WHY MASKS ARE MANDATORY IN OUR SALON AT PRESENT

July 24, 2021 Monique Finlay

Rest assured that, here at blossom organic Hair Beauty Wellbeing, we take your safety and ours very seriously.

As a Low Tox, Organic Salon, we intrinsically attract a clientele who are seeking a safer, cleaner, healthier Hairdressing option. Often our clients are seeking a cleaner, Low Tox option because of existing health issues or concerns. Many of our clients are in a compromised state of health, some have Auto Immune Diseases, others have had or currently have cancer just to mention a few issues. These clients fall into the higher risk category in regards to Covid 19 because of their current or past health issues. This, as well as your safety, and ours, is why we are doing what we do.

Our aim, here at blossom, is to offer the cleanest, healthiest, safest, Low Tox Hairdressing service in the cleanest, healthiest, safest salon environment possible. As the Team Leader here at blossom, I take my responsibility and Duty Of Care towards all of our clients, my staff and their respective families, as well as mine, very seriously.

Due to the intimate nature of our business, the close proximity, for extended periods of time, 2 to 3hrs on average for our colour clients, using blow dryers that spread air throughout the entire, enclosed salon space, I feel that everyone in salon should be protected. It is because of this that we have a mandatory mask policy in salon. Rest assured that every staff member and every client will be wearing a mask in salon.

Every client that books is also sent a Covid 19 questionnaire, so we can check that they and their contacts are well and have not been in a high risk area. We are diligent with all guests scanning our QR code and sanitizing upon entry and everyone is wearing a mask.

By everyone in salon wearing masks we greatly reduce the risks. Together with sanitizing all work spaces and equipment between clients, not accepting clients from higher risk areas and monitoring the health of our staff daily we are keeping our salon a safe space for all of us.

In good faith we are doing everything possible to keep you, us and all our families and loved ones safe. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support in our mandatory mask request at this time.

Blessings, Monique x

The SAFEST Hair Colour = Henna ......

July 7, 2018 Monique Finlay

Moniques Henna — My Healthy Henna'd Copper-Red Hair May 2018

OK, so having read part 1 of my Toxic Haircolour blog you will now probably have been scared into reading labels, realizing what nasties are commonly found in conventional haircolour.

No need to panic, there are safe and ‘safer’ options out there for those that prefer not to have ‘virgin’ hair.

But having said that, one of our blossom fans pointed out recently, she had been colouring her hair non stop for 13yrs and had no idea that under all that coloured and heat tortured, frizzy hair was a head of luscious soft feminine curls. It took over a year to grow it out and she has been getting comments on it ever since. So it may just be worth trying colour free!

Why You Should Go To An Organic Salon, Your Health Depends On It!

August 26, 2017 Monique Finlay

So as you probably know I have recently opened an Organic Salon in Forster NSW. After leaving Hairdressing 11 years ago, primarily because of my awareness of the nasty chemicals used in the Salon, I am now back. Why you may ask?

A lot has changed in the last 11 years and my new Salon is FREE of the major nasties. No Ammonia, Sulphates, Parabens, Resorcinol, Toluene, Formaldehde, Acetone etc...

This means that blossom organic Hair Beauty Wellbeing is a NO STINK Salon, woohoo, as well as our clients having shinier, healthier hair, win, win!

I am still surprised at how many people are unaware of the health implications of the products that they use on their hair and skin. Many would worry if they actually new what was in that product that the Hairdresser or Beauty Therapist was using on them. Here at blossom, once again we have taken all the hard work out of it , just for you. Rest assured that we only use Organic and Natural products that are free of the nasties. All products are Cruelty Free and most are Aussie made.

Better for you, better for us and better for the environment.

So why wouldn't you choose an organic Salon?

blossom organic Hair Beauty Wellbeing

Shop 3 Cnr Head & Beach St Forster NSW

ph 02 6555 5959

What's The BUZZzzz about candles?

November 4, 2016 Monique Finlay

If you're anything like me then you love the soft, warm, flickering light that a candle creates. Even better if it's got a subtle aroma too. Nothing better than soaking away the week with a long soak in a candle lit bath while reading your favorite book.

We know that not all candles are healthy. No one wants to inhale vapourised Parraffin or lead and other heavy metals from candle wicks, which is common in the cheap store bought candles, especially those little white tealights, you know the ones. Then there are those brightly coloured ones with that relaxing "FRAGRANCE" which really is code for "CHEMICAL NIGHTMARE" and is not reason to relax but more like RUN THE OTHER WAY!! Here's the scoop on that Fragrance by The Environmental Working Group. Often people are opting for Soy wax candles in the search for a better option but even that poses some problems as most Soy candles generally also contain parrafin and most Soy now a days is GMO and that isn't something that we want to encourage. All these toxins from these nasty candles can lead to some serious health issues including endocrine disruption (aka messing with your hormones), allergies, central nervous system toxicity of which your brain is the major component and it goes on and on...

You want to stay healthy and there's just so many candles out there that you don't even know where to start!

It's all good, just BREATHE...... We've got your back!

Irritated, Itchy, Rashy, Eczema, Dermatitis or just plain stressed out skin?

October 11, 2016 Monique Finlay

We all know what it's like to have Stressed Out Skin.

The annoyance of excess dryness that causes itchyness, which makes you scratch, which then causes cracking, redness, inflammation and irritation leaving YOU and your SKIN stressed out and annoyed! EEeeek!

Maybe you or your loved ones get dermatitis or eczema. Perhaps your a Gardener, Chef, Mechanic, Painter, Nurse or Hairdresser and your hands get a beating. I hear ya honey!

The last thing that you want to do is smother your skin in Petroleum derived products which is what the base of a lot of those Paw Paw ointments out there. Neither do you want to just go for a Steroid cream, yes they work but are a quick temporary fix that cannot be used repeatedly without big negatives like thinning of the skin.

Well the way I see it, the best way to deal with your Stressed Out Skin is to ........

Time To SPRING Clean Your Skin!

September 7, 2016 Monique Finlay

Yes, our most favourite time of the year is finally here, SPRING woohoo!

That means the weather is warming and you will need to start to shed those multiple layers of clothes and show more flesh, Eeeek!

If you are anything like me then you rug up over the cooler months, covering from head to toe and things like a pedicure or leg wax are a distant memory and thing of the past. Even my usual routine fortnightly Facial Mask has slipped behind.

It's all OK, don't stress. Take a deep breath, inhale that lovely clean SPRING air and breathe out slowly........ Now is the perfect chance to get back on top or your self care. Consider it a SPRING CLEAN of your sacred temple, your body. ❤

The best place to start is with a Facial to refresh, renew and buff away the drearyness of those cold months. Now is the perfect time to deal with any winter stresses and damage that has resulted in dry, dull, dehydrated skin and cellular build up. It's super important to nurture your skin, your body's largest and most exposed organ, in preparation for the warmer months to come.

Shed the dull, dreary, dryness, it's time to blossom baby!

So whats the secret to beautiful, healthy, glowing SPRING skin?

Pucker Up and Dye? Not Me!

July 27, 2016 Monique Finlay

So, you've just switched your favourite conventional lippy to one of those groovy, brand new natural ones that are full of natural ingredients and your feeling pretty damn good. After all, you eat healthy, avoid synthetic colours, flavours and preservatives. Converting your cosmetics is the next step really isn't it?

The reason you bought that new lippy is that it ticks all the boxes:

Vegan - tick (no crushed up carmine/cochineal beetle shell)

Palm Oil Free - tick (saving the Orangutans)

No Synthetic Fragrance - tick

Cruelty Free - tick.

Woohoo!

So all is cool and groovy huh?

Sorry to say, but maybe not! Have you had a really good look at the ingredients list? Ever wondered what gives your fave new lippy that great colour? Does it list any FD&C ingredients? Do you even know what FD&C is?

Crystals and Gemstones Rock!

July 21, 2016 Monique Finlay

OK, so for those of you that don't know, I love crystals and gemstones. I guess you pretty much figured that out when I started making gemstone Malas huh?

Well, the way I see it, they are mother natures colourful little miracles. Whether you love them for their colour, shape, or their energy vibrations, metaphysical and magickal properties, there is a gemstone or crystal for everyone.

One of my most favourite stones is Rose Quartz, with it's lovely, delicate, feminine, pale pink, semi opaque colour. It's known as the stone of love and it features in all my Malas.

blossoms simple guide to detoxify your 2016

January 5, 2016 Monique Finlay

Want to detoxify your home, your life and be happier and healthier in 2016? Not sure where to start? Feeling overwhelmed?

Relax, here is a simple guide for you, making it easier to make a start.

1. Eat clean:

Sensible portions of fresh, real, preferably organic food. This reduces your consumption of pesticides, GMO and other nasties. Stop eating pre-prepared/convenience foods and cook from scratch, that way you are avoiding all the additives, most of which are artificial. Cut back on refined sugar by substituting it with Stevia, Honey, Agave or Maple syrup. Cut back on salt, dairy and meat and eat more green leafy veges and vegetarian meals. Meat free Monday is a good way to start cutting back on meat. Always buy free range pork and poultry products and organic is best. Free range means that the animal has had a happier life free ranging than "intensively farmed/penned" animals. Avoid microwaves and the radiation involved.

Yummy Raw Cacao "Blossom Bliss Balls"

December 2, 2015 Monique Finlay

HERE IS MY "GO TO" RECIPE FOR A SUPER QUICK AND HEALTHY SNACK OPTION THAT HELPS SATISFY A SWEET TOOTH. IT'S GREAT FOR A GUILT FREE CHRISSY TREAT AND IS A HIT WITH CHILDREN TOO. IT'S NUTTY, FRUITY, CHOCOLATEY AND COCO-NUTTY, YUMMO!

We all know how good a source of protein and how good for us nuts and seeds are, that fruit is full of fibre and Cacao is a superfood. Well here's a recipe that has all bases covered.

Raw Cacao Powder is cold pressed without solvents (unlike Cocoa Powder) and as such has a much higher nutrtional content. It generally has over 360% more antioxidants than regular Cocoa. Thats 14 X's more potent anti-oxidants than red wine, 21 X's more than Green Tea and 7 X's more than dark chocolate.

Cacao is a great source of phytonutrients and is now considered a "Superfood". It contains aminos, protein, niacin, calcium, chromium, zinc, iron, copper, sulphur, potassium and is one of the worlds best food sources of Magnesium which is muscle relaxing and stress relieving and possibly the reason that chocolate is craved by women each month. It's a great excuse to indulge!

Cacao is generally grown in Peru or Mexico and of course you should always look for Organic and Fair Trade. That way you are assurred of a quality product that is grown in a sustainable an ethical manner, that way everyone wins, the grower/harvester, the environment and the lucky people that get to eat it.

So really, do you need any more reasons to try my recipe?

Happy 8th birthday blossom!

November 17, 2015 Monique Finlay

Today blossom says goodbye to 7 and HELLO to 8!

WOW, it's hard to believe that it's exactly 8 years today since blossom was born.

After two years gestation, intense research, development, trials and fine tuning of formulations, blossom was proudly born in Sydney on November 17th 2007.

Weighing in as 7 organic Baby Skin Care products, blossom quickly gathered a loyal following and has sustainably grown to become a range of what is now nearly 30 much loved products for the entire family.

Well here we are eight years on and we are proud to announce that all products stand true to our original core principles: Premium quality, affordable, pure organic, eco, sustainable, water, cruelty free and BS free, owned and made in Australia with love, in micro batches for premium freshness.

My Magic Number 7

October 1, 2015 Monique Finlay

Forever my favorite number has been seven. Odd really as I have always loved the "safety" that even numbers provided. Rounded and safely paired, never alone. Who doesn't love an even number? So strange it is, I can not explain, but my fave number and the one that I have always been magnetically drawn to, has always been seven. Multiples of seven also sit really well with me, after all they are 7's "friends", trusty, dependable and loyal.

Aesthetically I love rounded shapes, curves, swirls and not points or sharp, hard corners. Should I not then love the number 8? With all it's lush roundness and infinite curve? But no, against all sensibility and going completely against all the shapes that I am drawn to, I cannot help but REALLY like 7!

I missed the memo, when did a "Wish List" become a "Bucket List"??

June 24, 2015 Monique Finlay

I grew up in an era where list making was left to the domain of the super organised.

That was till the 90's when those that could, did.

I remember having a housemate that wrote lists all the time. In fact our apartment was covered in lists, little yelllow "Post It Notes" everywhere. They were in the bathroom, on the vanity, the toilet cistern, on the cupboards in the kitchen, on the dining table, the dresser. In fact, it turned out that our housemate had mental health issues and the "little yellow notes" were a sign that it was all heading south. Who would have guessed it??

When I had my first business in the early 90's, a Hairdressing Salon, I realized that lists were good, great in fact! A fantastic way of getting ideas and mental trains of thought into black and white, or blue onto yellow as it turned out. But these were "To Do Lists" and "Wish Lists" but some how over the years and yes there have been many since then, things have changed.

Lists, apparently now, are "Bucket Lists". That is, lists of things to Do, See, or Own before one "Kicks The Bucket". I must have missed the memo, but since when did "He who SEES/DOES the most wins", or "He who OWNS the most wins"?

We love water, just not in our skin care!

February 3, 2015 Monique Finlay

SO, YOU'VE JUST FORKED OUT YOUR HARD EARNED CASH FOR YOUR FAVE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS. BUT ARE YOU GETTING 100% PRODUCT OR A WATERED DOWN VERSION?

WE ALL KNOW THAT TO STAY HEALTHY AND HYDRATED WE SHOULD BE DRINKING PLENTY OF CLEAN, PURE, FILTERED WATER. AFTER ALL UP TO 70% OF OUR BODY IS WATER. OUR BODY CAREFULLY COMBINES THE WATER WITH NUTRIENTS FROM THE FOOD WE EAT AND THE RESULT IS MOISTURE, NUTRIENTS, VITAMINS AND MINERALS THAT HYDRATE AND FEED OUR BODY TISSUES.

Did you know that the bulk of commercial skin care products list Water or Aqua (same thing, just sounds flasher) as number 1 on their ingredients list. That means that there is more water than any other single ingredient in that product and often comprises of anything up to 90% of the total contents. Is that really what you thought you were getting when you bought that product? Probably not huh as you can get water out of your own tap at home for free right?

Are You Fat, Fake, Cheap and Easy?

October 15, 2014 Monique Finlay

As the saying goes "You are what you eat"

so please don't be Fat, Fake, Cheap or Easy!

Wouldn't you much rather be Real, Clean and Lean? I sure as heck know I would.

If your body is your temple then please respect it by fueling it with wholesome, nutritious, REAL food and not FAKE food, full of chemicals, preservatives and Genetically Modified components.

Exactly the same goes for your skin, your bodies largest organ. To have the healthiest skin possible you need to feed it healthy REAL organic skin food, without chemicals, synthetic preservatives or Genetically modified components. Your skin absorbs up to 60% of what is applied to it so please, keep it clean gorgeous!

Of course if you are "blossoming" then we have made it super easy for you and have taken all the hard work out of it for you.

For fabulous glowing skin you should also drink plenty of clean filtered water, eat organic, nutrient rich foods and ensure you are eating healthy fats found in things like Raw, Organic Coconut oil, Almonds, Avocados and oily fish like Salmon. Get plenty of vitamins, antioxidants and especially vitamin C from Berries, Pomegranate, Kiwifruit and get moisture from Cucumber, Celery, Aloe Vera and Watermelon. I know, like you really needed an excuse to eat more Watermelon!!

Since when did looking after yourself become being selfish?

June 6, 2014 Monique Finlay

Self care is a necessity and not an indulgence!

Everyone needs to know that in order to be the very best you can be for your family and loved ones, you yourself need to be the very best that you can be. That means that you need to nurture yourself, inside and out, so that you can be physically, emotionally and spiritually strong and give your family and loved ones the best version of yourself.

Orangutan Friendly Easter Tips

March 27, 2014 Monique Finlay

Easter is quickly approaching and we should all be mindful of the fact that some chocolate contains Palm Oil. You will find it in the ingredient list of many food products as well as Skin care, Hair care and Cleaning products. It goes by the following names:

Palm Kernel Oil, Vegetable Oil, Elaeis guineensis (Latin name), Hydrated Palm Glycerides, Hexadecaconoic or Palmitic Acid, Emulisifiers 422, 430-436, 465-467, 470-478, 481-483, 493-495, 570, anything with the words "Palmitate" or "Palmate".

Ingredients containing any of these words, commonly found in skin/hair care and cleaners, will more than likely contain Palm or derivatives............

Autumn Skin Rescue Secrets

February 27, 2014 Monique Finlay

After the long scorching summer that we have swelted our way through here in Australia, those long, hot days at the beach or by the pool and those balmy nights by the BBQ have gone. The good news is that the mozzies have gone too!

Often our skin is damaged over summer from environmental stresses like sun, sand, chlorine in pool water etc. and now our skin has to cope with the dryer cooler change that Autumn brings. Hello Autumn!

Now is the perfect time to deal with any summer stresses and damage that has resulted in dry, dull, dehydrated skin and cellular build up. It's super important to nurture your skin, your body's largest and most exposed organ, in preparation for the even cooler winter yet to come. Shed the dull, dryness, it's time to "blossom"! So whats the secret to beautiful, healthy, glowing Autumn skin?.............

Homemade, Raw, Organic, Cacao and Coconut Oil Chocolate

July 31, 2013 Monique Finlay

There are many benefits to making your own chocolate including knowing exactly what is in it and just as importantly what isn't in it IE: PALM OIL/refined sugars/etc

My recipe for chocolate is made with Raw Cacao Powder. This is cold pressed without solvents (unlike Cocoa Powder) and as such has a much higher nutrtional content. It generally has over 360% more antioxidants than regular Cocoa. Thats 14 X's more potent anti-oxidants than red wine, 21 X's more than Green Tea and 7 X's more than dark chocolate.

Here is my very easy recipe for my homemade Raw, Organic Coconut, Fruit and Nut Chocolate .......

Coconut Oil And It's Many Health Benefits

June 19, 2013 Monique Finlay

Coconut oil is at least 90% Saturated Fat and is great for your health! WHAT ? I hear you say. How can it possibly be good for you! Surely it must cause weight gain/obesity, cause cholesterol issues and increase heart disease. If I use it on my skin won't it feel greasy and won't I get facial breakouts?

Well the truth is quite the opposite and here I will help to shed some light!

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