In Reviews / Sponsored

Indra A4 Embossed And Stoned Leather Journal

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on 3 Comments

When Not On The High Street (NOTHS) got in touch and asked if I would like to review something up to the value of £50 from across their site, I nearly passed out with excitement. I adore the items they stock and think that being able to buy from independents in this way is a great way to shop.

I decided to buy some art work, then I thought I’d get something as a treat just for me, then I found the Christmas stuff, and then the fashion ranges…. needless to say that I was browsing all evening with a wishlist as long as your arm saved in my basket at the end of it. What I chose in the end was a gift for my husband, Roy.

Unlike myself, Roy is hugely creative, he writes, sings, plays guitar, writes songs and is a fabulous artist. As the review request came through a couple of days before his birthday I thought I’d see if I could find something as an extra treat and was thrilled when I found this:

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The images here don’t actually do the item justice so have a look at the product page for more info.

The Indra A4 Embossed And Stoned Leather Journal which would normally retail at £34.95 is a perfect gift for someone like Roy. The quality is undeniable, it looks fabulous, it feels great and is useful, or it will be, once he decides what he wants to use if for (I think he is still at the “it is too lovely to spoil by using” stage).

This item ticks all of the boxes for me too as it is an eco-friendly and fair trade product. The paper for example is made via a charity in India that support the provision of education for women in the area. Even the Khadda paper is recycled as it is handmade from leftover cloth from the garment industry.

The journal arrived on the morning of Roy’s birthday and he was thrilled, and I mean THRILLED! He has even taken it to work to show a couple of mates (who have all cooed over it!). I would call that a win, and I will definitely be buying  gifts in the future from NotOnTheHighStreet, especially now I’ve seen for myself an example of what they sell.

So, thanks NOTHS, you have made my husband very happy! If anyone has any questions about NOTHS then why not give them a shout on Twitter or visit their Facebook page.

 

In General, Self-Care, Women's Interest

Lady Garden… Smear Test Edition

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on 2 Comments
Lady Garden… Smear Test Edition

Those who enjoyed my Lady Garden post might find this edition interesting.

Yesterday was my smear test. For me having the actual test doesn’t cause me any concern. After having two children despite struggling with fertility issues I’m not convinced that there isn’t a health provider left in North Yorkshire that hasn’t seen my lady parts. No, for me the smear test provides a different concern…. what to do about the winter growler?

Now, obviously, I had to do something as I couldn’t turn up un-trimmed. Really there should be an option to go and have a “Smear Test Tidy” the same way that you can go for a Brazilian wax or similar. That way there would be no confusion over what is the best style to go for. After agonising over the dilemma I went for “clean and tidy”. Going for a respectable style is the best way I feel when it comes to these things. Who knew that a simple but essential medical test could cause such topiary tension?

My advice is that the best style of front garden fashioning for appointments such a these has to be a style you are comfortable with. Do not, however, do what I did. I spent so much time making sure my lady bits were presentable and my pedicure up to spec that I forgot to shave my legs. Yeti doesn’t come close… oh the shame! I’m concerned that I will have to turn up fully vajazzled next time to make up for this faux pas!

The Smear Test: On a More Serious Note

Hopefully, this will make you laugh but also remind you that joking aside, cervical testing is important. I wrote this post purely to grab people’s attention so that I could remind them to call their health centre and get booked in. Find out more here and if you are due, make that appointment. My last smear test, as they’re known, took minutes and to be honest was over before I knew it had begun. Those few minutes are well worth the peace of mind of knowing I was all clear, just as they would have been if something had been found so that treatment could be arranged.

Oh, and just to add, medical staff will tell you that if they’ve seen one, they’ve seen them all so seriously, don’t go getting yourself buffed for the smear test appointment. The chances are they won’t even notice. The practical part of your appointment is over in minutes at most. You’ll spend more of your time folding your jeans and pants up carefully. 

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