Serenata Flowers - Great Online Flowers, Hampers & Gifts & A Giveaway

If you're busy, like all working parents are these days, it's very easy to completely forget to buy that special gift - or at least to leave it to the last minute.  I also find that, because I am a midlife mum, whilst my kids are young, the rest of the family is, shall we say, well into adulthood!  I'm either looking at lists of toys or scratching my head in desperation trying to come up with something they might like.

Now I don't know of a single lady who would not appreciate a beautiful bouquet of birthday or Christmas flowers.  There is nothing like a stunning floral arrangement to brighten up your home and add a dash of luxury. So the female side of the family are easy to please.

But then there are those relatives like my dad, who, when asked what they'd like as a present declare they "have everything they need" and "don't go to any bother".  This is, of course, usually a complete fib because we know full well that hurt feelings would ensue, were we ever daft enough to take these words at face value.

I've found a hamper is a great solution to this, not least because the contents can be shared!

I have recently had the opportunity to sample a gorgeous hamper from Serenataflowers.com. Although I had heard of the name, I didn't realise that Serenata is the UK's largest direct-to-consumer online florists, and one of the largest buyers of flowers in the UK.

They receive fresh flowers from around the world every day, 7 days a week and say their prices are often 30% cheaper than other online flower shops because they supply direct to the buyer.  They also have a free flower delivery service the same day and they guarantee that your bouquet will be on time and as advertised or your money back..

Serenata also offers an exclusive champagne and wine gift service, luxurious chocolate gifts and of course their great range of hampers in wicker baskets. The prices range from £40 to around £140 for a filled hamper, although you could also buy a wicker basket from them and fill it yourself - if you were considerably more organised than me, that is.

There are loads of themed hampers - for example chocolate, cheese, beer, port, wine, new baby and pamper hampers. You can order up to 10 pm for free next weekday delivery to any UK mainland address.

I was sent the Simplicity Hamper at £39.99 and free delivery.  This one contains quite a (I think!) quirky selection as it has:-

* Hand Waxed Scrumpy & Crunchy Apple Cheese 150g
* Hand Waxed Worcestershire Gold Mature Cheddar 150g
* Black Olive Cracker for White Wine 125g
* Chardonnay Terres 2014
* Dormens Wasabi Nuts
* Lemon Sherbets 120g
* Cheese Board Chutney 105g

Needless to say the Husband has already laid claim to the Lemon Sherbets and the Wasabi Nuts and I have secreted the wine and cheese in the fridge behind a wall of yoghurt so he can't find them.

The hamper arrived within 24 hours, well boxed (there is no wicker hamper with this particular selection) with everything protected and in perfect condition.

The lovely hamper contents

I would have been more than pleased to receive the Simplicity Hamper as a gift - and I have one to giveaway!

Entry is via Rafflecopter in the usual manner and the competition ends at 11:59 pm on 30th September 2015.  UK entrants only.  Make sure you leave a comment as to which is your favourite Serenata Hamper.  I've a few others on my list.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Further information is available at www.SerenataFlowers.com and you can also get in touch on Facebook or Twitter.

Read more

Beck Valley Book Tour Review & Giveaway: Booker No Mas by John W Mefford

New Release....

No more deception.

Brought to the Caribbean island of Dominican Republic on the premise that he could finally close the chapter on the darkest moment of his life—and rid the world of a cold-blooded killer—Booker T. Adams instantly finds a far different scene. Set against the backdrop of a city consumed by the rising fear of terrorism and a brutal drug lord, a woman, seemingly with two lives and even two faces, uses her hypnotic charm to get what she wants, sending Booker on a mission to rescue a teenage boy held hostage.

No more lies.

Befriended by a fired cop and a homeless kid with nothing to live for, Booker struggles to understand fact versus fiction, while staving off wild bores, snakes, terrorist traps, and a past that has haunted him for almost thirty years. Is he dealing with people believing their own hypocrisy, or have they simply perfected the art of betrayal and treachery?

No more killing.

The all-powerful rule with brute force, killing women and children like they’re swatting flies. It’s a savagery that Booker can’t comprehend, let alone defeat. With the smell of death stuffed down his throat, the man with everything to lose puts everything on the line—because he can stand…

No more.

Available to buy at...

Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk    Barnes and Noble    iTunes   Kobo   

Check out the other books in the series

 
 

So what did I think?

I hadn't read any of John W Mefford's fast paced thrillers before this one, No Mas (Spanish for "no more" or "enough") and I've clearly missed out.

Mefford combines a terrific story line with a speed of action that makes you feel as if you are actually watching the plot on the big screen.  The action never lets up for a minute and the characters are sufficiently well drawn that you feel you know them.

His hero, Booker T. Adams, is looking for a former lover on the island of Santa Domingo.  She also happens to be a psychopathic murderer.  Hired as a private investigator by the parents of one of her victims, his task is to bring her back to face justice.

En route he meets the funny and likeable teenager, "Bolt" who, despite initially trying to rob him, becomes Booker's constant companion.  Add into the mix Valdez, a former cop and a key figure from Booker's past who kidnaps Booker to make amends for his past misdeeds, a dodgy priest, a crazed drug lord and his seedy entourage of goons, villians and thugs and you have a novel that keeps you hooked till the end.

When Booker finds his ex love, he finds himself unable to quite let go of his past feelings and ends up trying to rescue the son of her new partner, a teenage boy called Esteban who the drug lord has kidnapped.

In the meantime, it transpires that a mysterious rival to the drug lord has returned to the island to threaten his regime.

Who is this mysterious rival and does Booker manage to find the kidnapped boy?  Does he bring his psychopathic ex to justice?

You'll just have to read the book to find out.

The dialogue is sharp and witty and there are references to some favourite blockbuster movies for those on the ball - for example "I hate snakes"  And it's not all action and fighting, the characters develop emotionally.  Booker begins to forgive his father and it transpires that the bonds he has made with Bolt will not be so easy to break.

Booker:  No Mas reads well as a stand alone novel but I think I'm going to have to go back to the beginning of the series to get to know him better.

Highly recommended.

About the Author

A veteran of the corporate wars, former journalist, and true studier of human and social behavior, best-selling author John W. Mefford has been writing novels since he first entered the work force twenty-five years ago, although he never put words on paper until late 2009.

John writes novels full of intrigue, suspense, and thrills, but they also evoke an emotional connection with the characters.

When he’s not writing, he chases three kids around, slaves away in the yard, reads, takes in as many sports as time allows, watches all sorts of movies, and continues to make mental notes of people and societies across the land.

John lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife, three opinionated kids, and a feisty fat cat who rules the world.

Follow the author on the following sites...

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Google+    Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

Follow the book tour

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

Win John W Mefford's NINE ebook Library!
4 Winners!!
Ending on Sunday 27th September at 11.59pm CST

Open Worldwide 

Enter HERE

Good Luck !!

Read more

2 Great Games, Dobble & Disney Pictopia

On a drizzly Sunday afternoon, there's nothing better than settling round together to play a game or two  - and given that we live in Wales, I have to say that's quite a frequent occurrence.

So, when we were delighted to be sent two new games to play from Esdevium Games.

Dobble

Dobble is a game of speed, observation and a great test of your reflexes for 2-8 players.  Aimed at anyone over the age of 6 years, the game is a race to find the one matching image between one card and another.

There are 55 playing cards, each displaying 8 pictures and there is always a matching picture on any two cards. The images may be different sizes and placed on any part of the card, making them difficult to spot.   Every card is unique and has only one picture in common with every other card in the deck.

Can You Spot The Matching Symbol  - Say Cheese!

There are 5 mini games: Fill the Well, The Towering Inferno, Hot Potato, Catch them all & The Poisoned Gift

The cards come in a sturdy tin and are fairly small making this an ideal game to take on holiday.

The Husband is wearing his "I'm going to win this hands down" expression

How to play

We tried the first of the mini games - The Towering Inferno.

The cards are shuffled and one card is placed face down in front of each player. The remaining cards go in a pile in the middle of the table (the draw pile).

When ‘go’ is called out, the players flip their card face up. It's a race to spot the identical symbol between the card of any other player and the card from the draw pile.

The first player to find an identical symbol names it, takes the card from the draw pile and places it in front of him or her, on top of his or her card.  This means a new card is revealed on the draw pile and the game continues until all the cards from this pile have been drawn.

The winner is the player who has gained the most cards.

We had a lot of fun with this one and it was just the right level of complexity for Ieuan (6) who doesn't have, shall we say, unlimited wells of patience.

I was completely hopeless and appear to have the reflexes of a sloth.  Caitlin thrashed us all soundly, much to the Husband's annoyance, spotting the symbols at lightening speed.

In my defence, I hadn't yet had my 5th coffee of the morning.  When I'm feeling a bit stronger, I will be challenging our motley crew to one of the other mini games to see if I can recover from the humiliation.  It's suggested in the instructions that if you could even host a Dobble Tournament. This is likely to involve many hours of practice in my case.

Dobble is a great alternative to Snap and UNO and we highly recommend it.

Dobble, from Esdevium Games is available from Tesco, Argos or WHSmith or from Waterstones at £12.99.

We were also sent Disney's Pictopia The Ultimate Picture-Trivia Family Game to try.

Now we are all big Disney fans in this house but I have to confess my knowledge is probably stronger about the classics.  I was fully prepared to be roundly beaten once more by Caitlin (who is dressed as a Disney Princess 80% of the time - i.e. when not in school uniform).  Ieuan was going to be a wild card and we spent a good ten minutes debating whether Iron Man had anything to do with Disney.

Families team up to play a trivia game with 1000 questions covering the world of Disney.  Not only is it competitive, but it's also a team game too.  Everyone gets a chance to show off their knowledge from Disney Junior and Disney XD to the Disney Parks and classic films (hurrah!).

The aim of the game is to reach the castle space on the board by moving your counter each time you answer a trivia question correctly.

Caitlin, already looking a tad too confident

You are given 5 wager tokens (to bet on the likelihood of you getting the right answer) and a cute answer dial in the shape of Mickey's ears which allows you to secretly select your answer which is then revealed when everyone has set their dials.

Players take turn being the host so they get to choose a card to read. The roll of the die selects the question the host asks - and there are 5 types of question which may come up.

• Pick 1 - all the players work together to select the one answer they think is correct
• Pick 2 - all other players work together to select the two answers they think are correct
• Pick 3 - all other players work together to select the three answers they think are correct
• Solo Pick 1 - each player except the host uses their answer dial to secretly select the answer
• Spotlight - these are questions about the play and what they think which the other players then have to guess by matching their answer on the answer dial

But before the question is asked, you have to look at the card to see if you recognise the films / clues and then bet one of 5 wager tokens depending on how confident you are that you know the right answer.

If you get the answer right, you move the same number of spaces on your wager token.

The game is very well thought out but it may take you a while to get to grips with the rules. It is definitely more suitable for the over 7's, although Ieuan was able to answer some of the questions. The questions which delve a little into the personality of the players (the Spotlight questions) are a nice touch.

Once again, we were no match for Caitlin who particularly liked the secrecy of the answer dial.  If there is one aspect I thought was possibly unneeded, it's the wager tokens and for younger kids I think you would be better off just rolling the die again and moving the matching number of spaces.

Caitlin is itching to play this one again and we've promised her a rematch this weekend.  There is also a free Pictopia app with bonus content and a lightning-round final challenge which we will download, although, fellow Lumia owners, be aware that the app is for iPhone or Android only.

Disney Pictopia is available from Amazon or Waterstones at £19.99.

For more information on Esdevium Games, you can visit their website at www.esdeviumgames.co.uk or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

I also have one Dobble game to giveaway.  Just enter via the Rafflecopter. The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on 30th September 2015.  UK entrants only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read more

My Sunday Photo - 13/09/2015

Ieuan looking pensive

Read more

Handy Phrases For The School Run.

It's the second week back in school and since I am already sick of the sound of my own voice, I am seriously thinking of replacing myself with a recording of somebody bellowing the following handy phrases.

As usual the kids interpretation of "school uniform" was somewhat wide of the mark.

Fellow warriors of the school run, I present to you some of my more useful sayings.

What are you having for breakfast?  No, we haven't got those.  Or those.  Have toast.  

No I don't know why the bread is green.

We have two toilets - you do NOT both need to go in the same one.

You should have gone before.

Well why didn't you tell me the toilet roll has run out then?

Clean your teeth OVER THE BOWL

Where has your father got to?

No I cannot do a French plait with intricate Celtic knotting two minutes before we leave for school.

Take your cereal bowls out into the kitchen!

Brush your hair IN FRONT OF A MIRROR and get rid of the nest at the back.

Has anyone seen your father?

No you can't take a toy to school.  Or a fake mobile phone.

It's September.  You need to take a coat.

No you can't have a light salad with toasted sesame seeds as your snack at 8:20 am

No I don't have any bananas on the 'right side of green'.

Is your father hiding in the garage or something?

Put your pants in the wash basket

Why are you wearing one sock?

Why are you telling me about your homework NOW?

You need to eat a proper breakfast.  A Muller Rice is not a proper breakfast.

Why are you still in your nightie at 8:20?!

No I don't know where Buzz Lightyear is.

No you cannot have 'a little play' with the Lego at 8:20.

No we can't go to the funfair after school.

I think your father has emigrated.

No I don't think today is 'international dress-up day' so you can't go in your Incredible Hulk costume.

No,  your headmistress won't be happy about you turning up with a Nerf gun.  Or a bow and arrow.

No you can't go on your bike / scooter / space hopper

You do realise I can't take you to school wearing my dressing gown, do you?

Yes the other mums will notice.  Some of them will even be wearing make-up.

Give your mother a kiss goodbye then....

Has anyone seen your father?

Who's had my KEYS?

I'm sure you can relate.  Nothing like a peaceful start to the day, is there?

Read more

Valley Mill Home & Giftware Products Handpicked From Wales & Giveaway

As you know, I have spent a bit of time over the summer lurking in Welsh castles such as Caerphilly and Raglan and in the Visitor Centre cum Gift Shop at the latter, I came across a gorgeous range of Welsh products made by Valley Mill Homewares near Neath in South Wales.

Valley Mill make a wide range of natural home ware products including soy candles, natural soaps, hard wood chopping boards & a wide range of welsh slate products using a combination of hand crafting techniques. They can also personalise many of their products, all of which are handmade using materials from Wales.

Their products are ideal for wedding or anniversary gifts, birthdays, christenings, graduations or, by far my favourite type of gift, that little treat you buy for yourself.

And very kindly, Valley Mill sent me some of their natural soaps and wax melts to try (and also a lovely prize for one lucky winner - more of which later).

I was sent the Grapefruit & Fennel and the Rosemary & Lime soaps which both smell divine and you can clearly identify both the scents in each.

All Valley Mill soaps are made with 100% natural shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil and castor oil. They have no artificial colours, preservatives or additives, are paraben and SLS free and contain no animal products. They are made with natural essential oils to get the unique fragrances, and they even use natural herbs to add the appropriate colour.

Other blends include:-  Bergamot & Basil, Orange & Cinnamon, Lavender & Citronella and Tea Tree & Witch Hazel and retail at £4.00 per 100g bar.

I was also sent a lovely little box of Jasmine scented wax melts (in the shape of Valley Mill's logo) from a new range to complement their range of natural soy wax candles.

The candles have a wooden wick for better scent throw and longer burn times and are hand made in Wales They come in a re-usable heavy weight tumbler with a Welsh Slate cap that doubles up as a high quality coaster. All candles come gift boxed and are priced at £16.

Several of their fragrances are ideal for Christmas - there's "Mince Pie", "Roast Chestnut" and "Spiced Apple".  My favourites are "Welsh Cake" and "Bara Brith" (a Welsh tea loaf in case you've not heard of it) and yes, they do smell exactly like the cakes!

Valley Mill are offering a lovely prize of 3 soaps and 3 boxes of wax melts in a mix of scents.  Entry is via the Rafflecopter in the usual way.  UK entrants only.  The competition ends at 11:59 pm on Thursday 24th September 2015. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Valley Mill products are available online at www.valleymill.co.uk. You can also visit their high street shop at 18 Angel Street, Neath SA11 1RS. Tel: 01639 698582.  Valley Mill can be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Read more

Review: Get An Autumn Glow With PartyLite Candles

As you know I love autumn, not least because it's a brilliant time to annoy the Husband with the threat of new cushions, throws and scented candles.  There is nothing like candles for adding atmosphere and a warm comforting glow.  Any meal becomes more romantic by candlelight and of course it is well known that candlelight is flattering to your skin. (Or at least you can't see wrinkles in the dark).

Two lovely mini glass jar candles from the Just Desserts range - £15.95

Candles are part of our winter meal times too - the kids love watching the flickering flames and usually argue over who gets to blow them out.  Of course, we make sure the matches are well hidden.

We also keep a selection of scented candles to mask cooking smells and to just freshen up a room and Caitlin loves to choose her favourite fragrance.

But all scented candles are not made the same and you can end up spending a small fortune on a candle that doesn't scent the room and, most annoyingly, has a wick that burns out long before you get anywhere near the end of the candle.

I was recently gifted a selection of lovely scented candles from PartyLite to try and I have to say that both Caitlin and I are impressed.

In case you have not heard of them PartyLite sells an extensive selection of candles, home fragrances and accessories and has over 68,000 PartyLite consultants in 18 countries around the world.  The company was begun in Cape Cod in the early 1900's by a school teacher, Mabel Baker who began crafting candles from the wild bayberries that grew around her.  At first she gave them as gifts to friends and family but soon her entreprenurial spirit took over and she was one of the early female entrepreneurs!  PartyLite aims to remain true to Mabel's key values of honesty, integrity, fairness and quality.

Our PartyLite Candles arrived well packed with no damage to the delicate glass inside.  We received two mini scented jar candles from the Just Desserts range, "Nutcracker Sweet" and "Sugarplum Fairies" (£15.95), highly appropriate since Caitlin is dancing in The Nutcracker ballet at Christmas. The candles in the glass jars are guarded by cute pink and purple soldiers. "Nutcracker Sweet" has notes of cinnamon, mulled spices, nutmeg and vanilla.  "Sugarplum Fairies" is a blend of plums, berries and pomegranates.

Forbidden Fantasy Scented Mini Candle Trio - £27.50

We were also sent a Forbidden Fantasy Scented Mini Candle trio in "Blush", "Kiss" and "Flirt" (£27.50).  The scents are gorgeous and I will be smuggling one of these into my suitcase for our half-term excursion to the wilds of Tetbury.

Blush has notes of white grapefruit and violet, Flirt is a blend of white florals with rich fruits and musk and Kiss combines fresh notes and light florals with the warmth of amber and sandalwood. The fragrances are strong enough so as not to be overpowering or sickly sweet.

Lastly we were sent the very pretty Warm Hearts Tealight Holder - £13.95, made of glass with an antiqued silvery finish which looks lovely on a mantelpiece or bedside table.

Warm Hearts Tealight Holder - £13.95

PartyLite has an extensive range of candles and home fragrance products and some gorgeous items for Halloween and Christmas.  I find our American cousins approach both these celebrations with a good deal more gusto than we do here in the UK.  If you love Martha Stewart, then you're going to love PartyLite.

The link to their latest Autumn / Winter catalogue is here.

They offer over 50 exclusive fragrances, in different categories such as Herbal & Woody, Edible & Spicy or Floral so you are bound to find one that appeals, plus some great ideas for making your Christmas table a stand-out event this year.  (We spent ages trying to find a gold runner for the table last year, much to the Husbands chagrin and don't get him started on 'decorative stags').

If you would like to order candles, why not host a home party where there are discounts and incentives for the host or hostess (and you can also become a consultant).

Further information about PartyLite is available at www.partylite.co.uk. You can also find PartyLite on Facebook or Instagram.

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

Read more

If You Have Tinnitus, You Need To Make Friends With Spike.

My right ear is ringing worse than usual. I have just returned from the school run where a child screamed 'boo' in my ear.  To those of you who don't suffer from the nightmare of Tinnitus, I imagine you are now thinking "what a wet lettuce" and I used to agree with you, but when you have tinnitus (a condition that causes ringing or buzzing in the ear), a sudden loud noise like a shout or a bang can cause what we tinnitus sufferers refer to as a 'spike'.

Many Tinnitus Sufferers Are Too Afraid To Go To Concerts

A spike is like the Russian Roulette of tinnitus.  You have no idea how long it will last and whether the frequency of the noise in your ear will abate.  You see tinnitus sufferers get to know their 'usual' tinnitus frequency and level very well.  We are so tuned into it that we are like walking tuning forks.

Probably the greatest fear for the tinnitus sufferer is that something, anything, will cause the noise to get worse - and never go down again.

A cursory glance at any tinnitus forum online will show that, after desperately trying to find a cure for the condition, dealing with the fear of a spike is next up as one of the biggest dilemmas we have to put up with.

You literally never know when the next spike will come along.  You can go for weeks with  your ringing / buzzing / chirping at the level you know (and can more or less deal with) and then, bam, something causes your tinnitus to spike and you sink into a spiralling vortex of anxiety, worry, sleeplessness and, usually, self-blame.

I imagine loads of tinnitus sufferers spend hours berating themselves for what they see as poor choices and 'if only's'.  If only I hadn't gone to that concert, or to the cinema.  If only I could have foreseen that a small child was going to sprint across the playground and shout in my ear.  And then there's the 'shoulds'.  I should have know that driving with the car window open would cause a spike. I should have known that giving the kids balloons when they'd only burst them would cause this maddening buzzing.

I have written before about how difficult it is for many to understand how soul-destroying tinnitus can be and how the medical profession really needs to pull up its socks and come up with solutions and strategies to help sufferers manage not only the condition, but the life draining anxiety that comes with it.

Many of us no longer go to concerts even though we love music.  Fellow sufferers have given up playing musical instruments or going to the cinema.  We are all desperately trying to find an alternative medicine cure since there seems to be very little available for us. Lipoflavinoids?  Check. Acupuncture?  Possibly.  Pine Bark?  Vitamin B12?  Magnesium?

If there is something we can do for ourselves it is, and this is entirely counter-intuitive, to relax and almost breathe into the sound.  It is a vicious circle.  We focus on the sound and, surprise surprise, it increases and stays with us far longer than it would if we could only accept its presence and let it go.

If we think back to our previous experience of spikes, we remember that they usually abate when we have forgotten about the incident that triggered them.

Relaxing when you have Tinnitus is no small challenge but it can be done - either by practising meditation or buying a sound machine (which play white noise or relaxing sounds such as bird song or the sound of the sea).

Being kind to yourself is important too.  Eating well and trying to get enough sleep (again another major challenge for many sufferers) are important.

The goal is, I guess, not to be defined as a tinnitus sufferer but to get to the point where tinnitus is just something you happen to have and then the fear will be gone.

The next time someone shouts in your ear or blows a whistle or makes a sound which, for the majority, is perfectly normal and, dare I say it, fun, then we will be able to accept it and let it pass.

This is the stage we need to get to because, until we get there, many of life's pleasures are suspended, unavailable, maddeningly out of reach.

No, much though I'm afraid to say it, we need to make friends with spike.

Further information about tinnitus can be found at the British Tinnitus Association and if you feel you are suffering from it, please go and see your GP who may refer you for a hearing test and other necessary medical check-ups.  Ironic as it sounds, don't suffer in silence!

Like what you've read?  Why not join me on the Mother Distracted Facebook page, tweet me on @lindahobbis or follow me on Instagram.

Read more

Beauty Essentials From Justmylook.co.uk & An OPI Avojuice Giftpack Giveaway

I have recently discovered a great website for beauty essentials at very reasonable prices - Justmylook.co.uk. They stock many of the leading beauty brands, including hair, makeup, beauty, nail, tanning and skincare products.  They also stock grooming products for men.

They offer free delivery on all UK orders via tracked delivery and an upgrade to express delivery for only £3.95.  Delivery generally takes just 2-3 working days. I found Max Factor, OPI, Fake Bake, W7 Cosmetics, L'Oreal, Revlon, Maybelline and TIGI, just for starters.

Some of my favourites include:

Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Tin 07 Coral Crush - £3.95

W7 In The Buff Natural Nudes 12 Colour Eyeshadow Palette - £3.95

Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Foundation - £6.95

Babyliss Ionic Air Styler - £26.20

Justmylook.co.uk have also offered a lovely prize for me to give away, an OPI Spring on The Juice AvoJuice Hand & Body Lotion Gift Pack (worth £14.99)
.

This is a gift pack which contains 9 OPI Avojuice mini moisturising lotions suitable for both the hands and body. The lotions are filled with natural fruit extracts and nourishing ingredients, and, say OPI, the lotions are light weight, quickly absorbed and non-greasy.

OPI, in case you are unfamiliar with the name, is one of the most successful nail brands in the world and is endorsed by a variety of celebrities, such as Gwent Stefani and Mariah Carey.

This collection of lotions contains:-

1 x Peony & Poppy 30ml
1 x Violet Orchid 30ml
1 x Vanilla Lavender 30ml
1 x Sweet Lemon Sage 30ml
1 x Coconut Melon 30ml
1 x Mango 30ml
1 x Cran and Berry 30ml
1 x Jasmine 30ml
1 x Ginger Lily 30ml

My favourites are Sweet Lemon Sage and Vanilla Lavender and the lotions are quickly absorbed and smell divine.  OPI say they offer a 24 hour moisturising and protective hydration barrier plus avocado and aloe extracts to help soften and nourish. Very welcome given the amount of housework I have to do these days!

Entry is via the rafflecopter widget in the usual way and the giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday 13th September 2015.  UK entries only.  Please note the prize will be sent out by Justmylook.co.uk.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Further information is available at www.justmylook.co.uk, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Justmylook.co.uk and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Justmylook.co.uk.

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

Read more

My Sunday Photo - 06/09/15

Ieuan in his robot costume, lovingly made by his dad.

Read more

Win A Coffee Stash From Beanies The Flavour Co.

Now that some semblance of normality has returned to the Hobbis household and I have been able to retire my battered National Trust directory to the pile of "places to be visited when I'm feeling 'up to it'",  I am enjoying those few moments of morning peace that only those who have just run the gamut of the school run will know.

Despite the fact that Caitlin and Ieuan were only in school for 3 days out of the 5, the Husband and I felt like we'd done a half term at least.  It's amazing, isn't it, how quickly you can let your routine lapse.  Haphazard as it is, we do have some sort of routine which primarily involves shouting and looking for things.

The temptation is to come back and slump in a chair whilst eating biscuits but I am determined to improve my work-space and not to pile on the weight.  Happily I was recently sent a box of  9 flavoured coffees to try  - a "My Beanies Stashbox" from the Beanies Flavour Co.

Beanies Stash Box - £22.50 + Free Delivery

Just the names are delicious - Amaretto Almond, Cinder Toffee, Nutty Hazelnut, Double Chocolate, Irish Cream, Cinnamon Hazelnut, Chocolate Orange, Ginger Bread and Very Vanilla in cute 50g jars. Even better, each cup (black obviously) contains only 2 calories which, when compared with the frightening calorie count of the buckets of coffee sold by the coffee chains makes a cup of Beanies coffee a very acceptable treat indeed.  (If you have attended a Slimming World meeting where the perils of coffee have been discussed,  you'll know exactly where I'm coming from!).

I have to admit I am not usually a big fan of flavoured teas and coffees but having tried Cinder Toffee and Irish Cream (so far!),  I have to say that this is great quality coffee with a subtle flavour, and easy to drink black.

I was expecting too much sweetness but Beanies say that they "set the flavour levels to minimise or eliminate the need for added sweetness and they're right!  This may be because, unlike other flavoured coffees where the granules are coated, Beanies coffee granules have the flavour infused into them - far more subtle.

Beanies coffees come in instant (from around £2.50 for 50g) and premium roast blends (from around £4.50 for 250g).  They also offer decaf varieties and their coffees are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. You can either buy on their website or find them at your local supermarket.  I think they're well worth a try as an alternative to the standard instant granules and a Beanies cup certainly feels like more of a treat.

I also have a Beanies Stashbox to give away.  Just complete the Rafflecopter in the usual way.  UK entrants only sorry.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Friday 18th September 2015.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Further information about Beanies and their great range of coffees can be found at www.beaniesflavourco.co.uk, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beaniesflavourcoffee and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/beanies_flavour.

Read more

50 Free Things To Do In London - A Handy Guide From Central London Apartments

Today I'm sharing a really helpful guide produced by Central London Apartments and published on their blog, London Unlocked.  It's entitled "50 Free Things To Do In London".

Central London Apartments who offer over 1000 serviced apartments in London, specialise in providing quality, great value accommodation in central London and the surrounding areas. They offer short stay apartments which can save an average of 30% on your hotel bill, whilst offering more space, comfort and flexibility.

We have been planning a trip to London with Caitlin and Ieuan but, being complete novices with family rooms, an apartment is a very tempting alternative, given our varying sleeping habits and the general cacophony of snores, whistles, shouts and completely lucid conversations with superheroes (you can guess who) emitted by the family en masse.

I don't know about you, but sightseeing when we're all grumpy due to sleep deprivation never works well.

Then there's the issue of what to do - and the cost.  Caitlin's knowledge of London has been entirely gleaned from Paddington and for her the City consists of Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussauds and Hampton Court Palace.  Ieuan just wants to go on the underground.

We've got as far as considering a river cruise but the idea of being stuck on the London Eye for over an hour if one of the kids decides they want to get off is less appealing.  I'd love to go on it though - and would also love to sip champagne at the top of the Shard - unlikely with the kids in tow!

I'd like to go to the London Dungeon - but will it be too scary for the kids?  And then of course there's Legoland in Windsor and the Warner Bros Studio Tour of The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden.

All of this could cost an arm and a leg so it was refreshing to read Central London Apartments' guide to 50 free things to do in London, many of which can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Here are my top five choices from their list, where you will find full information, location and websites etc.

1.  National History Museum

Here you can discover the secrets of the deep sea, explore coral reefs and meet the dinosaurs.  The museum is split into zones. The Blue Zone introduces you to dinosaurs and giant mammals, with a gallery of fascinating nature photography. The Red Zone takes you through a giant earth sculpture, where you can learn about the power of volcanoes and earthquakes. The Green Zone explores the wonders of evolution, and in the Orange Zone, you can see scientists hard at work, and visit the wildlife garden. There are 35 rooms of incredible exhibits, with the most intact Stegosaurus fossil skeleton in the world (in the Red Zone). There are regular free talks, tours and events for families.

4.  The Science Museum

The Science Museum has over 15,000 objects on display and an exciting range of interactive exhibits. It’s the perfect place for kids (and big kids) who love robots and making things with their hands. You’ll meet robots who can write, and Adam, a robot who can carry out scientific experiments. Younger children will love the interactive storytelling events, and for older kids there are plenty of fun, free workshops. You can make a colourful magic lantern, a pop up Science Museum, an artistic doodling machine and your very own hand-made rocket mouse!

10.  Free Walking Tour - Changing of The Guard

This is a two hour Golden Tours free Royal Walking Tour which follows the footsteps of Britain’s monarchy and you will see either the changing of the guard or the Horse Guards, depending on availability.  Two hours may be a bit long for my kids but I'm sure we'd be able to slope off once the kids threshold of interest is reached!

19.  Harrods

Now I must confess this may be of more interest to Caitlin and I than to the boys but apart from all that luxurious designer wear and a fantastic beauty department, there is also the Toy Kingdom, a 26,000 foot realm crammed with LEGO, Barbie, Transformers, traditional teddies, books, delicious sweets, dress up clothes and souvenirs. There is also a Fendi pop up boutique – the space will mirror the building in miniature, transporting people to majestic Rome.  I may struggle to remember this is supposed to be a free visit though and am quite likely to come over "all peculiar" and require afternoon tea.

29. St James' Park

St James’s Park is the oldest of the Royal parks and includes the iconic landmarks The Mall, Horse Guards Parade and the blue bridge. You can follow in the footsteps of the historic Royal processions marching down The Mall to Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace. And you may also meet one of the resident pelican colony.  It's a great place to take a break and eat a packed lunch (even if you are wearing your kagool)!

There are so many other fabulous free places to visit and you can check out the rest of Central London Apartment's list here. 


Which would you visit first?

Further information at www.central-london-apartments.com.

Like what you've read?  Please share by clicking the icons below this post. Are there any must-see attractions you would add?

Read more

Tidying? There's No Escape From the "Tray-O-Shite"

Now that the kids have gone back to school and the level of my tinnitus has reduced from full on jet engine to mildly irritating lawn mower,  I am faced with the mountain of cleaning and tidying that everyone has managed to avoid for the last six weeks of the school holidays.

In our defence, this is because we have been planning day trips.  Not actually going on day trips, mind you, but the thought was there.  If we managed to get out of the house before lunchtime it was quite an event.

Incidentally, Caitlin's first day at Juniors went well.  "How did your day go?"  I asked her, expecting some monumental announcement about new books, desks, and something exciting, newly learned.  "We can have unlimited tomato sauce",  she said.

Judging by the state of his trousers when he came home, Ieuan's first day in Year 2 was mainly spent amassing mud.

So that leaves me and my quest to turn this house into somewhere a bit more 'des res'.  I have bought Marie Kondo's "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying"  but, having scanned through it there is, in my humble opinion, one glaring omission.

I have read enough lifestyle magazines to know now that, when faced with any emotional house-keeping crisis, the best thing to do is to buy a new floral mug, a cushion with a dog on it (printed, rather than an actual dog I think they mean) and to go a bit mad in Paperchase.

I'm afraid we are beyond stationery.  I have bought baskets.  I have bought those plastic boxes (and lost the correct sized lids).  I have written a to do list whilst imbibing one of Costa's finest outsize coffees (and given myself a caffeine headache into the bargain).

You see, it doesn't matter how many things you put away.  Or how much horror the Husband has secreted in the garage (several skips worth).

You'll always be faced with one of these.  What can only be described as "The Tray-O-Shite".

 
I am not sure what Marie Kondo would suggest. And I bet you've got one lurking somewhere.

It's not that tidying is difficult.  It's having a place to put the stuff.  And, in the case of the Husband's stuff, knowing what the heck it is in the first place.

When faced with one of these monsters, the heart sinks and any tidying momentum is automatically zapped. Trust me, even Hob Nobs will not help.  In the absence of knowing what to do with it, you do what can only be described as "junk transfer".

If it's not stuff on a tray, it'll be somewhere else.  Previously it was the top of the bread-maker which had become an expensive storage surface rather than a useful kitchen appliance.  We also have a line of bits and strange pieces along the length of most of our book-shelves.  Useful things like old mobile phone cables and screws from who knows where.

I should just throw it all out but I always find myself thinking "what if it's some critical component"? I'm going to end up on one of those programmes about hoarders, although if it's the one where they send in cleaners with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, I really won't know which side to team up with.

I think I'm going out to buy a new cushion.

Read more

Creating A Healthy Work Space

I've been blogging on and off for a couple of years now but it's only really since March this year that Mother Distracted has become what I regard as my 'job'.  But, much to the consternation of the Husband and my physiotherapist, I've been spending far too long in a run-down armchair typing away with the company of ITV's motley morning crew as a general background noise.

It's not the best working environment now, is it?

Prior to that, I used to work typing away standing up at our breakfast bar (probably much better for my health and back) but, envious of the Husband's work-space in our loft (secret hideaway more like!), I'm coveting a work-space of my own.

When I used to work in office, the emphasis was always on health and safety (lawyers are not going to get caught out on that score!) so the desks were always the right height and the chairs ergonomically designed to support the lower back.  We were trained to have the PC monitor at the right height and distance away and counselled to always take a brief break every 30 minutes or so to rest our eyes, even if that was just by looking around or getting up and having a good stretch.

Now knowing all this, I wonder how many of us take the same care with our work-spaces as we do (or did) in offices?  How many of us are avoiding repetitive strain injury by using wrist rests (or foot rests) when we type.  And how many of us a getting a nice double chin from staring down at a laptop which is far too low for our natural eyeline?

I seem to have conveniently forgotten everything I used to do to protect my health when I was working in marketing legal services. Do I regularly get a cup of fresh water (coffee yes!)?  Do I get out for a walk in the fresh air every lunch hour?  Umm.

No.  My work-space needs to be designed to get me back into some healthier work habits. Don't tell the Husband but I'm planning to 'borrow' some of his loft!

There is already a nice desk and filing cabinet there but I would replace his old office chair with one of these as recommended last year by The Independent newspaper during Back Care Week 2014.

Herman Miller Aeron Office Chair - £925, John Lewis

I appreciate this may be more than you'd like to pay for a chair but given that you'd be sitting in it for years, I think it's a worthwhile investment in the health of your back.

I'd also get a laptop stand like this one to get the laptop screen closer to my eye level.

Slim Cool Laptop Stand - £59.94 - www.posturite.co.uk

together with a decent wrist rest, should the Husband ever let me use the PC.  I have to confess that, as a trained touch typist, I do prefer a 'proper' separate keyboard.

ErgoBeads Keyboard Wrist Rest- £21.22 - www.posturite.co.uk

Another problem we often face when reading a computer or laptop screen is glare from the sun. All that squinting can really give you a headache. We have VELUX windows in our loft and so I'd invest in some smart new VELUX blinds to ensure that I can see the screen clearly even when the sun is shining at its brightest. (Yes, we do get sunshine in Wales occasionally!).

Sholten & Baijings Roman Blind from VELUX

These blinds are part of a colour collection from Amsterdam-based designers, Scholten & Baijings who are inspired by the way light changes from dusk till dawn. The fabrics are cut individually and the blinds can be sculpted as you prefer. You can let in lots of sun light through the transparent blinds or block out the light entirely. Ideal for our loft.  I can only dream about living somewhere that remains pure white and pristine clean!

Then I'd add some funky stationery, some fresh flowers or a spider plant to clear the air and a coffee maker (oh alright then, a water bottle). Incidentally, you can find a list of 15 plants to improve your office air quality here.

Plus a very strong padlock.

What steps have you taken to ensure your work-space is helping you to stay healthy?

*This is a collaborative post.

Read more