Disclaimer: We received the SodaStream Art for the purpose of this review but all words and opinions are our own.
The forecast next week is predicted to be hot, hot, hot with temperatures up in the 30’s. We are not used to those temperatures in the UK so it is really important to stay hydrated. We all know we should drink 8 glasses of water a day, but I really struggle to do this so was really pleased when Sodastream sent me a Sodastream Art to try.
SodaStream have been making fizzy bubbles for over 100 years now and their aim is simple, allowing people to make fizzy drinks in their own homes and saving the planet in the process. One SodaStream bottle can save up to thousands of single use plastic bottles, so is the perfect swap this Plastic Free July.
The Sodastream Art is a stunning machine with its sleek black housing and looks great in the kitchen. I was a little disappointed that the machine didn’t come with any syrups so until I could get to the shops, we just made fizzy water and added it to cordial which is a great way to get children (and adults) to drink more water. When I went shopping, I discovered our local supermarket stocked the Pepsi Max and 7Up , so I picked a bottle of each, much to the delight of my sons!
We were really impressed with the flavours of the syrups and the thing I liked most was each drink can be made fresh, so they are always fizzy. Normally once you open a 2l bottle you really need to drink it the same day, otherwise it quickly goes flat but with SodaStream each drink can be made fresh and you can even control the fizz, making your drink lightly sparkling to super fizzy.
The C02 cylinder that comes with the machine holds enough gas to make 60 litres of sparkling drinks and refills are available from the Sodastream website.
Staying hydrated has never been easier and when it’s hot why not liven up your drinks with plenty of ice and a slice of lemon or lime.
Mindful Eating for Weightless through Hypnosis and BWRT®
Last month, we reviewed a session of hypnosis of weight loss with Hypnotherapist Lizzie Smith. Since then, I have gone on to complete the 4 session course (paid for by me!) to see how hypnotherapy, and later BWRT® could benefit a healthier way of life.
Weekly, I met with Lizzie online again via Zoom calls to talk about my progress and take the next leap forward with another hypnotherapy session. Lizzie speaks to you at length at the start of each session to see how you are getting on since the last time she saw you, make notes on what adjustments might be needed for this session and to talk through any worries. For me, we decided that BWRT® would help me with breaking the connection between me snacking (especially after dinner) and replacing it with something else.
BWRT® is not hypnosis but is a powerful tool to ‘reprogramming’ the brain. After my second session of hypnosis, we scheduled BWRT® for a different day. The session started with Lizzie explaining in detail how it worked, asking questions around my snacking habit and asking me to make mental pictures which would fit with how she runs the session. The BWRT® itself lasted only about 30 minutes but crucially, you don’t think about the technique or how it works, instead letting your brain process the treatment. I won’t go into detail about how it works but it was quick, easy and not emotional at all.
The following two hypnotherapy sessions were similar to the first, with Lizzie asking questions about my progress, what kind of situations had triggered me and what the outcome was. With some awesome encouragement, Lizzie uncovered some situations I hadn’t thought of, each of which had a positive outcome.
Each session comes with an audio file which is messaged to you so that you can listen to it over and over again. One of them is for a meditative walk and the final audio file is for going to sleep. Each of them solidifies what was covered in Lizzie’s hypnotherapy sessions.
After 4 session (over 4 weeks) have I lost any weight yet? Yes! I have lost 1kg (a bit more than 2lbs) but more importantly my eating habits have changed. Instead of reaching for the snacks after dinner, that part of my consciousness has been eliminated. Snacking during the day has become more mindful now, with me questioning whether I really want to snack, or whether I’m hungry or not. Hypnosis, as Lizzie explains, is not a quick-fix but more about changing your perception and mindful behaviour around eating, in order to lose weight in the long run.
I have booked 6 extra sessions, one every month until Christmas, to re-enforce the hypnosis I have already completed and to keep in contact with Lizzie over time and let her know how I’m getting on!
Disclaimer – We received this item for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
I have been trying out these wireless OPPO Enco Free2 earbuds and I’m really impressed with them. They’re lightweight and are very comfortable in the ear, feeling nice and secure. I had got out of the habit of listening to music on the go as my previous pair kept slipping out, meaning I never felt happy wearing them out of the house, but I’m really pleased with the fit of these. With a choice of three sizes of silicone ear tips you can select the one that fits best, ensuring a perfect fit.
Pairing is really simple, open the charging case and the earphones go straight into pairing mode and then you simply add them to your device. Once paired they will re-connect whenever the case is opened.
The touch controls allow you to skip tracks, adjust volume and switch between the normal active noise cancellation and transparency listening modes. I thought that using a swipe to control the volume rather than a tap worked really well. Taking one earbud out of your ear pauses the player, resuming when it is replaced. The sound quality is fantastic, the sound is clear and the noise cancellation works very well and can be tuned within the app. The app also allows several different equaliser settings to be used meaning you can adjust the sound to suit.
The charging case holds the earphones securely with magnets and once placed in the case the earphones start charging automatically. The charge level is easy to see with an LED whenever the case is opened. I haven’t used them enough to run them down but the manufacturer claims up to a 30 hour run time (including the charge in the case) – impressive! Charging the case is done with USB C and a cable is included.
These earbuds are available in black or white with a dust and water-resistant design to stylishly go the distance and provide users with the ultimate listening experience come rain or shine. They strike the perfect balance between luxury and affordability with a RRP £89.99. Android and IOS ompatible.
Disclaimer: We received these earbuds for the purpose of this review but all words and opinions are our own.
Disclaimer – We received this item for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
True Wireless Stereo Earbuds
Qualcomm® aptX™ audio decoding delivers high-definition audio with rich details
Compact and lightweight design for optimum wearing comfort
6 hours of playtime per charge and 24 hours in total with the charging case
Bluetooth V5.0 ensures a stable and faster signal transmission
IP55 rated dust and water resistance for outdoor activities
Easy operation by touch control
Immersive music experience
The crystal-clear sound offer you as close as possible to the sensation of hearing your favorite music live.
24 Hours Play Back Time
6 hours working time per charge for the earbuds, 24 hours of total playback time of full charge by the charging case. X3 wireless stereo earbuds brings extended playback time and enjoyment.
High Fidelity AptX Audio Decoding
AptX audio decoding, 16bit/44.1kHz audio frequency. Decoding rate is up to 352kbps, with CD quality sound.
Stylish and Compact Design
Ergonomically designed earbuds comfortably sit in your ears so you can enjoy your music for hours on end.
CVC8.0 Noise-Cancellation or Clear Communication
CVC V.8.0 noise-cancellation technology reduces environmental noise. Stable signal for clear detailed sound.
Faster Connection
When removed from charging case, the earbuds automatically activate and pair to each other.
IP55 Waterproof For Outdoors Activities
IP55 dust and water resistance. Splash and sweat are no longer a problem.
Bluetooth V5.0 Stable and Fast Signal Transmission
Adopt professional Bluetooth 5.0 Qualcomm chipset with low-power consumption technology and stable signal transmission to extended playback time.
Disclaimer – We received this item for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Now that summer is upon us, and the last 2 years of lockdown are gone, we can begin to enjoy the company of others. Some of us may not want to get away this year, but with Bramblecrest sofa sets, it will feel like you’re on holiday!
The UK company Bramblecrest is based in the Cotswolds and pride themselves on high quality garden items. Started 22 years ago by two friends, they have continued to increase their range, and still design enviable furniture. We were sent the gorgeous rattan Kingscote Sofa Set to review – an 8-seater ceramic topped garden table with corner sofa and two benches which can easily seat up to 10 people. The pièce de résistance in this set is the table top firepit to heat you whilst outdoors, or even use as a BBQ!
The set arrives in pieces but is assembled on delivery by the installation team. The whole set is made of high quality rattan and comes is two colours, Nutmeg and Cloud. Our set is Cloud with Eco-Charcoal fabric cushions, which are included in the price of the set. The table is assembled with a drawer to one side which is where the gas cylinder is placed and connected for the firepit to work. The table top is made of large ceramic tiles (very weather durable!) with the firepit covered by another tile until you are ready to light it. A glass fire surround is also assembled for you which is for safety, but also adds a beautiful reflection to the fire when it gets dark.
The firepit comes with coals which need assembling before it’s lit. It doesn’t take long to arrange them around the gas ring, which is hidden by the mound of coals. You will need to source a 5kg Propane gas cylinder in order for the firepit to work, details of which are in the instructions. This will require a contract if you don’t already have one, and the purchase of the gas. The table is still perfectly useable without the propane though, and the protective cover still allows you enjoy the table. The gas is switched on from the control on the side, so there’s no lighting matches!
Fire Pit controlCeramic Table Top and Fire Pit
The whole set measure approximately 290cm by 290cms which includes two benches. The benches can be moved around easily because they’re light weight, so if you are snug on space you can still accommodate as many people but perhaps with a different configuration. Each bench is 110cm long and can hold up to 3 people although 2 people per bench is probably more comfortable for eating.
The corner sofa is assembled to a width of 290cm. As this is the largest part of the set, you’ll need to measure at least this amount to know if the sofa will be able to fit into your space. The sofas are very, very comfortable. Just sitting on them shortly after they were assembled I could feel the quality from the depth of the seat, the height of the backrest and the cushions- oh the cushions! They are made of a weather resistant material so can stay outside, but there is something about the material and the filling that makes them all warm and cosy. I think the material absorbs the sunlight heat which makes them more comfortable and along with the deep base of the seat, it makes them so relaxing. Even better, they’re made with recycled plastic bottles!
Even after being outside in the rain, the rattan and the fabric dried quickly. I was worried about the fire pit getting wet but it was designed with rain in mind, so there is a drain underneath and the drawer with the cylinder means water just runs straight through. There was no puddling of water anywhere which would warrant needing a clean. However, if you prefer to keep your outdoor furniture in good shape all year, Bramblecrest also sell a bespoke seat cover set which is extremely sturdy. When the rains came over and we were expecting a storm, I put the covers on expecting them to be one-size-fits-all but these covers are made exactly for the Bramblecrest sofa sets, machine stitched with ties incorporated so that you can fit them tight around the furniture in the worst of the weather.
Bramblecrest’s All Weather Seat Covers
After more than a week of the sofa set being installed, it has changed the dynamics of our family sitting outside. The weather proof covers mean that we can sit outside at any time, and the quick drying fabric cushions mean that the sun dries up any dampness they may hold. The addition of the firepit over the summer will mean that we can keep warmer as the nights become cooler, and have the added benefit of the grill to keep any food warm, allowing us to eat outside for longer into the autumn.
The best part of the Bramblecrest Kingscote Sofa Set? The feeling of being on holiday when you can’t be… the instant Mediterranean feeling of the laid-back sofa lifestyle, with the open fire and comfort of the cosy cushions beats the British plastic chairs any day.
Disclaimer – We received this service for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Losing Weight is a multi-billion dollar business throughout the world. Many of us have tried, and like me, you might be constantly aiming to lose weight but without long term success. Have you tried everything though? What about hypnosis?
I recently met up with Lizzie Smith (https://www.lizziesmithhypnotherapy.co.uk) to talk about how hypnotherapycan help you lose weight, and more importantly, to change the habits which are causing you to self-sabotage your attempts at weight loss.
Who is Lizzie?
Lizzie Smith
Lizzie has been a hypnotherapist for over 6 years, having worked around the non-medical therapy industry for a lot longer. Her non-judgemental but thorough conversation set me at ease as I found out more about hypnotherapy as well as how it could help me. Yes, you are instantly at ease talking to her, which is part of the hypnosis process! Based in the UK, Lizzie now conducts all her hypnosis sessions via Zoom since the pandemic. If you’re wondering whether hypnosis still works over the internet then the answer is yes, and Lizzie has proven that over the past 2 years of the pandemic.
Lizzie explained, “Weight loss through hypnosis is not about a diet, it’s about changing your mindset towards eating and breaking bad habits and learned behaviours. Obviously, you’re not going to lose 4 stone in 4 weeks, but over time, hypnosis help you to make better food and lifestyle choices. It’s a mindful approach and not about denying yourself – a little of what you fancy is fine!”
It’s all about getting the subconscious on board
Hypnosis, unlike other weight loss treatments, has no side effects. The initial consultation with Lizzie is firstly to find out what your goals are (mine was to reduce or eliminate my nemesis – sugar) but also for Lizzie to hear about how your internal dialogue works and how she needs to target the language in her sessions. Lizzie’s questions aren’t uncomfortable but they are personal, and one question in particular threw me. I wasn’t prepared for the question on OCD, which was not a connection I had previously made regarding will power.
Intrigued?
Lizzie Smith Hypnotherapist
What happens in a session?
The Mindful Eating course is 4 sessions and starts with a 90 minute initial consultation, via Zoom which is a quick chat, followed by a longer questionnaire where Lizzie gets more in-depth. The first session finishes with some hypnosis which also serves as a brilliant relaxation session.
After the first session, Lizzie sent me a recording of a 10 minute relaxation audio file which can be downloaded to your phone or iPod to listen to over time. Each session includes a catch-up and a bespoke hypnosis session plus further recordings which you can listen to at your own pace. Lizzie suggests listening to her recordings every night to really cement the message and get to your subconscious, giving yourself the best chance of success and makingmindful eating a way of life rather than a diet or relying solely on will power.
There is also some paperwork to complete regarding where your mind is, how you are being more mindful about eating and any barriers or changes in behaviour that come up.
Throughout the course, Lizzie offers support in the form of tips to eating less, and practical advice that other clients have benefited from. Some people like to come back for extra maintenancesessions every few weeks, or for top-ups in the future, which Lizzie is happy to arrange. She also has other techniques such as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and BWRT (BrainWorking Recursive Therapy™) both of which will support you, and Lizzie often brings them into the sessions, depending on what you have targeted to work on with her.
What else can hypnosis with Lizzie help with?
Hypnosis isn’t just for weight loss. The traditional stage hypnosis you see on TV is nothing like the clinical use of hypnotherapy which can help with everything from smoking cessation to fears of flying and other phobias. Lizzie’s biggest clientele in more recent years has been younger people in their 20s suffering from anxiety, especially students. There isn’t a limit to what hypnosis can help with – Lizzie is very willing to discuss in a free 15 minute call. Since working exclusively on Zoom, Lizzie also has clients from all over the world so distance is no barrier!
How much does the course cost?
Lizzie’s website (https://www.lizziesmithhypnotherapy.co.uk) is a wealth of information and gives you more background on all of her courses. An initial consultation costs £90 with each subsequent session costing £75 for 60 minutes. The 4-week Weight Loss course costs an up-front fee of £299 but Lizzie is running a promotion this month with the code LSH2022
when you book online. Compared to the commercial calorie counting courses, that’s less than a years’ membership and provides a more tailored, long-term behaviour changing method.
Does it work?
I’ve only had the first session of the 4-part course which concentrated on the consultation and my goals. The rest of the course works on the subconscious and has some paperwork to do to support Lizzie in tailoring your sessions. Part of that paperwork is assessing what your weight/size/measurements are right now so that it’s easier to assess how well you progress as well as tracking your emotional relationship with food.
I shall update you in the coming weeks as the sessions progress!
The Review Studio 