Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts
Saturday, 22 March 2014
Mothers Day Gift Guide 2014: Tried & Tested
If she needs to unwind...
Potters Crouch Floral Fragrances £8.50 each Reviewed by Vic: I tried Lily of the Valley & Hyacinths and Bluebells candles but there are a huge amount to choose from depending on your mood and preferences. The candles have a real premium feel and look really special. I lit the Lily of the Valley candle first, once the initial wax had melted the beautiful aroma filled the room. The scent reminded me so much of my grandma as these were her favourite flowers. Next I tried the Hyacinth and Bluebell scent. The colour of candle is amazing and the scent was delicate but lovely. I burnt each candle for a couple of hours and both were really slow burning which is great. Potters Crouch say each candle burns for 50 hours meaning these are a great value buy costing only 17p an hour! These candles are beautiful and would make an ideal gift for mums and grandma's this Mothers Day.
If she loves music...
JAM PLUS Wireless Rechargeable Bluetooth Speaker
If she needs a feet treat...
Reviewed by Emma: I've recently taken up running so my feet have taken a bit of a battering and I was excited to try the foot spa (my mum had one in the 90s but it didn't really do much so I didn't have high expectations!) This particular foot spa comes with aromatherapy oils too so it's a real treat and if it's good enough for Elle then it's good enough for me! The spa claims to have double the bubbles of a normal foot spa as well as LED mood lighting and the aromatherapy mist diffuser.
I absolutely loved it,I felt so pampered and it was so nice to relax after my run by dipping my feet in to the warm bubbles and using the (removable) massage rollers. There's also a pedicure attachment in the centre meaning that you can give yourself a mini pedi as you relax. It's a great gift - a little pricey but a lot cheaper than regular trips to the salon.
Emjoi Micro-Pedi Portable Pedicure Device
Reviewed by Leanne: Being a mum I never have the time or money to pamper myself these days but
It's really, really easy to use- with the flick of a simple on/off switch the roller starts up at 30 rotations per minute. You just hold the micro-mineral roller against any hard skin on your feet and it goes to work. It didn't take long at all and the results were fabulous even after the first try. Ive used it 3 times now and my feet are silky smooth. The MicroPedi isn't something I would have thought to give as a gift but having tested this one I'm planning on getting one for my mum AND my sister!
If she loves fashion...
Second Time Mummy loves fashion so we had to test this one ourselves. First off we should say Just Blue have an amazing range of dresses but we chose this ponte stretch panel detail shift dress which is perfect for giving you a slimmer appearance due to its black side panels. The real thing we love about this dress though is that it's the perfect dress to take you from work to bar because it's so easy to dress up or down.
The fabric is a great quality and with it's neon coral and black colour it's on trend too - I know I'll be wearing it a lot this season.
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Reviewed by Carol: When I was told these items came from Alsi and they were priced at £3.99 each I was stunned. They come in thick plastic for protection but once you get them home and open them you see that they come with indiviual gift boxes. They certainly look a lot more expensive that the RRP.
I wore the set this weekend for a family meal and I had two compliments (which is epic when you have a family like mine). I'd certainly head to Aldi to get a couple of sets as gifts - once they're in the gift boxes they look at least 3 times the price you'd pay! A surprising thumbs up from me - I'd never have considered Aldi as a go-to for gifts!
If she loves beauty treats...
Review by Molly: Coming soon
An exclusive complex of 10 active ingredients at full concentration makes this uniquely formulated serum an essential part of every skincare routine. Skin appears youthfully vibrant and radiant.
If shes a new mum...
Review by Erika: Coming soon
Turning the tables on the wealth of huge parenting manuals and their conflicting advice, GP and mother-of-two Ellie Cannon will empower you to relax, trust your instincts, have faith in your parenting and enjoy more time with your baby.
If you want to treat her on a budget...
The entire Aldi beauty collection is being reviewed as we speak - check back on Tuesday night to see the verdict on thee fab products...Lacura CC Face Cream (£4.99) is one of the most exciting new Specialbuys to hit Aldi’s shelves this weekend. The CC cream promises to banish dull, red and sallow skin. It’s a little too dark for me (MAC NW20), but mixed in with some moisrusier to lighten it, it looks great. It provides good coverage as a base for my foundation – I’ve used it for 4 days now and I’m looking forward to seeing more changes to my skin.
The Lacura Nutri Build-Up Face Mask (£3.99 for 40ml) and Lacura Anti-Fatigue Face Mask (£3.99 for 40ml) have been specially designed to rejuvenate dry and tired skin.
Lacura Shimmering Day Cream (£1.99 for 50ml) is also back on shelves on as a Special Buy. The cream contains light pigments that give a silky-shimmering effect to make the skin appear more even and radiant and is enriched with DEFENSIL® - a special complex that helps condition and protect sensitive skin. Pro-Vitamin B5 provides skin with moisture and botanical oils to support moisture retention.
And for the body, Aldi has range of body-butters available. The sweet-scented Shea Body Butter (£1.99), Coconut Body Butter (£1.99), and Raspberry Body Butter (£1.99) are all nourishing moisturisers with vitamin complex to leave skin feeling noticeably soft and smooth - perfect for pre summer preparation.
Gallo Family Vineyards Summer Red & Summer White RRP £6.99
The red is a refreshing, sweeter wine, bursting with flavours of cherry, pomegranate and raspberry. Best served chilled, it's perfect for serving on Mother's Day alongside a traditional roast beef dinner with all the trimmings, followed by rich blackcurrant cheese cake. It has an RRP of £6.99 and is available from from all major retailers.
The Gallo Family Vineyards Summer White is packed with sumptuous fruity flavours of ripe apple, pear and citrus with subtle floral notes. This sweeter, light wine is a perfect treat for mothers relaxing on a crisp spring evening this Mother's Day, paired with a light salad or pasta dish. It has an RRP of £6.99 and is available from all major retailers.
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Tried & Tested: Mothers Day Gifts
It's Mother's Day on 3rd April and if, like me, you always struggle to find that perfect gift then this Tried & Tested guide may be of assistance. All the gifts have been reviewed by real people so you can be sure you're selecting the very best lovelies for your Mum. There's something for every budget so let us know if you find something you like...
Greens Cookies With Love (Asda £1.25)
Nothing can be sweeter than spending a little bit of time and effort on a homemade creation, so with Mother’s Day around the corner, now is the time to kick start your baking bonanza. Convenient and easy to make, these vanilla flavoured cookies come complete with scrumptious strawberry icing and blackcurrant writing gel so you can personalise your cookies with lovely Mother's Day messages. All Green’s products are made with natural ingredients and no artificial colourings and the cookie box also includes your very own heart shaped cutter. Cookies with Love are sold exclusively in Asda for £1.25.
What our reviewer said:
"We absolutely loved this kit, it's so easy - all you need to do is add butter - something we've all got in the fridge. The Cookies with love Set comes with a heart shaped cutter which you can reuse again and again. These cookies are great for any time of year but we'll be buying more packs to decorate for Grandma on Mother's Day. What a lovely handmade gift with not much effort and delicious too - nom nom nom."
Ella Pure Stressy Rollerball (£5.00)
Clary Sage, Geranium & Rose Help combat the stresses and strains of the day with this powerful blend, which also has a strong effect on balancing emotional tension such as feelings of loneliness, resentment, fretfulness, shock, lack of confidence, grief, guilt, and even jealousy. These instant application blends use Grapeseed Oil as the carrier and are ready to be applied directly to your pulse points to gain rapid entry into your blood stream, easy to use, compact and easy to take anywhere. 10ml
What our reviewer said:
"The first time I used this I wasn't particularly stressed but I just wanted to have a smell and see if it had any affect on me. I wasn't really sure it did anything to be honest. A few days later I hit a particularly 'testing' time with my son and thought I'd give it a go. It didn't stop the rage immediately I must but it did relax me and calm me. It's hard to explain how it worked but it left me feeling 'unwound' is that a word - he he - what I mean is - usually I would have been in a bad mood for the rest of the evening but I wasn't. Worth a try - I'm keeping it with me at all times!"
ELF Mineral Glow Kit (£10.00)
Our Mineral Glow Starter Kits will help you on your way to healthier glowing skin. Whether you want to create a subtle healthy glow or summer tan with our 'Bronzed Mineral Glow' or illuminated and shimmering skin with our soft pink 'Shimmer Mineral Glow', these sheer, natural powders will leave your skin looking and feeling healthy and radiant. After following this beauty regime you will noticeably feel and see the pure difference e.l.f. Natural Mineral Makeup can do! All of our mineral glow powders are 100% mineral based with no parabens, no preservatives and no chemical dyes.
What our reviewer said:
"Summers on the door step but I'm one of those people that likes to look glowing without the help of the Sun. I usually use bronzing pearls so I was looking forward to trying something different. I have in the past struggled with loose powder but there's a little 'tray' inside the ELF set so you can't overload your brush. It's not as orange as my pearls, which can only be a good thing, and I found that it left me with a lovely natural glow. Lovely set, soft brush and case. Fabulous."
Hotel Chocolat All About Mum H-Box Selection (£11.00)
Chocolates created especially for mums to enjoy this Mother's Day with their feet up – including melt-away pralines, uplifting fruity recipes, mellow caramel, luscious truffles and more, all beautifully decorated and ready to make sure your mum is well and truly pampered this Mother’s Day.
What our reviewer said:
"It's no secret that I'm a chocolate fiend -I literally tore the box apart when it arrived! I did the usual trick of eating my least favourite flavours first but even they were A-mazing and by the time I got to the end I was in chocolate heaven! These chocolates were something else and they've certainly left me wanting more. I know what I'll be getting for my Easter Treat!"
Simple Radiant Skin Mother's Day Gift Set (£17.99
or half price when you sign up*)
Simple offers the perfect treat for your mum this Mother’s Day with the Simple Radiant Skin gift set. The Simple Radiance range is packed with a blend of vital vitamins and skin loving nutrients, further boosting and brightening the skin, creating a more youthful, healthy, glowing appearance every day. Perfect for mothers in need of a little lift, the Simple Radiant Skin gift set contains Simple Radiance Cleansing Wipes, Simple Radiance Brightening Moisturiser SPF 10 and Simple Radiance Eye Cream. All Simple products are formulated with no perfume, no colour and no harsh chemicals, so you can rest assured that the Simple Radiance range is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.
What our reviewer said:
"I've heard a lot about Simple but in honesty I'd never tried it. The range is absolutely gorgeous though and the creams smell good enough to eat. The products are packed full of 'mango goodness and they really left my skin glowing. I use these everyday now and I'm already leaving notes for my OH to buy me more! I would recommend you all to try this and I know my mum would love one of these sets too. The wipes are handy and keep them in my bag at work to perk me up! The range is a great price and is well worth the money."
*Simple are offering a 50% discount on the gift set to anybody that signs up as a Simple V.I.P. (exclusive to http://www.simple.co.uk/) in time for Mother’s Day.
MamaJewels (£23.95)
Mama Jewels is all about gorgeous motherhood, whether it's Mum to be gifts, unique new mum gifts or breastfeeding necklaces, we have a gorgeous selection of teething necklaces and nursing necklaces. Mum shouldn’t sacrifice style and we believe that a happy mummy makes a happy baby. Our gifts are thoughtful, practical and above all glamorous. We truly believe that New mums give up so much when baby arrives. Unusual New Mum presents are our speciality and we feel that this is a very important time to treat mum.
What our reviewer said:
"I put the necklace on as soon as it arrived and it wasn't long before an inquisitive Little E started tugging at it and trying to put it in her mouth. I was happy to let her bite on it as I knew that MamaJewels were fully strength tested and non-toxic. The necklace has become a part of my 'mum uniform' and it really helps to wear it when I'm breast feeding. Instead of getting distracted by the surroundings Little E plays with my MamaJewels. Brilliant and stylish - love it- a fab gift for new mums!" Use the code YUMMYMUM for a 20% discount at the checkout
Aromathetrapy Associates Miniature Bath & Shower Oil Collection (£28.50)An international best-seller, the Miniature Bath & Shower Oil Collection contains award winning blends of natural bath & shower oils to suit your Mum’s every mood. The Relax oils restore peace and tranquility, De-Stress can help to clear the mind and ease physical stresses and strains, Revive invigorates and energises and Support takes care of your Mum in times of need.
"Having just gone back to work, I'm finding myself quite stressed out and there's nothing better than a nice warm bath to unwind. I've tried all of these fab oils my favourite is definitely the De-Stress Mind Bath & Shower Oil. It smelt good and I believe it helped me really helped me to relax and unwind. If your mum likes a little bit of luxury then treat her - she'll love you just that little bit more."
Philips Quadrante (Amazon £79.99)
Our new model Quadrante coffee machine, inspired by new interior design trends, is more than just a great looking coffee machine. Apart from inheriting the ease of use and speed from it's predecessor it also brews coffee in under a minute.With a unique brewing system for optimal coffee taste,every cup of coffee is freshly brewed and prepared with the ultimate balance between coffee and water - a guarantee for a smooth, full coffee taste and delicious aroma. Removable extra-large water reservoir for fewer refills (4 mugs/8 cups).
What our reviewer said:
"I was so excited to test this - poor Leanne doesn't like coffee so she couldn't test it herself mwahahaha *evil laugh* Firstly I'm pleased to say that it was really easy to set up once I discovered the quick start card but I would recommend that you give the tank a shake before you use (just to realease the sensor). You can interchange the filter thing-a-me-bob depending on whether you want 1 cup or two. (I used the 2 cup for one big mug) We tested the Easy Weekend and the Morning Americano pods (they look like giant teabags) we loved both but preferred the latter. It's a fab coffee machine that's changed the way our house drinks coffee. The only downside was that you didn't get the fancy square cups shown on the box : ( All in all, a great invention, quick brews and I think my Mum would agree!"
Mothers always enjoy the gift of beautiful flowers delivered to their homes. Choose from a wide variety of vibrant, colorful arrangements online. Why not have flowers delivered?
Thursday, 3 February 2011
Tried & Tested: Valentine's Gift Ideas
Rigby & Peller Lingerie Bag £17.99
Our Rigby & Peller lingerie bag is the perfect accessory for traveling or storing your luxurious lingerie in style. The satin drawstring bag ensures your lingerie will be protected in transit as it will prevent snagging on any other piece of clothing. To match our lingerie bag we also have a satin eye mask essential for any globe setter. Ideal gifts for any occasion.
What our reviewer said:
"If my other half bought me this lingerie bag for Valentines I would be very impressed.I know he wouldn't be able to afford to by me the underwear to match but I love a bit of luxury and it's all about feeling a little bit posh. The bag is satin with a ribbon drawstring and it feels so soft - definitely not one for putting your granny knickers in! I'll be putting my posh undies in there - maybe to keep them safe until Valentines. ; ) I think it's a lovely gift."
For him...
Flip Ultra HD
An incredibly simple to use high definition pocket camcorder with a signature flip-out USB arm and award-winning built-in software, Flip lets you shoot unforgettable moments in great quality, quickly and easily create videos on a computer and share with your loved ones online. Being pocket sized and allowing you to capture up to two hours of footage, it's the perfect gadget to capture romantic moments for years to come. The latest range of Flips were launched in November and are priced from £149.99.
What our reviewer said:
What our reviewer said:
"This is so easy to use and would make a great gift for any occasion. Just press the red button to record and away you go. All the software is pre-loaded so you just use the USB to connect it directly to your laptop and from there you can take photo stills from your videos - great if you've got kids that wont stay still - just film them and select the pic you want later on! All of our films were great quality and the only downside was that there was no flash for night use. If you're buying this as a Valentines gift why not pre-record a video message on to it telling them how much you love them. Very romantic! Would definitely recommend."
To Share Some Giggles...
MR & MRS Travel Edition (£4.99)
What our reviewer said:
"We haven't laughed so much in ages. The questions were brilliant and really put us to the test. I won - naturally but we argued because Chris was convinced I was lying with my answers so that I could win! A night of giggles. We've let mum and dad borrow it so I expect to see my Dad with a black eye at the weekend for not knowing what my Mum's favourite food is! You have to get this - but it will make your cheeks hurt from all the laughing."
A Personalised Keepsake...
Love is... book From It's Your Story
Give the person you love something truly unique this Valentine's Day with this personalised Love Is... book. 24 specially selected illustrations from the celebrated original artworks of Kim Casali have been brought together to capture loving sentiments. As well as your names on the cover, there are twelve illustrations throughout the book created for you to personalise with your names and additional information such as your favourite film to watch together and favourite food.
What our reviewer said:
"We have already reviewed one of the children's books from It's Your Story and it was fab so I chose to review this one just for me and Chris and I was really excited about it. It was personalised to us and the things that we do and like. I wasn't sure what Chris would make of it but he actually had a little tear in his eye as he read it. It's really special and we both love it - we'll keep it forever. You have to buy one for your true love - they love you forever."
Breakfast In Bed...
Heart-Shaped Silicone Ring (£3.49)
What our reviewer said:
"Last year I tried to cook an egg in a heart shaped pan that cost about 50p - with little success - in fact it was so bad that we had to bin the pan! This was ingenious. On my first attempt the egg did ooze out from underneath the silicone heart but I put that down to the amount of oil in the pan. Since that first attempt I have made at least 10 perfectly heart shaped eggs. A great novelty item to make Valentines breakfast in bed a little bit special."
Heart Flex Turner (£8.49)
What our reviewer said...
"We tested this alongside the Heart-Shaped Silicone Ring and it was the perfect size for transporting said eggs from pan to plate. I was worried that I might not be able to use it with my non-stick pan but it's made of a special material so it won't scratch. Another lovely little idea."
On a budget...
Selection of Valentines Gifts at Poundland
If you are looking for fun this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Poundland. With some naughty little gifts to get you hot under the collar, to cute and cuddly soft toys, Poundland has a great selection to make your Valentine’s Day special!
What our reviewer said:
"We got sent a few things to have a play with: Love Crackers - sounds rude but it's just a Christmas Cracker with a funny joke and a hat! An 'I Love You Toast' Stamp - you push it in to your bread before you put it in the toaster and it leaves your lovely message on the toast.Valentines socks - I'm wearing them as we speak! A cuddly toy - really cute and a bargain at £1 and a lovely gift bag to put all of your goodies in. Great novelty gifts, all good fun and at a bargain price - what more can you want?"
For the Bedroom...
Chippendale Diva (£59.99)
MR & MRS Travel Edition (£4.99)
From the popular ITV game show, the brand new MR&MRS Travel Edition, launching in February 2011, is perfect entertainment for some fun around Valentine’s Day. The game’s questions are intended to tease out gems of information on subjects that you may not expect! Guaranteed to cause arguments, blushes, blank looks and lots of laughter! The MR&MRS Travel Edition is licensed by University Games and available from all good retailers with an RRP of £4.99
What our reviewer said:
"We haven't laughed so much in ages. The questions were brilliant and really put us to the test. I won - naturally but we argued because Chris was convinced I was lying with my answers so that I could win! A night of giggles. We've let mum and dad borrow it so I expect to see my Dad with a black eye at the weekend for not knowing what my Mum's favourite food is! You have to get this - but it will make your cheeks hurt from all the laughing."
A Personalised Keepsake...
Love is... book From It's Your Story
Give the person you love something truly unique this Valentine's Day with this personalised Love Is... book. 24 specially selected illustrations from the celebrated original artworks of Kim Casali have been brought together to capture loving sentiments. As well as your names on the cover, there are twelve illustrations throughout the book created for you to personalise with your names and additional information such as your favourite film to watch together and favourite food.
What our reviewer said:
"We have already reviewed one of the children's books from It's Your Story and it was fab so I chose to review this one just for me and Chris and I was really excited about it. It was personalised to us and the things that we do and like. I wasn't sure what Chris would make of it but he actually had a little tear in his eye as he read it. It's really special and we both love it - we'll keep it forever. You have to buy one for your true love - they love you forever."
Breakfast In Bed...
Heart-Shaped Silicone Ring (£3.49)
Create the perfect romantic breakfast in bed with this flexible silicone heart shaped egg ring. Heat, odour, and stain resistant with a fold up / fold down handle, and heat resistant knob to easily remove the ring once the egg is cooked.
What our reviewer said:
"Last year I tried to cook an egg in a heart shaped pan that cost about 50p - with little success - in fact it was so bad that we had to bin the pan! This was ingenious. On my first attempt the egg did ooze out from underneath the silicone heart but I put that down to the amount of oil in the pan. Since that first attempt I have made at least 10 perfectly heart shaped eggs. A great novelty item to make Valentines breakfast in bed a little bit special."
Heart Flex Turner (£8.49)
Flexible nylon heart-shaped spatula with stainless steel handle.
What our reviewer said...
"We tested this alongside the Heart-Shaped Silicone Ring and it was the perfect size for transporting said eggs from pan to plate. I was worried that I might not be able to use it with my non-stick pan but it's made of a special material so it won't scratch. Another lovely little idea."
On a budget...
Selection of Valentines Gifts at Poundland
If you are looking for fun this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Poundland. With some naughty little gifts to get you hot under the collar, to cute and cuddly soft toys, Poundland has a great selection to make your Valentine’s Day special!
What our reviewer said:
"We got sent a few things to have a play with: Love Crackers - sounds rude but it's just a Christmas Cracker with a funny joke and a hat! An 'I Love You Toast' Stamp - you push it in to your bread before you put it in the toaster and it leaves your lovely message on the toast.Valentines socks - I'm wearing them as we speak! A cuddly toy - really cute and a bargain at £1 and a lovely gift bag to put all of your goodies in. Great novelty gifts, all good fun and at a bargain price - what more can you want?"
For the Bedroom...
Chippendale Diva (£59.99)
The Chippendales Diva is a must have object of pleasure. Created to tease and please all the right areas externally. This intimate massager boasts eight stimulation modes in two programs, all easily adjustable for the most varied and satisfying sensations perfect for solo or partner play. It is fully lockable ensuring discretion at all times.
The Chippendales Diva is currently available in two colours; black and white and is provided with a chic silk storage pouch.
"When this arrived I took it in to the lounge to investigate, put the batteries in turned it on, giggled and then put it on the stairs to take up to the bedroom. Fast forward 5 hours - son comes home from school and finds it on the stairs - "Mummy, what's this? It's moving. Come and look.' Whoops!!! It's now safely hidden away in the grown ups room! So is it any good? Well this is embarrassing! I won't go in to detail but let's just say yes - it is good - it did cause giggles at first but it does what it's supposed to ; ) "
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Tried & Tested: Classic Valentines Gifts For Her
So you want to treat your lady to something special this year - she tells you not to waste your money but if you don't get her anything then she doesn't speak to you for a week. Well, take a look at these lovely gifts, we guarantee you can't go wrong with these...
Taylors Luxury Valentines Bouquet
Make sure you make the right impression this Valentine’s Day by spoiling your loved one with a beautiful hand-tied bouquet, crafted just for her by an award-winning florist. This Valentine’s Day surprise her with a limited edition bouquet of 12 perfectly formed scarlet red ‘Passion’ roses, dressed to impress in a stylish matt black standing gift box, tied with a pretty red raffia bow. What’s more, bouquets start from only £19.99!
What our reviewer said:
"I never ever get flowers - despite the most obvious hints to my man -so this was a treat. These roses were delivered by courier but were in perfect condition, so beautiful. They came with instructions on how to make them last for as long as possible. They graced my living room for almost 2 weeks before they started to droop and I had to take them away (this is a record for me). What woman doesn't love to receive flowers - I'd send them to her work address for a grand gesture and have her work mates cooing over what a great guy you must be!"
Godiva Chocolates
Give the ultimate gift of Godiva’s Romantic Heart boxes. Wrapped in the most seductive red fabric and decorated with silky red ribbons and satin roses, the box forms the perfect package for the most romantic of chocolates. The Romantic Heart boxes are available in three sizes: small and sweet (15 chocolates), heart-meltingly medium (27 chocolates) and lovingly large (40 chocolates). Prices start from £35.00.
What our reviewer said:
"Wow! We were sent a small heart shape box of truffles to sample the delights of this Belgian chocolate and we were certainly left wanting more. Although these are expensive - you can certainly taste the difference and my taste buds are pricking up even now as I write this review. If you are a chocolate lover then you have to taste these - although I have to warn you - they will leave you thinking normal chocolate is not worth the effort. If a man bought me these then I would love him forever."
Nicolas Feuillatte: Rose NV
An absolute classic, reflecting a fresh and elegant style, perfect for pre-prandial pleasures, cocktails, and for sipping on a terrace. A dependable and subtle Champagne for those simple relaxing moments. For lovers of a more natural taste. Elegant, soft, round and thirst-quenching. The ultimate pleasure in rosé Champagne. Beautifully balanced and finishing on a strawberry note.
"I love Champagne and this definitely left me wanting more. I popped the cork with my husband and we drank it together (although I did try and persuade him to move on to lager let me finish it but he wouldn't). To describe it - the bubbles are tiny and there's quite a fruity taste to it - I'm not good at this descriptive stuff am I?! It's really good though, we loved it and we'll buy it again."
Monday, 31 January 2011
Tried & Tested: Valentines Drinks - the perfect gifts for the perfect night in!
If you want to treat someone this Valentine's then why not get them a bottle of something special - that way you get to share it with them! Here's a few lovelies that have been Tried & Tested by our panel...
Roche Lacour by Laithwaites Wine
Glorious salmon-pink rosé handcrafted at the historic cellars of Limoux. Celebrated winemaker Laurent Mingaud employs Champagne's méthode traditionnelle to craft his famous Limoux fizz, giving you mouthfuls of tiny bubbles - just like top Champagne.
What our reviewer said...
"I'm a massive fan of Rose wine but I don't often get to taste the fizzy variety. The taste was quite dry
and the bubbles felt unusually tiny, making for a lovely drinking experience. This is a great drink to have with a romantic meal - we had it with steak, which was great, but we're no experts. We'd definitely buy this again for a special occasion. Apparently I should be saying that it's beautifully balanced and finishes on a Strawberry note but that means nothing to me! It tastes good, makes me look posh and made me feel tipsy - a winner in my book!
Tails Cocktails
Tails Cocktails
Tails are a perfect way to bring some fun and glamour to Valentine’s Day, whether they’re shaking up a girls’ night in or impressing that special someone. The launch range includes the Espresso Martini, Mai Tai and Cosmopolitan all at 18% ABV.
 |
| Note to self - must buy posh cocktail glasses for home! |
What our reviewer said:
"I love a good cocktail when I'm out but the last time I tried to pull together a cocktail at home was a nightmare. For that reason alone, I was impressed with the whole concept of Tails (and slighty miffed Id not thought of it myself!) You just buy it off the shelf, add ice in to the Tails packaging and then just shake and pour. All the deliciousness of a cocktail but with out the faffing around (and in my case the mess!) Great fun, no mess - and delicious too. A fab idea for Valentine night."
Camitz Vodka Gift Pack (RRP £19.95)
Camitz + Lindberger, distiller of Camitz Sparkling Vodka, has created a
gift pack comprising a 200ml bottle of Camitz Sparkling Vodka (alcohol
by volume, 40%), two shot glasses and a Camitz branded Champagne-type
stopper. The pack is presented in a striking designer carrier bag.
What our reviewer said...
"I had never even heard of fizzy vodka before.. well... to a certain extent I'm used to Vodka being fizzy because I always drink it with Diet Coke but this is a completely new experience. The bottle has a champagne type cork so it makes it feel quite special. We had a shot (or two) and it was really good. I HATE vodka shots but this I can do - the bubbles make it so much smoother than just a shot a regular vodka. God, does that sound bad, I'm not a shot demon - I promise? This was brilliant. The only downside was that once the cork has popped the fizz disappears after 3 days - it still tastes good but the bubbles are gone. We loved it - great for a celebration - especially if Champagne's not for you."
Demijohn Raspberry Vodka in a Heart Shaped Bottle (£20.60 for the heart shaped 500ml bottle)
This is certain to win the heart of your loved one. Demijohn’s Raspberry Vodka is made from fresh Scottish Raspberries infused in Scottish Vodka. For a really impressive drink, make sure you have a bottle of Champagne on ice. Put a dash of our Raspberry Vodka in the flute and pour on the Champagne. It can also be drunk on its own as an aperitif, simply pour over ice, or drunk as digestif after supper.
What our reviewer said:
"I love the whole idea of a deli for drinks. You choose the drink and which type of bottle you'd like to fill. The raspberry vodka was delicious - we tried it on it's own as a chilled shot and also as recommended in champagne. It was great and would make a great romantic drink to share with your loved one this year. A lovely, thoughtful gift idea- much better than flowers - I'm hinting at the other half already."
Demijohn Raspberry Vodka in a Heart Shaped Bottle (£20.60 for the heart shaped 500ml bottle)
This is certain to win the heart of your loved one. Demijohn’s Raspberry Vodka is made from fresh Scottish Raspberries infused in Scottish Vodka. For a really impressive drink, make sure you have a bottle of Champagne on ice. Put a dash of our Raspberry Vodka in the flute and pour on the Champagne. It can also be drunk on its own as an aperitif, simply pour over ice, or drunk as digestif after supper.
"I love the whole idea of a deli for drinks. You choose the drink and which type of bottle you'd like to fill. The raspberry vodka was delicious - we tried it on it's own as a chilled shot and also as recommended in champagne. It was great and would make a great romantic drink to share with your loved one this year. A lovely, thoughtful gift idea- much better than flowers - I'm hinting at the other half already."
Monday, 13 December 2010
Tried & Tested: Great Family Gifts
Sodastream (RRP £54.99)
SodaStream, the nation’s favourite sparkling drinksmaker relaunched earlier this year and is set to be the most sought after gift this Christmas.
The new SodaStream comes in a range of stylish designs and colours and is the ultimate gift for kids and adults alike, making your own pop is festive fun for the whole family and the perfect way to add some extra sparkle to Christmas holidays and New Year parties.
What our reviewer said...
"I have always wanted a Sodastream ever since I was a kid so reviewing this was like dream come true. Embarrassingly, I always thought you had to plug a Sodastream in so I when I saw there was no plug I thought it was damaged - silly me! We had great fun making our own drinks and they tasted good too.
I was a bit concerned that all of the drinks would be full of sugar but as well as some classic old school flavours like Cream Soda and Dandelion and Burdock there are also some sugar-free varieties too. What a great family gift idea."
Salter Customisable MyScale (RRP £30.00)
A great gift for foodies looking for the latest in kitchen scales. The Aquatronic™ measurement system ensures accurate weighing of both liquids and dry ingredients. The removable top cover allows you to get creative and insert a picture or design of your own or if you can use the selection of interchangeable designs that come with the scale.
What our reviewer said...
"This will probably sound ridiculous but we actually have these scales hanging on our kitchen wall. We've put our own picture in it and now it's on the wall we always know where the scales are! (There's a website where you can go and create your own designs and print them off). This is a fab product and I'm so glad we got to review it. It has a build in clock, an easy wash top, but critically you can 'zero' the scales when you've got a bowl on it and to make things easier for me you can switch between imperial and metric measurements. As a family, we love to bake and the kids think it's hilarious that their picture is on the 'weigher'. Now they keep asking if they bake all the time! ' I think its brill and I may even buy my sister one for Christmas - sssh don't tell her!"
Disney Sing It: Family Hits
and Disney Sing It: Party Hits
Disney Sing It: Family Hits features beloved songs and videos for the whole family to sing along with from popular all-time classic Disney films including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book as well as contemporary favourites from films like The Princess and the Frog, The Lion King, Aladdin, Cars and more.
Disney Sing It: Party Hits features songs and music videos from today's top artists including Justin Bieber, Black Eyed Peas, Jonas Brothers, Jordin Sparks, Owl City, Paramore, Selena Gomez, Ashley Tisdale, Kelly Clarkson, One Republic and many more. In addition, Demi Lovato, assists players by providing various ways to be a better performer. This will include basic exercises from breathing and pitch, to more advanced exercises such as learning how to harmonize in a duet.
Both available on Sony Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii
What our reviewer said:
"We love Sing It games in our house and these are brilliant. It's a great way to get the kids singing. It's family karaoke and because they are all well known Disney tracks everyone can join in (no excuses!) We pitted adults against the kids for a Sing It battle. I thought we had in in the bag on 'The Bear Necessities' but the kids won! We're off to a party New Years Eve and these are coming with us. The family hits are are great if you have younger children and if your kids are more Camp Rock 2 and you like a bit of the Black Eyed Peas then you might want to try the Party Hits. Either way there'll be fun all around. Fantastic!!"
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Tried & Tested: Christmas Gifts for Girls -Ideas for your Mum
Puzzler World 2011 (RRP £19.99)
Following the success of Puzzler Collection and Puzzler World, Puzzler returns to the Nintendo DS with a brand-new edition for 2011 - featuring over 1200 all-new puzzles and amazing bonus games that all the family can enjoy!
What our reviewer said...
"I've never played puzzles on the DS before but I love to do them in women's magazines. I've only been playing this for a couple of days but already I'm addicted. I was even late picking my husband up yesterday because I HAD to finish my word search! It's a great game with lots of different puzzles, two different game modes, bonus games and there's even hints if you get stuck. I can't put it down."
Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure
Time Restore Gift Set (RRP £21.30)
The range is specifically designed to restore vitality to mature and fragile hair. Containing Q10 Plus technology, the products strengthen the architecture and activate production of vital keratins that can subside over time. Each set contains shampoo, spray conditioner and treatment.
What our reviewer said...
"I have really thin hair so I was quite excited to try this. I'm always trying new shampoos in a bid to get my hair to look 'normal'. I use the shampoo first then towel dry before applying the Restore Treatment. I leave it in for a minute, rinse then towel dry again then use the Satin Spray. I wasn't expecting much, usually if my hair is soft it stays flat but this has given it body. I love it, it gives my hair volume and makes it feel soft. I'll definitely be buying some of this for myself."
Nicky Clarke
Hair Therapy Hair Dryer (RRP £24.99)
Tourmaline and ceramic technologies in this dryer work together to promote hair health and condition. 2000 watts. 2 speed settings. 3 temperature settings. Ionic conditioning. Accessories include paddle brush, 2 butterfly clips and comb.
What our reviewer said...
"I was really pleased when I was sent this to review as my old hair dryer was on it's last legs. I love the fact that it comes with a paddle brush, a comb and some hair clips - I always feel like I'm getting something for free when you get accessories! I was surprised by how light this was compared to my old one and I loved the salon style skinny nozzle. I've never used an ionic hair dryer before and I found that it left my hair shinier than normal - I don't know if that's linked to the ion thing-a-me-bobs!? Its a great dryer, 3 heat settings and 2 speeds. I'd definitely recommend and would love to receive this for Christmas - buy it!"
Silk Perfect
100% Silk Pillowcases (RRP from £20.00)
Expensive night creams might promise to hold back the years, but sleeping on rough cotton pillowcases can limit their effect. By preventing osmosis SilkPerfect helps to keep product on the skin, helping you to make the most of your beauty routine. In addition, sleeping on silk reduces the loss of natural hair oils and moisture by preventing osmosis, leaving its natural glossy shine intact, while the close pores created by silk prevents the rubbing friction often associated with pillows leaving hair radiating with health and shine.
What our reviewer said...
"I was a bit dubious about the claims of these pillowcases. Better skin and hair? Hmmm. Well, I'm happy to say I'm glad to have been proven wrong. First of all I must tell you that there's something so special about sleeping on silk, you'll never be able to go back to cotton, I can promise you that! I don't have particularly dry skin so I can't really confirm whether it 'hydrated my skin' but I'm sure my face appreciated the luxury of sleeping on these! As for my hair - it's like a miracle - these pillows have banished my bed head and instead of waking up with a matt of hair I now wake up with luscious locks! Oh and you get a chocolate with it too - random but delicious."
HoMedics
Snuggly Bear Massaging Slippers (RRP £19.99)
HoMedics Snuggly Bear massaging slippers give an invigorating and relaxing massage to even the most tired feet.With their ultra plush material and faux fur trina and lining they provide exceptional comfort. They have a convenient and easy to use on/off pressure sensitive button on the collar of each slipper giving independent massaging controls. The come in a "universal" UK sizing 4 - 8 and have a 2 year guarantee.
What our reviewer said...
"The thought of having batteries in my slippers made me laugh but I was keen to get them on and try them out. I'm only a size 5 so I was worried that they might feel big because they come in one size that fits sizes 4 to 8. I needn't have worried the velcro strap made them fit perfectly. It took a bit of getting used to having vibrating feet but once I had my feet up the massaging worked perfectly. A great novelty gift!
Filofax Indie Personal Organiser (Penshop.co.uk £25.99)
With its bold abstract design, Indie is sure to get you noticed. A deep indigo-wash denim personal organiser printed with a striking tropical foliage design and featuring a navy satin-like interior
What our reviewer said...
"All I can say is thank you for letting me review this. I've struggled to remember where I'm supposed to be and when I'm supposed to be there for a long time now! This Filofax has actually changed my life (how sad is that). I love the fact that it's not your usual bland diary (it has a lovely pattern on a denim type material) and I especially love that it's refillable so I won't have to buy a new one every year. It has handy 'card holder' type pockets on the inside so I've been keeping my Christmas gift receipts safely in there and there are separators for each section - notes, addresses etc. I love it - and I'd love to receive it as a gift. I'm buying my mum one so she knows when I need a baby sitter!"
Sunday, 21 November 2010
Simplify Your Christmas - Get the Kids to Make Your Christmas Cards
How to Make a 'Hand' Made Christmas Tree Card by Mister A - aged 3.
Take a piece of green paper and draw around your hand.
Ask Mummy to help cut out the hand shape and put some glue on the back ready to stick it down on to your card.
Place the hand tree on to you card and press down firmly...
Next grab a gold star and add it to the top of your Christmas tree...
Use coloured stickers to decorate the rest of your tree...
Add some white paint for snow...
And there you have it. Simples! A fab 'hand' made Christmas card...
Usually we'd buy charity Christmas cards but this year as we're making our own cards we've decided to buy charity gifts.
The gift that we'll be giving this year is the Playtime gift. Seeing Mister A having so much fun makes you think about other children in less fortunate situations which is why we chose the playtime gift.
This gift's not all just fun and games. With a playtime session from Oxfam's specially trained health workers, kids in emergency camps and communities can learn to stay safe and healthy by doing what they do best. Child's play. Includes free activity booklet. Product code: OU5046HU £7
If you head over to Who's the Mummy then you can find out all about the Simplify your Christmas Carnival as well as instructions on how to download a goat badge or the Oxfam unwrapped badge (above). You can also find out how you can take part and share your own Simplify Christmas posts too. What are you waiting for? Go!
This gift's not all just fun and games. With a playtime session from Oxfam's specially trained health workers, kids in emergency camps and communities can learn to stay safe and healthy by doing what they do best. Child's play. Includes free activity booklet. Product code: OU5046HU £7
If you head over to Who's the Mummy then you can find out all about the Simplify your Christmas Carnival as well as instructions on how to download a goat badge or the Oxfam unwrapped badge (above). You can also find out how you can take part and share your own Simplify Christmas posts too. What are you waiting for? Go!
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