Health and Beauty, Leisure Gifts, Teenage Gifts
BAM Bamboo Clothing: Enduro Leggings and Sundowner Hoodie.
BAM also have made the amazing pledge, planting a tree in the name of the purchaser for every order made! That is so cool! To date, they have donated over £10,000 to Rainforest Foundation and Rainforest Concern. Are you impressed yet? Read on..
Why Bamboo, surely cotton is better?? Well, no actually!
- Bamboo thrives naturally without using any pesticides or fertilizers.
- Bamboo fibre is 100% biodegradable.
- Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world. It spreads rapidly across large areas.
- As a grass, bamboo is cut, not uprooted, helping soil stability.
- Bamboo grows on hill slopes where nothing else is viable.
- The yield (i.e. the amount of product) you get from an acre of bamboo is 10 times greaterthan the yeld you get from cotton. In an age where land use is under enormous pressure this is huge.
- The water requirement for bamboo is minute, mainly just from what falls. As opposed to cotton, whose water requirement per shirt’s-worth is monstrous.
In contrast, ‘Synthetic performance fabrics are made from petrochemicals, a non-renewable fossil fuel. They go to make clothes which get smelly really quickly.’ (Bambooclothing.co.uk)
Bamboo is the most sustainable resource in the world and will one day lead the clothing market away totally from cotton! That will lead to a better world for us all.
Gift Reviews, Leisure Gifts
Skechers for Style and Comfort.
‘Since 1986 we have been supplying Clothing & Home Textiles products to the public from Plain Summer T-Shirts to Children’s Character Bedding. We have thousands of products in multiple variations listed on our website (Universal Textiles).
I first discovered Universal Textiles about 1 year ago and keep returning to the site for the majority of my childrens’ clothing and footwear needs. They are very hard to beat on value and the choice is vast. There are also lots of offers on site at any given time which are really worth checking out as well. It seems I plan to log on to buy something specific and always end up discovering other ‘bargains’ I simply must have!
I am very enthusiastic about my recent order – a fab pair of Skechers for my 8yr old daughter. These are not shoes nor trainers but a bit of both. They look great but are very comfortable as well. My daughter would be quite hard to fit as her feet are a ‘H’ width and I can relay on Skechers to be wide enough and very comfortable. In particular, the shoes pictured topmost above suit as they close with Velcro, not laces. My children are always on the go, inside and outside changing from shoes to skates, etc frequently. These Skechers can be worn quickly without any fuss with laces. The ‘lights’ are an ingenious touch as children of all ages love the effect when they walk.
I am a very proud mummy, my girls ran the local 10K earlier this month and you can see the skechers in action! No blisters, I might add, no stopping to tie laces, just one very happy little girl who was able to keep up with her big sister round the race track – all down to her new Skechers no doubt!
This pair in particular are £27.70 reduced from £36.45 ! Excellent value
For further information visit www.universaltextiles.com
Homeware Reviews
LumiPotti
LumiPotti is a rather ingenious invention by some very clever mums right here in the United Kingdom and it is produced in this country as well.
It is the only day to night potty incorporating a night light that self activated when it detects movement. The bonus I found with this potty was the nightlight. When your child wakens in the night to use the potty, the sensor detects movement and the night light will activate. The light is not ‘too’ bright but bright enough to give light as a guidance as to where the potty is in a dimly lit room.
The thinking behind LumiPotti obviously comes from a mum with experience in the trials and tribulations of toilet training during the day and at night! I can’t think of an easier way to help your child use the pot during the night. My sister tried this pot as my children are past this stage – thankfully! She would be pretty fussy and not easily impressed but she was really delighted with the LumiPotti. She has 3 children and is using the LumiPotti with her 3rd child. She also agrees that the nightlight is simply a stroke of genius. Children are guided directly to the potty and the light turns off itself after 60 seconds of no movement being detected. The light can also be removed as your child naturally progresses through the stages of potty training.
The pot itself is made from anti-microbial plastic and it is BPA free. This is so important as there are too many children’s products containing nasty chemicals on the market. I am delighted at the recent awareness of the harmful effects of BPA and well done LumiPotti for excluding this from your product.
Lots of information can be found on the website with links to specific questions you may have. I have had a good look around and found any query I had was easily answered. I have no negative aspects to report, and am 100% impressed with the LumiPotti. It is very good value for only £19.99 and £2.50 P & P.
Gift Reviews, Teenage Gifts, Toy Reviews
Wasjig Only Fools and Horses.
My hubby loves the TV show ‘Only Fools and Horses’ and I have the perfect Father’s Day gift for him – the all new Only Fools and Horses Wasgij jigsaw. If you have yet to discover Wasgij, I urge you to try this out. These puzzles are addictive and perfect for grown-ups.
‘For Dad’s who fancy themselves as a bit of a wheeler dealer, the new Only Fools and Horses Wasgij jigsaw is an ideal gift. Wasgij Mystery: This Time Next Year… includes two 1000-piece puzzles, the box image and the solution image in which you have to use your imagination to piece together what happens next in the scene’ (Wasjig)
It takes skill and imagination to complete these puzzles. We have an entire cupboard dedicated to puzzles in our house and I have to say the Wasjig puzzles are taken out and played with over and over again. What the kids cannot finish, hubby and I usually complete when they go to bed!
So if you have yet to have yet to buy your Father’s Day gift, pop down to your local Argos store for one of these great puzzles – Dad will not be disappointed.
Wasgij Mystery Only Fools and Horses: This Time Next Year…
RRP £19.99
Available from June from all good retailers including Amazon and Argos
Visit www.wasgij.com for more information.
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Sainsbury’s for Father’s Day 2014
Where can you buy Dad a great Father’s Day gift at this late stage? Most of the shops are closed, online shopping is out of the question, Father’s Day is TOMORROW!!
Never worry, I have just the solution and it has worked for me on numerous occasions – Sainsburys!
Sainsburys is more than a brilliant supermarket. The clothes are absolutely fab and the gift range extensive. As with all occasions, Sainsburys has topped the lot again. Their Father’s Day range of gifts are really great. They range from adorable teddies none other than the famous ‘Boofle’ to socks. Socks – who wants socks? Well, my Dad will be getting socks this year from the ‘Dads Army’ range at Sainsburys RRP £3.
Dad loves this show and I remember him watching it when I was a small child. I know he will be thrilled with the socks and with my thoughtful little piece of nostalgia! Dad will also be receiving a matching flash RRP £10. He is a shooting man and has went through so many flasks. If he doesn’t break it, he leaves it behind in a field where he has had his lunch! I love this flash in particular as it has a neat cover which gives added protection and it looks fab too of course!
I also the chocolate in particular and would hope Dad shares this with his daughter!
For further information on these gifts and more visit: www.sainsburys.co.uk
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Tobar for Father’s Day 2014.
‘Founded in 1973, TOBAR celebrates over 40 years dedicated solely to finding innovative toys, gifts and gadgets. TOBAR is continuously searching worldwide to bring exciting; desirable and fun products which will have mass market appeal’ (TOBAR)
I have had a look at some of the gifts Tobar are marketing for Father’s day this year. The gifts surely are original and rather iconic so you are sure to find something for your dad or partner. I have selected a few of the gifts that would appeal to me.
Volkawagen Van.
I have been dreaming of owning one of these for years and I am still living in hope. This iconic van has spanned decades and has been a hit with every generation. The Samba diecast model is pretty much a smaller version of the real thing. The familiar two tone colouring, opening hatch style boot, volkswagen logo etc all add to the appeal. I would love this to take pride of place in a windowsill for all to see and admire but I know it would end up in my toyroom! This is an excellent gift for the volkawagen loving dad and very reasonable at £15.
Haynes Construction Books.
For the construction loving dad Tobar have some brilliant Haynes construction books from only £10. I would select the Thunderbird 2 Aircraft book for my dad as he loves their programmes and would be delighted with this book. The book is different from any usual construction book in that the actual model to build is included in the book, so very exciting for the receiver. The books have over 30 pages with relevant trivia regarding the subject and easy to follow instructions to follow. Father and son would both get pleasure out of this book with both the information and the model building.
Planet Kinetic Mobile.
For dads who are into their science and physics, Tobar have 2 different moving models, planets and atoms. Both move in a kinetic motion and either of them would look great for a desk top or workbench. I was fascinated with these types of models when I was a child and still am. The gravity defying motion always amazes me. These are only priced at £15 which is absolutely brilliant value.
Have a look at the website. I have found several items to put on my wish list including the Sweet Art Cupcakes – wow, these are gorgeous. Tobar – definitely worth a visit.
For further information visit www.tobar.co.uk
Gift Reviews
Gumigem for Father’s Day.
Gumigem is a UK family business who design and market ‘baby proof’ jewellery. I think this is an amazing idea as I know when my children were babies they loved to grab whatever I was wearing around my neck and chew on it. I used to hastily remove my jewellery before giving up and not wearing any at all for fear of what the kids would be chewing on.
Gumigem jewellery is designed specifically with children in mind. The jewellery is silicone so perfect for little gums to chew on and it is also BPA, PVC, Lead, Latex and Phthalate free. It is completely safe for baby to use Gumigem jewellery to chew on.
With mum in mind as well as baby, the jewellery is very trendy with lots of colours and different styles to suit different tastes and looks.
For Father’s Day Gumigem are recommending the Dog Tags – these are really fab! Dad can wear them (and mum too) and they look quite ‘cool’.
The colours range from bright to commando patterned so perfect for ‘tough’ daddies who wouldn’t want to wear yellow and other light colours. This one is my favourite by far.
My sister has been testing out some of the Gumigem jewellary and she loves it. She enjoys her style and would have the latest fashions and she has found some Gumigem jewellary to suit her clothes both casual and workwear. This company impressed me from the word go and I wish it had been around when my children were small.
‘GUMIGEM ® can withstand high temperatures, be easily washed in hot water or placed in the dishwasher. The necklaces come on a long cord, so there is plenty of reach for baby, and for extra comfort and safety, each necklace has a breakaway clasp. A thoughtful gift for new mummies, adorable aunties and gorgeous grannies!’ (Gumigem)
For further information visit www.gumigem.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Blue Nun Gold for Father’s Day 2014.
I was delighted to recently get my hands on a bottle of ‘special’ sparkling white wine from Blue Nun. Special? Yes, very special. If you want to treat Dad to something a little bit different this father’s day this is the gift you should buy! Blue Nun Gold will dazzle and definitely impress any receiver.
The wine itself is delicious, with a full-bodied rounded flavour, making it a perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of meals. Of course, it would also be perfect for any special celebration or indeed just a girl’s night in!
BLUE NUN is one of the world’s oldest German wine brands, and was created in 1921 by H. Sichel Söhne. From there it has grown in popularity and is now recognised and loved worldwide.
Blue Nun Gold Edition 75cl bottles are available on-line only via www.drinksdirect.com priced under £10 or the mini bottles are available in ASDA stores nationwide priced at £2.25 each.
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
James Bronnley Skincare range for Father’s Day.
If your Dad would like some new toiletries this year for Father’s Day have a look at the James Bronnley range. Bronnley use the finest natural ingredients and essential oils resulting in a beautiful luxury skincare range. I have been enjoying Bronnley for years and always have their products in my guest bedroom. All the soaps are triple milled and last for ages – much longer than other soaps.
For dads this Father’s Day they have several lovely products and I have been lucky enough to try a few of these. I have the James Bronnley Original Body Wash RRP £8.50, Soap Bar RRP £6 and Moisturising Balm RRP £8.50.
The Body Wash, and all the other products, are nicely presented in a blue and silver coloured box with a little bit of the history of Bronnley on the side. I particularly appreciate the writing on the back ‘ Free from Parabens and SLS’ Yippee – in an ideal world all toiletries would have this on the packaging but sadly this is not the case at present.
The wash has some added goodies to naturally cleanse and moisturise the skin like Samphire, Sea Kelp and Provitamin B5.
The Soap Bar also has these ingredients and they both smell gorgeous – citrus and woody, just as men should smell!
My hubby does not moisturise but I am sure he will start when he is given this Moisturising Balm on Father’s Day. It has a light texture so leaves the skin soft but not greasy. I have fairly sensitive skin but I had no problems testing the Bronnley moisturiser as I know it is made with natural ingredients and these never cause me any irritation.
This set of three items would make a lovely gift for father’s day or indeed any occasion – teachers present, birthday, etc.
The Bronnley products can be purchased from www.bronnley.co.uk and also from Amazon and other selected retailers.
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 and Power Select Razors.
If you are looking for a useful but inexpensive Father’s Day gift this year have a look at the new razors from Wilkinson Sword. These will definitely impress and they won’t ‘break the bank’. Priced from £8.99 for the Hydro 5 and £12.99 for the Hydro 5 Power Select you have 2 great razors to choose from.
The main difference is that the Power Select has 3 vibration settings which aim for an even smoother shave while not compromising on comfort. The shave itself feels lovely. Wilkinson have a new revolutionary Hydro technology, a hydrating gel reservoir which assists the razor to glide over the skin giving an incredibly close smooth shave.
I would prefer the vibrating razor to the non-vibrating although this is just my opinion. I had never used a vibrating razor and found it gave an exceptionally good shave. This is the only razor of its kind on the market. The battery indicator was a useful touch and the trimmer makes this quite the gadget for only £12.99!
The Wilkinson Sword range is available from Boots and leading retailers nationwide.
*Price is at the sole discretion of the retailers