According to research by Tena 62% of women experience light bladder weakness; that’s nearly one in three yet it’s still a subject that not many women like to talk about, but when it affects so many perhaps it’s time we learnt more about our pelvic floor and how we can help strengthen it.

A few weeks ago Tena invited me along to a HotPod Yoga session in Hackney to learn about the importance of our pelvic floor and what we can do to strengthen them. It was cold and raining and we were told the yoga would be on the rooftop – now before you go thinking I’ve completely lost my mind HotPod yoga classes take place in inflatable heated studios (think massive, very warm cocoon type structures). Our teacher ran through the basics of the Vinyasa yoga would be doing and then we got straight into it. I’ve done yoga in the past so lots of moves soon came back to me, however we all really got our sweat on as the heat makes your heart work harder and you’re more flexible – like they say soreness the morning after is a good sign!

Anybody who’s done yoga will know the importance of really taking notice of your body and being aware of your core and pelvic floor muscles, so an afternoon of HotPod yoga was a great way to get us thinking of how important our pelvic floor muscles are. The first time women often experience light bladder weakness is during pregnancy or soon after childbirth; I know from my experience that anything to do with my health and wellbeing was a priority for me as I wanted to be in the best condition as a new mother so why not the same when it comes to our pelvic floor?

When I was pregnant with Boo I remember my midwife telling me I was lucky I was in my twenties and that as I was booked for a c-section (which didn’t end up happening) that there was no need for me to be too concerned with pelvic floor exercises. Yet research shows that there is immense strain on your pelvic floor during pregnancy regardless of your age or how you give birth.

25% of women have never practiced pelvic floor exercises, 5% don’t know what their pelvic floor is and over half say they ‘rarely’ practice them!

So the majority of us know that we need to work on our pelvic floor fitness but lets face it how many of us actually remember to do the funny squeezy/hold your wee in thingamajig? Tena have created a new Pelvic Floor Fitness App – PFFP that offers support for women by reminding them to do their pelvic exercises, has an extensive help section which is really useful and allows you to discover which of the Tena Lights products are right for you.

With so many things to remember as a women, especially new mums, having a little reminder to do the important pelvic exercises is a great idea.

You can request a free sample of Lights by Tena.

We were lucky enough to escape the grey skies of the UK and headed off to Bilbao, Spain for a half-term city break but everyone knows what it’s like when you return from holiday, suddenly you’re in the middle of laundry nightmares.

Post holiday washing is almost part of the whole holiday – well it is now we’re a family… Pre Boo I wasn’t adverse to living out of a suitcase for a few days, nowadays I like to have the washing done and dusted within a day of getting back – what has motherhood done to me!!

I’ve been thinking of replacing my washing machine for a few months; while it still works (touch every bit of wood I can find!) It’s not as efficient as it use to be, plus with only a 5kg load it’s hardly ideal when it comes to family washing.

Panasonic washing machines have a new range of innovative, highly efficient technologies – but what does that mean for a busy house with a three year old who likes a costume change at least twice a day…. Mention no names Boo!

With an extra wide door the NA-147VB5 model makes it easy to load an unload, meaning less cramming of clothes in so they get washed better and with an energy efficiency rating of A+++ it’ the best option for using the least amount of energy and water without compromising on your washing.

I never thought I’d be so interested in the qualities of a washing machine as lets face it they’re not the most glamorous of purchases but when it’s something that is used so much you soon realize that just how important it is to get it right – pretty sure I’ve found the washing machine that I want.

Disclosure: A fee was received for this post but in no way affects the honesty of my opinions and experiences told in my own words.

I’m tried a fair few different supplements as part of #operationyummymummy but never a tea detox so when Slimming Solutions sent me their TeaTox to try I was interested to see how it would perform.

Whilst I decided 2015 was the year to ditch the habitual new years resolution to lose weight, one thing I was happy to ditch was the sluggish feeling that comes hand in hand with enjoying Christmas.

Slimming Solutions Teatox works by combining a unique blend of unique tea formulas; a daytime plus an evening blend. These teas are designed to work in harmony with your body to help get rid of unwanted toxins, resulting in a full body detoxing effect. 

Made from a delicious blend of natural & herbal ingredients Teatox is designed to gently cleanse the digestive system and detoxify your body, as well as boosting metabolism and reducing cravings.

(more…)

Anyone that knows me, knows that I am completely open to aesthetic procedures – my view has always been that as long as your motives are healthy for you as a individual then making a decision to enhance your existing beauty can be a real positive.

Dr Vincent Wong is an advanced medical aesthetics practitioner who is trusted by a loyal client list as a pioneer in aesthetics.

Life is Beauty-Full is Dr Vincent Wong’s first documentary in support of the Safety in Beauty campaign; started by respected beauty author, journalist and presenter Antonia Mariconda- The Cosmedic Coach.

The feature-length film is designed to help shed the light on a variety of aspects of the beauty industry. Life is Beauty-Full highlights the pressure that young people are facing to look good, which we know all too well is a real problem.

I was invited to the exclusive premier last Thursday at the wonderful Bulgari Hotel, London unfortunately I couldn’t attend due to prior commitments, what a lovely touch to still receive a goody bag with the coveted Vivify included – a stem cell revitalizing cream by Dr Vincent Wong; I’ve only been using it for a couple of days and the results are amazing so far, just what my skin needs to kick start a healthy 2015.