THINK SMART ABOUT YOUR WARDROBE

MARK HEYES CALLS ON BRITISH WOMEN TO THINK SMART ABOUT THEIR WARDROBES

·         The average British woman owns over 100 items of clothing

·         Research shows women admit to having 10 items of clothing they have never actually worn

·         Women in the North West have the most unused items of clothing with 20% having more than 11 unused items

·         Women admit to wearing clothes a maximum of 10 times before throwing them away

We are a nation obsessed with the latest trends; we spend £63.7 billion* on clothes collectively each year, so it should be no surprise that the average woman owns over 100 items of clothing. However, despite the bulging wardrobes and options a plenty, research by Comfort Brights fabric conditioner reveals 10% of the average woman’s wardrobe is made up of clothes they have never actually worn.

Of the clothes they do wear, women admit to wearing them a maximum of 10 times before throwing them away, with the main reason for doing this being that once they’ve washed them, they never quite look the same.  Three quarters of women say if their clothes were to stay brighter and whiter no matter how many times they were worn, they would wear them again and again which is why Comfort Brights – a fabric conditioner specifically designed to help keep your colours and whites brighter and more vibrant– is on a mission to get the nation thinking smarter about their wardrobes with their ‘7 Days, 7 Ways’ campaign with leading fashion stylist Mark Heyes.

Mark Heyes says: “As someone who loves fashion, I know how easy it can be to get carried away with the latest fashion trends, but I also want to inspire women to embrace versatile and stylish capsule wardrobe pieces that will stand the test of time, especially if they’re well taken care of with products like Comfort Brights.”

According to the research, half of women say they generally buy cheaper clothes but more often. However, given the chance, a whopping 77% say if they could they would choose to buy fewer, on-trend but classic, staple items of clothing that are higher quality.

Mark commented: “Capsule wardrobes are proving a real trend, with celebs and even our very own Princess showing off how many great looks you can create with a few wardrobe staples.”

Mark Heyes’ Top 7 Style Tips

1.                  Be a savvy shopper. I know it’s difficult but sometimes taking a step back before hitting the till with an arm full of clothes is the sensible thing to do. It’s all too easy to be seduced by trends, colours and sparkles. The question is, are you going to wear those clothes when you get them home? Visualise what you already have in your wardrobe and work out what you’ll wear them with.

2.                  Quality over quantity. We all love a bargain, but sometimes a bargain just isn’t so. Especially when you either don’t wear it or it simply falls apart. When it comes to classic pieces, quality over quantity is definitely the way to play it. All of your classic pieces will be the core of your capsule wardrobe. For example, a crisp white shirt is a brilliant staple that can be worn in a hundred different ways. Just make sure you take care of them and use Comfort Brights fabric conditioner to help keep them looking newer and stylish for longer!

3.                  Recycle. Breathe new life into those pre-loved items, and give them a new lease of life. Try layering a bright neon vest under a sheer blouse or top, to bring it bang up to date. Or with the help from a friendly alteration shop, think about changing buttons on a coat or blazer for just a couple of pounds. The possibilities are endless.

4.                  DIY design. Get creative and make your own clothes and accessories. Think about attaching a necklace onto an old t-shirt neckline, popping some lace on the bottom of a top. Or if you’re feeling really adventurous, pick up a new skill like knitting or crocheting and make your very own hat, scarf or jumper!

5.                  Care for you clothes as you would your skin or hair. Clothes are made to last, and to do this they really need looking after. Give them a bit of TLC by using Comfort Brights fabric conditioner – it will help keep your bold colours bright and your whites super white; that way they’ll stay looking newer and fresher for longer.

6.                  Swap ‘til you drop. Set up a clothes swap with your friends or colleagues where you all bring in clothes you no longer wear. Seriously, one person’s ‘trash’ is another person’s treasure, you could find your new favourite outfit for free, and it feels great to have a clear out.

7.                  Shape up. Knowing your body shape is the key to successful shopping and dressing. If you’re apple shaped, meaning you carry weight on your upper half, then opt for bright colours down below. If on the other hand you’re a curvy pear shape and carry weight on your hips and bottom, wear brights up top and draw attention away from your areas of concern. In other words, let the colours do the talking and accentuate your best parts with them.

ipulse SmoothSkin Permanent Hair Reduction

Hair removal makes me want to scream (please note for the photo above,the part of Jo was played by an actress)

The average woman will spend 72 days in their life time shaving their legs, I read that this week and I feel I have been above that average.

I have to shave my legs every day, summer as most do, but spring,autumn and winter!!!!! Yes its an affliction.

 Winter is the time whichbugs me most,the time when all my friends are crowing. 'Oh I go au naturel! Nobody can see my hairy legs under socks and trousers!'

If I don't shave I get itchy, it doesn't pass ever and I end up clawing my legs, come spring and people are starting that ritual called 'beach ready legs'  I'm still covering up as I have lots of scratches and spots to hide!! 

Oh and  don't even get me started on hair that seems to flourish in parts I'm sure its not supposed to be, 

I will happily embarrass myself and put off some younger readers,but after childbirth the hair seems to go into overdrive, Facial hair that would look better on the hubby, bikini line make that bermuda shorts line!! OK I am over exaggerating but its still a pain!

So when I discovered ipulse SmoothSkin had brought out a new even safer process for permanent hair reduction  I had to find out more. I have followed them on Facebook for a few years,one of the first pages I liked in fact,so great is my need to remove hair.


 I went to check out their recent webinar. It was a chance to see the new home IPL in action.

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, according to my research on the internet its a technology used by beauty studios, home users  to perform various skin treatments including hair removal.

Professor Marc Clement, the founder of ipulse technology chatted at length about the SmoothSkin and how it works. Anita Clarkson, a clinical specialist, demonstrating the new SmoothSkin. At the end of the webinar we were able to ask questions.

Some questions and answers were technical, they need to be its a technical procedure,but its also simplistic to carry out for people like me.

After the session I was asked if I would like to try it out.....erm let me think about that....YES!!

The procedure in a salon over 6 to 12 months can cost between £1,000 and £2,000. I looked it up last year.The average women in the UK spends a staggering £3,618 removing hair over a lifetime.

This system is a lot cheaper now, it costs £299 RRP now that is cheap, seriously its available from Boots, I would seriously ask for this as a Christmas gift, way better than a PS4 etc.If I was at the start of my hair removal and  shaving life,think ofall that time saved too!

Plus at the moment its £249 and there is a 10% off on electricals right now!

www.boots.com/en/SmoothSkin-extra-IPL-Permanent-Hair-Reduction-System_1339444/


Now this will be an ongoing review as its not zap it and the hair is gone. I can expect noticeable hair reduction after four treatments, its recommended to treat for 12 weeks.

So my first task was to thoroughly read the manual. Here are some facts.

Safe and easy to use

-Automatic power setting selects the appropriate setting for your skin tone

-Activator gel soothes skin

Now for darker skin tones

-Including skin tones 1 – 5.

-Skin tone sensor provides customised skin tone reading

For use on body and face

-SmoothSkin can be used to remove unwanted facial hair too.

-Including face, cheek, jaw line, upper lip, neck and chin

-Switch between automatic and manual power to treat facial areas

The most powerful solution on the market

-Compared to alternative home IPL solutions SmoothSkin has the highest power output

-Highest levels of energy in a home use device - 10j per cm2

-Activator Gel ensures energy is transferred in a controlled and effective manner

Includes 100,000 shots

-Based on the recommended regime that represents a lifetime of use.

-No downtime, cartridge replacements or recharging required

Check for my skin tone and do a test patch wait 48 hours and then not treat that area for a week.

I will feature that next and let you know if its pain free. http://given-to-distracting-others.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/smoothskin-by-ipulse-patch-test.html

Please ask questions as I can let you know as I go.
Do you have problem hair,or want to remove hair anywhere, let me know I'm not alone?

http://ipulse.co.uk

 Disclosure I was given a free product. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

#Win Wilko Back to School Goodies

Before I start my yacking, if any of you have children who are twiddling their thumbs today and tomorrow, send them  to Wilko's facebook page.

 They are running a Facebook app until 31^st August where they’re asking little ones to design their own pencil case, upload it to the app and the winning design will be made into a real design to be sold in stores.

To enter, people just need to visit the Wilko Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/LoveWilko/app_489669227789097 and like them to take part in the app 

With the kids starting school and the bigger ones going to uni soon, its the inevitable trek around the shops buying new uniform and stationery supplies.  I hated mine going back but to ease the pain,a shopping trip to buy new lunch boxes, pencil cases, pens and new themed goodies always softened the blow.

Wilko's is especially good, Paige's uni supplies have mainly been bought there, we have a lovely store, great for browsing and while Paige filled a trolley with stationery,pots and pans, I stocked upon new kitchen bits and cleaning products.

Wilko's have sent us some of their new range of stationery, from their Friendly Fairy and Galaxy Gang collections, these are for the younger students and while the children will be bowled over by the colourful designs,the Mums and Dads will be bowled over by the prices. The range above starts from 40p, the arts sets are an amazing £1.75.

There are other cute and trendy designs online and in store, great for Grandparents buying grandchildren gifts.

Wilko's are also giving away a mini goody box containing a selection of their fantastic stationery to give away to one lucky follower. (Please note the items you will receive may be different from the ones you see above!) 

To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter entry form and let me know in a comment what you have bought or still need.  Do you like the Friendly Fairy or the Galaxy Gang or one of the other designs?  Personally I love the Nostalgia Collection here

Oh and give @LoveWilko  a follow on Twitter to keep up with all the latest Wilko's chat,thereis often a giveaway or a bargain announced!  Giveaway closes at midnight on September 12th 2013.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Asda Fathers Day Review

I am continually impressed with the range of products that Asda launch for special days and events. Valentines Day,Pancake Day, Valentine's day have all been covered by me this year. 

Asda kindly sent me some fab goodies for Chris and I know for a fact he will be so touched by the Fathers Day treats which just arrived. He adores ale and his sweet tooth will be satisfied all round,as the fudge is coated in dark chocolate,so he will have peace as we love milk chocolate.

A nice Whitechapel Porter Ale from the Asda Extra Special range will be a perfect way to end his special day. He is a mad keen ale drinker and spends a great deal of time perusing the Asda beer aisle when we shop. This bottle is a great price at £1.79 and the offer at the moment is 3 for £5

The ale can be served in the No 1 Best Ever Dad and he certainly is.

Paige is off to Asda to buy more after looking at the list of other goodies. I have just made her promise not to buy the Super Dad Onsie (£18) not because of the amount, just because Chris would live in it,answer the door and shame her!!

What is so great is there really is something to suit all pockets and all pocket money budgets,the I love Dad Mug is a £1, the NSPA Grooming range starting at £2. Yummy chocolate and Cocolate Ale Fudge £1 and wrapping it all up starts at 94p for a roll.

http://www.asda.com/fathers-day/

Asda sent me the products to review, my opinions are my own.

Great British Beef week with Asda

 

 

To celebrate British Beef Week (22nd April) Asda have been preparing by putting on some special offers and some tips courtesy of Jim Viggars, butcher and now meat buyer for the store. Asda are running a great offer on a selection of the Butcher's Selections steaks at 2 for £7 and I have also asked for a recipe to share. A rather tasty looking steak salad.

 

Steak & caramelised onion salad

 

A healthier alternative to steak and chips and perfect for celebrating Great British Beef Week

Serves 4, ready in 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 baking potatoes
• 4tbsp olive oil
• 16 vine-ripened cherry tomatoes
• 2 large onions, halved and sliced
• 2 level tsp soft brown sugar
• 2tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 The Butcher’s Selection 21 day matured sirloin steak (535g)
• 1tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 level tsp Coarse Grain Mustard
• 1/2 level tsp clear honey
• 90g bag mixed salad leaves

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 220c/200c fan/gas 7. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Cut the potatoes into 1.5cm cubes, pat dry with kitchen paper, put in a bowl with 1tbsp of the oil and toss until coated. Spread on the tray and cook for 35-40 minutes until crisp and golden
2. Put the tomatoes on a tray and bake with the potatoes for the last 5-10 minutes until the skins burst
3. Meanwhile, fry the onions in 1tbsp of the oil over a low heat for 20 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden. Add the sugar and balsamic vinegar and cook for 5-10 minutes until caramelised
4. Griddle or grill the steak for 2 minutes on each side or until medium. Leave to rest for 5 minutes, then slice thickly
5. Whisk the rest of the oil with cider vinegar, mustard and honey. Season and toss with the leaves. Put on a serving plate with the steak and vegetables. Serve immediately

 

As next week is also St George's day I will be trying some of the range and will be posting my finds. See below for an early heads up on the of English buys!

 

 

 

1. Beef is incredibly versatile so choose a cut, which suits your meal and budget. For a Sunday Roast I like a good topside joint, for a stew I'd go for a braising steak, but for a steak dinner there's nothing better than a nice sirloin steak – there are so many options available so why not try something different
2. Before cooking your beef it is important to let it stand at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking – this means it will be even juicier when you eat it
3. Beef can be cooked at varying temperatures; when I'm cooking a beef roasting joint I put it on a higher heat for the first 30 minutes and then lower the temperature for the remaining cooking time for the perfect roast
4. Once your beef roast has been cooked you must let it rest for approximately 15/20 minutes - wrap it loosely in foil and put it to one side while you cook your accompaniments. Letting it rest means it will loose less juice when you cut it and it will be even more tender and juicy
5. If eating steak, choose one with a longer maturation time, our Butcher's Selection steaks are now matured for 21 days meaning the beef is even more tender and flavoursome
6. When cooking steak, brush it with either rapeseed or sunflower oil (not olive oil) and then season with black pepper and a little salt – simple, but ever so tasty
7. If you are cooking steak then start by heating a griddle pan or heavy frying pan until very hot - do not add oil to the pan as this will create a lot of smoke
8. Using tongs, (not a fork as this may pierce the meat), gently lower the steak into the hot pan, keeping it away from you as it may spit
9. Leave your steak without turning for 2 -2 1/2 minutes so that the surface caramelises, then turn once and leave undisturbed for 2 minutes for rare, 3 minutes for medium, 4-5 minutes for well done
10. For the ultimate summer steak dinner why not accompany with a caramelised onion salad? It's a healthier option to steak and chips, but just as tasty!

 

 

 

Raise a toast to St George’s Day with these Extra Special bevvies;
Gentleman Jack Beer, Whitechapel Porter Ale and Golden Ale. Three cheers for English beers and ales!

£1.79 each or 3 for £5

 

Enjoy some truly English produce with this crumbly Chosen by you Blue Stilton, sourced from the ‘Long Clawson Dairy’ in Leicestershire.

£2.00

 

 

 

Get the family round for British bangers with these succulent Extra Special Pork, West Country Cheddar and Plum Chutney sausages.

£2.50

 

 

There’s nothing more quintessentially English than a roast dinner. The Butcher’s Selection Slow Roast Easy Carve Beef is perfect. Grab yourself a British bargain!

£7.50 per kg

 

 

Support the nation’s fave breakfast buddy, the crumpet. Asda’s Chosen by you Crumpet Soldiers fit snugly inside your toaster and break into four perfect strips, so no more burnt fingers!

£1.00

Healthy Back Bag Spring/Summer Review

 

 

Chris has a Healthy Back Bag, he uses it whenever we are out and about, it comes on all our holidays, days out and weekends away.

 

As a bag, it has so many useful features, a clip for keys, a place for a drinking bottle, lots of sections, inside and out for storing all of our days needs, wallets, camera, food, and shopping.

Now by the end of the day its usually full to the brim and this is where it really shines.

 

The bag is designed to combat stress on your back from weight, its down to the single strap, unlike most backpacks it is not only comfortable but does not move about if walking.

 

Chris has also mentioned its great for his shoulders, even the one that sometimes aches.

 

I am quite happy for him to tote around our belongings, he puts my stuff in too, I feel quite guilty that he does this, but he insists.

 

I have tried the bag, the strap is nice and wide and it certainly feels easy, but its a little big for me.

 

So when the Healthy Back Bag company asked me if I would like to review one for spring/summer, I jumped at the chance.

 

I was sent the Mojave Jute bag, the sunlight was really bright, (can't complain after waiting so long) and  really does not do the colour justice, its a lovely pastel affair, lots of cream, stone, greens, pinks and powder blue.

 

 

I took it on a day out first, just popping my handbag in full inside as it arrived as we were just on our way out. A full day out and the comfort of the bag really made me appreciate it. The wide strap was lovely on my shoulder, I am quite small and bags tend to slip or not feel too good. This one just stayed put. My back and shoulders are relieved as my handbag always has weighed me down. Chris prefers the size of this one for days out but the lovely feminine print has deterred him from more than holding it while I try something on.

 

 

I have spotted a nice lightweight nylon one in navy for him, it will be great for short afternoons out!

 

I have since used it every day, for now its my main bag as I can find everything easily.My keys are attached inside. My purse is inside but zipped another compartment. It has a great pocket for my beautifying bits and the only downside  is that on days out, Chris will not be offering to carry my bag.

 

 

 

 

Vivid Naturals, Poetic Pastels, and Hot Tropics, plus a brand new casual collection, Sporty Vintage, the SS’13 Collection adds 24 new bags to the hugely popular range of fun and functional Healthy Back Bags.

Sophisticated sustainable elegance underpins the Vivid Naturals range; natural texture in cotton and hemp based fabric.

Poetic Pastels is a fabulous range of ice cream colours and romantic pastels including new hi-shine Pastel Patents, perfect for sunshine and holidays and bang on the new high-gloss and plastics trends.

Hot Tropics introduces vivid bold colours: Dark Teal, Mango, Citron and Terracotta to add zip and vitality to our Textured Nylon range.

London’s 2012 triumph and a celebration of sport and fun through the years is brought to life in the new Sporty Vintage range, a collection of hardwearing, ultra affordable casual bags, reflecting a nostalgic era of style and sport.

The success of the Healthy Back Bag is attributed to its registered teardrop shape which enables weight to be distributed across the back making it one of the world’s most comfortable one-strap bags. Sold in 26 countries, worldwide, the bags are renowned for their comfortable fit which contours to the back, multi-functional pockets and secure zipped access. Worn across the body the bags are perfect for an active life.

The Healthy Back Bag Company was set up by Managing Director Priscilla Chase in 2004 following the success of parent company, AmeriBag in North America and Canada. Since then the Healthy Back Bag Co. has expanded into over 26 countries worldwide with new territories in South Africa, India, France and the Middle East launch to open in 2013. Healthy Back Bags retail from £35.

 

http://www.thehealthybackbag.co.uk/

Aldi Easter 2013 Review

Aldi just gets Easter right each year, I love seeing what they come up with and I am very happy to see they have stayed with some fab chocolate again. After all Easter to me says chocolate and of course bunnies!!

Easter is the time to indulge and those with a sweet tooth won’t be disappointed with Aldi’s cheerful chocolate temptations. Whether it’s something for the little ones or something a touch more decadent, Aldi has a chocolately treat for everyone this Easter.

I was sent a delightful Choceur Decorated Easter Bunny, which is really much bigger than I expected for the price of £1.99.  

I want to save them for Easter but for you to know how they taste, the bunny had to be nibbled.  He still looks happy even without the ears.

 The chocolate is quite thick, it has a good chocolate taste, smooth, sweet and creamy.

Moser Roth Egg & Chocolates – £3.99, 249g

The Moser Roth chocolates are already a favourite here, this milk chocolate egg has an assortment of chocolates inside. 

I think the Choceur Flame Egg at £2.99 is really worth the money, I tried one last year too and again its a good tasting chocolate 

Mini Eggs 59p

I think the prices are just so good for great quality and I will be popping into my store to stock upon  a favourite of mine, their great mini eggs.

If you haven't tried the Easter marshmallows I can recommend those too,really big and fluffy. Good if you need a break from all the chocolate this Easter.


http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/product_range/easter_29634.htm

Disclosure I was given  free products. I was under no obligation to receive the samples or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.