breathe ilo Review: The Revolutionary New Fertility Tracker

Posted on by
 breathe ilo review, fertility, fertility tracker

TTC (trying to conceive) is not fun at all, more than that, it can be very expensive. Peeing on sticks and taking your temperature is a faff and can be time-consuming. Never mind the cost to the environment. Breathe ilo has now launched so we thought we would give it a review. breathe ilo is the world’s first fertility tracker that uses breath analysis (CO2) to identify ovulation patterns.

The new technology signals a shift so women no longer need to track their cycles by urinating on a stick or by measuring their temperature early in the morning. The innovative device works by simply breathing and displays the results in just 60 seconds, with no consumables or maintenance needed. Through consistent daily use, the breath analysis tracker empowers women to understand their body and cycle phases better.

The breathe ilo app, which is compatible with iOS and Android, features a calendar that displays a clear overview of fertile days and a cycle diary to learn more about individual cycle patterns. breathe ilo’s cycle diary also offers the possibility to document further cycle symptoms like breast tenderness, PMS, cervical mucus, or headaches to help prepare women for their next cycle.

So, does it work and is it easy to use? Yes and yes. Quite a few women have got pregnant using it already and we expect that number to rise. You charge the device, download the app and then you breathe into the device and can log your cycle. It is so easy and convenient. The device is small and stylish. It’s tracking is different from conventional methods, Breathe ILO precisely detects a woman’s menstruation cycle. It uses a live tracking system, which uses an AI-based learning algorithm which improves all of the time. The device also works with irregular cycles. It can detect five out of six fertile days on average. You can also choose what  time of day you use the device, unlike other methods which need to be done at the same time each day. I cannot recommend the breathe ilo enough. It takes the stress out of cycle tracking and is so easy to use. Full marks.

With the option to buy a device for £259.00 or rent for £29.90 a month, breathe ilo is available to purchase exclusively now at  www.breatheilo.com

 

Free Virtual ‘weaning workshop’ how to stop your baby becoming a fussy eater

Posted on by

weaning, fussy eater, tips.

Charlotte Stirling-Reed (the nutritionist on Joe Wicks’ weaning book), a leading expert in Infant and toddler nutrition will be running a free webinar on ‘Getting Started with Solids/Veg Led Weaning’ on December 8th at 8pm.

Stokke are going virtual with the iconic Tripp Trapp® for an exclusive talk on how to get started with solids and vegetable led weaning, with STOKKE TRIPP TRAPP TOUR @ HOME. The session will cover the basics when it comes to introducing your little one to solid food and will start with some of the science around feeding infants – what does the research say about the very first foods – and then go on to talk about introducing your baby to allergens (something lots of parents are anxious about), as well as how to move on to “family foods” and more composite meals. When: Stokke Zoom 8th December at 8pm.

Few things are more important than nutrition when it comes to raising your children so I will definitely be tuning in.

Tripp Trapp® chair Baby Set Soft Mint, Beech Wood, with Classic Cushion Honeycomb Happy

The iconic Tripp Trapp® highchair was launched in 1972 and has since sold more than 12 million worldwide. It is Mumsnet approved and super stylish.

 

Christmas Gift Guide: Wavey Ice introduce their Boozy Winter Hamper

Posted on by
Who remembers ice pops…? Those icy sticks of goodness after school on a summers day was literally THE ONE.  Hands up if you’ve ever tried a boozy ice pop? YES, they really do exist thanks to Wavey Ice, the original creators of alcoholic ice pops in the UK. 

Wavey Ice known for their cocktail inspired ice pops have been making fresh treats est. summer of 2014. Distributing at various festivals and Notting Hill Carnival, they are now making sure we don’t have to miss out on all of the vibes this year by bringing a selection of icy cocktail gifts and hampers that you can buy for your loved ones this Christmas. Don’t worry about feeling chilly, these treats are designed to warm you up whilst paying homage to the old school London scene. 

So, what’s on offer? Well through the website you can purchase a host of goodies from various Ice Pop flavours, branded merch and of course the hamper. 

The hamper contains;

(RRP: £55) inc delivery

*10 Limited edition Kola & Spiced Rum ice pops.

*One ‘Dutty Wine’ Mulled Wine and White Rum pouch

*One bottle of ‘Kold Sauce’ hot sauce

*One pair of Wavey Ice socks

*Set of fun Christmas stickers to add to your festive decorations.

To get the full experience we recommend gathering your crew, (at a social distance), grab a Wavey Ice Pop, pull up your rave socks and turn Ms Dynamiteeeheee all the way up. Never has a Christmas hamper bought me so much nostalgia and joy and we guarantee anyone who loves UKG, Grime, Rap and just having a good time with your people in general, this will bring a smile to their face. 

The Wavey Ice hamper is curated with heart and soul and it shows. Since this Summer, Wavey Ice has raised over £1500 for the NHS by donating £1 from every purchase made to them. This Winter will be no exception with £1 from every purchase donated to Crisis charity until Dec 20. So support Independent businesses this Winter. Support Wavey Ice. 

…pssst there’s a sale on right now…

www.waveyice.co.uk

SAS Band of Brothers by Damien Lewis Reviewed by Annie Clarke

Posted on by

 

 

SAS Band of Brothers by Damien Lewis was, for me, unputdownable, and not just because I have my own small charity which helps veterans.

This is a story which should be told, and boy, is it told well, and rivals any thriller  on the shelves today. But what makes it riveting is that it is true, painfully so.

In June 1944 twelve SAS parachuted into occupied France, led by Captain Patrick Garstin MC, who bore wounds from previous  battles. It was a  small elite band, which included Thomas ‘Ginger’ Jones and Serge ‘Frenchy’ Vaculik, who destroyed enemy targets. However, they were captured, imprisoned and tortured. Hitler ordered their execution and only Jones and Vaculik escaped. You can imagine the hue and cry, the hunting…

Later in 1945 the Nazis hunters became the hunted,  and those in pursuit of these who committed such war crimes were the SAS including  ‘Ginger’ Jones and Serge Vaculik until… Ah, but no more, because this is a tale that needs to be read properly from beginning to end.

Damien Lewis’s exploration of this whole incident tears at the heart strings exposing what I consider injustices, quite apart from the executions. These were brave men, who acted on their country’s behalf  and, for me, Damien Lewis has not only told a story of bravery in the face of barbarity, but he has also exposed what amount to post war deceits.

Read it, give it to others. In this time of the pursuit of our esteemed military for historic so called  ‘crimes’ let us read through a different lens, the valour, the sacrifice, the commitment to the protection of our country and their comrades, and be proud of, and grateful to, them ALL, including those serving today.

SAS Band of Brothers by Damien Lewis pub by Quercus Books Hardback @ £20.

Margaret Graham is a bestselling author, who writes under the names Annie Clarke and Milly Adams Her latest by Annie Clarke is the Girls on the Home Front series.

SISTER SCRIBES’ READING ROUND UP: NOVEMBER

Posted on by

Kitty

Our Story – Miranda Dickinson

How I loved this book and Otty and Joe. Miranda Dickinson writes with such heart that it spills over into her characters and I fell a little in love with both of them, was desperately willing them to get together and getting a little cross when they were making poor decisions. I love reacting this way, it means the author has completely pulled me into her world. Our Story is a wonderful novel to escape with. Fun, empathetic and engaging, it was delightful reading and an absolutely perfect rom-com.

Christmas Island – Natalie Normann

I have been so excited about this book. I read Summer Island earlier this year and fell in love with Natalie Normann’s writing style and the setting and could not wait to read this second in the series (which can easily be read as a stand-alone). As with the first, this book truly delivers on the cosy or Koselig and as Holly and Tor’s romance builds from their first meeting the reader is taken on a whirlwind tour of Norwegian Christmas food and traditions. I loved so much of the detail of this book and it provided me with the perfect Christmassy escape.

The Single Dad’s Handbook – Lynsey James

This book is the story of Evan – a widower bringing up his small daughter – and how his grief has, understandably, upended his life. He discovers a book of letters written by his wife before she dies to help him deal with the issues she anticipates once she is gone. The letters are poignant and witty, which is a fair summary of the book itself. I read it very quickly, fell utterly in love with Evan’s daughter Violet and thought the way that Lynsey James manages to combine this story of loss with comic moments and the hope that a new romance can bring was very skilfully done.

 

Susanna

The Ferryman’s Daughter by Juliet Greenwood

Wow! What a book. I was utterly caught up in this enthralling family saga set in rural and coastal Cornwall in the early part of the 20th century. In Hester, Juliet Greenwood has created an exceptionally strong and appealing heroine and I loved and admired her as she fought to follow her dream in spite of numerous setbacks that occurred thanks to the conventions and expectations of the day. This is a thoroughly engrossing and satisfying book, packed with drama and emotion and enhanced by a strong sense of time and place, all served up by a gifted writer.

 

Jane

Glynis Peters’ The Forgotten Orphan is about as far away from a traditional orphan story as it’s possible to be. For a start the protagonist, Maisie, is an older teenager, and secondly, she is in the middle of a world at war. That said, it is a story of friends, family and loves lost and found, and it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life and death in World War Two.

From a personal point of view I loved the fact the book was set in Southampton, a city I know well. It was well researched and well written, with a host of characters I came to care about. Family saga, wartime tale, love story – this book was all of these and so much more than the sum of its parts.

 

 

 

 

 

Win A Gordon’s Gin Hamper – Just Follow the Links – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

Posted on by

 

Let’s get you into the Christmas spirit with, er … Christmas spirit. Gordon’s gin are giving away 45 festive hampers which each contain things to help your Christmas sparkle at home – rich velvet table runners, baubles and Christmas lights, festive candles, gorgeous coasters and wrapping paper. Of course, there’s also mini bottles of Gordon’s to hang from your tree, assuming they make it that far, AND a full-sized bottle of Gordon’s, plus beautiful glassware – how fabulous.

 

To enter, all you need to do is complete your details on the competition landing page between 12:00 on 23rd November 2020 and 12:00 on 30th November 2020: Instagram: @gordonsginuk ; Facebook: @GordonsGinUK  or : https://competition.gordonsgin.com/

The competition is open to those aged 18 and over nationwide. Terms and conditions apply.

So let’s just contemplate on the gin treats you could be winning in the hamper:

 

Gordon’s London Dry Gin, (70cl, RRP £15.50) – the original London Dry gin it’s triple-distilled with carefully selected botanicals including oodles of juniper.

 

Gordon’s Sicilian Lemon Distilled Gin – 100% natural flavours, it’s perfectly crafted to balance the juniper notes of Gordon’s with the zesty hit of the finest Sicilian lemons.

 

Gordon’s Premium Pink Distilled Gin – the perfect drink for someone who loves a colourful, fruity G&T, it balances the refreshing taste of Gordon’s with the natural sweetness of real raspberries and strawberries, and tang of redcurrant.

 

Gordon’s Sloe Gin – made from the finest hand-picked sloe berries from English and Northern European Mountains, creating a dry, yet fruity taste.

Oh, a word of caution – JLS’s Aston Merrigold does not come with the hamper (I already checked).

 

 

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

INTRODUCING NORTH NORFOLK JEWELLERY DESIGNER, CLAIRE HOWARD

Posted on by

I make delicate, simple jewellery in a beautiful corner of North Norfolk. I make the kind of jewellery I like to wear, everyday pieces which are elegant and made from quality materials at affordable prices.

​I come from a very crafty background, I dabbled in a variety of crafts until gifted a course at the London Jewellery School and then jewellery making became a hobby which gave me space to create and wind down from a busy teaching job.  I was frustrated that simple jewellery from the high street was made from low quality silver which made me itch and changed colour so I bought a lot of jewellery from a local maker, Richard, who I commissioned to make me some pieces until he said to me – why don’t we make this necklace together? CHJ started to gather steam and momentum, I moved away from beads and on to soldering, stone setting and texturing through sitting beside Richard, attending courses and practising again and again and again.   I have not looked back!

I’m passionate about wearing timeless but well-made jewellery – uncomplicated pieces which are practical enough to be worn during the day but special enough for night!  To me, it doesn’t matter if we are on a school run, working in a school of small children or out for pizza and prosecco for £12 (my local treat), jewellery should be pretty and well crafted – that’s what matters to me.

From my workbench in North Norfolk, I take inspiration from being outside.  We are so lucky in this county to have beautiful beaches, woodlands and a hill or two (Yes we do!) where I flourish being outside with the dog walking and enjoying some space and time.  Being outside lifts my spirits and enables me to focus on the simple things in life – I put these in my jewellery – accents of little delicate bees and daisies, hearts and droplets of gold.

​Texture is really important in my jewellery too.  I love to be able to clasp a piece of jewellery and run my fingers over the stamped lettering or image and feel the dimples in the hammering, or the beads of the beaded wire.  I love that jingle jangle you get when two pieces of silver clink together.

​As for romance – this quote pretty much sums it up for me… Draw a circle, not a heart around the one you love because a heart can break but a circle goes on forever. (Danny Kaye)   Circles feature a lot in my jewellery, small, hand crafted, perfectly round and often interlinked.

My website is found at www.clairehowardjewellery.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Send a special memento – a Karrie Barron Card – for Christmas this year and every year says Annie Clarke

Posted on by
                                                                                      
Some years ago I received my first Karrie Barron card, a tableau, a little world,  which my wonderful friend Michael sent. He told me he had explained his requirements to Karrie Barron, a tweak here, one there, my name on a card within the tableau, a message inside. It was so amazing that for someone who never stops talking I was silent for quite 10 seconds, because I was so delighted. I have kept the card down the years, under a glass dome. Following Michael’s example I have sent Karrie Barron cards to others, many of whom have done as I have – under a dome with it, and out for view.
So I am really happy to revisit  Karrie Barron  and take a look at their Christmas cards, and the new range of candles, with such wonderful Christmassy scents.  As I said, I now send to others and not just for the 3 D tableau that this small family concern creates, but also the personalization which makes it so precious. And as this strange year draws to an end, and some will not be seeing close friends and family  these cards, so personal in concept,  will close the distance between you.
 
 So let’s look at a few  Karrie Barron Christmas cards,  where the recipient’s names can be written on the  toy sacks, and messages put on the front on banners, or bouquet tags and also printed  inside. In addition Karrie Barron can send them direct to the recipients, if you wish.    But this personalized approach isn’t confined to Christmas cards, it is available on the whole card range all year round. It really is such a  totally special gift, or so I found. The cards are more robust than they might seem, but nonetheless are safely packed in tissue paper and placed in a white box, complete with ribbon, and then another box for posting. I chose the Nativity scene for the children mine are destined for – (just ordered) all personalized.
                                                                      
There are also gifts this year – let’s check out the Karrie Barron candles.
     

Karrie Barron’s range of hand poured, beautiful bee friendly, Soy wax, environment/Vegan Friendly  candles have had 2 new fragrances added for Christmas.  The fabulous thing about these is you can have your personalised message printed on the back of the candle and for Christmas you can also choose a free Christmas card.    Try the Christmas Frankincense and Myrrh Candle for £25.00  – It has a festive fragrance with top notes of citrus peels, eucalyptus, juniper and lavender leading to a spicy heart of cinnamon and clove, rounded by orris with oriental base notes of warm amber, sandalwood, cedarwood, patchouli, musk and vanilla.  In other words, as Arke described their olive oil, from their own olives  (and quite captured my heart): …to exalt the smells and flavours... Well, let me tell you -this candle does just this, it exalts. (Arke and other artisan produce is sold through Delicario.com whose great hampers  I reviewed a week or so ago)
                  
For a limited time the Christmas Candles comes with a free Christmas card, ideal to send with the candle. Choose your favourite from four card designs. This along with the personalized candle message label makes the ideal gift.  There are also collections of cards to buy to make one’s life easier.

                

Karrie Barron Cards was founded in 1994 and is now a family business: ‘Karrie’s concept was to make 3-Dimensional cards depicting miniature worlds,’ Tilly, her daughter tells us. ‘She began designing and making from a back bedroom in our family home in Fulham, London and would take them, once a week, to her stall in the Apple Market, Covent Garden. From a very early age I helped my mother with her work, and over the years I developed the patience, passion and skills to make and design our ‘little worlds’. In 2007, when my mother retired, I took over our small family run business.’

The cards continue to charm and although they now reach a much wider audience worldwide and online, Karrie Barron Cards  still sell from their stall in Covent Garden. In 2014 they opened a shop in Hampstead where cards can be made to order whilst you wait.   In this world of mass production, each creation is made by hand with love and care in their London Studio and I can vouch for the thrill it gives the recipient. No two are ever the same, and they really are a pleasure to both give and receive.      But finally, let’s not forget birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mothers Day, and what about Weddings.

                                                                                            

Do browse the website https://www.karriebarron.com/  for the whole range, but be quick if you are on the hunt for that special Christmas card or gift.

Annie Clarke is the author of Christmas on the Home Front, out now.