Flash Liquid-Gel

I received a bottle of Flash Liquid-Gel from Supersavvyme free of charge, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Cleaning, the job most of us hate with a passion yet something which has to be done. The word itself is enough to make my hairs stand on end and like others, I'm always on the lookout for any products which make the whole process easier and Flash have managed to do just that!

This little 'wonder' bottle contains a concentrated liquid which has superior cleaning power as well as leaves surfaces and rooms smelling gorgeously fresh. Best of all, it's suitable for almost any surface so this one bottle does it all and it has 2.5x more power in every drop (compared to dilute Flash Lemon).
Flash Liquid Gel has a very special self-dosing cap so you're guaranteed to get just the right amount out per squeeze and it also helps prevent any unwanted spillages - ideal!

For floors, simply add to water and start mopping! I was absolutely stunned at how easily it cut through the dirt and grime leaving my floors looking immaculate and a gorgeously lemony fragrance was left hanging in the air.

My Living Room Floor

As you can see, my floor was left gleaming! I was worried that it would be pretty slippery since I could see my reflection in it but admittedly, it was fine. The great thing is, this can be used in any room too.

For cleaning surfaces, simply squeeze a small drop onto your cloth/sponge, add a bit of water then wipe clean - yes, it really is as easy as that! I used it to clean all my kitchen surfaces, my bath and anywhere else I could make use of it and it performed well on everything. Check out my cooker top ....

Overall I was extremely impressed with the results, and since it only takes a small amount for superior cleaning, this bottle will last me for ages!
Try it for yourself, you'll be amazed at the results!

Grapefruit & Cedarwood Roll-on Deodorant from Amphora Aromatics

I received this deodorant from Amphora Aromatics free of charge, in return for an honest review. All opinions are based upon my partners use of the product as well as my own thoughts.

Amphora Aromatics have been sourcing and supplying pure essential oils and other high quality sundries since 1984. They are a well-respected and long established wholesale retailer.

I was lucky enough to receive a bottle of Grapefruit & Cedarwood roll-on deodorant for men and enlisted the help of my other half to try it out. This comes in a 50ml glass bottle which was very securely packaged and reached me in perfect condition and used a minimum amount of packaging. Unlike other roll-ons, this contains no aluminium, alcohol or synthetic parfums, only natural ingredients and pure essential oils.

The refreshing grapefruit is an essential oil which helps balance the skins natural oils and smells gorgeous, whilst the cedarwoods main job is to attack the bacteria which causes body odour and also adds a woody note to the overall fragrance making it more masculine.

The bottle is an ideal shape to sit nicely in your hand providing easy application. As the name suggests, it has a roller top which is used to apply ......

Unlike similar products, the roller works really well on this and my other half didn't have any problems with it sticking. Each time he used it, it glided easily and without dragging the skin ....perfect! The smell itself is really strong and you can tell it's made with natural oils. The grapefruit gives it a lovely uplifting fragrance making you feel energised and ready to face the day ahead whilst the cedarwood keeps it masculine with its woody undertones.
It took slightly longer to dry than my partners regular deodorant but the smell hit him immediately and he said it felt really comfortable to apply. We both noticed that the smell lasted well into the day, although he did re-apply after around 5/6 hours which was pretty good going for him. He said that there was no dampness throughout the day, despite him feeling a bit hot and the deodorant was the only smell he noticed  ....phew!

He did feel that the bottle looked a little feminine and took a bit of convincing that it was a deodorant for men, but apart from that, we were both very impressed with the results.

Grapefruit & Cedarwood Roll-on Deodorant can be purchased from Amphora Aromatics and is currently on offer for only £3.96 (usual price £4.94)
All prices correct at time of post

For more info check out the Amphora Aromatics Website
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Braun Series 3 Mens Shaver

I was sent the Braun Series 3 shaver free of charge, in return for an honest review. All opinions are based upon my partners experience.

Pack contents (excluding brush & booklet)

Apart from the items shown above, you also get a small cleaning brush for the shaver and an instruction booklet which I forgot to include in the pic ...sorry!

I have to say that upon opening, my other half was like a kid in a sweet shop! While I was diving in for the instruction booklet, he already had the charger and shaver in his hand and was looking for somewhere to plug it.

Please bear in mind that this product comes with a 2 pin plug, so you will need an adapter before you can use it. Luckily, we already had one otherwise my other half might have just had a strop!

Sleek design with easy grip handle

SensoFoil to give a more efficient, closer shave

The Braun Series 3 is specifically designed to work well on 2-day beards providing a quick and efficient way of removing hair whilst keeping skin comfortable. My partner struggled a little at first catching the hairs down towards his adams apple, but after it's first use, he mastered it and successfully managed to have a clean shave. The MicroComb technology worked well in lifting the hairs ready to shave, ensuring that no hair was missed and an all over clean shaven look was achieved. My other half found this shaver really comfortable to hold and said that it didn't drag or irritate the skin the way some others do. Overall, he was very impressed.

Now, what makes the Braun Series 3 even more unique, is that it comes with its own cleaning station saving you the hassle of having to make sure everything is tip top and ready for its next use - something my other half thought was a great idea! Apart from cleaning your shaver, this also provides lubrication so there's no need for anything extra.

Cleaning solution

Empty compartment where cleaning solution goes

Cleaning solution in cleaning station

Remove the lid from the cleaning solution tub and place it inside the bottom of the cleaning station as per pics above. Once it's in place, click the cleaning station down until it locks in place, plug in the adapter then place the shaver in the compartment at the top. Press down the button to activate then sit back in amazement and wait. Here's a short video to show the cleaning station in operation ....

Once the cleaning process is finished, simply remove the shaver from the station, make sure it's thoroughly dried and it's now ready for use. My other half did comment on the fresh 'orangey' smell coming from it during the first use after cleaning - something which really impressed him! 

Overall, my partner highly recommends this shaver for a close shave without irritation. The self cleaning makes this all the more appealing and it's excellent value for money.

Tesco Finest Raspberry Roulade

I received a free voucher to be exchanged for a product from the Tesco Finest range in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

As many of you will be aware, Tesco have introduced a new 'indulgent' range of products called 'Tesco Finest', providing luxury food at affordable prices. You can choose between chilled or frozen desserts and they come in varying sizes to cater for all needs. I did look at the single and double portions available but thought I'd be kind and opt for the Raspberry Roulade which serves 6, so that I could share the joy with my family.

My local Tesco is only a small one in which I couldn't find any of the Finest range, so I headed into town where we have a large store to see what else was available. The choice here was also pretty limited but I did manage to find this roulade in the frozen section.

The description read:
Meringue encrusted with amaretti biscuit crumb, filled with whipped cream, raspberry sauce, whole raspberries and raspberry pieces.

To defrost, I followed the instructions and removed all packaging and left on a serving plate for 3 - 3½ hours, after which time it was ready to eat. I have to say that the waiting period almost killed me - it stood there on the bench teasing and tempting me. I remained patient though and waited.

I'm not a huge fan of cream and the roulade looked so delicious that I ate it without anything extra added.

WOW!! When cutting, you can feel the slight crunch of the meringue and biscuit crumb and the raspberry can clearly be seen throughout the roulade - perfectly proportioned in my opinion.

The combination of flavours was absolutely delightful and the creaminess of the roulade was perfect. You get a lovely light crunch in your mouth, followed by the creaminess, then the punch of the raspberries - an explosion of flavours which dance on your tongue.
My partner isn't too keen on raspberries, but he absolutely loved this paired with a drizzle of cream and said that he would definitely be happy eating it again. My youngest daughter wolfed it down in nano seconds and came holding her plate looking for more, which is very unusual for her! I personally ate it slowly so I could savour the taste and make it last as long as possible.

Overall I would highly recommend this pudding either for a family tea or it would also be an indulgent treat to serve guests - and one I'm sure they'll thoroughly enjoy, making you the hostess with the mostest.

The Tesco Finest Raspberry Roulade costs £4 for 478g which serves 6 - depending on portion sizes.
(price correct at time of post)

Backlife from JD Harris

I received Backlife free of charge from JD Harris, in return for an honest review. All opinions are based upon my own experience.

Ever since the birth of my first daughter some 20 years ago, I have suffered with lower back pain. I have tried many creams, tablets, freeze and heat treatments, but none bring any lasting relief. Housework, carrying shopping and many daily activities put stress on the lower back so when I was offered the chance of trying Backlife, I couldn't wait.

Backlife uses something called Continuous Passive Motion which means it creates a gentle, repetitive circular motion of the pelvis. Sounds complicated but the idea is really simple. As you relax, it slowly releases the pressure on your vertebrae thus giving more movement in your lower spine and with continued use, also helps realign the spine.

In the box ......

Backlife

Instruction Booklet

Mains Adapter 

You are recommended to lie on a thin mat (not included), and rest your head on a pillow for extra comfort - after all, the idea is to relax!

There is a height adjustment ring just below the leg support which simply twists to either heighten or lower.

Height Adjustment Ring

The ideal position is to have your pelvis slightly raised and your legs at right angles with the floor. Once you're in position, and have plugged in the adaptor, simply reach your hand down and press the 'power' button to begin .....

The Backlife moves in a gentle circular motion and you can feel a slight pull of the muscles in the lower back as they are being teased apart. The more you relax, the better the results, but it does take a little bit of getting used to. There is a slight whirring noise whilst the Backlife is in operation, but nothing too loud. There is an automatic switch off after 12 minutes as this is the recommended time for usage, although you can use it for longer if you so wish by simply re-pressing the power button, and may get faster results.
For my first use, I stuck with the 12 minutes and once it clicked off I just remained still for a couple of minutes. I very gently lowered my legs, then rolled onto my side before getting up. I could definitely feel a little more movement in my lower back although there were a few niggles too which is perfectly normal for some people when you first begin use.
I found that using Backlife twice a day for two weeks has made a significant improvement which has surprised me no end! I do still get niggles when I do anything strenuous, but there isn't as much tension and the pain is short-lived. Even if I have no pain, I still find it relaxing spending 12 minutes just lying still.

Backlife is suitable for all ages and can definitely help alleviate lower back pain giving more freedom of movement with less pain. Due to the height adjuster, it is also suitable whether you're short or tall - I'm only 5'3" and a bit (very important that 'bit') and it was just as effective for me as it was for my partner who is 5'9".

Backlife is available to purchase from JD Harris and is currently on offer for £199.00 which is a saving of £36.00 off the normal price. All prices correct at time of post.

Acorelle Intense Cherry Eau de Toilette from My Pure

I received this product free of charge from My Pure, in return for an honest review. All opinions are based upon my own experience.

Believe it or not but Summer's here and there are loads of gorgeous perfumes on the market right now. I love some of the fruity smells available so was most curious when I noticed this Intense Cherry perfume from My Pure.

I took this picture in the garden and unfortunately, it didn't come out too well ....sorry! The bottle itself isn't anything particularly special but it's a nice size and comfortable to hold. The lid has slight patterning on it and clicks on to prevent it just dropping off. The bottle has a simple spray action and a nice amount is dispersed with each squirt.
I sprayed this on my pulse points and as with all perfumes, I spray a little in the air then stand under to get a perfume shower. This works especially well if your hair has just been washed and is still wet because you then dry the perfume into your hair and every time you give it a swoosh, the smell re-awakens itself.

Although this is called Intense Cherry, I wasn't really prepared for just how cherry like it would be! It's not too overpowering but there's no mistaking that it is cherry .....and a really gorgeous one at that! The second I sprayed this, my oldest daughter was at my side waiting with her hands outstretched for a spray. I have had many compliments on this perfume and it's one of few that my other half actually liked too. My only complaint would be that the smell doesn't hang around too long. I found that I was re-applying around 3-4 times a day just to keep me smelling luscious. For this reason, I'd recommend the Eau de Parfum as I believe it would have far better staying power.

Overall, I really loved this and would certainly buy it again, despite it not lasting long. The cherry smell is extremely appealing and perfect as a Summer fragrance.

Acorelle Intense Cherry Eau de Toilette comes in a 50ml bottle and costs just £13.05 (normally £15.00) from My Pure. 
Prices correct at time of post.

The Prodigal by Nicky Black

Now available to buy is the fantastic gripping new crime novel The Prodigal by Nicky Black.

I was lucky enough to receive a copy free of charge, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

After many years away, Detective Sergeant Lee Jamieson is about to return to Valley Park in Newcastle where he grew up, to help tackle crime in the local area and to meet his daughter for the very first time. 

Life in Valley Park has been on the decline over recent years, with the area vast becoming a bit of a crime capital. It's not helped by the unemployment rate and unruly kids out pinching cars night after night, which is a far cry from how Lee remembered it all. Keen to help put the hard men behind bars, rid the streets of drugs and generally make Valley Park a place worth living in again, Lee embarks on the seemingly impossible task of clearing out the trash. 

When he unexpectedly falls for the wife of local hard man Micky Kelly, things begin to take a sinister twist. An uncooperative work force with out dated ideas, means that Lee has to come up with a new strategy, and fast! Every lead appears to be hampered until he gets the information he so desperately needs - but will this risk the lives of those he loves?

I really don't want to give away any more of the storyline, all I can say is that I tip this to be a big selling hit for 2015 and you really ought to get out there and buy it!!

I had only read the odd excerpt before reading The Prodigal in full, so only had a very small idea of what to expect. A few pages into the first chapter, and I knew this book already had me gripped. 

The Prodigal is exceptionally well written and the characters are so well described that you actually live the story with them. Their hurt, pain and joy can all be felt by the reader, so be prepared for giggles, repulsion and even maybe a few tears along the way. The dialogue is spot on and the essence of Tyneside has been captured to a tee making the story a believable one. There are several unexpected twists which keep you gripped and desperate to find out what happens next. 

The ending wasn't quite what I expected, but for me I preferred this as it was unpredictable and kept me guessing all the way. 

I cannot thank Nicky enough for allowing me to read The Prodigal, I thoroughly enjoyed it and plan to shout about it to everyone I know! I wish Nicky every success and look forward to her next novel with great anticipation.

Go grab your copy now from Amazon.co.uk for only 99p - you really can't go wrong for that and it is a fantastic read!!

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