Tried and tested - Wellbeing - Tiscali Shopping

We've taken a good look at these products that claim to relax, de-stress or generally to improve your wellbeing. Find out what we thought and whether you should take the plunge.

"JML Memory Foam Pillow has been specially contoured to support your head and neck. It distributes body weight across the surface area taking the pressure away from sensitive joints around the neck and shoulder area."

What we thought: Rather pleasingly JML have managed to create an effective pillow which moulds to your shape and helps to aid sleeping. Having already invested in a memory foam mattress this seemed like the next logical step. The only downside is that you can't try before you buy, but if you always find you have a better nights sleep whenever you buy a new pillow then you'll find the Memory Foam Pillow makes a perfect bedfellow.
  £24.99

"Tea Tree Ltd was established in 1995 and is based in Lincolnshire, UK. We worked closely with our then sister company, B-Line Natural Health and Beauty Products, well known for supplying the highest quality treatments, mostly for foot care and all containing Essential Oil of Tea Tree, to the top health hydros and spas in this country. "

What we thought:
I tested the body moisturiser, body wash and facial wash. I found them all to be highly effective and not at all drying, which is something I have found when using previous chemical based products. Plus I have dry skin but it didn't feel tight at all. The moisturisers are quite light and absorb really well. Their smell isn't over-powering and it feels like you are treating your body and not rubbing in chemical and toxic concoctions. A big thumbs up.
Prices from only £3.49
 

"Every step you take in the FitFlop™ helps tone and trim your legs. The FitFlop's uniquely built multi-density midsole activates muscles midstep to help tone your thighs, your calves and your glutes."

What we thought: These certainly won't be the prettiest looking footwear items in your suitcase but they'll certainly be the healthiest! Initial impressions were "Err, they look spongey and orthopaedic, and my already-wide feet are going to look enormous in these!". Whilst it's true they are clumpy, wide and heavy-set, the FitFlop™ does seem to have been designed with a purpose in mind so I needed to know whether the claims that they would tone muscle, improve posture, burn calories and reduce cellulite were true.
The thick white heavily cushioned sole using "micro-wobble board technology" meant that at first they weren't that easy to walk in, but then that's the point. By "destabilising your foot slightly", the FitFlop™ makes you work harder to retain balance with every step. As you walk, the bounce of the cushioned sole definitely helped to absorb shock, reducing impact on the important areas like your feet, knees and back (as we get older this is an impressive benefit of other flip flop) whilst the the thick, supportive (but rather ugly) straps and the slightly up-curved edges of the shoe meant that the feet sat in the middle and were held firmly in place. Having used them for a few days now, I've become quite attached to the pair. However, on a couple of occasions the toe separator started to rub the skin around the area which made my feet quite sore. They say that those with a high arch may not find the FitFlop™ suitable. I do have quite a high arch and I did notice they were slightly awkward to walk in. My left foot found it difficult to stay flat as I walked - at first it constantly slid out to the right making it a frustrating battle to keep it locked in place comfortably. That said, a colleague with no feet problems experienced no issues wearing the FitFlops™ and found them very comfortable the more she wore them.

While the style-conscious amongst us might have a little trouble adapting them to outfits (they've got a little wedge that've very this season but sadly that's it), they've certainly managed to isolate the core muscle groups, allowing me to concentrate more on my walking technique and posture. The trick is to use the FitFlops™ progressively. I can't say I've noticed any cellulite reduction but I have definitely been able to feel the muscle tension in the backs of my calves when I do use them for extended periods of time, which can only mean one thing - something good is happening!

FitFlops™ are available from King's Road Sporting Club in black, red and blue in sizes 4-8.

Reviewed July 2007.
  £36

Said to "offer the ultimate gift experience...to cater to all tastes and interests", Smart Boxes™ offer "an innovative gift for a friend or loved one."

What I liked: The great thing about a Smart Box is the way it enables the recipient to select the experience they would like to have - as the giver, you just need to decide on the 'theme' you think they might enjoy most - a Charming Getaway, Gourmet Retreat, Zen & Spa or Adventure. Once you've chosen, the Smart Box couldn't be simpler to purchase online or by phone. Prices range from £60 to £170 which keeps them affordable yet special. For each Smart Box theme, there are 40 experiences nationwide to choose from. The Zen & Spa box itself is colour-coded (pink) and compact - containing your experience voucher (which you must take with you to the experience), a booklet detailing all the experiences available to you on your theme and a little "thanks for the experence" postcard, a nice touch assuming it was a gift! Once I'd read through the accompanying booklet and decided on what I'd like, making the appointment was hassle-free and very quick to do - the Spa staff with whom I booked my experience were familiar with the Smart Box and were very accommodating throughout my treatment. Overall, the Smart Box is an original, easy-to-use gift concept for the person in your life who you just can't decide what to buy for - and what's great, there's no expiry date on the voucher so it's entirely up to the recipient as and when to use their voucher.
What I didn't like: There's nothing I specificially disliked although I would perhaps liked to have been given a wider choice of experiences available per Smart Box - unsure why they've chosen to offer just 40 experiences per theme as this seems a somewhat limited when you consider these boxes are meant to appeal nationally (this means that some regions may only offer a couple of participating providers to choose from). I hear through the grapevine however, that they are planning to develop several other themes so in time there should be much more choice available.
Reviewed January 2007.
 

The Lumie Bodyclock claims to "regulate your sleep/wake patterns by simulating sunset and sunrise and can help you sleep better and feel more energetic".

What we liked: I was really excited about testing this clock. Initially I was worried that the light wouldn't wake me up so I used my own regular alarm clock as a back up. This wasn't necessary as the soft lighting was a great wake up call, and much more preferable to a harsh beeping alarm. I find this product a miracle worker and great for letting you wake up feeling refreshed, particularly in the winter months. It's easy to set up, but you do need to test out the time you set it at - as it gets lighter gradually people may wake at different times. I love the way you can temporarily turn the light off as a snooze function, although this won't work as well if you're towards wake-up time as it will become bright rather quickly (although that is the point of it). As well as using it to wake up, I found it particularly useful to help me settle down at night. Overall, I think that it would be a good investment and perfect for anyone wanting to regulate their sleep patterns, for those suffering from SAD or mild depression and particularly helpful if you're not a "morning person".
What we didn't like: Possible down sides are that if there are two of you in bed and only one actually wants to get up, the clock is likely to end up waking you both up (but then that's true of any alarm clock).
Reviewed November 2006.
 

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