Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Artistry Intensive Skincare Advanced Skin Refinisher
I am not one who can be ‘conned’ with impressive sounding ingredients. I actually read what they are and how they work. If the cosmetic label doesn’t satisfy me, I ask my friend ‘Google’ and I always get an accurate answer. This is what I have done with Artistry Intensive Skincare Advanced Skin Refinisher. The claims were almost too good to be true so I set myself a mission to determine if this gave as good results as my currant primer and moisturiser.
Artistry Intensive Skincare Advanced Skin Refinisher is a new product from Amway UK and retails at £53.35. The product claims to offer results similar to laser treatment but without the pain and price-tag, this sounded good, but is it reality?
Lets have a look at the ingredients:
Java Tea Extract suppresses serum production. This can only be good and I couldn’t wait to try this on and see if my tea zone remained shine free throughout the day – without my favourite primer in place.
Star Fruit Leaf acts as a skin reinforcer. This lessens the chance of skin becoming loose and less taunt. This will also, in turn, reduce lines forming as a result of slack skin. Tight pores are what makes our skin appear smooth and flawless. Who wouldn’t want this result?
Patented** Oat Extract and NMF (Natural Moisturising Factor) acts as an exfoliator. This is always welcome as dead skin cells building up on the surface also results in dull lifeless skin and fine lines. Exfoliation keeps pores clean and clear reducing spots and allowing new, younger skin to be revealed.
I was impressed with the ingredients and with the results. I have been using Artistry Intensive Skincare Advanced Skin Refinisher for over 2 weeks. Firstly, my skin does appear smoother with less visible pores. Second, that mid-afternoon shine I usually blot away with powder never appears. This is fab, my make-up has that ‘just applied’ look all day.
With regards to lines and wrinkles, to be honest, I would need to be using this for much longer to make a valid judgement. However, I certainly have noticed my skin to feel soft and moisturised, yet not shiny. I have also noted I look less tired, so maybe lines and wrinkles do appear less evident. Anyway, this is certainly worth a try. I am going to continue using Artistry Intensive Skincare Advanced Skin Refinisher and may look in to some of the other products on offer. The claims were genuine and I loved the simple feel of this on my skin – definitely a keeper!
For further information visit www.amway.co.uk
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Bella Linea Kettle and Toaster.
How about some trendy new kitchen essentials for this Valentine’s Day? I certainly wouldn’t say no! I adore the range from Bella. a bright new brand well accomplished in the USA and now making it’s mark in the UK.
Bella have a matching Linea Kettle and Toaster, which comes in either a 2 slice or 4 slice variety. Both look fab and would be a welcome addition to my kitchen. I have them in red although they also come in black.
The Bella Linea Kettle is a mix of a stainless steel metallic and a bright red finish. It looks well, very on trend and classy. More importantly, it is energy efficient and Bella claim this uses a third less energy than other kettles – wow, impressive!
The base swivels around completely so perfect for those of you who have limited space. This kettle fits nicely into a corner and the lead is easily kept to the back. When empty, this kettle has the intelligence to switch off and the filter is removable and washable. Another point I really need to mention is the noise level of the kettle. My phone is in the kitchen and its not cordless so I am forever saying, ‘don’t boil the kettle’, when I am on the phone. The Bella Linea Kettle has a lovely quite boil noise so you can easily carry on chatting on the phone while the kettle is boiling.
The Bella Linea Toaster is just as trendy and efficient as the kettle. I have the 2-slice variety so it sits neatly beside the kettle. Despite the compact size, the toasting slots are wide enough for bagels and muffins – a huge plus over my previous toaster. The settings allow you to adjust the heat and duration so you can make the perfect slice of toast.
These items are available from Argos.co.uk and further information can be found at www.bellahousewares.co.uk
Bella Linea Kettle RRP £55
Bella Linea Toaster RRP £39.99
Gift Reviews, Teenage Gifts
Spanx Slimplicity Lingerie-Strap Slip
Who dares to head out for their Valentine’s Day dinner with their loved one without Spanx hiding elegantly underneath their little black dress? Not me!
Spanx have a reputation for supplying the best slim-wear on the planet. Almost everyone has at least one Spanx item, or wishes they had!
Have a look online at www.spanx.co.uk and you will be impressed as well. I think its great there is a helpline number and the fact that this number is free to call from the UK. All items can be returned within 30 days if you are not happy – another big plus for Spanx!
Now, what do I have in my undies drawer with a Spanx label on it? I have the most amazing, lifesaving, ultra slimming slip in the country. The Spanx Slimplicity Lingerie-Strap Slip RRP £79, looks fab and does an amazing job. Any lump or bump along with ‘muffin tops’ and ‘love handles’ are gone for the evening with this slip under your dress. The fabric is ultra soft, not rough and rubbery like so many other cheaper supermarket brand alternatives.
It is comfortable to wear and does not move up your body as the night progresses – unless you want it to! I have so many dresses and would never dream of heading out for the night in jeans. I go out on so few occasions I like to whip on the glam and enjoy myself. I can do this easily with Spanx Slimplicity Lingerie-Strap Slip and have the confidence I used to have when I had a figure like my eldest daughter!
Slimplicity Lingerie-Strap Slip:
- Single-layer compression firms the tummy and love handles
- Beautiful bustline detailing and sweetheart neckline
- Adjustable straps for a fit that’s uniquely you
- Darts release compression to flatter the figure
- Sheer edging adds a simply elegant touch
- Slimming Level: Super
- For product measurements see Fit Tips!
- Imported
- 76% Nylon, 24% Spandex
Have a look and phone the helpline number if you need any help in selecting your ‘size 10 figure’. There are a wide selection of Spanx to choose from – I have a few more items on my birthday wish list already.
For further information on Spanx Slimplicity Lingerie-Strap Slip visit www.spanx.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
The Green People Lemongrass & Ginger Body Lotion and Body Wash gift set.
Green People are a company who specialise in organic skin and body care products. Their products are made as naturally as possible with no harsh chemicals, SLS, parabens, petrochemicals, alcohol or artificial fragrances added. I have been using their products for some time now and always find them to be very effective. In my opinion, Green People are one of the most trusted skincare suppliers on the market. You can relax and not stress about ingredients, just place your trust in Green People.
I have recently had the pleasure of trying out one of the new limited edition gift sets, Green People Lemongrass & Ginger Body Lotion and Body Wash gift set. I love it when a favourite company of mine brings out a completely new product – so thanks Green People!!
The Green People Lemongrass & Ginger Body Lotion and Body Wash gift set comes boxed nicely in the usual environmentally friendly packaging that Green People always use. This looks very well and it also looks a lot more than £19.95. Its also worth noting that Green People have a reward system for their customers.
This set contains 2 full size products, body lotion and body wash. The body lotion is an organic blend of shea butter and perilla seed which leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. Containing omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids which nourish the skin, the result is supple smooth skin which smells divine!
The body wash contains marshmallow known for its moisturising properties and aloe vera which reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
Both these products are a fab organic combination of pure luxury and I cannot recommend them enough. If you are shopping for the perfect Valentine’s day gift this year, have a look at www.greenpeople.co.uk and pick up one of these limited edition gift sets before they sell out.
The Green People Lemongrass & Ginger Body Lotion and Body Wash gift set RRP £19.95
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Braun Series 7 Shaver 720s
There isn’t a man on the planet who wouldn’t want a Braun Series 7 shaver for Valentine’s Day. As usual, everything I give my husband to test suffers from ‘overkill’ his favourite words are ‘if a job’s worth doing, do it right’. I can guarantee this shaver has been well and truly tested down to the very last detail.
I have tried to sum up the main differences from other Braun shavers – the other being not ‘bad’ but this razor being greatly superior!
Setting this shaver aside from the crowd is its unique 3 shaving modes. The Braun Series 7 shaver can be set at normal mode, sensitive and intensive Modes which can be used at your will depending on which mode suit the parts of your face you are shaving, eg, neck, beard etc. This adjustable shave also goes a long way toward reducing irritation. If you find a particular area of your face is prone to sensitivity, simply switch to the sensitive mode – easy!
I loved the noise of this shaver. It is no more noisy than other shavers but it is certainly easier to listen to. This would be the sonic technology, giving 10,000 micro-vibrations – which is incredible. This feature results in the skin being smoothed just before it is to be shaved. Your skin will have less irritation and my husband certainly proved this to be correct. His skin would have a few lumps and bumps yet no cuts or irritation with the Braun Series 7. He is very pleased!
My husband also said this razor gave a ‘wet shave’ when shaving dry. The closeness of the shave could only have been achieved on other razors while using in water so that’s a big achievement. This makes shaving faster as you can literally shave on the go and have excellent results. He also noticed that while being able to shave without the hassel of using water, the Braun Series 7 also gave a close shave with less strokes as more hairs are caught during each action – another major time saving feature. The technology of this feature is quite mind blowing – Optofoil, exclusive to Braun, captures both short and longer hairs all in the same stroke.
‘The OptiFoil is the most advanced foil from Braun. The unique geometry with ergonomically sized holes captures more hair and cuts them deeper than ever before. The specially designed hexagonal holes are of varying sizes. Small holes give optimal shaving results at a 90° angle while larger holes capture more hair and cut deeper at different angles. The result is Braun’s closest shave ever’ (Braun)
The Braun Series 7 also has a trimmer for longer hair and beards which hubby could find no fault with. This was accurate and easy to use.
The shaver, being wet and dry, can be rinsed under a tap after use which makes cleaning the shaving head quick and easy as well.
Last, but not least, this shaver uses recharagable batteries and charging take only one hour – not like my iPhone! The low battery indicator light will let you know when to charge and you will get at least 50 minutes of cordless shaving from this charge. If you forget to charge or have not the time, a quick charge of about 5 minutes will be enough to completely shave your face.
I hope I have impressed you with the ability of the Braun Series 7. It was one of the most iconic and worthwhile items my husband has tested and he had absolutely no complaints.
For further information and item specifics visit www.braun.com
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Braun Silk epil 7 Skin Spa
This has got to be one of the best Valentine’s Day gifts a girl could receive, wouldn’t you agree?
The Braun Silk Epil 7 Skin Spa has it all – the ultimate hair removal tool and exfoliation! With regards to giving this as a gift, the presentation is excellent. the set really does look well so it will be sure to impress at first impressions.
Getting down to the nitty gritty, the Braun Silk Epil 7 Skin Spa really knows its stuff and does exactly what it is supposed to do. There are 5 interchangeable heads including a shaver head, a trimmer cap, an efficiency cap, a sensitive area cap and a facial cap. You really will have all you need for super smooth and soft skin with the Braun Skin Spa.
Suitable for use wet and dry, this shaver works just as well in the shower as it does on dry skin.
Braun say the Silk-epil 7 will remove hairs as small as a grain of sand and after trying this theory for myself, I agree! The speed personalisation is a touch of genius – I can adjust the speed to give a comfortable smooth shaving experience individual to my needs.
Exfoliating the skin is super easy with the sonic exfoliation brush. This brush claims to refine the skin 4 times better than a manual scrub – I was so excited trying this out as I would have exfoliated weekly to keep my skin soft and have used so many different types of facial scrubs. The 3,000 plus micro-vibrations really give the ultimate exfoliation leaving skin soft and super clean, and without the use of scrubs with gritty particles that are so difficult to rinse off your face!
Despite the many functions and excellent presentation, this set retails at £169.99.
For further information visit www.boots.com
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Patchwork Pate Boozy Box – Chase Extra Dry Gin.
As far as websites go I like to think I have seen it all, or so I thought. If you do nothing else today, have a look at Patchwork Pate! This is one well designed and illustrated site. I simply love it. The images are fab and it is definitely one of the easiest navigated sites ever. The information is clearly given and they also give just the right amount of details about the products. I love the illustration below for a scrumptious Bloody Mark Pate, yum!
I was checking out Patchwork Pate with regards to writing a feature for Valentine’s day and highlighting a few gift suggestions. That was easy – there are many fab gift ideas and hampers to choose from and products to suit all budgets.
In particular I adore the Boozy Box – Chase Extra Dry Gin.
I am including a few of my own photos as I was so impressed with the packing of this box. I had such fun opening it!
This gift box arrived in perfect condition, which is more than I can usually say for my usual post! This has to be because of the expert care Patchwork Pate took to pack my Boozy Box.
‘A fab combination of a bottle Chase Extra Dry Gin accompanied by our Chase Chicken Liver pâté with Chase Extra Dry Gin and some yummy Spelt Fingers to spread it on. Beautifully presented in a wooden gift box’ (Patchwork Pate) RRP £47.70.
I am a little bias as chicken liver pate has always been my favourite, however, this was the best pate I have ever tasted. I am so hooked now and have been scouring the site wondering which one to order next! There are so many to choose from, and some very interesting combinations. As a Valentine’s Day gift, this would be perfect for your other half – I know mine would love it. What better drink to include than gin and such a good gin as well.
If you are shopping for an unusual Valentine’s day gift, do have a look at some of the products on offer. There are Pate’s to suit all budgets and some of the taste combinations sound so delicious.
For further information visit www.patchwork-pate.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Stoneglow Candles
I adore candles, my husband does not! He prefers a reed diffuser as, in his own words, ‘They will not burn the house down’. To be fair, I am quite forgetful and have left candle burning once or twice so he has a point.
One of the nicest diffusers I have ever seen has to be the Red Rose Reed Diffuser from Stoneglow Candles. Presentation is fit for a queen, and the beautiful box opens to reveal a gorgeous round flat glass vase with a rose inside. The smell was heavenly even before I opened the box!
So, why not say it with flowers in an unusal way this valentine’s Day with this stunning Red Rose Reed Diffuser from Stoneglow Candles? This can be yours for a mere £30 and it will be sure to impress your loved one. Excellent value as the scented oil will last for up to 16 weeks.
Another gift idea worth a mention is the Rose Petal & May Chang fragranced candle. Containing May Chang and Geranium essential oils this smell reminds me of The Four Seasons Hotel we visited in Cyprus and I can close my eyes and get lost in the scent! This candle will burn for at least 40 hrs and is hand poured in the UK.
Another excellently presented gift, this beautiful boxed candle will steel anyone’s heart for only £15.
For further information and fabulous gift ideas visit
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Nelson’s Arnica Bath & Massage oil and Rescue lip balm.
Valentine’s day is almost upon is and I have a romantic suggestion way better than flowers! If you are on the hunt for some lovely beauty products to woo your Valentine look no further than Nelson’s – www.nelsonsnaturalworld.com
I have revisited Nelson’s site many times for natural and toxin free beauty products and have never been disappointed.
I always favour natural products and you cannot get more ‘natural’ than this -Nelson’s Arnicare Arnica Bath & Massage balm. I first tried this to help with aches and pains, including severe backache. I fast became addicted to my nightly ritual – a hot bath with Nelson’s Arnica bath oil! The oil is absolutely beautiful massaged into your skin and just as lovely added to a hot bath.
Naturally fragranced, this balm leaves skin soft, smooth and deliciously scented making this a great Valentine’s Day pampering gift.
‘The invaluable natural properties of Arnica Montana will help to soothe and relax you after a tiring day, while Calendula, Evening Primrose and Sweet Almond Oils naturally hydrate and nourish the skin. Slow down and unwind with the sweet Lavender and Grapefruit scents which will help to melt away tension and clarify the mind.’ Nelsons.
Nelsons Arnicare Arnica bath & massage balm costs £8.15 and is available from Boots.
To compliment the Arnica Bath & Massage oil, what about this gorgeous lip balm from Rescue Remedy? Lips are soothed and smoothed while smelling devine. Containing flower essences, it is brilliant for chapped and dry lips as well as lips that just need a little pampering. RRP £6.30.
All the Rescue Remedy products are available from www.nelsons.co.uk along with other great natural products.
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Big Hero 6 – The New Disney Sensation!
What is it about boys and their hero’s? My son is going wild at the minute, he is so excited about the new Disney movie, Big Hero 6. Adam has always loved hero type figures and this movie will be ‘right up his street’. Synopses below:
‘Big Hero 6, which releases in UK cinemas on the 30th January 2015, is an epic and heartfelt action adventure from Walt Disney Animation Studios that follows robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who learns to harness his genius thanks to his brilliant brother Tadashi and their like-minded friends: adrenaline junkie Go Go Tamago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to his closest companion – a robot named Baymax – and transforms the group into a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve the mystery’ – (Disney)
Wow, this sure does sound exciting. I think it is mummies turn to take the kids to the cinema, not dad’s!
To coincide with the release of this movie Disney have a great range of toys and stationary including some rather cool looking action figures, and a genius of a pencil case.
I have a couple of these toys saved for my son’s up-coming birthday and I know he will be absolutely thrilled, despite the low cost. These are available from the Disney store and selected toy shops and are excellent value for money!
Big Hero 6 Gadget Pencil Case. RRP £10
This will be a huge hit with my son, my 11yr old daughter had great fun with it when it arrived. We spent ages trying out the different buttons and openings. This is definitely a pencil case with a difference.
Concealed within this case you will find all sorts of nifty gadgets and, of course, pencils! Press a button and a tape dispenser pops out, another button will eject a rubber, scissors and a sharpener. I love that despite all the hidden compartments, the lid simply lifts to show adequate space for other items along with the Big Hero 6 pencils.
Really good value at £10. Available from the Disney Store.
Big Hero 6 Feature Figures from Bandai.
Nothing entertains my kids more then action figures. I have found them in all nooks and crannies around the house where they have been having their adventures.
Bandai have a selection of Big Hero 6 figures with their own unique action features and these are only £12.99 per figure. At 15cms they are a good size and each one is poseable. In keeping with the other Bandai toys we have, they are good quality and withstand the normal stresses little boys inflict on them!
Have a look at www.disney.co.uk/big-hero-6 for further information.