Lypsyl

Lypsyl

"I kissed a girl - and I liked it! The taste of her cherry chapstick!" ... Well Katy Perry sung about cherry Lipsyl's and so they must be good !!

I smeared the cherry Lypsyl over my winter dry lips and puckered up to Andy ... at first he looked at me strangely and said "What do you want?" then moved slightly away from me, "Kiss me!" I purred, he moved even further across the sofa and replied "Quick Ruby kiss her!!" ...... the dog leapt up pinned me to the sofa and licked my face. So I now know that Labradors like the smell of Cherry Lypsyl.

Luckily for me my pulling technique didn't completely fail as each Lypsyl contains Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, so I did end up with very soft lickable lips. The secret behind the Lypsyl is pure beeswax, ultra light to spread evenly and penetrate deeply, for unsurpassed moisturizing and protection. And the innovative packaging is uniquely designed for quick and easy application — at home, on the go, anywhere!

Emma suffers with chapped lips so I have let her keep the Peach flavour in her pocket for school. She is pretty good and knows not to share with others (germs!). Being small the pack fits in her pocket nicely, the top is easy to twist off without having to worry about lipbalm smearing all over the inside of her pocket, and it is easy to apply straight from the tube.

Another good point about Lypsyl is that they have been around since 1905, from the original salve to introducing flavours you know that they are full of good products and won't cause reactions.
Lypsyl moisturisers provide every day lip care protection and help repair and maintain soft, smooth lips. The conditioning formula, which contains Aloe Vera ands Vitamin E, provides soothing and moisturising benefits, helping care for dry, chapped and sore lips.
Using Lypsyl every day can help protect your lips from the weather's damaging effects which is very very handy at this time of year.

My Aunt is hooked on Lypsyl, she always has at least 3 in her bag at any one time. When we were on holiday (I am talking years ago as I was only 7 at the time) she slapped Lypsyl on her lips every few minutes while basking in the hot sun ... well she might as well have put lard on her face as she basically cooked her lips !!

The next day her face was puffy and sun burnt - her lips were massive :) my Mum and Dad couldn't stop laughing at her, she wasn't impressed and swore at us all day (well I think it was swearing as it was a bit muffled as she was so swollen). However her big lips were lovely and soft, if strangely huge.

These days you can buy 'Lypsyl Sun' which helps prevent sunburn and damage that can be caused by exposure to the sun while UVA filters also help to prevent sun-induced skin ageing.
Lypsyl Sun contains SPF35 sunblock. So she learnt the hard way - but I learnt a good lesson in sun awareness.

Lypsyl is priced around £1.20 for the flavoured sticks and 80p for the original blue variety.
You can purchase Lypsyl from most supermarkets and chemists.

Check out the Lypsyl® Lip Tips on Facebook, where you can also watch vodcasts, vote in the live polls and have your say on the discussion boards.

http://tiny.cc/FacebookLypsylLoveYourLips

Here are just some of the great tips that will be appearing on the Facebook page:

Tip: To kiss dry, chapped lips goodbye try a little gentle exfoliation and moisturising. Take a hot, wet washcloth, wrap it around your finger and gently rub on your lip in a circular motion. Wipe lips clean and apply Lypsyl® lip balm. The conditioning formula contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to provide soothing and moisturising benefits, helping care for dry, chapped and sore lips

Tip: Apply a moisturising lip balm before putting on your lipstick. This is will help hydrate your lips and make the colour an even tone

Tip: To achieve the perfect pout, emphasize your top lip by dabbing a little gloss or lip balm in the centre

Tip: Applying lipstick with your fingertip gives a more natural-looking, kissable finish

Tip: Avoid lipstick marks on your glass by discreetly licking your lips before taking a sip from the glass

Tip: Smokey eyes are a classic look that celebrities love, and it looks best with a nude lip, so just use Lypsyl®lip balm on its own

Tip: Give up smoking for the perfect pout - smoking is one of the main causes of lines around the mouth, because of the repetitive motion of pursing your lips

Tip: If you’re hitting the ski slopes this year or escaping for some winter sun, make sure you pack Lypsyl®Sun SPF35 to protect your lips from sun exposure. It contains protective UVA filters to prevent sun-induced skin ageing and keeps your lips looking luscious

My rating: 9/10

Full Marks - Head Lice Solution

Full Marks - Head Lice Solution

Why is it whenever anyone mentions head lice you immediately scratch your head?

When I was at school and head lice were doing the rounds they used to make you line up and the school nurse (nit nurse) used to go down the line checking every ones hair .. it was humiliating as if you did have the little critters the whole school knew about it!!

I was kind of lucky as I never seemed to catch them from school, I used to get them in the school holidays (my Mum said from the kids down the road).

Having head lice was bad enough, but the potent nasty wash-in formula to eradicate them was worse !! You had to put it on before you went to bed, then sleep in it ... the fumes were so bad your eyes used to water, then all day the next day (even when your mum had washed your hair 3 times) you could still smell it. Nasty stuff!!

Not now though - times have changed and so have the products to get shot of those nasty head lice. Full Marks have brought out a range of products that only take 10 minutes to work and they don't smell of anything!!

I have taken the top off of the bottle and had a good whiff .. on the bottle it states 'low odour' but I couldn't smell a thing, it was like smelling water which is brilliant !!

The Full Marks Solution is a 10 minute treatment, the bottle also contains 2 treatments - this isn't for 2 people though, it is so you can repeat the 10 minute treatment 7 days later (just in case).

The procedure is simple:

Comb dry hair with a comb to get rid of tangles, apply the solution.

Wait 10 minutes then comb though with the special comb provided to remove dead lice and eggs.

Finally wash hair with your normal (non-conditioning) shampoo and style as normal.

Unlike the old eye-watering solutions Full Marks Solution causes the lice to dehydrate (lose water) and die, then you remove them with the comb provided.

The spray works in exactly the same way ... except its a spray bottle to put the solution onto the hair.

Remember: Head Lice like ALL hair, be it clean, dirty, curly, long, short, or woven.

If you find head lice present in a family members (or child's best friend/classmate) you may have to treat the whole family or whoever has been in close contact with the infected head of hair.

Wash all bedding and towels to prevent re-infection.

Lice are spread from head to head contact - they cannot jump or fly!

For more information, images, myths and advice visit: http://www.headlice.co.uk/Default.aspx

Can I stop itching now?

Our rating: 8/10

Femibion - Energetic Mum

Femibion - Energetic Mum

Up at 7am, get Emma up, feed her, feed myself, check emails, shower Emma, shower myself, dry Emma's hair, dry my own, run down the stairs, grab coat, grab bag & keys, get in car, run back in shout at Emma to hurry up, lock door, run around car and re-close Emma's door, drive to school, walk Emma to the playground, run back to car, zoom to work, work all day, drive home, get the dog and walk up to school, meet Emma play in park and walk home, wash up breakfast stuff, start dinner, check emails, help with homework, greet Andy, listen to how his day was, feed dog, eat dinner, wash up, sort out online life, put Emma to bed, watch tv, go to bed.

Does that sound familiar? That is my daily routine ... busy bee aren't I !!
I have been taking Femibion Energetic Mum supplements from Seven Seas and to be honest they do actually give you a bit of a boost.

The ingredient list is huge so I will point out the main bits: Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, CoQ10, Iron and Zinc.
Each tablet gives you 100% recommended daily allowance of the above - which is great as you only have to take 1 tablet a day!

Femibion® for Energetic Mums the first multi-nutrient probiotic specifically formulated for busy mums. It provides nutritional support to help ensure the diet of new mothers, helping you to stay healthy and support vitality.

Femibion® for Energetic Mums contains a combination of probiotics, CoQ10 and further necessary nutrients like iron and zinc. Independent research has shown that the specially selected probiotics help support the body’s natural defence system while CoQ10 helps the body to release energy. And because it’s also suitable to take while you’re breastfeeding, you can start enjoying the benefits right away.

I found the tablets to be a nice size, not too big and not too small. They are coated in a really smooth substance which makes them very easy to swallow. I'm not great with tablets and I took them really easily - so I am really happy.

Available from all main supermarkets and high street chemists they are really easy to buy along with your shopping. If you take your daily tablet at the same time as (for example) eating your breakfast then you are less likely to forget to take it. However these are not prescription medication ... so if you do forget it won't matter too much.

Main points of use:
Take one tablet per day with a cold drink.
Do not exceed the recommended daily intake.
Can be taken during breast-feeding and for as long as required after child-birth.
Women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should consult their doctor before taking vitamin or mineral supplements.
Food supplements are intended to supplement the diet and should not be regarded as a substitute for a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Keep out of reach of young children.


For more information please visit: http://www.seven-seas.com/femibion

OXY

OXY - Engineered For Male Skin

Spot Defence Shave Gel

Being only a 100ml tube my first thought was 'this isn't going to last long' but to be fair when shaving with the gel a little goes a long way. Apply to warm wet skin and massage in well, it spreads over the skin really well without the need to apply more and more until you look like Santa!

The gel is clear and smells gorgeous, I knew when Andy has used it as his skin smelt lovely. As it smoothes on well he found his shave to be closer than when using foam, but Andy commented that the gel was a little difficult to wash out of his razor than his normal products.

Whats the benefits then?

Well how many times have you shaved a spot? You are in the bathroom looking like a cloud of foam shaving away ... when suddenly you scream in pain and your face is pouring with blood? ..... not now as with OXY gel being clear - you can see where you are shaving!

The gel also calms and protects your skin, this is why it is important to massage it in well (and not just smear it on). The gel lubricates your skin which will give you a better performance razor glide (a closer shave), this will help reduce that nasty razor burn and ingrowing hairs.

Andy did state that he got a better shave from the gel and that his chin/neckline wasn't so sore after his shave.

OXY Shave Gel contains Phycosaccacharide which is a natural seaweed extract. This helps control the oil (sebum) that your skin produces, keeps down redness and also kills off bacteria that can cause spots.

It also contains AquaCacteen which is a natural cactus extract. This seems to work a little like aloe-vera by reducing irritation and soothing the skin. It also is a deep moisturiser which male skins need but men don't seem to want to use, this way they can moisturise without noticing.

Post Shave Repair Gel

Now this is a type of moisturiser for applying after shaving, some male skin is prone to acne and to add a moisturiser sometimes isn't be best of ideas .. however OXY (who are the top acne product people) have developed a light gel that is good for spots and acne.

Dermatologically tested this gel is the same consistency as the shaving gel, but this is white and not clear (at least you won't muddle them up!). Again it contains Phycosaccharide the seaweed extract to control sebum, reduce redness and kill the nasty bacteria but this product also contains CellActive-MEN a solution which helps to repair and heal micro cuts, brilliant when added to shaved skin.

The gel has a cooling effect which when smoothed onto freshly razor shaved skin feels lovely, redness and ingrowing hairs are reduced. The gel also provides up to 24h hours of hydration like a moisturiser.

All-in-all together OXY Spot Defence Shave Gel and OXY Post Shave Repair Balm are a brilliant combination. To be able to shave well and look after your skin at the same time whilst combating spots and acne .... I think men everywhere will be snapping these off of the shelves.

The products retail at a recommended £4.99 each and are available from more than 450 Boots stores nationwide.

Andy's rating: 8/10

Shloer

Shloer

There's nothing like a glass of bubbly at a party ... but what do you drink if you are pregnant, on medication, under 18, not one for drinking alcohol, the dedicated driver, or even a recovering alcoholic ?? Easy .... Shloer.

Party's are great, you get to let your hair down, chat with friends, maybe have a bit of a boogy .... but not all party's revolve around alcohol! You do not need to drink to have a good time, but sometimes you do get a bit miffed at always have to drink orange juice or fizzy pop.

Shloer has many different flavours, but they have just brought out a Rosé variety. It is a blend of red and white grapes - and is a perfect alternative for those who do not wish to drink.
Shloer also comes in a glass bottle which is a bit posher than a carton or a plastic 2 litre bottle, makes you feel special.

I held a party recently and put a few bottles on the table for people to help themselves, my daughter Emma (8) thought it was great to drink 'wine' (she even used a wine glass), I didn't have to worry about her and she happily helped herself all evening.
I now know what to let her drink on Christmas Day and New Years Eve .. with a little sparkle its like champagne without the headache .. I might even drink it myself.

Now for the taste: Its looks good, lovely colour, nice sparkle .. but I found it a bit sweet for me. I do however prefer white wine to Rosé (as I find Rosé sweet) so this may be why I find the Shloer sweet. My Sister-In-Law loves it! even took a bottle home, she loves Rosé so there must be a connection.

A great alternative to alcohol and boring old pop ... a must for the party season! I'll definitely be stocking up.

Visit http://www.shloer.com/ for cocktail recipes and tips on how to make meals "sparkle".
Available from all major supermarkets - look out for promotions.

Shloer is also on Facebook !!
Their page is reguarly updated with recipe ideas, shopping lists and where Shloer is on offer. Fans can post ideas and recipes on the wall or just share with fellow fans their Shloer party news. To join up with Shloer on Facebook click here: www.facebook.com/shloer

My rating: 8/10

Covonia

Covonia - Bronchial Balsam

How many people do you know who have a cough at the moment? The answer for me is approx 4 ... that's 4 people who are suffering with some sort of cold/cough/virus.

At present it seems that everyone knows someone who is ill, or has been ill themselves in the past few weeks. You work with someone with a sniffle, you get a bit chesty, they phone in with the flu, you come down with it ... and so it goes on.

My husband swears by Covonia, he uses the Chesty Cough variety. As soon as he gets that 'about to come down with a cold' feeling he starts to take Covonia, he insists that the menthol in the medicine eases his cold - it must work as he has 100% attendance at work and never seems to be ill!

I have been asked to review the Bronchial Balsam 'Rapid Impact' cough medicine. Its mighty strong stuff and seems to near-on work instantly, also it tastes very strong and smells potent ... which means (according to my mum) "It must work!".

Covonia Bronchial Balsam is for non-productive coughs, those are the ones that annoy you constantly as however much you cough nothing 'comes out'. It can be used for the common cold and bronchitis with brilliant effects. Rated number 1 in the UK for troublesome coughs it is a non-drowsy formula and so OK to take while at work, but please always follow the recommended dosage.

Priced at £3.51 for 15oml it is a good price for a product that you know works and can ease your cough and symptoms.

Covonia Throat Spray

Has all that coughing and spluttering given you a sore throat? For me a sore throat is the worst bit as my ears end up infected (and I sore like a walrus!).

Covonia Throat Spray is antibacterial and an anaesthetic, this means that it numbs the area and gets rid off all the nasty germs and bacteria that are making your throat worse (and infected .. that's the big white blobby bits on the sides at the back of your throat that hurt).

If like me your ears hurt when your throat is sore, the anaesthetic will also ease the 'tickily' feelings in your ears by numbing the sore bits of your throat. Great hey!

Don't worry though - the spray won't numb your tongue (or should that be "gbum urr ung" - geddit :) ). The spray has a tube to direct the spray onto the sore bits, missing your tongue.

Each spray bottle contains up to 100 doses and is priced at around £4.88

Not recommended for children under 12, please read the label for dosages.

Available from all major supermarkets and chemists.

Rude Health

Rude Health

No Added Sugar and No Added Salt ... phrases we are seeing more and more in our supermarkets, usually though they manufacturers haven't added 'sugar' but they have added 'sweeteners' ... not with Rude Health! I have checked the ingredients list and there is nothing extra added except tons and tons of goodness.

Totally Organic, Wheat-Free, High in fibre, Wholegrain and Non-GM these breakfast cereals have halos! Recommended by the Soil Association they must be good ... so are they?

The answer is yes! Now I'm not a massive fan of porridge, but I tried the Top Banana porridge and its actually really nice. I followed the instructions and made it lovely and creamy, then tucked in :)
Emma didn't like it, she's not a massive fan of breakfast and with it being my first 'porridge making experience' I did make her a bowl big enough to feed all 3 bears!!

So Baby Bear wasn't impressed but Mummy Bear tucked in quite happily. I liked the way the oats were smooth and chewy, there were no husky bits or nasty chewy non-descript lumps. I ate it warm but as the oats are so soft and tender you can eat it cold if you wish (like muesli).

My one concern is the amount of information on the back of the box - I understand that they have a lot to tell me, but I found it all a bit cluttered ... it took me ages to find out the cooking instructions.

However, I was hooked - the Top Banana is lightly flavoured with urm.. banana and the Fruity Date is quite chewy with a nice aftertaste of warm cinnamon.

Available from Tesco Stores - well recommended for the cold mornings coming in now .... just watch out for Goldilocks!!

My rating: 8/10