High Noon For Head Lice With Vamousse® & Giveaway

Back to school time is nearly upon us and, together with the kids' excitement about returning to see their friends and starting a whole new academic year afresh comes the threat of a set of potential visitors who are not welcome in the slightest.

Yes, when children come back together, it's a great opportunity for head lice to thrive and just one or two lice can start an infestation off.

Sharing hats and brushes can also spread them as they can survive 8-12 hours off the body but generally they are spread by physical contact - i.e. head to head.

I'm sure we've all felt our heart sink as our little ones run out of school brandishing the "slip of doom" saying that one of their number has been adopted by those nasty little varmints, head lice.

We've all heard the homespun advice about combing through conditioner before we wash our children's hair and the theories about plaiting hair to keep head lice away.

We've questioned whether head lice like dirty hair better than clean and given our kids' scalps a cursory examination to see whether we can spot anything.

A Head Louse - Source:  www.nhs.uk

But once you've done that, what do you do?  Apart from crossing your fingers and hoping?

There is a new weapon of lice destruction on the high street from Vamousse® - Vamousse® Protective Shampoo which is proven to break the cycle of infestation.

You see a commonly held frustration by parents is the belief that other parents are deliberately sending their kids to school with head lice and causing the spread.

Actually, most head lice infestations are spread by undetected infestations that take over a month to discover. Head lice are the hidden enemy!

A head lice infestation takes time to develop. In its early days an infestation consists of young lice (nymphs) that are too small to be seen by the naked eye and eggs that do not cause symptoms such as itching/a crawling sensation.

To stop an infestation taking hold both adult lice and, later hatching lice (nymphs) emerging from eggs need to be killed, thereby breaking the cycle of infestation. 

Research carried out by Vamousse® found that most parents are too slow to take action, often waiting for visible signs of lice before whipping out the detection comb and using a product for protection or treatment. (For more information on head lice prevention and treatment with the Vamousse®  range, check out their website here.)

So, you've received the dreaded 'nit slip'.  How does Vamousse® Protective Shampoo Work?

When used regularly as part of a family bath-­time routine Vamousse® Protective Shampoo can stamp out an infestation before it takes hold, by killing the lice that have unknowingly been contracted and later killing lice as they emerge from eggs that have been laid. 

It's easy to use - simply apply a generous amount of shampoo to wet hair, work into a lather and massage into scalp. The leave the shampoo on hair for at least 3 minutes and Rinse.

For best results it is recommended that you use the shampoo daily for at least 2 weeks.  Hair is left clean and fresh and you can use a conditioner afterwards.

Best of all it's pesticide free and suitable to use on children aged 2 and over.

If you do find head lice, in other words there is a visible infestation, then you need to use Vamousse Head Lice Treatment before using this shampoo.

It is non-toxic and pesticide free and kills 100% of the lice AND eggs within 15 minutes of contact. 

So what did we think? We are not currently under threat of an infestation but I wanted to test the shampoo for ease of application, smell and its effect on a child's scalp and hair.

The shampoo is colourless and quite runny.

It is recommended that you really massage the shampoo in well to blitz any lurking eggs or lice.

Then rinse and condition as normal.  Caitlin's only comment was that the shampoo had a stronger smell than her usual one.  

Her hair was left clean and actually had quite a nice shine to it - although that may be because I was liberal with the use of condition, conscious that she had had a stronger product on her hair than normal.

You are advised, by the way, to make sure that you don't get the product in your eyes or near your mucuous membranes as it may irritate or sting but that probably applies to many other shampoos.

Vamousse® Protective Shampoo retails at £9.99 and there is sufficient for around 20 washes in the bottle. Vamousse Head Lice Treatment costs £14.99.

Both products are available to buy at and the products are available to buy at Boots, Superdrug, Ocado (coming soon to Sainsbury’s) and all good pharmacies.

It's nice to know that there is something definite you can do to prevent head lice taking hold and now you can really Vamousse® Those Varmints™.

Further information is available at www.Vamousse.co.uk or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VamousseThoseVarmints or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VamousseUK.

In addition I have a giveaway of 1 x pack of Vamousse Head Lice Treatment, 1 x Vamousse Protective Shampoo and 1 x Turbie Twist Turban Towel.  Simply complete the Rafflecopter below in the usual.  UK entrants only. The competition ends at 11:59 pm on the 11th September 2015.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*PR samples were received for the purposes of this review.

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Mums: Don't Get Angry -Get "Turbo-Calm"

Week 5 of the Summer holidays and we are now all living in a simmering state of restrained hostility. Caitlin is showing all the signs of galloping puberty or is permanently auditioning for Hollyoaks - I can't tell over the sound of harumphing, slamming doors and "none of you understand me".

Ieuan is admitting to getting "a little bit angry" which is akin to saying Kim Kardashian is quite fond of cameras.

I have exhausted my repertoire of bribes, threats, cajoling, wheedling, pleading, stropping, sighing and outright emotional blackmail.  I have hidden in my bedroom and taken mid afternoon showers to shut out the thunderous sound of bickering which erupts over something world-shattering like the wrong placement of a Lego brick or the refusal by one or the other of them to play their longstanding (and weirdly entertaining) game of Puppy and The Incredible Hulk.

I have taken them out to run free on our nearby common or to explore the local beauty spots.  They have iPads, books, TV, a safe garden, bikes and scooters and Lego which appears mysteriously like damp in the various corners of the house but they still require entertaining.  I've read to them (which lasts the length of a shortish chapter till they get bored) and they have enough craft materials to build a space shuttle. I have eaten so much pizza I'm starting to resemble Gino on the Go Compare advert.

But I have a new thing.  I'm calling it "Turbo-Calm".

It's where you are rendered speechless by rage or irritation. It's the replacement of shouting with silence. It's when you finally think"enough of this nonsense" and take yourself out of the argument equation in order to defuse it.  And, surprisingly, it works quite well.

Expecting a spectacular explosion of maternal nagging, the kids find an icy calm exterior.  I become one with the universe and my mind is like a computer.  I am Mrs Logic.  I show no emotion.  Oh no.

Now, I'm not entirely sure this is a healthy method of interaction but it does at least create a space for everyone to calm down a bit.

My mother used to send me to my room to fester and then appear with a cuddle about half an hour later.  I'm guessing today that would be referred to as positive time out.

There's no escape when you're a parent though, is there?  You can run but you can't hide.

When it all gets too much, hit the turbo-calm button.  And break out the biscuits.

While you're carb-loading you may just remember that you love the little menaces after all.

And if you're lucky, the kids will remember they quite like you too - and come for a cuddle.

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He's Not Babysitting - He's Parenting!

I often read blog posts about the challenges (for 'challenges' read 'bombshells') experienced by new mothers. It is physically, emotionally and spiritually draining.  Childbirth changes you in ways you never previously suspected.  You feel everything more intensely and your propensity for feeling guilty increases a thousand fold.

I'm not sure who looks more perplexed here!  Mat and Caitlin in 2008

But there is one key skill, I think, that all new mothers need and that many fail to master.

No, I'm not talking about putting a nappy on one-handed whilst drinking a cuppa and cradling the phone beneath your chin.  I am not talking about the motorised instrument of torture that is the breast pump.  (It's ironic that you are expected to 'express' milk, because there was nothing very speedy about mine!).

I'm talking about the ability to ask for help - and accept it.

Because, let's be honest, offers of help are not always forthcoming.  Everyone is so busy with their own lives and particularly if you are a stay at home mum, you will most likely find yourself home alone with your new, albeit magical, plus one.

I saw on Twitter the other day a dad complaining that he was congratulated for 'babysitting' his own child when, as he so rightly put it, he was parenting.

There is, I think, a temptation for new mums to immerse themselves completely in motherhood to the exclusion of their partner.

Very little is actually written about what it is like for new dads and it must be very frustrating to find that, having done midnight runs for curry and gherkins, listened endlessly to birth plans (which are usually jettisoned as soon as labour begins in earnest) and planned the first bike rides, country jaunts and trips to the seaside, they find themselves rather surplus to requirements.

And then, if they are left in charge of their newborn son or daughter, we congratulate them for 'babysitting'.

I have done this myself and I think it's because new mums feel it's their mission to single-handedly ensure the baby thrives - and that only they can do it.

As a new mum, you may become consumed with a perfectionism you never had before.  Nappies must be put on just so.  Baby must be laid down like this.  And on it goes.

There is sense in this because, at least in my experience, creating a routine that works for all the family is vital.  We become obsessed with baby's bowel movements and when they will 'sleep through'.  Every ounce of their weight is recorded.  We wait, anxiously, for the first toothless smile.

But, at some point, you  have to let go, for your sanity and your health and also for your baby.  This is even more important, of course, if your partner is not around to support you both - and a time when you really need your family and friends.

For those of us lucky enough to have a partner on hand, as mothers we need to let them in and share the experience and learn by doing.  That is not meant to be patronising. It is the same logic used in delegating in the work place. A team is stronger than a single individual.

And if we don't encourage dads to get 'hands on' and acknowledge their input as 'partners' in both senses of the word, then we play into the hands of the dyed-in-the-wool sexists who still refer to looking after baby as 'women's work'; the sort of people who think a man's role in the birth process is to have a stiff whisky.

If we don't encourage dads to play an equal role then we will only have ourselves to blame if they regard their input as 'babysitting'.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, there is no shame in asking for an hour out for a coffee, or in asking for help with some of the routine household tasks (ironing, putting a batch of washing on etc).

When we're stressed, we somehow think people can read our minds whereas a short list of things that need to be done and some basic instructions is far more useful!

If we involve our partners in childcare and we ask for help from friends and relatives, our experience in those first few challenging months may be even more memorable - for all the right reasons.

We do dads a disservice when we deny them the opportunity to create their own memories with their newborn child.

And we do ourselves a disservice when we won't ask for help at a time when we really, REALLY, deserve it.

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My Sunday Photo - 23/08/2015

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Our Family Day Out At Caerphilly Castle

Cadw, the Welsh Government's Historic Environment Service (or, as I like to think of them, the guardians of some of Wales' most beautiful heritage sites), are running a summer campaign this year which asks us to 'pack your imagination'.

We were invited to go along for a double bouncy / non-bouncy castle experience!

There is a variety of exciting family fun activities in Cadw sites around Wales and we were very happy to hear that, at Caerphilly Castle, this includes a bouncy castle and Lego workshops.

Incidentally, the last of these workshops is on Thursday 27th August and you can find more information here.  (Booking is via Eventbrite).

So, on a satisfyingly bleak and rainy morning (I like a bit of 'bleak' as you know), we drove the short distance from Cardiff and, armed with the customary Fruit Shoots and Tunnocks Caramel Wafers, prepared to explore.

There is ample quite cheap car parking, by the way, in the nearby long-stay pay & display car park and the castle itself is very well signposted.

The first thing we noticed was the geese and ducks who grace the surrounding river. There were loads of them!

Mindful of the fact that the Romans allegedly used geese as guards we walked somewhat gingerly towards the imposing silhouette of the castle.

Isn't it funny how you can live in a place for decades and completely forget how fantastic the places on your own doorstep are?

For some reason, despite the fact that I had visited Caerphilly Castle as a child, I had forgotten how big and strikingly majestic it is.

In fact, Caerphilly is Wales' largest castle and the second largest castle in the UK (the largest being Windsor Castle).

It is also very well set out for visitors, with a site office / gift shop and toilets (very important for us family explorers).

There are also art installations, exhibitions and great use of projection (for example, to create a portcullis or a roaring fire) which help to bring the castle alive.

Caitlin and Ieuan loved the many towers and halls and were fascinated by dark corridors and foot-worn turret stairs.

The views over the castle ramparts are spectacular - even shrouded in the kind of misty murkiness only South Wales seems capable of producing.

Caerphilly Castle was begun in 1268 by Earl Gilbert de Clare who was a rich and powerful English nobleman.

His new home had to weather its first attack in 1270 whilst still under construction.

The castle had rings of stone and water defences to repel attack.

In its huge Great Hall, it is probable that King Edward II was entertained there in 1326 on the run from Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer.

And, as another point of interest, the south-east tower out-leans the Tower of Pisa.

We enjoyed the art installations, although I'm not too sure this interpretation of "the wife" is all that flattering.

The story of Caerphilly Castle is very well documented by Cadw and it is easy to get a sense of how hard life must have been then.

For a start, life expectancy in 1268 was 31, although if you managed to get to 20 you stood a good chance of living to 45.

The daily focus must have been on survival. How different must it have been for families then!

The "Pack Your Imagination" Campaign is a great opportunity for little ones to put themselves in their ancestors' shoes to bring one of the hardest (and one of the gruesomest) periods in our history to life.

After a great hour or so exploring, the kids could resist the lure of the bouncy castle no longer and, ignoring the drizzle, had a great time bouncing like Tigger on a sugar rush.  (I managed to restrain myself from joining them).

I can heartily recommend a bouncy castle as a quick method of tiring your kids out.

As long as you can then withstand the inevitable "I'm tired, I'm hungry" etc.

There was only one thing for it - off to the Black Cock Pub on Caerphilly Mountain we went for a lovely pulled pork madras and freshly cooked fish goujons and chips for the kids.

The pub is also just a stones throw from another Cadw site - Castell Coch built by eccentric genius William Burges for John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd Marquess of Bute.  But that's a tale for another day.

Entry to Cadw sites is free is you are a member (a family membership is £66), otherwise a family ticket is £16.50 (2 adults and all children under 16). If you join Cadw at the site, there is a £10 reduction in the membership fee.

For further information about Caerphilly Castle go to www.cadw.wales.gov.uk.

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

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World of Warriors Back To School Giveaway [CLOSED]

The greatest warriors in history are invading the classroom this September, as global entertainment company Mind Candy launch their first ever back to school range for their epic World of Warriors™ mobile gaming app! World of Warriors™ features the greatest warriors in history fighting it out in the vast Wildlands against an evil Skull Army. Aztec vs Ninja, Roman vs Samurai – a whole host of historical characters all with incredible back stories.

With an exciting new range of products available, including World of Warriors™ lunchboxes (RRP £8), snack pots (RRP £1), water bottles (RRP £4.99) and school bags (RRP £10), kids will have everything they need to join the battle and start the year in true warrior style!

In addition, World of Warriors™ have partnered with nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed to create some healthy, well-balanced lunchboxes that the kids will love.

Charlotte advises: “during the school day children need sustained energy to help keep them energised and active all day long. And as children spend a lot of time in school, a large proportion of their meals will be eaten here, which is why it's a great idea to offer a really well balanced meal in their lunchbox.”

The meal suggestions are designed around the five most popular World of Warriors™ characters; Crixus, Gunnar, Kuro, Zuma and Brutus – to help educate and encourage children to make an association between healthy food choices and fun.

With top tips on encouraging children to explore new food groups, pre-made weekly shopping lists and easy to follow lunchtime food plans, Charlotte and World of Warriors™ are aiming to excite and inspire a new generation of children about the nutritious and healthy foods available.

Charlotte says: "developing good eating habits starts when children are very young, in fact, it’s never too young to get children used to eating nutrient rich, healthy foods. Offering children plenty of variety and getting them used to healthier options when they are young can also mean that as they grow up and become more independent, they make healthier choices for themselves. Associating popular characters with healthy food choices is an excellent idea. Because children spend a lot of time in school, getting their packed lunches right is a great place to start.”

Charlotte's top tips for healthy lunchboxes include:-

* Make lunchboxes fun with colourful straws, napkins and cutlery. You could even try including a little game, as World of Warriors™ have done, or a note each day for your child to read to make lunchtimes even more special

* Cut foods such as vegetables, fruits and breads up so they are easier and more convenient for your children to eat at school

* To keep food cool, freeze a bottle of water and place it in a plastic bag in the lunchbox. By lunchtime it will have melted for your little one to have as a cool drink too

* Vary the food you offer so your children don't get bored with the same lunch each day

* Use seasonal foods, especially fruits and vegetables, which are cheaper and more nutrient-dense

* Use up lunchtime leftovers when you’re at home to reduce food waste, or try and encourage your children to eat their leftovers as an after school snack on the way home

* Get your kids involved in making the lunch box – right from helping you write your shopping list, to choosing foods at the supermarket and packing it all up the night before

* Talk to your children about what foods they like and don't like in their lunchbox. Give them options and choices to get them involved and give them some independence

* Try not to overfill lunchboxes, especially if your children have small appetites. It’s better to offer smaller amounts of ready to eat foods and encourage them to eat as much as they can

* Don’t forget to communicate with teachers at the school who can help feedback on how well your little ones are eating at lunchtime.

World of Warriors™ features an ever-expanding array of the greatest warriors in history, from Ninjas and Aztecs to Knights and Vikings, battling it out on an epic journey across the vast Wildlands. As well as several gaming apps, the brand will launch a range of toys and collectables, this September.

To celebrate the back to school launch, one lucky winner will win the ultimate Warrior school survival pack! Along with the back to school range, there is a limited edition warrior food diary, full of nutritious and delicious meal plans that will have your children fighting fit and eating like their favourite Warrior in no time!  There will also be a set of Topps Trading Cards and a Warriors Magazine.

Entry is easy.  Just complete the Rafflecopter widget below.  UK entrants only. The competition ends at midnight on 28th August 2015.  Please note the prize will be sent directly from the PR company and I cannot be held responsible for items which are subsequently lost or do not arrive.

For more information visit: https://www.worldofwarriors.com/en-GB

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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A Quick Lunch At Zizzi's, Cardiff Bay

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon today so we extracted the Husband from his working quarters (our loft) for a lunch at one of our favourite family eateries, Zizzi's italian restaurant at Mermaid Quay in Cardiff.

Now, hands up, I did intend to do a more thorough review than this but we were, in all honesty, hungry  and anyway, it will be no hardship at all to return.  

Anyway, this should give you a flavour of the place and because it seems to be a little quieter in the day than neighbouring Pizza Express, it's well worth having Zizzi's as what I like to think of as a reserve in your "will put up with your offspring" restaurant arsenal.

Zizzi's in Mermaid Quay is bright and airy and has a fabulous view over the Bay.  I love it when the sun sparkles on the sea.  It makes the Bay feel quite continental.  

With his usual quest to sit somewhere with the most risk to his personal safety, Ieuan decided we'd sit on the high backed, blue pastel chairs but they were surprising comfortable and, happily, he didn't fall off.

The children's menu came on a printed sheet with colouring and puzzles to keep them occupied.

I think the barman may be coveting Ieuan's Power Ranger.

 The kids' menu is £6.75 for three courses and both our two opted for the mini pizza.

Caitlin's latest masterpiece.  Ieuan did his customary Incredible Hulk green angry scribble.

The children's starter, dough sticks, come with carrot and cucumber batons.  Yes.  That really is Ieuan eating carrot.

The Husband chose the bruschetta as his starter and had polished it off before I had a chance to wield the camera!  I can tell you it was light and fresh with sweet baby tomatoes and a generous helping of cheese.

My main course was the Skinny Pizza Pollo Roquito - chicken, roquito chillies, Fior di Latte Mozzarella, sliced asparagus, baby watercress and fresh oregano.  Under 550 calories (still quite high but still...) plus 25p of the cost of the pizza (£10.25) goes to Cancer Research UK.

It came with a lovely fresh side salad with spiralized beetroot and radishes.

One slight oddity about the online menus is that you have to click to bring up the prices and select your local restaurant.  I'm not quite sure why the prices just aren't displayed next to the dish, unless there is considerable regional variation in prices across the country, which I can't imagine a chain such as this doing.

The Husband chose Strozzapretti Pesto Rosso (£9.95) - spicy piccante chicken, red pesto, creme fraiche and spring onions which was creamy and delicious with just the right amount of 'bite'.

Caitlin had great fun decorating her mini pizza with her chosen toppings of olives and ham.

 This is where the cunning plan went a bit wrong.  Just as I was about to reach for the dessert menu (and the kids could have chosen ice cream or a Zizzi Bambini Cone), the pair of them vanished out of the door, having spotted the Cardiff Bay Beach with its fairground rides.

This left me to pay the bill whilst the Husband legged it after the miscreants.  We have just invested in a Tastecard which gives 50% off the bill or, here in Zizzi's 2 for 1 on main courses.  The total bill came to £44.40 which included one large glass of rose wine, a small beer, a glass of milk and a diet coke.

Now you see them,  now they've legged it to the fair.

Oh well, never mind.  I will just have to go back to check out the desserts.  All in the name of research of course.

Further information: Zizzi's in Cardiff Bay is based in Unit 8, Mermaid Quay, CF10 5BZ.  Tel: 02920 462232. You can tweet Zizzi @WeAreZizzi and they are on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wearezizzi.

This is a completely independent review.

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