Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Heaven Fresh NaturoPureTM Powerful Stainless Steel Deluxe Juicer
If you have made a few ‘healthy’ new year resolutions there is no better way to top up on your vitamin intake than juicing your fruits and vegetables. Juicers were a bit of a mystery to me and it was only when I was faced with one to try for myself did I really appreciate the many uses and benefits of owning one of these super machines.
I have had a look around my local shops and on-line and have selected a juicer that is both very powerful and good value for money. You will find both cheaper and more expensive juicers on the market but I think the Heaven Fresh NaturoPureTM Powerful Stainless Steel Deluxe Juicer is a good buy for any household.
I began my ‘juicing journey’ armed with a book my sister bought me for Christmas – Smoothies and Juices. This book has numerous recipes all using a vast variety of both fruits and vegetables. Well, did I have fun? YES !
I found the Heaven Fresh NaturoPureTM Powerful Stainless Steel Deluxe Juicer easy to use and easy to clean. The latter is very important as when you have an item that is easily cleaned you will surly use it more often than something you dread the thought of cleaning.
Juicing is also made easier when you can put the entire whole fruit, not chopped, into the tube to be juiced. There are a few fruits, like a pineapple, obviously, that would need chopped smaller before juicing but apples, oranges and pears all fitted nicely into the juicer without any chopping or cutting. Another huge plus is that the blades are stainless steel and therefore very strong. Your fruit will almost be entirely ‘juiced’ leaving minimal pulp therefore more juice and less waste.
I also found this juicer particularly compact and quite contemporary. It looks very well and would suit both modern and older kitchen styles. The stainless steel outer is easily wiped clean and I also found it to be almost finger proof resistant.
The Heaven Fresh NaturoPureTM Powerful Stainless Steel Deluxe Juicer can be purchased online from www.heavenfresh.co.uk and also from www.robertdyas.co.uk RRP £49.99
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Phytalotion and Phytaoil.
It is an absolute pleasure to publish my opinion on this wonderful lotion and oil – Phytalotion and Phytaoil. I have been using these creams for over a year and still reach for one or the other one at least daily. Phytalotion is a blend of natural plant oils including extracts from the rosehip plant, which is proven to be beneficial in the healing of scar tissue. It also contains vitamins A and E which have moisturising and healing properties and oil of apricot, lavender, geranium and lime which help keep skin toned and rejuvenated. As I’m sure you can imagine with these ingredients, this cream has a lovely fresh scent which is completely natural.
Phytalotion has many uses, some of which are as follows. It can be used on stretch marks, to reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks and also to help prevent new ones from forming during pregnancy for example. This lotion is perfect for expectant or breastfeeding mothers as it contains no mineral oils, synthetic fragrances or colours. It can also be used as a daily moisturiser and will reduce the appearance of skin blemishes caused by too much sun exposure. I have been using this as a facial moisturiser and find it light and quickly absorbed, leaving my skin feeling soft and hydrated.
For anyone who prefers an oilier cream, this amazing product is also available in an oil form called Phytaoil, with exactly the same benefits as the lotion format.
Phytalotion is available in a 60ml pump bottle and is available fromwww.phytacol.com priced at a very reasonable £9.99. In my opinion, this is a lotion that every family should have to hand. Buy it, you won’t be disappointed!
Gift Reviews
The Art of Couples Conversation.
Couples conversation – what’s that? Sure, my hubby and I talk about parent teacher meetings, who is picking the kids up, has the dog been outside lately and what’s for tea? Running a busy household, and holding down a job doesn’t leave a lot of time for ‘couples conversation’. I was interested in The Art of Couples Conversation game when I first read the press release and thought it would be fun to try – we might even enjoy it!
‘The Art of Conversation is a best-selling range of games that have been developed to improve conversation skills, turn us into better listeners and help us get to know each other better. Created following extensive research, the games not only provide fun at celebratory nights out or intimate nights in, but have also been professionally accepted as a resource for use in therapy and education’ (The Art of Conversation)
In keeping with Valentine’s Day I have tried the Art of Couples Conversation this month as the purpose of this game is to bring couples closer together by helping them understand how their partner feels. The game also aims to help couples discuss topics that may otherwise be difficult and questions that they would otherwise never ask each other. Some examples of questions are :
- Which of your partner’s physical attributes do you like the best?
- Do you speak to each other in at least as pleasant voice as you use to your friends?
- An ideal night in is…
- When and why did you last say thank you to your partner?
- What is one change you could make that your partner would appreciate?
- How does it enhance, and how does it disrupt your relationship?
- What kind of social occasion do you find a chore?
- Name two things that you have never done with your partner that you think would be fun
The game is interesting to say the least. We have played it a few times together and also with the kids. The questions have brought back memories for me and for my hubby and the kids have had a few good laughs at us!
Why not discover how much you love your partner again with this fun, yet intelligent, card game? There are 6 variations of The Art of Conversation games to choose from and they retail at only £9.98.
For further information on The Art of Couples Conversation visit your local book shop.
Also available from www.amazon.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Demijohn Raspberry Vodka Liqueur
This has got to be the ultimate (alcoholic) Valentine’s day gift! I adore this Demijohn Raspberry Vodka Liqueur and I am crazy about the bottle! Isn’t it fab?
Demijohn are the most amazing liquid Deli ever. They are a family business founded in 2004 in Edinburgh. The family now have several shops and an online service. The products are locally sourced and some of the ingredients are even handpicked by the Demijohn staff. The company is incredibly environmentally friendly in that they recycle their bottles, use local ingredients, use recycled packaging, etc.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews, Toy Reviews
Aldi Baby and Toddler range.
Putting quality and value for money first, Aldi continues to grow in popularity as more and more people choose to shop ‘wisely’.
I love Aldi and have been shopping there for the last few years. I pick up all sorts of bargains along with my regular weekly grocery shop. The special buys change weekly which is why I never like to miss this – from garden essentials to baby essentials, the special buys really have everything covered.
From 29th January they have a brilliant Aldi Baby and Toddler range in store. I have tried some of these special buys and was delighted with the quality and price.
From gorgeous super soft baby grows to the ‘designer look’ toddler outfits, there is a great variety to choose from and the quality was unbeatable.
This pack of 3 sleepsuits are 100% cotton and only £3.99 . The pop buttons make nappy changing quick and easy.
This soft and snug fleece jacket also comes in a variety of colours and is a bargain at £4.99.
A pack of 3 muslin cloths are only £3.29 and available in different colours to suit boys and girls.
A selection of books at only 99p are also included in the special buy event. Don;t wait and these items are only available while stocks last.
For further information on Aldi Baby and Toddler range and more visit your local Aldi store or shop online atwww.aldi.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Le Creuset Sweet Heart Ramekins.
I adore these little Le Creuset Sweet Heart Ramekins. They would be a perfect Valentine’s day gift or even a thoughtful Mother’s day Gift. Presentation is perfect, the box looks fab and the actual ramekins look ever better!
I love that they come with lids so perfect for microwave and oven cooking. They are also sized perfectly. With so much emphasis on our ever increasing waistlines, these are not too big, yet big enough to hold an adequate portion of starter or pudding.
They come in a few colours but I simply had to choose red for Valentine’s day. Priced at £30 they would make an ideal reasonably priced gift.
For further information on Le Creuset Sweet Heart Ramekins visit:
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Ginvera Green Tea Gift Sets
Ginvera Green Tea Skincare have been the leading skincare brand in Singapore for years and now Janiro Ltd are bringing these fab products to the UK. I have tried a few of these and am ‘hooked’ on the BB cream. The nude, yet adequate, coverage stays put all day and does not dry out skin. There is also the added benefit of spf30 which also reduces skin aging by blocking out the harmful and aging effects from the sun.
For valentine’s Day this year Janiro Ltd have some wonderful Ginvera Green Tea gift sets to choose from:
Bright Eye Perfect Complexion, RRP £44.95
‘Keep your friends guessing and wondering how you can look so fresh and gorgeous. From the smoothest skin to the most natural of all BB Creams and brightest eyes. Beautifully presented in a Ginvera Gift box, tied with green silk ribbon’
Contents:
Ginvera Green Tea Exfoliating Marvel Gel, Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream 25ml SPF30, Ginvera Green Tea Jade Dark Eye Circles Roll Away, Beautiful Handmade Lemon Grass scented candle, Ginvera cotton bag (Janiro)
This set is particularly appealing to me as it contains my favourite BB cream. I have also used the Ginvera Green Tea Jade Dark Eye Circles Roll Away. If shadows and dark circles are your concern try this super little cream. I noticed a result instantly and didn’t need half the primer I would normally used under my eyes to hide the fact that I simply don’t get enough sleep.
Ginvera Perfect Complexion, RRP £35.95
Another fab gift set containing two of the ‘hero’ Ginvera Green tea products – Exfoliation Marvel gel and BB Cream.
The Green Tea Exfoliating Marvel Gel is simply ‘marvelous’ – containing no abrasive ingredients yet your skin will feel completely cleansed and smooth. This paves the way for other products to absorb into the skin as they are intended to. I also noticed a reduction in spots and blackheads which is a result of the gentle exfoliation and the healing properties of green tea.
Travel Kit, RRP £12.90
Perfect for whisking away with you on holiday, this set is small and compact, yet contains all you need for your break:
2 x 10g Ginvera Exfoliating Marvel Gel
1 x 8g Nude Cover BB Cream SPF30
1x Stretch hair band*
1x Ginvera Compact mirror (with magnifying side)
1 x Beautiful travel makeup bag
These sets are presented beautifully and are definitely some of the most beautiful sets I have see. I love these products and urge you to try it and see for yourself the power of the active ingredients and the lasting results.
For further information visit www.janiro.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Maui Jim Nalani sunglasses
I have Maui Jim Nalani sunglasses and all I can say is WOW! They look great, and are so easy to wear. I went for the tortoise colour with white and blue and when I showed them to my daughter her mouth fell open and for once, she was speechless! I absolutely adore these. They are super super cool and so on trend. The blue on the inside of the frame screams, ‘hey, I have taste and these weren’t cheap!’
I can’t say enough about them. I have never spent more than £30 on sunglasses in the past so, I guess, I am fairly easily impressed. However, I never fail to stop at a stand of sunglasses and have tried various designer brands in my local ‘posh outlet shops’. Maui Jim Nalani sunglasses are far superior. They sit as well on the top of my head holding my hair back as they do when worn to protect my eyes from the sun. The non-slip nose pads ensure they stay in place even when running about after the kids and our little dog. These glasses do not move! I wear them every-day and it ‘makes my day’ when I get admiring glances and comments about them.
Aside from looking great, Maui Jim Nalani sunglasses ARE great! They combat glare, block 100% of harmful UV rays and do not compromise on vision quality. All the colours come to life when wearing Maui Jim’s, thanks to their revolutionary ‘PolarizedPlus’ lenses.
The combination of a very light frame combined with super strong scratch resistant lenses have placed these at the top of my ‘favourites list’. Impressed? So am I. Maui Jim Nalani sunglasses can also be made to your own prescription so we can all enjoy the brilliance of these very cool eye glasses.
Have a look online, the choice is vast with shades to suit all tastes and styles.
Visit www.mauijim.com today and invest in the only pair of glasses you will ever need.
Nalani – RRP £215 with free UK shipping.
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Mr and Mrs Family Edition Game
How well do you know your partner? I have 3 kids and they know my husband and I so well – better than we know ourselves! That is why Mr and Mrs Family Edition game is such fun.
Based on the hit TV series hosted by Philip Schofield, this game is perfect for families who are up for some laughter and fun. My daughters absolutely adore it and Mr and Mrs Family Edition has fast replaced the usual favorite – Monopoly. With over 1,000 questions ranging from some very easy ones which have my kids screaming out the answer and giving their dad a knowing look, to harder questions that leave then staring into space with thoughtful questions on their faces. I have to admit, I love Sunday afternoons now as Mr and Mrs is now a ‘staple’ after dinner game.
If you are pondering over Valentine’s gifts this year, Mrs and Mrs Family Edition will be a sure hit with all the family.
Mr and Mrs Family Edition Game is available from WHSmith and Amazon. RRP: £19.99
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews, Teenage Gifts
Ted Baker Tokyo Range and Orla Kiely Valentine’s Day Gifts.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I am so excited. I must admit, I am more excited this year than any other – might be something to do with a certain movie premiere coming to the cinema! Anyway, we will all be feeling romantic this Valentine’s Day after watching Christian Grey with his sultry voice and gorgeous eyes. The Ted Baker Tokyo Range and Orla Kiely Valentine’s Day Gifts from John Lewis and House of Frazer have romance covered this year with their exceptionally romantic gifts and a love story to compliment!
I love a good romance story and historical ones are the best for sure. The new range of candles and diffusers from Ted Baker are fantastic. I have one from the Ted Baker Tokyo range and I love it.
This Ted Baker Tokyo Diffuser is more than just a scented gift, but a love story in a box.
‘This story is about a Princess from ancient Edo falling on love with a servant’s son, but being forbidden from seeing him – so she places a candle on her balcony each evening to let him know of her desire’ (Ted Baker)
The presentation is gorgeous – a beautifully boxed diffuser with imagery suited to the story on the box. The fragrance: Green tea and Bamboo, is inspired by devotion and unrequited love and you couldn’t find a more romantic scented gift for Valentine’s Day. The Tokyo range also includes a beautiful boxed scented candle.
Available from House of Fraser and John Lewis
Candles £28, Diffusers £35
To compliment the scented candles and diffusers, Ted Baker have yet another gorgeous scented addition to the range – the Mia Fragrance. This is another gift that will be well received. The presentation, again, gorgeous.
A beautiful nude pink and rose gold box opening to reveal a delicate bottle of Mia. The scent smells like spring romance to me – perfect for Valentine’s Day. I adore freesias and the delicate scent of this flower is so evident in this perfume, along with rose, lemon, raspberry and patchouli.
Available from www.boots.com and in store for £15.
Another fab gift selection from John Lewis has got to be these gorgeous Orla Kiely bags. Available in 3 sizes, these have the iconic Orla Kiely pattern in navy and pink – perfect for Valentine’s Day.
The cosmetic bag, £20
The medium washbag bag, £26
The large washbag, £32
One of these gorgeous bags simply isn’t enough!
Ted Baker Tokyo Range and Orla Kiely Valentine’s Day Gifts are available online and instore.