A couple of weeks ago I was invited along with 5 other bloggers to meet Alesha Dixon for lunch (as you do!) to discuss Motherhood, careers our health and juggling…
Not actual juggling of course, rather the juggling act we as mothers perform every single day.
Alesha Dixon is the UK ambassador for Swisse, she’s also a singer, dancer, tv personality, manager of her own record label, as well as devoted mum to a toddler. She is certainly one busy lady and I wanted to find out how on earth she has the energy to fit everything in whilst managing to look fabulous and exuding all that positivity.
Before the lunch, we were all sent a month’s supply of Swisse Women’s Ultivites to trial which was great because it meant we could discuss our findings with Alesha firsthand and compare results. Swisse Australia’s #1 vitamin brand have recently launched in the UK.
L-R Sam Mumazine, Anna In the Playroom, Emily A Mummy Too, Me, Alesha Dixon, Jo Slummy single mummy, Jacqui Mummy’s Little Monkey, Vicki Honest Mum
It was really exciting to meet Alesha in person, she is exactly how I expected her to be: warm and friendly, really funny and super easy to chat to with one of the most infectious laughs I’ve ever heard! I think we could have kept her talking all day if we’d been allowed. We talked about life, pregnancy and toddler tantrums as we ate from a menu inspired by the natural ingredients in the Swisse range.
It was great to get an insight into Alesha’s life, she is a strong and confident woman who likes to be in control, telling us she manages her own diary and makes sure she takes work free days each week in order to spend quality time with her daughter, Azura, whom she is clearly besotted by. We discussed how important it was to have a strong female figure to look up to and pondered on if it was ok to spend ‘me time’ away from the kids and if it was selfish or not-we all agreed it is most definitely not selfish!
It was great to sit with a celeb and see that she, as a mother has all the same worries that I do, it was also really fun to be at lunch with a load of other bloggers where no one batted an eyelid if you got your phone out to Instagram the food or the beautiful plants we were given as place settings.
The subject of time came up a lot.
How do we strike a happy balance between home life and work life?
Having the energy to be a mum and have a career was probably the subject that dominated the conversation. As a busy mum, I have a huge list of things to do before work even gets a look in, being able to do the school run, the shopping, the meal planning, the washing, the cooking, cleaning, the gym, it’s endless…
Having energy to get through the day is a really big deal though isn’t it?
The Swisse Women’s Ultivites have all the B vitamins we need plus vitamin C, biotin, magnesium and iron all of which play an integral role in energy production. We discussed that since taking the vitamin we have all found we have much more energy than when we weren’t taking it. Personally, I’ve noticed a huge surge in energy and just a really good feeling of general well-being. Not to mention the crazy strong nails, another thing that we all reported incredible results for!
What are Swisse Women’s Ultivites?
Women’s Ultivites are a multivitamin containing 39 vitamins, minerals and botanical extracts.
- Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, biotin, vitamin C, magnesium and iron contribute to normal energy production and release.
- Zinc plus vitamin C and vitamin D to contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
- Calcium and vitamin D and vitamin K, contribute to the maintenance of normal bones.
- Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin.
- Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, skin, nails. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
- Vitamin B1 supports normal heart function.
Phew, that is some list!
The botanical ingredients on the list really set these multivitamins apart from any others on the shelves for me, with ingredients such as blueberries which are a good source of vitamin K as well as vitamin C, and other nutrients including fibre. They also contain anthocyanins, which are antioxidant flavonoids. Some nutritionists believe that if you make only one change, it should be to add blueberries to your diet.
I was really pleased to see extract of chamomile on the ingredients list too as I know it is brilliant at promoting healthy skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties.
We are all guilty of not always getting out five a day but Swisse vitamins contain natural ingredients and botanical extracts that can contribute to this lack, of course the best thing you can do is try and stick to a healthy diet (Lord knows I try!) but it’s so nice to have the vitamins as a supplement to my diet and know that I am doing absolutely everything I can to stay healthy and be kind to myself.
I’m really into researching vitamins and have in one form or another been taking vitamins for the last couple of years. The biggest appeal for me is that Swisse Women’s Ultivites are just one per day. I have up until now had a cupboard full of different bottles full of all the vitamins I know are good for me, but staying on top of it all is a hassle. I also don’t want to have to be taking several tablets a day which can turn into a right pain if I stay away, something I do regularly as part of my job.
At the lunch, we agreed that a one a day tablet packed with all the essentials we need is the best and most efficient way of helping ourselves to stay healthy. Another thing I noted during this trial is that I don’t feel sick after taking the Women’s Ultivites, quite often vitamins can make me feel a bit nauseous, it is recommended that Women’s Ultivites are taken with a main meal to help with absorption, I haven’t noticed any adverse effects at all.
I chat loads more in my video diary (see below) about the other benefits I’ve noticed since starting Swisse Women’s Ultivites, here’s a list of a few of the changes I’ve noticed:
Benefits of taking Swisse Women’s Ultivites
- More energy
- Better clearer skin
- Much stronger nails (my nails were so weak before)
- General feeling of well-being
- More restful sleep
So now I have all this extra energy what am I doing with it all?
Well, I have most definitely felt more productive since taking Swisse Women’s Ultivites, and that has meant I’ve used my work time more efficiently. I do sometimes still burn the midnight oil, as many writers do, but in the main I would say I have achieved more during the day which has meant I don’t have a load of work ‘leftover’ to do in the evenings. I also feel that my sleeping has settled down into a more regular pattern.
The more I get done during the day, the earlier I can go to bed which means I can get up earlier WITH the energy to get tasks completed during daytime hours which is a massive change for me.
I wouldn’t be without Swisse Women’s Ultivites now because I’ve seen so many benefits from taking them. I have just started on the Skin, Hair and Nails because I’m so impressed with the Women’s Ultivites.
Other products from Swisse include the Swisse Immunity Range and Bone Care and Muscles range. There are also vitamins tailored specifically for the over 50s and also for teenagers.
It was absolutely amazing to meet Alesha, she showed a genuine interest in all our blogs and even took my business card saying she wanted to ‘read up on the teenage years!’ Alesha was gracious and is a fabulous woman who does so much and still manages to carry it all off effortlessly. A lovely lady and brilliant role-model, perfect for Swisse UK.
More information available at Swisse.co.uk and to join the conversation and find out how the other bloggers got on with the Swisse trial follow the #SwisseVitaminsLunch hashtag on social media! Let me know how you feel after trying these for yourself, I really think you’ll love them as much as I do!
Swisse are exclusive to Boots and have a two-week trial pack promotion on at the moment for just £2.49.
*This is a sponsored post
You Baby Me Mummy
I am so gutted that we were on holiday! I would have loved to have been there with you. These sound great I need much more energy and stronger nails! xxxx
Laura - dear bear and beany
How lovely to meet Alesha, she always comes across friendly on the TV. These sounds perfect for any mum and I love the sound of the one for hair and nails, mine have not recovered well since my last pregnancy. x
Emma
Oh how exciting that you were able to meet Alesha, she comes across as a lovely lady on the TV. I also love the sound of the vitamins from what you say. I am having real problems with my nails, they just won’t grow and are really brittle in general I feel really run down and lacking energy so I will be looking these up when I go to the shop next – I really need an energy boost! #thelist
wendy
So amazing you got to meet Akdsga Dixon, she seems so lovely when you see her on tv. I’ve never taken any kind of vitamins but these sounds great and seem to have loads of benefits. Will have to give them a try once I’ve had baby, I’m sure I’ll need the energy boost then!xx #TheList
An imperfect mum (Catie)
Oh I love Alesha Dixon she always comes across as honest, hard working and sassy too… how wonderful that you got to have lunch together. I need to start taking something to help my energy levels I will look into these. Beautiful photographs again (you are my guru!)
Amy Treasure
Ah thanks Catie! She was such an amazing woman, totally inspiring and a wicked laugh, it was a fab lunch. I do completely recommend these, I will 100% buy them for myself x
Elizabeth (Wander Mum)
What a great opportunity to meet Alesha – she always come across as very genuine and unique on TV so glad to hear she is in person too. I’m a bit rubbish at taking multi vitamins but like the sound of the botanical qualities in these and that they don’t make you feel nauseous. Thanks for hosting #thelist
Amy Treasure
She was so genuine and really easy to talk to, just like having lunch with a friend. These are really good vitamins I definitely recommend them x
Crummy Mummy
How exciting! I’m a big advocate of vitamins, although O’ve never tried this brand… #thelist
Amy Treasure
I think you’d like them :)
Kate Tunstall
What an incredible opportunity! She seems like a very cool lady. Sounds like the product is very worthwhile too, I’m glad you had such great results! Xxxx
#TheList
Amy Treasure
It’s a fabulous product, I’m hooked. Thanks for reading lovely lady xxxx
Lizzie firstooth
What a fab event! I’ve read the other blogs too, Alesha sounds just as you’ve described, a strong and confident woman and mother. Lovely photos too. I think my vitamin intake could do with a little boost, I’ve been thinking about taking a supplement x thanks for hosting #thelist x
Amy Treasure
Thanks so much for reading and commenting I totally recommend these they are fab. I’m getting on well with the hair, skin and nails version too x
My Petit Canard
What a great opportunity and an exciting new brand to discover. The Swisse Vitamins sound great and definitely something worth considering. Anything that will give me more energy, great skin and nails has to be a winner! Emily #TheList
Amy Treasure
They really are good, you should try them :)
New Mummy Blog
What an AMAZING experience! She sounds absolutely lovely, and how nice is it to know that celebrities have exactly the same thoughts and worries as us. #thelist
Amy Treasure
She was brilliant, a real honour to meet and chat to her :)
Baby Isabella
What a lovely way to spend the day with a celebrity. We think Alesha is great and love watching her on telly. My mummy could do with some vitamins, she’s constantly tired and needs a boost! #TheList xx
Amy Treasure
Mummy will definitely feel less tired if she tries these xx
AmyLovestoSew
I feel so shattered and so run down at the moment, maybe this is just what I need – your blog post makes a compelling case! #TheList
Amy Treasure
That’s good to hear. They really are amazing, try them and see. Not expensive either which always goes down well in my book!
Becky at PinksCharming
These sound brilliant – I just take a normal multivitamin but I think I will give these a try as I could do with more energy! x #TheList
Amy Treasure
I think these would definitely help with energy levels for you! x
Helena
I think people forget that celebrities are human just like you and me. It’s lovely that you were all able to talk about the ups and downs of parenting together. #TheList
Amy Treasure
Very true! She was so down to earth it was lovely.
Mackenzie Glanville
This is so funny, as I just brought the vitamins for my hair, skin and nails last night, so it was amazing to comeacrsoss your post today. Obviously being an Australian I am very familiar with Swisse. My nails have always been amazing, but this past 2 months they just are not so strong, I have been very run down though so I have decided to try a vitamin. Great to watch your Vlog! Take care lovely xx #TheList
Amy Treasure
Oh wow, coincidence! Let me know how you get on? Such a fab brand, you’re going to be stunned at the strong nails mine have never been like this before. xx
Katie @mummydaddyme
It sounds like a great lunch, I was supposed to be attending but sadly it was too hectic with a newborn baby. I would have loved to have hung out with you. x
Amy Treasure
Ah Katie, I heard from Fritha that you might be going and was gutted not to see you there. It would have been amazing to see you.xx
Mrs Tubbs
What an amazing experience! Glad you enjoyed it.
Amy Treasure
Thanks so much!
Mummy Rules
I need these vitamins! I am 3 month post natal and at the wonderful stage of hair falling out and nails splitting as well as being permanently exhausted. Lovely to know that Alesha is just like she appears to be on TV and underneath all the glittery celeb status, of course, a mum who loves her child. It looked like a fab event to attend! #TheList
Amy Treasure
Ah yes, the dreaded hair loss I remember it well! It was fab, she’s a lovely lady :)
Joanna @mumbalance
More energy is something I need! I have a toddler and a baby, so am functioning on broken night’s sleep. I find that being outdoors, especially on a sunny day really helps. I am cautious of taking any supplements, but these sound interesting
Rach
Ah, I just adore Alesha. She’s one of my girl crushes, so jel you got to meet her! I’ve been hearing a lot about these vitamins so think I might have to procure myself some and see what all the fuss is about! #thelist
Honest Mum
Was lovely to see you, you’re in my post and vlog (I think) too-super vitamins, love your video diary x
Fran Back With A Bump
These vitamins look good and what a great day out! #thelist
Cal at Family Makes
What a fabulous experience for you all, and I’m so glad she turned out to be exactly as you had expected. I like the sound of the Swisse vitamins too, and the trial pack is such a good price. I’ll definitely give them a go. #TheList
Silly Mummy
I saw Honest Mum’s post on this too – sounds like such a fun & exciting lunch! I always thought Alesha Dixon seemed very nice & likeable – sounds like she is! #thelist
Mudpie Fridays
I take a vitamin supplement at the moment because I am breast feeding but will consider these when I stop. Sounds like a great event :) live the photo of the two of you. #TheList