The Green Familia » Grown Ups

TGF Rated Review: OptiBac Probiotics

Brenda — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:00:16 +0000

What is it?

OptiBac Probiotics which help promote healthy wellbeing.

Who is reviewing it?

My hubby who has a history of digestive and stomach complaints and who has recently been suffering from skin problems.

In use

My hubby loves a pill and loves a doctors visit. He has a history of digestive problems and has a very sensitive stomach, so when I was sent through information on OptiBac to do with National Gut Week, we just had to give these a try. He has been using them for nearly two months, taking two capsules a day, you get 60 in a box (1 month supply). They are suitable for vegetarians, have no added sugar, are gluten free and yeast free.

Any negatives

No none, he has seen a major improvement since using them and is planning to continue taking them.

Price and availability

Available to buy from OptiBac for £9.99 for a months supply.

Overall

My hubby can be quite sceptical at times and was a bit wary of these capsules when I suggested it, but he is now a convert and I heard him recommend them to his brother the other day! His skin is clearing up and his stomach seems to have settled down and he has already declared that he will keep taking them.

TGF Rating

5/5

B.sensible bedding

erica — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:00:04 +0000

Protecting mattresses can be difficult. When I was pregnant, I was paranoid about my waters breaking in bed and I got a waterproof bed cover for our bed. The mattress protector was waterproof, but a bit noisy and my husband was keen to remove it after our son was born. Incidentally, my waters did break when I went to bed one night so the paranoia paid off. The key thing is to get the protection you need without the downsides of rustling sheets. Children’s mattresses obviously need protecting for night time toilet training, but it’s also worth doing to prevent problems when they are sick.

B.sensible is an innovative range of soft, breathable, waterproof bedding for babies and children. It’s a 2 in 1 fitted sheet and protector. It’s particularly recommended for babies and children with sensitive skin and comes in a range of sizes from Moses basket upwards. As it’s both a fitted sheet and a protector, you won’t need to use another mattress protector alongside it.

B.sensible’s bedding is made from Tencel a 100% natural fibre that comes from eucalyptus trees. By combining this with a smart stretchable membrane that is virtually undetectable, it acts as a hypo-allergenic barrier against moisture, bacteria and dust mites. The smooth surface of the fibre and its moisture absorption capabilities are designed to provide a healthy environment for babies and young children. Another amazing feature of this new-age fibre is its ability to regulate body temperature, by acting like a second skin. It also absorbs significantly more moisture than cotton and dries much more quickly.

B.sensible is manufactured using a completely eco-friendly production process. Their bedding is machine washable and can be tumble dried. It’s available from independent stockists and Toys R Us. For those, like me, paranoid about breaking waters (or children having accidents in your bed), there are double and king size sizes available too.

Eco Handbags

erica — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:00:40 +0000

I do have a weak spot for bags, particularly handbags and I find it difficult to resist them when I’m shopping. There are some particularly nice eco handbags out there at the moment to tempt me.

This hemp bag, from Willy Banjo, is very practical as well as being stylish.With a large main compartment and lots of zippered pockets, it keeps important things like your phone, purse and keys safe and close at hand. It’s strong and highly durable, as well as environmentally friendly, as it’s made hemp. I think it would make a great bag to take to work. It comes in a choice of 4 colours: khaki, ice, brown and grey and costs £36.99.

If you suffer from a bad back or tend to carry a lot around with you, then you might want to go for this Healthy Back Bag. This one is part of Melin Tregwynt’s Mondo range and is made from 100% lambswool doublecloth, with full grain leather trim and detailing This bag in red berry is a warm red with coordinating purple spots and leather trim. This bag will make you organised as there are lots of pockets to put your things. There are 4 exterior pockets that all fasten in different ways so that you can remember what’s kept where. Inside there are 6 pockets designed to help balance the weight. The main compartment has a zip fastening and there’s a handy D ring to attach accessories and key hook. It’s water and stain resistant and the shoulder strap is fully adjustable. There’s a large range of fabrics to choose from and they’re priced at £109.

Another fab bag is this English Retreads Hybrid Bag. English Retreads, as the name suggests, make their bags from recycled tyre inner tubes. The hybrid bag is made from a combination of recycled rubber and P.E.T. It’s got 6 metal feet at the base for protection and stability and a magnetic clasp closure. The interior features 2 gathered elastic edged pockets and one zipped compartment. Due to the nature of the materials used, it’s easy to clean (just wipe with a damp cloth) and you can shine it up using a tyre cleaner. It’s available from Feel Good Handbags for £110.99 and currently comes with a free keyring.

Hot Picks: Avalon Organics Lavender Daily Moisturiser

Brenda — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:00:54 +0000

Good friends of mine know I am always on the look out for good and natural moisturisers, so a friend has recommended the Avalon Organics Lavender Daily Moisturiser. I have not yet had a chance to try it out, but here is some more information on it, in case you want to check it out.

This daily moisturiser is made with organic Turmeric, Arnica and Calendula to soothe redness plus superb antioxidant protection from Grape Seed Polyphenols, organic White Tea and Vitamins C & E. It is suitable for all skin types, it is unscented and perfect for sensitive skin.

Apply daily to clean face and neck. Perfect under make-up.

Available to buy from Big Green Smile for £7.82 for 50ml.

One for the guys: Razor Pit!

Brenda — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:00:11 +0000

On the odd occasion that my hubby reads my blog, the one comment he makes is that he doesn’t feel I offer enough posts for the guys out there! So this is one just for you!

So what is a Razor Pit?

It is compatible with 95% of all razors

Razorpit is compatible with practically every shaver/razor on the market today. E.g. Gillette Mach 3, Gillette Mach 3 Turbo, Gillette Mach 3 Power, Gillette Mach 3 Power Turbo, Gillette Fusion, Gillette Fusion Power, Gillette Fusion Stealth, Gillette Venus, Gillette Venus Devine, Gillette Vibrance, All Wilkinson Sword and a long list of other brands and models.

How does it work – The development of Razor Pit

The Razorpit is developed on the basis of a collection of scientific research results, which have, in depth, researched the reason for the extremely rapid dulling of, otherwise, highly technological razorblades. By moulding a form of the modern razorblade, it is possible to establish the reason for the, generally, short lifespan of High-Tech razorblades from for example companies like Gillette.

By cutting through the mould with a diamond-blade and polishing the cut, so that the impression of the blade becomes completely apparent, it became possible through the use of a microscope, to zoom in on the cut, in a ratio of 600 times and thereby gain a clear impression of the degeneration of the razorblade. The degeneration of the razorblade which caused it to no longer function at its optimal potential. It would turn out though, that this was not an actual degeneration, but merely a condensing of hair-, skin- and soap residue.

It would therefore, have to be possible to do something about this problem of razorblades dulling down, due to this simple condensation of hair-, skin- and soap residue. The result is Razorpit as it exists today. A revolutionary hygienic tool which will give completely new life to your razorblades and let you use the same blade up to one-hundred-and-fifty times.

Available to buy from Big Green Smile for £19.50.

TGF Rated Review: KeepCup

erica — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:00:42 +0000

What is it? KeepCup is the new reusable coffee cup which is designed to help us change away from disposable paper cups.

Who is reviewing it? I’ve been trying it out both in coffee shops and at home.

Set Up Disposable coffee paper cups are made using kraft bleached paper sprayed with a polyethylene coating. The plastic coating means that generally they are not recyclable so they end up in landfill. The KeepCup is the first barista standard reusable coffee cup which fits directly under the espresso machine. It’s made from thermal, recyclable polypropylene which is food safe grade and free from Bisphenol A.

It’s available in 355ml sized cups (which is medium standard size) in 5 colour combinations. There’s a contrasting colour, silicone band around the middle for grip and a leak-proof lid which doesn’t drip when you drink. The lid features a simple pop on and off design and the tongue on plug seals your drink in, so the KeepCup is splashproof to transport.

In Use At the coffee shop, you simply hand over your KeepCup to the barista and it comes back filled with your coffee inside. As the KeepCup has the same volume as standard disposable cups, it ensures a consistent portioning of espresso and milk. It’s easy to seal your coffee in with the movable tongue and the silicone band helps you grip the cup and provides a little insulation from the heat. You can also mark the band with your regular order. You can use the cup in the dishwasher and the microwave safely.

I found it quite useful at home for those days when you are being taken from room to room by a lively child as it is splashproof and I am rather clumsy. It was also good for those times when you need a hot drink, but there isn’t quite time before you leave, as you can take it with you.

It would be good if coffee shops and large companies would give these out to customers and staff. The large office I used to work in had a coffee concession and would have been great if a cup like this had been given out to all staff for use in the coffee shop.

Any Negatives

This cup still suffers from some of the negatives that disposable cups suffer from: I found it tasted slightly plastically when drinking tea from it rather than coffee, plus you can still feel the heat of your drink through the cup which can make it difficult to carry.

Price and Availability Available from ECOutlet for £8.99.

Overall A good idea and a product that works.

Rating 4/5

Guest Post: Eco Dating

Brenda — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:00:03 +0000

Eco-Dating: Finding Your Green Mate

It’s not easy being green, especially when you’re trying to find someone special who has a similar desire to save the planet. Between blind dates and online services, you’re beginning to feel like a hamster running in a wheel, doing the same thing over and over but getting no closer to your goal. You’ve met a wide variety of people, from those who think they’re green simply because they throw a Coke can in the recycle bin when the mood strikes them (but meanwhile they drive an Escalade), to others who live in a teepee and sport dreadlocks in an ill-informed attempt to “live native”. But as of yet, you have been unable to find someone who is both mentally balanced and intent on living an eco-friendly lifestyle (without going so far off the deep end that they are on government watch lists). Don’t give up yet, though. Believe it or not, there are a lot of resources specifically made for people like you, who are looking for love with a like-minded individual that has eco-friendly sensibilities in line with your own.

Green Passions. This website offers a forum with live chats that allow you to meet and converse with others who share your passion for everything green, from the three Rs to organic farming to animal rights, along with, as they say, “something extra”. This site offers the ability to link to several other niche sites through one large community in order to be instantly connected to people who share all of your many interests. Plus, it’s 100% free.
Planet Earth Singles. This site is devoted to environmentalists of every stripe (targeting “environmentally, socially, and spiritually conscious singles”), but it tends to cater to those who are concerned with eating a green diet, or more specifically, vegetarians, vegans, raw-food lovers, and so on. So if you’re looking to hook up with someone who shares your flare for a veggie-fied diet, then this site may offer you the best match based on culinary criteria. This service is also free.
Whole Earth Friends. If you’re interested in meeting the socially conscious among us, who are concerned with everything that promotes green living and a healthy lifestyle, then this is the site for you. You can create a profile, upload photos, and search other members by age, height, religion, diet, geographic location, etc. You can also opt to search for romance or friends and it’s all available for the low, low price of just $9.95 per year! While this one unfortunately comes with a price tag, it’s a lot closer to how actual dating sites work, with options that allow you to pre-screen and search potential contacts.
Volunteer. If online dating services don’t appeal to you, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re destined for an eco-friendly life of celibacy. Get involved in social activities by volunteering for green events (such as tree-plantings, highway clean-up, and so on) as a way to meet other greenies who are willing to put their money where their mouth is.
Join a club. There are plenty of organizations devoted to doing to their best to keep our planet clean, whether on a local, national, or global level. So join up online or at your local community center, or think about starting your own club. You can make lifelong friends in pursuit of your goals, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll also meet your future mate.

Kyle Simpson is a writer for Pick Up Artist where you can find great tips and advice on dating.

TGF Rated Review: Faith in Nature Seaweed Liquid Handwash

Brenda — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:00:49 +0000

Linda Sones from www.sonesuk.com is reviewing Faith in Nature Seaweed Liquid handwash which contains organic seaweed. Very pleasant to use and much more hygienic having soap in a dispenser. I love the smell and it leaves my hands feeling clean but not dry.( Even my husband likes it) Once again very important to me no chemical nasties free from parabens and SLE

No negatives that I can think of.

A good buy at £3.35 for 300ml and if you want to buy in quantity and save money you can buy 5 litres for £46.60.

You can find it at www.faithinnature.co.uk

Overall good buy 5/5

Made in UK Face Creams Part 2

Brenda — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:49:33 +0000

Continuing on from Part 1 of our Made in UK face creams here are our next few selections.

Essential Care Rose Moisturiser – Treat your skin to the best that nature can offer. A luxurious, antioxidant light-textured day-cream which is fully absorbed leaving the skin soft and velvety smooth. Deeply moisturising with shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, aloe leaf, and the essential oil and hydrolat of damask roses. The cold-pressed plant oils, naturally high in antioxidants of vitamins A & E, and sea buckthorn help counteract the ageing and collagen-destroying effects of ‘free radicals’ and sunlight. Please note that this moisturiser is also suitable as an eye cream. Available from Big Green Smile for £8.50 for 50ml.
Vita Min Fix – Available from Green People for £13.99 for 50ml.
Balm Balm Face Balm – Available from Absolutely Pure for £6.20 for 30ml.
Akamuti Replinishing Face Cream – Available from Akamuti for £15 for 60ml.
Calming Lavender Butter Balm – Available from Cornish Balms & Crafts for £9.50 for 55g.

If you have any favourites, then please share them.

Fab Things from Ugly Be Gone

erica — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 11:00:30 +0000

Ugly Be Gone is a great, new online store with some fabulous things to give as gifts. There also plenty to choose from as treats for you, the family or your home. All the items are made by independent UK small businesses and I’ve picked out a few of my personal favourites to share with you.

This fabric door stop is made from a duck egg blue and chocolate (2 colours that I love) flower material. It’s filled with rice and is a great and stylish way to hold the back door open on a warm summer’s day, plus it will look good in your home when it’s not in use. There’s a handy coordinating strap to move it into place. It’s priced at £22.

Ugly Be Gone have a number of clutch bags made from beautiful Liberty prints. This one depicts the buildings and ships of a seaside city in classic monochrome shades. You could either use this bag on its own (it would look great with a little black dress) or use it to help organise a bigger handbag. The outer fabric has been treated with a stain repellent and there’s an attractive antiqued brass frame. It comes in its own Irish linen dustbag. The price is £28.

Robes and wraps are a bit of a weakness of mine and I can’t resist this beautiful Roses Kimono. It’s just the thing for a romantic weekend or a spa pampering session. The dressing gown has luxurious, full sleeves plus self fabric belt and ties. The print is a gorgeous almond rose print. It comes in 4 sizes from small to extra large and is priced at £70.