Every month new products vie for our attention in the highly competitive lifestyle market. To make the purchase decision easier for you, we test exciting new products in advance and report on our experiences.
Food favorites, technology goodies or new fitness methods: the lifestyle world has new, exciting attractions ready every month. So that you can find your way through the jungle, we test exciting new releases for you and tell you openly and honestly whether the purchase is worthwhile. In August, our focus is on feel-good products that are good for the heart, the stomach or the mood.
When driving becomes a feelgood festival
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Kathrin spent unforgettable hours with the new mini convertible.
© Bernhard Filser for Mini
Product: Mini Cooper Cabrio (various model variants)
Price: from approx. 25,000 euros
To use: Cars bring people from A to B, that much is clear. But even the decision to buy a convertible makes one thing clear: Here, driving fun comes first. Because to jet through the summer “topless” is much more than just logistics – that is wellness.
Use: At the push of a button, the fabric roof folds up in no time and is stowed compactly in the trunk. For car beginners like me, this is the first big plus, because the operation of the chic runabout is just as smart and modern as its appearance. You decide individually whether you have a lot of horsepower or rather less, so that the driving experience can be perfectly adapted to the respective type. I see a huge advantage in the seemingly endless design options that make the Mini a real statement.
Result: For me, feeling good usually means leaving the car behind. But with the Mini Cabrio it’s completely different. Here the way from A to B becomes an experience that lets the (short) vacation begin as soon as you leave the parking lot. In any case, I wouldn’t want to miss my super sunny day in a convertible while on vacation on Sylt. And even if I like to get on my valued public transport back home, I will probably still dream of the wind around my ears for one night or two.
Like a warm hug Colleague Susanne feels comfortable and secure with her ooia © PR
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Product: ooia slip hugs
Price: 46.95 euros (shipping is free from three pieces, there is also a ten percent discount from five pieces)
To use: The ooia model Slip Hugs are menstrual briefs for medium to heavy period days with a comfortable, sporty fit. Two pockets are sewn into the inside of the briefs – one at the front, one at the back – into which you can put small heat / cold pads. One pad is included in the purchase price and is automatically supplied.
Use: In the case of light to moderate bleeding, the panties can easily replace other menstrual products, and those who bleed heavily may also need a tampon or an insert. The panties are washable – 40 degrees is recommended, but I’ve already expected them to be 60 degrees and it went well – and reusable. The heat / cold pad can be heated in the microwave or in a hot water bath and then put into one of the inside of the panties to warm, calm and relax the lower back and / or stomach. If necessary, you can of course also pack the pad in the refrigerator or freezer and use it for cooling, for example in the event of a sports injury or bruise.
Result: Just like other ooia models, the Slip Hugs are a great and sustainable alternative (or addition) to tampons or sanitary towels. Thanks to the wide, soft waistband, it sits very comfortably and does not press on the stomach. I think the idea with the cold / warm pads is brilliant. For me personally, warmth is very good for cramps, stomach or back pain, and I could also imagine that I will wear the panties more often in winter – even if I don’t have a period.
Smart treatment of insect bites My colleague Anke relies on smart helpers © PR
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Product: HEAT_IT app
Price: 29.99 euros (Android) and 39.99 euros (iPhone)
To use: Relief from itching and pain from insect bites
Use: Download the app, plug the HEAT_IT into the charging socket, select the duration of the treatment – hold the HEAT_IT on the bite and off you go.
Effect: Unfortunately, insects like mild summer evenings just as much as people and even with all caution, stings are often not (completely) avoidable. Anyone who, like me, is a particularly popular mosquito target has previously had the choice between spit, cooling rags, antipruritic gels or the big brother, a medical device with the same principle of action – only significantly larger.
Now there is a great alternative! HEAT_IT looks like a small memory stick and is attached to a key ring. As a result, he is actually always on the man or woman and immediately ready for use if necessary. The only requirement: the smartphone still has a battery;)
A praiseworthy extra: The stitch healer has a real lock so that the stick does not fall out of the cap on the key ring, even with frequent use.
Regardless of when and where the bloodsucker stabs, the treatment head is docked to the smartphone in seconds, the app is opened and the itching is stopped – without any chemicals, just with heat. The intensity of the treatment can be customized via the app so that the stitch healer is also suitable for sensitive skin and children.
Conclusion: Super easy and super effective.
My mini coach Colleague Lara is testing an app for more strength in everyday life © PR / Brigitte
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Product: Mindshine App
Price: With the 2-week free trail, users have the opportunity to get free access to the coaching plans and more than 200 exercises. A 3-month “Pro Membership” can be concluded for 29.99 euros or, alternatively, an annual membership for 69.99 euros.
To use: The Mindshine app is the happiness coach for the smartphone and contains scientifically based exercises and meditations for more joie de vivre, self-confidence, relaxation or energy. Depending on what goal you are looking for.
Use: I enter a personal goal and the wishes for the training frequency and tada, an individual plan is presented to me with the exercises that are right for me in my rhythm.
Result: The interface is appealing and easy to use. The app helped me a lot in taking time for myself.
Mamma Mia! Homemade pizza like an Italian? no problem Lifestyle editor Jenna has had home-baked pizza over and over again in the past few weeks. © PR
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Product: Smart Oven Pizzaiolo by “Sage”
Price: approx. 800 euros
To use: The Smart Oven Pizzaiolo brings Italian flair into your own four walls. The oven has seven automatic programs. In addition to Neapolitan-style pizza, the oven also prepares pan-fried pizzas as well as extra thin and crispy pizzas by default.
Use: The pizza oven replaces the use of an oven with a pizza stone. Simply prepare the dough, cover with sauce and any other ingredients and bake in the pizzaiolo. The preset programs make operation child’s play. Whether frozen or pan pizza or even wood-fired oven flair. Thanks to the unique system, the oven’s performance limit is raised to a new level and can reach up to 400 ° C.
Result: I honestly have to admit: I never would have thought that pizza could taste so incredibly good at home. I have owned a pizza stone for a number of years and believed the difference wouldn’t be too big. Far from it: In the Pizzaiolo, the pizza is not only incredibly crispy, but is also ready in a few minutes. So you can enjoy your pizza almost at the same time with many people. This is how pizza really becomes an experience!