Teeth Whitening - Crest Whitestrips Review

In preparation for my wedding, in (argh!) 80 days, I started doing some research about different teeth whitening products and treatments on the market. I was quoted around £70 for a teeth bleaching kit (via my Denplan dentist) but there were no guarantees it would actually make my teeth a whole lot whiter.

I read quite a bit about Crest Whitestrips online - mostly from blogs and Youtube videos from the US. The results looks pretty incredible so I thought I'd give them a try. I bought some gum shields a couple of years ago from a pharmacy in San Fransisco and they did work but I felt for my wedding, I needed something a bit stronger!

I used the Professional Effects strips. They cost about £40 for 20 sets of upper and lower strips.

Advertised as:

"The latest Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects contains the identical fenamel-safe ingredient dentists use. It’s so quick and easy to use. Simply apply once a day for 30 minutes and you’ll start seeing a white smile within just a few days and a complete transformation within only 20 days."

I ordered some Crest Whitestrips from a website called Dent Store (http://www.dentstore.co.uk/). They seemed to have good feedback and it all looked above board! I'd watched some Youtube videos where users reported pain, headaches and tooth sensitivity for days after using the strips so I was anxious to say the least. I haven't had the best dental-related experiences over the last 15 years with 4 root canals, braces and one implant, I try to take care of my teeth as much as possible!



Peel off the strips and stick them firmly onto the row of teeth (avoiding gums!)

They say you can use the strips for 30 minutes each day and if used consecutively, after 3 days, you should see the difference. I first used them on Wednesday 22nd February....and boy did it hurt! My teeth aren't particularly sensitive normally but even after about 10 minutes there was tingling, intermittent shooting pains and burning! Sounds scary doesn't it, but it wasn't quite THAT bad - I have had much worse dental pain!

I managed to keep them on for the requisite 30 minutes for maximum effect and once I took them off, my teeth hurt slightly when drinking cold water but I really could see the difference already. Rather than using them daily, I've opted for every other day. I'm due my fourth use tonight.

Please note: these are not my teeth! An example given by the website!

The second and third uses were absolutely fine. I sat still and read a book, trying not to concentrate on any slight tingling! Actually, there was no pain or sensitivity at all after the first use. Perhaps it was just my teeth getting used to it. Although its not the most pleasant experience, I would definitely recommend them because my teeth are now noticeably whiter and I can't wait to see how white I can get them before the big W-day!

Have you used these or other white strips before? Were they painful? Did you have good results?

Love TM

The Real Housewives...an update.

Now I know this is the height of tack but I cannot get enough of the Real Housewives series. I seem to have become obsessed then afterwards, full of shame for being entertained by such trash! H2B refuses to watch and mocks me relentlessly!

The Beverley Hills lot are my far the best but I've also been series linking the RH of Orange County on ITV daily at 3.40pm! In case you haven't seen the last series of the RH of BH, here's a quick catch up!

Kim has gone insane. Lets face it, she was pretty messed up before but she's seriously koo koo now. (Did you see her in the ski chalet episode?) Kyle claims she's an alcoholic and her voice mail to Adrienne doesn't do much to dispel this theory. I've heard that Kim has opted out of the next series, choosing instead to enter rehab, again.

Adrienne still argues with her long suffering husband Paul. Why are they together again? She can barely seem to look at him without frowning! And what's with all this glittery hair extensions? Is she 9 or 49? Her basketball (?) team hate her for some reason along with her Maloof brothers yet despite the threat of 'beer cans being thrown' she so valiantly attended the game and risked her life!

Camille seems to have gotten over Frasier and is actually staying out of the bitching (to a degree) for once. Her weird ginger friend makes a come back but at least the fake cigarette-smoking mind reader has so far been avoided! But alas, she is selling the ski chalet. (Not because she can't afford it though - she so subtly makes clear) Just because it holds such painful memories : (

Lisa, ah Lisa Van Der Pump, you gotta love her! And who calls their daughter Pandora?! I did love her wedding though, the flowers and cake though the sickly sweet pink got a but much. I still admire anyone who has the balls to marry a 'Ken' - such a fab English name! No nonesence, straight talking 'therapy is a sign of weakness' Ken. Still not entirely sure where the Van Der Pump name came from!

Then there's poor little Taylor. Taylor whose teeth are too big for her head, lips too big for her face and cheekbones that could serioulsy injure a passing child. Taylor who claimed in Series One that she saw her late husband over a crowded room and just thought 'that's the man for me.' Hiding in a suitcase? Flipping out over her make-up bag? I really hope she's getting help now because something was very wrong and made for pretty uncomfortable watching that last episode.

Kyle has moved into a bigger home bless her. At least now in the opening credits she admits 'I'm not the richest girl.' You're right, you're not. Your husband is. But her daughter Portia is adorable so I'll let her off.

Lisa and Kyle are the most likeable characters. Kyle looks gorgeous with her long thick dark hair and amazing clothes and earrings and Lisa....well, I can't get enough of the helicopter shots of her house (and by that I mean mansion, grounds, estate!)

Please leave any comments below. Which is your favourite? Are you enjoying this season? 

Love TM 

You are cordially invited...

So, with five months before we say 'I do', the invites have been printed and are laid out very neatly into piles on our lounge floor. The John Lewis Gift List inserts have also been completed, folded and ready to enclose.

We created a draft guest list pretty early on (I've always known exactly who I wanted at my wedding) but for some reason Mr Smith etc keeps creeping on in there. The numbers have steadily risen from 105 to 167 in the space of a few months. Why? Guest list politics. So, I ask you readers:

1. If you are invited to a wedding, should you invite them to yours?

2. If you are only invited to the evening reception, do you return the favour or invite them to the whole shabang?

3. If only one of you is invited to the wedding, do you cut out their wife or girlfriend out in turn?

4. If one of you (their favourite) is invited to the wedding breakfast and the other is expected to wander around a strange city alone then meet up at the evening reception, should you go at all? And should you adopt the same approach?

....and don't even get me started on children!

I have loved every second of the wedding planning process but the guest list has, by far, got to be the most difficult part. Do you split the guests 50/50 and have exactly half each, for that person to make ur their 50 however they like? Do you make rules like, only parents, siblings, aunties/uncles and first cousins? Because - that could end up with an uneven balance!

Parents involvement or lack of it also seems to cause arguments. Some who you thought would be buying the magazines and calling every few days with new bouquet ideas have been surprisingly quiet. Others who couldn't care less about cake and music have been perfectly vocal about transport and seating charts.

How are you supposed to keep everyone happy? And should you even have to make anyone ELSE happy? Most friends falls into one of two camps. a) "It's your day, its about you and Mr X, as long as you're happy no one else matters" or b) "Its a family affair, they have brought you up, contributed to the wedding budget and should have a say and be part of the day too".

Well, I have to say, I would put myself in the a) category. I just hope that if and when I have children, I'll stay out of things as much or as little as they want me to. Does it matter if you're mother of the bride or groom? If you have girls, do you automatically get to be a bigger part of the day? Either way, its not long to go, I haven't snapped at anyone yet and I think I'm doing a pretty good job of biting my tongue and improving my patience (something that Mr X tells me is sorely lacking!)

Love TM x

Miss Middleton - 6 months on

Good Friday!

So, its been just over 6 months since that incredible day at Westminster Abbey and my 9 hour wait (without the toilet) squashed in between a 70 year old grandmother from Doncaster and a 21 year old Brazilian student who arrived straight from a club.

Kate has kept a pretty low profile since the big day, just appearing  few times publicly (after the America trip). 

She recently met wore a stunning pale Amanda Wakeley gown to an event in support of the 'In Kind Direct' charity at Clarence House on 26 October 2011 in London. Interestingly, this was her first solo engagement and I for one think she did pretty well without Will by her side.

Kate and Will went to to St. James Palace attending the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala and Kate wore Beulah London for the first time publicly. The colour is good on her but for me, the cut of the dress lacks imagination and there's hardly any detail. She is only 29 after all - perhaps she should make the most of her youth before wearing a long 'cover up!'

Kate also recently met up withthe Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark. She meets him in a Sydney bar and next thing you know, she's a princess! I was actually in Australia when their wedding took place and man, the atmosphere was hysterical! 

Kate and William are distributing emergency food and medical supplies to East Africa, where over 13 million people are suffering from a sever food shortage. Kate wore a stunning long thick winter coat in red with wide belt. I'm not sure how comfortable she felt in that hard hat though!

On another note, when they got hitched, I had a bet with my fiance how long it would take before the big pregnancy announcement. I said 11 months and he said 2 years. So far I'm not doing too well. Lets give it until the new year.....

Love TM x

Ring Bearer bowls by Paloma's Nest

I don't know how many of you use Etsy regularly, but you might have noticed a company called Paloma's Nest. I first saw them by accident while looking for wedding related goodies. The website is www.palomasnest.com and I have just taken delivery of my very own Ring Bearer Bowl ("with this ring").

My plan is to have our best man hold the bowl and pass it to the Minster so that we can pluck the others' respective ring when its time to say "I do!" When the little parcel arrived today, I was so excited. Inside wrapped in thick brown paper was a tiny box with twine and a wooden heart saying "Thank You". Inside, literally in its own nest was my treasured bowl. After our wedding, I plan to keep rings, bits and bobs in mine.

The company was founded by Caroline Colom Vasquez, an artist and designer living in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. Paloma's Nest, is dedicated to creating Handcrafted Modern Heirlooms - pieces for the home and for the heart.

The collection includes bowls, tiles, ornaments and decorative pieces and are intended to last for generations, and are thus crafted of the finest natural materials available, including porcelain and clay, wood, paper, and cloth. The inspiration for Paloma's Nest lies in the purity of the materials used, and the idea that something so simple can be so bold.

Caroline, along with her husband José and their team of artisans, strive to create items of meaning and purpose from these natural materials, while leaving the characteristics true. By adding text to the designs, written ideas, feelings, and daydreams are given a place to rest. When names and dates are added, the designs take on special meaning for the recipient and instantly become a Modern Heirloom, cherished for years to come.

Every Paloma's Nest piece - no matter the material - is hand cut, freeform, with no pattern, and every single tiny letter is hand stamped, one by one. This gives each piece its own special variation in the size, shape and layout of the text.

Paloma's Nest is most known for the conception of the Ring Bearer Bowl™, a design that debuted to much international acclaim in 2007. This tiny ceramic dish is intended to replace the ring "pillow" in a wedding celebration, and has created a new tradition in ceremonies around the world. The Ring Bearer Bowl™, which also doubles as a holiday decoration or ring dish in the home, has created a lasting standard in the modern wedding ceremony, and a new form of a family heirloom.

Over the past few years, Paloma’s Nest has evolved from a “one-woman show” to a growing company employing several full time team members. Caroline’s husband José has also joined the family business, and together the two are focused on building a fair and supportive workplace for their employees, offering a true living wage and health benefits for all.

Paloma’s Nest also believes in sharing the opportunity they have as business owners and artisans with other entrepreneurs, and thus is proud to dedicate a portion of all monthly proceeds to Kiva, in the form of micro-finance loans to start-ups around the globe.

Caroline and Jose also participate in business mentoring and consulting to share their experiences with other small companies, both locally and internationally.

By placing priority on quality and service, both in the studio and in their interactions with clients and the public, Paloma’s Nest has created a business based on respect and longevity. It is with this intention that Paloma’s Nest looks forward to creating Modern Heirlooms for you and yours, for many years to come.

The products are made in the US so the P&P is slightly more than you would have to pay in the UK but I think the overall cost is entirely reasonable. Have you ever bought from Paloma's Nest? Please do leave a comment. Love, themrs x

Wedding Websites - binge or cringe?

Afternoon ladies,

I thought I'd blog today about wedding websites because in the last few years, more and more couples seem to be adding them to their list of 'must haves.'

I'm certain, 10 years ago, no one had ever heard of a 'wedding website' yet today, there are a whole host of companies and sites out there helping you to create your own piece of virtual wedding heaven.

When considering the costs of invites, information cards, RSVP cards (etc etc!), it really is a great way of saving money and putting all of the necessary info in one, easily accessible place. Almost all of your guests are likely to have smart phones and internet access so it makes sense to have the Big Day details stored somewhere safe that guests can return to and even sign the 'guest book'! You can even get a website to match your invites!

Now, the only problem I can think of, is, as some of my friends have mentioned, the cheese factor. Some think wedding websites are an American idea, thought up to cause the bride even more stress! A place to boast about your wedding details and add photos showing a gorgeous happy, beaming couple to make the single friends jealous!

If you haven't already guessed, I think wedding websites are a fab idea and I have spent many hours at home getting ours ready!

My favourites are:


My Wedding (http://www.mywedding.com/)

Wedding Path (http://www.weddingpath.co.uk/)

The Knot (www.theknot.com)


Let me know if you're contemplating getting one, or if you already have!

Love TM x

Emmy Fever

Oh how I love watching the E! coverage of the award shows' red carpet.

Now I know its a tad late (sorry readers!) but I couldn't help blogging about this years' Emmy Awards. Guiliana Ransic, Kelly Osbourne and Ryan Seacrest are hilarious. I think in America its more common but I still find it funny to see them ask each celeb 'who are you wearing?' especially when the poor starlet can't remember the designer (or even better) can't pronounce the name properly! (see Monique Lhullier).

I also (shame) tend to watch the Fashion Police show after. If you haven't seen it, it basically involves the aging (but severly botoxed) Joan Rivers slagging off each red carper-walker in turn. Occasionally, the panel actually praise a style choice but, 90% of the time, the comments are a less than positive! There was also some controvercial mimicing of Lea Michelle's posing technique (done quite well actually - I don't see what all the fuss is about Gleeks!)

So who were the winners and loser in the style stakes this year. Red strapless 'fit and flare' styles certainly featured heavily as did the ever cool Marchesa designs (I still haven't figured out why Georgina Chapman married Harvey Weinstein). Kate Winslet arrived looking steely eyed, but one of my stabnd-out favourites must be new comer Charlie's Angels star Rachael Taylor (that cropped baby blonde hair - wow!).

Let me know who was your favoutite! Love TM x

Friday Inspiration

Urgh, what a miserable grey day (but fret not) we have some lovely images below to brighten it up!

I just love looking at images of weddings, the dresses, flowers and all the bits in between. Here is a selection of gowns from formal, modern to vintage and traditional. What is your dress like? Have you gone for something in keeping with your normal style or something a bit different?

Please let me know, I'd love to hear from you!

Love the mrs x

 

Why do we work?

Afternoon all, I hope you're well.

Having read an article today about a lady, Nicky Cusack who won £2.9 million on the lottery returning to work at Asda, I couldn't help wondering, 'why do we work?'

Is it because you actually enjoy what you do, the mental stimulation or the workplace camaraderie? Is it purely for the money, counting every penny (and every minute on the clock until home time?) Is it for something to do, because otherwise the boredom of sitting at home would take over? Or for some other reason altogether?



Nicky couldn't wait to get back to work at Asda



For me, I work for money. Pure and simple. Now, that might sound very shallow but, given the choice, I don't mind admitting that I would rather be at home or out doing something I love and having fun! Of course, the novelty very quickly wears off. I remember summers back at home from University from May until the start of Fresher's Week in September. The first few weeks would be amazing, catching up with 'home' friends and relaying the juicy details of nights out at the Student's Union but soon after, the monotony of Sky TV and lazy mornings starts to sink in.

It makes me wonder how retirement must feel. A few people I know have retired recently either through choice, age or redundancy. A few have found it really quite difficult to adapt to a slower pace of life and longer days without structure or deadlines. Some I know have relished in their new found freedom, taking up new hobbies, joining clubs or starting their own business.

If you've been on maternity leave, how did it feel for the month or so before giving birth when you didn't have the little one taking up your every waking minute but without the office and pressure of your boss?! Did you go back to work after maternity leave either full or part-time? Secretly, I think it would be lovely to do what you like, when you like. Perhaps it depends if your mind is naturally active (and you are easily bored) or you are able to happily occupy yourself with reading, the garden or cooking.

Please do let me know, I would love to hear from you!

Love, the mrs x

Fabulous Weddings in August

Hi everyone - I hope you're all well and enjoying what Summer we have left! Get ready because Winter will soon be on its way!

I thought I would blog today about three very different weddings in August. Firstly, the much publicised wedding of Miss Kimberley Kardashian to Kris Humphries. Filmed exclusively for their E! show Keeping Up With The Kardashians, it was always going to be a large affair with over the top details.

Kourtney, Kim and Khloe all in Vera Wang

Kim in her first (of three) Vera Wang dress "The Princess"

Second, the wedding of Petra Ecclestone, daughter of Bernie (Formula 1 mogul). Think, even bigger than Kim K's! This is the little princess of someone who could buy the Kardashians ten times over. Set in Italy (I think in the same venue as Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise).

Petra arriving at the ceremony with her Father, Bernie

Petra the morning after the ceremony in what looks like a tea party come tennis dress

Petra's sister Tamara in Vera Wang

Finally, the almost private and understated wedding of the German contingency, Georg Friedrich Ferdinand Prince of Prussia and Sophie Johanna Maria Princess of Isenburg. Not quite Kate and Wills but hey, I love a good (almost) royal wedding whoever it is!

Enjoy! Please do leave me a comment if you like any of the photos!