It’s been all Lemsip, Calpol and Karvol this week at nonstopmama HQ. So we’re looking especially lovely this weekend with washed-out skin, hair behaving madly – why does that happen, exactly? – kitchen roll-nose (I know, should’ve used more tissues) and chapped lips. For the latter, at least, Lush’s new Mint Julips Lip Scrub (£4.50) has come to the rescue. A scrummy mix of caster sugar and natural conditioning oils plus peppermint oil and sweet vanilla extract, it gently sloughs post-cold chapping and tastes exactly like peppermint creams.

This giveaway closed at midnight Tuesday 2 February 2010.

A last minute up-for-grabs: the Destinations Holiday & Travel Show, presented by The Times, has kindly given nonstopmama 10 tickets (each one admits two people) to the exhibition, taking place at Earl’s Court from 4-7 February (um, next week, in other words).

The UK’s favourite holiday and travel show, the exhibition offers the opportunity to browse getaway options from a wide range of travel companies and explore ideas to suit all budgets and tastes, from exotic adventures to city breaks (when in Rome … put your back out and have to come home, in the case of my other half. Memorable holiday, if not in the way we’d hoped).

Meanwhile, travel personalities including Kate Humble, John Simpson and Julia Bradbury are scheduled to be at the Meet The Expert Theatres during the week (check timetables here).

Wish you were there? Enter, enter!

How fun are these Retro Pedal Bins by Los Angeles-based design company simplehuman? (Not surprisingly, nonstopmama is particularly taken with the pink one). If you’re on the lookout for a sturdy, family kitchen-friendly bin (these come with a 10 year warranty), the 3 litre (£24.99) and 30 litre (£79.99) versions are available in 10 limited edition colours at simplehuman.co.uk.

Nonstopmama chaotic kitchen-tested the classic, brushed steel stainless steel version and can vouch for its fingerprint-proof promise (how do they do that?). The slow-close lid and usefully big pedal get the thumbs up, too. Persuading little people that it’s not a ride-on rocket may prove more challenging.

A quick nonstopmama shout-out to three small companies committed to sourcing ethically traded gifts and goodies. First up, the EcoChic online shop, which features fashion (for kids, too), gifts, accessories and homewares. This Fair Trade Manyara Wood Frame (£14.95), for example, is handmade in Africa using woods sourced from sustainable forests.

Over at Blue Dog Jewellery, founder Shona Lockhart combines her love of contemporary design – the online shop showcases the handiwork of a range of talented designers – and personal mission to raise £1 million to support the work of Oxfam and other development organisations working in Malawi.

One of Blue Dog Jewellery’s featured designers is Kate Hamilton-Hunter, who also has her own online shop. At Kate Hamilton-Hunter Studio, you’ll find simple, delicate pieces such as this Small Heart Necklace (£17.99), handcrafted from reclaimed aluminium (Kate also makes popular coloured versions, resourcefully styled using old Quality Street tins!)

What better opportunity to get that style re-vamp you’ve been promising yourself, or sort out those neglected roots: on Sunday 7 February, Toni & Guy and essensuals salons nationwide are holding a charity Super Sunday, as part of National Hair day. All money raised for cuts and colour services will go to the Toni & Guy Charitable Foundation, which has pledged to raise £700,000 to refurbish and equip a children’s ward at the Variety Club Children’s Hospital, Kings College, London. The ward specialises in treating children suffering with sickle cell anaemia, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, leukamia, along with acute A&E admissions.

Simply book a cut or colour for Sunday 7 February at your local Toni & Guy or essensuals salon now, or for more info tel: 0800 731 2396.

Spread the word, nonstopmamas!