Tefal ActiFry Review Part 2 Chicken Tikka Masala

I love the Tefal Actifry, it has so much more to offer than just being used as a healthy chip fryer. I wanted to add more than one review just to give a sense of what it can do and it pushes me to. Of course it makes chips.

If you do want to read about the chips and as this is possibly what a lot of people expect from the Actifry then I did a full review. They are much more tasty  than I imagined you can read my full Actifry review here

To justify the machine taking up a good part of the worktop, I want to use it lots.

So far we have made the chips and what I love is that everybody wants to use it and its safe to use.

Being that the paddle, bowl and even the clear lid are dishwasher safe, I find walking into the kitchen after its been on a pleasure  the kids and hubby have even cleared up as its so easy.

Back to my curry, sorry I keep raving on about the features, still in the honeymoon phase!

So I picked up the recipe book that accompanies the Actifry and started to flick. As you are aware from the blog I love spicy foods and comfort foods so I was looking for something warming and landed on the Chicken Tikka Masala.

Now we all know this is usually the dish that has a dieter crashing out on months of hard sit ups and celery chomping. Not with the Actifry. No ghee, butter or cream, It mentions vegetable oil but I  just adapted from veg oil to 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil  oil for a Healthy Extra B

If you are interested in the Nutritional info I have it here, I do not seem to check so hope this is good.

Carbs 11g Fat 5.9g Sodium 0.1g Protein 23.2g

Ingredients

500g boneless chicken cut into 2cm pieces

100g Tikka Masala curry paste.

( I have since made my own paste so if anybody wants it let me know)

300g low fat yogurt

 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive oil or Fry Light

1 large onion finely chopped

can of chopped tomatoes

1/4 pt 150 ml water

 **2 tsp lemon (next time I made I used 1 tsp)

Bunch of chopped coriander.

** Syn free for Slimming World is  2- 3 tsps tikka curry powder mixed with  fat free yogurt (more if required)
and only 1 tbsp olive oil (hexb)**

Method

Ina large bowl mix the tikka paste and yogurt. Add chicken and marinate for at least to hours, or overnight this is a better flavour I find.

Heat the oil in the Actifry for 2 minutes, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. If using Fry light I spray the chicken a few times once its in the Actifry. Add the chicken and cook for 10 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and water stir well and cook for a further 10 minutes.

Add the yogurt and lemon, I skipped the sugar and note I halved the lemon, I also think it would be fine without.

Stir well and cook for 5 minutes.

Serve with the chopped coriander and rice or naan bread.

It tastes as good as it looks again the aroma is nicely contained apart from tantalising whiffs as I lifted the lid to add the next stage. Its lovely and quick and nice to just potter about not having to stir or adjust heat etc.

I imagine a slow cooker to be similar in the pop it in and let it cook, though Chris insists I have a slow cooker...yes you guessed it, him!

Just to make you drool I made some  Spicy Actifry chips for 4 today for lunch with a one tablespoon of extra virgin oil and West Indian Seasoning. Hot and spicy and not unhealthy!!

 These are not in the book, I'm starting to get the hang of what I can cook and methods to make this a worthwhile kitchen appliance to have.

For £107 at Curry's as I was told it costs by a blogger on Twitter, its fast  becoming a very reasonable  piece of kitchen kit.

If you want to read all the specifications and look at the models take another look at my review for Actifry and Chips Part 1

http://given-to-distracting-others.blogspot.com/2011/02/tefal-actifry-review-part-1-chips.html

I have been offered a recipe by another blogger too for Empanadas a pastry filled with seafood and rather than being deep fried can be made in the Actifry. Its a Chilean recipe and when I get it I will try to add here too.

For other gadgets check out the Dirt Devil Review and take a peek at the Home Sense Cupcake maker too.

Coming soon I'm reviewing Gordon Ramsay's Cooks Jug blender and more.

Sacla Sun Dried Tomato + Recipe

Sacla’ describe this version of their classic pesto as ‘mellow but intense. A sauce that boasts Ligurian basil, Italian sun-dried tomatoes, grana padano cheese and crushed pine kernels.’ I’d describe it as ‘yummy’ and ‘moreish’, but then as a huge pesto fan, I probably would! If you fancy giving it a whirl and trying out the recipe below, let me know and I will speed a sample across to you.

I was keen to try this as I am not overly familiar with sun dried tomatoes but as you will know from reading my blog I have reviewed plenty of Sacla'. If you have not you are missing so much flavour and versatility of recipes.

Paige's staple packed lunch is Sacla' basil pesto, we always have a jar in the cupboard great on jacket potatoes mixed with cheese on toast, spread with cream cheese inside a chicken fillet, wrapped in pancetta and baked.

Thanks to my review blog we have recently added the fiery tomato sauce, Risotto sauces and the gorgeous Dallaglio by Sacla' range to our store cupboard staples.

They use only the finest of fresh ingredients, They recreate mainly traditional Italian recipes, and we ensure that all our products are made in Italy. Now run by the second and third generations of the Ercole family, Sacla' remains a growing company, seventy years on. I

And, did you know….a few interesting facts about sun-dried tomatoes:

It takes 8 kilos/20 pounds of fresh tomatoes to make one pound of sun-­dried tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which may help protect against diseases such as cancer and heart disease

One medium sun­-dried tomato can provide 40% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C

A diet rich in tomato-­based foods has been linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer

Sun-­dried tomatoes are low in fat, calories & sodium, and free from saturated fat & cholesterol

Sun-­dried tomatoes are high in vitamin A and a good source of potassium

Fusilli with Sacla’ Sun-dried Tomato Pesto & Crispy Pancetta

Ingredients

450g fusilli

75g frozen petits pois

70g thinly sliced pancetta

300ml crème fraîche

4 rounded tblsp Sacla' Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

1 heaped tblsp roughly chopped Italian parsley

Salt & freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Put a large pan of salted water on to boil for the pasta and cook the fusilli according to the pack instructions, throwing the peas in for the last couple of minutes.

Dice and fry the pancetta in a pan until really crispy. Then remove from the pan and leave to drain on kitchen paper to remove any excess oil.

Then, to make the sauce, combine the crème frâiche and pesto in a small pan and gently heat through for a few moments, stirring to mix well. Add 4 tablespoons of water and season, stir again until hot.

Drain the pasta and peas in a colander. Transfer to a warm serving dish, stir the sauce through the pasta, scatter over the pancetta and parsley and serve straightaway for a super speedy supper.

 

http://www.sacla.co.uk/

Put the environment first with Ecover and the Observer Ethical Awards

It’s official…the ‘green Oscars’ are back. The sixth Observer Ethical Awards, in association with Ecover, have been launched with an all-star judging panel whose eco credentials are truly second to none – including Ecover’s very own managing director Mick Bremens and marketing manager Clare Allman as well as Oscar nominated actor Colin Firth and model Lily Cole.

The awards recognise organisations, individuals and young people whose work makes day-to-day ethical living more accessible and achievable. Recognition for this work is vital to a more ethical future, so Ecover is once again proud to be the headline sponsor.

 

Last year’s winners include Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, who beat Jamie Oliver and Joanna Lumley to take the title of Campaigner of the Year for his Landshare project. This year the public can once again vote to decide who will join Hugh in the eco limelight as Campaigner of the Year, as well as voting for the best ethical Local Retailer, Online Retailer and Global Campaigner.

 

Mick Bremens, managing director of Ecover, comments: "The Observer Ethical Awards are a hugely exciting project for us to be involved with and we are looking forward to seeing which innovative, inspirational and likeminded organisations and individuals will win this year. Our hope is that through our day-to-day work and support of the awards we will encourage many more people to follow an ethical way of living."

 

As always members of the public are able to nominate the best and brightest individuals, organisations or companies who continually strives to put the environment first, then visit www.observer.co.uk/ethicalawards to register your nomination.

You could win one of a host of amazing eco prizes just for registering your vote, but get in there quick as voting closes on 11th March.

‘Five things I want my children to know about me and why.'

I was just going through my Google Reader and commenting on blogs, entering comps and just passing happy moments while the weekend draws to a close.
My children are nearly at the end of the half term and soon back to mammoth revision and deep learning in readiness for GCSE's. We have been through a tough few weeks with bereavement, friends illnesses, a schoolfriend still missing and as I type I want them to go into this hard graft at school with as little worry as possible.

I came across the Friday Club  and this topic caught my eye and I wanted to be a part of it despite it being a Sunday!!!
So here are five things more thoughts that you both may not know>

1. Paige and Conor you know I am totally into you I waited so many years just to meet you, you are my deep deep love. You have my total admiration and real respect for the good lovely people you both are.

But you may not know I am shit scared that we will lose this "miracle like" closeness, (I am still amazed by it as you are in your teens and we still get on)that we will become distant like I was and am with my Mum.
 I never had this with anybody before you and your Dad, that is sometimes why I insist on "family" meal times, you coming out shopping with us us being together like today just to make the most of the closeness and also thanks as you do it when sometimes you perhaps don't want to.

2. You think you are breaking rules, living, daring more than anybody else, but I have been there, done that, got the t shirt, the scars and oh I have possibly done it bigger and badder than you too. Have I got tales to tell!

3. .(Maybe you know this one but just in case...)
Whatever you do  know there will be shouting, know there will be screaming, but know I will fight your corner and die for you if need be. I will always try to make you do the right thing, it may be tough love but it will always be love.

4. I respect that you are waiting for so many things like I never did, you are approaching relationships with maturity and caution, so far sensibly, you talk to me about your new likes and loves and I am feel so fortunate that you share your secrets. Its really special to feel the newness and excitement and remember how it feels.

You don't know but I never was this clever, I was  far too young looking for love in other places as it was lacking at home and mistaking kind words and compliments for that love.

5.  OK this one is really honest, I am occasionally jealous of your lives, I know we have talked about jealousy being OK and accepting its not necessarily  a good or bad thing but just a real emotion.

I envy you having a fab Mum (hehe) an amazing truly kind Dad that's here alive and kicking and loving you.

You may ache sometimes for the Grandparents that you so enviously look at in your friends lives and want, (God how I want this for you too) but you have great honorary Aunts Uncles and my cousins who adore you and look out for you.

I am jealous of your real sense of purpose, your being grounded, cool and genuine people.

But then I don't feel jealous for long as I realise your dad and I played a part in this so there!

There maybe you always have known this deep down, but just in case here it is.

Tefal Airbake Review

I am very impressed with the Tefal AirBake tins I was sent the square 23cm cake tin to try and set about doing some baking.

I like that its a light tin, you may be mistaken into thinking it may not be up to much but its very strong.

First I cooked a fruit cake just to see what it did do to the texture as its an old family recipe and always moist and I make it a lot I felt I could judge the performance of the tin more thoroughly.

The cake I make is usually in a loaf tin so came out flatter than normal but I felt that would challenge the moistness claims as the mix being spread out thinner would tend to be drier.

It is as moist as ever but seems lighter the top is definitely crisper, I think the Tefal AirBake actually will make your tried and true cake recipes as good, possibly better than before.

The joy of this tin is it can go in the dishwasher do you know how nice that feel after a day's baking, so cool.

However the cake came clean out of the tin so not much for the dishwasher to do.  

Next I tried the recipe that came on the back of the Tefal packaging, Chewy Brownies.

A lovely easy recipe and a great chance to try out my next lot of Trish Deseine chocolate and to get that tin a little dirtier.

Chewy Brownies

Ingredients

160g unsalted butter

125g unsweetened chocolate

200g granulated sugar

pinch of salt

2 tablespoons of vanilla extract

2 eggs

125g flour (It did not state but I used plain)

2 tablespoons of cocoa powder.

Gas Mark 4 180c

Method

Melt chocolate and butter in a container over a pan of boiling water. Remove and cool slightly,

Stir in salt, sugar and vanilla.

Mix in eggs one at a time, then add the flour and cocoa and beat until smooth.

Add to the tin and bake for 30 minutes test with knife to see no mixture is on the knife.

They were lovely and again came out of the tin and left hardly any mess to wash up.

 

The clever scientists at Tefal have done it again, developing AirBake, the innovative new bakeware range that will spell the end of our kitchen nightmares. Using ground-breaking technology AirBake guarantees even baking and no burning.

Each product in the range consists of two aluminium layers separated by an insulated layer of air that prevents the baking surface from overheating.

No overheating – No more burning AirBake protects the bottom of your cakes from burning

Long lasting non-stick coating with reinforced top coat for easy removal & cleaning

100% aluminium: excellent heat diffusion for even baking

This new generation of bakeware ensures moister baked cakes with a perfect crust. The 100% aluminium construction provides excellent heat distribution for even baking, and it won’t rust! No more sticking, you really can have your perfectly cooked cakes and cookies and eat them.

Tefal understands how precious time is and AirBake bakes 15% faster than regular insulated bakeware thanks to a Micro-Dome technology on the base of each product.

This innovation makes baking a breeze and the Tefal non-stick coating means it is easy to unmould your freshly baked treats, allowing for the perfect presentation. The long-lasting and reinforced Tefal non-stick coating is easy to clean and dishwasher safe, saving you time slaving at the sink.

The AirBake range is available from http://www.homeandcook.co.uk/ and retails between £16 and £22.

The range includes a large and medium cookie sheet, tart tin, round cake, square cake and loaf tin.

Please see http://www.tefal.co.uk/ for further information.

Stockist enquiry: 0845 602 1454.

Bosch Multifunction Tool PMF 10,8 Li

The must-have multifunction tool for your tool box

Bosch launches oscillating multifunction tool with lithium ion battery

Effortless handling with soft-grip technology

Always ready for use due to long-lasting lithium ion battery

Innovative “Eco Electronic” energy-saving technology for long battery runtime.

The Bosch Multitool came into our home at exactly the right time. We had a problem with our heating and it meant a drain of the system which due to problems had to be done via the kitchen radiator.

Days later, Conor sat revising for exams and shouted that there was a wet patch under the table. Upon further investigation we discovered it was more than a patch, think slow running stream, worse it was seeping through the skirting board straight under the wall into the lounge and nicely soaking  my textured rustic oak  flooring.

Its been a complete nightmare trying to contain the wet and realising that as more and more boards have rippled and warped up, we have had to face replacing the whole floor.  I was most happy to discover I could still get the same flooring though.

The Bosch Multitool has helped within days of arriving and Chris and myself are impressed with the precision, the power and mostly the battery time.
 It has meant being able to whip through the job of laying the floor all over again with ease.
The saw action is so accurate and a clean cut was made on all the floor panels and the result is a perfect finish.

For me I love it, as its light to use, easy to hold as it cuts or sands, it does the work and makes me look like a professional.

I am not afraid of it being so heavy,  that when I go to use it it runs off all over the wall, or makes the edge of my board all skewiff as I am cutting.

 Has anybody seen the film overboard where Goldie Hawn's character Joanna/Annie tries to cut wood with the chainsaw. All of a sudden, it takes off with her cutting through the washing line,  a bale of hay and she is a gibbering wreck at the end.
I have done similar damage to a wall with a heavy duty drill and since then I grab the drill, feel the weight first and usually pass it straight back to Chris.

Another bonus is the space saving qualities as it replaces many other tools.
I can see this being used lots and replaced immediately when it get too old for use. In conclusion we are very impressed Bosch.

The Bosch Multifunction Tool PMF 10,8 Li is a brand new oscillating tool with a lithium-ion battery designed specifically for DIYers. This versatile tool enables the user to quickly and effortlessly saw, sand, cut or scrape.

The Bosch PMF 10,8 Li can be used for all sorts of DIY tasks including special plunge saw cuts in kitchen worktops, flush cutting of door frames, parquet, copper pipes, protruding nails or screws. The ergonomics of the multifunction tool which has particularly small grip circumference and a large softgrip area makes work easier giving you a constant secure grip on the tool – even when working in tight spaces.

 

The Bosch PMF 10,8 Li gets its energy from the lithium-ion battery which has hardly any self-discharge and can be recharged at any time because they do not suffer from memory effect. The tool is therefore always ready for use, even if it has not been used for many months.

Bosch has developed the “Eco Electronic” energy-saving technology to provide a long battery runtime. If the battery charge reaches a lower limit, the charge level indicator informs the user that it is necessary to recharge the battery. During short breaks, the replaceable battery can be charged again and again in the charger.

There are many suitable accessories available for the PMF 10,8 Li. Bosch supplies the tool with a delta sander attachment with six sanding sheets, a segment saw blade for wood and metal and a plunge-cutting saw blade for wood with an imprinted depth scale (0 to 35 millimeters).

The delta sander attachment enables the Bosch PMF 10,8 LI to perform sanding work on smaller surfaces or in corners. The triangular sanding plate with lightly rounded edges enables clean sanding, even at edges and in corners. Convenience is provided by the Velcro-type fastening for quick changing of the sanding sheets.

The segment saw blade with depressed center is suitable for cuts – also close to edges – in wood, plastic, plaster, and metals. It also saws through harder materials such as metal strips or curtain rails. The scaled plunge-cutting saw blade is available for plunge cuts.

The innovative multifunction tool allows the DIYer to control the oscillation speed by means of variable speed preselection, which allows for material-specific working.

 

The new motor with a power output of nearly 200 watts provides high power for all applications. The attachments for each application are quick to fit: undo the universal screw, replace the attachment, and retighten the universal screw.

The Bosch PMF 10,8 Li will be available at retail outlets from October 2010 onwards. The recommended retail price including carrying case and accessories is £129.99 VAT.

 

Specifications Bosch PMF 10,8 Li

Power output 194 W

Battery voltage/capacity 10.8 V/1.3 Ah

Charge time 1 h

Oscillation rate 5,000 to 20,000 opm

Weight 900 g

For more information, please visit http://www.bosch-do-it.co.uk/

Peppa Pig World Sneak preview

How exciting you can be one of the first to see a preview of the new Peppa Pig World 

An exclusive first look at Peppa Pig World hosted by our Paultons TV Junior Reporter - Oakley. The new land is in its final stages of being built and Oakley visits the construction site to take a look. Join her inside George's Spaceship Playzone, on Peppa's Big Balloon Ride, up in the Windy Castle and meeting Peppa & George on George's Dinosaur Adventure ride. Oakley also interviews the makers of Peppa Pig World from on top of the grass roof building! Watch this very special video to find out more...

It looks good and don't forget Peppa and Given To Distracting Others have got together so you can win a VIP Golden Ticket for your family before it opens just by clicking here

http://given-to-distracting-others.blogspot.com/2011/02/win-family-golden-ticket-to-see-peppa.html

Cake + Sugar Sensations Book Review and Ginger Cake Recipe

With just a few weeks until Mothers’s day and Easter looming, chances are you are probably wondering what to buy that special someone in your life; but what? With finances taking a beating after Christmas, and a steep rise in bills due to the hike in VAT, how can you create a perfect present for your loved one without spending a fortune?

Enter HotHive authors James McIntosh and Cassie Brown to save the day.

‘Next time you’re shopping, have a look at the price of a cake in the store. Flour costs pence so why not make your own?’ says James McIntosh, 2008 International Gormand Winner and author of ‘Cake’. ‘You will also gain loads of brownie points because taking the time to make a cake yourself really is the ultimate expression of how much you care’.

I loved ' Cake' its a little pocket book and as I flicked through the recipes just seem so easy , i was not sure if the compact book made it appear that way so I decided to try one.

I make a sticky Gingerbread quit a lot but its messy, treacle and syrup and me don't mix!

I spotted a Ginger cake recipe, James says "This is a rather famous recipe in my family. My Auntie Annie made the most wonderful ginger cake.

Reading further it has three instructions!!

150g softened butter or marg
150g soft light brown sugar
300g plain flour
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp ginger
1tsp baking powder
75ml buttermilk
2 eggs beaten

Heat oven to Gas 4 180c, mix all ingredients with a mixer until light and creamy then bake for 45 minutes.

Its just so easy mix all the ingredients and pour into a tin.

Its a good sized cake I did mine in a 30cm loaf tin and it rose beautifully, mine actually took an hour to cook.

 The buttermilk  gives it a rich creamy taste and it is so light.

Other recipes I have to try is a Marmalade cake, malt loaf and a self saucing cake which if it turns out right I will show you too.

In his book, James offers 46 cakes that don’t cost the Earth to produce, and with a great section on troubleshooting you have a personal expert with you at all times to support you in your efforts.

And, after you have made the perfect cake, why not think about decorating it? In her book, ‘Sugar Sensations’, Cassie Brown provides step by step instruction to create a spectacular Handbag guaranteed to really impress.

‘This cake is a stunner, designed to impress and it’s well worth the effort to see the reactions on people’s faces when you say it’s all your own work’, says Cassie who has been sugarcrafting since the age of thirteen.

Making a cake and decorating it doesn’t have to be scary and absolutely anyone can do it. Whilst of course you will use the most mouth-watering of ingredients, the most important ingredients are the love, care and attention you mix into your creation.

Cassie & James’ Perfect Recipe For An Unforgettable Mothers day or Easter


Think outside of the box – showing your love doesn’t have to cost a fortune

Make it personal – bake a cake yourself and fill it with love

Get creative with the design – ‘you are only limited by your imagination!’ says Cassie

Show someone how much you care

Enjoy!

To recreate James’ cake recipes and Cassie’s Handbag Cake, pick up your copy of ‘Cake’ (£4.99) and ‘Sugar Sensations’(£9.99) from www.thehothive.com, Amazon or all good bookstores.

Nelsons Arnicare® arnica bath & massage.

This Arnicare Bath and massage is a very welcome addition to my bathroom, when it comes to bath v shower, I am Team Bath, if I have had a tiring day or if I just want half an hour chill out off I go, cup of tea, glass of wine, book, candles and  music. So when Nelson's kindly offered me a sample to try of course I said yes.

I poured two capfuls under the hot tap and instantly got a lovely fragrance, lavender and I think lemon ahhh bliss. My passion for lemon seems to be appearing in so may posts at the moment. I caught a sweet flowery scent which I imagine is the evening primrose?

I sank gratefully down and chilled............................ and chilled........... oops where was I?

Its a lovely product and I recommend it yet to try it as a massage oil but I know it will be lovely!

Mothering Sunday a chance to unwind with NEW Nelsons Arnicare® arnica bath & massage.

Mothering Sunday is a day that you'll want to treat your mum to something special. It’s a chance to express just how much she means to you and to thank her for all the wonderful things she has done. As it's no secret that being a mum is a full-time, full on job why not treat her to some peace and quiet.

Nelsons Arnicare recently carried out a survey to reveal the hardest part of mum’s day and discovered that 23% of mums with children under 12 find getting their children to school on time as the toughest part of their day. While a further 18% of the mums rated housework as their challenge, so this Mothering Sunday give your mum a gift that looks fantastic and offers them some time out to relax and escape the daily chores.

Nelsons Arnicare arnica bath & massage is a unique dual purpose balm that can be added to the bath to create a luxurious bath or massaged directly onto the skin. Light a candle for her, lay out a towel and leave her for 30 minutes of peace in the bathroom. Just two caps in the bath can help to melt away tension and relax her mind. The invaluable natural properties of Arnica Montana contained in Nelsons Arnicare bath & massage will help soothe and relax her after a tiring day while Calendula, Evening Primrose and Sweet Almond Oil naturally hydrate and nourish her skin.

Nelsons Arnicare arnica bath & massage costs £8.15 and is available from Boots.

 

http://www.nelsonsnaturalworld.com/en-gb/uk/our-brands/nelsons-arnicare/

Philips goLITE BLU Energy SAD Light

I am a Bzz agent and recived a Philips goLite Blu Energy to trial. I am one of those people who gets lower in mood and energy levels as soon as its winter. I think we all do, I have always wanted to try the SAD lights to see if I I would get the boost I have heard they give.

 

 Independent clinical research shows that the blue light from the summer sky causes us to be active and energetic and lifts our mood. Basically, summer sun means summer fun. But what about feeling good the rest of the year?

With the Philips goLITE BLU energy light, you can experience the benefits of natural summer light year round. Designed to help increase your energy level naturally and fight winter blues and jet lag, using the goLITE energy light for as little as 15 to 45 minutes a day naturally improves your mood and energy level when you need it most.

And since it's small and compact and operates on a rechargeable battery, you can use the goLITE energy light practically anywhere, from the office to your home, from business travel to holiday getaways, wherever it suits you best.

I started using it at 50% intensity for 15 minutes, you do need to persevere as its not a quick cure, then you up the intensity and time. I have been on and off with this I must admit as had a bereavement and have been too wrapped up in that and feeling sad anyway so not sure if the test would help.

But after a regular session I can say I am feeling much more oomph than before despite feeling a family loss. My energy has much improved. i find I am not slumped on the sofa asleep at 9pm and up in the morning actually feeling ready for the day, perky and mellow.

Its currently selling on Amazon for £164.98 which may seem a hefty price, but if you really feel down or depressed I imagine its a small price to pay.

I am aiming to use this much more now I have felt small changes as I imagine proper sessions are going to have a good impact.

Available online at http://www.amazon.co.uk/, http://www.boots.com/ and www.philips.co.uk/shop (search for "HF3330")

Parissa Smooth Skin. Clean and Simple.

My Granny had a saying Ne'r cast a clout before May is out! and growing up I was told this whenever I arrived in any dress other than winter woolies.

In case you are wondering what it means, its simply keep your cardies and thermals on until May as it may get cold at any time.

However I am pretty warm blooded get hot in winter and I start to think about getting my legs ready for warmer weather as soon as I feel the spring sunshine.

I do tend to address another overgrown area, the what is now known as a lady garden, I like this phrase, don't you think its a rather genteel and a politer term for your feminine parts?

 I have tried a good few waxing methods, I do tend to do my own hair removal, one in an effort to save money. Last time I attended a salon, I got charged £13 for my eyebrows and hardly had any left to raise when I was told the price!!!

So when offered Parissa for review, I happily accepted. I was sent  the Strip Free Hot wax and scarily comes with a little round metal pan for heating up the wax , the wax is already in.

I say scarily as I am known for being messy when it comes to beauty regimes I am a bit of a nightmare. I once got wax on my hand and forgot and rested palm on my thigh, it did not need  hair removal as the hair was blond and fine. Ouch!! Have been known to get wax on the duvet, towels, loo seat, good job there is not a cat in the house.

I also have put depilatory cream on my bikini line, got bored staying still, bent to reach a mag and it was all over my stomach down my legs see scary!

Wit the Parissa the instructions are clear and easy, I did get in a bit of a mess with it dripping,  so giving in and  reading instructions properly I  found  the tips and it said to wipe spatula on the pan.

  The Azulene oil works well, why its blue, I am not quite sure. It cleans the traces of wax very well.

It is fab for moving hair properly and cleanly though, possibly the best. I did my middle brow   found I had a few raised bumps but these cleared after an hour.

Its better for face areas than using wax strips it gives a better finish.

I think using the pan method once I get better at it will be easy.

The pan after use may double as a perfect poached egg pan after, sorry my green instincts coming through!

 

The strips for leg and body are good, they work well easy to use, the Azulene oil still helps to remove any bits left over and also leaves my legs very glossy looking, it says that it is great as a moisturiser between waxing so will be giving it a go.

Azulene Oil Aftercare (£7.99), the piece de resistance in the Parissa range will add a wonderful gloss and lustre to your legs. Azulene Oil Aftercare soothes and moisturises skin after any type of hair removal and can be used as a daily moisturiser in between waxes. Azulene, the active ingredient of chamomile, is enriched with Vitamin E to soothe skin directly after waxing and to boost cell regeneration.

When used daily, Azulene Oil Aftercare can help eliminate ingrown hair and promote long term smoothness. Conveniently in a spray bottle, the oil repairs dry feet, legs and elbows too as well as preventing stretch marks and hang nails. Alcohol and fragrance free, glossy healthy legs really are top priority!

There’s really no need to worry though as Parissa use only natural ingredients meaning that the products are kind to your skin and there are no harsh chemicals to irritate sensitive types.

The products are easy on your conscience too as Parissa ensure that all bunnies remain full of the joys of spring. The natural, PETA approved ingredients are biodegradable and pollutant free whilst the packaging is recyclable and also made from recycled materials.

Parissa products will leave you with fuzz free, silky smooth skin for up to eight weeks

The comprehensive range of natural products offers something for everyone. De-fuzz and bring some new life to your pins with easy to use, pre-loaded Wax Strips for Legs and Body (£10.99)