Sanctuary Spa Signature Natural Oils

 

Sanctuary Spa has had a makeover, and boy do they look the part! I've been using these Signature Natural Oils products over the last few weeks, and I have to say that I'm in love with all three. Here's why... 

- The Ultra Rich Body Oil Spray is great for a quick spritz when in a rush. Give the bottle a shake, a few sprays over the legs & body, quick rub in and you're good to go. 

- The Ultra Rich Body Butter gives a more indulgent feel. It's really creamy, but not runny, and feels like silk when applied. Coupled with its amazing moisturising ability, it leaves skin feeling super soft, calm and perfectly hydrated - and it lasts all day!

- My favourite of the three is the Salt Scrub! I use this a few times a week because I simply love how it leaves my skin. It's not scratchy like some others I've tried, and gently exfoliates the skin whilst leaving a gorgeous satin sheen. The intense moisture this provides is unreal, and the scaly patches I often get down my shins looked as smooth as the rest of my legs. This sort of gives skin a protective barrier too, so you know it will nourish and protect all day long.

These are suitable for any skin type in my opinion, and I found they worked particularly well on my dry skin.

Talk, talk and talk some more!!

This is a rather personal post for me, but one which I really felt the need to write after recently losing my beloved Grandma.

You see, although my Grandma was 96 years old, we always thought she was as strong as an ox and would probably outlive us all. However, after recovering from COVID, she caught pneumonia, and within a couple of weeks sadly passed away, as she simply didn't have the strength to fight it. When the realisation hit us that she was close to the end, it suddenly dawned on us that she'd never discussed her final wishes with anyone! So, despite her being weak, my sister tried asking, and the most we got, was that she wished to be cremated, but that was it. We also found to our horror, that she rarely talked about herself or her childhood! She knew everything there was to know about us, about her neighbours, her friends etc, but she shared very little of herself, so we knew nothing.

Hence this post 😢 

When it came to arranging the funeral, we had no idea what she would have wanted, so we just had to do the best we could. The trouble with this was that we felt so damn guilty! What if she didn't like those songs? What if she wanted it in a church? What if the flowers were wrong? The questions we raised with ourselves were endless, and sadly, ones we'd never know the answers to, so can only hope that we did her proud.

You can avoid all this by simply talking. Don't sit quietly on the sidelines, tell your story, make someone listen!

Talk to your friends and family, tell them what you love, what you hate, how you feel, your favourite colour/music/book/food etc, tell it all and then tell it some more!! And for those who are being talked to, LISTEN, take notice, remember and admire. I'm guilty of rolling my eyes when my Gran started talking on occasions, but if I could turn back time, I would listen intently, make a mental note, and most of all, ask more questions. 

I really can't stress enough how important communication is between people, and I wouldn't like anyone else to feel the guilt that myself and my family have been feeling since my Grandma passed, so do me a favour and just talk.

Finishing Touch Flawless Brows

 

I was lucky enough to receive this Finishing Touch Flawless Brows to try out, and for me, it's been a game changer!

Firstly, it's super stylish in this stunning rose gold colour, and the design is so slender and sleek making it really easy to hold. 

The tip is slender enough to get really close to the brow line, and there's an LED light so you can spot even the lightest, finest of hairs without any problems. 

It's also really simple to operate using the sliding on/off switch located on the handle...

So, you now know it looks the part, but did it work? Well for me, yes! I've plucked my eyebrows for many years now, and due to this, I seem to have stretched my eyelids slightly. The Flawless Brows glides easily over the skin, removing the hairs as it goes. I did have to pluck the odd one or two more coarse hairs, but overall, I was really pleased with the results. Due to the fine nib, shaping my brows was really easy and I didn't end up with any great chunks missing! It's also really lightweight, so can be popped in your handbag for any emergencies. 

This may not work for everyone, but those with fine hairs should definitely feel the benefits. My one piece of advice would be to take it slowly! These things can't be rushed, and if you take it slow, you're less likely to miss any hairs.

Check out the full range of products, and learn more about Flawless Beauty by clicking HERE 

New Lenor Outdoorable

 

I was recently lucky enough to be chosen by Supersavvyme to review this new Lenor Outdoorable in Spring Awakening. To be honest, I was somewhat sceptical that something I used in my wash, could suddenly make my clothes smell like they'd been dried outdoors when the hadn't! Obviously, I couldn't wait to try this out, and as luck would have it, the day after receiving it the heavens opened and I couldn't peg my washing out.

I followed the guidelines as to the amount used, and waited patiently for the wash to finish. I had already planned on washing towels, I just hadn't anticipated the great British weather! From the bottle, this smells pretty strong and may not be to everyones' taste. For me personally, I loved the strength and the fact it's quite crisp and fresh. 

From thee second I opened the washer door, the glorious scent of Spring Awakening filled my nostrils and my kitchen. I did find it stronger than the regular Lenor, but like I say, I prefer a whole lot of scent on my washing. Whilst on the radiators, this made my whole home smell so welcoming! I opened the front door to deliveries, and could see their noses twitching as I did so - not that I could blame them lol 

Once dried, I think it's safe to say that they genuinely did smell like they'd been line dried, only I knew they hadn't! Putting my family to a blind smell test, I laid out a few towels, some of which had been washed in standard Lenor Spring Awakening, and some washed using the new Outdoorable. They genuinely could not tell the difference, and to be honest, I wouldn't have been able to myself had I not known! Not only did they smell 'outdoorsy', but they also held the same softness I get from drying outside. 

This is definitely something I'll be sticking with, especially when the weather resorts to what we know best!

Have you tried any of the new Outdoorable yet? I'd love to know what you thought!

GIVEAWAY ON INSTAGRAM!!

 Read, Write, Walk North East is an initiative set up by the author of the fabulous DCI Ryan series, LJ Ross. If you've not read any of these books yet, then you really should, and if you have, then you'll know that they've been set in some amazing scenic places around the North East of England. That's where this initiative comes into play. You can visit some of the places mentioned in the series, and complete a book trail on your mobile or GPS device - a blummin great idea if you ask me! Not only that, but if you solve clues along the way and uncover the hidden word, you simply email it to LJ Ross, and she'll send you a free book!! You really can't go wrong!! To find out more, simply click here

On top of all that, I am running a giveaway over on my Instagram feed where you can win a whole host of goodies including a full set of signed DCI Ryan books, scented candles, alcohol & gift vouchers to name but a few. I really wish I could enter as its such a fantastic prize lol 

Prize contents

This giveaway ends on 12th April 2021, so get your entries in now to be in with a chance of winning all these goodies! Click here and good luck!

I'm curious... What's your favourite crisp?

When it comes to crisps, Walkers salt & vinegar squares are my absolute faves! I've loved them since I was a child, and still love them just as much today.

Apart from their unique square shape, these little beauties have a delightful crunch with every bite you take, and are always packed with flavour. The only downside for me, is that one bag is never enough - I always eat them in twos!! 

I also get laughed at due to the way I eat these... I lick my fingers first, so that the flavour from each crisp will stick, then I proceed to pull out a crisp, lick all the flavour off, then chomp the actual crisp. I only eat one at a time too, I couldn't be chucking handfuls in, as I like to savour the taste. Once I've finished the last crisp, I'll lick the build up of flavour off my fingers, which is definitely the best bit for me lol

So, I'm a little curious here. What's your favourite crisp, and is there anything unusual about the way you eat them?

Rituals - The Ritual of Sakura Body Cream

This time of year, I suffer terribly with dry skin, yet always have difficulty in finding creams that not only work, but don't leave a greasy after feel. That's where this gorgeous body cream from Rituals comes in. Containing vitamin E and Centella Asiatica, this cream gently soothes skin and instantly softens rough areas, leaving skin soft, smooth and fully moisturised. It soaks in nicely without leaving any greasy residue, and the cherry blossom smell is absolutely delightful and quite relaxing too!
This is one of the best body creams I've ever tried, and my skin absolutely loves it.
Slightly more pricey than some, but it's so luxurious, smells delicious and works really well, so definitely worth it.

Please note, I appreciate that not everyone will agree with me, but these are my personal opinions and I loved it!

Have you tried it yet? What are your thoughts?

Mål Paper Daily Goal Setter Review

I was recently sent this gorgeous Daily Goal Setter from Mål Paper free of charge, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This really is a journal like no other! It comes in either black, grey or pink (as shown above), so is perfectly suitable for both men and women alike. It has a beautifully textured, quality hardback cover with the words 'daily goal setter' laid out in gold. The pages are also really lovely to write on, and thick enough so that the ink doesn't go through. I love how simple they've kept the design, yet still managed to add style and sophistication. The addition of the two divider ribbons is also really helpful, as most only come with one.

The name Mål, which is pronounced "mo-l" means 'goal' in Swedish, and we all have many goals which we strive to achieve on a daily basis. That's where this helpful planner comes into action. Not only can you jot down your plans etc, but throughout the journal are little motivational quotes to help keep you going...

I really love how the pages are laid out and that it's undated, so you can use it at your leisure without worrying that it won't be any good the following year(s) - something I always find such a waste with regular planners!
The first part has a few helpful hints on what you may like to include, which I found really useful, then you have a few pages to include any long term goals you may have, followed by both monthly and weekly review pages, all undated!
The 'Daily Tasks' section is my favourite. Each page starts by providing space for '3 things to be grateful for', followed by a 'daily affirmation', then a nice space for 'todays tasks/notes'. Right at the bottom is space to jot down 'great things that happened today' and then scale of 1 - 10 so you can 'rate your day'. I found that this really gave me food for thought and made me think more about my days in general and how I spend them.

If you're looking for a planner that has space for all your needs and isn't restricted by dates, then this is definitely the one for you! It would also make a really lovely gift for that someone special as it's such good quality.
For more information or to order your own Daily Goal Setter, then head to Mål Paper

Plantur 39

As a woman in my forties, hair loss is something I find I often worry about. I don't have any bald patches to speak of, however I do seem to leave loose hairs everywhere I go - something which drives my partner insane!! I've also noticed that I loose far more than I used to during brushing. When I heard about Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo for women of my age, I knew I had to try it.
This shampoo is essentially for women who have been through the menopause, as after this, the oestrogen levels which protect the hair roots fall, causing the hair to become thinner & more brittle. Plantur 39 has an active caffeine ingredient which counteracts the negative impact of testosterone on the hair roots. I haven't yet reached the menopause, but this has already worked wonder for me.

Admittedly, I really don't like how this feels on my hair during washing. I have super fine hair which felt very knotted and coarse whilst massaging the shampoo in. I left for 2 minutes, then rinsed. My hair still felt awful, so I used a little of my regular conditioner.
From the first wash, the amount of hair I had to remove from my hairbrush had dramatically reduced! I dried using my hairdryer and was literally blown away with the results. I always get serious hair envy when I see people with z gorgeous healthy shine, as its something I've never been able to achieve - until now!! I've been using this every couple of days for around 3 weeks now, and my hair looks healthier than it ever has. It definitely looks slightly fuller, and there's significantly less hair loss throughout the day.
Overall, a great product which achieves great results.

Mission Fat Hearts: The Movie

A little kindness goes a long way right? I strongly believe that this is true, and as a parent, it's something I've always tried to teach my children. That's why I'm backing this fantastic campaign for Mission Fat Hearts: The Movie. Not only is it helping teach kindness, but it's doing it in a really fun way which will appeal to most children - who doesn't love a good mission!!

The story behind the idea....

    The original creator of Mission Fat Hearts, Mandy Rohr, explains:

  

"My biggest inspiration to do Mission Fat Hearts with my kids was seeing how much the world needs kindness now more than ever. Being a teacher, I see how we as adults are the key to how kids learn important values and traits such as empathy, kindness, manners, and ultimately how to treat each other. They literally follow and repeat our every move. They are the key to our future and have the power to change the world, but we need to give them the tools to do so. So, they are what inspired me…they’re little blank canvases that in the end, only want to love and love more and have so much potential to do just that, if taught that doing it matters!" 

  A few words from author Rebecca Yee-Peters on Why Mission Fat Hearts

Growing up, I was taught that being kind to others was the most important trait I could possess. Still today,  I wholeheartedly agree. Working with an elementary school teacher, we created Mission Fat Hearts to teach the next generation how they can become an army of change in this world with kindness. 

Mission Fat Hearts started as a children's book. Our goal with the children's book was to spark a curiosity into random acts of kindness. Teaching kids that small acts of kindness can make someone's day. The book has a short story, followed by their "top secret missions" from Santa. The "top secret missions"  being easy random acts of kindness the kids can do by themselves, or with a parent.  The book quickly became popular with parents wanting to teach their kids the importance of kindness. I have 11 nieces and nephews and want them to not only succeed in life, but thrive by being honorable and kind people. I created The Adventures of Pookie children's book series to teach them life lessons, and now I want to create the Mission Fat Hearts  movie to continue to inspire and motivate them and other kids all over the world. 

Kids imitate what they see on TV. The  Mission Fat Hearts movie  will show kids that being kind can change the world. The movie will show kids how they can perform small acts of kindness, as well as show them the effect it can have on someone’s life.  

We all want what's best for our kids, and teaching them the importance of kindness to others is a very valuable lesson in life, and a start to making the world a better place to live! Currently, this is only available in book format, however there is, as the title of this post suggests, an upcoming animated movie - YAY! So, if your kids are more motivated by animations than books, then this is definitely something you need to check out.

If you want to get involved and find out more about the upcoming movie, simply click HERE.

The Adventures of Pookie: Mission Fat Hearts is available on Amazon.co.uk and costs £3.42 for the paperback, or you can read it free with KindleUnlimited.

Also available in paperback on Amazon.com for $14.99.

How to use Beauty Pie Subscription Service

For fans of all things beauty, I've no doubt you've already heard about Beauty Pie and if not, here's a quick rundown - mainly because I've noticed a lot of confusion over how it works!

Beauty Pie offer an online subscription service whereby you pay so much for a membership, and this enables you to purchase beauty and skincare products from their site at a cut cost.

When you first click onto the Beauty Pie site, you're given the option to choose a membership from the following options:
Pay £5 per month and choose £50 worth of products
Pay £10 per month and choose £100 worth of products
Pay £20 per month and choose £200 worth of products
Pay £99 per year and choose £100 worth of products and get 2 months free

This DOES NOT mean that you will receive free products to the value of your membership!! 

When you click on a product, 2 prices are shown. The Typical Price which is the full cost price and Members Pay price which is the actual price you pay for each product.

ie If you take out the £5 membership, you choose products to the value of £50 using the Typical Price but the price you pay is based on the Members Pay price. You then need to add P&P.

Once you're all signed up and have placed your first order, you will also receive a unique link which you can share with your friends & family and this means that for every 1 of them who signs up AND places an order, you receive an extra £50 top-up on your shopping limit. On top of that, they will receive 1 months FREE membership.

I ordered:
One Pallette Wonder - Typical Price £35.00 Members Price £8.30
Fantasticolour Sculpting Lipstick in Guilty Pink - Typical Price £18.00 Members Price £3.95
Triple Beauty Liquid Luminizer in Golden Whirl - Typical Price £20.00 Members Price £4.80
Wondergloss Lip Oil in Nude Nectar - Typical Price £22.00 Members Price £5.26

Total Typical Cost £ 95.00 Members Price (and actual price you pay) £22.31
Post and Packing £3.36
Total paid altogether £25.67

I hope I've managed to clear a few things up with this post but if you're still a little confused, feel free to ask!! It took me a good bit of reading and a fair bit of head scratching to actually get my head around how it all works, so you're certainly not alone!

Beauty Pie Membership

I recently took up an offer for a 1 month free membership for a fairly new subscription box company called Beauty Pie. My first box arrived today containing 4 products which I chose myself and I absolutely love the packaging!

In my box are:
- One Palette Wonder
- Fantasticolour Sculpting Lipstick in Guilty Pink
- Triple Beauty Liquid Luminizer in Golden Whirl
- Wonder Gloss Lip Oil in Nude Nectar

I will be explaining more about how Beauty Pie works, as well as reviewing the products I received very soon!

In the meantime, I'd love to hear if any of you have tried this service yet and what your thoughts are?!?!

Old English Company - Enamel Pin Competition

If you're looking for something unique, then look no further than Old English Company! First established in London, they are now situated in the beautiful town of Stamford, providing a wide range of gorgeous stationary including notepads and calendars, as well as a selection of homeware products. Each product is stylishly hand lettered with messages which resonate with people.

Here is one of my faves...

             (Picture from Old English Pin Company)

Apart form the products mentioned above, Old English Company also make a fab selection of Enamel Pins - and right now they have an amazing competition running where you can win the set shown below!!

Simply click HERE for entry details, and I wish you all the very best of luck!!
Don't forget to have a good browse round their site too, there's something for everyone :)

Naipo Back Massager Cushion and Discount Code!

A big hello to all my readers, and I hope you had a fantastic Christmas!

If you're feeling a bit stressed after all that, then don't despair as Naipo have introduced the perfect thing to help relieve tension, especially good if you suffer from lower back pain.

Image from Amazon.co.uk

The Naipo Back Massager Shiatsu Cordless Massage Cushion has 4 deep kneading rotating nodules which help massage the lower back, and there is also deep heat function to provide extra relief. The cushion case is removable so that it can be washed which I think is a great idea.

I will be reviewing this product very soon so keep a lookout!!

You can purchase the Naipo Massage Cushion from Amazon.co.uk.
Just for my readers, if you use the promotion code: SARH5VZQ you can get 25% off!!

Naipo Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager

Shiatsu 3D Rotating Massager with Heat

I received this product free of charge in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Neck and shoulder pain is something I've suffered with for the last few years and I've tried allsorts to relieve the pain. When I was given the opportunity to review this Massager, I jumped at the chance!

It is quite weighty, but that's due to the massagers inside which rotate making sure each muscle is evenly kneaded. 

Operation of the Massager is really easy too, simply plug in the chord, press the 'on' button and you're all set. 

There are 3 controls on the shoulder strap to operate the Massager. The middle turns it on and off, the bottom one changes the direction of the massagers and the top one adds heat.

As you can see, the back glows red when the heat button has been activated. 

I will admit that it takes a fair amount of adjusting to get it sitting comfortably where needed, especially if you're a bit bony as I am! I found it slightly painful at first but soon got used to it once I had it in right position. Once that happened, I was in seventh heaven. The rotating balls move in a way that feels just like a hands on massage, but the bonus with this, is that it lasts as long as you want it too! I noticed that if I used it whilst wearing a jumper, I couldn't really feel any heat coming off it, but when wearing a t-shirt I could definitely feel it and it was bliss. 

It doesn't just work on shoulders either. I gradually moved it down my back to get a full back massage and you can also use it on your legs or abdomen if you so wish - almost a full body massage. 

Unlike some other review products, I haven't just tried this out for the purpose of my review, but I've continued to use it and benefit from it, which is why I would definitely recommend it. 

Find out more about Naipo and the great products they have available over on their website.

Read more about the Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager here.

If you're looking to purchase this product,  head over to Amazon.

Check out this fantastically festive limited edition massager which is available to buy right now! Show your loved one just how much you care and treat them to something they'll really appreciate and love.

147 Things by Jim Chapman

I received a copy of this book free of charge, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Jim Chapman is a renowned YouTube superstar, TV presenter and model and this is his much anticipated book, 147 Things.

About the book

"I wanted to write a book about how exceptional, fascinating and bloody strange this thing we call life is.

That turned out to be exactly 147 Things. Some are deep and important, others are ridiculous and seem inconsequential, but they all have their place in my life and it wouldn't surprise me if they find a place in yours too.

Of course I'm a complete over-sharer so there are lots of stories about my life in here, because these are things that have either helped me not to die, or have made existing just that little bit more manageable. 

This wonderful world can be pretty overwhelming at times - these are the 147 Things that keep me afloat." Jim Chapman

My thoughts...

What a cracking little read this was! I'm not entirely sure which genre it falls under, but it goes from really making you think, to making you laugh uncontrollably. Some of the facts in here are just staggering, like who'd have thought that the average 4 year old asks 437 questions a day?!?
It's almost impossible for me to choose a favourite 'Thing', but there were sections I read that will stay with me forever. I was in hysterics reading Thing 2: Curiosity killed the cat (and hurt my testicles) - I'm sure there aren't too many men out there who manage to 'accidently' wax their nether regions, but Jim did and I'm sorry to say but his account of the whole event is hilarious!! You'll have to read it to see why 😉 Another of my faves was Thing 136: You're a born winner which says "When you existed in your fathers' testicles and made a break for the safety of your mothers' egg, you were the fastest of the 300 million other sperm that would have ended up as only half you (same egg, different sperm). Congratulations, little single-celled you - with that sort of can-do attitude, you'll go far!" It's things I don't usually think about but makes you realise just how special and unique each of us are.

I found this book pretty entertaining, and Jims quirky sense of humour and unimaginable questions just added to the overall enjoyment. If you're looking for something light-hearted but also full of fun facts, then this is the book for you.

147 Things is available to buy now and you can grab yourself a copy from Amazon as well as all good book stores.

You can read the Audio book with exclusive Q and A with Jim

You can also find Jim Chapman over on his
YouTube channel

Gifts from Men's Society

I received this Headphone Cleaning Kit free of charge in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Men's Society have been providing quality gifts for men since 2008. You can choose from grooming gifts, barware or travel accessories, and each one comes in simple yet elegant packaging.

I was lucky enough to receive the Headphone Cleaning Kit which includes:
-Headphone Cleaning Fluid
-2 Small blue cleaning cloths
-Crevice scraper
-USB Vacuum with 2 interchangeable heads

To use, you simply spray a little of the cleaning fluid onto the cloth and use to clean the wires and leather head band. The crevice scraper can be used to gently remove and ear wax or debris in the headphones (ideal for ear buds), then you simply plug the mini vacuum into your PC and use to remove any dust from the headphone cans.


The cleaning fluid has a really clean, fresh smell and left our headphones free from dirt and grime. After wiping with the solution, I used the remaining dry cloth to buffer up which worked really well. The chrome parts of our headphones came up really well after buffing. I didn't really need to use the crevice scraper but it's a pretty sturdy thing and I have no doubt will be great at unclogging earphone holes. The mini Vac doesn't work when connected to a USB plug, but does work when connected to a PC. It's a little louder than I expected but does the job well - it also has a light on it which helps you see what you're doing!

Overall I thought this was a great little set and ideal for the man in your life who's never without his headphones.

You can purchase the Headphone Cleaning Kit from Men's Society for £20. There are plenty of other gift sets available so have a good look around while your there, Christmas is almost knocking on our doors! 🎅

Crest 3D Whitestrips Supreme Flexfit Teeth Whitening Strips

I received Crest 3D Whitestrips Supreme Flexfit Teeth Whitening Strips free of charge in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Ever fancied whiter teeth but don't want to shell out fortunes at the dentist? If the answer's 'Yes' then Crest may just have the answer! These whitening strips use the same whitening ingredient as the dentist, so you're guaranteed professional whitening, at a fraction of the cost. 

Inside each box are 42 small packets like the one above - that's 21 treatments in total!

There are 2 strips inside each packet, one for the top teeth and one for the bottom. They look a little like clear elastoplasts!!

Make sure your teeth are clean, then you simply peel off the strips one at a time and apply them to your teeth. They are fairly stretchy so you can spread them over from the gum line, and wrap them under towards the back of your teeth. The first time I tried, I did get in a bit of a muddle, but once I sussed it, they were really easy to apply. 

Once applied, you have to leave them in place for an hour - and that means no eating or drinking either! They don't look very fetching so I'd recommend making sure you won't be disturbed during the hour you have your treatment. They went little frothy beneath the strips too the longer they were in place. Admittedly, I did struggle a little as I'm very cockly and having these in my mouth was slightly uncomfortable, but I persevered!

After an hour, simply peel off the strips and throw away. I brushed my teeth after removing just to get rid of any residue left behind, although there wasn't much. 

I wouldn't say that I noticed a considerable difference, but they were definitely whiter than before I used the treatment. I drink an awful lot of tea (not having one during the hours treatment nearly killed me) and as a result, my teeth are pretty badly stained so I'd probably need a few treatments to see a real difference. My teeth did however feel immaculately clean and my mouth felt really fresh. 

I'd definitely recommend these if your teeth are just in need of a little pick me up or before an important event where you want to look your best, and at around £20 per box you're saving over £300 compared to seeing your dentist!

For more information and where to buy, simply click here and for all other Crest whitening products click here.

High Force by LJ Ross

High Force by L.J. Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book free of charge from the author, in return for an honest review.

This is the fifth part in the DCI Ryan series of books and I have to say, the plot just continues to thicken. The end of Angel (DCI Ryan Mysteries, #4) saw The Hacker make an elaborate break from prison, arriving at the door of an unsuspecting DI Denise MacKenzie. This left me so many unanswered questions which I needed answers to. Thankfully, Ross wasted no time in putting pen to paper and satisfying my ever growing curiosity.
Always one step ahead of the game The Hacker, aka Kier Edwards, does his best at keeping DCI Ryan running in circles. Little clues dropped, but nothing to give away his whereabouts or whatever transport he may be using. It takes a great deal of police manpower to piece together the clues and come up with a viable solution - each time leading them up a dead end street! Edwards is the master of games and loves playing with the emotions of Ryan, however maybe this time he's bitten off more than he can chew. For the first time, we get an insight into how Edwards was shaped from an early age into the dangerously calculated killer that he later became and we learn a little more about his childhood.
Overall, this is a very tense read which keeps you on the edge of your seat. Think you've got Edwards sussed? Think again because there's more twists and turns which will keep you guessing till the very end. Can Ryan and his colleagues save MacKenzie before it's too late? Does she have the strength to keep going or will she give up before her captor? Will everyone survive or are more victims on the cards? Will Edwards ever be caught? These were all questions running round my head whilst reading High Force and the answers surprised even me.
Brilliantly written and engaging. I am now desperate to see how all the loose ends tie up and, as usual, Ross left me with unanswered questions and the need to get my hands on her next book, Cragside - I can't wait!!

View all my reviews

Actipatch 720 Hour Back Pain Relief

I received the ActiPatch® 720 Hour Back Pain Relief free of charge, in return for an honest review. All opinions are based upon my own experience.

For a good few years now, I've suffered with back pain which mainly affects my shoulders and neck, although I do suffer with my lower back on occasions too. I've tried many forms of pain relief, but struggle to find anything that works without side effects. My trouble is that the muscles in my shoulders and neck have 'knit' together and I get a trapped nerve in my right shoulder which occasionally floors me. Tablets etc provide temporary relief, but I'd much rather try a more natural approach, which is where Actipatch® comes in.
Actipatch® uses Electromagnetic Pulse Therapy, and can be used for the relief of back pain, knee pain, muscle & joint pain, arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, strains, sprains and more!
The most amazing thing about this product is that you don't feel a thing when it's in place. Despite it continuously sending pulses, you feel absolutely nothing.

Here's what you get in the box:

Actipatch®, Stretchy bandage, Instruction leaflet

 Apologies for the pic being on its side, no matter what I did, it came out the same way! Anyway, the stretchy bandage is to help hold the Actipatch® in place, depending on where you use it, however you can use plasters or anything else you find more comfortable.

As you can see, the device itself is pretty small and relatively flat. The idea is to place it so that the painful area sits inside the ring. There is a tiny silver button on the underside of the device which you press to activate it and a tiny green LED light glows on the other side.

Tiny silver on/off button

As I have occasional pain in my lower back, I decided to try wearing it there first using the stretchy bandage. This didn't work for me as I found that the bandage slid around too much and kept getting hooked on my belly bar. Depending on the clothing you wear, I also found that the shape of the device, as well as the green light, could clearly be seen through my clothes which did raise a few questions when people noticed. However, this doesn't really bother me if it actually works - which for me, it did!! I wore if for a few days continuously, even in bed which with this product, you are able to do that without concern. Despite my initial misgivings, I didn't find it too uncomfortable as I half expected it to dig into my skin which it didn't. After just 3 days, I had full movement of my neck and shoulders and the pain was virtually non existent. I still had the occasional niggle if I moved too fast, but apart from that, it seemed to be doing the job.

I'm pretty sceptical when it comes to contraptions like this which claim to help ease pains, and the fact that you genuinely don't feel anything at all, made me all the more sceptical. I was however pleasantly surprised by how much it did actually relieve my pain - fantastic!! Each device delivers a total of 720 hours of constant relief, although the device can be turned off if you feel you need a break from it, then turned back on when required.

As a result, I would definitely recommend this product, especially if all else has failed.
Actipatch® 720 Hour Back Pain Relief is available to purchase from Boots, Amazon and Superdrug as well as Lloyds Pharmacies, and they cost around the £20.00 mark.