Nelsons Travella

Nelsons Travella

I have always been travel sick, when I was a kid we couldn't even get as far as the motorway before the windows were open and the doubled up carrier bags were out !!

I have tried all sorts of cures:

• Sitting on newspaper while sipping lemonade
• Eating ginger biscuits
• Having the window open
• Sitting in the middle of the car
• Listening to music
• Always traveling forwards and not backwards
• Not eating before a journey
• Eating before a journey
• Wearing different types of bands on my wrists

When I was pregnant was the best one, we had a 2 seater sports car and I made my husband drive 100 miles with the top down in December ... we were frozen (but I wasn't sick!).

Anyhow back to the product, Nelsons Travella is a natural homeopathic remedy for travel sickness.  The tablets contain a selection of homeopathic remedies combined to bring soothing relief for all the symptoms associated with travel sickness.

What makes Nelsons Travella different to other products is that they are suitable for all the family (any age), and they do not cause drowsiness.  I have found this point to be really really good as for example if you are about to travel across the channel to France but need the sickness relief for the boat trip .. if you are the driver you have no worries about drowsiness for your drive down the the dock and when you reach the other side.  With the kids it doesn't matter so much, but as a parent you need to stay awake and alert not only for driving but to keep your young family safe if you have one.

Homeopathy uses the bodies natural healing processes to stop you feeling poorly, there are no side effects and has been used for years.  In fact Nelsons themselves have been promoting natural care since 1860!

The tablets are small and white they can be sucked or chewed (great for younger children or people who cannot take tablets).  The dosage is simple but needs to be followed for good results (in other words you have to take them as stated on the box), two tablets every hour two hours before the journey, then two tablets hourly during the journey (if necessary).

So for a 2 hour journey you will need to take four tablets in total before setting off, then a further four should you need them during the journey.  The box contains 72 tablets so one box is good for quite a few trips.

The tablets do contain lactose and sucrose so if you are lactose intolerant then please check with your doctor before taking them.  Also if you are pregnant then check first with your doctor or midwife before taking any type of medication or homeopathic remedy.

For more information about the product and other homeopathic remedies in the range please visit Nelsons

simplehuman Round Retro Pedal Bin

Round Retro Pedal Bin

Recently we brought a caravan, not a new one just a nice older one... well anyway we have been out in it a few times and I was getting a bit fed up of hanging a plastic carrier bag off of the door handle (plus it dripped all down the door which wasn't pleasant).

So my aim was to find a good sized dustbin that wouldn't swamp the caravan and get in the way, but was also dog proof, vermin proof and fly proof.  Our Ruby is clever enough to put her paw onto the pedal and open the lid, but my plan is to keep the bin in the awning but still look funky (well it would have to match the awning wouldn't it!).

So I contacted simplehuman about their Round Retro Pedal Bins, they have six colours to suit every kitchen or bathroom. 

I chose a red bin because my caravan and awning are burgundy, the bin itself is pretty sturdy and would survive rolling around the inside of the van during transit if it ever fell over, although it fits lovely underneath the table for travelling (might even fit in the bottom bathroom cabinet, will have to check that!).

Features include:

•all-steel pedal with a solid steel beam that runs from the tip of the pedal all the way to the back of the bin for maximum durability. This is engineered and tested to last over 150,000 steps - that's over 20 steps a day for 20 years
•simplehuman’s exclusive lid shox® air suspension shocks that control the motion of the domed lid for a slow, silent close
•fingerprint-proof finish resists smudges to keep stainless steel shiny (brushed steel only)
•innovative bag tuck® perforated opening that prevents messy bag overhang
•flared side handles that help make the bin easy to move
•sturdy, non-skid base keeps the bin steady
•10 year warranty

Yes you read that correct .. a TEN year warranty which you register online, so they must be pretty confident that the Round Retro Pedal Bin's are sturdy and efficient.

What I like is that the inside bucket comes out, this means that if your bag does leak then you can take out the bucket and give it a good clean.  Also after a while bins can get a bit whiffy so being able to clean it properly will keep the bin in tip-top shape and smelling fresh too.

The bins come in a variety of sizes:

30 litre version
•dimensions: 35.4cm wide x 38.3cm deep x 69.4cm high
•colours: green, cream, black, dark grey, brushed steel
•price: £99.99

20 litre version
•dimensions: 35.4cm wide x 38.4cm deep x 45.9cm high
•colours: brushed steel
•price: £79.99

6 litre version
•dimensions: 34cm wide x 27.3cm deep x 34.2cm high
•colours: brushed steel
•price: £39.99

3 litre version
•dimensions: 19.4cm wide x 22.3cm deep x 26.9cm high
•colours: blue, pink, green, red, white and brushed steel
•price: £24.99

Available now from http://www.simplehuman.co.uk/
 
simplehuman products are also available from the following...

National retailers:
John Lewis,  Homebase,  Habitat,  Bhs,  B & Q,  Wilkinson.

Catalogue & online retailers:
Argos,  Amazon,  Lakeland,  Littlewoods,  Tesco,  ASDA direct,  Sainsbury's,  gochic.

Sodastream

When I was little we had a Sodastream machine, it was a super cool gadget to own and it was great being able to drink pop so cheap (the alternative was having bottles of pop delivered by the milkman and having to return the bottles).

Back then (now I am only 32 so I am talking about 25 years ago) the machines were very chunky and you had to push a button to get the fizz into the water .. I have found the old advert from the 1980's:



These days Sodastream have made their machines more sleek, sophisticated and swish, the styling is very space age and wouldn't look out of place in any kitchen.
I have been trialing the Sodastream Pure, their latest and award winning Sodastream machine.

The Pure comes with a 60 litre aluminium gas cylinder and two carbonating bottles.
One bottle has a plastic bottom and top, the other metal bottom and top .. if anyone knows 'why' then can you please share the reason with me! I am presuming one keeps the fizz better in the fridge? or is better for travelling? if you have any idea then please comment below.

As with the old Sodastream drinks makers you have to wait for the BUZZZZZ sound and let it buzz three times for the best fizzyness, this noise scared me as a child and I must admit makes me jump now.  Our dog Ruby is terrified of the Sodastream and hides when we use it.
 



Using the drinks makers are simple (whichever design you choose), you just fill up the bottles with cold tap water to the line, insert it into the drinks maker and secure.  Then hold the button (or pull forward the button on the Pure machine) until it buzz's 3 times.  Let off the pressure by pulling the bottle forward and unscrew.
Choose a flavour of Sodastream cordial to add and pour in the correct measurement, bottle top on, turn the bottle to mix (DO NOT SHAKE!) and hey presto you have fizzy pop !!  Simple.

Emma is fascinated with the Sodastream drinks maker, we received little pods of all the different flavours available, she has had a lovely time testing them all one-by-one.  You can buy the pods from Sodastream or buy the bottles of cordial which is what we are going to do when the pods run out.  Having the sample sizes were great as we now know which flavours are our favourite and which we are not too keen on.

I love the Cranberry and Raspberry, Emma prefers the Mango and Apple whereas Andy is happy with any flavour that we give him.  At £2.99 - £3.99 a bottle they are great value for money, each bottle makes 12 litres so you are talking 25p-33p a litre of fizzy pop .. which is excellent and less than a can in the shops.  One litre easily filled 3 tumbler sized glasses right to the top with a little left over.

The gas canisters are reasonable too.  When you buy your SodaStream drinks maker, a full CO2 gas cylinder is included in your starter pack. With this drinks maker pack, you receive a one-off ‘user licence’ which entitles you to use the gas cylinder throughout the life of your drinks maker. When the gas in the cylinder is used up, you exchange the empty cylinder for a full one, paying only the cost of the gas refill.

For the Pure machine the exchanged full bottle costs £8.99 as its a 60 litre bottle, for other machines the bottles are smaller and cost £4.99  (prices as per Sodastream website 04/08/10).  To find out where you can exchange your bottle just use their nifty Store Locator.

Sodastream Drinks Machines are available online directly from Sodastream, or from Argos and Comet.  For the cordials you can buy direct or from most high street supermarkets (just check before you make a special journey though as smaller stores may not stock Sodastream).

Also for ideas, tips, hints and deals follow Sodastream on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/sodastreamuk and Follow them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Sodastreamuk?ref=mf

All-in-all get fizzing and take yourself back to your childhood ... let your kids make their own pop for a fraction of shop brought and I bet they waste less than the 'top' brands too :)

Lands' End

To help beginner gardeners plan what to grow and where, the technical folk at Lands' End have created an easy-to-use widget.

The widget is a really handy little tool to help choose what plant is going to be right in different situations: in pots or in beds, in shade or in bright sun and so on.

Never again will you plant a full sun flower in a shady corner or a plant that likes to be cool in full sun :) handy hey!

Scroll down to give it a try and re-design your garden today!

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Outdoors

From down gilets and raincoats to ladies parka jackets & coats, you'll love the warmth and comfort our outerwear provides

Swim

We offer a wide range of ladies swimwear from one piece swimsuits and Tankinis to beachwear, bikinis and cover up swimwear

Men

Our men's clothing is all about endurance, our men's trousers, chinos, jeans and casual shirts are all made to last

Women

Our women's clothing is timeless, from coats and jackets to gilets and knitwear, you'll be spoilt for choice!

Heinz Salad Cream with Lemon and Black Pepper

Heinz Salad Cream with Lemon and Black Pepper

Heinz is an iconic brand, Heinz Salad Cream is world renowned as the best Salad Cream there is .. and I will agree,

I am one of these weird people who like to put Salad Cream on almost anything (obviously not ice cream!), my favourite is Salad Cream on sausages and people always look at me strangely when I am smothering my sausage bap in Salad Cream.

However ... Salad Cream isn't just for salad, now Heinz have proved this by bringing out a variety with Lemon & Black Pepper.

The new sauce is aimed at your regular favourite salads and cold foods, but also chicken and fish now play a role in the salad creams 'menu'.

The new flavour is the brainchild of Heinz Salad Cream Senior Brand Manager Lynsey Hurst, who came up with the idea whilst making a sandwich on a quiet night in.

Experimenting by stirring a squeeze of lemon and a twist of black pepper into some Heinz Salad Cream, she gave the sauce a tangy freshness she really liked.

Excited by her creation, the next day she brought it to the office for everyone to try. Less than a year later Lynsey is bringing the unique new taste direct from her kitchen to supermarket shelves everywhere for fans to enjoy.

Heinz Salad Cream Lemon and Black Pepper blends the freshness of lemon and the bite of black pepper with the great taste of this British favourite, adding a delicious and flavoursome twist.
Heinz Salad Cream with Lemon and Black Pepper goes especially well with chicken or fish.

Mix with tuna to perk up sandwiches, great served with salmon fillets or add to chicken quesadillas for a touch of citrusy freshness.

For more inspiration visit http://www.heinz.co.uk/ and discover a wealth of delicious recipe ideas to try that are perfect for Autumn, including wraps, pasta, meat & seafood - all featuring the distinctive flavour of Heinz Salad Cream with Lemon and Black Pepper.

Apparently I am not the only person to add Heinz Salad Cream to different foods, . During World War II, when many ingredients were in short supply & Heinz Tomato Ketchup was taken off the shelves, the nation reached for Heinz Salad Cream to add a tasty zing to the often bland ration food.

There are loads of recipes on the Heinz website to try out their new Salad Cream with Lemon and Black Pepper, here is an example to tempt you:

Creamy Lemon Chicken
Serves 4

Preparation time
10 minutes
Cooking time
35 minutes

Ingredients:
4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
250g shallots, peeled, trimmed and halved
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
150ml dry white wine
200g half fat crème fraiche
200ml chicken stock
3 tbsp Heinz Salad Cream Lemon & Black Pepper
10g chives, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon

Method:
Season the chicken breasts and pan fry in a large non stick frying pan with a tablespoon of olive oil until brown on both sides, and remove.
Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and brown the shallots.
Add the garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds before adding in the wine, simmer and reduce by half.
Return the chicken to the pan and whisk in the crème fraiche and chicken stock and gently boil for 20 minutes, turning the chicken over halfway.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove and keep warm. Reduce the sauce to your desired consistency finishing it with Heinz Salad Cream Lemon & Black Pepper, chives, lemon zest, and seasoning.
Serve creamy lemon chicken with cooked Aunt Bessie's Frozen Homestyle Mashed Potato, tenderstem broccoli and carrots.

Heinz Salad Cream Lemon and Black Pepper will be available in all major supermarkets for a limited time only, from September 2010 - don’t miss out!

RRP: £1.15 - 295g Handy Pack bottle

Harvest Cheweee

Harvest Cheweee Bars

Hands up how many of you get sick of putting chocolate bars into the kids lunchboxes? Who hates cereal bars because they are dry and rabbit foody?

Have you tried Harvest Cheweee bars? They are 'cereal' bars that contain 91 calories AND chocolate !!
The bars are moist and cheweee, not hard and grainy. They are full of wheat and oats so full of wholegrain goodness without you realising it.


Each box contains 9 bars which means one a day for the lunchbox and some to snack on at home as well (cool hey!) or if the kids raid the cupboards you won't have to scream "You'll be hungry tomorrow now!" as you will still have some left.

They are also individually wrapped so keep fresh and can be stored easily.





Harvest Cheweee bars contain:

• Fibre
• No Artificial Colours
• Vitamins and Iron
• and are from a Nut Free factory
  

Harvest Cheweee come with Milk chocolate chips, White chocolate chips, Toffee pieces and also Marshmallow.

I personally liked the milk the most, then the white but didn't like the marshmallow as they were quite sweet, I think I still have some lurking at the back of the cupboard so I am presuming Emma didn't like them either. I haven't tried the toffee and so can't comment on that variety.

Anyhow - good source of fibre, low calories, great for a snack .. all good stuff.

Available from all major supermarkets.

Camitz Vodka

Camitz Vodka

I'll admit, I thought I knew quite a lot about vodka (well I have been tiddled on it quite a few times in the past) but this 'sparkling' vodka has baffled me.

Camitz Sparkling Vodka is a unique and extraordinary 100% all natural and refreshing Sparkling Vodka made in Sweden.
They use only the highest quality grain from the celebrated wheat fields of Scandinavia. The water is sourced from Swedish ice-age springs which contain the perfect balance of minerals to produce such exceptionally superior Vodka.

Camitz Sparkling Vodka is 40% alc/vol and has been continuously distilled five times before its carbonation. The all natural source of carbonation is specially filtered for our use and is documented to be the cleanest gas of its kind in the world.

Camitz Sparkling Vodka brings a whole new meaning to the world of Vodka, and quite simply is an experience you will never forget.

But how do you drink it? neat? as a cocktail? like champagne? Answer: A three!!

Camitz Sparkling Vodka matches perfectly with delicate flavors like fresh seafood, particularly sushi and raw bar favorites such as oysters and shellfish, where the elegant bubbles enhance salinity while the natural sweetness of the vodka balances acidity, creating a truly sensational taste experience.
The vodka is also highly recommended with steak, salmon and foie gras giving those who really know their food a tasting adventure second to none.

Camitz Sparkling Vodka offers the ultimate shot, served straight or combined with your favourite mixer.

Camitz Sparkling Vodka is also a truly innovative mixological ingredient and, with the aroma release acting as a guarantee of the spirits purity, a high quality sipping vodka that will enhance the flavours in classic cocktail recipes.

Camitz Vodka Cocktail Recipe PDF *Click to download*

So do you have to drink it all in one go?
Well yes and no ... if you use a champagne stopper then it will keep bubbling for up to 3 days. Basically while fizzy drink it chilled and treat it as a Champagne - but serve like a Vodka.

When its flat do I have to tip it away?
No no no no no! Never waste alcohol!! ;) when its gone flat its just normal vodka, so use it as a regular vodka in your mixers etc...

Camitz Vodka comes in a range of bottle sizes: 200ml, 350/375ml and 700/750ml.

Available from a variety of stockists worldwide, please visit http://www.camitzvodka.com/ for more information.