This is interesting it’s a perfume that claims it help you limit the need to snack. It currently has a waiting list of 6000 people who are obviously convinced that it works. Prends–moi is the world’s first slimming fragrance.

It has been developed by the French perfume house Robertet. They claim the fragrance is designed to ‘slim with pleasure’  and that it is based upon 'aromatherapeutic' and ‘neurocosmetic’ research.

The perfume is supposed to contain ingredients which release B-endorphins present in the skin, sending  a pleasure message to the brain and triggering a sensation of well being, reducing the need to overeat. A study of women aged between 18 and 70 found that 75% felt the perfume limited the need to snack. 73% said they felt a feeing of pleasure. I remain unconvinced but it’s an interesting idea.

According to this article essential oils could be behind a rise in unexplained house fires. It seems that more people are using essential oils on pillows and towels. This linen is then often washed at low temperatures and put into a tumble drier where it can catch fire. The problem is that the linen needs to be washed at 40 degrees plus for the oil to fully break down otherwise it can linger on the linen and as it is highly flammable can cause a fire hazard. It’s not really something I have considered but I will certainly be more careful when washing linen that may have residues of oils still on it.

I tried this Dreamtime Bath Melt from the Lush the other day. Although it's not the most exciting of products lacking the usual colour, fizz and glitter that you would expect from Lush, I really liked it. Although it is small the bar melted slowly creating a creamy coloured bath that left my skin very soft and silky. The fragrance also gets the thumbs up, the mixture of jasmine, lavender and sandalwood is not overpowering and is a perfect mix for an evening when you want a good nights sleep. After enjoying this bath I went to bed and was asleep almost instantly. I will be getting this again.

I tried a butterfly ball bath bomb from Lush the other day and whilst its not one of favourites it is still quite nice. It turns the bath a rather nice shade of pink and includes little sparkling butterflies (pictured left). At £1.95 its quite good value too.

I came across this site called caterpillars creations who make custom made soy candles. Most candles are made from paraffin wax but all the candles made by caterpillars creations are made from 100% natural soy beans making them a much more environmentally friendly alternative. Not only are they a reusable energy source they also last three times longer than petroleum based candles and are virtually soot free.

The website has a variety of candle designs from tealights through to pillar candles and votives. Once you have selected which style of candle you want, you also have the option to fully customise your candle by selecting the colour and fragrance that you require. This is particularly useful especially when you are planning an event such as a wedding as it can be hard to find the right colour combination to match your other table decorations.

I saw this article in The Metro about a pillow that apparently helps prevent hangovers. The pillow is stuffed with various plant extracts including fennel, juniper, mustard and peppermint, all of which are meant to counter the effects of a hangover. Personally I frequently sprinkle lavender oil on my pillow when I am having trouble sleeping and use peppermint or eucalyptus if I have a blocked up nose. I find that when doing this I awake felling much more rested the following morning. At only £7.50 even if it doesn’t cure your hangover this pillow is likely to help you have a restful nights sleep.