Testing Elizabeth Grant Skincare Hydra Cell Active Range

As a 50+ woman I am always on the look out for the Holy Grail of skincare products - in other words those that both offer effective protection against anti-ageing and are within my budget.

I was recently sent three new products from the Elizabeth Grant Skin Care Hydra Cell Active range which are exclusive to Ideal World who recently launched the brand's highly successful Collagen Reinforce range in the UK.

I will be giving these a thorough road test over the next 28 days and these are my initial thoughts about the products.

My 52 year old face!

Whilst the Elizabeth Grant range is new to me, the company is hugely successful in Canada and focuses on producing highly advanced luxury skincare products using the company's exclusive anti-ageing compound called Torricelumn™.

This is a blend of vitamins, proteins, botanicals and anti-oxidants designed to penetrate into the skin to make it firmer, smoother and younger looking.

Torricelumn™ was discovered by Elizabeth Grant in 1948 when she discovered a natural substance that was used to treat war wounds. She had it specially formulated with other ingredients and began applying it to her own damaged skin. Gradually, she found there was a very noticeable transformation and within eight months, she was able to discard the dark glasses and drooping hats that she had been wearing to disguise her skin in public.

Elizabeth went on to become a professional make-up artist to the stars but this anti-ageing compound has now been added to the Hydra Cell Active range whose key ingredients are all designed to bind up to 1000 times their weight in water to give maximum hydration and a plumping effect.

The range contains products for face and body and I was sent:-

Hydra Cell Active Intensive Hydra Treatment Activating Liquid
Hydra Cell Active Day And Night Face Cream
Hydra Cell Active Day And Night Eye Cream

The first thing that strikes you is the packaging which has a very classy 'e' embossed on the lid.  When you open the creams, there is also a silver foil seal over a white plastic protector - three layers to protect the cream inside.

Hydra Cell Active Intensive Hydra Treatment Activating Liquid

Elizabeth Grant Hydra Cell Active Treatment 55ml is an intensely hydrating skin treatment that helps to restore the look of plumpness and volume to the skin. You apply a small amount to your face and neck before moisturizer.

The product contains a combination of Tri-Complex Hyaluronics which helps reduce the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These provide skin with a moisture barrier which helps lock in hydration and delivers moisturisation throughout the day. The liquid also contains Torricelumn™ and tamarind seed extract.

This treatment is designed to help to tighten the look of skin, leaving it feeling lifted and, over time skin is promised to feel more supple and smooth, with a decrease in the look of lines and a reduction in dryness.

The product is 2 phase and you need to add the Sodium Hyaluronate Powder which is contained in a flat lid, then discarding this and replacing this with the stopper-lid and shaking the liquid to mix.

There is no fragrance and the resulting white liquid is quite runny and drops easily.  You really do only need a couple of drops and the product absorbs immediately without leaving any sticky residue.

Hydra Cell Active Day And Night Face Cream

This cream delivers hydration, to tighten and plump the look of skin, and helps to decrease the look of lines. Also formulated with the combination of Tri-Complex Hyaluronics, it helps protects the skin from dryness, delivers moisture, and hydrates the skin throughout the day. I'm particularly interested in this one as it claims to help skin appear plumper, make cheeks looks fuller and also reduce the look of hollows under the eyes.

This product also contains peptide technology to decrease the appearance of deep wrinkles, collagen to help to improve the look of facial contours and firm up the appearance of skin and Edelweiss plant stem cells to help to improve the skin’s overall complexion.

I found the face cream had a pleasant fragrance, was quite light and runny and, again, was very easily absorbed.  I did find it made my skin tingle ever so slightly but this effect was short lived. My skin did feel rehydrated and it kept the two annoying small patches of dry skin around my mouth at bay for a few hours. Not bad for a first application.

Hydra Cell Active Day And Night Eye Cream

This eye cream is designed to reduce the look of ageing around the delicate eye area with this moisturising cream and its formulation complements the other two products.  As well as the combination of Tri-Complex Hyaluronics, it contains Torricelumn™ and marine collagen extract, and Silk Tree bark extract and darutoside from siegesbeckia orientalis help to provide the look of a lifted upper eyelid, reduce the appearance of puffiness, and minimise the look of crow’s feet and dark circles.

The eye cream has a thicker consistency and no fragrance and, again, it was easily absorbed. There was no tingling from the eye cream.

The Hydra Cell Active range is available from Ideal World.TV and all three products are priced £29.95 for the bundle but they are usually priced together at £87.97 so there is a whopping saving of 65%.

Nevertheless, these days we all want the maximum bang for our buck so I will be testing these three products over the next month and reporting back.

On first test, things look promising. I love the formulation of the products and the packaging and despite some initial tingling, my skin quickly settled down and looked refreshed.

You can stay connected with the home of shopping TV, Ideal World, on Sky 654, Freeview 22, Virgin 747, Freesat 812 and online at www.idealworld.tv.

*PR samples were received for the writing of this post.

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5 Great Reasons To Explore Mauritius

When I got married in 2011 the Husband and I decided to postpone our honeymoon since we had two small children. 5 years later and we still have no honeymoon and two much bigger children.

But I have been compiling a list of fabulous places on my honeymoon wish list and my latest addition is the beautiful island of Mauritius.

Whilst we appreciate a beautiful beach, neither of us are avid sunbathers so our dream destination has to have lots of things to do and see.  We like to immerse ourselves in different cultures.

Mauritius is often referred to as the Continent Island because its people is such a diverse mix of Europeans, Africans, Indians and Chinese. Mauritians pride themselves on being able to live and respect different ethnic origins.

And whilst there are some stunning beaches, there are 5 (at least!) very good reasons to visit - whether you are on a honeymoon or not.

Soak up the local culture in the island's capital city Port Louis

Port Louis Vegetable Market

Port Louis is the heart of the island and the capital city was founded in 1735 by French governor Mahé de La Bourdonnais, whose colonial buildings are still to be seen. You can visit the the colourful vegetable market and sample delicious street food and an array of restaurants.

Explore Mauritius' Cultural Heritage Sites

Mauritius has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites,  Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne.

Situated further up the coast on the bay of Trou Fanfaron in Port Louis, Aapravasi Ghat is the original immigration depot where Mauritus was the first colony to receive indentured labourers after the abolition of slavery. More than half a million immigrants arrived between 1834 and the 1920s to work in the sugar plantations. The site became a National Monument in 1987 and a World Heritage Site 19 years later, and the official commemoration of the arrival of indentured labourers is held there every year in November.

Le Morne Brabant is a mountain on the Le Morne Peninsula in the extreme south west of Mauritius where runaway slaves came to shelter through the 18th and early 19th centuries. They formed communities in the caves which lie nearly hidden on the slopes of the mountain.

You can explore the Government House as well as the historic Port Louis Theatre, the Central Post Office, the Court of Justice building and the old prison.

There is also the Vieux Grand Port historical route which has several historical monuments including the Dutch landing site.

Indulge in some fine dining

There are plenty of culinary experiences to be had in Mauritius, from Michelin-starred chefs fine dining to enticing street food. Visitors are advised to try the delicate heart of palm salad, dhol puris, samosas, gateaux arouille and gateaux piments. Eating out is very popular among the locals. There are also cultural festivals like the Chinatown Festival which attracts thousands of Mauritians.

Then there is the international, award winning rum ( a happy by-product of the island's sugar cane industry), tea from Mauritius' traditional tea fields and Mauritian vanilla, amongst the world's best.

Explore The Island With Your Kids

Since our chances of childcare are confined to the odd evening here and there, it is entirely possible we'll have to take the kids.

Luckily most of the island's resorts have kids' clubs where dedicated staff look after the younger visitors with special activities, events and offers. There are also amusement parks and museums such as The Blue Penny Museum, home of the world’s most expensive stamp, the National History Museum where the bones of the Dodo are kept or the Mahebourg Naval Museum.

Did you know you can also go zip lining as Mauritius has the longest zip lines in the Indian Ocean which allow you to view breathtaking surrounding and have magnificent views of the forest canopy?

The island is also abundant in wildlife.  You can make friends with 100 year old tortoises, Mauritian Kestrels or Pink Pigeons, and bright hued Macaws.  There are also 1,500 Nile crocodiles around and  you can take a picture of a baby crocodile in your hand.

You can take a safari and see lions and giraffes or watch dolphins playing in the bay at sunrise.

There's plenty to do to keep your family occupied (while mum tests a little more of that rum ....).

Go Off The Beaten Track

If you're a bit more adventurous, you can go trekking to discover Le Pouce Mountain where you will find stunning views of Port Louis, Le Morne or the Black River Gorges. You can even try canyoning, an adventure sport gaining momentum in Mauritius.

You can take an off-the-beaten-track tour on foot in the city center or a bicycle tour of a former sugar estate to learn about Mauritian hospitality and the local way of life or explore the sea on a submarine trip or under sea walk where you can explore the local coral reefs and shipwrecks.

Whether you are on a honeymoon or just a holiday, there is plenty to discover on Mauritius!

If you are getting married and are planning your honeymoon in a more organised fashion than we did, it's worth knowing that all resorts have dedicated wedding planners.  And, if you are lucky, you may be invited to a lavish and colouful Mauritian wedding.

I'll be muttering about renewing our vows in the Husband's ear.  Wish me luck.

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City To Countryside In 2 Hours: 3 On Trend Weekend Getaways

At the end of the week, why not buckle up your seatbelts and head straight to the countryside for a weekend retreat? Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, as well as sharing their Shire titles, also boast a conveniently close proximity to London. This, combined with their stunning scenery, makes these spots the ideal counties to escape to.

Below is a roundup of the most idyllic hotels to stay in for a weekend away from the city.

The Mews at Sopwell House, Hertfordshire: 1 hour drive from London

Sopwell House

 Originally an old stable block, the newly renovated Hertfordshire oasis comprises 16 Mews set within the 12-acre grounds of the stunning Georgian manor house, Sopwell House.

With the choice of studio, one bedroom and duplex mews houses, each of the properties is styled in a quintessentially British manner. The glamorous retreats benefit from full use of the Sopwell House Hotel’s elegant restaurants and award-winning spa.

The Mews surround a stunning communal botanical garden with a hydrotherapy pool, designed by Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Ann-Marie Powell. Many have their own private terraces with sunken hot tubs.

Sopwell House

The Mews at Sopwell House is at Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, AL1 2HQ.  For reservations, please call: 01727 864477.

Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire: 2 hour drive from London

This escape needs no introduction. Belonging to one of the most exclusive group of members clubs in the world, there’s no wonder why Soho Farmhouse has been frequented by the likes of Henry Holland, Princess Eugenie and Alexa Chung. The charming seven-bedroom farmhouse is set in 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside and the retreat boasts a four-bedroom cottage as well as 40 additional cabins. Activities on offer include pony hacks across the fields, tennis on the all-weather courts, boating from the boathouse pontoon and football on the five-a-side grass pitch.

Soho Farmhouse is at Great Tew, Chipping Norton, OX7 4JS.  For reservations, please call: 01608 691000.

Coworth Park, Berkshire: 1 hour drive from London.

Located in acres of picturesque parkland– this luxurious country house hotel on the borders of Windsor Great Park boasts high-end style coupled with a countryside ambience. As part of the prestigious Dorchester collection of hotels, the retreat comprises a Georgian style Mansion House and self-contained converted Stables and Cottages. An understated palette of subtle colours lends an air of calm to the spacious rooms and suites. The hotel also offers a spa as well as equestrian and polo facilities.

Coworth Park is at Blacknest Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7SE.  For reservations, please call 01344 876600.

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Preparing For Your Daughter's Prom

I'm sure you've seen photos and Facebook statuses of beautifully dressed teenagers attending their prom recently. I know my niece, Georgia, looked gorgeous. If it's your daughter's turn next year, here's how you can help her to prepare for her milestone event now.

As parents we understand that our daughters like to have a say in their life decisions! From the time when she ate her first candy floss, to the time she learned to park the car, the bond between you has only grown stronger over the years. It's great to have those special times when you can grow even closer to your children, and prom time is surely one of those. Your daughter will be nervous, excited and will also want your help to make this moment a special one. You can help her by starting to plan as early as possible to give you both all the time you need to prepare and budget.

Spring next year will herald the arrival of prom time in high school. She will soon enter into the world of 'grown-ups’. She will soon take her first step towards adulthood. So, what should you do to make her at ease? How should you help her? Will she need your assistance or not? Well, the answer is yes for, apart from calming her and giving her confidence that she will look beautiful during her prom, you should also help her to choose the best on-trend dress to suit her figure.

Finding the right dress is crucial as it is an integral part of your daughter’s prom experience and it's something you can do together. Last minute shopping is never advised as your daughter will need plenty of time to select her special gown. Your daughter will love it if you can help her to select from the stylish collection of 2016 prom dresses. Give her advice while she’s checking some dresses; make sure she is confident that the dress fits perfectly too.

You could also check the latest trends and also what the celebrities wore at the red carpet. Ask about your daughter’s preferences and advise her on dresses based on her body type. Don’t forget to ask about their school’s prom dress code, too. Is there a theme? Does she want a royal, a mermaid or a princess look? Select a dress based on her preferred color; maybe she wants to wear her favorite aqua, coral or ivory. Also ask whether she wants to wear a gown, two-piece dress or perhaps a ball gown.

Before you choose any dress, check relevant social media pages and read reviews about prom dress stores. You can check out Prom Dress Shop to view their collection and read tips and reviews when you visit their Facebook page.

Here are other items to keep in your checklist:

• Accessories: Choose accessories that complement with her dress
• Shoes: Should be comfortable and must go well with her dress
• Hairdo: Check whether she will require a professional to do her hairdo
• Nails: Manicure and Pedicure
• Gloves
• Intimates
• Purse
• Boutonniere
• Essential makeup products

Whether you are looking for Sherry Hill or Jovani dresses, you will get all major designer dresses at PromDressshop.com. You will also find all your queries answered in their FAQ’s section.

A prom holds a special place in a family's memories. It is a moment where beauty, anxiety and confidence are felt all at once in your daughter’s life. She should feel flawless, gorgeous and confident after the hard work she has done to make her prom the best time of her life.

Make sure you take care of this moment and cherish it with her. By supporting her and sharing your views from your own experience of approaching womanhood, she will understand that you are as excited as she is for her and her new life.

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Confessions Of A Summer Parent - It's A Wild Life

I must confess that I always view the approaching long summer school holiday with a mixture of relief (no more school runs) and dread (endless Harry Potter reruns).

Generally by about 10:15 am on Day 1 the kids are already bored and, having exhausted the huge and completely random stock of craft materials lurking in our dining room, are demanding ice lollies and entertainment.



Telling them that, in their parents' youth entertainment was a day spent running amok in a quarry, a woodland or a field cuts no ice with them. We'd take packed lunches of crisps and cheese sandwiches which would keep us going until tea.

My friends and I made our own adventures without anything digital in sight.



I remember returning home from a day on my bike warmed with sunshine, pleasantly tired and ready to fall into bed.

Falling asleep in the summer was a lengthy process because it was the 70's and mum had installed day-go orange curtains which meant my bedroom was lit up like a disco until the sun had long set.  Black-out curtains were for wimps.



So what do we parents do?  Although there are loads of places to go, things to see and local summer activities, the whole 'keeping your kids from killing each other' thing can be rather stressful.

Unless you have unlimited time and money, you can't take them out every single day so you have to box clever.

We are firm believers in, er, developing a love of nature.



It worked for David Attenborough, didn't it?  Who knows what previously undiscovered species Ieuan is about to find... eventually.

This post is an entry for the BritMums Confessions of a Summer Parent Challenge, sponsored by Anchor.

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It’s The End Of The Academic Year – Parents, How Are You Managing YOUR Money?

It’s the end of the academic year and amongst the celebrations of degrees and diplomas comes the realisation that, despite the financial burden of student loans, the spending hasn’t stopped quite yet.

I’m sure that loads of students fail to realise that trying to get a job can be a costly process. There’s the cost of an interview outfit , new shoes and haircuts. There’s train and bus fares or fuel for cars.

Flickr:  Archie Campbell

And if our graduates do get a job there’s the cost of actually being employed – again transport, clothing, lunches, office socialising. Or even the costs of further education and vocational training which they may be expected to fund themselves in order to secure a promotion.

I have been quite shocked to find that it is seemingly the norm for companies in certain industries to offer positions to new graduates on the basis which are unpaid on the basis that they are offering ‘valuable experience’. The word ‘exploitation’ springs to mind.

However, we must remain positive, encouraging and upbeat, despite most of us being hard-nosed veterans of the work arena. All we can do is offer our advice quietly and consistently in the background. I specialise in ‘nagging aunt’ – can you tell?

My niece, Emily has recently graduated with First Class Honours in Film Production and has a small runaround car which, typically now she really needs it, has developed a fault with the breaks when most of her interviews are easily reached by car. This is an expense she neither wants nor can afford.

I remember my dad shelling out for two return tickets to London to take me to visit IPC Magazines. In those days I was convinced journalism was my calling and after 20 years in marketing, I’m now a blogger so perhaps dad was right after all.

For parents, at such a critical time for their young adult children, the ability to help them is very important. Very few of our youngsters leave college and walk straight into a well paying job that allows them to pay their way – however much we may feel it is time for them to stand on their own two feet!

But the ‘Bank of Mum & Dad’ can only take so much and there may be times when a small cash injection in the form of a short term loan would be very welcome.

Flickr:  Blatant World

You can bet that extra bills will appear exactly when you don’t need them. I have mentioned in one of my previous posts that I really need to be more organised and diarise my insurance renewal dates!

How many of us breathe a sigh of relief once we have paid for the family holiday (and let’s not even start talking about the price hikes we parents have to put up with from day 1 of every single school holiday!), only to find we’ve forgotten about the MOT, the insurance or the fact that we really need a safer set of tyres.

It’s a bit like that film with Tom Hanks “The Money Pit” – everywhere you turn, there’s a new expense.

My nieces and nephew are in their late teens and early twenties whereas my two are just 8 and 7. For us this means a double set of new school uniform for September and then Caitlin’s birthday in November, her cousins’ birthdays in November, December and January and then Christmas!

As you know we have been trying to save for Christmas but inevitably there will be something that ‘appears’ out of the ether when we least expect it.

For example, our boiler has decided to develop a fault with one of its sensors. It has ‘moods’ in the morning. I know how it feels. And what about if you are also caring for your elderly parents? You may find yourself chipping in for cleaning, garden services, extra food or medical supplies.

It’s so important to make a budget and review it regularly. July is a great time to do a little financial housekeeping and check that you are on course to cope with the expenditure you know about and to put in place contingency plans for those costs you don’t!

If we want to really help our youngsters, teaching them to budget and cope with unexpected bills is worth its weight in gold.

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Family Holidays In The Italian Riviera

The Italian Riviera on the coast of Liguria is one of the most spectacular places to take a family vacation.

From the breathtaking scenery, the warm blue water, and pristine beaches, this area has everything to make the kids and parents equally happy.

A perfect way to explore the Italian region is to rent a luxury car with kid and family-friendly features through popular European luxury car hire companies like Primerent for example and discover the ocean villas and glamorous towns with space and comfort.

There are many options for your family on a trip around the Ligurian coast.

A great place to start is in Genoa. This city has stunning architecture and museums dotting the port city. The palaces along Via Garibaldi will be sure to even astonish the kids because of their beauty. The covered market place is a great place for everyone to try different foods and enjoy a bit of the lifestyle.

Portofino, a fishing village turned escape for the rich and famous, is an incredible place to visit. The pink buildings perched on the cliffs are a site to see and it is a perfect walking city where kids can explore old castles and parents can enjoy cocktails with one of the best views in the world.

For a more beach atmosphere and sun soaked vacation, be sure to stay in Alassio. This is a beach town with incredible beaches and a water park that will keep kids entertained for hours.

Finale Ligure is another beach resort and medieval town all in one. There is an amazing 12th century abbey and charming seaside neighborhoods. This is a recurring theme for Liguria, mixing the historical beauty with natural views.

There are so many places which make it perfect for a family holiday and a memorable time. Your children will love exploring a beautiful beach lined landscape and the parents will enjoy some of the best food and views in the whole world.

There are no words that do justice to the beauty of this Italian region, you will have to see it for yourself!

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How To Master Holidays With Kids In 4 Simple Ways

Just because you have a family, it shouldn't limit your travel options. In fact, there are loads of families that constantly travel the world, and it seems to work just fine for them. Here is what I've learnt from them and my own travelling experiences with kids.

Habit

The first step is to get them in the habit of travel. The more that the little ones get used to travelling, the easier it will be for them. If you can't afford to travel abroad all the time, go on day trips. Stay with friends or family so they get used to not sleeping in their own bed.

Picture source

Cook dishes from the country you will be visiting so they get into the habit of eating the local style food. If you expose them to all these new experiences when they are young, they will grow up with wanderlust and find travelling a breeze.

Get them involved

The next step to getting your kids ready for their holidays is to get them involved from the beginning. Children learn about all sorts of places at school, so they may even have an idea of where they would like to go. Even if you pick the location, show them the types of activities on offer there and ask them what they would like to do. You could even make it into an arts and crafts activity. Get some travel brochures of the place that you are going to and getting the kids to cut and paste the things they like the look of.

Prepare for the expected and the unexpected

An essential step when taking the kids on holiday is to prepare for both the expected and unexpected. For example, if you know that your little ones get car sick, make sure that you have their bands and medication. Schedule in frequent stops too, so they are as comfortable as possible.

Image credit

Preparing for the unexpected is not so easy, but there are a few things you can do. Firstly make sure that you have your euro health card with you. Whilst the UK is still a member of the EU this will entitle you, as UK citizens, to free or discounted emergency medical care in the EU.

Of course, when the UK leaves the EU following Brexit, the validity of these may be in doubt but travel expert Simon Calder advises that before joining the EEC, the UK had reciprocal health agreements with many European nations and it is likely that a similar range of deals will be put in place.  You need to check before you go.

Its also useful to take an emergency first aid kit for less serious incidents. This should contain plasters, antiseptic and ibuprofen, as well as after sun and diarrhoea powders. It's always better to have this stuff and not need it, rather than need it and not have it. You don't want to spend your time away trying to find a chemist in an unfamiliar place.

Stay in their routine

Image credit

The next step to successful travel with kids is to help them to stay in their routine as much as possible. Children can become cranky easier if they don't eat and sleep at their normal times. Try and keep to their regular schedule as much as you can. Or if you know you will want to stay out later in the evenings, get them into the routine of having a longer, later nap for a few weeks before you go.

What tips would you add for a stress free holiday with the kids?

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Have A Fresh New Diary Any Time Of Year With Toad® Diaries & Giveaway

I have always loved diaries.  They offer the chance to start all over again, to renew and change whatever you're not happy with.  Just the act of writing things down helps to make them happen, so they say.

Up till now, there's been the rather stark choice of either waiting for Christmas to buy a diary for the next calendar year, or waiting until July when the academic diaries start to appear.

Now I don't know about you, but it's been a long time since I needed to make a note of my lecture times and I have often wished for a diary which would start when I wanted to.  There are undated diaries of course but, for some reason, I've never found these quite as exciting.

I have recently discovered TOAD® Diaries who will not only personalise your diary or notebook (on the front and back covers) but will allow you to choose what month and even what day of the week you would like it to start.  Sadly you will still need to include Mondays ....

You can spend happy hours on their website indulging your inner diary-geek (or should that be fiend - anyway ..) playing around with lay-outs, covers, sizes, formats. You can have week view, appointments, mid year, academic, family - there are far too many formats to describe here.

There is a range of cool themes such as Molten (which I chose), Retro, Cities and some rather cute Monsters.

Not only is the site's designer tool really easy to use but the diaries and notebooks are reasonably priced and come spiral bound with an extra plastic cover on the front and back to protect them.  Happily, they will lie flat when opened making them really easy to write in.  You can also choose between yellow and white paper.

Once you have checked your personalised text is OK and that you have chosen the right format, your diary will take approximately 3-4 days to reach you.

TOAD® also do a range of notebooks to complement your diary and again you can choose the format that most appeals. I was gifted a diary and a notebook by TOAD®.

I chose Molten- Rose from the Molten Theme for my diary which starts in August with weeks starting on Monday. It is wiro-bound, covers 12 months and is Quarto size (midway between A4 and A5).  I also chose yellow paper.

For my notebook I chose a wiro-bound 120 page A5 journal in Molten-Halycon with lined pages (medium spacing).

Your notebooks can be lined, gridded, blank - again lots of choices.

I really likes TOAD products because they have the odd quirky touch - like how to make an Origami toad and infuse humour into the world of stationery.  Apparently not everyone gets as excited about diaries as I do.  Weird, eh?

TOAD® Diaries have given me a £25 gift code to give away to one lucky winner so that if you really can't wait till December for a fresh new diary (and let's face it, some of us will want to write 2016 off as a bad job so far), then you can.

Entry is via the Rafflecopter and terms and conditions apply.  UK entrants only.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Friday 29th July.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

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New Releases, Free & Bargain Books Link-up 8 July 2016

How are you all this week?  Well, the whole house is quite gloomy after the Wales v Portugal match and I have had to explain to Caitlin and Ieuan that yes, we are still friends with Portugal.  They're not convinced!

The summer weather still hasn't turned up and we're having a lot of "that fine rain that soaks you through" to quote Peter Kay.

Still, you can still read wearing a kagool, can't you?

Here are the fab books on offer this week.  You're sure to find something that takes your fancy.

Sharing the Love of Books
Enjoy our selection of New Releases / Free & Bargain Books this week

Click HERE for this week's awesome selection.

Authors please feel free to add your own books
Readers please free to add your own finds
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...
Monday
 Life as Leels | IrishdaisylovesRomance | Book Babble | All Romance Reader
Tuesday
It's My Side of Life | Celticlady's Reviews | First Time Mommy Adventures | Bound 2 Escape
Wednesday
Beck Valley Books | A Library of Reviews | Cinnamon Hollow Reviews
Thursday
Miki's Hope | Taking Time for Mommy | Nicki's Nook
Friday
Ebook Addicts | I Love Romance | A Bit Bookish | Mother Distracted | Colorimetry
Saturday
Totally Addicted to Reading | 3 Partners in Shopping | Angie's Angle | I Creat Purty Thangs | Wishful Endings
Sunday
Lynchburg Mama | LibriAmoriMiei | Ali - The Dragon Slayer | Wondermom Wannabe | My Bizzy World |  Deal Sharing Aunt 

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Click HERE for this week's awesome selection.

And don't forget you can always add some of your own!

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Review & Giveaway: Paleo: 12 Weeks To Change Your Life By Rebecca Field

I've made no secret of the fact that my diet is less than wholesome and I am constantly on the search for 'the' plan that is going to revolutionise my eating, my weight and my health.

Since the beginning of the year I have felt really under par which may have something to do with the fact that I have been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid.

For many years I stuck faithfully to the Rosemary Conley Low Fat Eating Plan, the merits of which have recently been questioned, not least due to the amount of sugar and bad fats which seem to abound in low fat foods.

I had heard of the Paleo diet and knew it was based on what we used to eat when we still lived in caves but, it transpires, it is so much more than that.

I was recently given a copy of Rebecca Field's "Paleo: 12 Weeks To Change Your Life - Achieve The Ultimate Transformation" which is a great introduction to the Paleo lifestyle.

The book contains a 12 Week Paleo Plan which shows you how you to take control of your life and change your eating habits and your health forever.

It's not just about losing weight but also about adopting a healthier lifestyle and the book gives you all the information you need on how to introduce these changes into your life.

Rebecca helps you to understand how your body works and interacts with the food you eat and her book includes 200 recipes as well as weekly meal plans and shopping lists. Basically all you have to do is follow and cook!

If, on the other hand, you are a bit like me and start and stop with your diet choices, you can use the book as a cookery book and enjoy the recipes.

The book is very comprehensive and contains sections on how to build your Paleo store cupboard, incorporating exercise and avoiding toxins, and also general health advice such as how to prioritise quality sleep and manage your stress.

Granola is a healthier choice for breakfast

There are lots of really helpful and honest case studies from people who have successfully adopted the plan, including the difficulties they faced - because this is about adopting a lifestyle.  It's not a quick diet fix.

Grilled Trout

There are also clear charts which tell you what you can and cannot eat.  Be warned.  Lots of your favourite foods will be banned but Rebecca shows you have to replace bad choices with foods that work with your body, rather than against.

The recipes are all in UK measurements which I prefer and the shopping lists are for 2 people so are easily doubled.

You'll find you'll be eating lots of meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds, and will be cooking most foods from scratch. The recipes in this book do not contain gluten or any grains, dairy, soya, legumes and peanuts. There are a few recipes with egg in but mainly in the breakfast section.

Devotees have reported that the Paleo diet helps to alleviate depression & anxiety,  gives a lot more energy and helps tackle fatigue and brain fog.  In fact, losing weight is a side benefit to adopting this way of eating.

I am at the start of my Paleo journey and at the very least will be trying some of these recipes - for example "Sharp Asian Slaw", Pear & Walnut Waldorf Salad, Salmon with Tomato & Caper Dressing and Coconut Mango Sorbet.

You don't have to be a gourmet chef to cook these recipes (which is handy for me!).  This is simple, easy to prepare, delicious food.

Rebecca Field - #1 Amazon Best Selling Author

I would love to hear from you if you have adopted the Paleo diet.  How has it changed your health?  How easy was it to incorporate into your lifestyle?

I am determined to give this a go and if you would like to try it too you can find it at Amazon (hard back) or at Paleodietandfitness.co.uk (ebook).

GIVEAWAY

I also have one copy of Rebecca's book to give away.

Entry is via the Rafflecopter.  UK entrants only and the usual terms and conditions apply.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Friday 22nd July 2016.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

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Relationship Dilemmas - What Was I Asked In Week 27?

As you may know, I spend a lot of time responding to the questions I am asked about dating & relationships on Quora.com and I thought I'd share some of my answers with you in case you are going through anything similar.

Obviously I am not an expert but I am a 50-something married mum of two with quite a few years' experience under my belt. I take the view that, sometimes, you need to hear it like you would from your own mother - however tough the truth may be.

Here's just some of the questions I've been asked this week.

Q:  The girl I love is madly in love with me but she has been dating other people for 4 years now. What do you suggest? How can she dump her guy without causing pain? 

I proposed to her 6 years ago.She claimed she regretted lying to me about the fact that she was dating because she had exams ahead of her. It’s been 6 months since we last met when there was no sex or even kissing. Our bond gets stronger but she doesn’t want to hurt her guy.  Being apart from her is hurting me emotionally.

A: If I understand your question correctly, this girl has kept you hanging on for 6 years whilst still dating someone else? 

I can feel that you are very hurt by this situation but it does not sound as if she has any intention of getting rid of her current boyfriend because this has been going on for so long. 

If she is willing to dump her current boyfriend then she just has to be honest but she may well cause him pain - particularly when he finds out that there has been another guy in the picture all this time. 

I think she really needs to decide who it is she wants and make a decision because at the moment she is keeping you both dangling which isn’t fair on either of you. If another 6 months pass I would say that you should assume it’s not going to happen and, however, hard, find someone who is free to pursue a relationship with you. 

Q: Is it wrong to ask my boyfriend to stop talking to a female friend of his?

A: It depends what type of ‘talking’ and how often. 

It is perfectly reasonable for your boyfriend to have friendly conversation with other girls. What isn’t reasonable is flirting with them in front of you - although some women don’t worry about that either if they are secure in their relationship. 

You don’t sound very secure in yours but being too possessive can drive men away. 

How does your boyfriend react when you talk to male friends? If he’s a good guy and has given you no reason to think he’d be unfaithful then you need to cut him some slack. If he is flirting with your friends then you need to take a call on whether he’s the right guy for you.


Q:  Is a 5 hour first date a good sign?

A:  It can be but the real sign of good first date is a request for a second. You could talk for hours but unless you made plans to get together it may mean that although you got on, there was no ‘spark’. I think, in all honesty, it’s too soon to tell. 

Q: My boyfriend hasn't texted me in 4 days. Should I text him? He usually initiates the majority of our conversations. 

We spoke on a Skype call on Friday and everything seemed fine.  There were no fights or anything. I can see one of his old Skype accounts online has been set to 'away'. It’s been like that for a few days and he hasn’t been online on steam. He usually waits 2 days to text me after we talk for some reason too.

A: Is this a long distance relationship? Are you too far away to visit him to see if he’s OK? Can’t you just pick up the phone and call him? 

Sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up in ‘the rules’ that you forget to have a normal relationship. 

It doesn’t sound as if you know this guy very well if you are so unsure about what is going on in his life. It may be that he is just unwell. 

Some men also hate phoning and save up their contact for when they’ve got something to say or some news. He may just feel once every few days is enough. 

Q: My girlfriend took her friends to MY weekend cabin without my permission.  Was it wrong of her to do this?

A: It was a bit cheeky, certainly but hadn’t you had a conversation with her about using your cabin before? How did she get the keys? Did she and her friends trash the cabin? 

Does she assume that she doesn’t need your permission? 

Either she’s taking advantage of you or you’re in different places romantically - she feels you’re a couple and should share. You clearly don’t. 

The fact that you use the phrase “without my permission” makes me think you’re not exactly head over heels in love. 

I think it’s time to set some ground rules for the relationship or, if she has annoyed you that much, consider whether you want it to continue.


Q: He's 45, I'm 25.  We've been "friends with benefits" for the past 6 years but why won't he commit and how can I change his mind? 

I’ve told him several times how I feel and that I want to be in a relationship, but he insists that I need to focus on school/career before we start dating. He adores me and tells me he loves me, but I don’t know why he won’t commit to a relationship? He gets super jealous when I get a boyfriend

A: Because he’s getting everything on a plate and doesn’t need to. 

What extra ‘benefit’ would he get from ‘committing’? What does that mean to him? Marriage? Exclusivity? 

He’s 45 and you’re almost half his age so you are probably a massive ego boost to him and whilst you are desperate to keep him he doesn’t need to do anything. 

If you are serious about changing the status of your relationship (and frankly after 6 years I can’t see it happening), I would date as many guys as you feel like, have a great time and make it crystal clear that you can live without him. 

He may make a commitment but by then hopefully you will have found someone who deserves you a lot more.

Q:  My girlfriend has made us go on a break to decide if I am the one she wants to marry. What can I do?

A: If she has instigated a break it doesn’t sound as if she wants to marry. If she wanted to marry you she would do everything to be with you, not ask for a break. 

Are there big issues which need to be thought about? Do you agree about religion, children, where you’re going to live? Have you discussed finances? What do your respective families think? 

It sounds like there is a lot more going on in the background than is explained by your question. 

Have you discussed these things? To decide whether you are ready to marry you should be together talking about this stuff, not in separate locations. 

Have there been previous problems in the relationship? Have either of you ever cheated? If you have cheated I would not be surprised if she wanted a break. 

I think you need to ask yourself these questions and decide if, actually, YOU want to marry her. If the answer is yes, all you can do is ask her to meet up and have a really honest conversation about how things stand between you.

Q: After 1 date, a guy I met through friends has invited me to his summer cabin for the weekend. Is this going to be a mystery killer and hurt our dating chances?

A: Well it is all a bit soon, isn’t it? 

He sounds incredibly keen but you hardly know him. Is he assuming you are going to share a bed though? I think you need to clarify on what basis you’ve been invited. Is anyone else going? If you met him through friends, could this just be a friends get together? 

I think you need to find out more before jumping to conclusions. And, rather than killing your dating chances, I think you’ll save an awful lot of time by finding if you can stand being together in close quarters for an entire weekend. 


Q:  How do I get back with someone who loves me but broke up with me because of my career?

A: I think she has not been entirely honest with you. Unless her job involved a move to another city or perhaps a posting overseas, was there no way that the two of you could have compromised to make things work? 

Were you being too demanding? Complaining if she worked late? In some professions, such as law, in my experience working late is expected if you want to get on. 

No matter how fond she was of you, she has chosen to focus on her career. 

It may be worth a call to ask how things are going but I think if she loved you that much, she would have found a way to keep you in her life. 

What about your career? Isn’t that worth focusing on? You may find someone better suited closer to home in an environment you both know and understand. That is a better basis for a mutually supporting relationship.


How would you have responded to these questions? You can find more dating advice on my problem page.

All materials included in this post are intended for informational purposes only. This post/information is not intended to and should not be used to replace medical or psychiatric advice offered by physicians or other health care providers. The author will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages arising therefrom.

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When You Lose Your Crowning Glory - Hair Loss & Caring For Thinning Hair

Our hair is often referred to as our crowning glory and the condition and style of our hair can really affect our confidence - either for better or worse.

As we approach menopause we find that our hair is no longer as strong and voluminous as it once was.  And our colour starts to fade as those pesky greys appear.

There is a new school of thought that says we should celebrate having grey and white hair and I'm sure you have noticed some of your friends throwing away the hair dye and embracing the grey.

For many of us though, grey is synonymous with 'old age' and we'd do anything to disguise those tell tale signs of maturity.  Not only that, but many of us have to cope with thinning or falling hair.

It's not a problem faced by men alone.

So what causes hair loss?

The most common form of hair loss is determined by our genes and hormones and it is estimated that around 30% of Caucasian women are affected before menopause.

There are three things which speed up the rate of hair shedding - advancing age, an inherited tendency to go bald early (for men), and an over-abundance of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) within the hair follicle.

Basically changes to the hair's growing cycle means more hairs are shed with the hairs becoming thinner and thinner until they are too fine to survive daily wear and tear.

Other physiological factors might cause hair loss. Recently, a group of Japanese researchers found a link between excessive sebum in the scalp and hair loss. This is because the excessive sebum (oil) which often accompanies thinning hair enlarges the sebaceous glands and leads to malnutrition of the hair root.

Although this condition could be hereditary, they believe diet is a more prominent cause. The researchers note that Japanese hair was thick and healthy, with a small gland and little scalp oil, until more animal fat crept into their diet after World War II.

Hair loss is often increased by stress, dieting, poor circulation, steroid use, mineral deficiency, genetics, pregnancy or moving to a new country or change of environment. These can cause a change in the body’s hormones and effect DHT  – the contributor to hair loss.

Psychological distress can also makes matters worse. The more hair we lose the more we worry about it – and then the more we worry about it, the more hair we lose… It is a vicious cycle!

Caring for thinning hair can also add to your stress.

Most doctors agree that if you have a oily scalp with thinning hair, you should shampoo your hair frequently. This is because shampooing can reduce surface sebum, which contains high levels of testosterone and DHT that may reenter the skin and affect the hair follicle.

You may think that more frequent shampooing is the last thing you should be doing if you are worried about thinning hair or hair loss but there are some effective, yet gentle, shampoos on the market.

I was recently sent a selection of shampoos to try by hair loss specialists The Harley Street Hair Clinic, who are world leaders in FUE hair transplant technology and are the only clinic in the UK to specialise in follicular transfer hair transplant technology.

They are finding that, as more high-profile patients speak candidly about their hair transplants (for example their client Wayne Rooney), more men and women are getting in touch for consultations.

Whilst I am not losing my hair, I have definitely noticed that it is getting much drier and coarser as I get older - and admittedly, colouring my hair is probably not helping!

Swopping to a gentler shampoo has definitely helped.

Phytojoba Intense Hydration Brilliance Shampoo

This one had a lovely coconut smell and left my hair with more volume. It contains Jojoba Oil, which is a genuine liquid wax to smooth and add shine, soothing Cornflower and Mallow and a washing base derived from Coconut Oil to help your hair rapidly regains an optimal level of hydration, shine and suppleness. 

Sachajuan Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo 

Sachajuan’s brilliant blue Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo contains the brand's signature ‘Ocean Silk’ technology – a cocktail of marine algae extracts which works to enhance strand-strength, suppleness and shine.  This mimics the bed-head effect of the spritz, to create texture and body without adding weight. It is suitable for all hair lengths and textures, but especially those with fine hair .

I loved the fragrance of this shampoo which really does remind you of the sea.  I didn't find this one quite so moisturising though.

Korres Shampoo For Thin/Fine Hair with Rice Proteins and Linden

This Korres shampoo is designed to strengthen and add volume to thin / fine hair and contains rice proteins to increase hair elasticity and density while adding natural, lasting volume. The Linden extract forms a protective film on hair surface, improving its sheen and appearance. I loved this one. It definitely left my hair smoother and sleeker.

Kloraine Shampoo With Citrus Pulp

Klorane Citron Pulp Shampoo with vitamins is suitable for all hair types and can be used as frequently as necessary and by the whole family. It has a fresh invigorating fragrance and it neutralises hard water to restore vitality and radiance.

Whilst I loved this one and it's light citrussy scent, I found it a little too strong for me since it is for normal to oily hair.

So there you have it - a selection of great shampoos which will help nurture dry and thinning hair.  You can find out more about hair loss, both male and female on The Harley Street Hair Clinic's website and, if you are worried, a chat with your GP may help to rule out other causes such as an underactive thyroid or vitamin / mineral deficiency.

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Rome Or Paris? Which City Of Love Should You Visit?

Rome and Paris are both known as great romantic cities. Of course, Paris is arguably the “official” “City of Love”. But does it deserve the title?

Here’s a quick comparison of the two cities for those of you who can’t decide which one to visit for your next vacation!

Pixabay

Architecture

The architecture of Paris is much more modern. During the nineteenth century, the entire city underwent a massive overhaul. It was reinvented, becoming more spacious and featuring more contemporary design. It is frequently updated to this day. It is, after all, a metropolis competing with the likes of London, Tokyo, and New York City.

Many, of course, will prefer this. But Rome is much more classic in its architecture. Most of the city hasn’t changed much, from a structural standpoint, in hundreds of years. This, of course, is exactly why people will prefer it. The very name “Rome” drips with fascinating history!

Wikipedia

Parks

Both of these cities have incredible parks. Rome is filled with government-preserved open spaces. These parks are themselves filled with spectacular classic art and sculptures. Perhaps the most beloved in the city is the Villa Borghese gardens, which is the third-biggest park in Rome.

The parks in Paris aren’t so densely occupied by artistic feats. You’re more likely to see larger, greener areas filled with more flowers and vegetation. They make for a good contrast from the rest of the city, which is usually filled with hustle and bustle.

Wikepedia

Accommodation

The quality of the accommodation available to you in either city is, of course, impeccable. These are two of the most beloved vacation destinations in the world, after all! They have a big industry for catering to people seeking getaways that are luxurious in the extreme.

This doesn’t mean there isn’t affordable accommodation, of course. But if that’s what you’re after, then you definitely have a better chance finding it in Rome. Paris, like the other cities I mentioned earlier, isn’t exactly known for its budget accommodation. Rome is a lot better in this regard. Rome vacation rentals are not hard to find, and you’ll come across far fewer “premium” price tags.

Wikipedia

The weather

You may think that the weather couldn’t possibly be that different across these countries. They are, after all, right next to each other. But thanks to whatever freak miracle of science compels it, Rome is noticeably hotter than Paris.

The average highest temperature in Paris is about 15.5°C, compared to a potential 20.5°C in Rome. The latter averages at about 15.6°C; Paris averages at about 12°C. It’s not really for me to say which is better, exactly. Some people look at high temperatures and run away. Others will see temperatures nearing the 30s and start booking their vacations right away. If you prefer more sunshine and heat, then Rome is for you. When summer comes round, it’s a scorcher.

Flickr

Final thoughts

Ultimately, how can one make such a stark choice? Both of these cities are amazing and definitely worth visiting. Ultimately, it really depends on what vibe you’re looking for. Those who want a more relaxed and historically-deep vacation should check out Rome. Those who want more “cool” and metropolitan vibes should check out Paris. Either way, try to find some time in your life to see both!

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