I’ve been trialing the abs belt for just over a month now. I didn’t want to take any measurements and give you a before and after because I think that would be inaccurate. I’ve been working out and eating well as well as using the abs belt and yes, I’ve seen results.

I think it’s best to use something like this in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. If you want great abs then firstly you need to lose all the fat from around your middle. I read somewhere that with women it takes a body fat percentage of 18% before abs start to show. It’s from here that you can then begin to work on definition.

The abs belt does have toning and sculpting properties, I think that with regular use it could give you a more defined waist and hopefully help against sagging skin that affects some when they lose weight. If the muscles are being strengthened by the use of the abs belt then that will help with your core strength which could make exercising easier and help you to burn more calories.

On its own I don’t think you’d see much difference if you just used the abs belt. (The same way you wouldn’t see much difference if you ran every day and kept eating like a pig.) But I think it can have its benefits if you employ a healthy lifestyle. I can’t speak for those of you who have a low body fat percentage but I reckon if you stick to one of the plans that comes with the belt then you could see more defined abs using just the belt as long as you eat right.

I’d tell anyone whose interested to buy an abs belt. It can’t hurt you weight loss/fitness efforts!

When it comes to trips and holidays, there is a desire to always be doing something unique, memorable and perfect for all the family. Have you ever thought about a holiday in a UK cottage? Well, you have now.

This is the perfect chance to enjoy the holiday that you want thanks to the fact that you will be creating it yourself. Below are some ideas about how the freedom of having this style of break can be ideal for you and your family.

No schedules

Many holidays now can be done through tour operators and there is a scheduled list of things for you to be doing on a day to day, even hour to hour at times, basis. This isn’t ideal for some because a lot of us like to do what we want when we want because a holiday is for relaxing as much as it is enjoying.

Cottage suggestion: Shepherd’s Hut, Winterborne Whitechurch – Set in the heart of Dorset near the Blandford Forum, this is a superb barn conversion that is found in an idyllic location. With an open fire, and sleeping six, this peaceful position is a great place to escape the city rush for a weekend – or longer – and is in shooting distance of the coast and the market town of Dorchester. Whether you want to explore or relax, this is the perfect base.

Choosing your own food and drink

When you’re away from home, and visiting a new spot, you don’t want to be slaving away in the kitchen. In fact, you want a selection of restaurants and bars to enjoy at your own leisure. This is why going away to a holiday cottage is a great shout. You don’t need to settle for hotel food, and can pick and choose what you want to do.

Cottage suggestion: Peggotty’s Cottage, Kingsand – A fisherman’s cottage from back in the 17th century, this property near Plymouth in Cornwall is perfect for a romantic break. With stunning walks to enjoy, and picturesque views of the Cornish coast, this is also a great location for people who are hoping to find good pubs and great food – with a selection of fine restaurants and bistros in the area.

Own activities

Many families today are bigger than the 2.4 children that was once banded around as the norm years ago. Today, we are much bigger and want to go away with our pets – making a trip to dog friendly holiday cottages in Britain a great option. Similarly, you can create your own activities from your cottage base – as long as there is plenty going on around you.

Cottage suggestion: Wharf Cottage, Burton-in-Kendal – Found near Kirkby Lonsdale in the Lake District, this cottage is perfect for a large family and set in rural surroundings, it is the perfect base for exploring the countryside.

This range was created with women in mind by a trained aromatherapist. Each product is hand-blended and it’s all made in Norfolk. You won’t find any labs or men in suits telling women what they ‘need’ here.

There are four sets of products from Palm & Sole, each is designed for a different skin type with the effects on the senses taken into account too.

Grounding
- Calm and relax senses
- For dry and dehydrated skin

Levelling
- Balance and harmonise senses
- For dry and mature skin

Sparkling
- Revive and uplift senses
- For dry skin

Nurturing
- For dry and sensitive skin

In each collection there’s the Deep Night Facial Oil; Bath, Shower and Scalp Oil; an Intense Balm and a Massage Body Block.

To read more about this gorgeous range of products visit the Palm & Sole website.

If you are looking for beauty treatments in Norfolk, Palm & Sole offer a variety from two Norwich locations.

My obsession with Jeffrey Campbell shoes is just growing so when Zalando contacted me to review their site I was instantly drawn to all those beautiful JCs.

I chose the Jeffrey Campbell Gemini shoes and with a bit of my voucher left over I also bought a gorgeous Vero Moda dress.

I actually spent quite a while agonising over the Gemini shoes Vs. the Mary sandals. I’m bad at making decisions s0 it went to the Twitter vote. Eventually the practicality of the Gemini won out and I bought them. Take a look at the Mary below.

I already have one pair of JCs I can’t walk in. So, as lovely as these are, I had to go for the more practical Gemini.

I wore them out on a brief shopping trip around Norwich and while they aren’t quite broken in yet they looked damn good! (But I did have to switch to flat boots by lunch time. However, I have lasted a whole night clubbing in them.) Without further ado!

I actually had a bit of trouble with the first pair I got. I ordered a 7.5 because normally I’m somewhere between a 7 and an 8. Well, they were huge and I had to send them back. It’s free and very easy to do. Just had to repackage it all up and print off a returns label. I then had to take it to a corner shop to be returned via Collect+.

I wanted to go down a whole size to a 6.5 but by the time I reordered they didn’t have that size. I bought a 7. They fit and my feet aren’t swimming in them but I could’ve still done with a 6.5, really. Just bear in mind that the Jeffrey Campbell Gemini shoes do come up a bit big.

I got Ben to snap a photo just before we left. That’s the reason I look like an idiot and am holding my car keys!

• Dress: Vero Moda c/o Zalando
• Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell c/o Zalando
• Scarf: Zara
• Jacket: Zalando
• Bag: H&M (and not worth the £20 I paid for it because the strap has broken!)

I remember when I was about 16, I never really wore dresses. I was a proper tomboy. My mum told me that I should wear dresses and that I’d look good. I just couldn’t see them ever suiting me. I preferred my jeans, cowboy boots and band t-shirts.

We bought two dresses on that first day shopping and I’ve been obsessed ever since. I am ever on the hunt for the perfect dress. My current dilemmas are a dress for a wedding and warm jumper dresses for all these outdoor events I keep going to. I can’t rely on the British weather to keep me warm!

I’m fairly tall and my biggest issue, with day dresses especially, is finding ones that come to my knees. My thighs are far too wobbly to be shown off in public, even in leggings.

This dress from Freeman’s (£65) is much more my style than some of the bum-skimmers from high street shops. this is knee length, pretty  and has a flattering neckline.

This dress (£38) is very tempting for the wedding I have to go to in August, but generally I’m not sure this fitted shape suits me. I think I’d feel much more comfortable in something with a full skirt. However, the shape, texture and colour is just gorgeous.