Review: Spa Find Calmit Extract Intensive Anti-ageing

I was lucky to be sent this product but I must state that I was under no obligation to write a review.

I really enjoyed using this so I wanted to share my thoughts with you and now that I have had this for a while and used this product up I am keen to share my opinion.

My first impression was how beautiful the packaging is. It looks expensive and I would be happy to receive this as a gift. When I opened the box I was I intrigued by the three glass bottles. This looked really unique to me, like nothing I had seen before. I expected this to be of a facial oil consistency but on inspection it is more watery than oily. It has a very slight and gentle floral scent.

This product landed on my doorstep at exactly the right time. My skin was in a worse state than I think it had ever been. I must be insane showing you this but here is a picture that I took of my skin on the day that I received this:

WARNING: SCARY PICTURE!

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Liebster Blog Award

Yay I'm so excited to receive my first blog award and it's from a blogger that I love reading, Twinmummyanddaddy! Thank you so so much!

The Liebster Blog Award is given to bloggers by bloggers. It is a way to acknowledge each other and say “you’re doing a great job”. It is for blogs with 200 or less followers, so it’s also a great way to spread the word about smaller blogs and get them more readers and followers!

When you receive the award, you post 11 random facts about yourself and answer 11 questions from the person(s) who nominated you. You pass the Award onto 11 other blogs (make sure you tell them you nominated them!) and ask them 11 questions. You’re not allowed to nominate the blog(s) who nominated you! (To get the button, right click the picture on my page and save the picture to your computer. You can then upload to your blog.)

11 Random Facts

1. I know all the words to Ice Ice Baby and Boom Shake the Room

2. I was an Irish Dancing Champion when I was 10

3. Massive Take That fan since I was around 11and have seen them in concert about 8 times, including 3 nights in a row!

4. I hate ironing

5. I have an OCD when it's comes to duvet covers. I can't stand it if the covers are not flat inside the duvet, need no lumps or bumps. Or if there is a bit of cover at the top with just sheet and no duvet inside ahhhh!

6. I hated marmite until about 2 years ago but now love cheese and marmite toasties or bagels

7. I have started reading the Hobbit probably 3 or 4 times between ages of 10 -20 and never finished it. One day I will finish that book!

8. I bite my nails but really wish I didn't!

9. Love watching old black and white films with Elvis, Audrey Hepburn, Marylin Monroe and Doris Day in them

10. I am soooooo bad at getting up in the morning, it doesn't matter what time I have to get up, I just want to stay there

11. I love red wine

Questions from twimmummyanddaddy

1. What is your favourite animal?

Dogs and dolphins, I can't choose one! Oh and I'd love a micro pig!

2. What did you want to be when you were a child?

A popstar

3. What do you enjoy most about blogging?

Getting my thoughts out of my head and interacting with lots of people that I wouldn't have known otherwise and putting our IVF journey out there so others can see they are not alone and throwing in a bit of fun with makeup etc to lighten the load.

4. Twitter or Facebook?

Twitter

5. Are you right or left handed?

Right handed

6. What was the name of your first pet?

Bit and Bot (2 hamsters)

7. Do you have any hobbies?

Blogging, making YouTube videos, hoarding makeup and snuggling my pups!

8. Can you play a musical instrument?

I Learnt guitar years ago think I can still play pink panther and knees up mother brown

9. If you were stranded on a desert island what would be your one luxury item?

My iPad but if there was no wifi on that island then probably a large supply of crisps or sunscreen assuming the island is in a hot climate!

10. Do you have any pets?

I have a Jack Russell called Sammy and a miniature dauschund called Lyla

11. What's the healthiest thing in your fridge?

Lots and lots of fruit and veg!

My 11 questions to you

1. Why did you start blogging?

2. What Is your favourite food?

3. If you could have a superpower for a day what would it be?

4. If you could trade places with someone else for a day who would you choose?

5. What is your pet hate?

6. What makes you smile?

7. What is your dream job?

8.If you could invent a flavour of crisps what flavour would they be

9.What Is your favourite song?

10. What is your best trait?

11. What is your worst trait?

Here are the 11 bloggers that I am nominating for this award (In no particular order)

Lynn-BabySteps

Juicyjuce

Twinglam

Timetobemommy

Sonyacisco

IVFPgd-hope2011

Someone Else's Baby

Notevena

FamilyDreams

The Domestic Princess

Ozivfchick

 

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IVF Has Taught Me.......

It's very difficult to explain effectively what it is really like to be in this situation and I don't think you could KNOW what it feels like if you haven't been here. Can you really know what it is like to face life without a family when it's all you really want? (some people want to be rock stars, movie stars, billionaires .... I just want to be a mummy and for Andy to be a daddy, so not asking much are we really). Or to Know what it's like to continually go through these invasive procedures to have any chance of becoming a family? What it is like to think you have got there and then to loose your precious baby? And then after all that, pick yourself up and try again and again.....whilst trying not to let it affect your marriage, to see your partner suffering and try to help you while you are suffering and have no idea how to help him, to get up every day and face the world and keep on top of things at work and at home. Do you ever feel like some people expect you just to "forget about it", "move on", "get over it", "put it behind you"? Or feel like you aren't given credit for what you are managing to do despite all this? Anyway, are some things I am learning along the way.....


Patience

I used to wish my life away- cant wait until the weekend, can't wait until my holiday etc. I don't really think like this now and try to live in real time. Work through day to day as it is without thinking too much about next week, next month.

Time is precious

I also used to build up so much anxiety weeks before cycles, appoinments, test results etc. spending weeks beforehand going over it all in my head and worrying about it. What will they say, what will the result be. Even with things like Andy going away. I would spend weeks or months thinking, what's it gonna be like when he's away, I'm going to be sad, it's going to be horrible. Again now I don't worry about these things until they happen, in that timeframe, in that moment. This has also made me a lot calmer and I don't worry so much until the occasion arises, ie I won't think about an appointment until the day is upon us.

Communicate, communicate, communicate!

Andy is my rock. He is so supportive. We have learnt to communicate much more about our feelings throughout this process. I think at the beginning we were both dealing with things in our own ways and were perhaps very insular with our feelings. It has not been easy but overtime we have both opened up more and are able to speak to eachother about how we feel. I think at the beginning we didn't want to say things for fear of upsetting eachother. I guess you have to be careful about how you say things but it is important that you do express you feelings.

You can't plan everything

I have always been an avid planner. I wanted to know what we were doing and when. Even as far ahead as next year. Things obviously haven't turned out the way we planned. You have to just roll with it. You can have an idea of what you would like to happen but perpare for the obstacles. The downside to this though is my usual organised and prepared self has gone out of the window. I will pack for holiday the day before instead of weeks ahead, I will make hair/beauty/dental apps at the last possible moment. To be honest I kind of like it this way. I just feels a bit more relaxed.

You learn who is really "there for you"

I don't think I need to elaborate on this one. Some don't "get it" but some don't even try to.

Appreciation/don't take anything for granted

Give yourself and eachother credit for getting though. You and your partner know more than anyone how all this feels so be kind to eachother. Tell eachother you are proud of them. Tell them you appreciate them for being there, for being strong or even just for getting through the day. Or even for putting up with your wobbles. I am proud to have Andy by my side. We are a team, in this together, getting on and getting through with the same goal in mind. We will get there, together and stronger.

I wouldn't even try to justify why this is happening to us and it's easy to say everything happens for a reason. But when the thing that is happening is this major sometimes it's hard to stick to that belief even if you do usually believe it. I will however say that sometimes I wonder if this is happening to us to teach us something and to make us grow. Whether I can truly believe this in the darkest hours (miscarriage/failed cycle) sometimes I like to reflect on what I have learnt from this and the positive things it has bought out in me. Whatever gets you through I guess.

What gets you through?

 

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Sammy & Lyla's Review of ScruffyChops Shampoo & Conditioner

Sammy and Lyla were very lucky and spoilt little pooches to have recently been sent a sample of the Scruffy Dogs Rhubarking Mad Natural Mineral Shampoo and Muddy Marvellous Dead Sea Mud Conditioner.

They had a very lovely time in the bath (as you will see from the pictures) and wanted me to share there experience of using these products so that other pooches can have beautiful soft coats and gorgeous smelling bath times too.

I'm a reall sniffer when it comes to products, any products. The more amazing smelling the better. My hubby is not. He gets annoyed with me constantly shoving fabric conditioner, perfume, shampoo, body lotions etc under his nose to sniff but even he loved these ScruffyChops products!

 So first, the shampoo. This smells, as the name suggests, like rhubarb and custard. It's like being in a sweetshop! This scent filled the bathroom, it even overtook that damp dog smell. Anyone with dogs will know that smell!

Now the conditioner. This was my favourite. The coconut scent is amazing. The consistency is great, I even rubbed in into my dry hands (is that weird?)to see how moisturing it is and boy is it moisturising.

After bath time and some drying off I have to say my pooches smelt beautiful! My pups have very different coats and after bath time Sammys coat was so fluffy and soft (and white! while Lylas was soft and smooth. I put this down to the Dead Sea Mud in the conditioner.

These products contain 98% natural ingredients. They don't contain any harsh chemicals, surfaces, parabens and they are cruelty free.

The creators behind ScruffyChops have a mission:

"To create, distribute and sell the highest quality natural dog shampoos and other such splendid products that always benefit your dogs mind, body or soul. With a continued commitment to source and incorporate natural, wholesome ingredients while keeping our products innovative and fun and to have a great time doing it!"

I love to pamper my furry babies and I do use higher end shampoo products on them. I really love that these products are natural and actually good for their skin and fur. You can feel the difference. I will definately be buying this for my little nippers and I'm interested to try some more products from their range.

If you are interested you can check out Http://ScruffyChops.com but I have included the description from their website below if you would like to see the official info on these products.

I also feel I should mention that while Sammy and Lyla were lucky enough to be sent these items we were not obliged to write this review and if we chose to do so just to give our honest opinions of the products which I have have done. Believe me, if I wasnt keen on these products I would be letting you know that too!

The price is great too! It's lovely to know that someone wants to pamper your pooches as much as you do!

What pampering items do you like to use on your fur balls?

I'm off to snuggle my soft and sweet scented nippers now!

Chele

Rhubarking Mad
natural mineral dog shampoo 250ml
price £8.99

A yummy whiff of rhubarb & custard!
Paul’s dad used to put manure on his rhubarb, we just put custard on ours, it tastes better! Wash your dog in this stuff and as well as having a sparkling clean and healthy coat they will smell good enough to eat,(but don’t!)

98% natural ingredients and more good stuff than you can wave a stick at make Rhubarking Mad dogs shampoo the perfect choice! Dead Sea minerals, oatmeal and other great ingredients all work hard to help keep your dog’s skin healthy, hydrated and irritant free. Our dog shampoos won’t just take care of your dog’s skin but will leave your furry friend’s coat fresh and oh so soft. No harsh chemicals and cruelty free, means every bath time from now on will be a happy one!

Muddy Marvellous
mineral conditioner for dogs 250ml
price £9.99

A tropical whiff of coconut!
This stuff is awesome! With Dead Sea mud and minerals making it deeply hydrating and soothing. A marvellous conditioner for all dogs and super kind to dry skin, but it doesn’t stop there. We have also added oatmeal a favourite ingredient in the dog world with its natural properties that can help dry, itchy or irritated skin. This is to dogs what spinach is to Popeye!

Dead Sea mud and minerals, oatmeal, shea butter, aloe vera and jojoba seed oil all work hard to keep your dog’s skin healthy, hydrated and irritant free.



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Please let me remember this.....

Andy is off to Afganistan on Monday. I couldn't sleep last night and had so many thoughts running through my mind. Here are my thoughts. For my Andy....

I'm laying here holding you close as you fall asleep
I'm trying to imprint this into my mind for when you're not here
I can feel the warmth of your back along my front
Our feet twisted together One hand in your hair
One hand stroking your arm
It's so warm in here but I don't want to move.
I need to remember this for when you are not here.
We take so much for granted, sleeping on other sides of the bed.
I guess we just know that we have other nights to cuddle together
Except we don't
I need to remember this
Your shallow breathing as you drift into sleep
The scent of you as my face nuzzles into your neck
Please let me remember this
Tomorrow night I'll ask you to cuddle me so I can remember that too.
For once I don't mind that your soft breathing is keeping me awake,
In a few days you won't be here to keep me awake.
Come back to me safely, always
I love you  Xxx Tweet

Why?

The Why post was originally set up by Mummy Central and my beautiful friend Lynn over on Baby Steps posted a great 'Why' blog today and tagged me in so that I could give it a go. Why not?

I'm writing these in the order they come to me with no editing, perhaps it says something about my thought processes.

Why am I stryggling to think of whys? I ask Andy a million "whys" a day, usually resulting in a sensible/logical answer and much fun poking my way.....

Why do fools fall in love, why do birds sing so gay?

Why must I be a teenager in love?

Why does your love hurt so much?

Why does someone else's dinner always look/ taste better than your own even when you are eating the same thing?

Why does tea taste better in a white mug? (ok is that just me)

Why do we always get a humungous spot on the day of an important event?

Why when we are supposed go to bed is it hard to get comfortable, yet we could sleep on a bed of nails when we are not supposed to be in bed?

Why are we wide awake stupid early on a weekend but super sleepy when the alarm goes off on a week day?

Why can't we sleep on the nights when we have to wake up extra early the following morning?

Why do we bump into our nemesis /ex the only time we go out without make up on?

Why are we late for work on the mornings when we leave the house earlier?

Why DID the chicken cross the road?

Why is it raining like this in June?

Why does it always rain on me?

Why do we go upstairs and forget what we went up there for?

Why do we always forget to get the chicken out of the freezer? (come on, I know you do)

Why do we make a gesture bringing our hand to our ear when referring to speaking with someone on the phone?

Why do men (some/most) sit on the tube with their legs spreadeagled?

Why do the annoying songs stick in our heads, not the good ones?

Why can't we put mascara on with our mouths closed? (if you have seen my face of make up challenge videos you have seen my freak mascara face)

Why do we have to yawn when someone else does? 

Why cant we keep our eyes open when we sneeze?

Why do people say 'should of' instead of 'should have'?

Why, when the tv remote is not working do we press the buttons really hard and shake the remote thinking it will fix it?

Why do we have a sheet to cover our modesty during an internal scan? They are going to see it all anyway! 

And while I was writing this post Andy came into the room and said here's one for your why list, why is it so f'ing difficult for you to change the toilet roll.

Chele
xx





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IVF and Ignorant Comments

I was moved to write this post when a friend on twitter (@babyhopeivf) mentioned that people in her office were discussing the news on IVF today that the age limit is being raised from 39 to 42 for women to have access to IVF on the NHS.

The discussion was along the lines of, the world is already overpopulated why bring more people into it. Sadly ignorant comments such a this I have heard all to often over the last few years. This is an ignorant statement not only because sometimes people need to have IVF to have a child due to infertility but also -  if they are going to have cancer treatment so they can preserve their fertility, are unable to have intercourse i.e. if they have a physical disability and same sex couples who want a family.

 Who are these ignorant people to decide who is allowed to have children. Well, if you want to go down that road.....

They wouldn't be saying this is they were in this situation desperate to be a family or if they had to witness the pain and heartache of someone they love going though it.

I guess us IVF folks see it from the another perspective. We see people popping kids out left right and centre when they can't take care of them or wont take care of them. People who have them and then abuse them. Who have unprotected sex daming the consequences and the children are put into care. Drug abusers who's children are born addicted and need to be weaned off a substance. I could go on.

My opinion may be controversial but I would hazzard a guess that anyone going through countless medications, tests, invasive procedures, heartache and loss to have a child would have suffered these thoughts on many occasion.  Watching Jeremy Kyle (I wont watch it) and witnessing these "I have 5 children and I don't know who any of the fathers are" , "had a bunk up behind a bus stop with the bloke who runs the chippie and his wife found out and now I'm preggo"

Well, it gets to you. Oh and don't even get me started on the "having a baby is a privillage not a rite" posse. Yes it is a privilege but why should we be denied trying to achieve it. Would you even think this if you were in our shoes?

No one who has a reasonable chance of conceiving should be denied the chance to have a family. Follow my blog with Bloglovin Tweet