3 Cosmetic Dental Treatments You Need To Know About

If you’re not completely satisfied with your smile, you may find that you lack confidence. So instead of being held back by your teeth, why not do something about it?

To get you up to speed on what’s available, here are three cosmetic dental treatments you need to know about.

1. Veneers

Whether your teeth are crooked, discoloured or you have a gap that you’re unhappy with, you could consider getting dental veneers. Veneers are made from layers of porcelain and act as new facings for your teeth.

To ensure the veneers look natural and fit you properly, your teeth are filed back so that the artificial facing can be placed on top. After the treatment, you will be left with a sparkling smile you’ll be proud of.

Since this is quite an in depth procedure to have, it’s important that you choose a trusted dentist that’s located near to you. The good news is, there are a number of private practices you can visit, so whether you’re looking for veneers in Manchester, Birmingham, London or elsewhere, you shouldn’t struggle to find the right one for you.

2. Implants

An alternative option to removable dentures, dental implants are artificial teeth that offer a fixed, permanent way for you to enjoy a full smile.

This treatment is especially useful for those who may have a mouth that can no longer support dentures, and it can be used to replace anything from a single tooth to several teeth.

When dental implants are fitted, metal screws made from titanium are drilled directly into the jaw bone to hold the replacement tooth in place. The implants are tailored to fit your mouth properly, and once it’s done, you should be left with a full set of pearly whites to enjoy.

3. Teeth whitening

It’s no secret that what we put into our mouth can take it’s toll on the colour of our teeth, especially drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine. Smoking can also make your teeth look discoloured and stained.

A stunning, white smile is something a lot of people are desperate to attain. The good news is, teeth whitening can help you achieve just that.

This procedure involves having your teeth bleached to make them appear lighter and it’s a treatment that should always be carried out by a regulated dentist. Teeth whitening is not a one off procedure - your dentist will give you a special bleaching gel and mouthguard to use at home for a specified period of time.

Having your teeth whitened by a dentist may cost more than using an off-the-shelf kit from a pharmacy or supermarket, but it's a much safer approach.

With so many different dental treatments available, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a full, beautiful smile.

*collaborative post

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Beck Valley Book Tour: At Dawn - An Alex Troutt Thriller (Book 4) by John W. Mefford

New Release....
Alex Troutt Thriller, Book #4
AT Dawn

FBI Special Agent Alex Troutt returns in a twisting, heart-pounding thriller. 

Three flashes of light illuminate a dark sky. An unspeakable evil devours its prey.

The shimmering view of the sun-drenched ocean can often be nothing more than a mirage. For Alex Troutt, a trip back home for a much-needed summer vacation proves only one thing: greed rules. But how it takes root could destroy her world.

Fueled by the lust of power and money, the shadow of death envelopes her seaside hometown, including those closest to Alex. But as disconnected investigations converge into one focal point, Alex will stop at nothing to blow the entire crime ring straight to hell—even if she has to make the ultimate sacrifice…her life.

Available to buy from.....

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

"Alex Troutt is quickly becoming one of my favorite fictional characters. I love how she's constantly having to balance her family life and her job, even though her job is continually threatening to take over." - Sonya N

"I simply love every single one of John Mefford's novels. They keep you on the edge of your seat reading late into the night." - Michele B

"Intrigue and attempts at revenge for long held grudges – the twists and turns keeps your adrenalin pumping." - Tracy C
above reviews from the Alex Trout Series

Also available in the series...
    

My Review

Once again, John Mefford has crafted a superbly intense thriller with one of my new favourite characters, ballsy female FBI agent Alex Troutt.  

Despite the fact that she is taking a well earned beach vacation with her kids, Alex finds herself, her family and her closest friend embroiled in drive by shootings and the nefarious activities of a drugs cartel.

Then there's the missing son of a rich couple who has vanished after a night of wild partying and hasn't been seen since.

At the centre of the story is Alex's relationship with her father who, although he now seems to be on the up-and-up, appears to have got himself into a situation which is putting lives at risk.

The strands of the story are cleverly interwoven and in this 4th book, you get to know the members of Alex' family even better.  Then there are characters from the previous Alex Troutt thrillers, her crack investigative team back in Boston, including the hunky Brad, and the hilarious Archie whose hair is as funny as his priceless one-liners.

Without giving anything away, At Dawn will keep you truly gripped all night and you wonder if Alex and her family will escape their latest escapade unscathed.

Mefford's Alex Troutt is a great, believable female lead who wrestles with the very common dilemma of balancing her working life with the challenges of being a mother.  Luckily, in my own experience, there are far less bullets.

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.

"Pop on over to my Website, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ Goodreads and Amazon Author Page"

OTHER BOOKS FROM JOHN W MEFFORD

Follow the book tour

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

Win AT Dawn by John W Mefford ebook
4 Winners!!
Ending on Thursday 11th August at 11.59pm CST

Open Worldwide 

Enter HERE

Good Luck !!

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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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