EAT HEALTHY

REVAMP,RECHARGE,

REVITALISE

NEW SEASONSTYLE

BOOST YOURIMMUNITY

GUILT-FREE DINING(YES, EVEN PIZZA!)

SKIN SAVIOURS + SPA = NEW YOU

SPRING’S HOTTEST HAIR TRENDS

SIMPLE STEPS TO STAYING WELL

GET SET FOR SPRING��

FREE

CLASSES!

02

JOIN THE

PARTY!

Want to be fit and fabulous in 2012? Don’t lock yourself away in a gym: have fun learning Zumba instead, a hot blend of Latin dance steps and aerobics moves, all set to a cutting-edge music mix. Zumba is a brilliant workout, and right now you can try it FREE at The Mailbox.

THE MAILBOX IS RUNNING FREE ZUMBA CLASSES TO GET YOU IN GREAT SHAPE FOR SPRING

ZUMBA IS FUNAND ADDICTIVE

We’re running complimentary ‘introduction to Zumba’ fitness classes every Tuesday and Friday lunchtime until March 30 in our on-site Zumba studio. Local fitness instructor Lucy Parkinson is in charge. “Zumba is fun and addictive” she says. “Many people give up exercising because it becomes mundane, but Zumba is a dance workout that firms and tones without feeling like exercise: you’ll leave with a smile on your face, and you’ll soon see results in your body.”

Blast away boredom, shape up for the new spring fashion, and enjoy yourself with friends: sign up for a free Zumba class today. And why not wind down afterwards with a healthy light bite in one of our cafes or restaurants?

03

On Saturday March 31, we’re going Zumba crazy, playing host to a huge outdoor Zumbathon at the front of The Mailbox. Between noon and 2pm, there will be two mammoth sessions. Book your place now!

DO THE ZUMBATHON

WHERE, WHEN, WHAT TO DOThe Zumba classes are held in The Mailbox Zumba studio on Level 3 (next to the Nicky Clarke salon) every Tuesday and Friday lunchtime, with 20 minute lessons starting at 12.45pm and 1.15pm. You can change in a staffed dressing room opposite the Zumba studio (next to Castle Galleries), open from 12.15pm until 2.15pm. Places are first come, first served, so register now, fill out the brief health and fitness questionnaire and you’ll soon be ready to Zumba:

www.mailboxlife.com/news/getsetforspring

FAST FACTS

01. Love Zumba? You’re in good company: celebrity fans include Madonna,

Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham.

02. Dance steps in Zumba include elements of Spanish flamenco, polka,

bhangra, merengue and even belly-dancing.

03. An hour of Zumba can burn a whopping 400 to 600 calories.

What to wear? Zumba is high-energy, so opt for comfortable exercise gear. Try cropped leggings and layered work-out vests, and choose lightweight aerobics trainers or dance shoes. We love the EA7 fitness-wear collection from Emporio Armani in The Mailbox.

ZUMBA FASHION

04

NEW YEAR,NEW YOUNOW’S THE IDEAL TIME TO DETOX AND DE-STRESS, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THE MAILBOX

In deep, dark midwinter, it’s tempting to hibernate. But there’s no better time to face your fitness goals, detox from Christmas excess, refresh and revitalise... after all, spring is just around the corner.

“After party season, people often feel tired and sluggish,” says Gemma Round, Group Spa Manager at Malmaison’s Le Petit Spa in The Mailbox. “Many of us are looking to drop a few pounds or tackle dry skin, caused by central heating and chilly weather.”

How can we get back to our best? “Try a healthy detox,” Gemma advises. “Drink more water, eat well, take light exercise (such as walking in the fresh air), keep a positive mental attitude and avoid toxins from alcohol, cigarettes and refined sugar.”

Gemma’s a fan of dry body-brushing. “I do this every day, and can’t recommend it enough. Brushing increases blood flow, making you feel instantly energised. You’ll see great results in your skin - and any cellulite - if you do this regularly.”

Also essential for spring prep? Exfoliation. “We build exfoliation into the majority of our treatments as it’s so beneficial. It sloughs away dead skin cells, and makes moisturiser more effective.”

If you feel in need of a boost, book a consultation with a therapist at Le Petit Spa. As Gemma says, “It’s a great way for us to find out your particular needs. An energising treatment, such as a body wrap, massage or anti-cellulite scrub will work wonders on your wellbeing.”

TRY A HEALTHY DETOX

01.

05

DETOX TREATMENTS TO TRY

ALL AVAILABLE AT MALMAISON LE PETIT SPA TO BOOK, CALL 0121 246 5008 OR EMAIL SPA.BIRMINGHAM@MALMAISON.COM

De-toxifying algae wrap, £55Skin is buffed and exfoliated, then enveloped in mineral-rich algae to drain away toxins and boost the metabolism, plus a head and neck massage relaxes muscles.

Restorative mud envelopment, £55Let the skin-softening magic of marine mud transform dry, dehydrated skin and restore some radiance. This head-to-toe treatment nourishes your body just in time for spring.

BE WELL IN WINTER

02. Five a day: Choose salads with lean protein, steer clear of diet drinks, replace

sweets with fruit and build a morning smoothie into your day. You’ll find a great range of health-conscious dishes at Caffé Gusto, Café Rouge, Côte, Zizzi and more at The Mailbox. Take a good vitamin and mineral supplement too: look out for hero immunity boosters astragalus, zinc and Siberian ginseng.

Exercise outdoors: Not only will you gain vitamin D from sunlight, but exercising in cold air makes muscles work harder, burning more calories. Take a re-usable water bottle with you: we love the cool Bobble Bottle, £8.95 at Harvey Nichols: it filters tap water as you drink.

03.

Stay hydrated: Drinking 8-10 glasses - around two litres - of water a day is the best way to keep your body functioning at optimum levels. Make it more interesting by adding a slice of lemon, lime, orange or fresh ginger.

06

You may not have stuck to those New Year resolutions to learn Italian and run the marathon, but some goals are much easier to attain. Take your beauty routine, for example: winter’s soon to give way to spring, so make a few small changes now that will make a big difference to how you look this year.

Start with a clear-out of your bathroom cabinet. Junk any skincare that’s been open for more than six months – the active ingredients will almost certainly have stopped working – and replace your face cloth with new (fine-weave muslin is kindest to skin). If you have any half-used serums or moisturisers that disagreed with your skin, use them on your décolletage, hands or feet instead.

Move onto your cosmetics case. Make-up that’s older than a year can be a breeding ground for germs, so be ruthless: throw away anything that looks or smells off, foundation that’s ‘separated’, powders that are almost worn away. Make a note of any favourites to replenish, or gaps in your collection.

Wash your make-up brushes in warm water mixed with face cleanser or a gentle shampoo and leave to air-dry. Invest in a new make-up case, and splash out on some new spring make-up: the collections are arriving on counter now, and even something as small as a new lipgloss can really give your look - and mood - a lift.

Finally, think about switching things up for the new season. This is a great time to re-evaluate your skincare needs. What are your areas of concern? Perhaps it’s time to introduce a weekly anti-ageing mask, lightweight eye or neck cream or an overnight facial oil to your regime. Talk to a skincare expert at Space NK in Harvey Nichols, try a makeover in-store, or book a consultation with a therapist at Le Petit Spa in Malmaison to talk about your options.

FANTASTIC FACIALSALL AVAILABLE AT MALMAISON LE PETIT SPA: TO BOOK, CALL 0121 246 5008 OR EMAIL SPA.BIRMINGHAM@MALMAISON.COM

Regenerating facial, £55. If you’re concerned about ageing, try this gorgeous one-hour facial. Focusing on revitalising skin, it uses lovely ESPA products to really nourish skin that’s dull, tired or suffering from winter woes. Skin brightening facial, £55. The perfect pre-spring pick-me-up, a magical mix of skin brightening Hawaiian algae and antioxidants leave skin feeling fresh and looking soft and radiant. Express facial, £35. No time to pamper? Squeeze this half-hour mini-facial into your day, and your skin will thank you for the deep cleanse, exfoliation, moisture infusion and – bonus! – circulation-boosting massage.

BEAUTY DIARYNOW’S THE TIME TO MAKE SOME NEW BEAUTY RESOLUTIONS

FRESH STARTGET A GLOW ON FOR SPRING, WITH THESE SKIN SOLUTIONSFROM HARVEY NICHOLS

ELEMIS

01 02 03 04 05

01. Rodial Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel, £75, plumps, soothes and tones all skin types. 02. Crème de la Mer Radiant Serum, £220, is serious care for stressed skin. 03. Gentle exfoliator Soap & Glory Face, Soap and Clarity Wash, £6.50, leaves skin super-clean. 04. Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel, £19.40, strips away the day while nourishing with organic oils. 05. Sue Devitt Microquatic Pro-Juvenation Facial Cream, £38.50, sinks into skin to soften fine lines.

IN A RUSH? STOCK UP

ON BEAUTY BASICS

AT TESCO EXPRESS

ON LEVEL 7

TOP TREAT ESPA

INVIGORATING BODY REVIVER,

£22.50, AT MALMAISON LE

PETIT SPA

07

For Hollywood-perfect hair this season, get your colour right and the rest will follow, according to top haircare experts Toni & Guy Essensuals. “Spring/summer colours are really playful, with peachy blondes and spiced brunettes both key looks” says Sally Harrison, Creative Director of Essensuals in The Mailbox.

“Blonde shades have panels of soft peach and pink, and spun gold for a natural whisper of colour. For brunettes, it’s all about warm shades. Rich russet and terracotta are worked through the mid-lengths and ends, adding a shimmering detail.”

You can update your colour in one salon visit. “Try our Colour Toners”, recommends Sally. “They’re purse-friendly and update your style in an instant.” Other spring key trends? “Catwalk hairstyles are really wearable this coming season with a focus on natural movement” says Sally. “We’ll be recommending layers and natural-feel products that enhance texture, such as label.m Protein Spray and label.m Sea Salt Spray.”

Sexy, unstructured hair is big news for spring. Toni & Guy Essensuals International Artistic Director Bill Watson created this gorgeous fishtail braid chignon for Fashion Week, inspired by romantic Victorian art. Get the look with these must-have products: label.m Volume Mousse £11.50, label.m Dry Shampoo £10.50 and label.m Resurrection Style Dust £10.All label.m products available at the Toni & Guy Essensuals salon in The Mailbox

HO

T SPR

ING

STY

LES

ROCK A NEW LOOK, WITH A SNEAK PEEK AT SPRING TRENDS STRAIGHT FROMTHE RUNWAY

TOP TREND

WINTERHAIRCAREWARREN HOLMES, INTERNATIONAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT NICKY CLARKE, SHARES THE SECRETS OF SILKY, SHINY HAIR

04. Nutrition: Your hair is made up of mostly proteins so up your intake of

lean meat, fish and good fats such as avocado, olive oil and nuts. Avoid saturated fats and choose fruit and veg containing vitamins A, B, D and E.

SPRING COLOURS ARE PLAYFUL

ALL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE AT THE NICKY CLARKE SALON IN THE MAILBOX

01 02 03

01. Cut: There’s only one way to get rid of damaged ends: have them cut off, then

you can start repairing your hair. Choose a new style with help from your salon stylist: a new look for a new year.

02. Treatment: Hair needs protein to stay healthy. Try a treatment mask

and choose haircare products that contain avocado and coconut oils to put back lost moisture. Nicky Clarke Intensive Moisture Mask (01), £22, has Moringa oil which beats frizz: use overnight three times a week.

03. Colour: A new colour can really energise dull hair: ask your colourist

for advice. It’s a myth that daily shampooing damages new colour. As long as you’re using the right product and shampoo gently - using the pads of your fingers – your hair will benefit from a routine. Try Nicky Clarke Moisture Shampoo (02), £13, and Moisture Conditioner (03), £16.

08

HEALTHY EATING AT THE MAILBOX

TUNA NIÇOISETRY THIS FRESH AND FILLING SALAD, COURTESY OF CÔTE

YOU’LL NEED:

• 10g each of red and yellow peppers, thinly sliced • 10g red onions, sliced • 40g boiled new potato, ring sliced • 20g French beans, boiled • 6 pitted black olives, cut in half • 2 cherry tomatoes, cut in quarters • 30g baby gem leaves, torn in half • 25 ml Côte dressing (or make your own with French vinaigrette dressing and French Dijon mustard)• Salt and black pepper• 1 soft-boiled egg, cut into quarters • 1 tuna loin steak • Extra virgin olive oil • Garnish: chopped fresh chives, mixed with olive oil and a little lemon

METHOD:

Put all the salad ingredients minus the egg together in a large mixing bowl, marinate with vinaigrette dressing, season, toss and put on the plate. Add the egg. Season the tuna with olive oil, salt and pepper and cook on a hot grill until done right through. Add to top of salad, sprinkle with chopped fresh chives and drizzle over lemon and extra virgin olive oil.

CUTTING CALORIES DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN DULL DINING. THE RESTAURANTS OF THE MAILBOX OFFER FANTASTICALLY FRESH FARE. HERE ARE JUST A FEW TEMPTING IDEAS

CAFÉ ROUGE

This chic eaterie has an array of exciting dishes on the menu that come in at under 600 calories. Take for example the Salade Arabe, with grilled halloumi cheese on roast vegetable and bulgar wheat tabbouleh and a warm roast pepper tapenade, or Loup de Mer à la Provençale, roasted, filleted sea bass with Provence style ratatouille. Or try their signature Bouillabaisse, Salade Courge Rotie (pictured here) and Salad Entrecote, each one fewer than 600 calories.

GOURMET BURGER KITCHEN

It’s not all about the burger at GBK: grilled chicken has just been added to the menu and the salads are all super-fresh. We love the winter salad with warm butternut squash, beetroot, chickpeas, feta, mixed leaves, almonds and basil oil. Add chicken to any salad for just an extra £1.95. Save calories by ‘going naked’: all the burgers can be ordered without a bun, or the bun swapped for extra mixed leaves, or homemade mayo-free coleslaw, tomatoes and onion (and you can swap fries for a corn on the cob, too).

09

NOODLES WITH SHREDDED LAMB

THIS HEALTHY DISH, CREATED BY THE ORIENTAL, USES NOODLES THAT ARE LEFT WHOLE TO SIGNIFY LONG, HAPPY LIFE

YOU’LL NEED:

• 7 oz thread vermicelli noodles• 7 oz lean boneless lamb such as fillet or leg• 1 egg, beaten• 2 tablespoons water• 1 tablespoon cornflour• Half teaspoon salt• 2 tablespoons peanut oil• 3 tablespoons soy sauce• 3 spring onions, green only, cut into 2 inch pieces• 1 cup chicken stock• 2 tablespoons shaohsing rice wine or dry sherry• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

METHOD:

Place the noodles into a bowl and pour over boiling water, letting them soak for 3-4 minutes. Pour into a colander, rinse with cold water, allow to drain and set aside. Cut the lamb into thin strips. In a bowl, mix the beaten egg, water, cornflour and salt before adding the lamb. Stir the mixture until all the meat is well-coated and allow to marinade for 10 to 15 minutes. Heat the oil in a wok until smoking, then add the lamb and stir fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the soy sauce and spring onions and stir fry for a further minute. Add the rice wine or sherry, the chicken stock, the sesame oil and the noodles and cook for a further 2 minutes. Serve in individual bowls or on a large warmed platter for sharing.

NANDO’SNando’s famous peri-peri chicken is a healthier option than you might think. Every chicken is grilled to order over an open flame rather than fried, resulting in lower cholesterol and reduced fat content. Nando’s also has plenty of dishes that add up to fewer than 600 calories, including couscous salad with chicken and Portobello mushroom, and Prego steak roll with mixed salad.

PIZZA EXPRESSPizza doesn’t have to be off the menu when you’re watching your diet. The famous Leggera, with its mound of fresh salad in the centre, is a 500 calorie pizza, and it’s just got even better, with a new lighter dough base, allowing space for previously off-limit toppings such as pepperoni and goats’ cheese. So, you can now choose from Pizza Express favourites, including American Hot and Padana, as Leggera 500 cal versions. As a bonus, there’s also now a Leggera wine on the list, with 25 per cent fewer calories and sugar than regular wine. Enjoy a glass with your Leggera pizza for a total 600 calories.

SHOGUNSushi and sashimi are super-healthy food options, packed with vitamins and minerals and clean, light ingredients, such as fresh seaweed, raw fish and root vegetables. Delicate and delicious, it has no cholesterol or unhealthy fats, and is bursting with antioxidants and Omega 6, essential for healthy skin and hair.

ZIZZIChic Italian restaurant Zizzi is focusing on healthy food with no sacrifice on taste. You can now order all of its pizzas with a wholemeal base and find dishes that are less than 650 calories marked out on the menu by a small love heart. Fancy something sweet? The bespoke sorbet range uses organic and all-natural ingredients, but is fewer than 50 calories per scoop.

MANY RESTAURANTS AT THE MAILBOX ARE

RUNNING SPECIAL OFFERS RIGHT NOW: CHECK ONLINE, CALL

OR POP IN TO FIND OUT MORE!

MALMAISONMalmaison offers a varied selection of healthier options from the spa menus to the bar, brasserie and room service menus. Tasty healthier dishes to try include hot smoked salmon Caesar salad, Tuscan bean salad with tomatoes and olives and pan-fried red bream with spiced coconut sauce.

Treat a friend to a light bite lunch to chase the winter blues away. We love the fresh fruit smoothies and inventive salads at Caffè Gusto, the salad-packed ciabatta sandwiches at Pennyblacks and the amazing array of fish, steak, chicken, lamb and pork at Miller & Carter, all grilled for extra taste and less fat. Enjoy a plate of rustic Italian food at Strada, or head to Red Peppers where you can choose a non-alcoholic cocktail as an aperitif. Check out the light bites menu at Bar Epernay and Bar Room Bar, and the two-for-one lunchtime tapas at Bar Estilo.

OUT TO LUNCH?

D I R E C TO RY

t h e m a i l b o x

fa s h i o nHARVEY NICHOLS 0121 616 6000

ALLSAINTS 0121 230 9940

AQUASCUTUM 0121 411 0086

EMPORIO ARMANI 0121 632 1150

FAT FACE 0121 632 1310

GIEVES & HAWKES 0121 632 5295

HUGO BOSS 0121 632 6010

JAEGER 0121 633 4381

LK BENNETT 0121 634 3156

THOMAS PINK 0121 632 1301

s h o e s &ac c e s s o r i e sDANIEL FOOTWEAR 0121 632 1421

h o m e &l i f e s t y l eBANG & OLUFSEN

0121 632 6166

BBC SHOP & VISITOR CENTRE

0121 567 6767

CASTLE GALLERIES

0121 633 0015

TESCO EXPRESS 0121 695 9540

THE AGA SHOP 0121 632 1311

FIRED EARTH 0121 632 1366

s pa & s a l o n sMALMAISON LE PETIT SPA

0121 246 5008

NICKY CLARKE SALONS 0121 633 4009

TONI & GUY ESSENSUALS

0121 643 3311

h ot e l sMALMAISON 0121 246 5000

RAMADA 0121 643 9344

ca r va l e t i n gH20

0845 0177 701

(CAR PARK LEVEL 1)

r e s tau r a n t s& ca f e ba r sBAR EPERNAY

0121 632 1430

BAR ESTILO

0121 643 3443

BAR ROOM BAR

0121 632 1199

CAFFE GUSTO

0121 665 6555

CAFÉ ROUGE

0121 665 6437

CÔTE BRASSERIE

0121 631 1587

GOURMET BURGER

KITCHEN

0121 633 8564

MILLER & CARTER

0121 643 7738

NANDO'S

0121 643 5123

PENNYBLACKS

0121 632 1460

PIZZA EXPRESS

0121 643 4016

RED PEPPERS

0121 643 4202

SHOGUN

0121 632 1253

STRADA

0121 643 7279

THE ORIENTAL

0121 633 9988

ZIZZI

0121 632 1333

WHARFSIDE STREETBIRMINGHAM

B1 1XLTEL: 0121 632 1000FAX: 0121 632 1001

WWW.MAILBOXLIFE.COM

D O N ’ T M I S SALL THESPRING/SUMMER ‘12FASHION TRENDSIN ISSUE TWO: DUE MARCH

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