Category Archives: Health and Lifestyle

My Top 6 Favourite Perfumes

March 20, 2019General, Health and LifestyleKim

I do love perfumes, like most women, I don’t wear it everyday but I like to try new ones every so often after having the same old ones over again for the past few years, but they don’t have to be expensive.

I have 3 bottles open and on the go at the moment and alternate between them depending on the occasion.

My Top perfumes are:

In no particular order I have…

Gucci – Rush

I can’t remember how I came across this one but it is just gorgeous, it is a strong, but sweet fruity smell, reminding of the rush of first love. It is presented in a gorgeous bright red box. Prices start from £34.99

Marc Jacobs – Eau So Fresh

Unfortunately I don’t have a pictures of this as I haven’t brought any since I used my last one up. This is again quite a sweet smelling scent. Presented in quite a chunky bottle. The bottle is just beautiful with it floral display on the cap.

Paco Rabanno – Lady Million

This perfume is presented in the most stunning golden glass shaped bottle with a gold top. The smell is quite a sweet smelling one but the scent seems to also last when sprayed in on in the morning. Prices start from £46.50

Chanel – Paris

For my birthday last year I decided to ask the wonderful world of Facebook for recommendations for a new perfume from friends and family. I got quite a big response so then gave the list to the husband and he made a decision, and a good one at that. I have never owned a “Chanel” perfume as I feel it is very expensive and I most defiantly will only use this on very special occasions as I don’t want to waste it. Prices start from £55.00

Ralph Lauren – Romance

This one is quite strong and if you spray too much you know about it. The bottle isn’t at all attractive. I would say it is probably near the bottle of my top 6. Prices starting from £60.00

Ghost – Deep Night

Firstly let’s admire just how beautiful this bottle is, I hate throwing them away but have no use for them after. The smell of this one again seems to last a long time and is quite a sweet scent. Prices start from £25.00.

I do find it amazing how people can create such wonderful scents

So there you have it, my favourite perfumes, what are yours and why?

FourFit Fitness Tracker | Review

October 24, 2018Health and Lifestyle, Product ReviewsKim

I’m not a fitness freak at all, but I have been trying my hardest to get fitter by eating healthy and walking more, I used to walk to and from the train station every day even on my last day at work before I broke up for maternity leave, pretty good going I thought for myself.

When I was offered a Fourfit smart Bracelet I said yes as wanted to be able to monitor my movement again and hit some target I would set myself.

I have now worn it for a couple of weeks and love it, it’s got lots of features.

Heart Rate
Sleep tracking
Vibration Smart Alarm
Sedentary Reminder (reminds you to do activity if you have been sedentary for a while)
Calorie counter
Step tracking
Phone link enabled.
SMS, Facebook, Whats app, Email, Call alerts
New OLED larger screen
Bluetooth
Rapid charge
5 day battery time
5 colour choices

Extras are:

Works Independently:
No need to be always connected to Bluetooth – no need to drag your phone into the gym. Unlike other brands the FourFit Band will transfer all workout data once reconnected to the phone!

Rapid recharge:
Charge your battery up to 60% in 15 minutes

I think the only little negative about the the fourfit tracker I feel is the battery life doesn’t last long and only lasts about 2 days which if you go away could be inconvenient.

Priced at just £39.00 I think it is excellent value for money, looks good, slimline and light weight you don’t even know your wearing it.

*I was sent this product free of charge for the purpose of this review. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

My journey with A “Reveal LINQ Insertable Cardiac Monitor”

August 3, 2018Health and LifestyleKim

Image result for insertable cardiac monitor

Where it all started

This all started back when I was a teenager and I first started my periods. It was a Saturday morning and I was meant to be going to my friend’s swimming party but then I started feeling faint, funny like my head was going to pop, I was getting very hot, my vision went all blurry but I just kept tell my mum I was fine and I was going to the party. Then bang, I knocked myself out by walking into the door frame of my bedroom, next thing I remember was opening my eyes to my mum and Auntie who was a nurse, holding a cold flannel on my head.

I just put it down to blood pressure etc.… due to the changes in my body, but little did I know I would have it continue for a number of years.

I just carried on with normal everyday life and was able to tell when the episodes (if that’s what you can call them) were coming on so I was able to make sure I was in a safe place.

There was no pattern, no particular time they were happening so I decided I would go to my doctors to seek advice and see if he had any options as to what could be causing them. He sent me for blood tests, ECG’s and I had to wear a 24 hour monitor to see if it picked anything up such as irregular heartbeat, palpitations etc but it all came back clear.

They then seem to disappear for a while but it was always playing on my mind, my doctor was considering taking my license off me incase it happened whilst driving but luckily it never came to that.

Then one morning back in 2015 I got up to start getting ready for work and could feel this episode coming on, I went in the bathroom ran my wrist under cold water and sat on the toilet and started to feel better after a few minutes, so I got up and started walking back to the bedroom and that was as much as I remember until I woke up with my head over the stairs, I don’t remember anything at all. All this happened while my husband was asleep in bed just a few meters away and he never heard a thing. I knew then I had to get to the bottom of this as it could have ended a lot worse. Once I got to work I made another appointment with my doctor and explain what happened and he referred me back to the hospital for more tests and investigations with a cardiologist, it was then decided after seeing a consultant that I would have a reveal device insert to monitor my heart.

The Procedure

I had my appointment come through for beginning of June 2016 to be in for day surgery at Solihull hospital. I was given a local anesthetic in my chest to numb the area for them to insert the device, all while been awake. I was told it was going to take approximately 30 mins in total.

I’m left now with a tiny scar which is barely noticeable

I will have the device for 3 years as that’s as long as one battery lasts at a time and is worth £2000, which sounds like a lot for such a small device but it’s got a job to do, but you don’t even know it is there unless you run your finger over my skin and you can feel it. A lot of people are creeped out by it but I love it and just sit there and mess with it and move it around. I must have 6 monthly or yearly appointments to check it but I can also do all my downloads at home with my home device that get sent straight through to the hospital.

It is a simple quick 5 minute task as is a case of picking up the held hand device, placing it on my scar and pressing the button then within a matter of seconds everything will be downloaded and sent to the hospital all pain-free.

I’m in my second year now of having the insertable cardiac monitor and only have one year left and by next June I may be free from this device.

Would love to hear your stories if you suffer too and what procedures were taken for you.

The Perfect Gift Guide For Your Special Dad Or Man In Your Life

June 4, 2018Health and Lifestyle, Product ReviewsKim

No sooner has Mother’s Day been and gone, the countdown is on for the next special day of the year, Father’s Day. It’s 2 weeks today!

I like most others, I’m sure struggle even buying my dad a birthday present which is in March, let alone then thinking about what to buy him for Father’s Day in June. I ask my mum first to see if she has any ideas of what he might want or need and then if I have no luck, go for either a shirt, gift card or meal, I know boring, right!

So in this guide are a few others ideas to help you prepare for the big day.

Daddy Photo Frame

I’m going to start off this gift guide with a gorgeous “Daddy” photo frame. You can choose a choice of frame and mount colours. This beautiful frame is from Photos in a word and RRP £10.99

CELIA Organic Lager

I’m not a lager drinker but my husband does so this will go well on a nice summer evening sat in the garden. The Lager Low-Down:
Premium, handcrafted Czech Lager
100% Organic and Gluten-Free
Naturally carbonated over a slow 14 day
process for a crisp and refreshing taste
No sulphates
Only 139 calories RRP £2.49
Available from Waitrose, Oddbins, Ocado and Tesco

Willow & Stone Wine

If your dad isn’t a lager drinker how about wine? I know my dad likes wine so these will make a perfect gift for him. You could even put them in a hamper with a selection of other goodies. Available in Co-op and B&M and cost £3.99.

If lager or wine don’t do it for you then how about a matching boxer/sock set for him?

BOSS HUGO BOSS UNDERWEAR TRUNK AND SOCK GIFT SET

My husband is very particular about his socks and boxers so he’s going to love these especially as they match. They are priced at £34.00 for the set and can be purchased here. The product was sent from Mainline Menswear.

Dollar Shave Butter Club

My dad uses an electric shaver and so does my husband but he loves these to just trim his beard. This is available on subscription and for just £5. You can cancel at anytime so your never locked in.

Zippo Leather Vertical Wallet

My husband loves a new wallet every so often so how about a zippo one? These Retail at £25.90 and you can purchase it from here.

This vertical wallet features 4 card slots, a note sleeve and popper fastening coin-pocket.

Genuine Leather
Mocha
Debossed with the Zippo Logo
Gift Boxed
Dimensions: 10 x 12 x 1cm

Dobell Grey Donegal Tweed Slim Fit Suit

My husband also has to wear a suit daily to work as he is an estate agent so buying him a suit would be a good idea as he likes a new suit every so often. Like everything from Dobell, the fit was spot on and the quality was perfect. This costs £139.99 and can buy it from here

Frederick Thomas

To go with the suit you’ll need some new accessories and Frederick Thomas has a large range of these to meet all your needs.

We have also teamed up with Frederick Thomas to give one lucky reader £100 to spend on the website so if you want to be in with a chance of winning these enter below with Rafflecopter. GOOD LUCK

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hallmark Itty Bitty’s and Father’s Day Cards

Finally, don’t forget the card. Hallmark has got lots of cards and gifts readily available for you to pick up in store. The hallmark Itty Bitty’s come in a huge range of characters too, I love these Batman & Robin ones.

We were sent these products free of charge for inclusion in this gift guide. All thoughts and opinions are our own and have not been influenced in any way.

Hair Removal Methods – The Ultimate Guide (Infographic)

July 7, 2017Collaborative Posts, Health and LifestyleKim

There’s nothing more satisfying than the feeling of silky smooth skin, right? Plus, you’re sure to get some envious glances when people see your shiny glow! Getting that kind of skin takes a bit of effort, though – the first step being removing any offending hairs from it!

Hair removal methods are plenty, from good ol’ shaving all the way to ultra-modern electrolysis and laser hair removal. However, not all hair removal methods were created equally. To help you make sense of the different methods out there, their costs, pain factor, and effectiveness, Beauty Pros have created this infographic to break down your options.

Of course, which method you opt for will differ according to your needs, but this will help you get a decent idea!

Enjoy Reading!

Collaborative Post

Ready To Break The Cycle of Yo-Yo Dieting For Good?

October 31, 2016Collaborative Posts, Food & Drink, Health and LifestyleKim

belly, black-and-white, body

Are you a long-term yo-yo dieter? It really is one of the most frustrating things ever to experience. Just as soon as you’re making progress and doing well, you find yourself slipping back into old habits. It’s not a healthy approach to nutrition and it doesn’t do your self esteem much good either, where you feel like you’re forever failing yourself. If you’re ready to break the cycle for good, here are a few things that might help.

Identify Your Underlying Issues With Food

The best way to stop yo-yo dieting and finally break the cycle is to work out the reasons why you overeat. The answer is likely to be extremely complex and made up of many different factors. But try to be completely honest with yourself and write it down if it helps. Do you turn to food when you’re feeling emotional or bored? Does disorganisation mean you often eat right before bed? Are you too busy or lazy to cook meaning you often resort to unhealthy takeaways? You might even have an underlying medical condition which makes you feel hungrier than you should. Working out the reasons as to why you turn to food can give you much more control over the situation. If you feel as though you have extreme issues when it comes to food, you could even consider speaking to a therapist to help you work through them.

Clear Out Your Kitchen

Having unhealthy treats or temptations in the home is an accident waiting to happen. Even if they are for your partner or children, get them on board too. Kids especially will benefit from switching unhealthy snacks for healthy ones. Allwomenstalk.com for example has ideas for healthy swaps you can make. In fact this is one of the most beneficial things you can do for them nutritionally. Get rid of anything that isn’t providing your family’s body with goodness. From salty, processed canned and prepackaged meals to sugary cereal to even unhealthy sauces and preserves. Do a big grocery shop and replenish the kitchen with the things that you know you should be eating. This stops you from picking and snacking on things just because they are readily available and acting as a temptation. While you could break your healthy plan by driving to the shops, this takes a much more conscious effort.

Set a Healthy Yet Realistic Eating Plan

In the beginning, when your motivation levels are high it’s easy to say ‘right I’m not having any unhealthy foods from now on’. The problem is this motivation can’t last forever, and permanently depriving yourself isn’t the answer. Providing you eat healthily for the majority of the time you can treat yourself to things in moderation now and again. If you plan for these, you won’t feel guilty afterwards or end up going completely off track. Adding a supplement to your diet can also boost your weight loss. Always choose something that’s natural and safe, Garcinia Cambogia is one example which has been proven to be effective. Sites like www.bestdiets2016.com have more information about this.

Learn To Cook

Learning to cook healthy yet exciting meals means you’re much less likely to resort to something prepackaged or from a takeaway just because you want something satisfying and flavourful. Invest in a selection of herbs and spices and learn how to use them in your meals. These can add taste without fats or oils. Know where to make healthy swaps in recipes, for example natural yogurt instead of heavy cream. If you can get excited and passionate about cooking, and build up a repertoire of healthy yet delicious dishes you and your family will always eat well. You could look at a healthy food site like www.health.com for ideas to get you started.Even if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, buying a slow cooker allows you to add lots of healthy produce to the pot in the morning and have a home cooked meal ready by the evening. Experiment with different recipes and ingredients, and just have fun with it.

Dish Cooking on Black Non Stick Pan on a Burner

The Road To Recovery: Returning To Work From A Long-Term Illness

October 26, 2016Collaborative Posts, Health and LifestyleKim

Preparing to return to work after a long time away can be surprisingly stressful. A lot of people in this position worry about what might happen when it comes time to start working again. There is plenty involved, and it can be difficult knowing whether or not you are getting it all right. Add to that the stress of the illness itself, and it is easy to see how people can struggle with this situation. Nonetheless, there are ways of ensuring that the whole process goes a lot more smoothly. In this article, we will be sharing some essential advice for making the transition back to work easier and less stressful. Let’s take a look at how to do that now.

Medicines & thermometer

Learn Your Illness Fully

If you are off work due to a chronic illness, it can be hugely helpful to learn the illness as well as possible. This might sound obvious, but it is surprising how many people do not learn the ins and outs of their own illness. No matter what the illness is, it is likely that understanding it fully will help you to be able to handle it better. With better handling, your recovery is likely to be considerably quicker and less painful. This will, in turn, make the return to work a lot easier to deal with. If you are off work due to a serious injury, then it is still advisable to learn all there is to know. It might be that your doctor has not quite told you everything. However, be careful about where you get your information from. Remember that you can’t believe everything you read on the Internet. It is a good idea, however, to ask medical professionals or your carers what you can do to speed up recovery.

Keep In Touch With Your Employer

From the moment that you realise you will be off work, it is imperative that you keep in touch with your employer. This is for a number of reasons, all of which are likely to prove important. First of all, your employer will probably appreciate being kept in the loop. There is a good chance that you will be able to return to your exact position as before. However, this will be much easier if you keep your employer informed as to your condition. It is a good idea to let them know if it is going to take longer than expected, for example, as this could affect things hugely. It also benefits your health to do this, as keeping everything in place will reduce stress and so improve your condition. It might be a good idea to pass on any confirmation that you receive from your doctor to your employer.

business, meeting, person

Make Sure You Are Ready To Return

Before you actually begin the process of returning to work, it is essential that you ensure you are ready. The first and most important stage here is making sure that your health is in the best shape possible for your return. It is unlikely that you will be completely healthy, but you want to know that you can function properly at work. Most employers will carry out occupational health assessments to determine whether you are fit to return to work. Beyond that, it is also essential to seek the advice of your doctor and see whether they agree. Getting yourself ready for return also entails that you are psychologically ready. It can be surprisingly destabilising to return to work after a long time away. You want to be sure that you will be able to cope with the process mentally. There is no way to know for sure; it is mostly just a matter of being honest with yourself about how you feel. If you don’t feel up to it, it might not be time. However, don’t let yourself fall into the trap of never returning to work out of fear.

Man on Gray Shirt Portrait

Stay Positive & Embrace Changes

This is likely to be one of the most difficult periods of your life to date, so the power of embracing positivity is likely to be important here. It might seem like the hardest thing in the world to stay positive at this time. However, it is hugely important that you try to. If you are successful in being positive, you will find that this has great knock-on effects on your health more generally. Also, try to be aware that it is likely that things have changed since you were out of work. Be ready to embrace various changes in your life, both in and out of work.

Top tips to avoid Cold & Flu season!

October 19, 2016Collaborative Posts, General, Health and LifestyleKim

KEEP THE COLD OUT THIS WINTER WITH COLDZYME MOUTH SPRAY

Revolutionary mouth spray targets the cause of the cold, not just the symptoms
Can help reduce the duration of a cold when used prophylactically

As cold and flu season approaches, protect yourself this winter with the ground-breaking ColdZyme® Mouth Spray. The product is unique in that it fights the cause of the common cold – the cold virus. ColdZyme® Mouth Spray is easy to use and begins working immediately by forming a protective barrier in the throat, where the cold virus takes hold and multiplies, protecting you from infection. ColdZyme® can help shorten the duration of illness if used prophylactically.

Whilst other over the counter remedies seek to alleviate the symptoms of the cold, ColdZyme® targets the virus itself to shorten the duration of the illness. ColdZyme® Mouth Spray is used in the oral cavity and throat, and begins working immediately by forming a protective barrier on the mucous membrane. The barrier acts osmotically on the cold viruses, trapping them and preventing them from binding with human cells, helping the body to remove them naturally.

The effect of ColdZyme® has been investigated in COLDPREV – a blinded, placebo-controlled study under advice from a UK expert in respiratory disease, Professor Sebastian Johnston from Imperial College, London. This study was conducted on 46 volunteers who were all infected with the most common virus that causes the common cold. Half of the volunteers received ColdZyme® the other half received a placebo product. The study showed that ColdZyme® reduced the virus load among infected by more than 99% compared with the placebo. Moreover, it was shown among those catching a cold, the duration of the symptoms was also reduced (from 6.5 days to 3 days).

Leading media medic, Dr Dawn Harper, in conjunction with ColdZyme which fights the cause of the common cold, have compiled a few tips that I thought might be of interest for you?

Dr Harper’s Top Tips are:

Wash your hands regularly – contrary to popular belief, most coughs and colds are spread by hand contact not by coughs and sneezes, so simply keeping your hands clean will go a long way to protecting yourself.
Wash down surfaces and door handles – the viruses that cause colds can survive for several hours outside the human body.
Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables to keep your immune system in good shape. Vitamin C and zinc are vital for a healthy immune system. Zinc is found in red meat, beans and fortified cereals, whilst foods rich in vitamin C include fruits such as oranges and strawberries and vegetables such as peppers, kale and broccoli.
Make sure you get into a good sleep routine. When we sleep our immune system repairs itself, so chronic sleep deprivation can make you prone to infections.
Manage your stress levels. Try to prioritise and delegate where possible as stress can play havoc with your immune system.
Consider using anti-viral tissues and keep them in your bag or on your desk if those around you have a cold to minimise the spread of the virus and make sure that tissues are put straight in the bin.
Use ColdZyme, a revolutionary mouth spray which targets the cause of the common cold and is clinically documented to help reduce the duration of a cold

Look out for this products in store that maybe useful for you, but always be sure to read the leaflets before use.

ColdZyme® is suitable for use by adults and children from the ages of four and upwards. ColdZyme® can help shorten the duration of a cold, when used prophylactically. If you do not have any symptoms of a cold but are likely to be exposed to the cold virus, for example when someone near you has a cold, spray 2 puffs (1 dose) ColdZyme® into the throat every two hours up to 6 times a day while you are exposed to the cold virus.

ColdZyme® is available from Boots, Lloyd’s Pharmacy and independent pharmacies nationwide, with an RRP of £15.99 for a 20ml bottle (effective treatment for three colds, or fifty five doses), and £9.99 for a 7ml bottle, for protection on the go.

* I was sent this product free of charge for the purpose of the review, However all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nutri Fill-It Review

September 12, 2016Health and Lifestyle, Product Reviews, ReviewsKim

I’ve always been a healthy eater, with the occasional “fat” moment where I bing out on chocolate and unhealthy food, but can’t be the only one, right?

Well I am trying to get back on track with being good, eating healthy food and doing plenty of exercise and even more so now than ever as I’ve got under 12 months to lose a few stone/pounds for my wedding day next year. I have tried lots of things but nothing seems to stick with me.

When I was contacted by Eat well UK to trial out there new reusable pouches I couldn’t say no. I have tried to make my own smooth’s and shakes before but haven’t always turned out the best – these were the answers to my troubles.

How does it work?

Its easy, just follow 3 simple steps….

1. Blend It – buy your healthy, favourite, fresh ingredients and make a batch of delicious, nutritious, smoothies/yoghurts etc – I love my beville smoothie maker, it’s amazing and so easy to use.

In my smoothie I put strawberry’s, blueberries, raspberries and cranberry juice.

2. Fill It – pour your smoothies directly into your Nutri Fill-It pouches, seal the bottom with the ‘anti-leak’ Double Zip Lock and store in the fridge or freezer. be sure to hold it tight while pouring so you dont drop it or spill any.

I put ours in the freezer for a couple of hours so it would stay cold while we were at work. They don’t take up much space either as they are compact sizes.

Grab a pouch and go (an added bonus is your pouch acts as an ice pack keeping other lunch / snack items cool)!

3. Re-use It – after you have enjoyed your nutritious treat simply rinse out your pouch or place it in the dishwasher (top shelf open over 2 prongs) ready for the next use. Due to its curved shape it is also easy to clean by hand under running water with a bottle brush

Nutri Fill-It can be re-used up to 100 times.

I absolutely love these pouches and would definitely buy more of these and make bulk amounts of my favourite homemade smoothies.

* I was sent a pack of 2 pouches free of charge for the purpose of this review, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Serenz Allergy Relief Review

August 22, 2016Health and Lifestyle, Product Reviews, ReviewsKim

I have always for many years suffered with hay fever, and I hate it, the constant sneezing, coughing, sore red puffy itchy eyes and runny nose and not even being able to go and sit in my own back garden makes me depressed and very fed up.

I have tried so many different products to try and relieve the signs and symptoms of hay fever before it has a chance to take hold of me, but nothing seems to work for a long period of day, normally just a few hours.

When I was offered to try a new product from Serenz I couldn’t wait to see if it helped me fight off the signs and symptoms of hay fever. It comes in a little box with instructions on how to use it and a key.

It’s not small but it can be carried around in your handbag so when and as you need it can be used quickly and easily wherever you are.

I would recommend anyone to try this who suffers with any of the these symptoms and I would defiantly buy this product again.

Disclosure: We were sent the above product for the purpose of this post however all opinions are my own.