'Onesies' - Yay or Nay?

Onesies.

The ultimate comfort inducing loungewear item ever? Or the most ridiculously unflattering, impractical garment since wearing leather pants during a night on the fizz?

Well... I must admit I loved the idea for Carson - it reminded me of him being a baby and all wrapped up warm *Awww*!! Then when I saw they were becoming 'fashionable' for adults I cringed. Cringed beyond belief.
I mean, yes OK... great idea for a cosy night in but for winter, seriously? Who wants to go the loo and have to practically strip off each and every time?

I was so anti-onesie - not to mention the fact I am fat. I'd look like an actual blob. So unflattering! Bleurgh!

Then we had an X Factor PJ party on Saturday. My friend, Steph, invited Carson and I to her house to have a nice little sleepover to try and cheer me up a little. We packed Carson's Trunki with sensible PJ's and slippers and a toothbrush and off we toddled expecting munchies, mugs of tea and mediocre TV performances.

On our arrival "I've got a surpriiiiiiiiiiiise for you" shrieked Steph, with no attempt to hide her glee! She re-appeared with a Primark bag for Carson and a Primark bag for me.

Yup.... Onesies!!!

Carson looked absolutely adorable - See for yourself!!


At 8 quid a pop, you can't go wrong really, he thought he was a monster for the night and relished in his totes amazeballs  get-up! NOTE: Leave the button at the top open, else there may be little accidents! The zip is easy for him to pull down though in a loo emergency but the button is too high for him to look down at what he's doing!!

Mine was a bright Pink one with no feet (because Steph has unbelievable canoe sized feet yet she was insistent that we needed matching ones LOL) two white pompoms and a hood.

I must admit I was a little excited, it really did the trick in making me smile. But I was going against everything I believed in by agreeing to wear the same as my sister from another mister!

Hey ho, I stripped down and whacked it on, I felt like a proper little teenager and had a excitable giggle on the go whilst I zipped it up. Not gonna lie, I have a small torso and I only just about got away with not having the dreaded camel toe despite loads of room in the rest of it. Steph, on the other hand, being about 4" taller than me with a significantly longer torso... ahem!
Primark, Please, for the love of our eyeballs, make these available for tall people!!!!

Och..... I give in.

They are bloomin' fantastic! So cuddly and warm and, even, comforting in a way. I felt all loved and wrapped up in cotton wool - Thanks Steph!!
Ok so they aren't particularly flattering but who actually cares? They're not the sort of thing you would wear in order to impress anyone anyway?

Even going for a widdle wasn't all that bad, quick zip down and a shrug of the shoulders and that was all. a BIT of a shock to the system having been so warm then topless all of a sudden, but as soon as you re-zip you forgot what the major fuss was about and feel cuddly all over again.

Wouldn't recommend sleeping in them, when you toss and turn you find yourself getting caught up in it a bit, but it might have been because there was so much room inside it, I don't know.

Here we are....




Anyway, what do YOU think?

Onesies... Yay or Nay? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for reading my ramble! xx



Boux Avenue Opening in Liverpool One


Today was the day that Liverpool gained an upmarket lingerie haven in Boux Avenue, as Theo Paphitis  personally opened his 14th UK store, in the heart of the fashion conscious shopping platform - Liverpool One. 

Launched in 2011, we knew what was to be heading our way: Lingerie, nightwear and accessories galore, presented in a chic modern outlet with an air of vintage vamp.
I was so excited to receive an invite from Fluorescent PR to attend the press preview prior to the store's official opening.

Digital POS Displays and Drawers of Stock!
It gave me a real chance to see how and why Boux Avenue is the way it is. What can I expect as a customer?

Well first off, I notice that everything is pretty high up,  hanging waist high or above. (See right)

As a mummy - this is wicked! 

No babies/toddlers grabbing and touching and generally annoying the life out of you whilst you're trying to buy something in an attempt to feel sexy again - YAY! 

Free Reign to Root and Find!


The reason that there are no lower hanging items are the fabulous drawers with further stock available, catalogued beautifully in size segregated drawers. 

I'm usually clambering through hangers, elbow deep, for the bigger sizes normally hidden at the back and being just 5 foot 4.5 inches I can't even clamber through the racks high up - embarrassing! 

Gone are the days of having to ask staff "do you have this in size X please?" For me, this idea works - aesthetically and practically. 

Well done!

Digital frames are on the counters in place of the usual marketing posters/leaflets. This allows you to see images and videos of how the items nearby will look and sit on a person. 

C'monnnn! - We've all been there haven't we? - Seen something on the hanger and thought it was hideous, tried it on for a laugh and it was actually really very nice? 

Bridal Section - Easy to find!
Mannequins are all very well and good to get a grasp of how to wear something, but unless you have a perfectly proportionately shaped body and trounce around town in a very sultry pose all day long, the liklihood of the garment actually wearing as it does on the mannequin is very slim. 

Watching a group of woman frolic around in their negligee is somewhat more realistic as to how it will wear on the consumer - plus it will keep your hubby-in-tow a happy guy whilst you blitz the credit card!! (Trust me, you'll want to!)

SPORTS: Pink-Crop, Blue-Bra.


In terms of stock, I was helpfully informed by Debbie Duckett, Buying Director, and Sue Finch, Merchandising Director, that they hold a massive number of 63 individual bra sizes within Boux Avenue - including clustered sizes for the likes of the Sexy Plunge Bra which has oodles of versatility and can accommodate various shapes and sizes just by twiddling the strap lengths. 

This mahoosive number of bra sizes coupled with clothing and knickers range from a size 6 right up to size 20, there really should be something for everyone. 

There are options for everyday wear, sexy and daring ranges complete with suspender belts and stockings - of which Boux Avenue's sales have boomed in recent months (Fifty Shades anyone?!) 

CUTE!
Hey, these guys even stock sports bras & crop tops, albeit only up to a size 34DD or 16 respectively. Please go bigger!!

And then there are the pyjamas. OMG! Lounge-wear heaven! 
Seriously, from sexy-time to lazy-time, from a size 6 to a size 20, you got it! 

Oh, and slippers... and hot water bottles too.... which I spotted at the Accessory Table.

Yup, Boux Avenue isn't all just about the clothing, with a lovely centre pieced table attracting your eye - you'll find all kinds of beautiful trinkets such as eye masks, mini photo frames, hand cream, lip balm, tissues, mirrors. 

I could go on forever - but just see what's on offer for yourself and the pictures below give you an idea of how you'll find them at Liverpool One store. 

                                                                                                                                       










Browsing the fitting rooms, I was impressed to see three options for lighting: Day, Dusk and Night.
Never in my life have I seen that before, I'd never even thought about it really, but with hindsight - yes... lighting really affects how you perceive yourself in changing rooms doesn't it? 

With a concierge intercom service to give you any help you need from the comfort of your own fitting room rather than redressing, going back on to the shop floor and changing the size/style before returning back to the fitting room and undressing again - I felt special! 

I chose to utilise the bra fitting service during my visit - something I shy away from doing after a less than pleasant experience a few years ago in Marks and Spencers - as the staff were so friendly. 

The girls working in this store are just like you and I - they want a service that provides you with the answers you need and, well, a bloomin' good bust to be proud of so don't be shy any longer girls. Go for it!

I was measured how I wanted it to happen. Not instructed to strip and turn around like previous experiences, it was however I was comfortable to be fitted - over my top, under my top? After being measured by the lovely Katie, she proceeded to choose a variety of bras and return for me to try and although I wasn't asked my style preference beforehand, I was surprised to find that the balconette bra chosen really did suit me - despite this not being a style I would usually have looked at. They have the power to know what suits!

There is no real right or wrong way to choose a bra once I was measured up either. If I felt I wanted a looser back size, I could, but ultimately the bra would still fit me as cup sizes can be reflected accordingly. 
All women are different afterall! At the end of the service, you are provided with a card that states you bra size - down to which hook you should fasten it on, your recommended bra style and the lady who fitted you. All in a handy purse size to refer back to ... or leave out for hubby to notice... seeing as Christmas is coming ;-)

Thanks for having me Boux Avenue and Flourescent PR - It was an experience to remember and I can't wait to delve into the new world of lingerie & PJs that I've discovered. 

Alas I didn't get a photo with the lovely Theo Paphitis, but he was all tied up with radio interviews and his photocalls so I can't finish with a celeb shot. However......

Dear Santa, Please can you fit me with my own light-altering dressing room at home?!

(Psssst.... Theo is gorgeous in real life by the way ladies!)                                                                                                                                                      

Stoptober & My E-Cig Journey with UK E-Cig Store

Having been a smoker now for.. ooooo... about 11 years, I decided that this Stoptober was the perfect time to do something about it.

That's not to say that I've never 'quit' before, I have! Throughout my pregnancy with Carson I stopped smoking and it was a breeze, let me tell you. Honestly, I've never felt that I would struggle in dropping the habit, as sometimes I can go about 2 days without a smoke.

Stoptober Kit (rrp £19.99) plus 5 cartomizers+2 prefilled clearomizers
But it's like cash though isn't it? When I have some wonga in the bank and go shopping - more often than not, there's nothing much that takes my fancy. When I'm totally brassic, there is everything that I want - no - need! If I have ciggies there, I can go without, when I know there is none, I crack.

My sister, just one year younger than me at 26, has recently suffered 2 TIA's (mini strokes) and upon researching this I found smoking can increase the chances of this happening, and she does smoke (well, did!)... Even more reason to kick this filthy habit.
Black tip Clearomizer prefilled with red menthol
Silver tip Clearomizer prefilled with Organic Bed of Roses


I was very excited when UK E-Cig Store offered to provide me with the tools I needed for Stoptober in order to review the items honestly and in detail on this here blog!

When my kit arrived, I was so totally confused at first. It wasn't as 'easy' as those cheaper e-cigs appear, the ones that you just toke and go. This kit is much more sophisticated so immediately I had high hopes - hey, first impressions really do count!

There was the rechargable 'butt', namely the Joyetech Ego Upgrade Battery, 2 prefilled clearomizers, 5 cartomizers and a USB charger.


Cartomizer 
It was literally as easy as twist and puff though once you looked at the bits and pieces. 
The cartomisers are prefilled with standard tobacco flavoured vaping juice. Believe it or not, they are really 'lifelike' to a standard cigarette. 

I'm on day 6 so don't want to give a full review as yet, just my first impressions...

The vape seems a bit warm to me though, not in flavour but in temperature. I do think that this is because I've been smoking menthol cigs for the past 8 months so they feel cooler in taste to usual smokes.

I find it a tad difficult to hold too as the battery is much heavier than the cartomizer attachment plus you have the release button to press at the same time. 


Clearomizer 
The clearomizers however, so much more ergonomically friendly by gently slimming to the tip. It balances the weight well too. 

It felt odd puffing on the narrow teat-like tip rather than a typical cylinder, but I actually prefer it. Makes vaping feel different to smoking, which is essentially what I want - to disassociate myself with smoking.

Red menthol clearomizer is just beautiful. Absolutely lovely to vape. It's smooth, delicious and still gives you that hit you crave.

Organic Bed of Roses is surprisingly pleasant, the smell reminds me of a rose/musk hand cream, I know, I know - sounds gross - but it's quite soothing. I tried to use it as my only source for one day but after about 3 "cigs" it became too much so swapped over to my menthol again. I'm definitely persevering though because I need to do this. I can't give up giving up LOL!

I do need to order some more menthol though, for fear of having the 'cash syndrome' as I explained in the opening paragraphs!

I'm going to be posting a video blog next week when hubby has some time off to help me film.  I will show you how to twist and go... but for now...

... here's me enjoying my UK E-Cig Store Red Menthol Ego Upgrade :-)



Much more attractive than fag-ash-Lil, don't you agree?!

Take care, JoJo xx


*Review* ClaireaBella & ToxicFox

Well, it was a rainy day (as usual) and nothing much going down on twitter 'til I get a DM notification. It was only bloomin' ToxicFox asking if I would like to review a ClaireaBella product... 
carsonsmummy review, claireabella bag
EEEEP!! Love it!

I literally bit their poor hands off, I could not quite believe my luck!

In fact, when I first started Twitter in January of this year, one of the first people I was following was ClaireaBella, she has such a buzzing fan base - utterly incredible! 

I've had my eye on one of the babies for a long time, hinted several a bajillion times to hubby that it's top of my Christmas list and even saved the link as a favourite on our laptop LOL. (Men, when will they learn?!)

See me twinkle, see me shine!
I knew it wasn't to be a personalised bag (err...hello?! so what, I'm still getting one!!), but if you do want one personalised, it's easy to do.

Choose hair style & colour, eye colour, dress style and even skin tone (something I hadn't even thought about to be honest... these guys think of everything, no?) Check out how you can choose your own personalised Polo Jute bag. 

Not just easy to navigate, but excitingly interactive too - thumbs up ToxicFox!

Funky Font
Personally, I was devastated they sent me a blonde one when I'm the total opposite, but that can't affect my review. One thing I was nervy about too was that my expectations where high, super duper high. That's not always a good thing when doing a review as there is more chance of disappointment should it not live up to what you think/hope.

But this totally aside, here are my thoughts.... 
Firstly, the loving workmanship gone into these hand painted bags are exceptional, every detail spot on including beautiful diamantes in the pupils and glitter in the dress and hair. 

A mega glam babe presents herself on the bag, next to the typical quirky ClaireaBella calligraphy down the side - also glittered too (which, again, you can personalise if you wanted!)

The bag by the way is thicker and stronger than I imagined. It can really hold some weight without any strain on the handles. Great for packed lunches - and at 21cm wide, 15cm high and a 10cm gusset - perfect size too! 

You're telling me?!
I used it as my lunch bag the past 3 days and it's been absolutely spot on. 

Lunch this week mostly consisted of tangerine, apple, banana, yoghurt and a small batch (barm/roll whatever word you use!) of some sort! Regardless of what it was, it had plenty of space and the gusset didn't sag or weigh down - always a sign of good quality, I'm sure you'll agree.

Should you have larger lunches than I (UNLIKELY!), or would rather use a ClaireaBella bag as a full blown handbag/change bag/gym bag/you-whole-life-bag, there are sizes that will suit! The Polo Jute that I'm reviewing here retails at £24.99, there are medium and large jutes available too from £32.99.

Take a look!

Yum, Lunch!
I was 'lucky' enough to be able to fully test this bag... as it piddled down with rain on Tues and Weds evening on the way home from work. The paint is totally in tact, a few bits of glitter transferred on to my bag, but it's glitter - that's what it was born to do! The bag was totally unaffected and the contents were not wet at all.

** I was asked at the bus stop by a random where I got my bag from! This person was a MALE! 
(Lucky, Lucky Lady!)

** I overheard 2 girls, roughly 20 years old, in Liverpool City Centre dramatically exclaim "OH MY GOD IT'S CLAIREABELLA!"

** I've got my friend asking to book a date to 'come visit her' << yes... the bag, not me! Thanks Tracey!! 

General consensus from others was W.O.W!!

And I don't blame them. Total quality, not a sniff of it being thrown together - in fact, the 15 working day despatch time for personalised bags prove this - time, love, care and quality. Oh, an glamour baby! 

I felt like everyone was looking at me when I was holding this bag, and not in a bad way. This is the answer to my question the other month - how can I look fashionable and sexy when I'm fat? 

WITH A ClaireaBella BAG, THAT'S HOW!!

carsonsmummy claireabella bag review

10/10 ... and now I'm looking at hoodies and mugs... :-)

Have you had a ClaireaBella product, what did you think? 
All comments appreciated - Love ya's, Love me xx

*Review* Stone Bridge Hair Accessories

I received an exciting email a couple of weeks ago from a company I currently 'like' on Facebook and follow on Twitter called Stone Bridge. They saw my hair handling hoo-hahs that I often write about and offered to send me a couple of items for the purpose of reviewing on my blog. 

Arrived beautifully packaged 
First a little something about the company itself, Stone Bridge offers something a little more different than the average hair accessory. They are made to suit your precise hair type, which should mean no more loose and useless clamps or overly tight claws giving you an unnatural facelift (c'mon, we've all been there!)

I was a little sceptical firstly as although my hair is fine, there is a lot of it, so it makes for difficult styling in that any 'up do' will usually fall due to the weight and a 'down do' is often flyaway with volume being an impossibility without heavy back-combing and a cemented still with hairspray.


Up first was the Super Comfy Half Inch Headband in Pale Plum (rrp £25) suitable for all hair types.

When I saw how much these retail at I was wondering why, or rather who, would pay so much money for a hair band. But I didn't let this stand in my way of reviewing this product fairly. It is way out of my usual price range for items such as these.

You can see from the pictures that the band has a very smooth finish in a kind of marble/pearlised design. There are no rough edges that will catch in your hair at all, and although it has a stiffness, it is flexible to your head shape - no manipulating the band hoping it doesn't snap whilst you do it!


The colour is one I wouldn't usually have chosen but the good people at Stone Bridge advised it would suit my hair colour and skin tone, which I actually do agree with having worn it on several occasions and received a great deal of compliments.

The comfort of this item is true to it's namesake. It is super duper comfy. You know when you wear a cheap headband and you get those pain behind the backs of your ears from the pressure of the band? This doesn't happen whatsoever with this product. You simply cannot feel it!

I have a wispy fringe, I usually have to use a kirby grip to slide it to by my ears. You can see from my pictures that once you put the band in place, any hair under it holds like a dream, just ease as much or as little out as you like using a fishtail comb or your fingers.


Next up I had this beautiful Cadre Rectangle Tortoiseshell Claw in Silver Shell.(rrp £33) suitable for fine to medium weight hair.


Again, a bit pricey compared to what I would usually look at, but you have to appreciate the workmanship that's gone into creating this item. It is stunning.
One thing I noticed was how tight this claw closes, I under-estimated how much force you needed to open this at first. I thought 'uh-oh... it's going to give me a face lift!'

I twisted my hair and clamped it up, expecting it to be far too tight, but wow! You just can't feel it in! Honestly, it was weightless and held my style just as I wanted it to - not too tight and not too loose.


It has a sort of 'window' on either side so you can still see the majority of your style, as well as the beautiful hair accessory itself. I hate it when people have a large claw clamp just stuck to the back of their head and you can't see any hair - just get a short back and sides if that's the look you want! (Quite nasty of me really, actually just surprised myself there - but it's true!)


Okay, so honest opinions now:
> Beautifully made
> Comfort to the maximum
> Holds styles perfectly
> Stunningly gorgeous!
>Tad pricey but you really do get what you pay for here.

10/10!

Have you guys found the ultimate when it comes to hair accessories?  
What are your thoughts on Stone Bridge Range?



WIN SET OF 2 SUPER COMFY HEAD BANDS 
AS FEATURED IN THIS POST.

Ensure all entries are completed via the rafflecopter in order for them to be registered.
All entries are optional however if you complete all entries, you'll unlock a free daily bonus entry. The more entries you do, the more chance of winning. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

T&C's
Closes 17/12/2014 at 11.59pm
Any entries deemed false will be removed prior to the random draw.
Winner agrees to details being passed on to StoneBridge Hair in order for prize to be fulfilled.
Whilst we endeavour to get your prize to you for Christmas,  we ask that you allow up to 28 days for any eventualities such as postal delays, weather etc. Good Luck!

*Review* Rebel Nails Inc - Nail Wrap Art

I was so excited when I stumbled across Rebel Nails Inc website, I actually got lost for over an hour in nail heaven! For a nail-freak like myself, I recently wrote a post about how painting my nails was the ultimate relaxation tool in my life. However, I'm not the best at creating nail art (yet!), so nail wrap art is the next best thing in my life, as of now! Let me tell you...


Packaging

I was sent two varieties to choose from and try out, and I couldn't wait to get started. The set I decided to try - immediately - was: Glittering Camden Town Patterned Nail Art Nail Wraps .You can buy this set for £7.99.

Arriving in a very simple thin sleeve I literally gazed at the clear window within and thought OH EM GEEE!So tasteful, suitable for work or a special occasion and not at all tacky. I do hope my pictures can show just how beautiful they are, because no amount of practicing nail art could achieve this look LOL!

I did question the 5 minute application time and of course, how many other nail products promise no chipping or smudging etc. It was a little cliche, so held out no real expectations from this. So I settled into my couch position, brewed up and got cracking.



The first thing I noticed was the fact there are only 16 foils in the pack in 8 different sizes, so if you have 2 nails the same size on each hand you would have to use a wider foil and file the edges to fit your nail.
Nail Sizing Template

Bit fiddly, and bound to extend the 5 minute application time, but luckily there is a handy clear nail sizing template and I discovered that this wasn't the case. Which was quite unusual for me as glue-on nails often present this problem a fair bit for me.

Upon peeling the foil wrap away from the card, make sure you only touch the straight edge, else you'll affect the adhesive at the cuticle end, which will decrease your wear.

Make sure to buff nails first to increase staying power!

Simply lay over your nail and press upwards to prevent any creases. Once you have done this you'll wonder what the barnacles you're supposed to do with the flap at the top! The instructions state to fold this flap over (and slightly under, I found) the tip of your nail and then use a file to shave it off. The filing was difficult to get the hang of at first, as it's supposed to be downwards.

Fold this flap over and slightly under the tip
Turn your hand in to your self and do it by looking down the nail rather than looking at it straight on (see final pictures for the way I held my hand whilst doing this).

Slip the file at the tip of the nail and, from the centre of the nail, file one way towards the edge of the nail. You'll see a perfect perforation appearing and it will simply and easily come away.

One downside was that I noticed I was filing the nail too, as well as the foil, so lost a bit of length by doing this. (Gutted!)

I already had a short pinky nail and it was a little difficult to fold the flap correctly so I wouldn't recommend these for nail biters, unless you're happy to practice quite a lot.

Once you have filed the nail wrap, I applied some gentle heat to seal the adhesive and it's odd because you can feel them get really hot and kind of melt into your nail - not in a horrible torturous kind of way - just in a "it's working" way! I used a hairdryer for this, you mustn't allow the heat source to touch the foil, as I assume they actually would then melt - eeek!

Finished!
In terms of completion time, including pre-buffing and applying heat, it took me twenty minutes. But then it was my first time and I was being super careful.
I have no doubts that I could half this time in future and when taking pre-buffing and heat application out of the equation I think 5 minutes is pretty spot-on.

Can you believe it? A nail product that does what it says in the time stated?!





After 4 days, I noticed some 'curling' at the tips of the foils, which did begin to annoy me a little as they were catching in my hair, on clothes etc.

But they didn't come off completely!

I removed the nails after 5 days, which is longer than glue-on lasts, or indeed 'no chip' polish. Removal is easy. Simply peel from one side to the other, no marks on the nail are left or anything. Wipe over with a cotton wool pad and some acetone to give a completely clean finish and boom! Done!


Yup, they do what they say on the tin! They don't chip or smudge whatsoever - even with excessive bathing of my son (he's at school now so he's a messy monkey!), dish washing, showers, soaks in the bath myself. Even lugging a few boxes around at work the other day, they stayed put!



My score is 9.5/10 - I've knocked off 0.5 simply because of the length lost to my own nails. This could have been my technique when filing, I appreciate that completely. I would recommend these if you're going away and don't fancy hauling a case of polish and nail art tools with you. Or indeed, a special occasion as they are truly beautiful. I received a lot of compliments from these nails and can't wait to open the other set!




Have you used foils/wraps before?

Take care guys, Jo xxx

*I was sent these nails free of charge for the purpose of testing and reviewing. In no way does this affect my score. You know me by now - honest and open!*

*REVIEW* The Village Bakery 'Try Rye Challenge'


I was kindly sent some Rye Bread to use as part of the 'Great British Summer Try Rye Challenge' - the 14 day eating plan which requires you to swap your usual bread with rye bread.

Swapping your normal wheat based bread, for Village
Bakery rye bread, can assist in reducing bloating and can
help make you feel more energetic. This is because rye
bread helps to increase satiety, suppressing your hunger
and the desire to snack. Rye bread contains 4x fibre and 20% less calories than that of standard white sliced bread too.

Village Bakery Rye Bread contains just 3 natural and simple ingredients: Rye Flour, Salt and Water. Organic as organic can be! Just beware of best before dates, both of my seeded loaves went mouldy at least one day before the best before date. The Village Bakery Melmerby have been making Rye Bread for 30 years, including the seeded, coriander and rossisky (original) variety. They are available from stores such as Ocado, Sainsbury's and Waitrose from £1.10 -£1.80 a loaf.

The loaves themselves are very heavy/dense and it's hard to see how it's possible to lose weight by eating this! I couldn't believe the weight of them.
L-R: Rossisky (Original), Coriander, Seeded.

At first I wondered how I was supposed to incorporate this into any usual meal I would eat, as it doesn't make nice sandwiches due to it's strong taste overpowering any filling. However I soon found the Coriander loaf made a great alternative to naan bread with a low fat curry by simply toasting, the Seeded was fantastic as 'croutons' with my cuppa soups by slicing a thick piece - toasting and dicing. With trial and error it was noted that it flash fries quite well in Fry-Light - adding to the crunch of the crouton after toasting. The Rossisky was tasty on it's own, not toasted, with  low fat spread. It's 'tar-like' taste reminded me of a less-sweet malt loaf and was even appealing to my hubby and 4yr old son (papped below!)

Hubby caught in the act munching Rye!
It's important to note that my husband has IBS so he was intrigued as to how this Rye Challenge would assist in his usual bloatedness. He wasn't the only one to benefit from this throughout the challenge either. I noticed a dramatic difference, especially towards the end of the challenge when, let's just say the time of the month would usually counteract any reduced bloatedness I had previously achieved. No more sluggish carb slumps when you eat this, I tell you!

The fact it has 4x the fibre than standard white sliced could explain the flatter than usual stomach and the less uncomfortable feeling. It does call for the need of a loo to be within close proximity some hour or so after ingesting though - please bear this in mind!

I'm not sure whether this is why I failed to lose weight by swapping the Rye for normal bread. I don't usually eat a huge amount of bread anyway, but decided that as I received 6 loaves in total, I needed to make the most of having it so incorporated a more 'bread heavy' diet.  I found that it would 'speed things up' after eating, and ultimately noticed I was hungrier sooner than I would normally be. I think this means I'm backwards :-( as surely this is supposed to be the benefit and whole point of the challenge?!

Carson loved this bread, which really surprised me.
From the 2 week diet plan I was provided, as an example, I particularly loved the home-made soup with toasted (flash fried) croutons. You just can't get tastier than using The Village Melmerby Rye! I tried the original and seeded for this and preferred the seeded as it added to the crunch factor, but both were tasty.

The future of Rye bread in my home?

I would buy the coriander loaf definitely, as it will forever replace our naan breads for sure. The original can make a malt loaf alternative in any given weekly shop and although the seeded was fab as croutons - my favourite - the loaf goes off far too quickly and although the loaf appears small it is too large for just my family of three and it means there is a lot to waste. The loaf is also so jam packed with seeded/nuts that it is difficult to eat as a slice on it's own. Perhaps for someone who usually eats that kind of bread - yes, but it wasn't for me.

I put 1.2lbs on throughout my 2 week challenge, but can noticeably feel the different in my mid-riff despite the 'date'! My husband gives great credit in this department too as his IBS has dramatically improved these past 2 weeks.

AdvertisementMy score: 8/10.
Marked down for the speed of going off, no weight loss and the inability to completely cut out normal bread due to the difficulty in making pleasant sandwiches. The pro's of a less prominant stomach and healthy alternatives for meals such as curry definately do outweigh the negatives in the long run.

For more information on the Try Rye Challenge you can click the Try Rye badge or visit their Facebook Page

I was sent the plan and loaves free of charge for the purpose of this review, my views and opinions are my own. 
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