Yorkshire Linen Co Review

Having moved recently to a new home its always a time when the designs and colour schemes tend to change. Yorkshire Linens have asked me to review their website and some of the items, so sent me a duvet cover set to review, perfect timing too!
I am pretty tied up with my caring role so have not the free time now to shop til I drop.
More online buying is needed for household purchases.  

Conor's bedroom is small and needs a bold print. Due to the immensely busy life we are all leading each room is a work in progress and have just been painted in cream to give a fresh look until we decide what we want.

So I chose a design called Woodland Charcoal and Black firstly to complement the cream and enliven the plain walls, but more to allow Conor to choose accessories that are suitable for a teen, fast becoming a young man.

It would be equally good in a female bedroom

Its a modern design of tree silhouettes the layering of the trees gives a sense of a woodland. It lifts the room we think. Conor loves it, I had not told him it was arriving and wanted it all set up before he saw it.

What is really good about Yorkshire Linens are the prices, choice and quality combined.

This duvet is £11.99, a bargain price, but the duvet is a good quality, very easy to iron and my required need for it to be safe to tumble dry is also met. 

I have been looking around the site and the range is pretty immense, not only bedding, but cushions, curtains, towels and other household items are all available. The prices are great. Free delivery when you spend £50 or more and only £3.95 otherwise.

What appeals to me is their ethos, they

are a family run business and promote the values of a family business of being caring and supportive to all members of staff within the company.

The customer is of paramount importance to The Yorkshire Linen Company and they say they pride themselves on providing an extremely high standard of customer care. If it is physically possible they will do all they can to get what the customer wants when the customer wants it.

I am looking forward to having a look at more of the company both service and goods.

http://www.yorkshirelinen.com/

 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.

Braun Series 5 Review



GO MO!!

 

I am so happy Movember is over. Proud that Chris raised money for a worthwhile cause , but relieved the scratchy alien thing was going. Chris fdecided on the big removal on the 1st of December and Braun kindly sent him the Braun Series 5 5030 Sensitive skin to review and much to my delight as it meant it would definitely come off as we had to trial the Braun.

He has tended to stick with manual razors as when he was a teen, the electric shavers did not suit his then sensitive skin. The promise of a razor with Formula One inspiration in the design and technology had him interested. Its a sleek light razor, looks really innovative.

He actually had a small amount of trepidation at using at first, worried by past experience with stinging.. Thankfully there was no irritation at all. What was great he said was surprised he was at the close shave. The ease in removing stubble and how much faster his skin became smooth. The area around the Mo was trimmed first but Chris said he felt the Braun would manage it easily and little by little its went.

He is bad for dry shaving at times, despite my tuts, but the Braun can made this easy anyway, despite not being designed for this (They do sell a Wet and Dry version)he has decided to look after his face a bit more and thanks to Braun, his skin will be protected as well as smooth.

Great feature is the rechargeable nature of the razor, a rechargeable battery is supplied. It needed charging before first use, Chris let it run for the full hour, but told me that it has a quick 5 minute charge for one shave. After use a brush is provided yo clean the razor and oil for keeping the foil working.

It stores in a handy travel bag with a loop for hanging up and also has a protective cap for travelling.

All in all Chris is converted to an electric shaver, I sense a less stubbly husband coming up as its so quick to use.

Furthermore, there is up to 1/3 off the range at Boots as part of a Christmas promotion running from now until December 31^st 

The new Braun Series 5 is an all-terrain shaver complete with a full array of technical features, designed to power through your daily shave with expert handling and effortless control. Equipped to tackle even the most challenging areas of a man’s face, the shaver delivers an efficient yet comfortable shave, leaving you revved up and ready to take on the day ahead.

With new FlexMotionTec™ technology and an upgraded motor delivering 20% more power, it seamlessly combines turbo performance and outstanding design for significantly better skin contact even on difficult areas of the face, with less skin pressure. The Series 5 also includes Braun’s patented UltraActiveLift™ system which captures flat lying hairs and features a unique oscillating middle trimmer which lifts and cuts the hair to give you maximum smoothness in fewer strokes.

What’s more, the Braun Series 5 5040s features wet and dry functionality, giving men the versatility of using it in the shower, with foams and gels.

Features and Benefits

Power and Precision

FlexMotionTec™ technology; Dynamamic Micro and Macro-Motion technology that interacts with precision for significantly better skin contact

Maximum Cutting Performance

The PowerDrive™ mechanical transmission ensures maximum cutting performance whilst the power motor delivers 20% more power and torque to allow constant high speed cutting in difficult areas

Maximum shaving efficiency and less skin irritation

UltraActiveLift™ system captures flat-lying hair in problem areas while two CrossHair blades capture even short and stubborn hairs growing in different directions for outstanding closeness that lasts

Clean and Charge

The completely re-designed Intelligent Clean and Charge Station cleans, lubricates and charges the shaver at the touch of a button

Design andErgonomics

Its Formula 1-inspired monocoque technology and fibre-reinforced materials make the Series 5 both lightweight and durable; whilst its high tech membrane technology keeps the shaver dry and ensures the motor and battery remain cool during operation

Availabilitity
The new Braun Series 5 range is available now at Boots, Amazon, Argos, larger supermarkets and other good electrical retailers.  Visit www.braun.com/uk for more information.

Details

Series 5 5030s: RRP £159.99 (£100 Christmas Promo from 1st November - 31st December 2012)

Series 5 5040s WandD: RRP: £189.99 (£127.29 Christmas Promo from 1st November - 31st December 2012)

Series 5 5070cc: RRP: £199.99 (£133.99 Christmas Promo from 1st November - 31st December 2012)

http://www.boots.com/en/Braun/Male-Shaving/Series-5/

 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

Laughing Cow Blue Cheese Review

IT MAY BE BLUE… BUT IT IS STILL LAUGHING!

The Laughing Cow launches NEW Light with Blue Cheese

I was pretty pleased with the launch of Laughing Cow Light with Blue Cheese. As you will know cheese is up in the top five products I review, I love it and blue cheese is a favourite.

 Regular Given To Distracting Others readers also will know that I successfully dropped three dress sizes with Slimming World over a year ago and happily I am still maintaining my target weight. 

Its thanks to the light versions of my favourites, I thought I would be failing when it came to cheese as I believed it would be the food I missed along with bread.

The great news is for my SW allowances I can have up to four triangles a day. I do actually eat a more varied diet and am able to add forbidden foods as I need to keep my weight up as well.

So I tried one on a crumpet firstly to see how good they were as a topping. There is a lovely blue cheese creamy taste, not too bitter and really no hint of it being a light version.

Laughing Cow have some great healthy swaps below, but I have a few of my own ideas as well.

I have decided to fill chicken breasts with the cheese and wrap in bacon, served with a salad it will be great.

It melts well so will be good for making a broccoli and blue cheese soup.

Also I want to try melted into pasta maybe with crispy bacon or pancetta.

Cheesy-peasy swaps:

• 1 small slice (25g) Stilton is equivalent to 4 The Laughing Cow Light with 

Blue Cheese triangles 

• 1 small slice (25g) Cheddar is equivalent to 4 The Laughing Cow Light 

with Blue Cheese triangles

• 1 small slice (25g) Brie is equivalent to 3 The Laughing Cow Light with 

Blue Cheese triangles

Why not try  two pieces of The Laughing Cow Light with Blue Cheese spread on two crackers 
for just 93 calories instead of…
• A plain bagel with Philadelphia Light with Garlic and Herb (322 calories) – SAVING 229 
calories
• Chicken and salad sandwich on white bread (297 calories per sandwich) – SAVING 204 
calories
• 1 piece of wholemeal bread toasted and served with a low-fat spread (131 calories) –
SAVING 38 calories

English muffin with The Laughing Cow light Blue Cheese and bacon
Slice one English muffin in half and lightly toast. Grill 2 rashers of lean back bacon until crispy, allow to cool then roughly chop. Mash 2 The Laughing Cow Light with Blue Cheese triangles and stir in the bacon bits. Spread over the muffins and 
serve with a tomato salad - 315cals/13g fat 

The Laughing Cow Light with Blue Cheese and celery on oatcakes 
Thinly slice 1 stick of celery and mash with 2 triangles of Laughing Cow Light with Blue Cheese spread over 2 oat 
cakes or half a toasted bagel - 122cals/7g fat 
The Laughing  Cow Light with Blue Cheese, Green Pepper, 
walnuts and celery
Mash 1 triangle Laughing Cow light blue cheese and mix with 
2 roughly walnuts spoon into middle of 2 sticks of celery -
125cals/11g fat 

Common associations with blue include feeling sad, the noughties boy band and perhaps something a little more risqué, but for the UK’s most popular cheese triangle, The Laughing Cow, blue cheese is the latest flavour to join its light range.

Made with real blue cheese and with just 25 calories per triangle, The Laughing Cow Light with Blue Cheese is a perfect way to enjoy the distinctive taste of blue but without the fat,   bringing an exciting new twist to a balanced diet.

There are many ways to enjoy the new cheese; it can be spread on a cracker, enjoyed on its own as a light snack, or used as a cooking ingredient for a main dish such as a blue cheese dressing or alternative blue mash.

The new round boxes of eight cheese triangles are available now in Tesco and Sainsbury’s and will be available in Morrisons from the end of September and Asda from the middle of October.

New Laughing Cow Light Cheese spread with real Blue
Cheese is available in packs with 8 cheese triangles.
Available now from larger stores of Morrisons, Tesco,  
Sainsbury’s and Asda. RSP: 1.25 
Visit www.thelaughingcow.com for more information

funkin Cocktail Mixers Review

I am very happy to be reviewing funkin cocktail mixers again.

I first reviewed a couple of years ago, and met the team at the Good Food Show. The brand really fun and the ingredients used to make the mixers really natural and tasty.

New to me are the cartons now on sale. Its a great way to have a few friends round and impress them with your cocktail skills especially when you have a house renovation on hold for Christmas None of the blending, shaking and rigmarole that comes usually. Just pour in the funkin of choice and add the spirits, soft drink etc.

I love the Cosmopolitan with a shot of vodka and its equally good as a soft drink with lemonade or soda. Apparently rum is a great mix too.

Strawberry Woo Woos always make me go Woo as I drink them, I love the sweet strawberry flavour great if you like vodka.

I am really looking forward to mixing up a few cocktails for friends this Christmas, makes a change from wine and sherry!

Visit the Funkin Facebook page for tips, giveaway and ideas.

https://www.facebook.com/funkincocktails

Funkin is available in 1L mixers (RRP. £3.99) and 120g mixer pouches (RRP. 99p)

Funkin is available nationwide at Sainsbury’s, Asda, Waitrose, Co-op, Ocado, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Majestic Wine, Harrods, Amazon

Funkin is available is a variety of flavours including Bellini, Bramble, Cosmopolitan, Margarita, Mojito, Pina Colada, Raspberry, Strawberry Daiquiri and Strawberry Woo Woo.

Beko Official FA Cup Supporter Competition

I’m not sure if you’re aware, but Beko recently have been announced as an official supporter of The FA Cup, part of their on-going strategy to talk to families. 

To kick off, Beko has teamed up with leading kid’s and schools newspaper First News, to run a competition that offers children the chance to win a visit from The FA Cup!  Beko home appliances are encouraging kids to get active, the overall winner will get a whole load of goodies including.

A coaching session with an FA legend.

Tickets  for the school football team (girls or boys) to go to a FA Cup semi-final

11 football kits for their school team including shirts, shorts and socks.

There are lots more details at www.facebook.com/bekomumsunited and throughout the season there will be further competitions and activity aimed at mums on this page.

 Sounds exciting!!

Warburtons Fibre Recipes

Toast with Banana and Honey  

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 slices Warburtons Half and Half
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 
  

  • Drizzle of honey or maple syrup
  
  

3.7g fibre per serving, contributing 15% toward the GDA for adults

Smoky Chicken and cucumber sandwich (lunch)

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 slices Warburtons Wholemeal
• 80g sliced chicken
• 2 tsp light mayonnaise
• Pinch of smoked paprika
• 5 thick slices of cucumber

5.4g of fibre per serving, contributing  22% towards the GDA for adults

Spicy Bean Burgers (evening meal)

Preparation: 15minutes

Cooking: 20mins

Makes 6

Ingredients:  

• 4 slices Warburtons Half and Half Toastie   
• 1 tbsp olive oil  
• 2 sticks of celery, finely chopped  
• 1 large red onion, finely chopped  
• 1 fat clove garlic, crushed  
• 1 small red chilli, de-seeded & finely chopped  
• 2 400g tins of mixed beans, rinsed & drained  
• Pinch of salt & ground black pepper  and  1 tsp ground  cumin  
• Plain flour for dusting  
• egg, beaten  
• Guacamole   

Preparation:  

• Whizz bread in food processor to make fine breadcrumbs  
• Heat oil in a frying pan, add onions, celery, garlic & chilli. Cook over medium heat until soft  
• Blitz beans in food processor until almost smooth and add the contents of the pan, cumin and seasoning. Mix well  
• Turn mixture onto floured surface and shape into 6 burgers. Chill for 30 mins  
• Dip burgers in egg, then breadcrumbs. Place on oiled baking sheet and bake at 200C for 20 mins.  Serve with guacamole and salad

4g of fibre per serving, contributing 16% towards the GDA for adults

2. Roast beef and spicy tomato salsa sandwich (lunch)

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 slices Warburtons Wholemeal
• 2 tsp light mayonnaise
• 2 thick slices of fresh beef of 75g of ready-prepared roast beef
• 2 tbsp spicy tomato salsa
• Handful of watercress or rocket, optional

6.5g of fibre per serving, contributing 27% towards the GDA for adults

Warburtons Fibre Campaign

Spicy Bean Burgers

With nine in ten women in the UK failing to meet the guideline daily amount (GDA) of fibre - which is 18-24g per day – Warburtons is encouraging families to eat more fibre (as kids need fibre too - between the ages of 5 and 10 they should be consuming 15g of fibre a day).

To help spread the message of the importance of fibre in the family diet, Warburtons asked me to keep a family fibre diary, which they then had analysed by leading nutritionist Fiona Hunter. 

Along with the analysis, they provided recipe suggestions and some tips for adding more fibre to my diet (if  needed) from Dr Hilary Jones. 

I was pretty shocked by my lack of fibre. I consider myself pretty good at eating a well balanced diet, but it seems I had missed out this important part of my nutritional needs.

This is what Fiona discovered about Paige and I.

Jo - your average intake of fibre is 11g a day. The Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) of fibre is 24g a day so you’re eating around half of what you should be. There are several quick and easy ways that you could increase your fibre intake.  The first would be to have more fruit and vegetables. For lunch you could have something like baked beans on toast (half a can of beans on 2 slices of toast would provide 50% of your GDA) or a bowl of lentil or vegetable soup with a wholemeal roll.

Paige Paiges fibre intake is 8g a day also shy of what we should aim for. If she is not keen on wholemeal bread she could try Warburtons Half and Half Toastie - 1 slice provides 1.9g fibre. Snacks like baked beans or hummus on toast provide fibre as well as fruit and vegetables. Other food rich in fibre include beans, pulses and wholegrain cereal like brown rice and wholemeal pasta.

Ouch I cannot believe the results this was over three days and not a great three days fibre wise. We do eat wholemeal bread, Paige eats a great deal of baked beans on toast for breakfast.

However we are failing to meet the required amount for health so we need to get our act together.

Dr Hilary's tips for Paige and I are

Increase your fibre slowly

Your body needs to adjust to a change in fibre intake. Add no more than 5g per day until you reach your GDA of 24g for an adult.

Drink more water

When you increase the amount of fibre in your diet, it’s important to increase the amount of water you drink too.

Eat the whole fruit & vegetable

The skin of fruit and veg contains fibre, so try to eat it (e.g. jacket potato skins) – and aim to eat whole fruits rather than juices or smoothies.

Aim for 3 portions a day

It’s important to spread your fibre intake throughout the day, so aim to reach your GDA over three meals .

Kids should eat fibre too

The GDA for children is less than for adults. Children aged 5-10 should consume about 15g per day. Fibre should be introduced to under 5s gradually, through fresh fruit, veg and whole grains.

Warburtons sent me some recipes and products designed to help me top up our fibre and we have been enjoying the breads immensely.

Paiges fave at the moment is the Chicken and Sweetcorn sandwich

2 Slices of Warburton Half and Half Toastie

1tsp polyunstaurated margerine

50g skinless chicken

1 tbsp half fat mayonnaise

1 tbsp of canned sweetcorn.

I am certainly gradually increasing my fibre and hopefully for my family too.

Further recipes here http://given-to-distracting-others.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/warburtons-fibre-recipes.html

You can also take the fibre test and see how you and your family are doing, hopefully better than me.

http://www.warburtons.co.uk/health/fibre/