Category Archives: review

Lasting Memories

31st July 2014
It’s kind of obvious that as a blogger you’re going to take a lot of photos and have a lot sitting on your computer doing not much. I’m lucky as I have two willing blog photographers; Mum and Ben. It was Ben behind the camera for this post and upon seeing the photos we both agreed that we really loved a certain one. Mum went one step further though, by demanding a print of it, which was swiftly arranged. I was then able to go one better thanks to the offer of a photo canvas (gifted for review) from The Canvas Prints
I’ve purchased photo canvas blocks as gifts before, but never from The Canvas Prints and they’ve all been around the same price point (around £20). I think I’ve ordered from three different online stores before and the quality has varied quite a lot. I’m pleased to repot that Canvas Prints lands itself at the top of the quality pile- the colours in the print were rich, and thanks to a laminate finish the picture is glossy and bright instead of slightly faded with a dull finish.
Value wise, a single canvas print up to 60″ will cost you £18.95 which is excellent especially given the quality. The website is really user friendly with all the options clearly laid out and delivery is both reasonable and speedy. I have photo canvas plans for a special gift for someone and I was wondering where would be best to have it made up and I know now exactly where I’m heading…
Mum’s delighted with her canvas and I’m basking in the “good daughter” glow. Who would you have a Canvas Print made up for? What would it be? I think they make for the perfect gift with a personal touch.

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On Trial: ActiPatch

24th July 2014
It’s been a long haul with my back problems, since the moment I somehow managed to pop out two discs last October and landed myself in A&E I haven’t been pain free. Things have improved drastically since I had Microdiscectomy surgery in February- it solved my numbness and weakness in my left leg at least, but the surgery was never going to cure the actual back pain and it’s something I still struggle with.
Since my post-op recovery period I’ve tried to wean down on the strong pain medication, floating along on a cloud of Tramadol is a novelty for a day or two but it grows tiresome fast and I really did not want to end up with an addiction to pain meds. I’m now mostly just on paracetemol but sometimes that’s not enough, I’ve been seeking out alternative ways to ease the pain such as yoga and improving my posture as well as using a handy little device called ActiPatch which I was lucky enough to have sent to me after they read some of my post surgery tweets.
ActiPatch is available in several formats to target specific types of pain, I was sent the Back Pain Relief model which costs £19.99 and is available to buy from Boots. It boasts an impressive 720 of back pain relief using electromagnetic pulse therapy to reduce pain and inflammation. This is a therapy that has been clincally proven and used for decades in the treatment of pain and you don’t feel a thing whilst wearing the patch. You can wear the patch 24/7 until the pain is reduced and it has long lasting benefits proven to be five times more effective than traditional pain medications.
Despite the impressive statistics and claims I was sceptical as to how effective a tiny little device can be. It’s essentially a little disc with some wires and an on/off button that slips inside a pouch on a belt you fasten around your middle, with the disc over the source of the pain. At first I found it distracting to wear the belt but I stopped noticing after a while and it’s not at all bulky so ideal for wearing under clothes day or night. After about an hour I really started to notice a reduction in my pain and after the suggested 8 hours continuous usage I was virtually pain free and after taking the belt off I stayed pain free until well in to the next day.
I’ve been using this for some months now, probably clocking up around 100 hours, so there’s a long way to go until it runs out. I say this is well worth the £19.99 price tag, when I take in to account what I’ve paid for medications and prescriptions and I would recommend this to anyone who suffers from chronic pain.
Have you tried any alternative pain relief methods? I’d love to know them as I’m always up for trying something new. Let me know if you try ActiPatch and how you get on too, honestly I don’t understand HOW it works entirely but I can hand on heart say it does.

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Beauty Mini Reviews

22nd July 2014
It’s been a while (I think) since my last beauty post, although I’m hardly what you could call a regular beauty blogger. I thought I’d merge together a couple of quick product reviews today, as on their own there isn’t a lot to say about either product- that’s not a bad thing by the way, I’m just not feeling especially wordy.
First up is The Body Shop All-in One-BB Cream which I bought after seeing several positive reviews on blogs and youtube. I always look to switch to something lighter in the summer and BB cream is perfect. I opted for the lightest shade “00” which initially looks like a regular face cream but soon adapts to your natural skin colour. I was pretty impressed with this although I did find it a little on the orange side (a standard problem for me). It left my skin feeling lovely and soft and gave me a real summer glow…kind of “my skin but better”. A 25ml tube costs £12.00 which I think is fair, although I ordered online with a 20% off and free delivery code making under £8. I’m not sure if I’ll re-purchase this, it’ll last me the summer and then it’ll be back to my usual foundation until next year…if nothing new catches my eye then this will make it’s way back in to my makeup bag for sure as it is one of the best BB creams I’ve tried, I just wish it was less orange-y in certain lights.
Next up is this eyeshadow blending brush from Nanshy who sent this over ahead of the launch of a set of 12 professional makeup brushes. I’m usually loyal to my Real Techniques brushes (so much so that any others I own get neglected) but I’ve been really enjoying this brush and have found myself using it most days. I tend to keep my eye makeup quite simple, using only 2 shades of shadow and a highlight. This brush makes blending the two shades seamlessly a breeze and gives a lovely finish that I find some brushes just can’t achieve. This is a super soft brush and a great size for on the go and close up work. It has the added advantage of being totally cruelty free.
At £5.95 I’d say this is a good buy for your brush collection and I will hopefully get round to trying more from the Nanshy range. I’ve never tried the brand before, nor have I purchased a makeup brush set other than Real Techniques but I get the feeling I might end up impressed. I wasn’t sure anything could come close to my current favourites but this has wormed it’s way in to my select favourites.
Have you tried either of these products? I’d love to know what you thought of them, or whether you think you might give them a go now.

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June Degusta Box Review

07th July 2014
Another month and lucky for me, another Degusta box. I just love these foodie surprise boxes, they are perfect for getting me, and my household to try new products and over the last few months we have discovered a lot of new favourites.

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The June box was no expection, with some fantastic products to try. These boxes are such a bargain at £12.99 including delivery, and if you wanted to give it a try you can get £3 off of your first box with the code WZWV7
One of the first products I pulled out of the box was some dried strawberries from Urban Fruit whose products I’ve tried before and loved. These new snack sized bags are perfect for on the go and the strawberries were sweet enough to satisfy the urge to dive in to the nearest bag of Haribo. Another food I rely on for snacks is Cereal, I always take a little tub to work to graze on and I’ve had my eye on the BEAR Alphabites for some time. Sweetened with coconut blossom nectar rather than refined sugars this are great tasting and very more-ish! Apparently this month had a bit of a breakfast theme as there were also these Be Fast shakes, which I haven’t tried yet, I’m not a milkshake person but I think Ben might like these for when he’s out and about first thing.
There is usually some alcoholic beverage tucked in to the Degusta boxes making it even better value for money! This month there was a can of

Estrella Damm

which reminds me of Summer holidays in Spain (although I don’t much care for lager so Dad will get this) but I hear it makes a perfect accompaniment to a BBQ! More my style is the

Lambrini Strawberry

, a brand new release from the brand. This sounds perfect, either on it’s own, or in a cocktail as suggested by Lily, who is quite frankly a genius!

This month saw the box contain another treat from Elizabeth Shaw, this time the Amaretto Flutes. Normally I have to pass on these things because another almond flavour contains nuts, but these don’t and I’m looking forward to tucking in! There was also some more baking chocolate from Dr. Oetker which I can’t wait to create with as well as a new and exciting Madagascan Vanilla Grinder (that alone retails at £4.99), I love using Vanilla in my baking and I’m clearing some time to whip up a cake as I type.
Last but not least comes a tub of microwavable rice from Veetee. My Dad uses microvave rice more than any of us in this household and prefers this brand over any of them. I’m keeping this one hidden to use is something like a (mild) curry for Ben and I, if anyone has a recipe for one they love then please share in the comments.
So that’s my round up of the June box. It takes me most of the month to get through everything so these are just initial thoughts…let me know if there are any products you’d like a more in depth review on, or if you have any suggestions on what to make with the vanilla and baking chocolate…Will this be the month you sign up?

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Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara

03rd July 2014
Another month and another new mascara, I generally have two or three on the go at once for different effects- I never seem to be able to get exactly what I want with just one. I’ve been lucky lately and tried out some really good ones but it’s sod’s law that they all decide to run out at once. Fortunately the new Volume 1 Seconde Mascara from Bourjois landed on my doorstep before I raced out and replaced them.
This is a little tube that promises big things- with a unique brush that has spherical bristles to get lashes from every angle, a simple zig-zag motion can provide an instant eye -opening look. I liked the sound of it, a lot…but could it live up to expectations?
To sum it up in one word, YES!
This is the mascara I have been waiting for all my life. The photos above are with just one coat. ONE COAT! I can’t remember the last time I was happy with my lashes after just one coat of mascara! I love the brush too, it has a good grip on the lashes and I don’t find it slipping off and painting my face instead. The packaging is lovely and sleek and I really…I can’t think of anything bad to say about this product. I know beauty reviews are kind of subjective as everyone has different preferences but I do think that if you’re looking for a new mascara and want volume and length with little hassle or effort then this is your best bet.
It costs £9.99 from Boots, although at the moment you can buy two selected Bourjois products for £14…which is even better reason to get down there and try this for yourself!
What’s the best mascara you’ve ever tried? This is right up there on my list.

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