
decorations for the reception
flowers
wedding rings
music
invitations
guest list and seating
wedding cake
transport
photographer
wedding dress, shoes and accessories
bombonieres
hairdressers and makeup for bridal party
bridal party suit hire
dress fittings for the bridesmaids
arranging an mc for the reception
co-ordinating all the suppliers
dress rehearsals
legal requirements
our honeymoon

Over the next few months Me, Jenny and Fiona will let you know about the plans. One thing I can let you know already is that Jenny and Fiona will be my bridesmaides. I was thinking that we would have Tiffany bombonieres on each table.

Love LXS Gaby.

Living Well takes on a whole new meaning

gaby — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:15:30 +0000

To me, living well has always meant having things like a good paying job, a beautiful relationship, and an occasional opportunity to escape. But it wasn’t until we escaped that I realized the real meaning of living well.

You see, Living Well is the full-service spa tucked inside Sydney’s fabulously refurbished Hilton Hotel. I knew we’d be spending all day I booked the 1/2 hour Revive package before leaving my room. For the first time, I justified the cost of soothing my weary feet in Rosemary, Eucalyptus and Grapefruit as a bona-fide business necessity!

We knew we had made a great decision as we entered the Living Well Sensory Spa. The person on-duty in Sensory Spa I think her name was Cass took suggested I try the 2 ½-hour Beauty Flash treatment instead. Committed to my wellbeing, she explained that along with my de-stressing foot treatment, I’d also receive a thorough back, neck and shoulder massage and a classic facial. My feet weren’t the only part of my body that sore from shopping and the thought of all that pampering was simply irresistible. So I agreed without hesitation.

The time was bliss, the treatment room magical. The aroma the music. I left the private treatment room feeling better than I’ve felt in a long time. On my way out Cass handed me a spa menu and invited me to return soon to indulge in another of the spa’s treatment packages. Hand and foot treatments, hot stone massages, sea salt scrubs, aromatherapy massages, clay body wraps, waxing treatments, manicures and pedicures await both men and women.

But what’s even better is that you don’t have to be a hotel guest to take advantage of all that the Living Well Sensory Spa has to offer. All you need is time and whatever motivation you need to justify this truly satisfying experience.

When we finally set the date to get married, I am definitely coming back here.

Hilton Living Well Sensory Spa is located 255 Pitt St. Sydney NSW 2000.

Love LXS Gaby.

L’occitane (QVB) – Searching for the Perfect Gift!

gaby — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:30:50 +0000

I had a great shopping experience just the other day. While strolling about searching for gifts, I happened along the Queen Victoria Building affectionately known as the QVB. If you haven’t been to the QVB then you are definitely missing something special. The elaborate Romanesque architecture was specifically designed for the grand building, which was completed in 1898. So surely, with over 200 shops within this amazing structure, finding a great gift would be easy. It was. I entered L’occitane en Provence. Products that pamper and beautify, inspired by the Provence region of France, await shoppers at this charming boutique. From the moment I stepped inside, my eyes and nose were on sensory overload, but in a pleasant way. Bountiful scents and lushly detailed colours filled the room, as did the subtle sound of music.Immediately I was greeted by Lynette, who was everything you’d expect a French woman to be – impeccably dressed, and so very knowledgeable of her products. I surrendered my search to her. To help get back her youthful glow, Lynette suggested L’occitane’s Almond Milk Concentrate. This is a smooth and silky body cream that helps restore the skin’s elasticity. The moment the delightfully scented cream was gently massaged into my hand, I knew my task was almost complete.

Next, Verbena Bath and Shower Gel. Now my favourite product is anything Verbena. It is described as “… the magic plant par excellence. The Romans attributed it to Venus, believing it had the power to rekindle the passion of a dying love. L’occitane’s Verbena Harvest comes in a delightful, sparklingly fragrant range of products.” Harvested in Provence during the spring, my personal shopper promised the chance to banish worry and tiredness from her life by indulging in this refreshing gentle cleanser made with verbena extract. Sold! Thinking I had enough, Lynette took a chance and spritzed me with Lavender Linen Water Spray. It had a scent reminiscent of a light summer breeze in Provence that I knew she would love. I left feeling satisfied and with not one but three terrific gifts! If you mention that it is a gift you can also get a hamper style in a nice basket. My arrangement had sprinkles of cherry blossoms and bumble bee but it changes with the current stock. You will love L’occitane de Provence, especially with Lynette as your guide!Technorati Profile