Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Mc laggan Smith Mugs for Valentine’s Day.
If you have yet to discover Mc laggan Smith Mugs, now is the time to do so. They have beautiful china mugs for everyone. From children, mums, dads, teachers, friends, etc. The selection is vast, with several designer choices and quirky comments.
The Valentine collection is out now with some brilliant designs to suit your special someone. The ‘Love’ collection, as I call it, has several themes to choose from. They offer comical mugs and more serious ‘Love’ mugs along with the opportunity to add a personal message.
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I have some very pretty daintily painted Mc laggan Smith Mugs and I get so many comments on them.
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The quality is superb, a beautiful white fine china intricately painted with lovebird and flower designs.
For the younger shopper, they have comical mugs to bring a smile to your face.
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Prices start at £9.00 for a standard 250ml fine bone china mug and, with the option to personalise the handle (up to 30 characters) for an extra £5. This is very good value compared to some other sites which offer personalisation at double the price. Mc Laggan Smith Mugs are a unique and affordable option.
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Mugs can be ordered from www.msmugs.com or ordered online at 01389755655.
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Gigaset’s new ‘smart’ home phone SL930A
Modern technology! Sometimes I feel so old. The kids can’t seem to comprehend the fact that I was 24yrs when I had my first mobile phone! It was rather large with push buttons and only one ringtone. Home phones have also progressed dramatically, have you seen the new home ‘smart’ home phone from Gigaset? Wow, this is pretty great, combining the features of a home phone with a mobile android phone – It is the very first home phone with android technology!
The new Gigaset SL93OA lets you connect with your mobile phone with direct internet access. Connecting to your WiFi, you can access emails, skype and brouse the web. Apps can be downloaded from Google Play and with head-phones, you can listen to your music with exceptional sound quality. The boundaries are limitless with this phone.
I love this phone. When it was connected, my contacts were automatically transferred over from my mobile and were waiting for me at the touch of a button – or should I say ‘touchscreen’!
‘The touch sensative display on the Gigaset SL930A is sublime. It has a 3.2 inch, full colour display that uses a detailed graphical user interface for quick and simple navigation. Despite the large colourful display you still get a talktime of 20 hours and 140 hours of standby time from one full charge of the battery’ (Gigaset)
The phone is extremely easy to operate, even for myself – and I am not very good with technology. I was more or less able to use this phone immediately after it was connected. I have even tailored the settings to suit myself – that’s the fab thing about this phone. There are so many ways you can make it your own. The integrated answering machine can record up to 55 minutes of messages which is a big thing for me as we get a lot of messages when we are at work during the day. My previous phone had limited space for messages and some were missed.
The micro-USB port allows for easy transfer of photos, videos and music. These can be safely stored on the 4GB memory and this can be increased up to 32 GB if needed.
I cannot say enough about this phone. Its appearance and functions are superior to any other phone on the market. Comparing prices is something I am very good at and I am 100% sure this phone gives unbeatable value for money for £179.99. Available from Amazon.
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Perfecter Fusion Styler.
I love to experiment with my daughter’s hair and have been accused of sending them to church looking like they are going to a wedding!! They both have long hair, one being fairly straight and other quite fuzzy like mine! In the past I have used my GHD’s to tame hair and this has resulted in a burn (more than once) as the girls find it impossible to sit still. Unfortunately I have caught ears several times!
I have recently been using the new Perfecter Fusion Styler and so far, all is good.
We are having a lot of fun with this as it can be used to create a variety of different looks. Hair can be straightened, curled and made wavy with extra body in minutes.
The Perfecter is different from other hair styling tools as the bristles do not heat up. I can use my hands to shape the hair along with the Perfecter and there is no risk of anyone getting burnt – no more singed ears in my house!
The Perfecter has 2 temperature setting so I tend to use the cooler setting for the children. It suits all hair types and I have proved this to be true. I have dry hair, my daughters have greasy hair. This styler works expertly on everyone’s hair. The ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos are amazing!
Even in a hurry, I still have time for a quick flick of the styler. It heats in under a minute so you can have salon perfect hair every day.
Important point – I am very busy and always seem to be rushing in and out of the house to and from school and the shops. I would be picking up the groceries in Tesco and suddenly think ‘Did I switch off my straighteners?’ With the Perfecter, the styler switches off after inactivity! This fact, along with the other points made above, make this the one and only styler I will ever use and ever recommend to my friends. I love it, what a buy for £69.99 and with a travel bag, comb and clips.
The Perfecter will do very well coming up to Valentine’s Day I am sure. I would advise you purchase early to avoid disappointment, this is sure to sell out!
For further information visit http://www.perfecter.co.uk
Gift Reviews
Me to You Valentine’s Collection.
Me to You have really outdone themselves this Valentine’s Day with an amazing collection of Blue Nose and Tatty Teddy plush toys and accessories. The range suits all budgets and there are some excellent gifts you can pick up for your Valentine from as little as £4.99.
What about these romantic fridge magnets at only £5? Love-inspired creations are truly your own with these letters and words just waiting to be arranged and making you the perfect partner this year. The pack includes 23 words so you can be as creative as you please.
I adore the Tatty Teddy His and Hers Mug Gift Set £10.
Perfect for couples, they are beautifully decorated with pictures and love inspired slogans. A great gift at a great price.
My favourite has to be the Tatty Teddy Love Bracelet Set.
This is a super gift for £20 as it includes both Tatty Teddy holding a ‘Love’ cushion and a beautiful bracelet. My daughter has fallen in love with this set and it now has pride of place in her bedroom, even though it was given to her by her mum and not a Valentine! Presented in a pretty gift box, this simply has to be one of the most popular gifts this Valentine’s Day.
If you are looking for ways to show you care on 14th February, check out the Me to You collection at www.carteblanchegreetings.com
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Wildabout flowers and Lindt Chocolates for Valentine’s Day.
Flowers or chocolates? Or maybe flowers AND chocolate? I would prefer the latter!
Between Wildabout and Lindt, they have Valentine’s day sorted this year. They are working together to create the ultimate Valentine’s gift and I am so impressed. A variety of combinations are available to suit a selection of budgets and I can’t think of a more pleasing gift. Flowers are so popular on Valentine’s Day and these sets combining beautiful Wildabout bouquets with the superior chocolatier Lindt’s creations, this is surely at the top of my wishlist.
The Ultimate Bliss.
Can you imagine anything more beautiful than Grand Prix Roses, ranunculus, hypericum, berries, bouvardia beautifully presented among foliage and accompanied by a box of Lindor Milk Truffles?
The Style Icon.
This bouquet has a pink feminine theme and is accompanied by the Lindt Master Chocolatier Collection – my favourite collection! Avalanche roses, carnations, double lisianthus and cymbidium orchids heads make this a truly special gift for your valentine and an excellent choice for Mother’s day.
‘The Ultimate Bliss’
Small bouquet + with Lindor Chocolates £60
Medium bouquet + with Lindor Chocolates £80
Large bouquet + with Lindor Chocolates £100
‘The Style Icon’
Small bouquet + Lindt Master Chocolatier Collection £60
Medium bouquet + Lindt Master Chocolatier Collection £80
Large bouquet + Lindt Master Chocolatier Collection £95
These gifts and other combinations are available to purchase (for UK-wide delivery) online and in store now.
For further information visit:
http://www.wildabout.co.uk/exclusive-collaboration-between-lindt-and-wildabout/
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
M&M’s World Chocolate.
If you are looking for a fun and tasty way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, this is it! M&M’s World have a printer – yes, a printer, for M&M’s! The little chocolates can be personalised to suit your needs and all within 2 minutes! I would love to have a go at this and plan for a visit to one of their London stores in a few months – watch this space..
For now, I will have to settle for a sample of the chocolates – yummy!
I love M&M’s and so does my hubby. This Valentine’s Day he will be receiving a bag of personalised M&M’s printed with little slogans to suit the occasion.
The sweets are red and white, printed with ‘14th February’, ‘Be Mine’, ‘Smooches’ and other romantic sayings. They look really well and come nicely presented thus a great gift idea.
Aside from Valentine’s day, M&M’s can also be personalised for birthdays, and other special occasions. A choice of 15 colours is offered along with hundred’s of clip art options to create your unique M&M’s. They are designed from a touch screen in store and I can’t think of anything more fun for my children, they will love this and ‘mummy’ is rather excited as well!!
(A full review of this process with images will be available at the end of April on Pampered Presents).
Personalised M&M’s are available in different cup sizes starting at £15.99
For further information visit www.mmsworld.com, www.facebook.com/mmsworld or www.twitter.com/mmsworldstores
The Personalised Printer can be found on the lower ground floor of M&M’S World store, located at 1 Swiss Court, London, W1D 6AP. The store opens daily from 10am to midnight, and from 12pm to 6pm on Sunday.
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Naturalmente
I look forward to a future which I believe will come to fruition – one where we can shop for beauty and hair-care products without having to cautiously read the label. Parabens, formaldehyde, diethanolamine, SLS, SLES and synthetic perfumes are ingredients I refuse to let into my house, never mind the bathroom. The evidence to support the use of natural products is growing and growing and yes, someday rather soon (hopefully) ingredients like those listed above will not be found in our everyday beauty products.
Over 60% of what we place on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. Imagine the repercussions of using products on a daily basis and sometimes even twice a day, products that have some or even all of the above ingredients contained within the fancy packaging. What scares me most is that some of these creams and lotions even have the words ‘Natural’ written on the packaging. You almost need to be a scientist to interpret the label!
Never fear, on Pampered Presents I promote natural products with no harmful products. This is why I was thrilled to discover yet another super brand, and better still, this one offered natural and safe products for our hair.
Naturalmente is indeed a safe and natural product – trust me, I have scrutinized the label and am in love with this stuff. Rated as Italy’s No 1 organic and bio dynamic haircare product, Naturalmente is now available in the UK.
‘Naturalmente is inspired by the healing powers of aromatherapy with its main ingredients derived from certified organic botanicals. This bio dynamic haircare brand originates from the heart of the Tuscany Hills, renowned for its sensational food, breath-taking landscape and now naturally beautiful hair.
Naturalmente’s ethos is clear and is reflected in every aspect of their range: from the petrochemical-free and plant-based formulations to the 100% biodegradable packaging. Naturalmente also avoids high price-tags which make it a truly affordable luxury; their products deliver healthy hair for less without compromising quality.’ (Naturalmente)
Naturalmente’s packaging is also eco friendly, coming from a non-toxic source.
This brand will do very well in the UK as consumers are becoming more and more aware of what their products contain and how they are made. They have also had the foresight to produce full size and travel size items, making this perfect for those who like to try a smaller size first and also perfect for taking to the gymn and on holidays.
I have been using the anti-oxidant shampoo and conditioner. The fact that this is a natural product only adds to the effect. Wow, I leave the lid off the conditioner just so as the smell fills the room! I will use this forever – sorry if I am being a tad dramatic, but try this and you will know what I mean. I love the texture, the way your hair feels after use, the fabulous scent and, last but not least, it does not make my eyes sting!
Naturalmente is now a permanent fixture in my bathroom, along with a few other ‘super natural’ favourites. I would urge you to try this fab shampoo and conditioner and see for yourself how natural can be so much better.
Naturalmente is now available online from www.gentlebodycare.co.uk
Naturalmente www.naturalmenteuk.co.uk was founded in 2004 by top Italian hairdressers Brigida and Domenico Tomaselli.
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Nelson’s Calendula Cream and Arnica Bath & Massage oil for Valentine’s Day.
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 this site many times for natural and toxin free beauty products and have never been disappointed. At the moment I am loving the Calendula cream. The cold weather is not kind to hands, especially mine! This cream revitalises and moisturises hands and other areas in need of a little TLC.
I always favour natural products and you cannot get more ‘natural’ than this. Made from 100% calendula, this cream has many other uses, for example, rough skin on knees, elbows etc. Kind to skin, hypoallergenic and naturally scented, this is one cream you will love to have in your handbag.
Excellent value at only £4.85 for 30g tube and £6.35 for 50g. Available from Boots, Holland&Barrett and independent pharmacies and health food stores.
Another favourite product I will recommend for Valentine’s day gifting has got to be 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!
This dual purpose balm works well in the bath and also directly on the skin. 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.
Health and Beauty, Pampered Foods
Nordic Oil.
Are you getting your Omega 3? With recent research serving to emphasize how important this question actually is, the quest to find a high quality non-toxic omega 3 supplement is a priority for many. For those of you who are unsure as to why this fatty acid is so important, the benefits are well documented and very impressive. To give a brief summary:
‘Omega 3 are essential fatty acids, which are important in the maintenance of good health and vitality. As such, they have been shown to help with; reduced risk of sudden heart attack and cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, depression and alzheimers.
They have been strongly linked to good skin, hair and nails, see below (an informative video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvXCWbZGKYQ (Nordic oil)
Nordic Oil ticked all the boxes for me. The source of fatty acids found in this supplement is natural and non-toxic and the research and ethos behind the company impressed me. I was more than happy to take this supplement for a 2 month trial period.
About Nordic oil:
‘Nordic Oil was founded in 2010 by James Slade who was frustrated by the low quality of many Omega 3 supplements found on the high street. With an extensive knowledge of the healthcare industry and experience as a chiropractor, James was in a good position to develop and launch Nordic Oil as the premium supplement brand that it is today.
Nordic Oil aim to supply top quality products made from the best ingredients, at an affordable and competitive price. The oil is produced from carefully selected fish sources from the deep, clear waters, including sardines, anchovies, and mackerel, species that are characterized by especially low levels of environmental impurities. Nordic Oil is produced at the state-of-the-art production facilities in Northern Europe.’ (Nordic oil)
I prefer to take a capsule but this supplement is also available in liquid form to drink. My children are taking the liquid form with no complaints.
Nordic Oil launched a new website in September 2013 which I find easy to navigate, informative and packed with information. Excellent offers are available and these vary monthly, including multiple purchase offers and a flexible p&p rate. Next day delivery is available for those who prefer not to wait on products.
‘Nordic Oil is a premium quality, third party tested, zero-toxin omega 3 supplement, derived from the most purified and highest-grade fish oil. The choice of professional triathletes Tamsin Lewis, Eimear Mullan and Ritchie Nicholls, as well as world record holding ultra-runner Mimi Anderson; Nordic Oil is fast becoming an integral part of an effective training and racing routine.’ (Nordic Oil)
NORDIC OIL High Grade Omega 3 Oil (500ml) £27.00
NORDIC OIL High Grade Omega 3 Capsules (60 capsules/1 month supply): £9.99
Gift Reviews
Freegle and Give As You Live.
I have simply got to mention this fantastic new and innovative ‘idea’ – Freegle.
As the name suggests, Freegle is a ‘Free’ and ‘Legal’ way to aquire new treasures and pass on your unwanted items. Freegle drastically reduces waste, making this one of my favourite sites on the web ever – it’s free, eco friendly and fun!
‘A Dalek, a WW2 air raid shelter and even a tarantula’s exoskeleton are just some of the weird and wonderful things that over 1.5 million Brits have been re-homing, rather than binning, on Freegle’
Freegle is the UK’s free online re-use scheme, facilitating the keeping of usable items out of the waste stream. With Freegle, you can give stuff away that still has some useful life left in it, or if there’s something you’d like, you can check to see if someone is giving it away (Freegle).
Check out the website or the Freegle Facebook page, you are sure to find something you simply must have! I have been logging onto Freegle on a daily basis now so as not to ‘miss’ anything! Try it, you will become addicted as well. I love the top ten list below –
Freaky Freebies – a bizarre top 10
1) A ‘melodian’ – said to have been made by POWs
2) A tarantula exoskeleton
3) Three coffins
4) A well (decorative only)
5) A full size Dalek
6) Giant African land snails
7) A WW2 air raid shelter
8) 18 former Humberside telephone boxes
9) Captain Pugwash cardboard cut out
10) Noah’s Arc (not to scale)
Freegle has recently formed a partnership with ‘Give As You Live’
‘Give as you Live is the ultimate way to help your favourite good cause, just by shopping online. When consumers shop with Give as you Live, a percentage of what they spend goes to the charity of their choice, without them having to spend a penny more – as it’s the retailer who makes the donation.’ (Give as you live)
Pampered Presents is a huge fan of ‘Give As You Live’, its actually a complete ‘no-brainer’ – you shop as usual and the retailer donates money to charity.
For further information of Freegle and ‘Give As You Live’ see links below:
http://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/Potted_History for background.
http://direct.ilovefreegle.org/weightchartfull.html for data about how much and what gets freegled.
Why not visit the new ‘Give As You Live’ blog:
http://www.giveasyouliveblog.com/