Become a Model with Colgate MaxWhite ONE

For any girl or guy who has dreamed of becoming a model and following in the footsteps of top Elite supermodels such as Cindy Crawford, Stephanie Seymour and Gisele Bundchen, the time is now here.

The UK arm of the 2013 Elite Model Look competition, which is sponsored by Colgate MaxWhite ONE, kicks off this weekend in Manchester and over the next few months aspiring models all over the country will have the chance to be scouted by top Elite model scouts.

Up for grabs is a modelling contract with Elite Model Management UK for the female and male winners, a spot in the prestigious World Final for the female winner, and the chance to be the new face of Colgate MaxWhite ONE for its next advertising campaign.

To launch the competition, eight models, including three finalists from last year’s competition, strutted their stuff in an impromptu fashion show around iconic locations in London.

According to a poll of 1,000 British adults, a smile is the number one factor in determining a person’s beauty. These models showed that is indeed the case – and proved their dazzling smiles are what has propelled them into the modelling industry in the past year.

Casting dates are pasted below, but people all over the country can enter online at colgatemaxwhite.co.uk.

There is also an opportunity to win a fabulous shopping spree for you and three friends in New York City, so the fun isn’t just limited to serious models.

Victoria Centre, Nottingham	27th & 28th April 2013
Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock	11th & 12th May 2012
MetroCentre, Gateshead	25th & 26th May 2013
Braehead Shopping Centre, Glasgow	31st May & 1st June 2013

Outdoor Adventure Campaign by Poppy Cat and Woodland Trust

Little man is a Poppy Cat fan, and since he met Poppy Cat at John Lewis, he loves Poppy Cat even more!

The UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, the Woodland Trust, is partnering with the popular Nick Jr. series, Poppy Cat, to launch an outdoor campaign for pre-schoolers with an ‘adventure’ platform for its VisitWoods website for one month from tomorrow, 19^th April 2013.

VisitWoods.org.uk hosts information on over 11,000 UK woods that are open to the public.

Poppy Cat Mystery Trail

Poppy Cat content has been created for the site with downloadable activity materials focusing on ‘Mystery Trail Adventures’ – available for children aged 2-6 years to engage them during family outings to the woods.

Poppy Cat Mystery Trail Adventure Pack

We were sent a cool ‘Poppy Cat Mystery Trail Adventure Pack’ to support the launch with the Woodland Trust’s VisitWoods.org.uk campaign.

To support the Woodland Trust partnership and allow Poppy Cat fans to continue the adventure at home, Nick Jr. will air nature-themed Poppy Cat episodes every day from the 18^th April at 7.15pm for two weeks.  There will also be campaign content at nickjr.co.uk alongside Poppy Cat clips, games and activities.

Poppy Cat Mystery Trail

Poppy Cat, starring the voice of Joanna Page (Gavin & Stacey), is based on the award-winning books created by Lara Jones. Poppy Cat’s heroic gusto and unquenchable curiosity propel each experience often leading to unexpected discoveries.

For more information on the Nick Jr pre-school series or the Woodland Trust Poppy Cat campaign, please visit www.poppycat.com / http://www.visitwoods.org.uk,

Older brothers and sisters can also discover more age appropriate activities via the Woodland Trust’s Nature Detectives initiative – naturedetectives.org.uk.

You can follow Poppy Cat on Twitter and Poppy Cat on Facebook.

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

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.

Put the Kettle on with PG Tips “The Rich One”

PG Tips “The Rich One”

By now, I think everyone already knows that I love a good old cup of tea!

PG Tips has recently added to its popular new premium teas by launching The Rich One. The Rich One is for those looking for a stronger and richer tea.

PG Tips cleverly designed Pyramid bags give the tea leaves room to move so you can get even more of the great PG tips flavour.

PG Tips “The Rich One”

PG Tips has found an exciting way of making tea which captures the tea taste and aroma. First, PG Tips selects fresh leaves from tea gardens.

The high quality tea leaves are pressed to release their natural juices. Finally, the juice is added back to the tea leaves for you to enjoy!

Cup of Tea

While reading the information in the box, I was pleased to find out that the tea leaves in the pyramid bags are fully Rainforest Alliance Certified.

It means when you choose PG Tips, you are helping them to help the environment, the farmers and their families.

The Rich One is made of a complex and aromatic taste for a flavoursome treat. It is made of pressed leaves for a rich taste.

By pressing fresh tea leaves, PG Tips capture and preserve the genuine taste of fresh tea.

PG Tips “The Rich One”

In addition to The Rich One, other parts of the new premium range include The Fresh One – a crisp taste for a refreshing pick me up.

The Strong One – a bold full flavoured taste for a bit of a kick, and The Mellow One (previously The Evening One) – a smooth taste of black and decaffeinated teas to help you unwind.

I love tea and PG Tips “The Rich One” is nice and rich, just how I like it!

You can follow PG Tips on Twitter and PG Tips on Facebook.

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

If Only I had 1 Million Nectar Points #pinforpoints

Market Stall

What would you get if you had 1 Million Nectar Points?

I would spend them on my family, each one of us would get nice treat.

Let’s start with little man as it is his birthday this month. As he will be 4, I believe he deserves at least one present for each year of his life.

Little man loves playing, so I’m sure he would love a Market Stall to play in rainy day. Trike when the weather is nice.

He would also love a Sand and Water Table to have fun all year round.

His fourth and final present would be a cool Toy Workshop. I’m sure he would be delighted with his birthday presents!

Tumble Drier

For hubby, I would get a Car Stereo as we never replaced ours when it got stolen. Hubby loves playing game, so he would appreciate a PS3 to have fun with his mates.

I would love a Health Grill to make tasty food for my family, a brand new Pan Set and a cool Coffee Machine.

We really need a tumble drier as we don’t have one, so it will be top of my list!

The whole family would enjoy a nice big 3D Smart TV, Home Cinema and 3D Glasses to have fun over the weekend while watching family movies!

Gas BBQ

As summer is approaching, we would love a gorgeous Garden Furniture Set and Gas BBQ together with Hostess Server to entertain our friends!  Little man and his friends would enjoy taking into turns in the Ride On Car and the Fire Station.

Of course, we need music in any party, so little man would provide the entertainment with Keyboard and Kids Drum Kit. A Karaoke Machine would make it complete!

That’s how I would spend a million Nectar points. How would you spend yours?

You can check out my Pinterst board here for inspiration!

Celebrate the Taste of Origin and Tradition with Giancarlo Caldesi

Celebrate the Taste of Origin and Tradition

Last week I was invited to a taste experience to celebrate the Taste of Origin and Tradition.

The event was hosted by the Consortiums of Grana Padano Cheese and Prosciutto di San Danielle to help promote these Italian Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products.

In truth, we know very little about how, when and why the food we eat is produced the way it is, and yet all of these elements pose a fundamental influence over the taste and quality of food.

Grana Padano Cheese

The “PDO – The Taste of Origin and Tradition” campaign, was launched in partnership with the Consortium of Prosciutto di San Danielle and the Consortium of Grana Padano Cheese, is designed to promoted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products.

Now in its third and final year, and funded by the EU and Italian government, it is focused on sharing the unique qualities and characteristics of these products in the UK and raising awareness of what PDO status means.

Prosciutto di San Daniele

Intrinsic to the landscapes of the Italian Po Valley and San Daniele del Friuli, Grana Padano Cheese and Prosciutto di San Daniele have been produced following the same traditional methods for tens of centuries.

The unique characteristics of the products are due to their reliability (they are regulated by the Italian and EU laws) and their traceability (they are from a defined geographical area).

Italian Chef Giancarlo Caldesi

Besides, their locality (the bond between the product and land produce special characteristics in each product), and their typicality (respect for traditional production methods to preserve the renowned flavours).

Italian chef Giancarlo Caldesi is throwing his support behind the campaign for the second consecutive year and he had some new treats in store featuring these irreplaceable products whose taste and texture has remained unchanged for centuries.

Summer Dish with Papaya and Prosciutto di San Daniele

As well as juggling his Italian restaurants and schools, Giancarlo also actively works as a brand ambassador for Grana Padano Cheese and Prosciutto di San Danielle as part of a PDO campaign, which aims to promote authentic high-quality Italian produce and heritage.

It was a very different lunch-time experience in which I could immerse myself in the rich heritage of these two renowned Italian PDO products and wet my appetite with some delicious recipes to learn the true meaning of food traceability, authenticity and tradition.

Giancarlo Caldesi making Creamy Pasta

We were treated to Bruscetta with Mushroom Paste and Prosciutto di San Daniele, Summer Dish with Papaya and Prosciutto di San Daniele on lettuce leaves, which was light and delicious.

There were also some Grana Padano Cheese and Prosciutto di San Daniele Fritters which were just so tasty and crunchy.

Creamy Pasta and Summer Dish

My favourite dish has to be Creamy Pasta with Mushroom, Grana Padano Cheese and Prosciutto di San Daniele sauce. It was full of flavour and it tasted simply divine!

For more information and suggestions on how to enjoy Prosciutto di San Daniele and Grana Padano Cheese, including recipes from renowned chef, Giancarlo Caldesi, visit www.prosciuttosandaniele.it and www.granapadano.it.

It was a very informative event and I had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful Italian taste experience, thank you so much for having me!

I look forward to trying Prosciutto di San Daniele and Grana Padano Cheese at home.

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.

Peppa Pig’s Big Splash: Live Show Tour Dates Announced

Peppa Pig’s Big Splash

By now, you might be aware that little man loves Peppa Pig, I share this post: “Little Man’s Hero: Peppa Pig”. Recently, we have also hosted a Peppa Pig Party and little man had a great time with his friends.

Last year, we went to West End Theatre Christmas Season: Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt and the whole family enjoyed the live show. I was delighted to find out that there is a new show coming out this year.

Little Man’s Hero: Peppa Pig

Peppa Pig’s Big Splash is a Brand New & Biggest Ever Show on tour from October 2013 Including fourth West End Christmas Season.

Peppa Pig Show in London

Fresh from the huge successes of previous tours Peppa Pig’s Party and Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt comes Peppa’s brand new show, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash. Opening at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford on 24 October, this touring production will travel throughout the UK and into Ireland until summer 2014. The tour will also include a fourth consecutive Peppa West End Christmas season (details will be announced in due course) and it will be the biggest ever to date.

Peppa Pig’s Big Splash

The nursery roof is leaking and Peppa and her friends need to fix it quickly. They set up a fete to raise the money for Mr Bull to do the repairs. There’s plenty of fun to be had as Peppa, George, Mummy and Daddy Pig, as well as Danny Dog, Pedro Pony and Suzy Sheep put up bunting, run stalls and organise a great day out.  There’s also a Champion Puddle Jumping competition judged by Mr Potato where everyone gets wet and Peppa needs to find her Golden Boots. Another all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles is guaranteed for all the family.

Peppa Pig returns live on stage with puppets and brilliant sing-a-long songs from BAFTA award-winning composer Mani Svavarsson. Richard Lewis adapts and directs this brand new show, following his previous successes with the first two Peppa Pig stage shows and the the current Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom tour.

Peppa Pig’s Big Splash is produced by Fiery Angel and Limelight Productions (Fiery Light), the team also behind the recent tours of LazyTown Live!, Roald Dahl’s The BFG, the previous two Peppa Pig tours and the current tour of Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom.

Check out Check out Peppa Pig Live website for more information and to book your ticket!

You can follow Peppa Pig Live on Twitter and Peppa Pig Live on Facebook.

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.

If Only I’d Known…

9 Months Pregnant

There are so many things I knew before my first pregnancy. My parents live in Brazil, so unfortunately I didn’t have my mum around to give me advice throughout my pregnancy and she didn’t have the opportunity to share her own experiences before I gave birth.

By the time my mum arrived from Brazil, I had already given birth to our gorgeous little boy.

9 Months Pregnant

If Only I’d Known…

• That in real life, being pregnant and massive is not as glamorous as they picture in magazines and books. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed being pregnant and I will do it all over again, but a big bump gets quite uncomfortable towards the last trimester.

• 

  One Day Old

  That “morning sickness” does not happen only in the morning. Instead it should be called “all day sickness”. I felt quite sick while pregnant from the moment I woke up until I went to bed. Towards the end of my pregnancy, I found out that mini cheddar would make me feel a bit better, so I kept some by my bedside and reached for a couple as soon as I opened my eyes each morning.

• That strangers treat you like friends when you have a bump. I lost count how many people approached me and asked questions about my bump, whether I knew what it was. Once I actually wanted to reply “I hope it is a baby, not a cat” (I blame my pregnancy hormones), but instead, I had a big breath and I thought it would be more sensible to say “it’s a boy”.

• 

  One Week Old

  That on the other hand, the only place nobody seemed to notice I was pregnant was on my train journey to work each morning. No matter how big I was and the “Baby on Board” badge I was proudly wearing, I wasn’t offered a seat on the train. As it was the rush hour and the train was so crowded, I had to ask to sit down or my bump would be squashed. They would eventually get up, but not before giving me a look.

• 

  If Only I’d Known.. How Much I Would Love Him!

  That no matter how much you plan your pregnancy and birth, most likely it will not go according to plan. In my birth plan, I wrote that I wanted my son be born in a birthing pool with no pain relief, listening to classical music. Instead, I had two epidural and also a few complications when my son’s heart stopped while in labour. Eventually I was rushed to have emergency caesarean, I was put to sleep and didn’t see my son’s birth.

• That being in labour is not the most glamorous event of a woman’s life. Before giving birth, I’ve never thought that I would be with my legs open in a room with different doctors, midwives and nurses looking at my private parts.

• That I should make the most of any help offered.  I have always wanted to do everything on my own, but after my c-section I had to learn to sit down and relax a bit more, ask for help when needed and accept any help offered.

No matter how my pregnancy and labour went, I wouldn’t change it for the world. My baby boy is the best thing has ever happened to us and we love him to bits!

This month, LittleStuff has teamed up with Aptaclub, who have launched a brilliant new ‘Preparing for Birth’  app to support Mums through the last trimester of pregnancy. The app is designed to help mum stay organised through editable checklists and answer questions with tips and advice. It also comes with a contraction timer and birth announcer.

I’m so glad I came across this amazing app as we are currently trying for our second child. It would be brilliant to have much information this time as I will be planning one pregnancy while looking after a small child. Why don’t you also download the app?

This post is Lilinha Angel’s World’s entry into the Aptaclub ‘If Only I’d Known…’ competition

Silent Sunday