True Story: ExSmokers are Unstoppable

I live with an ex-smoker. Hubby started smoking when he was only 15 years old and he would smoke around 20 a day until the day he asked me to help him to quit smoking.

I always try and help those that ask me, so of course I did whatever I could. We used to work together at the time and, as soon as he mentioned the words “quit smoking”, I popped out and got him some nicotine chewing gum.

When I got back to work, I gave him the chewing gum and by the time I was reading the instructions, I looked at hubby and he had already put in his mouth and he was chewing it, he didn’t like at all and ended up throwing it away.

Hubby found quite difficult quit smoking, but he was determined to do it and he wouldn’t give up. Soon after, we went to Germany for a long weekend to watch Greece playing in the Confederations Cup in 2005.

Hubby Playing Footbal

While we were away, hubby was busy and entertained with other things, so it was a bit easier to control his cravings.

However when we got back home, he was really tempted to start smoking again. I was starting a new job the following day and he waited for me to leave home, he picked up a cigarette from a hidden box, but he couldn’t lighten it up. That was the day he decided he wanted to be an ex-smoker.

ExSmokers are Unstoppable

Needless to say, hubby feels so much better since he quit smoking and he feels unstoppable!

The benefits of being an ex-smoker are endless: your food tastes nicer, your clothes don’t smell, you become healthier and you also save a lot of money!

I love the fact I’m not married to a smoker anymore, our house smells much nicer and his clothes smell fresher. Not only we are saving on cigarettes, we are probably also saving on air fresheners and mints!

Since hubby quit smoking, he started playing football and he’s now a goalkeeper for a local team. He enjoys life much more now that he doesn’t smoke. It’s been nearly 8 years since he had his last cigarette and he believes it is one of the best decisions he’s ever made – after marrying me, of course!

Hubby found quite hard stop smoking, it would have been much easier if he knew about ExSmokers, which is a campaign by the EU to try and help people stop smoking.

They have an app for quitting smoking called the iCoach. The platform, which is free of charge, is available in 23 official EU languages. iCoach has been proven effective, more than 30% of people who used iCoach quit smoking.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

PosturePlast: Revolutionary New Back Pain Relief

PosturePlast

PosturePlast is the UK’s leading lower back support solution. Before getting pregnant, I suffered from severe back pain, I must confess it got slightly better after giving birth, but I still suffered from lower back pain.

It has been showed that during any one year, up to a shocking 49% of us will experience back pain, especially when pregnant of course. Cue ‘PosturePlast’, a revolutionary new lower back pain support that treats 90% of lower back problems, delivers 48 hours pain relief and naturally improves your posture.

PosturePlast

The product is clinically designed to work with your body, treating the root cause of your pain whilst showing you how to stand, sit and bend correctly, helping with long term back health.

PosturePlast is large, soft and self adhesive, with a strong supporting structure. They work together to control movement and provide support, whilst still giving you the freedom and confidence to move safely. I really like the fact that PosturePlast is not only a short-term fix, but it helps you to improve your posture.

PosturePlast

The design is based on the proven medical techniques of taping, which are used globally to reduce pain and provide support. PosturePlast was designed by a practising osteopath to give you the benefits of this powerful treatment at home.

PosturePlast is available in a range of high street retailers including Boots, it comes individually at RRP £4.00, in packs of four costing £14.40 and in packs of ten for £29.00.

PosturePlast have just launched their Facebook page and to celebrate they are giving away a whole year’s worth of product (plus lots of runners up prizes). Click Here to enter.

 The product was provided free of charge for review purposes. However the opinions expressed in this review are honest and my own.

Spring/Summer Outfits by Daxon

A few months ago, I mentioned that I became a Daxon VIP Fashion Blogger, ever since I have been checking out their lovely outfits at brilliant prices.

I was excited when I found out about their amazing giveaway to win an outfit worth £200.

While browsing at their gorgeous clothes, I noticed that I could have not only one, but two new outfits, and get ready for the Spring/Summer. I am so happy the weather is getting a bit warmer and apparently we will have a heat wave this weekend.

I cannot wait for brighter and longer days, BBQ parties and lots of outdoor fun in the summer. Since my wardrobe gets rather dull and boring during the winter, I have picked two outfits to lighten up my style and bring the sunshine back to my wardrobe.

Spring/Summer with Daxon by lilinhaangel

Outfit One: Cool in Blue!

My first outfit is a Ladies Sweetheart Neckline Sundress (RRP £25) with a lovely summery print, matched up with a trendy Pediconfort Ladies Leather Closed-Toe Sandals with Heel (RRP £38), styled up with a gorgeous Crealine Ladies Beaded Necklace (RRP £19), long necklace in metal with fancy pendants.

My outfit costs only £82!

Outfit Two: Lady in Red!

Ladies Wrapover-Effect Dress (RRP £35) is a very flattering dress in raspberry print, worn with Pediconfort Cushioned Sole Wedge Heel Shoes (RRP £49) with soft suede upper and a fancy bow trim on the front of the shoe. The outfit would be complete with a gorgeous Necklace of colourful decorative beads (RRP £25).

The whole outfit costs only £109!

I could have two new Spring/Summer outfits for only £191!

Which outfit is your favourite? Are you ready for the sunny days? Check out Daxon’s collection for stylish dresses and gorgeous shoes and accessories. Now that the outfits have been chosen, let’s keep our fingers crossed the sun will come out to play! 🙂

This is my entry for the £200 Outfit Giveaway by Daxon

Spring Clean: My Top 5 Household Cleaning Tips

Spring is finally here, so it is time for a good old spring clean of our house from top to bottom.

However you don’t need to wait until spring to thoroughly clean your house. Following a few simple steps, it can be kept clean and tidy all year round.

I love living in a clean house, but unfortunately I don’t have enough time to mop our house twice a day and keep wiping the kitchen surface every hour.

As we are always busy, hubby and I work full-time, we don’t have much spare time to do household chores. Besides, we would rather spend our evenings with our little boy and spend quality time with each other over the weekend.

In order to keep on top of the cleaning, we have our Top 5 Household Cleaning Tips

Wipe Spills Immediately

1. If it is dirty, clean straight away:

Whenever there are any spills in the kitchen or little man accidentally drops something on the floor, it is cleaned straight away.

As long as the dirt doesn’t pill up, it is easy and quick to clean and it doesn’t feel like a chore.

Only Iron if Necessary

2. Only iron if necessary:

My mum irons everything from socks to shirts, including bedding. I honestly think that life is too short to iron unnecessarily. Of course I wouldn’t let hubby walk out of the house wearing a creasy shirt, but there is not much point in ironing socks and underwear.

As long as everything dries out straight and unfolded, it should be easier to iron it and most of it might not need to be iron after all.

How to Clean Microwave

3. Clean microwave in minutes: 

If your microwave has stubborn dried food and stains, just pop a glass inside full of water with a few drops of washing-up liquid. Switch on the microwave for a minute, the water will boil and create vapour, making the dirt easily cleaned by wiping.

4. Switch to microfiber cloths:

Paper towels might leave residues while cotton towels are not very effective. On the other hand, microfiber cloths are very absorbent and can be used even without sprays and chemicals. Since we switched to microfiber cloths, we have spent less time wiping surfaces and dusting.

5. Always read labels and follow the instructions provided:

It sounds simple, but it is a great way to avoid ruining objects and tackling the task quicker. By reading the label on a plughole unblocker product, I found that it be used for blockages as a one-off use or regular use to stop build up. I believe it is better to prevent than to remedy.

This is my entry to win a brilliant Morphy Richards 9-in-1 Steam Cleaner with Foodies100, which make light work of household cleaning, including floors, work surfaces, windows and upholstery. Check out the video below:

Tropic Skincare: Skin Revive Firming Nourishing Cream

Last year I tried Tropic Skincare for the first time and I feel in love with Tropic Cleanser and Toner.

After using it for a short period of time, I could feel that my skin was clean, smooth and hydrated.

Tropic is a natural skin care range that is packed to bursting with active plant proteins, vitamins and antioxidants.

Skin Revive Firming Nourishing Cream

With eight products, ranging from the Smoothing Cleanser to the Eye Revive Firming Nourishing Cream, the entire Tropic Skincare range is cruelty free, vegan friendly and packed with 100% plant derived proteins that keep skin nourished and hydrated.

I was sent Skin Revive Firming Nourish Cream (RRP £20.00 for 50ml) to review and I have been trying it for the past couple of weeks.

Tropic Skin Revive

Skin Revive Firming Nourishing cream is packed to bursting with vitamins, antioxidants and pure plant actives that visibly firm and intensely nourish for instant skin radiance.

Skin Revive Firming Nourishing cream has Rosehip, Shea Butter and Vitamin E to deeply hydrate and soften. As soon as I applied it to my face, my skin was instantly feeling smooth and soft.

Skin Revive

This concentrated face cream contains Blueberry, Raspberry and Calendula to revitalise and rejuvenate the skin.

I have rosacea and sensitive skin, so my skin flares up quite often, Skin Revive has helped my skin to go back to normal faster after a flare-up.

Skin Revive also has Echinacea, Sea Kelp and Frankincense to improve skin elasticity and help to smooth fine lines.

Skin Revive is a lightly fragranced, easily absorbed, perfect for instantly smooth and radiant skin.

Skin Revive

Since it is concentrated, you only need to apply one or two pumps onto clean face and neck. It should be massaged in circular and upward motion twice a day for naturally glowing skin.

I really like the fact that Skin Revive is alcohol-free and made with natural plant extracts.

It is a nourishing cream concentrate freshly handmade in Great Britain with all the ingredients you need to take the very best care of your skin.

I have been thoroughly enjoying using Skin Revive and I am looking forward to trying other Tropic products.

Tropic Skincare range is available to purchase online at Tropic Skincare website.

You can follow Tropic Skincare on Twitter and Tropic Skincare on Facebook

The product was provided free of charge for review purposes. However the opinions expressed in this review are honest and my own.

Philips VisaPure Electronic Cleansing Device

Philips VisaPure Electronic Cleansing Device.

A couple of weeks ago, I attended Philips VisaPure Launch Party where there was a special demonstration of Philips latest Beauty Product line: VisaPure electronic cleansing device.

During the event, I only tried it on my hand, and the brush felt incredibly soft, I couldn’t wait to get home and try Philips VisaPure on my face.

Philips VisaPure Box Content

It was a fun evening and we were given our very own Philips VisaPure to try at home. I have been testing and I love it!

Philips VisaPure brings a new technology that will take your daily cleansing routine to the next level without extra effort. It is a gentle way of leaving your skin clean, soft and radiant.

Philips VisaPure has been proved to be 10 times more effective than hand-cleansing as the brush rotates and vibrates. However it is as gentle as your hands and it can be used twice a day.

Philips VisaPure

While using Philips VisaPure, it feels that the brush is gently massaging your face. It is quite delicate and relaxing.

There are two different speed settings, gentle cleansing and deep cleansing settings, so you can adjust it according to your preference.

There is a one minute timer for the full face, so it only takes a minute to clean your face with Philips VisaPure, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Philips VisaPure Charging Stand

The face can be divided into three zones: T-zone, left cheek and right cheek. Philips VisaPure suggests changing areas after 20 seconds to leave a short pause.

I am very busy and like other mums I don’t have much spare time to try yet another lenghty technique to cleanse my skin.

The great news is that it doesn’t take any longer to incorporate Philips VisaPure into your beauty regime.

Philips VisaPure Brush Heads

I love the fact that the full programme only lasts 1 minute, after which Philips VisaPure automatically switches off to prevent overtreatment.

I have been trying Philips VisaPure and loving how it cleans my skin with the unique vibrating and rotating technology.

I can definitely feel my face extra clean after using Philips VisaPure. Although it cleans very well, it is gentle on the skin.

Philips VisaPure Brushes and Caps

Philips VisaPure comes with a range of additional brushes: one for normal skin and one specifically designed for sensitive skins.

As my skin is sensitive, I have been using Philips VisaPure with the soft head brush. I really like the fact that it comes with two brushes, so you choose the best one according to your skin type and condition.

Philips VisaPure head brushes are made of soft and silky bristles for everyday use.

An Exfoliating Brush Head is available separately, with exfoliating effects to gently remove dull and dead skin cells.

I was pleased to find out that Philips VisaPure is waterproof, so it can be used in the shower, therefore it was easily integrated into my current routine.

Overall, I love my Philips VisaPure, it makes cleansing my skin much easier and the results are great. Philips VisaPure is highly recommended for deep gentle cleansing to reveal soft and radiant skin.

Philips VisaPure can be purchased from Boots at RRP £150 for Philips VisaPure and £7.99 for extra brushes. Each brush lasts between 3-4 months.

You can follow Philips Beauty on Twitter and Philips Beauty on Facebook.

The product was provided free of charge for review purposes. However the opinions expressed in this review are honest and my own.

Where There is a Stain, There is a Way with Vanish Oxi Action!

Vanish Oxi Action with Oxi Powerlift

When I heard about Vanish Oxi Action, I was looking forward to trying it on as we had lots of stained clothes at home – thanks to little man that loves getting messy!

I first tried it on my little boy’s clothes and, when I realised how good it was, I started adding one scoop of Vanish stain removal to each wash and treating stained area on our clothes.

Vanish on Paint and Marker Pen Stains

Vanish Oxi Action Powder contains Oxi Powerlift which removes all types of stains, from the ones you can clearly see to the tougher ones that may be hidden.

Vanish Oxi Action with Oxi Powerlift removes even tough dried in stains, ensuring that you are left with stain free laundry 1st time every time.

Vanish Oxi Action Powder is safe to use on both coloured and white clothing.

Marker Pen Stain Top

Children usually get very dirty and messy at nursery. They have fun, but their clothes usually end up stained with paint and marker pens.

I tried Vanish on two of little man’s stained tops.

One had a green paint stain and the other one a pink marker pen stain that, no matter how many times I washed them, the stains never went away.

The best way to get paint and marker pen out of clothes is to pre-treat the stained area with Vanish, rub with the back of the scoop and leave it for a few minutes.

Green Paint Stain

Paint and marker pen are usually hard to get rid of, so if it is not clean, you can also soak in Vanish for an hour or so and wash it as normal. Your children’s clothes will get out of the wash like new!

The green paint stain was completely gone, I noticed Vanish also got rid of little white stains on the top.

The pink marker pen stain is nearly all gone, there is still a little stain, so I will repeat the same process again in the next wash.

I have also noticed that both tops are brighter, especially the one with the pink stain.

Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder

Although Vanish Oxi Action can be used on white clothes, there is a range especially designed for white clothes.

Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder works to remove stains and keep your whites as white as possible.

The special formula contains Oxi Powerlift agents which penetrate and lift the stain first time, and also whitening ingredients to help retain a brilliant whiteness in your washing.

Dried Food Stain on Collar

My little boy is a messy eater. He usually eats all his meal, but end up quite messy.

Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder was great to removed dried food stain on little man’s white top.

The best way to get rid of stubborn baby food stains on collar of tops is to pre-treat the stained area with Vanish.

Then rub the area with the back of the scoop until the stains are gone. In a few minutes, you will have new clothes!

Vanish Stain Removal on White Shirt

After trying it on little man’s clothes, I started treated my stained clothes too.

Forgot a white shirt at the back of the wardrobe?

The best way to get rid of yellow wardrobe stains on white clothes is by pre-treating the area with Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder.

Once you have made the mixture using 1/4 scoop of Vanish to 3/4 water, use the back of the scoop to scrub the area, then wash it as normal. You will end up with a sparkling white shirt in no time!

“Wardrobe” Yellow Stains on White Shirt

I’m convinced that it is whiter than before. You can see in the picture that my white shirt is definitely brighter now.

I tried both Vanish Oxi and Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder and had great results!

If you have other types of stains you would like to get rid of, you could check out how to remove coffee stains and also carpet stain removal tips.

Now hubby said that I should get rid of the stain in his chef whites. I will be using Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder on them next weekend.

Check out Vanish Tip Exchange on Facebook to submit your stain questions and tips.

The products were provided free of charge for review purposes. However the opinions expressed in this review are honest and my own.

Silent Sunday

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Kids Fashion – For the Everyday or Just for the Special Occasion

Kids fashion is a big issue nowadays and recently it has been a hot topic of debate, as London has just played host to the first ever Global Kids Fashion Week. The event showcased an array of well-known designers who have branched out into childrenswear, as well as up-and-coming names producing trendy pieces for kids. With single items costing hundreds of pounds, many parents will view kid’s fashion as something to be reserved for special occasions.

However, with celebs launching kid’s clothing lines and ever-younger fashion bloggers rising to fame, children’s fashion seems more important than ever. So, should we be clothing our kids in designer threads on an everyday basis and stressing the importance of clothing, or should this be saved for special events only?

Fashionable childrenswear seems to be everywhere and easily accessible for all, suggesting that parents should be more conscious of dressing their children well on an everyday basis. As well as in the shops, it’s possible to get designer kids clothes online, making buying easier than ever. Many famous designers are now producing collections aimed at children, encouraging parents to put just as much effort and money into styling their little ones as they do themselves.

Armani Junior, Paul Smith Junior and Stella McCartney Kids are all examples of big names who have realized the potential of the childrenswear clothing market. The items produced are not only party frocks and smart suits and are instead intended to be worn on a casual, everyday basis by kids. Included in the collection by Tommy Hilfiger, for example, are loose-fitting cargo shorts, polo shirts and branded tees – all perfect pieces for a child’s weekend wardrobe.

Kids Fashion: Designer Clothes by lilinhaangel

Boss Boys Black Two Button Suit  / Torres Girls Blue Flower Applique Dress / Juicy Couture Babies ‘Choose Juicy’ Tunic Top & Leggings Set / Armani Junior Boys Shirt and Stripe Shorts Set at AlexandAlexa

Celebrities too have got in on the act and have demonstrated how stylish kids can look every day. Gwen Stefani debuted her Harajuku Mini Collection last year, whilst celeb sisters Ashlee and Jessica Simpson created a clothes line aimed at pre-teens, the Jessica Simpson Girls Collection, in 2011.

However, celeb mums such as these are almost constantly in the public eye and are photographed as much when they are out and about with their kids, as when they are on the red carpet. Everyday life for a celeb child then, differs greatly from that of our own!

So, perhaps trendy childrenswear should be reserved for those select special occasions? Many designers produce beautiful kid’s pieces which are almost too attractive (and too pricey!) to wear every day. Missoni’s kids collection, for example, features gorgeous frocks in trademark bright colours and zig-zag and stripe patterns, though retailing at between one and two hundred pounds, some would argue that these items are best saved for special occasions.

However, kids fashion is not all about money: clothing choices are also a way of expressing ourselves and demonstrating our individuality. So, although some parents would save designer kids clothes for special occasions, this does not mean that care and attention to their children’s attire should not be taken on every day.

Sponsored Post

Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief: The Ultimate Tooth Sensitive Challenge

Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Challenge

We are a fan of Colgate as a family, little man tried Colgate Kids Range a couple of months ago and enjoyed it.

I reviewed Colgate ProClinical Electric Toothbrush a few weeks ago and I really liked it.

We have tried the new Colgate Total Interdental Toothpaste and loved the ultimate clean feel.

A few days ago, I was invited to attend an exclusive dinner of mouth-watering, teeth-tingling, gastronomic delights.

Colgate Ultimate Challenge for Foodies

Ready to test the UK’s most passionate food lovers, and prove that you really can find freedom from food sensitivity, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief teamed up with award-winning molecular chef, Sean Wilkinson, to create the ultimate challenge for foodies.

Sean Wilkinson using Liquid Nitrogen

Sean Wilkinson’s approach to molecular gastronomy is infused with science and his unique approach means that the taste experience he delivers really is out of this world.

His use of liquid nitrogen to create an extreme of temperatures and bursts of flavour sensations in every mouthful really is the ultimate, teeth-tingling challenge for Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief.

On the night, Anousheh Alavi, honorary lecturer at King’s College and Colgate’s scientific advisor revealed the ground breaking science behind Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief.

Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Challenge

Sensitivity occurs when your enamel erodes and/or gums recede, exposing thousands of microscopic channels which lead to your tooth’s nerve centre.

When your teeth make contact with something cold (like ice cream) or hot (like a cup of tea), or sweet and acidic foods, sensations are carried down these channels directly to the nerves, causing pain.

Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief is clinically proven to provide instant relief and lasting protection from tooth sensitivity after applying the toothpaste directly to each sensitive tooth for one minute.

Sean Wilkinson and Laura Boyle

The toothpaste contains arginine, a naturally-occurring amino acid, which, when combined with Calcium Carbonate, blocks and seals the microscopic channels that lead to your tooth nerve centre.

I was looking forward to the evening as soon as I heard that four tantalising courses were created inspired by ice and fire as the ultimate test for Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief against the pain of tooth sensitivity.

According to my dentist, I am too keen on brushing my teeth, I put more pressure than necessary, so I have ended up with receding gums, resulting in sensitive teeth.

Nitro Foam of Passion Fruit & Lemongrass Dust

Featuring ingredients and flavours that would normally trigger sensitivity, thanks to Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, the challenge sets out to show that even the most indulgent of foodies can enjoy dishes pain-free and experience instant and lasting relief.

Beetroot Cinder Toffee with Goats Cheese Snowflakes

The first course of the Ultimate Tooth Sensitive Challenge served by Sean Wilkinson and Laura Boyle was Nitro Foam of Passion Fruit & Lemongrass Dust.

It is a intense nitrogen frozen meringue, flavoured with passion fruit juice and dusted with freeze dried lemongrass.

Not only it looked nice and neat on the plate, the Nitro Foam of Passion Fruit & Lemongrass Dust was very tasty.

It was followed by Beetroot Cinder Toffee with Goats Cheese Snowflakes, Walnut Cannelloni and Pumpkin Seed.

The starter was crisp beetroot cider toffee with soft warm goat cheese mouse, frozen goats cheese snowflakes, beetroot glass and toasted walnut crumbs.

Monkfish, Candied Belly, Grapefruit and Lobster

The dish was colourful and the different textures and flavours worked out really well. The frozen beetroot juice complemented the creamy goat cheese.

For mains, we were served Crispy Pork Skin with Candied Belly, Grapefruit and Lobster. As I am following the Orthodox Lent, I had monkfish instead of pork.

The monkfish was beautifully cooked and served with frozen lobster, carpaccio and vanilla oil & carrot pudding, crisp chilli pork crackling, refreshing watermelon and crunchy cauliflower.

Rhubarb with Frozen Yogurt Powder and Consommé

Our final course was a lovely dessert of Rhubarb with Frozen Yogurt Powder, Consommé and Pistachio Glass.

The roast rhubarb delice was accompanied by a semi frozen consommé and pistachio popping glass. There was also a warm vanilla jelly with hot frozen yogurt powder.

The milk chocolate coated gooseberries and white chocolate coated ginger worked really well with the rhubarb.

After a lovely evening, very enjoyable and informative, we were given a goody bag with Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief products to try at home.

Thank you so much for a great evening, the meal was full of flavour and I really enjoy the different textures on the dishes.

Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste retails at RRP £3.56. Put your sensitivity triggers to the test with the Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Instant Relief Challenge at www.ColgateSensitiveProRelief.co.uk and download easy-to-make sensory recipes that anyone can try!

You can follow ColgateUK on Twitter and ColgateUK on Facebook

I was under no obligation to write this post, just wanted to share my experience. The opinions expressed in this post are honest and my own.