Homeware Reviews
OLPro Windbreak.
OLPro is one of my favourite companies. I find their products to be unbeatable value, trendy and very high quality. I think it is great (and reassuring) when a website encourages you to compare prices. OLPro are confident they provide the best value for money and purchases are shipped free with orders over £75 (Uk and NI). This alone would encourage me to continue shopping with them.
I have a few of OLPro’s products and have recently acquired a much sought after Windbreak. I have taken this to the beach every single time we visited this summer and it is simply fantastic.
I recall going my visits to the beach when I was a child and my mum always brought a windbreak to keep the picnic ‘sand free’ during gusts of wind and to ensure we knew where we were when we made our little trips down to the sea and back to the car. Our windbreak was bright red and I am confident that was the reason none of us ever got ‘lost’ when we went to the beach!
![Windbreak_1-small_large[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Windbreak_1-small_large1.jpg)
The OPLro windbreak is also red, with a Witley forest design along the top edge. They come in 2 sizes, with 5 poles or 7. The fabric is rot proof and includes a 2 year guarantee. The wooden poles have steel tips and clips to keep the fabric in place.
An OLPro windbreak is one you will have forever, built to last through camping trips, beach trips and back garden barbecues.
I have got to mention that this windbreak was featured on Emmerdale during summer 2013 – see image below!!
![PreviewFile1_1024x1024[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/PreviewFile1_1024x10241.jpg)
Available from www.olproshop.com
Was £44.99 and now reduced to £39.99
Toy Reviews
Fireman Sam Giant Jig-Saw Advent Calander.
Every year it’s the same last minute rush to get an advent calendar for the children, the variety increasing every year. To get a better quality chocolate calendar I usually pay a little extra yet the calendar itself is no more durable or attractive.
This year I was determined to do better than previous and choose Giant Jig-Saw Advent Calendar’s from Jumbo. These offer different themes for boys and girls.
My son is fireman Sam MAD, and has all the figures, Sam’s singing hat, and various books, so this was the obvious choice for him.
The jigsaw itself was great fun to do, especially when the he knew he was ‘building’ his own calendar. The thick, high quality cardboard was easy for him to slot the pieces together and I would imagine it will keep its shape, making it reusable and cost-effective – always good!
Under each ‘window’ are different festive images. I have put little ‘Christmassy’ chocolate treats behind each one also which will be an extra surprise. The finished jigsaw picture is lovely and colourful, and the fact that the troublesome but likeable Norman Price is featured is a big bonus as my son really likes him. The numbers are easy to see not like the usual calendars so my four year old will have no difficulty finding them when it’s his turn to open the window. A great buy that will no doubt be a future feature in our Christmas preparations.
Available for most major retailers this Christmas. Priced around £7.99
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Philips Sensotouch 3D with GyroFlex RQ1275
If you are looking for an extra special gift for your partner or father this Christmas, I can think of no better gift than the new shaver from Philips. The Philips range is vast and the various shavers are explained well online. However, the crème de la crème has got to be the Sensotouch 3D with GyroFlex RQ1275.
When I was reading about this online I just couldn’t wait for my hubby to put it to the test. He shaves at varying stages – sometimes every morning, sometimes every week and he even grows a beard occasionally so he was the perfect ‘guinae pig’! ‘Movember’ even allowed him to test the beard trimmer!
![images[9]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/images9.jpg)
Philips claim this is their most advanced shaver:
“GyroFlex 3D contour-following heads adjust seamlessly to every curve of your face, minimising pressure and irritation on your skin.
The Aquatec wet and dry seal lets you choose how you prefer to shave. You can get a comfortable dry shave or a refreshing wet shave using a shaving gel or foam for extra skin comfort.
The unique skin-friendly precision trimmer system is built to avoid unnecessary skin contact. Easy to use for perfect moustache and sideburn trimming.
Get a close shave that minimises skin irritation. The shaving head has three specialised tracks, slots for normal hair, channels for long or flat laying hair and holes for the shortest stubble on your face.
The low-friction SkinGlide shaving surface slides smoothly along your skin for a close, easy shave.
The easy-grip shaver handle has an ergonomic grip with anti-slip coating, ensuring close control for an extra-precision shave.
The dual-blade system built into our electric shaver lifts hairs to cut comfortably below skin level for a closer shave.
Skin friendly click-on Beard Styler to experience more facial styles: for anything from a 0.5 mm three-day beard to a 5 mm short beard; Rounded tips and adjustable comb to prevent skin irritation.” (Philips)
![sddefault[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/sddefault1.jpg)
My husband loved the fact that he could now shave in the shower. This was quicker and much cleaner – all the hair goes down the plug and not around the sink for me to clean up! He also found the shaver to be very smooth. It left no skin irritation and gave a very close shave. The shape of the shaver also made for an easy grip and therefore an easy shave.
The beard trimmer was great and this clicked onto the head of the shaver easily. The 5 settings let him choose between short and neat or a little bit longer and more ‘man like’ – or so he thought!
This shaver was well and truly tested and it definitely is a keeper – I don’t think hubby will ever use another shaver. Philips will never let you down, what you see is what you get. The quality of the products are unbeatable.
Choose Philips this Christmas and give your man the ultimate shaver – the Senso Touch 3D.
Available from boots and www.amazon.co.uk RRP £166.65
Health and Beauty
Grahams Natural Skincare.
We’re great fans of Grahams natural skincare products here at Pampered Presents and are delighted to have the opportunity to try more of these wonderful products.
![images[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/images1.jpg)
Calendulis Plus Cream 50g
This is a light, non-greasy super absorbent moisturiser specially formulated for those with sensitive skin and those suffering from conditions such as Eczema or Psoriasis. As I have a little boy who suffers from eczema, he was the natural choice to test this cream on and I am pleased to say that the results are excellent. This cream absorbs into the skin quickly, useful when you’re trying to apply it on a reluctant 4 year old with much more important things to do. It also contains Propolis and Manuka honey, which both have anti-inflammatory properties. Most importantly, from the very first application, I have noticed the redness fading from the affected areas. My son also seems to be scratching less, which will help the skin to heal also.
RRP £16.95
Kids Eczema Cream 75g
Grahams also make a cream which is specifically formulated for use on children and babies. It provides soothing relief from eczema, dermatitis and other skin irritations. This is a water based cream containing oatmeal which has been proven to help eczema sufferers. It also contains shea butter, olive oil and vitamin E and it is light and easily absorbed. My sister has used it on her baby’s nappy rash with great success. I have also tried this cream on mu sons’ eczema and am happy to report that it has the same benefits as the Calendulis Plus Cream.
RRP £21.99
![71ZYoDxl7lL._SY355_[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/71ZYoDxl7lL._SY355_1.jpg)
Grahams Natural Bath Oil 250ml
I was delighted to receive a bottle of this oil as it has 100% natural oil ingredients. I find it difficult to get a bath product that doesn’t dry the skin so I couldn’t wait to try this. This bath oil has a beautiful natural oily scent and contains manuka oil, apricot kernel oil and almond oil. The unbelievable thing is that your skin feels soft and freshly moisturised after having a bath. Grahams Natural Bath Oil can also be applied directly to the skin and can be used for cradle cap on babies. I have also used this wonderful oil on my feet to keep my feet soft and moisturised thus avoiding unsightly cracked heels and dry hard skin. It really is an all-rounder and no house should be without it.
RRP £17.50
![814D+MEPAqL._SL1500_[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/814D+MEPAqL._SL1500_1.jpg)
For further information visit www.grahamsskincare.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Murad Christmas Gift Sets.
If you are looking for a great value gift set this Christmas, look no further than the new Christmas range from Murad. They have 5 new skincare sets, and each one is exceptional value.
Real Radiance gift set is priced at £42.50 and the contents are worth £98! This is an especially good set, containing four high performing products which are ‘designed to boost radiance, hydrate and fight free radical damage. It’s perfect for anyone in need of a radiance boost.’ (Murad)
I have used the Intensive-C Radiance Peel and love it. This set contains a full size Intensive-C peel worth £49.50. This super mask has made a huge impact on the market, appearing in magazines and winning awards such as the 2012 Shape beauty award!
The Intensive – C radiance peel is intended to act as an environmental shield. It also dramatically reverses ageing on the skin – always a good thing! It gently exfoliates and accelerates the turnover of damaged cells, leaving a radiant glow. It will reduce pigmentation, restoring clarity to your complexion and simply revealing younger looking skin.
Other items in the kit include Essential-C Eye Cream, Essential-C Day Moisture and Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture.
I love that Murad products are paraben, sulphate and synthetic fragrance free, so no nasty chemicals on your skin. Another major plus – Murad test on people, not animals!
A superb gift for pampering your mum this Christmas.
Other gifts sets available include Perfect Balance
![2253_1381420183[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/2253_13814201831.png)
Ultimate Hydration
![2256_1381421360[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/2256_13814213601.png)
Complete Renewal
![2254_1381420553[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/2254_13814205531.png)
Available from www.murad.co.uk Have a look online, these sets are absolutely gorgeous and brilliant value.
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Top That Publishing, Angry Birds and other Christmas Books.
If you are looking for a few books to finish your Christmas shopping off this year, check out the new range from Top That Publishing. Angry Birds is all my son ever talks about the Top That have so many angry Birds books to choose from.
Red Bird to the Rescue – RRP £7.99
This is a great puppet style book and my son can place his fingers inside Red’s beak and take part in the story – a firm favourite at bedtime!
![securedownload[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/securedownload1.jpg)
Ca-Cool Masks – RRP £5.99
A great book for a rainy day. My 3 children all love this – and their ages range from 4yrs to 10 yrs. The Angry Bird masks are pressed out from the book and are easily built, with a lot of fun I might add! The instructions are clear and this is a great ‘all round’ entertaining book.
![securedownload[3] (2)](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/securedownload3-2.jpg)
Magnetic Mix-Up – RRP £6.99
If you have never bought your kids a magnetic book, make this the year you do! These books entertain my kids for hours. There are over 30 features belonging to various Angry Birds to choose from and my kids have came up with some very interesting and hilarious combinations.
![securedownload[3]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/securedownload3.jpg)
When I Dream of Christmas – RRP £6.99
I am saving this book for my little niece this Christmas. It is the most beautiful book and a really sweet story as well. The underlying emphasis is on the tradition of Christmas and appreciating what we have.
![securedownload[3] (3)](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/securedownload3-3.jpg)
Fuzzy Christmas – RRP £7.99
This would be another great choice for young children. Who doesn’t love fuzzy felt? This book will fuel the imagination and children will learn through play as they create and re-create the images with the gorgeous felt shapes.
![securedownload[2]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/securedownload21.jpg)
Visit www.topthatpublishing.com for further information. This is only a small selection of the fabulous books they have which would suit as Christmas presents.
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Bronnley Soap, Handwash and Hand and Nail Cream.
When I think of Christmas shopping I immediately think of Bronnley, they have some of the nicest fragranced toiletries ever. They use the finest natural ingredients and essential oils to create luxury items you will love to give and receive.
I always turn to them for teacher’s presents as they are brilliant value and they look a lot more expensive than they really are! This is great when you have a lot of people you like to buy a nice gift for.
I have recently tried a few pieces including a lovely Lime and Bergamot soap. This is a great buy as a pressie as it is in the shape of a lime! Children love this sort of thing and this would be lovely with some hand wash or lotion as a special gift.
Bronnley’s soaps are triple milled and last much longer than your average soap. The Lime soap:
‘A beautifully refreshing Lime & Bergamot triple milled soap, enriched with Linden extract, Shea Butter and Sweet Almond Oil to help gently cleanse and fragrance the skin.’ (Bronnley) RRP £3.50
I am using products from the Royal Horticultural Society range in my bathroom at present. Its lovely when a friend uses your bathroom and comments on your handwash and lotion! I always have nice goodies for people to try and love a good quality handwash and lotion myself also.
The Rose handwash is gorgeous:
‘The lovely and enduring fragrance of the Rose is blended with Melissa extract and Shea Butter to create a luxuriously fragrant, cleansing soap; triple milled for extra refinement.’ (Bronnley) RRP £8.75
This leaves a delicate hint of white musk on your hands – one of my favourite scents.
To follow the handwash, I have the Hibiscus Hand and nail Cream. This rich luxurious cream lasts and lasts without giving your hands a greasy feeling. This also contains vitamin E and Mallow with toning and moisturising benefits.
Watch this space… Bronnley have some super gift sets for Christmas and I am sure you will be adding them to your ‘wish list’.
For further information visit www.bronnley.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Jamela 24K Gold Collagen Facial Masks.
Gold, don’t we all wish for some gold in our stocking this Christmas? Gold also has a fantastic hydrating effect on our skin and Jamela have used this quality to produce the most luxurious skincare masks ever – 24K Gold Collagen Facial Masks.
Endorsed by celebs, these are a firm favourite with winning spas and salons countrywide.
‘These luxurious, unique masks have been proven to increase the skin’s moisture saturation level by up to 92%. With the added convenience of being a one piece gel sheet, no mess, no mixing no cracking, just place the cool refreshing gel mask on your face, smooth it down, and relax while the nutrients do their work, for a minimum of 30 minutes. The nutrients are absorbed 10 times faster than a traditional face mask, as the body temperature slowly dissolves the mask.’ (Jamela)
These 100% natural masks are the perfect gift for your ‘someone special’ this Christmas or even as a treat for yourself. Enriched with natural botanical ingredients and without synthetic fragrances or preservatives, these will be the ultimate luxury skincare item on everyone’s ‘wish list’ this year.
Available from www.jamelaskincare.com and http://www.amazon.co.uk/ at £49.50 for a box of 5 masks.
Toy Reviews
KaZoo Headphones.
Smart phones, iPod, iPad, Nintendo, U-tube – all the ways my children enjoy listening to their music and none of these ways I can admit to feeling 100% comfortable with. I find it difficult keeping up with them! I recall 20 years ago getting a Sony Walkman and would have had the headphones on 24/7 if my mum had not kept a tight control over them.
These days, mum’s can relax knowing their children are listening to their music safely with no risk if damaging their ears. How? With KaZoo headphones!
![securedownload[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/securedownload11.png)
‘Equipped with a built-in sound control circuit, they cap peak volume levels at 85 decibels, the maximum level recommended by many auditory health organisations in the UK and US. Suitable for children aged 3 and above, the cushioned over the ear cups provide a comfortable listening experience.’ (KaZoo)
My children love these – my daughter has the penguin style and my son has the frog design. They are fully adjustable so they will fit a child from the age of 3yrs upwards. KaZoo’s really do look great and lots of mums and other children have admired them.
![securedownload[2]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/securedownload2.png)
Just to mention as well, they are made from child friendly material – at Pampered Presents this always scored highly! These come very highly recommended and are excellent value at £14.99.
Available from www.currys.co.uk/ www.pcworld.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
B F Aromatherapy Mood Food range.
I adore this company! BF Aromatherapy make the most gorgeous natural products I have ever used. They use essential oils and other natural ingredients, ‘Essential oils are the single most important component of our products and we choose these oils wisely, selecting only oils that are truly beneficial and that work synergistically together to provide the most powerful, therapeutic effects. Unlike many brands we work with nature, as nature intended, using only 100% pure, unadulterated essential oils.’ (BF Aromatherapy)
I love shopping for skincare goodies and with BF Aromatherapy, you will not have to check the label for silicons, parabens and synthetic fragrances – they simply do not use these in their products.
For Christmas 2013 they are recommending the ‘Mood Food range of products and they look, feel and smell so luxurious. These products contain mood-enhancing essential oils which smell heavenly, sooth our stresses and help us relax after a hard day shopping for Christmas presents!
I have selected a few of the products to entice you to visit the website.
![Feeling-Good-Shower-Gel[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Feeling-Good-Shower-Gel1.jpg)
Feeling Good Bath and Shower Gel: Sweet Orange refreshes, Ylang Ylang soothes and moisturises and Clary sage revitalises. With the addition of geranium, well known for its action on balancing our emotions, this simply couldn’t get any better!
RRP £10 for 200mls.
http://www.bfaromatherapy.com/product.php/2/feeling-good-bath-shower-gel-200ml
![Feeling-Peachy-Body-Lotion[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Feeling-Peachy-Body-Lotion1.jpg)
Feeling Peachy Body Lotion: This body lotion is an impressive 97% organic! It hydrates with Sunflower Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E and Carrot Oil. Again, Orange essential oil is added to refresh and Benzoin and Frankincense to relax and rejuvenate our skin.
RRP £14 for 200mls
http://www.bfaromatherapy.com/product.php/3/feeling-peachy-body-lotion-200ml
![Happiness-Bath-Salts[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Happiness-Bath-Salts1.jpg)
Last but not least – my favourite! Happiness bath Salts: Dead Sea salt, Lavender, Bergamot, Benzoin, Ylang Ylang and Petitgrain give the ultimate bathing experience – all you need is hot water and you will be soothed to ‘happiness’!
RRP £12 for 300g
All 3 products are available to purchase online at www.bfaromatherapy.com
Have a look at the website. It is user friendly and there are some wonderful Christmas gift ideas.