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September Favourites And Things I’ve Tried

by LaurettaCWright
September Favourites

With the kids returning to school this month and life getting back to a more structured feel, I’ve come across a few September favourites that have piqued my interest.

A couple of these might make you smile – like enjoying adult colouring books as a way of destressing and calming (it must be something that evokes those childhood memories) and doing puzzles to exercise the brain.

Not that my brain needs exercising – things always seem to be hectic with never enough hours in the day. But hey ho – I’d rather that than be dwindling my thumbs!

Junior podcast

First things first, I recently heard that The Week Junior magazine (which I used to buy for the kids) has launched a weekly podcast for families.

Although I tend to steer clear of watching the news (ignorance is sometimes bliss), I know that it’s important for the kids to keep abreast of current issues. So I’ve always encouraged them to watch programmes like Newsround.

The new family podcast is aimed at 8-14 year olds and discusses some of the week’s most interesting stories, debates a hot topic and discovers whether one incredible story is real or rubbish.

It’s a fab idea for long car journeys when the screen makes the kids feel queasy – they can just close their eyes, put on some headphones and listen to the programme. I’ve listened to a few myself (and they sound good), plus if they’re educational, even better!

Taste for coffee

If you’re a massive gadget fan like me then you’ll appreciate my next September favourite – the Nanopresso from Wacaco.

Since being on chemo my taste buds change massively throughout the course of the week, but chemo always leaves things tasting bland. So my usual cup of tea goes out of the window and I crave something a bit stronger.

For food I lean towards Greek salad, but in terms of drink I’m partial to a strong cup of coffee because I can actually taste it – and that’s a miracle for me two days after an infusion!

I was kindly sent the Nanopresso to trial and I’m a huge fan. I don’t know why, but there’s something quite smug about being out and about and knowing you have a hot drink on you – and don’t have to go in search of a coffee shop.

September Favourites

What’s really impressive about this little device is that it’s the smallest and lightest portable espresso machine out there – but also the most powerful – with 18 bars of pressure. All you need is hot water and your favourite ground coffee and you’re ready to go. After watching the video to see how to use it (I prefer videos to printed matter!) and after a couple of tries – I had got the hang of it.

Now if I’m popping out doing my magazine deliveries or going for a walk in the woods, this little beauty just pops in my bag – it’s been a conversation starter every single time!

Farewell Blue Light!

You might have noticed me wearing glasses in the main picture to this post. No, I haven’t been given a prescription – but what I was given was some ‘blue light’ glasses from my lovely friend Kris.

She’s aware of how much time I spend staring at a screen every day and thought I’d benefit from Blue Light glasses. So what exactly is this Blue Light? Well, it’s emitted from most of the digital screens we used – phones, computers, TVs etc – and has been blamed for headaches, sleeping issues and a whole barrage of health issues.

The Blue Light Blocking Glasses (sometimes called computer or gaming glasses) use special coating and filters to prevent the blue light and glare from reaching the retina. Sometimes they’re tinted and others (like the ones Kris gave me) are clear, having a minimal effect on the colours you see.

It feels odd wearing glasses again (I had laser eye surgery years ago), but if it means that my already disrupted sleeping patterns aren’t further disrupted, then I’m game in giving them a go. The fact that they can help reduce things like headaches is a plus point too.

It’s cushy!

I’ve got a fantastic gift for my daughter this Christmas this year – one I know she’ll love and it’s all thanks to ASDA’s online photo services – and their new gift range.

Having a look through their personalised section, you’ll find a whole range of unique gifts – we’re not just talking calendars either – there are jigsaws, photo books, keyrings and towels…you name it!

But something that did catch my eye was this rose gold personalised sequin cushion (below). She’s really into the sequin thing at the moment – I love how when you brush the sequins one way it appears like a normal sequined cushion – and then by brushing them the other way, you can reveal an image.

I chose a black and white picture of my daughter, which I thought looked classy and a little more grown up now that she’s 12. Prices for the cushions start from £14 but there’s something to suit all budgets.September Favourites

Skin treat

Last but not least, another thing I’ve been trialing this month is the Konjac Cloth that was bought for me by a couple of my good friends.

Because of my sensitive skin, I can’t use anything too abrasive or harsh, so the Konjac Cloth (a pH neutral cloth for cleansing, exfoliating and refreshing the skin) has been just the ticket.

It’s kinder than a flannel or muslin cloth, naturally sustainable using 100% natural vegetable fibres and contains no parabens, sulphates or synthetic fragrances. Oh, and it’s not tested on animals either!

I think they picked it up in TK Maxx, but it’s available online if you do a search – I found this one on Amazon which is very similar to the one I have. I also read that it’s great for people with skin conditions such as eczema and ideal for cleaning babies. Wish I’d known about this when my two were tiny!

That pretty much wraps up my September favourites and things I’ve tried. I’m always on the look out for new products and enjoy being inspired by new product launches – tell me, what’s something new that you’ve tried this month?

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10 comments

WhatLauraLoves 2nd October 2019 - 8:49 pm

The espresso machine looks epic!! I’d love one of those as .I spend a fortune at costa on them! xxx

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LaurettaCWright 3rd October 2019 - 6:08 pm

You and me both. So what I’ve done is bought Costa’s ground coffee and used it in that – it’s a fab buy Laura – one for the Christmas wish-list! 😉

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Laura 1st October 2019 - 3:36 pm

I am loving that cushion, all of my kids are loving the upsy-downsy sequin thing so this would make a perfect Christmas present. Will also be looking into the blue light glasses you mention as I’m really struggling with sleep at the moment.

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LaurettaCWright 1st October 2019 - 5:12 pm

Thanks Laura – and great to hear that you’ve got some ideas from the post. The sequin cushion is fab – I know mu daughter will be delighted with it 🙂

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Rhian Westbury 1st October 2019 - 12:54 pm

Blue light glasses sound like such a good idea and something I think I should invest in as I spend 8-10 hours a day looking at a computer, then my phone in between. oops x

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LaurettaCWright 1st October 2019 - 5:16 pm

Yes – the idea behind the concept is great isn’t it? It’s just a case of getting used to wearing them. I think (one day maybe) screens will be made with inbuilt protection, but until then, we should do what we can to protect our eyes.

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michelle twin mum 30th September 2019 - 9:00 pm

Oh the JUnior podcast sounds good for my girs. I’m going to have a listen and that cushion is bound to be a hit, my girls of the same age woudl love it. Rose gold is always popular. Mich x

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LaurettaCWright 30th September 2019 - 11:05 pm

Thanks Michelle – the rose gold is definitely on trend at the moment isn’t it? It’s great to know what’s out there on the podcasts too – something a little different than staring at a screen!

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Rebecca Smith 29th September 2019 - 9:01 pm

What a cool cushion! I’m definitely going to be trying that podcast out with Jack – he’s very interested in what’s going on in the world so it sounds perfect for him.

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LaurettaCWright 30th September 2019 - 8:03 am

Thanks Rebecca – it’s great to find out what’s new and get some different ideas isn’t it? Hope Jack enjoys the podcast! 🙂

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