Health – Bordeaux Expats

Fish Spa / Pedicure Bordeaux

Mike Foster — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 07:16:00 +0000

What people usually associate with the city of Bordeaux of course is the wine. However, now Bordeaux is gaining a reputation of becoming the fish spa capital of the South West!

Guily Fish Spa is a new beauty parlour located in the centre of Bordeaux (near Tram A: Place du Palais), which offers their customers a chance to unwind, relax and have their feet nimbled at by tiny fish!

What is a Fish Spa?

A fish spa provides clientel with a unique way to clean and soften their skin by imersing their hands and feet into baths containing tiny fish called Garra Rufa (or nibble fish). These toothless fish exfoliate the dead and dried skin so that new skin can develop, leaving your extremities smooth and shiny. A fish spa is totally harmless, with the fish being very small and even though they may seem hungry they do not bite!

What does it feel like?

You maybe a little alarmed at how the fish scurry towards your feet when you first immerse them, it is a little bit like throwing a chip to a seagull, but honestly this initial surprise only lasts for a matter of seconds before you over come the potential mind block.

The sensation is something like having your feet in a bubble bath with light and gentle rubbing. The fish scatter when you move your feet and then when you’re settled they return to the business of buffing your soles!

Services at Guily Fish Spa?

At Guily Fish Spa, you are offered to try either a fish pedicure or manicure that is followed by a massage that includes essential oils to re-hydrate your skin after the fish have done their work opening your pores.

English and French spoken.

They also over a range of beauty and relaxation services which are listed below:

beauty facials
full body massages
reflexology
Beauty Escape (Anma massage + fish spa)
laser hair removal
manicure (nail polish, French, scrub, modeling)
pedicure (filing, exfoliate, shaping, moisturising, colouring)
aromatherapy

Tarifs

Click on the images below for their full pricing. They also run many various different offers you can find on their website and facebook page.

WHEN: Mon – Wed: 11am-7.30pm / Thu – Sat: 11am – 10pm
WHERE: Guily Fish Spa, 18 rue des Bahutiers, 33000 Bordeaux
PHONE: +33 (0)547 477 976

www.guily-spa.com
www.facebook.com/Guily.Spa
Trip Advisor

The post Fish Spa / Pedicure Bordeaux appeared first on Bordeaux Expats.

English Cancer Support in Bordeaux

Mike Foster — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:19:00 +0000

Our Mission and History:

Cancer Support France (CSF) is a national organisation that provides peer support, in English, for anyone affected by cancer. As many as one in two people will develop cancer in their lifetime. Therefore, whether you are a cancer sufferer, a survivor, or a relative, it is likely that cancer will touch you during your life. For those of us in the ex-pat community, these experiences can make us feel isolated and finding support in English can be hard.

Just months after settling in the Poitou-Charentes with her husband, Linda Shepherd was diagnosed with breast cancer and began treatments. She saw, firsthand, how difficult it can be for ex-pats to communicate with their care providers in the hospitals and to navigate the French medical system. When her treatment and recovery were over, Linda started CSF in 2002 to help others. Eleven years later, CSF has more than 15 branches across France. Our branch in Bordeaux was founded in February 2012.

Our goals:

Offer support to cancer sufferers, survivors, and caregivers by being available on the telephone or in person to listen
Offer support through home or hospital visits
Help identify other resources for support, when necessary
Provide information about cancer and its treatment in France

We are volunteer-run and non-profit and are always seeking energetic, enthusiastic people to join our team. We have fundraisers throughout the year including pub quiz nights, coffee mornings, brocantes, Movember, and many more. We are also hoping to start peer support groups and wellness days in the near future.

Upcoming Events:
Our President, Marisa Raymond, and her husband are shaving their heads on March 23rd, to raise awareness for cancer. They will donate to Cancer Support France for every person who takes the clippers to their head too in the month of March. Email her if you are interested (marisa.raymond@gmail.com).

We are having our Assemblée Générale on April 8th at the Office of the British Consulate in Bordeaux (353 Blvd President Wilson, 33073 Bordeaux Cedex). The afternoon session, beginning at 12pm with a picnic lunch, is open to the public. For more information about the agenda, please contact us.

Contact Us
Phone: 06.52.67.94.50
Email: bordeaux.csf@gmail.com
Website: http://cancersupportfrance.org/affiliated-association/bordeaux-region-33
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CancerSupportFranceBordeaux

The post English Cancer Support in Bordeaux appeared first on Bordeaux Expats.

Mobile Massage Therapy

Mike Foster — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Fancy a massage without having to get in the car, battle with Bordeaux traffic and search desperately for a parking space?

Then call Lorraine at Just Massage, specialising in Mobile Massage Therapy in and around the Mérignac (33) area.

No need to walk, drive or take the bus afterwards, just unwind in your own surroundings.

Trained in both the UK and France to leading international standards, Lorraine offers a wide range of traditional massages, well-known for their beneficial effects:

Swedish Massage, Indian Head Massage
Traditional Chinese Massage (also called Tuina)
Hawaiian Massage (also called Lomi Lomi)

You can opt for a 60 or 90-minute full body massage, as well as a selection of part body massages targeting specific problem areas.

Just Massage also does Pamper Parties, Corporate Wellness Days and Gift Vouchers.

For more info, including their monthly special offers, check out the website/blog:
http://justmassage33.wordpress.com / facebook page

For a brochure in French, please contact Lorraine. For a brochure in English click here.

Tel: 05.56.34.48.03 – 06.47.14.06.03 Email: justmassage33@gmail.com

Lorraine, originally from Britian, has lived in the region since 1999.

The post Mobile Massage Therapy appeared first on Bordeaux Expats.

Yoga and Walking Retreat

Mike Foster — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:02:00 +0000

Mindfulness Weekend with Yoga and Walking in Dordogne

Tracey Farrell – Yogavita, is delighted to invite you to a mindfulness weekend of yoga and walking. We will stay at the Gite de Soi in Buisson, Dordogne 24480 (www.leditedusoi.com); a haven of peace where simplicity, presence and conviviality will be at the heart of the weekend. The Gite has a beautiful yoga room where all classes will take place.

When: 5th, 6th & 7th of July (arrive on Friday night, leave Sunday afternoon)
Where: Gite de Soi, Le Buisson de Cadouin, 24480 Dordogne
Cost: €180.00 (includes 13hr yoga meditation + accommodation + food)

Contact Tracey for reservations and more information.

Website:   www.yogavita.fr
Blog:   http://yogavita33.blogspot.fr
Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/yogavita33

The post Yoga and Walking Retreat appeared first on Bordeaux Expats.

Cancer Support Bordeaux – Bald is Beautiful

Mike Foster — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 12:51:00 +0000

Cancer Support France Bordeaux & Région is pleased to invite you to Bald Is Beautiful!

Come join us on Saturday April 26th at the HMS Victory (3 Place Général Sarrail just off Rue St. Catherine) beginning at 14h. Help us cheer as volunteers – including several well-known players from UBB Rugby – shave their heads to express solidarity with and support of people who are suffering or have suffered from cancer.

This will be a family-friendly event with face-painting, music, a raffle, and more!

If you or someone you know is willing to “go bald”, please contact CSF Bordeaux at bordeaux.csf@gmail.com.

When possible, hair will be donated to make wigs for cancer patients. In addition, monetary donations can be made through our fundraising page at: http://www.youcaring.com/baldisbeautifulbordeaux.

Donations will support the Bordeaux branch of Cancer Support France (www.cancersupportfrance.org) and La Ligue contre le cancer Gironde (www.ligue-cancer33.fr).

The post Cancer Support Bordeaux – Bald is Beautiful appeared first on Bordeaux Expats.

Cancer Support France (CSF) Bordeaux Drop-In Center

Mike Foster — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 10:03:00 +0000

Cancer Support France is a nationwide association that supports English speakers affected by cancer.

Whether you are a patient, a caregiver, a family member, or a friends, we are here to help you. CSF Bordeaux was founded in 2012 and is opening the doors to a Drop-In Center beginning in 2015 for anyone who is interested in learning more about the either association itself, our volunteer opportunities, or how we can help you.

Come learn about CSF Bordeaux & Région while having a cup of tea and a chat with some of our volunteers!

When: 23rd January, 2015 (10am – 8pm)
Where:Bordeaux-USA, 38, allée d’Orléans, 33000 Bordeaux, France

Facebook Event

www.facebook.com/CancerSupportFranceBordeaux

The post Cancer Support France (CSF) Bordeaux Drop-In Center appeared first on Bordeaux Expats.

Be Awesome – Physical and Emotional Wellbeing Development

Mike Foster — Tue, 12 May 2015 07:30:00 +0000

Be Awesome is a new business venture based in Bordeaux, offering Physical and Emotional wellbeing development.

Whether it is the need to trim a few pounds for summer, develop that bikini body, gain some energy to deal with the kids, or just to feel more alive,

Ness is a qualified and experienced Personal Trainer and small group coach who can help you achieve that body shape you want, and that great feeling of being fit, healthy, and really alive.

Or perhaps you feel a little ‘burned out and blue’?
Maybe you’re listless and bored with life right now?
Lost your get up and go?
Or do you want to get more from life than you do now?

Shaun is a highly experienced life and personal development coach, offering courses, seminars, sessions, and one to one counselling and coaching.

Whatever your physical and emotional wellbeing needs and desires are, we can help you.

Visit our website or look up our Facebook page for more details. Send us an e-mail or give us a call – our contact details are on both website and Facebook.

www.beawesomemb.com

Facebook: ‘Be Awesome – Mind & Body’

Do you want to be awesome this year?

Get in touch and arrange for a first consultation absolutely free of charge.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Shaun and Ness

The post Be Awesome – Physical and Emotional Wellbeing Development appeared first on Bordeaux Expats.

Nailing the Big Fat Diet Lie

Mike Foster — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 12:17:00 +0000

I have a confession to make. My name is Ness Byrne, I am a Personal Fitness Trainer and a Nutritional Adviser, and I have spent far too much of my adult life trying to ‘Beat the Yo-yo’.

OK, that sounds rather cryptic, but I’m not talking about a children’s toy, or the latest online challenge craze here. I’m actually talking about that age-old problem (which predominantly affects women let’s face it) and that is weight loss and the dreaded yo-yo diet effect.

So let me start by asking you a question.

How many of you have seen pictures like the one below, and been seduced by the thought that you too can shed those pounds, change your body shape, and look great?

A couple more questions.

For those who have had a baby (or may be having one right now!), how many of you bought into the excuse, “Oh go on then, I’ll have another, I am eating for two after all”?

How many of you seem to endure a constant struggle to shed the extra few pounds you seem to have picked up as you have enjoyed your life? Or just smooth out those ‘cuddly bits’ that come about from those little indulgences you have allowed yourself over the years?

More importantly, how many of you feel that it is an uphill battle to keep the weight off, and keep that shape you desire? How many feel that a life that self-evidently turns one night of indulgence into a month of starvation and craving is inherently unfair?

Does this sound familiar? And the answer to all of these problems is seemingly to go on a diet. To starve yourself on a steady intake of protein bars, drinks, low-sugar, high-fat, low-fat, high-carb, low-carb, no-carb, and a myriad more diets, that all promise one thing. To help you shed those unwanted pounds.

So let’s talk about dieting. I had intended to begin this paragraph with a list of the most common diets out there; but there are so many and they change so often that I’m not even sure what the latest fad is. What I do know is they invariably involve calorie restriction in one way or another.

So, several things happen when you decide to lose weight through strict dieting and calorie restriction and your body goes into self-preservation mode as a result of that decision:

Firstly, your brain tells your body that you’re starving and that you need to eat, so that’s when the cravings start.
Your brain also tries to slow down your metabolism, the mechanism for processing your food, so that your body returns to the weight it thinks you should be.
Your fat and muscle cells become more sensitive to insulin which, whilst that is generally good for overall health, the downside is that it makes the body more efficient at storing excess energy (in fat cells) instead of burning it off (in muscle cells).
Finally, weight loss and dieting initially suppresses your ability to burn fat while sending extra energy to fat storage.

All of these things contribute to making weight loss difficult in the first place and virtually impossible to keep it off long-term even if you are successful at shifting it in the first place.

For those of you who have tried a reduced calorie diet and lost weight successfully at first, how many have put the weight back on again, WITH INTEREST?! I would be willing to put money on the table and bet that over 95% are back where you were (or worse) than before you dieted?

OK, so now you want to know, ‘well how am I going to shift this unwanted weight?’

Well, it just so happens that I have an answer for you… and it’s called ‘Clean Eating’.

So this has nothing to do with hygiene, (although that is obviously important too!) rather it has everything to do with eating in a way that helps to maintain a healthy body and it can be used to promote healthy weight loss. So the question on everyone’s lips has to be “What is Clean Eating?”

Getting Started

I guess the first question has to be ‘Which foods are considered clean?’ Well I’ll tell you which are not, and that’s anything that comes packaged and processed and has a use by date two years from now!

The healthiest, cleanest foods are the ones that are as nature intended. Foods that will actually go off, like whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, wholegrains, eggs, seafood and lean meats. Stick somewhere close to this and you’ll be eating pretty clean.

Steer clear of packaged, pre-prepared food. Contrary to public opinion this need not be expensive and time consuming. Clean eating is something the whole family can get involved in, so there is no need to make separate meals to accommodate your new diet. There are plenty of “convenience” foods out there that qualify as clean, I’ll share with you a recipe for a granola bar for breakfast on the run if you read to the end. How is that for a deal?

If this sounds like a tall order to you and you really can’t do without the odd glass of wine (or two), chocolate, chips, or whatever your guilty pleasure might be, then you’ll be pleased to know that there is a compromise. This means you are more likely to adapt to the clean eating philosophy and who knows,you might choose to ditch the treats altogether in time!

So, here it is, the 80/20 promise and it’s very simple. 80% of the time you eat clean, and I mean clean because the remaining 20% allows you a small indulgence. This is not permission for a binge weekend of course, more a little of what you fancy. So the odd glass of wine or two, a chocolate bar, that portion of fish and chips you have fancied all week. Well, you get the idea.

What you have (if anything) for your 20% should be a guilt-free choice though. If you’re going to beat yourself up about it afterwards then don’t do it, simple. Food is nothing more than fuel for our bodies, it may be pleasant but it is not a reward; we humans do not operate in the same way as your average pet dog. So treating food in this way makes for an unhealthy relationship with eating! Enjoy what you eat, and don’t feel guilty about your little indulgences.

Let me explain clean eating in a different way. You may have to use your imagination here but bear with me…….

Think about this. You own a high powered exotic sports car, maybe a Ferrari, a nice red one with a fold down roof. Now some models carry a price tag in excess of €300,000 but they all have one thing in common, they are a good deal faster than your average Renault Clio!

Now, would you pull into the Carrefour petrol station and put plain old low-octane petrol in the tank? I would hope not. That car will never run as well as it was meant to do, and eventually you may well be faced with a significant bill for repairs. In the same way as that car needs top quality fuel to be at the top of its game, your body operates best with fresh, natural, unprocessed food.

There you have it, clean eating in a nutshell.

Secrets of Clean Eating

So what are the secrets to long-term, clean eating success you might ask. Well there really are only five.

Secret #1: Keep It Balanced. To make your clean eating plan last, keep your diet balanced with a range of healthy, real foods from each of the food groups, carbohydrates (bread, rice, pasta etc.), protein (lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts etc.), fats – yes FAT (olive oil, avocado, oily fish etc.), vitamins, minerals. Keep it colourful, aside from being more interesting a variety of different coloured foods should give you the right mix of vitamins & minerals. Drink water – staying hydrated is just as important as eating the right things, often being dehydrated is mistaken for hunger pangs. The next time you experience that feeling outside of your usual mealtime try drinking a glass of water, 9 times out of 10 it will quell those pangs.

Secret #2: Don’t Put a Label on It. How many times have you uttered the words ‘I’m on a diet’? Ugh, just saying that puts one in the mood to cheat on said diet. If eating clean means that you’re on a diet, then you’ve missed the point. It should be a sustainable way of life. True fat loss success comes when clean eating is second nature, and not a temporarily imposed sentence.

Secret #3: Have Patience. Wouldn’t it be great if a week of clean eating could erase decades worth of indulgences? But, alas, you didn’t gain unwanted weight in a week, so unfortunately you won’t lose it in a week either. (I’d love to know that secret!). Set yourself small goals not just one big one and try to resist the call of the bathroom scales every day. Your weight will fluctuate anyway by small amounts and you will only get disheartened if you find you have gained a lb or two overnight. Just be consistent and focus on living life, not what the scales have to say. That way you won’t have to worry about a piece of cake or a takeaway every now and again.

Secret #4: Have a Plan. This is the most important step in your clean eating quest, without it you’ll flounder around without direction and will just as likely find yourself staring into a bowl of ice cream. Spend time planning your meals for the week and shop accordingly. You could even prepare some of your meals in advance and freeze them. Put together a list of the sorts of foods that your diet should consist of and that you really enjoy and then make another list of completely off-limits foods.

Secret #5: Portion Control. Even healthy food will contribute to an expanding waistline if you eat too much of it! Listen to your body and follow its advice. Take the time to enjoy each mouthful, chew it thoroughly and swallow completely before you take the next mouthful. This gives your brain the time to process the fact that your stomach is full, at which point you simply stop eating. Remember my point about food being fuel rather than a reward? I know what you’re saying, ‘fat chance of taking the time to enjoy a meal with my kids constantly demanding my attention’, well, get them on board too, how about a nice family meal at the table where you try and get them to tell you about their day at school? Ok, stop laughing, it’s just an idea!

So I hope I have given you the basics of clean eating; something for you to think about, and a viable alternative to that vicious cycle of yo-yo dieting. Combine this clean eating approach with a steady increase in physical activity and you’re well on the way to the body you deserve.

I am confident that this can work for anyone, having myself lost three stones in as many months, a couple of years ago by simply following the advice I have outlined above. At that time I was a detective in the police. A stressful job, tied to a pretty gruelling shift pattern, and with an equally demanding family at home! With a bit of advanced planning I had no problem eating clean and exercising at least three times per week, all whilst working and maintaining a happy family life. In fact, I was so inspired, I retrained and qualified as a Personal Trainer and Nutritional Advisor.

So I am Ness Byrne. If you would like to know more about me and my journey and what I do now, or want to know more about clean eating and physical wellbeing, please do visit my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BeAwesomeMB

Or my website: www.beawesomemb.com

Then drop me a line to see how I can help you.

And the recipe I promised? Here it is, thanks for reading

Simple and clean granola bars

Ingredients

1 cup pitted dates

2 cups walnuts or Brazil nuts

2 cups desiccated coconut

3/4 cup dried cranberries

3 tbsp water

Instructions

First toast the walnuts slightly in an oven heated to 170 degrees. Let them cool down before adding them to your food processor along with dates, desiccated coconut and cranberries.
Process until the mixture is well combined and has a crumbly texture.
Now add gradually the water, a tablespoon at a time and keep processing until the mixture is sticky and holds together.
Next get a square baking dish, line it up with cling film and press the mixture in. Press down firmly to ensure the mixture sticks well together.
Pop in the fridge for a couple of hours, then cut in to bars and sprinkle with some more desiccated coconut

If you want to make it nut free just replace the walnuts with either pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

Same goes for cranberries which can be swapped for raisins. Just do what pleases your taste buds the most.

The post Nailing the Big Fat Diet Lie appeared first on Bordeaux Expats.

English Speaking Personal Fitness Training from Beth Finch

Chris Tighe — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 13:00:00 +0000

Bordeaux Expats recently caught up with Beth Finch to get the low-down on her Bordeaux based personal fitness training business. Safe to say I ran out of breath in about 17 seconds so had to pass the mic to Beth…

Beth Finch Fitness

I am a qualified Personal Fitness Coach from London and provide Individual and group fitness sessions for adults. I have extensive experience working in sport and as a former professional ballet dancer, I have a range of skills to help you with your fitness goals.

I trained as a ballet dancer for 14 years with the Royal Ballet in London, before dancing professionally in a number of high-profile ballet companies around the world.

Alongside my ballet career, I trained and worked as a PT and developed my expertise through hands-on experience with athletes and dancers and giving one-to-one PT sessions.

It now gives me great pleasure to pass on my knowledge and love of fitness to those who train with me here in Bordeaux.

I am available 24/7 and can do home visits or meet ups in a place you feel comfortable. My goal is to give you an excellent workout, whilst feeling at ease with your surrounding and give you time to forget any daily stress.

Feel free to bring a friend and try a session together, for more fun and motivation!

My fitness classes are all in English and have a personalised program specific for you. Working together we will achieve your goals.

Sessions last from 30 minutes, to one hour, but this is up to you. Your session can fit conveniently into your schedule, without disrupting your day.

What I specialise in:

-Strength and Resistance Training

-Cardiovascular training

-Mobility

-Posture

-Rehabilitation

-Weight Loss

Please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information and pricing, it would be great to hear from you!

The first session is free!

website: http://bethfinchtraining.weebly.com/
email: bfinchfitness@hotmail.com

tel: 06 16 84 59 74

Individual Prices Start from:

€40 for a Private 1 hour session

€20 for a Private 30 minute session

Student rates also available.

The post English Speaking Personal Fitness Training from Beth Finch appeared first on Bordeaux Expats.

Lactation Consultancy in the Bordeaux region

Mike Foster — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 09:47:00 +0000

Bordeaux Expats was recently contacted by Virginie for help publicising her services as a Lactation Consultant. She spent several years in Australia before starting her company in Bordeaux and also runs workshops at the les Bébés des Capucines association who have regular meet-ups at members’ homes or in various locations in Bordeaux, Carcans, Gradignan, Mérignac & Ambarès and Lagrave.

Lactation Consultancy in the Bordeaux region

With a background in early childhood education, I worked in various organisations with children and their families in France and in Australia before becoming a Lactation Consultant.

I discovered this beautiful job when I had my first baby. I contacted a Lactation Consultant I met at the maternity and suddenly I wasn’t alone anymore. Most importantly she brought me solutions to my problems and I could achieve my desired feeding outcome!

Each mother and baby shares a unique relationship and a unique breastfeeding style. But sometimes, breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally, and you start to question yourself about your abilities as a mother to feed your baby.

You are not alone! My main objective as a Lactation Consultant is to provide you with a solution to the challenges you and your baby are facing and to make sure you are confident again about your feeding choices.

I offer, according to your needs:

– An antenatal preparation session – Getting prepared for the breastfeeding journey before the baby arrives or if the last breastfeeding experience didn’t go to plan.

– Breastfeeding Consultations (at home with your baby).
Usual duration – 1.5 hours

o Personalised one-on-one support to achieve your desired feeding outcome

o Providing a sensible, manageable and realistic feeding plan for the family to work with

o Consultations include follow up contact either by phone, SMS and or email

– Workshop about breastfeeding topics: breastfeeding and returning to work, etc.

Fees

– Antenatal preparation session: 30 euros (1 h 30)

– Breastfeeding Consultation: 50 euros (1h30 consultation + follow up)

– Workshops: 30 euros

I also work in an association “les Bébés des Capucines” where I provide workshops for young children 0-3 and 3-6 yo (story time in English and French, painting, cooking, etc.) and more coming in the next few months.

Thanks and hope to chat soon!

Here are all the details…

My personal website: www.vcouenon.wixsite.com/conseil-allaitement

The members page for the association: www.lesbebesdescapucines.fr

Contact

E-mail : virginie.couenon@gmail.com

Mobile: 06.88.92.14.53

The post Lactation Consultancy in the Bordeaux region appeared first on Bordeaux Expats.