Thursday, January 13, 2011

Lotus Olbas Facial Tissues Review



The Lotus Olbas tissues arrived in a padded envelope wrapped in bubble wrap and I knew what was inside by the scent  I brought the package into the living room to open. I got an instant hit of menthol and was strangely comforted.
Its a sorry time having a cold but there are moments when you can find a positive, Olbas Oil is definitely one of the nicer sides of being poorly, if .that's possible!
 My Grandma always bought me a little  bottle even as an adult if I had a cold, Chris grew up using it and I also used it for Paige and Conor, I would snuggle them down and they would sleep and breathe much easier if it was used.

A few drops on a pillow at night or on a handkerchief of clothes in the day and the vapours set to work straight away.
I am pleased its now in another format and that Lotus have cleverly used it on a soft tissue before but in a small carry pack and I like a big box of tissues when I have a cold.
Its had a good outing here already, I have the sniffles as does Chris, so many people seemed to have been struck down by rotten colds and coughs over Christmas.
There is something soothing and pampering when you have a tissue with a menthol scent.
I did wonder if it might irritate my sore nose as its a strong remedy, but it was soft on my skin too.
I hope you do not get too may colds this year, but if you do get snuggled up, lots of orange juice or Vitamin C drinks and blow your nose on something soft.


 
The clever girl’s way of keeping a clear head, Lotus Olbas tissues are there when you most need them. The product combines the luxurious softness of Lotus tissues and the vapour releasing power of family favourite Olbas.

Originally available in a handy pocket pack the comforting combination now also comes in the larger facial tissue box - meaning that you can always have a stash of this comforting tissue on hand at home – or in the office - as well as on the go.

 
The tissues are embedded with tiny oil capsules that when crushed release soothing vapours, so whether you’re busy ‘keeping all the balls’ in the air, or simply recuperating at home, they’ll help you keep breathing easy.

 
Crush the Tissue, Release the Vapours

Lotus Olbas Facial Tissues are implanted using ground-breaking crush technology. The mixture of natural vapours including menthol, eucalyptus, juniper berries and cajuput are only released when the tissue is crushed.
Say hello to Lotus Olbas TissuesPocket pack or facial tissue, cold sufferers can reach for a Lotus Olbas Tissue, wherever and whenever they need. What a breath of fresh air!

Lotus Olbas Facial Tissues are available at Boots, Sainsbury’s and other major retailers at £2.29 (MRRSP).

 
There is a range of Olbas products, including Olbas Oil, which is a special mixture of pure plant oils with ingredients including clove oil, eucalyptus, juniper berry and cajuput. This combination of natural ingredients produces those famously soothing and relieving vapours.

Lotus Olbas Tissues are also available in handy pocket-sized single packs retailing at 59p and £1.53 for a six pack in Boots and other major retailers.



Bin Buddy - Your Bin’s Best Friend

Apparently One in three Brits have fallen out with their neighbours over their wheelie bins, a new study of 3,000 people has revealed.


With bin collections in some regions happening only once a fortnight*, it’s no surprise that almost 35 per cent of people have had a row with the people next door due to overflowing, smelly or bug-infested rubbish.

I have happily good relations with my neighbours but have heard complaints from neighbours that others have maggot infested bins, chuck their rubbish in somebody else's bin if theirs is overflowing for example. So I can see it being a cause for trouble.

Almost 27 per cent of people surveyed claimed to be fed up with the bad smells caused by rubbish.

Jo Gosden, Bin Buddy spokeswoman says: ‘We were worried to hear that neighbours were arguing over the state of their bins; many people might not realise the impact an overstuffed, stinky bin can have on their community. We’re happy to able to offer an affordable and effective solution in the UK for the first time with the development of Bin Buddy.’

 

Bin Buddy is the first consumer household product available to buy in supermarkets and independent hardware stores that promises to rid your rubbish of unpleasant odours and kill and repel insects such as flies, maggots, wasps, ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes and more between collection days.

The innovative Bin Buddy range offers homes up and down the country with the fun and friendly solution they have been waiting for. The dual function neutralises odours leaving behind a lasting freshness, while the natural insecticide kills and repels flies, maggots, wasps, ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes and more without harming pets or the environment.

This ‘first of its kind’ product formulation comes  is proven to be more effective than using regular cleaning products. Simply sprinkle the fragrant powder into your wheelie bin or dustbin each time you dispose of your rubbish to make this household chore a far more pleasant experience.

I have been using the citrus one in my wheelie bin and I even sprinkled some in the kitchen bin as its got a marvellous zingy fresh scent and just takes away any chance of a grotty odour.

I will certainly be using this lots in summer as I have found it to be easy to use, fab smelling and effective.


The natural insecticide in the product has been especially designed to break down in direct sunlight, making it kinder to the environment.

Bin Buddy is available in two variants, Citrus and Berry Blast, Up to 15 applications
Recommended Retail Price (RRP): £4.99


Stockists: ASDA, Waitrose, Homebase, Robert Dyas and independent hardware stores with other retailers to follow

Bin Rows survey carried out by OnePoll, August 2010, sample base 3,000 UK adults


*Source: One Poll, December 2009

Consumer bin concerns, as reported by One Poll; 73% Smells, 29% Flies, 15% Maggots, 8% Wasps, 7% Ants.

Bin Buddy is created by Challs International Ltd.

Bin Buddy is suitable for all wheelie bins and dustbins. A regular sprinkle inside bins and bin bags keeps them smelling fresh and free from pests.

Bin Buddy contains an effective natural insecticide that kills and repels flies, maggots, wasps, ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes and more, without harming humans, the environment or pets.

Challs International Ltd product portfolio includes Buster Plughole Unblocker (Kitchen and Bathroom), Buster Plughole & Sink Treatment (Kitchen & Bathroom), TSR Miracle Stain Remover, Boost and Max.
















Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Post-it Super Sticky Label Pads


I am a complete pushover for stationary and office gizmos and gadgets. I was straight into WH Smiths after Christmas to see  the new ranges of pads, pens, notebooks and diaries.
 I think its an effort to brighten up a work area and make it feel more fun.
I was very eager when asked to review the new Post-it Super Sticky Label Pads from 3M.
I have a range of different Post It products, from Neon Pads to heart shaped ones, page indicating stickers, although think the proper term is index labels, so the more the merrier.

According to a recent survey* ‘decluttering’ topped the list of New Year Resolutions for the home, with 58% of us vowing to tidy up in 2011. For homeowners craving a more organized home, the clever new Post-it Super Sticky Label Pads from 3M offer the perfect solution.

Whats good is they are super sticky all over, so no peeling corners. The little perforations makes it so easy to remove and add one to a box or folder. I did for review purposes add one to a sandwich box and then removed after a few days and it comes straight off, with no residue at all. So if they look a bit grubby or faded they will be easy to renew.
Once all the clutter and paperwork has been shifted through, boxed and filed, the Post-it Super Sticky Label Pads are ideal for labeling it all neatly and keeping a home looking great.


The back of each label is fully coated with the Post-it brand Super Sticky repositionable adhesive. This means that the labels not only stick securely to just about anything, but they can also be easily removed without leaving a mark.


 
So, when there is another sort-out and everything is labeled again, the old labels can be cleanly removed and folders, boxes or files will look as good as new.
A neat, perforated tab at the side of each Label Pad also makes them super quick and easy to use. Simply write on the label, use the tab to peel it from the pad and stick it firmly in place, whilst tearing off the perforated tab completely.

 
For the ultra-organised with a passion for colour-coding, the Super Sticky Label Pads come in an assortment of sizes and colours; yellow, white, pink, green, orange and blue.
Eight different sized packs are available.
 
*2,084 ABC1 homeowners completed the survey, conducted by online interiors magazine Homes and Bargains

Monday, January 10, 2011

CANCER RESEARCH UK’S ONLINE FLOWER DELIVERY SERVICE LOVE IS ON THE WEB THIS VALENTINE’S DAY




Cancer Research UK’s online shop, http://www.shoptobeatcancer.org.uk/, is offering lovers the chance to ‘give a little love’ back to charity when they buy gorgeous bouquets of roses this coming Valentine’s Day. 20% of sales from the flower collection go back to Cancer Research UK to help fund its life saving work to beat cancer.



Three bouquets of vibrant red roses are on offer at www.shoptobeatcancer.org.uk. The lovely ‘Valentine’s Dozen’ – twelve x 50cm red roses with Hypiricum red, Leucathe, Salal and a black ribbon (£49.99). The elegant ‘Gift Wrap Dozen’ – twelve x 60cm Luxury Grand Prix Red Roses with Ruscus (£59.99). The ‘Premium Dozen’ for those who want that little bit extra – twelve x 60cm Luxury Grand Prix Red Roses with Hypiricum red, Leucathe, Salal and a black ribbon (£69.99). Prices include delivery and the final order date for delivery on 14th February 2011 is 2pm on 12th February for the UK.


Shop online at http://www.shoptobeatcancer.org.uk/ - not only is it easy, quick and safe, but with convenient delivery to anywhere in the UK, it’s the way to shop this Valentine’s Day.


 
Half of people with cancer now survive beyond five years thanks to the work of Cancer Research UK. Purchases from the charity’s high street shops and online at www.shoptobeatcancer.org.uk will further help support the charity’s work to beat a disease which affects more than one in three people at some point in their lives.

Britain’s Favourite Plumber 2011

The Search is on for Britain’s Favourite Plumber 2011

If you know a man who can, somebody more popular than the most famous of plumbers yes the gorgeous Mario and his brother Luigi


Maybe a guy who shows you his talent, dedication and not his builders bum then this could be yours and your man of the blocked pipes lucky day.

 



Homeowners around the UK are being urged to nominate their number one plumber in the search to find ‘Britain’s Favourite Plumber’. Launched by plumbing merchants, City Plumbing Supplies to celebrate and recognise plumbers across the country, the winning plumber will receive a Peugeot Partner van worth £10,000 and £1,500 worth of product from City Plumbing Supplies’ iflo range. Homeowners could also win £250 worth of high street retail vouchers if their nominated plumber is shortlisted.

Prizes for the Plumber

Plumbers can also be nominated and voted for by their colleagues as well as nominate themselves if they feel they go beyond the call of duty for their customers.

Nominating and voting is simple and takes only seconds online.

 
John Frost at City Plumbing Supplies explains the reason for looking for Britain’s Favourite Plumber: “With so many excellent skilled tradesmen out there, we decided it was time to acknowledge the effort and expertise that often gets taken for granted or is under rated. Not only does the award give plumbers from across the country the opportunity to be recognised for their hard work, but for the winner it will also make a big difference to their business.”

 
If a plumber you know deserves to be awarded the title of Britain’s Favourite Plumber, nominate or vote now at http://www.cityplumbing.co.uk/. The closing date is 31st March 2011.


Thursday, January 6, 2011

Jessops Love is in the air



Gifts guaranteed to turn Cupid’s head this Valentine’s Day!





Roses are red, violets are blue, for a Valentine’s Day gift that goes the extra mile, look no further than Jessops’ fabulous range of romantic personalised gifts. A special little something needn’t cost the earth and while diamonds may well be a girl’s best friend, Jessops’ gorgeous gift ideas won’t break the bank.





Love is in the air!

For the one who has everything, surprise them with a Glitter Heart Dome with a photo of the two of you. At just £4, it’s the perfect purse-friendly present guaranteed to put a smile on their face!





Letters from the heart

If you can’t quite say those special words, let a personalised Puzzle (from £9) say them for you. The perfect way to spell it out over a romantic candlelit dinner.





Heart of Glass

For something a little different, treat someone special to a Jessops Crystal Heart (£20.00). Presented in a gorgeous gift box, it’s laser etched with a memorable photo of the two of you to make a magical memento!


Cherished Memories

Holiday you never want to forget? Special wedding moment everyone should see? Display your favourite picture for all to see with a fantastic Canvas Print (from £27) and turn your photo into artwork for you walls. WILL REQUEST COUPLE/WEDDING CANVAS IMAGE




If there’s a great selection of photos from your special day, a Jessops CEWE Photobook – from just £6 – makes the perfect photo album! Choose from six sizes, from mini books that make a great thank you gift, to a professionally-finished hardback coffee table number!

 

For these and a whole host of other loved-up gift ideas, head to the Photo tab at www.jessops.com

About Jessops

Jessops is the UK’s largest photographic retailer with three ways to buy - over 200 stores nationwide, a market-leading website at http://www.jessops.com/ and a dedicated mail order service.

Jessops is the first choice retailer for everything photographic. They have a full range of accessories, personalised photogifts and also offer photo printing in 25 minutes.

In 2010 Jessops celebrated its 75th year on the British high street, and also achieved a number of prestigious awards including ‘Mass Retailer of the year 2010’ at the Pixel Trade Awards and ‘Best Retailer ‘ at the Gear of the Year Awards, an accolade awarded to them for the 15th consecutive year.

Jessops’ passion for photography results in consistently excellent customer service, with the brand’s ‘Advice For Life’ guarantee ensuring all customers have the continuing assurance of support and professional expertise from a specialist retailer.



Recent Awards

Mass Retailer of the year Pixel Trade Awards 2010

Best Retailer Gear of the Year Awards 2010

Shortlisted for Best Multi-Channel Retailer E-commerce Awards for Excellence 2010

Jessops Acrylic Print awarded Editor’s Choice Excellence Award by Digital Camera Essentials





Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Sound Asleep Speaker Blanket



As you know I recently reviewed the Sound Asleep Pillow and we squabbled over who got to keep it, well Conor has won, he plays his music at the weekend and he reads at the same time, this has been great for him as he can lie back and chill out listening, yet we do not get disturbed.



I was very excited when the lovely Sound Asleep people asked me to review the Speaker Blanket next, I knew Paige was the ideal candidate when surfing the laptop and she also uses her iPod almost daily. She takes after me and loves nothing more than snuggling down under a fleece, you possibly remember we both have Raynauds Syndrome so like to get our feet covered up.

The Speaker blanket is fantastic as it is perfect for snuggling and keeping cozy,its got a hood for keeping your ears and head warm, the sleeves mean your hands are free for typing on your laptop or reading. Of course the speakers mean you can listen to youtube on the laptop, your fave tunes on the iPod and not disturb anybody else.
Another benefit that is not mentioned on the site is its backless so it wraps all around you but you are not enveloped in it feeling trapped. Its £15 for the chilrens size and £20 for the adults. I expect the childrens one will be great for reading audio stories on a cold afternoon. I highly recommend this, a great present for anybody who is in hospital too.


The blanket is a giant fleece blanket with sleeves and a hood and comes in a variety of colours in 2 sizes, adult (age 12+) and kid's (up to age 12). The luxury fleece blanket has been treated with anti-pill to ensure it does not go bobbly when it is machine washed.

Sewn within the hood are two removable speakers and these connect via a wire to a 3.5mm jack which connects to most music sources, including MP3 players, radios and televisions.


The Sound Asleep speaker blanket is great for all children who either want to unwind listening to an audio book or listen to their favourite music. It’s also great for older people who want to keep warm whilst unwinding to the sounds of the radio.
Not suitable for children under 5 years.