A couple of weeks ago I attended the launch event of the new Hairven salon in Beeston, Nottingham.
I've been to the original Hairven in Gedling a few times and have always been impressed. However, I live near to Beeston, so was quite excited when I heard that Hairven had chosen Beeston to open their next salon.
Being local, I'd seen the building being developed and it looked fab, so I couldn't wait to see the finished salon.
I certainly wasn't disappointed! The Beeston salon is a lot larger than the Gedling one. However, like the Gedling salon, the contemporary, high-spec finish and state of the art equipment still features. The decor is lovely, bright airy and definitely a cut above any of the other local salons. I also really love the angel image they've used outside and on a glass feature wall inside.
Upstairs is the beauty area, featuring double treatment rooms, a nail bar and what I think has to be the best bit - a cocktail bar, which is such a great idea! Hairven really have thought of everything in their new salon!
The actual launch event was really well organised too. A great vibe, free-flowing cocktails and Prosecco, a photo booth and a fab goody bag!
There's been lots of anticipation around the new salon opening and apparently there is already a five week wait for appointments. However, I was lucky enough to get an appointment on the Thursday evening just before my holiday. The Hairven experience was fabulous as always. I was treated to great coffee, a cocktail, a superb head massage and amazing highlights - a perfect pre-holiday pamper.
If you are local to Nottingham, or just visiting, I would certainly recommend giving the new Hairven a try - they really are redefining the local hair and beauty scene!
Check out their website for further information on how to book.
J x
Since January, when I started my marathon training, I've been trying hard to eat better and include more protein in my diet. As well as to benefit my training, I was keen to shed a few pounds too!
Now the marathon is over, I'm keen to continue the new habits and keep my diet healthy with lots of protein rich foods, so I was really excited to be contacted by Exante to see if I fancied trying out a few of their products - I never say no to food!
The brand have previously marketed themselves as a diet product. However, they have recently developed the range to focus on providing wholesome, healthy low-carb and high-protein meals and snacks. The variety is amazing and also includes some treats, which have been made that little bit healthier - bonus!
From the products I tried, my favourites were the Pot Meals, the Protein Chips and the Protein Wafers.
I found the Pot Meals were great for taking to work. I didn't have to worry about preparing anything, the meals were super tasty and filling and I knew that I was getting a healthy, low calorie meal. I tried the Thai Green Curry with Rice and the Moroccan Chicken Cous Cous. They were both really tasty. I'm definitely planning to order some more.
I had the Protein Wafers as a little snack. I tried the strawberry and chocolate flavours. They tasted quite sweet, so they felt like a naughty treat. They were very filling, so I'd break them in half and have one half one day and the other the next.
The Protein Chips were also great for a snack. You get quite a lot in a bag and at only 85kcals, they make a great snack and a perfect way to up my protein intake (11.2g per bag).
I'm really keen to try the Protein Crackers, which smothered with cream cheese and tomatoes will make a perfect lunch.
I've also got a couple of meal replacement bars stored away in my handbag. These are perfect for those days when I'm rushing between meetings at work and don't have time to stop for a proper lunch. These bars are high in protein, fibre and have lots of vitamins and minerals, so even though I'm not have a 'proper' meal, I'll still be getting all the nutrients I need.
I've been really impressed with the Exante products and definitely plan on ordering some more. They're perfect for when you don't have time to prepare something from scratch (which is quite often with me!).
If you fancy trying some of the products, you can purchase them at Exante's website.
J x
We were sent Exante products in return for a review. However, I was under no obligation to be nice, so all my comments are completely honest.
I was recently asked to review Zoflora Disinfectant, and although it didn't immediately strike me as a particular exciting product to review, I thought it would a good opportunity to try something new.
I tend to stick to the same cleaning products, as I prefer to spend my time thinking and lusting after other more exciting purchases. My usual products tend to consist of bleach, an antibacterial spray, floor cleaner and anti-bacterial wipes.
I was sent the Pink Grapefruit fragrance and was quiet surprised by how small the bottle once. Upon reading the instructions it was clear that a little goes a long way. Zoflora is made to be diluted 1 in 40 with water, so 10ml will make 400ml. It also is mutli-use, so can be used in lots of places: undiluted in ceramic or metal sinks and toilet bowls; on floors; on tiles; to clean worktops; in baths; on taps; for potties; and in drains. So basically everywhere - brilliant!
As well as being able to use it for multiple purposes, it also has a 3 in 1 action so it kills lots of nasty bacteria and viruses, eliminates odours and provides all day freshness. I love a good multi-tasker!
So what's the verdict... It's great and I used it lots! The smell is amazing and leaves everywhere smelling absolutely lovely. The fragrance lingers too, which is nice. I've used it for mopping floors, cleaning potties, wiping down surfaces and to clean the toilets. I'm planning to fill up a spray bottle with some of the diluted mixture so that I can use it even more. On the Zoflora website they have a great page of tips for usage
I also really like the fact that I can replace all my other products with just this one, which will probably save me money as well as space!
Overall a great product and a cleaning product that I actually got quite excited about, which is a first.
J xx
We were sent a bottle of Zoflora in return for a review. However I was under no obligation to be nice and all my comments are completely honest.
I'd recently heard about Arla Big Milk and was delighted to receive some vouchers to give it a try.
Arla Big Milk is whole cows’ milk, which has been enriched with the key vitamins and minerals that the Department of Health suggest are given daily to children aged from one to five - Vitamin A, D and iron.
In the past I have bought vitamin supplements on the suggestion of our health visitor. However, I often forgot to give them to the kids and it ended up being just another thing to think about. I'm pretty certain that the bottle is probably hidden away at the back of one of our kitchen cabinets!
I was therefore impressed when I heard about Arla Big Milk. The twins absolutely love milk, so it would be a really easy way to get those extra vitamins in them, without me really having to think about it. When I gave it to them, there were no complaints and it went down as well as usual. Oscar, on the other hand, isn't much of a milk drinker. However, the design on the Big Milk bottle meant that he was very keen to try it. He actually gulped it down and he seemed to enjoy it - bonus!
It doesn't really taste any different from normal milk, so getting the kids to have it wasn't a problem at all. If your little one isn't much of a milk fan, the child-friendly design on the bottle might encourage them to drink it.
I think it's a great way to get those essential vitamins without the stress of having to ensure they have their supplements everyday! The only thing I would say is that at £2.25 it is quite expensive and with having three children, including twins who drink a lot of milk, the cost difference would be quite noticeable to us. If you only have one or two children who drink a normal amount of milk, and you also buy supplements, the cost probably wouldn't be much different and the convenience of it would make it worth any extra it did cost.
Overall a big thumbs up!
J xx
We were sent vouchers for Big Milk is return for an honest review.
