Heinz Tomato Ketchup blended with Sweet Chilli

For a flavour adventure the whole family will love

Heinz is set to spice up family mealtimes with the taste-bud tingling new flavour of Heinz Tomato Ketchup blended with Sweet Chilli.  

The flavoursome kick of sweet chilli is the perfect accompaniment to the iconic Heinz Tomato Ketchup taste, so Heinz is especially excited to be launching this limited edition sauce. With a brand new modern twist, Heinz has once again created a limited edition flavour set to make meal times even more exhilarating.

In an absolute ‘first’ for Heinz Tomato Ketchup in the UK, Heinz has also produced a special accessory to spice up your bottle which is available exclusively on Facebook! Heinz has teamed up with International Pop Art artist Orla Walsh to design bespoke bottle jackets to make this new addition to the ketchup family even more unique. These super-sweet jackets, inspired by the chillies in the new flavour, zip around your bottle making Heinz Tomato Ketchup blended with Sweet Chilli the perfect new addition to your family dinner table.

Facebook fans can be the very first to get their hands on a bottle of this extra-special limited edition complete with jacket which will be available on the Heinz Tomato Ketchup UK Facebook page from 8^th March. There are two very easy ways to get hold of one the beautifully designed jackets – either enter a daily draw to win this exclusive prize or purchase a bottle of the tantalising new flavour. Each bottle will come wrapped in the chosen Limited Edition bottle jacket, but be quick – there’s only a limited number available!

Those who miss out via Facebook can grab a bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup blended with Sweet Chilli in stores from 10^th March.

As soon as you have your special bottle, all you need to do is add a dollop of Heinz Tomato Ketchup blended with Sweet Chilli to liven up meal times. The unique flavour opens up a whole new world of taste sensations – create a succulent sweet chilli chicken wrap or use as a delicious dip for prawns. As with the rest of the Heinz Tomato Ketchup range, the new limited edition contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

For a flavour adventure the whole family will love, it has to be Heinz Tomato Ketchup with Sweet Chilli.

For more information visit the Heinz Tomato Ketchup UK Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/HeinzKetchupUK or head to the Heinz official website at http://www.heinz.co.uk/ourfood

Colgate 360 toothbrush

Colgate 360 Toothbrush

Most people know that they should change their toothbrush every 3 months, but do people know why?    

I always believed that it was to do with the bristles wearing out, I always think of Roald Dahl as he believed that it was the bristles coming out and being swallowed that led to appendicitis problems ... but this probably isn't true!.                                                       One of the main reasons for changing your toothbrush is because of the germs and bacteria that is held between the bristles, think about it, you have a cold or sore throat, you clean your teeth and those germs are stored on your toothbrush.  Day after day you re-infect yourself when you brush your teeth!

Colgate have brought out a brand new toothbrush.  The Colgate 360° Max White ONE toothbrush features polishing bristles, a cleaning tip and whitening cups which hold toothpaste to help effectively remove surface stains for a naturally whiter smile.

The UK’s Top Oral Health Myths – Demystified

This Oral Health Month, Colgate asked a panel of 250 independent dentists which were the most common oral health myths that they heard from their patients. Working with Dr Simon N Khoury BDS of Northway Dental Practice, Colgate wants to dispel the myths and help people have a better understanding of how to improve their oral health.

Top Ten Oral Health Myths

Myth One: When gums bleed it’s a sign that I’m brushing too hard

On the contrary, bleeding gums are a warning sign indicating that you need to pay more attention to your gums rather than avoid brushing them. Bleeding gums are one of the first symptoms of gum disease and should not be ignored.

Gum disease is inflammation of the gums, caused by bacteria in plaque (a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth). Contrary to common misconception, even the smallest amount of bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth could mean you have gum disease. In fact, gum bleeding is the most common sign of gum disease, together with other typical warning signs including gum swelling, inflammation, redness and recession. The good news is that milder forms of gum disease are reversible if you visit your dentist and follow a good oral health routine - flossing once a day, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and using an anti-bacterial mouthwash, at a different time to brushing, to help protect your gums. The more serious forms of gum disease require professional treatment by your dentist and/or dental hygienist.

Myth Two: Brushing too much can wear away the enamel

There is some truth in this, although only if you’re brushing incorrectly. Brushing too much, too hard or with a hard-bristle brush can, over time, erode your enamel. It’s also important to use an effective brushing technique to help ensure you are cleaning your teeth properly.

To brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gumline, hard-to-reach back teeth, and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration. Concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section as follows:

• Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
• Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
• Clean the chewing surfaces
• Be sure to brush your tongue, too, as the soft tissues in your mouth also harbour bacteria

Proper brushing takes at least two minutes although most people do not come close to brushing that long. To get a feel for the time involved, try using a stopwatch. Finally, to protect enamel it’s important

not to brush directly after eating acidic foods such as citrus fruits and fizzy drinks as that can also weaken the enamel; consider using fluoride mouthwash after acidic foods/drinks then wait at least 45 minutes before brushing.

Myth Three: Good teeth are inherited so there’s not much I can do

While that is a nice excuse to get away with not taking good care of your teeth it’s just not true. While the shape, position and, to some small degree, strength of your teeth may be influenced by your genes, the effectiveness of your personal oral care routine is the biggest factor by far when it comes to having healthy teeth and gums.

Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, using mouthrinse at a different time to brushing and regular dental check-ups will help ensure you have healthy teeth and gums irrespective of the state of your parents’ teeth. Diet also has an impact. Eating lots of calcium rich foods such as cheese and milk and avoiding snacking on sugary foods between meals can help to keep teeth strong.

Myth Four: For every child you have you lose a tooth

A lot of dentists hear this from their patients who believe that during pregnancy the baby depletes the mother’s mineral supplies and makes the mother more susceptible to weakened and damaged teeth. This is a myth and is simply not the case. If the mother practices good brushing and flossing habits, they are no more likely to get cavities during pregnancy than at any other time.

Pregnant women are more susceptible to gum disease, however, and to minimise the effects of pregnancy gingivitis they should practice good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time, flossing every day and using an anti bacterial mouth rinse also may help to control any gum infection. Ask your dentist to check the health of your gums during pregnancy. Dental check-ups are free for pregnant women on the NHS. Should you develop gum disease whilst pregnant it can be treated, and that may involve a professional cleaning by your hygienist as part of a course of gum treatment.

Myth Five: Rubbing teeth with strawberries whitens them

It would be nice to think that this is the case. There is some truth in this due to the fact that strawberries contain a natural fruit acid called muric acid, which can remove some surface stains, but it’s a very temporary effect. For longer term solutions, use a daily whitening toothpaste. If you’re looking to whiten your teeth permanently, then always visit a professional, however, be warned that whitened teeth can be subject to higher sensitivity as the enamel becomes temporarily more porous in the process.

Myth Six: Flossing is bad for your teeth because it makes your gums bleed

If your gums bleed when you floss, this is a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored. Bleeding gums are not normal and are one of the first signs of gum disease. Rather than causing the problem, if your gums bleed when you floss, it merely alerts us to the existing problem. In fact regular flossing helps prevent the problem by allowing the removal of plaque and food particles in the spaces between the teeth and gums in places where a toothbrush can’t easily reach, helping to prevent gum problems. As plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is highly recommended.

To receive maximum benefits from flossing, use the following technique:

·         Starting with about 18 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with

·         Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently past the tight contact point between the teeth

• Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline. Never snap or force the floss. Instead, use gentle deliberate movements to work the floss around your teeth and gums
• Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth
• To remove the floss, use the same back-and-forth motion to bring the floss up and away from the teeth. Releasing one end and gently pulling the floss through can help to get floss out of tight spaces.

Myth Seven: Brushing directly after an acidic meal will reduce damage from enamel erosion

On the contrary, it’s best to wait a while after eating acidic foods because the acid weakens your enamel and if you brush straight afterwards you may be further weakening the enamel.

 It’s best to wait 30 to 60 minutes after each meal before brushing to allow enough time for acidity to neutralise. Consider using fluoride mouthwash after acidic foods/drinks then brushing 45 minutes later.

Myth Eight: Rubbing your teeth with salt is better than toothpaste

No is the simple answer. The Department of Health guidelines recommend we brush our teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a key ingredient to help strengthen and protect the teeth from decay. While salt does contain natural antiseptic properties, it is no substitute for using fluoride.

Myth Nine: Receding gums is all part of getting older, there’s nothing you can do about it

  Receding gums are caused by gum disease and occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth reduces exposing the root of the tooth. It can also be caused by overbrushing. While it is more common in those over the age of 40, it may start as early as in the late teens.

Gum recession is not something that happens overnight. In most cases, receding gums a process that happens gradually from day to day over the years. That explains the fact that it is common over the age of 40. As the changes in the condition of the gums from one day to another are minimal, we get used to the gums' appearance and tend not to notice the changes over longer periods of time.

It’s best to talk to your dentist about how to prevent gums from receding. If the cause is overbrushing then using a softer toothbrush and adapting a more gentle technique will help. Improving oral hygiene habits by flossing daily, using a mouthrinse, at a different time to brushing, and brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste will help prevent gum problems. A professional clean by your hygienist will also help by removing any tartar build-up which is preventing the proper cleaning of the gums.

Myth Ten: Eating parsley neutralises bad breath

While eating parsley can be effective if you’ve just eaten a strong smelling food, the most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Bacteria that coat your teeth, tongue and gums can cause plaque build-up (the soft, sticky deposit that forms on the surface of the teeth), gum disease and dental decay. These bacteria combine with saliva and food in the mouth, breaking down food particles and proteins, which releases an unpleasant-smelling gas. 

If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, any food that is trapped between your teeth will be broken down by the bacteria, causing bad breath. These bacteria can also live in the rough surface of the tongue. Therefore, as well as brushing your teeth, cleaning your tongue can help control bad breath. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be warning sign of gum disease or tooth decay.

 Visit www.facebook.com/ColgateUK to have your questions answered.

Canvas Prints

Canvas Prints

I have recently had a photograph of my daughter Emma printed onto canvas by the internet company http://www.yourimageoncanvas.co.uk/

The ordering procedure and delivery turn around was brilliant!
It was simple to upload my image using their uploading and cropping function, choosing the best size that would suit the quality and size of my image.  I could choose whether I would like the canvas with white or wrapped edges and finally the depth I would like my canvas print to be.

I learned a few things too - for instance did you know that you can have your canvas Acrylic Coated? Acrylic coating protects your canvas from scratches and harmful effects from sunlight (ultra-violet) which can cause fading. There is a very small charge for this extra option (less than £5!).

Other optional extras include Colour (free) or Black and White (0.49p) and you can see how your image will look if you select the black and white option before ordering. 

A very funky option is to transform your canvas print into Popart style, I am thinking of ordering the above image for Emma's bedroom ... I think she would love it!

Delivery was within a few days, my canvas is HUGE and I was worrying about packaging, I needn't have worried as my canvas print came bubble wrapped and wrapped in very tough plastic - it was perfect!



For up-to-date prices and sizes please go and visit the website: http://www.yourimageoncanvas.co.uk/

You can also follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourimageoncanvas

And Twitter: https://twitter.com/YIOC_UK

Highly recommended! Please take a look to price up your next Canvas Print :)

Walkers Pork Pies

PORK PIE TOPS PICNIC POLL

Are you off the the Olympics? Or spending time with the kids taking in our great British countryside? Why don't you take a picnic with you ... When it comes to picnics in the park, a great British food institution – the pork pie – has topped of a new consumer poll for must-have essentials in our hampers this summer! With the good old fashioned sandwich a close second.

The survey, carried out by award-winning Leicestershire piemaker Walkers, showed that nearly 60% of people interviewed voted pork pies as the essential picnic ingredient.

Andy Walton, brand controller for Walkers Pies, which has been making traditional pies from the best cuts of meat for nearly 200 years, said:  “It is heart-warming to know that in these days of commercial food production and dishes from all over the world, that the good old traditional, lovingly-crafted pork pie is still topping the charts as a picnic favourite.

“Whether people are feeling particularly patriotic this year we don’t know, but we certainly believe the great British public know a good thing when they taste it.”

Picnic lovers surveyed were also asked what flavour they would like to try were a new pork pie to be invented.  Suggestions ranged from black pudding and Guinness, tandoori and Chinese barbecue spare rib to “don’t mess with a perfect recipe!”

I have to admit .. I am glad that Walkers haven't messed with the perfect recipe as their pork pies are delicious!  Good thick buttery pastry surrounding a good wedge of pork, the meat was quality cuts, no gristle or odd looking parts, just fine pink pork.

I always eat pork pie cold, but Andy likes to warm his up so the jelly runs out ... however you eat pork pie I was impressed with Walkers Pies - one to try and love!

For more information visit www.walkerspies.co.uk

MOA to the rescue

Bumps, bruises and grazes are all part of growing up, but that doesn't make them any less distressing for little ones…

Moa, the green balm, is made with 100% natural ingredients, including extracts from the yarrow plant, and is perfect for using on children's delicate skin.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), one of Moa’s main ingredients, might look like a fairly unremarkable plant, but it is named after the Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have used it to treat his wounded soldiers on the battlegrounds of Troy.

Today the plant is still used for its powerful properties and, whilst it might not be used to help heal sword wounds anymore, it could aid your children with battles of their own and can help soothe everything from insect bites, to blisters and grazes, making it an essential for any bathroom cabinet.

How to use yarrow

Moa the green balm is crammed with organic yarrow, one of its main active ingredients and provides an easy and effective way to apply the plant extract to the skin. It can be used to soothe, nourish and renew bumps, bites, grazes and minor burns so should be part of every family first-aid kit. It also comes in a mini-sized pot, ideal for keeping in the baby-bag for any sudden emergency.  Moa balm might be able to help soothe sunburn, but the manufacturers would rather you avoided getting sunburnt in the first place!

Moa contains a wholesome blend of other 100% natural ingredients such as tea tree, coconut oil, soya bean oil, sweet almond oil and beeswax, with no nasty ingredients giving every mother peace of mind when using it on their child.  Moa the green balm contains yarrow and soy bean oils and is so not recommended during pregnancy.

The balm looks a little like a tub of lipbalm, the blend has a mild smell of tea tree which is fantastic as sometimes tea tree can be very strong and off-putting ... this is quite mild and so smells clean and fresh.
I spread some on Andy's nettle stung fingers earlier (don't ask!) he was complaining about 'not being able to find a dock leaf when you need one' so I dug out my pot of Moa and smoothed it on his poorlys.  All was fine for 2 minutes when he started to scream "It stings! its burning!" ... now I am not sure if Andy is a big numpty or if it really did sting, so please be cautious on first use.  He washed it off and put on some 'white cream' and was fine.

I have since spread some on my lips (as they were a bit sore) and they are fine .. so different people, different reactions.

Moa is also good for tattoo or piercing care as it doesn't contain petroleum or lanolin which can clog pores and pull the colour from your new tattoo.  It is also suitable for permanent make-up tattooing as it can be used around the delicate eye area.

Moa is suitable for vegetarians as it does not contain lanolin or petrochemicals/mineral oil.  It is also suitable for sensitive skin types.

Moa the green balm starts at £4.99 for a 15ml pot and £9.99 for 50ml for your bathroom cabinet.

To buy and for more info about Moa or yarrow ask at your local health store or visit www.thegreenbalm.com

Beyond Organic Skincare

Beyond Organic Skincare was set up to do exactly what it says on the tin, go beyond simply providing organic beauty products. They felt that whilst there was a growing number of organic beauty brands on the market there was a lack of products that went that extra mile; that were organic, but also paid attention to the finer details.

Whilst producing products that help protect our planet is central to Beyond Organic’s beliefs, they don’t want people to have to settle for inferior products at a higher price just to have the organic tag. They aim to provide highly effective products that really make a difference to the health of your skin, that protect it from harmful chemicals and the elements, whilst giving it the love and attention it deserves through gorgeous high quality skincare.

With their latest new product launches they have certainly lived up to their name and ethos…

Daily SPF 30 Protection - 50ml pump bottle £25.60.

A 100% Natural & Organic Sun Filter Cream giving UVA & UVB protection.

·    Does not whiten the skin or clog the pores.

·    Zinc Oxide is a mineral sun filter.

·    Helps the fight against aging in two ways – it protects from the harmful rays and defends against UV damage. 

·    The strong antioxidants are rich in retinol, which prevents premature aging, minimises wrinkles and reduces scar tissue.

Apply daily, especially before any exposure to sun. 

Re-apply regularly as needed, particularly after swimming.  

Remember to use also in winter and on cloudy days as the suns rays can still cause damage.  Can be used under mineral make up.  

Beyond Organic’s Daily SPF 30 Protection Cream definitely doesn't scrimp on the quality of their organic ingredients with Organic Macadamia Oil, Shea Butter, Rosehip Oil and Beeswax being listed alongside other equally effective natural ingredients. There’s also zinc oxide which acts as a natural mineral sun filter, and the cream is jam packed with anti-oxidants, such as retinol, to help prevent premature aging, minimise wrinkles and reduce scar tissue. What’s more it has been specially formulated so it doesn't whiten the skin or clog pores. Perhaps most importantly, the product fulfils their promise of going that extra mile, and smell and feel gorgeous on your skin, coming in high quality packaging that wouldn’t look out of place in the most exclusive of spas, but without the celebrity price tag. 

Ingredients:

Daily SPF 30 Protection; Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Rose Hydrolat (Rosa damascene)*, Macadamia Oil (Macadamia Integrifolia)*, Shea Butter (Vitellaria Paradoxa)*, Olive Leaf Emulsifier (Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate), Rosehip Oil (Rosa Canina)*, Beeswax (Cera Alba)*, Lecithin (Lyosolecithin)*, Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil (Hippophae rhamnoides)*, Corn (Propanediol), Willow Bark Extract (Salix Alba), Essential Oils (Containing Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Cinnamate, Citral, Geraniol, Linalool, Limonene)* *Organic Ingredients (50.5%)

 My thoughts: 

A little goes a long way, the cream rubs in easily but feels and looks very very greasy, for a facial product this gives a 'shimmer' effect but also a 'sweaty' effect, I am not totally convinced about using it underneath mineral makeup.

The product reminds me of babies sun block, but it does go clear instead of giving the whitewash look ... however you would struggle to put on delicate clothing on after smothering yourself in the cream as it is still greasy to the touch after leaving it to sink in for 10 minutes.

I like the way they have used natural products, particularly Shea Butter which is fantastic for keeping your skin supple an healthy.  I am also impressed at how the cream blocks both UVA and UVB rays which damage the skin and can cause skin cancer.  The non-pore blocking is also fantastic as it does not contain aluminium salts which some people find aggravates acne or causes flare-ups on their skin of small pimples, this is a good property for the sun cream to have.

I like the cream, it has its good points (non-pore blocking, good coverage, contains shea butter and natural ingredients) but the greasy look and the fragrance (it is a little off-putting as it smells like a cross between cough sweets and rose hips), plus the price put me off purchasing the cream.

Update!! .... it also attracts flies, since testing the cream on the back of my hand a little blue bottle will not leave my hand alone! This isn't a very good quality for a sun cream!

For more information: www.beyondskincare.co.uk

http://www.beyondorganicskincare.com/organic-face-care-products/daily-spf-30-protection-50ml 

   

Gaymers Cider

Wish for summer with a chilled bottle of 

Gaymers Cider.

Whether you prefer the refreshing core range of Apple and Pear cider or the two new mouth-watering flavours, Pear Cider with Raspberry and Pear Cider with Cherry & Apple, Gaymers is sure to get taste buds tingling on hot days. 

Get ready to swap your umbrella for a parasol and enjoy the sunny weather while it lasts with a cider in hand!

I am off to some 4x4 Shows over the next few weeks with my Land Rover, I am sure I will be sat outside my caravan cider in hand watching the world go by.   My favourite of the new flavours is Pear with Cherry & Apple, its fruity and refreshing, but must be served freezing cold (I pour over ice).  Andy prefers the regular Gaymers Pear Cider, again freezing cold while sat in the sun - he says the fruity new ones are 'girls drinks' but when we ran out of pure pear he didn't turn down a pear and raspberry version!

Remember to drink responsibly - each bottle is alc. 4% vol  which works out as 2.0 UK units. It is recommended that women drink no more than 2-3 units per day and men 3-4 units per day.   This means that one-two bottles are enough - to relax and wind down without exceeding your limit.

Please visit www.facebook.com/gaymers for more information.

The new flavours from Gaymers Cider are available in Morrisons and Tesco supermarkets nationwide (£1.69 - £1.89).