Gift Reviews
New wings For Old Things – Charity Book.
The Children’s Air Ambulance has recently launched a new charity book to help raise funds for its Air Transfer Service. This book is aptly titled, New Wings for Old Things. It is a wonderful craft book with a difference providing amazing ideas about how to ‘upcycle’ old furniture and knick knacks. This is a great way to put your personal mark on just about anything from an old t-shirt to a vase or a piece of furniture you were thinking of getting rid of. Especially useful are the step by step instructions to help you transform your item into something amazing.
![securedownload[2]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/securedownload2.jpg)
There are more than 20 projects to choose from, all of which are easy to accomplish without the need to go out and purchase expensive materials. I am just after making a beautiful memo board for my kitchen using an old picture frame that almost ended up in the dump as the glass was broken. With the addition of some material scraps cleverly folded and attached I now have a lovely board which holds post, receipts, photos, etc. What’s more, it’s unique!
This would make a super Christmas present, especially as crafts and recycling are so on trend at the minute. In fact, several of the projects in this book would make lovely gifts.
This little gem of a book is available from www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk priced very keenly at £5.99. Buy it for someone special this Christmas and support a very worthy cause.
For more information about The Children’s Air Ambulance and New Wings for Old Things, or to find your nearest Charity boutique please visit www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Phytalotion and Phytaoil.
I’m so happy to be able to share this amazing product with you all… It really is a miracle cream which can be used for so many things.
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.
![16856[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/168561.jpg)
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. I have also been using it on my daughter who has a scar on her leg which itches and becomes painful in cold weather. It has noticeably reduced the appearance of the scar and she is no longer complaining of discomfort. This is wonderful, as I used to feel so helpless and sorry for her.
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 from www.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!
Toy Reviews
Wasjig, ‘A Bright Christmas Night’ from Jumbo.
What exactly is a Wasjig? No, I haven’t misspelled jigsaw at all! A wasjig is a jigsaw with a difference, a big difference that is!
The thing with a Wasjig is that you have to work out what caused the scene you are looking at on the box and them try and piece together the scene as you think it is. Priceless! If you’re looking for something fun to do when waiting on the turkey to cook this Christmas day, this could well be what you’re after.
This puzzle has 1000 pieces and is suitable for kids of all ages – ‘A Bright Christmas Night’. It measures 48x65cms when (if!) completed and is printed on high quality cardboard. I love this because you have to use your imagination and it allows all the family to have fun together, with everyone guessing what they think the scene is. It took the 5 of us (2 adults and 3 kids) the best part of a Sunday afternoon and evening to complete this. We haven’t had so much fun in ages. I’m thinking of getting another one and keeping it for Christmas day.
There are many different Wasjigs available. Ours has a festive theme but there are other humorous scenes available to choose from. These are widely available from all good toy stores or indeed Amazon RRP £11.99. A great value entertainment idea from Jumbo for all the family. I’d forgotten how much fun jigsaws are!
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Sharpie Pens.
Anyone who hasn’t heard of Sharpie pens doesn’t know what they’re missing! Let me just say what I now know…these are the best markers on the planet. As a mum of 3 growing kids, I seem to always have a packet of markers in my shopping basket when we are getting the weekly shop. Basically, there always seems to be someone in our house with a marker in their hand! Anyway, I discovered these Sharpie fine nib markers and I am really delighted as they last much longer than other brands and don’t dry up half as quickly.
![Sharpie-fine-pastel[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Sharpie-fine-pastel1.jpg)
It is worth noting that they really are permanent and the ink doesn’t run when wet. I have used them to name school jumpers and to write on home freezing bags, my husband uses them to mark his golf balls and my kids use them to mark just about everything! They just go on and on.
![TheSharpieFamily-576x405[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/TheSharpieFamily-576x4051.jpg)
The coloured ones are available in a pack of 12 or 24 and are available from Amazon, priced very reasonably. These would make a great last minute stocking filler or even an end of term teacher gift.
![sharpie-metallic[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/sharpie-metallic1.jpg)
They are also available in packs of black and metallic colours so there’s something for everyone. Buy them, you won’t be disappointed. Prices start at £1.99.
Gift Reviews
Catchphrase Board game.
‘Following its triumphant return – in the capable hands of Stephen Mulhern and longstanding mascot, Mr Chips – to UK TV screens earlier this year, ITV’s hugely popular All New CATCH PHRASE enjoyed peak viewing figures approaching 5 million a night and secured a legion of avid fans old and new.’ (Drumond Park).
Catchphrase is a board game based on the TV show. I love the show so I was delighted to get my hands on the board game version. I am always on the lookout for good board games as I feel in this age of video games and mobile phones, you really do need something to bring the family together. The game can be enjoyed by kids of all ages, my teenagers love it.
![$(KGrHqR,!jYFEqLNKuZpBSW-QBN,lw~~60_35[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/KGrHqRjYFEqLNKuZpBSW-QBNlw60_351.jpg)
Catchphrase is made up of 4 sets of cards and a timer. The object of the game is to guess the catchphrase within the allotted time. To make it more interesting, each set of six cards has a larger image on the back (6 cards form one image), which is revealed when the other cards are guessed correctly. The person who guesses the most catchphrases correctly is the winner. The drawings are in colourful cartoon style and easy to understand. This game is suitable for children 8 years and up, but I must admit, my husband and I play it at night when the kids are in bed, it’s so addictive!
For anyone who wants an excellent alternative to playing Charades after Christmas dinner this year, look no further, this is perfect!
Available from www.drumondpark.com priced at £19.99, this is definitely a game not to be missed.
Gift Reviews
Universal Textiles Winter Warmers.
Brrr! Winter has finally made its arrival, and with it, my annual search for those essential winter warmers. What better place to go than a one stop shop like Universal Textiles? They stock a great range of winter woollies, many with a cute Xmas theme, perfect to get you in the Xmas spirit!
I treated myself to a lovely pair of black and white knitted thermal gloves, perfect for those chilly mornings on the school run. I love these because they’re toasty warm without being bulky, and I can still drive the car with ease.
To match, I just had to get a pair of furry earmuffs, in co-ordinating red and white. No more painful ears from the biting winds. These are really great, glad to note that you can still hear when wearing them, just as well as I don’t like taking them off! They may have to be surgically removed in spring time…
I couldn’t resist some Xmas themed socks also. They’re so cute you can’t help but smile as you’re pulling them on… Mine have cute pics of Santa and yummy Xmas puddings. As usual, you’re getting the best quality with Universal Textiles. They’re lovely and thick, perfect for snuggling up in front of the TV on these cold winter nights.
Universal Textiles have a wide selection of children’s gloves, hats, slippers and many other traditional Christmas gift ideas. My daughter will be pulling out gorgeous slipper ‘boots’ out of her stocking on Christmas day. Nothing beats the winter draughts like cosy knitted slipper boots!
All the above would make perfect stocking fillers for family members or friends and as usual are very reasonably priced on Universal Textile’s website.
Gloves start at £1.99, socks £4.95 for pack of 3 pairs.
http://www.universal-textiles.com/UK-UT/index.php?gclid=CLzEoaT337oCFceWtAodghMARA
![Green_People_Organic_Skin_Gift_Set_Xmas_2013_1378301483[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Green_People_Organic_Skin_Gift_Set_Xmas_2013_13783014831-1024x1024.png)
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Green People Organic Skin and Age Defy.
Green People, if you haven’t heard of them before, are a company that specialise in organic skin and body care products. (No, they’re not a band of leprechauns!) Their products are made as naturally as possible with no harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. I have been using their products for some time now and always find them to be very effective.
![Green_People_Organic_Skin_Gift_Set_Xmas_2013_1378301483[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Green_People_Organic_Skin_Gift_Set_Xmas_2013_13783014831.png)
I’ve recently had the pleasure of trying out one of the new gift sets – ‘Organic Skin’, which contains a 50ml bottle of Vitamin Fix and a 50 ml bottle of Help at Hand. Vitamin Fix is a rich moisturising face cream for all skin types. It contains a mix of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants including Avocado Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and Green Tea extract. It is a light non-greasy moisturiser which applies smoothly and is quickly absorbed into the skin. I have extremely sensitive skin and find it difficult to get a moisturiser which does not give me an attack of pimples. I am pleased to say that this fabulous cream not only leaves my skin pimple free but my face feels wonderfully soft and moisturised.
Help At Hand, as the name suggests, is a wonderful light non- greasy hand cream which contains a blend of beeswax, lavender and rose geranium. As a busy mum, with 3 kids living on a farm, you can imagine how often I have to wash my hands. As a result, my skin becomes dry very quickly, especially as we live in a hard water area. I am never without hand cream and have tried hundreds of different varieties. I think I will be sticking with this one though, as the effects are lasting and my hands feel soft and moisturised throughout the day. Other hand creams, I find, seem to wear off within a few minutes of application.
This is a great gift set, containing what I can say are 2 of the best skin care products I have ever tried. It would make a lovely gift for mum, granny or anyone who deserves a special treat this Christmas. RRP £25.90
Green People Age Defy Cleanse and Soothe Balm 50ml.
![Green_People_Age_Defy__Cleanse__amp__Soothe_Balm_50ml_1381136289[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Green_People_Age_Defy__Cleanse__amp__Soothe_Balm_50ml_13811362891.png)
This caught my attention the minute I saw the name. As an ‘always on the go’ mum who spends a lot of time outdoors I could use a little help in fighting the ravages of time and motherhood! This delightful balm is a super powered cleanser which comes with a complementary muslin cloth for easy application. It acts as an exfoliator as well as a cleanser. How neat is that? A blend of Perilla and Jojoba oil, known for their antioxidant and oil balancing properties, make this a cream to hang onto for life. The fabulous scent is attributed to a blend of Neroli, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine and Myrrh. I found this balm to be amazing at removing all traces of make up with no scrubbing or rubbing involved and my skin was left feeling soft, supple and glowing. Exactly the way you feel when you’ve had a facial spa treatment – without the time or expense! Age Defy Cleanse and Sooth Balm product contains 99.7% natural ingredients with no harsh petro chemicals or parabens so you can be sure your skin is getting a really natural treat. I cannot write enough about how amazing this product is, you really need to try it for yourself. It is available from Green Peoples website priced at £29.99. Spa treatment results at a fraction of the cost! Go on, treat yourself this Christmas. The results are worth it!
For other great gift ideas, log on to www.greenpeople.co.uk
![Green_People_The_Organic_Body_Gift_Set_Xmas_2013_1378301147[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Green_People_The_Organic_Body_Gift_Set_Xmas_2013_13783011471.png)
There’s free delivery when you spend £50 and they operate a points reward system. I will be getting a lot of my Christmas list sorted here, hurrah!
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Rick Stein’s India Gift Set.
What do give a ‘curry purist’ this Christmas? Rick Stein’s India of course!
I can think of nothing my brother-in-law would love more. Over the past few years he has started to cook, with a tendency to vere towards spicy foods and curries. My sister is loving this new ‘phase’ and wishes it to continue! This Christmas secret Santa is presenting him with the ingredients to recreate the recipes from Rick Stein’s India, and the book as well – what a gift!
![securedownload[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/securedownload1.png)
The TV series was hugely popular and following this success Spices of India has put together a starter gift set to enable the likes of you and I to recreate these fabulous recipes. The kit includes:
‘Rick Stein’s India cookbook
Amchur (Mango) Powder, 100g, adds a pleasing sourness to many Northern Indian dishes.
Asafoetida powder – Hing Vandevi, 50g, a pungent ground resin which tastes like garlic and onions.
Black Salt (Kala Namak powder), 100g, often sprinkled over nuts and snacks.
Black Cardamom, 50g, often used in rice and dal dishes and has a smoky flavour.
Kashmiri Chilli Powder, 75g, milder than most chillies and adds a rich deep-red colour to many curries.
Millet (Bajra) Flour, 500g, the key to making authentic flat breads.
Kokum, 200g, a dried fruit which has the same flavour-balancing technique as adding vinegar or lemon juice.
Mustard Oil, 250ml, very hard to buy in the west and is essential for truly Indian chutney’s.
Mustard Seeds, 100g, often used at the spice tempering stage of most curries.
Screwpine (Kewra) Water, 200ml, a fragrant essence of the pandan leaf which is often poured on rice to perfume it.
Tamarind, 200g, used to add a sweet tartness to many dishes.
(Spices of India)
This would be an idea gift for the ‘foodie’ in your life.
Spices of India has been a leading online Indian grocery shop from 2006, supplying authentic and high quality Indian food and cookware. Have a look at the website. There are really great dishes and cooking pots to buy which would compliment any Indian recipe.
Rick Stein’s India Gift Set RRP £39.99 from http://www.spicesofindia.co.uk/
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Masha.
The ultimate kitchen tool! How do you like your potatoes? With lumps? Yuck.
My mashed potatoes are perfect, they have a lovely smooth consistency and the children can’t get enough of them. This was not always the case, I have purchased a number of potato mashers over the years and broken most of them! I discovered the Masha and never looked back, the patented Rotor-Cone technology practically guarantees I have perfect potatoes every time.
‘Using a conventional blender or food processor to mash potatoes with its metal blades causes the starch grains to rupture and damage, which is why the result will be very ‘gluey’. The great advantage of Masha is that because it is specifically designed for the job, it extrudes the potato out of the side of the head; the starch grains are not damaged by this process, and the result is a lovely creamy smooth mash’ (Masha)
I first came across the Masha through my sister. She was making batches of baby food. It was like she was processing an industrial order, her kitchen was completely taken over with vegetables at different stages, fresh, cooked, mashed, potted up and ready to freeze. Well done sis, I was impressed. She was using the Masha to blitz her food, even fibrous foods like butternut squash, sweet potato and turnip. Everything was reduced to a smooth pulp in seconds.
I have since used my Masha for making a super quick guacamole, hummus and also for removing lumps from sauces and soups.
Masha is so versatile is has got to be on your gift list this Christmas.
RRP £34.99
For further information visit www.mplhome.com
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Dainty Delights Maker.
I adore baking, despite the fact that I never made anything until I had my children! When my 2 girls came along I started to make buns with them, which lead to pancakes, scones and other tasty treats. My 4 year old son has followed in these footsteps and as soon as he sees the butter and flour appear out of the cupboard, he says, ‘I will help you make a cake mummy’. How cute!
![17704_1[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/17704_11.jpg)
Every mother wants to bake with her kids, but not every mother has the time to spare. Work and housework, homework, piano practice, jujitsu, and necessities like making dinner take precedence over satisfying our sweet tooth. However, baking and cooking with your children serves a much greater purpose. They learn to count when weighing ingredients, they learn to follow instruction for a pleasing result while following a recipe and they develop creatively when decorating home-made treats. These are only a few of the benefits, baking with your children is also fun and a great way to bond with your little darlings.
So, calling all busy mums and dads, buy the Sweet Treats Dainty Delights Maker! This device will allow you to make cakes in 4-5 minutes! Yes, you will still weigh ingredients and follow a recipe so the kids do not miss out, but your cakes will only cook for 5 minutes thus saving at least 15 minutes of your time waiting on cakes to cook. The resulting minimal mess made when using the Dainty Delights maker will again save you at least another 15 minutes. There you go – the perfect accessory to any family kitchen.
![36087[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/360871.jpg)
My children love the Dainty Delights Maker. We use it at least once weekly and I have not used a baking tray or bun case from it arrived. The cakes are gorgeous after only cooking for 5 minutes and they pop out from the machine with ease with no sticking or crumbling – thanks to the non-stick coated base. A total of 8 cakes are made at once and this is plenty for our family of 5. They are really fab looking and can be decorated simply or elaborately, whatever you choose. Sometimes we drizzle icing over the tops, and we have also painstakingly decorated each shape with alternatively coloured strips of sugar paste. We have added different flavours to the mixture and different colours – this looks really well when baked. The recipe book included is great, lots of tips and ideas so you always have something lovely to make.
Dad’s – go and buy this for your homemaker this Christmas. No shop-bought bun I have ever tried has even came close to the home-made variety. You will ultimately be buying for yourself as you will have lots of yummy home-made buns to sample!
Very well priced at £29.99 Available from Lakeland and Amazon.