FISHY FRIENDS

Strange things are afoot, literally, at Yvonne Hair & Nails Salon in Alexandria, a suburb of Washington DC.

We all saw it in the last series of Ugly Betty, but check out the salon's site which details its full treatment list, including flesh eating pedicures!

John Ho, who runs the salon with his wife, believes his is the only salon in the US to offer the Dr Fish massage treatment.

The fabulous full story can be found here too, under "weird" on The Telegraph's website.

What's the strangest treatment you've ever had, or perhaps you offer something equally unusual in your salon.  Let us know what you think.

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE POND FROM ANDREA FULERTON -- OUR JET-SET SESSION NAIL TECH

POLICE, CAMERA, ACTION

Phew...I'm just back from doing a dozen express 10-minute 'file and paints' in just two hours in the ChiBar in downtown Chicago.

It was for US TV channel TNT, which was hosting a launch evening for the fourth series of The Closer with Kyra Sedgwick (Kevin Bacons wife).

Guests, industry people and fans alike convened to snack on canapés and cocktails and watch the first instalment.

As they checked-in, they were offered a manicure on a first come first served basis with myself and an assistant called Edie that my US agent, Ford, had sent along too.

The view from the bar was spectacular as it's on one of the rivers running into Chicago from Lake Michigan.  

 One of the show's lead actors GW Bailey, right, previously of Police Academy fame, was there to say a few words. He was a fun, personable chap who took great pleasure taking the mickey of my accent! 

He opted for a snack break rather than have me tidy his nails.

READ ON FOR TREND NEWS

Aveda returns to its Ayurvedic roots with the launch of Chakra Balancing Body Mists, professional Chakra Balancing Massage, and professional-only Chakra Balancing Blends.

Each chakra can affect wellness, thus when one chakra is blocked there is an imbalance resulting in a diminished sense of wellbeing, says Aveda. So, Aveda Chakra uses specially-formulated aromas and holistic massage therapy to harmonise these energy centres promoting health, balance and personal growth.

Formulated according to authentic Ayurvedic chakra balancing traditions, the seven aromatic body sprays (for retail) and professional blends are linked to the seven main chakras, or energy centres, located along the spine - juncture points between mind and body - to bring balance. 

They are:

Chakra 1: root centre (Muladhara) at the base of the spine (around the tailbone). Key aroma ingredients: patchouli, vetiver and olibanum

Chakra 2: pleasure centre (Svadhisthana) just below the navel. Key aroma ingredients: orange, geranium and sandalwood

Chakra 3: solar plexus centre (Manipura).  Key aroma ingredients: lavender, fir balsam and lemon

Chakra 4: heart centre (Anahata). Key aroma ingredients: mandarin, palmarosa and sandalwood

Chakra 5: throat centre (Visuddha). Key aroma ingredients: grapefruit, rosemary and ylang ylang

Chakra 6: third eye centre (Ajna). Key aroma ingredients: petitgrain, orange, and geranium

Chakra 7: crown centre (Sahasrara) top of the head. Key aroma ingredients: angelica root, elemi and olibanum

Chakra journey cards guide clients in determining which chakra aroma is needed to promote balance. The cards are laid randomly in front of the client who selects the three cards they identify with most. They then experience each of these three aromas with an Aveda sensory journey, and select one aroma to inspire balance and wellbeing for that day.

Aveda's sensory journey is also experienced before a Chakra Balancing Massage. This 60-minute holistic treatment helps to centre the chakras using massage techniques in conjunction with the aroma-therapeutic Chakra Balancing Blends. It combines deep tissue massage, reflexology and visualisation techniques - with a focus on harmonising each of the seven energy chakra centres of the body. 

Clients are also guided through gentle meditation, which helps reduce stress, decrease muscular tension and increase the energy and healing potential of the treatment.

Fat and dimpled skin leaves unmistakeable traces; signs of sagging slyly settle around the bust or hips, under the buttocks, and in the hollows of the knees - but help is at hand. Yon-Ka has launched Phyto-Fermete Body, an anti-sagging body-boosting treatment that reactivates epidermal functions and stimulates tissue tone.

In one hour, this deliciously aromatic treatment provides a 'lifting' effect for the body, using the power of firming, restructuring and toning essential oils and plant extracts on targeted areas. Star ingredient is rosemary, an intense firming agent that is reinforced with ingredients such as hops, eucalyptus, sage and horsetail, beech buds, silicon and vitamin E, to energise, stimulate and restructure the epidermis.

The treatment, which promises to stimulate vitality and firm contours, starts with an encompassing aromatic Phyto-Bain compress on ankles and feet, accompanied by relaxing acupressure techniques. Focus is then given to problem areas using special manual techniques and firming products, Galbol 190 and Phyto 152. This is followed by a body massage using Energising Huile Corps 3.

Midway through the treatment, sagging areas are bandaged (coated with Emulsion Concentree with five Yon-Ka Quintessence Essential Oils - lavender, cypress, rosemary, thyme and geranium), and wrapped in an isothermal blanket. For 20 minutes, the firming ingredients work deep down, while releasing gentle warmth and bringing calm to mind and body. Treatment ends with a refreshing, all-over body massage.

* RRP treatment price from £75-£95/60 minutes

Session nail technician Andrea Fulerton likes a  comprehensive call sheet -- and to know whether lunch is provided (or not!) when she's out and about on location in the name of duty.

I am back in Chicago spending the summer with my now fiancé, Sal.

We've got a lake-front flat and sunshine galore - oh yes, and work! My agent here, Ford Models Artist Division, had me booked on a cover shoot for the local magazine, Chicago Social, or CS as it's more commonly known, for its bi-monthly interiors issue.

We shot at a house in Lincoln Park. I now know what OPI was getting at with Lincoln Park after Dark from its ingeniously Chicago-themed range of varnishes from a few seasons ago. The area is very rich and luxurious - just like the midnight-matte purple lacquer.

Session work here in mid-America isn't much different to working in London - it all begins with your call sheet to tell you all you need to know about the shoot. It will list what the job is for and for what issue. Unfortunately, it doesn't tell you where you can park, how to commute or how long it will take to get there - which can be a bit tricky if you are new in town.

The call sheet will also tell you how many models you will be working on. However, there is no indication whether they have natural nails, artificial extensions or barely any nails at all, which can sometimes call for quick thinking (oh, and some acrylic). Then there's the matter of which colour or look to choose. It would be so helpful if I could just get a clue as to what they are looking for. And will there be any feet on show? I always pack a foot scrub and baby wipes (ideal when things need to be done quickly and water isn't available), along with toenail clippers and a foot file, just in case!

Finally, it's not imperative, but it would also be good to know how many shots the editor and photographer are hoping to get that day, if breakfast is provided as well as lunch (I've been caught short on this one), and if you are shooting outside and suitable clothing is required. The moral is to be prepared and take everything.

I have some personal nail growth of my own. Since I got engaged I now have nails of my own. I have a beautiful ring that is set quite high, so I've been getting used to wearing it and not catching it. I have had to be far more delicate and lady-like and haven't been bashing them around in the bottom of my handbag anymore.

I've also got more daring with my choice of colours.  I went through a phase of Leighton Denny's Viva La Diva, but changed to a perfect coral as the sun came out. When I have a busy week, I wear a low maintenance but still 'there and groomed' hue, such as Essie's Atlantis Pearl. It's a baby pink with a hint of pearl white that is more forgiving when it comes to showing wear and tear.

* Andrea Fulerton is a session nail technician.

One such person who has adopted this philosophy is Eve Toole, owner of the Bromsgrove-based Chessgrove Day Spa. 

Eve's environmental approach began when the price of oil started to rise. Concerned over the costs of heating the spa, she looked at alternatives before settling on a wood chip biomass-fuelled boiler. Not only would this cut energy bills, but it would add a green theme to the spa and set Eve on a path to evolve Chessgrove's eco element.

Eve explains that the initial cost of installing the system was high, but it promised good cost savings, along with heating the pools to a higher temperature of 32˚C - ideal as the spa also runs a swim school. The pool also benefits from a UV filter to help reduce the amount of chlorine needed, while the roof benefits from an expandable foam insulation to help reduce heat loss.

Eco chic is now at the forefront of a developing luxury market and Chessgrove's premium offering fits this new demand perfectly.

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