Colonic à deux???
When I say ‘Colonic irrigation’, do you automatically cringe, blush or say ‘eeuugghhk’?
Most people do. In today’s world, it is surprising to realise the subject of having a plastic tube inserted into your back passage to reduce waste matter, can still be considered taboo. There, I said it. That wasn’t so bad was it?
Imagine my surprise then to learn that Dual Cleanses (that’s where you and your partner go for a colonic together), are actually popular. There are better ways I can think to spend time with my other half but when Leeds based clinic, Innercore invited us to experience this for The MODERN girl’s guide to: weddings, I agreed – you don’t get more modern than this!
About colonics
Colonic Irrigation, also known as colon hydrotherapyis a safe and painless procedure in which built-up waste is gently released from the colon by introducing warm filtered water. Egyptians used this method as an alternative to harsh purgatives or laxatives for colon-cleansing, and today it remains popular for the same reasons.
The Dual Cleanse
Thankfully, the colonics were not performed together in the same room (we’re close, but really?!), and instead during a designated time slot per person within the same afternoon. We therefore arrived together and chose who went first (me).
The practitioner, Kirsty McEnroe RGN Dip HE is a qualified nurse with years of experience that instantly put me and my partner at ease. We both had a private consultation addressing our lifestyles and diet and came away with some sound advice which I share onwards.
I then stripped off the lower half of my clothing with a towel to cover my modesty and lay on my side on the treatment table as instructed.
The tube was inserted which wasn’t at all painful and then the purified water was released. There are two tubes in the inserted nozzle: one is used to gently push the water in and the other carries it (and the contents of your colon) out, as the system automatically flushes it away.
I think my partner thought the tube may be more the size of an exhaust, than the test tube width it actually is, just from his sheer anguish the night before the treatment. But he commented that, despite the ‘strange’ feeling it wasn’t an uncomfortable one at all.
The feeling may experience a feeling resembling cramping in your tummy due to the pressure of the water working its way further into your colon which makes you want to instinctively ‘release’ yet with the process removing waste, you don’t have to worry. Kirsty helps you relax and explains the process step by step which appeased us both greatly.
The Results
I noticed an immediate difference in my belly, which looked flatter, and I felt lighter and healthier on the inside. This makes it an ideal treatment pre-wedding or special occasion.
For my other half, despite being told he ‘passed a lot’ and therefore has a build up of much waste matter (less of the Ale for him, then), he felt empty and tired with no obvious physical difference.
Kirsty warned us both that we could feel drained and to drink plenty of water following the treatment so this was expected.
To conclude, I believe the results of a colonic irrigation vary for the individual but I’m personally now so convinced that I am signed up for seasonal cleanses and happily opt for a solo experience.
Kirsty McEnroe’s tips pre-wedding tips to keep those toxins at bay:
- Kirsty recommends a colonic irrigation three months before the big day and one three days before your wedding, coupled with the Detox Body Wrap.
- Use Epsom Salts to further flush out toxins. Add two cups of Epsom Salts to warm water in a standard size bath. Soak for at least 12 minutes and repeat three times a week.
- Skin brushing is excellent for encouraging circulation and skin cell renewal giving you clearer and smoother skin. Innercore sell them on their website for £3.50
- It is also important to monitor what you put back into your body. To rid any unwanted chemicals from your food, wash vegetables in one part vinegar to 12 parts water then rinse.
- Use a massage ball in clockwise circular motions across your tummy to encourage digestion.
Innercore Clinics Ltd, Deanfield House, Asquith Avenue, Morley, Leeds LS27 9QS
T: 0113 243 1255
W: Innercore.co.uk
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Nail polish that last two weeks!
I have found a nail treatment that will give you perfectly polished talons long past your wedding day and into your honeymoon...
This is the latest craze set to revolutionise the nail world! Shellac combines the properties of polish and gel to create a new system that goes on just like a polish yet lasts like a gel giving a mirror-like finish that lasts for at least two weeks with no smudges or chips!
Shellac provides support to the nail giving flexibility and added strength and the process involved no filing of the natural nail, just a simple three step process. After the nail is prepared and a base coat is applied, two layers of your chosen colour are painted on and each layer is set for two minutes under a UV lamp, followed by a top coat. It’s as quick as that! It is recommended that you have Shellac removed at a professional salon once the colour starts to grow out which you will notice around your nail cuticle. There are currently 12 colours in the range but I have it on the down low that there will be 60 by January 2011!
Check out www.salongeek.comfor more reviews and a salon near you.
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Happy feet, happy bride
I adore these cosy Uggs for brides. I'll be wearing mine when my feet are screaming from too much dancing and again en route to honeymoon as I snuggle down on the plane next to my hubbie!

Check out the full collection here:
http://www.lovefromaustralia.com/aw10_brochure.html
£229 from: www.designerdesirables.com
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Personal Hair Stylists aren't just for the celebs, you know!...
Winners of the British Hairdresser of the Year Award, HOB Salons have a new bridal package in their Leeds branch and they’re now open seven days a week! I love the idea of having my hair quaffed on a Sunday pre lazy afternoon drinks with the family but importantly, since I’m a bride-to-be I was thrilled to discover the exclusive Weddings Abroad package.
The package is entirely tailored to the wedding parties needs and commences with an in-depth consultation in the salon, a hair trial and that all-important glass of champers.
The most cost effective way to benefit is to hire your chosen Stylist for the entire day at £650 which entitles the bride and as many of her bridal party to have their hair done within the designated time. This time period allows for a minimum of seven people to get their hair done and a maximum of ten – working out at a very decent cost per person!
Your Stylist will be on hand for re-touches throughout the day and a change of look for the bride at the evening event if you so wish, so you can rest assured that your wedding photos will look stunning, or at least the bride will, which is the most important factor, right?!
Details:
www.hobsalons.com
HOB Salons, 12 Duncan Street, Leeds
T: 0113 2435555
Payment for flights, accomodation and transfers will be required.
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Funky Favours
Bedcrumb is one of my favourite online bourtiques - bursting with hand-made gifts, accessories and little touches for you and your home. I adore the vintage style fascinators and illustrated greeting cards but it is Vintage Tea Cup Treats that have recently caught my eye.
Individually sourced vintage tea cups are filled with scrumptious marshmallows in champagne net and tied with a pretty ribbon, vintage fabric bow and rose trim, making the perfect wedding favour whilst adding to the glamour of the table settings.

Each vintage tea cup set comes with a bedcrumb Dot doll tag and a 'Thank-you for helping us celebrate our special day' paper motif which can be personalised for free.
Prices are £6.50 each or £5.00 each for orders of 15 + tea cups.
www.bedcrumb.co.uk
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Microdermabrasion - for smoother, more radiant skin
Medical Microdermabrasion sounded a little high-tech for me at first. I even had trouble saying the word but when informed that it is a modern and safe way to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and other skin ailments, yet without the pain and long lead times of chemical and laser peels, I jumped at the chance to try it.
I visited Leeds based clinic, Innercore who use state of the art Dermagenesis Medical Microdermabration M2, available only to medical professionals. The procedure is performed under the supervision of a certified professional so I felt completely comfortable after a full consultation of what the process involved.
The treatment involves passing a fine collection of medical grade crystals over the skins surface using a hand held device which gently exfoliates the skin, removing the dead skin cells to reveal the new skin cells from underneath – giving you a smooth complexion.
The feeling compares to drying your face on a course towel – not at all painful though certainly abrasive so you may experience a little redness after although this disappears within the hour. The entire treatment lasted around 20-30 minutes and though the practitioner recommends a course of treatments for best results, I could see an improvement in the radiance and suppleness of my complexion instantly.

Due to the exfoliation process, Microdermabrasion is particularly great at treating the following skin conditions:
· Acne prone skin and acne scars
· Fine lines and wrinkles
· Hyperpigmentation superficial age spots
· Oily skin
· Dry pr patchy skin
· Blackheads and whiteheads
· Certain types of scar tissue
· Sun damaged skin
I’d definitely try it again in preparation for my wedding to reveal a rejuvenated complexion for all those photos since it is such an efficient experience with fast results. I’ll also be looking into a course for the winter when everyone’s skin looks grey and tired.
Details:
Innercore, Deanfield House, Deanfield Mill, Asquith Avenue, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS27 9QS
T: 0113 253 1255
W: www.innercore.co.uk
To find your nearest participating salon, visit http://www.wahanda.com
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