Pampered Foods
Lesley Waters and World Vision for Halloween 2013.
What shape are you carving into your pumpkin this Halloween? World Vision would like to see heart shapes glowing from our Halloween pumpkins as part of their ‘Night of Hope’ campaign offering a lantern of hope to all the children living in fear across the world every night.
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Lesley Waters, the ever so popular chef from ready Steady Cook, has created delicious recipes in support of this charity.
These recipes are simply delicious and would be the perfect treat for your visitors this Halloween and a welcome alternative to shop bought sweets. Download your free pumpkin pack from www.worldvision.org.uk/anightofhope
Have a look at the site and you may be in with a chance to win a cookery lesson with Lesley!
Homeware Reviews
Poundland for Halloween.
My children decorated our house last night for Halloween and it was the best of fun. I love Halloween, not only as my cobwebs are in fashion, but I relish the selection of sweets available, the toffee apples and the boxty. We almost put as much effort into Halloween as we do for Christmas.
![securedownload[5] (2)](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/securedownload5-2.jpg)
This year our house is the scariest on the street. The outside is lit up with spooky pumpkins, spiders webs with glow in the dark spiders, and frightening faces. My hubby was out when all this was taking place, he couldn’t have coped with all the excitement! My 4 year old son was going nuts racing around with skeletons, the older girls were perched on chairs hanging black and orange tinsel from all the pictures, curtain poles and mirrors, and the dog was having a field day with a spooky body part – a sawed off foot.
![securedownload[7]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/securedownload7.jpg)
No, this did not cost £200, I went to Poundland! No-one wants to spend money at Halloween, we are all saving for Christmas. I decorated my entire house inside and out for £20.
The decorating was the beginning of the chaos, I have been talked into having 2 Halloween parties – yes 2! One on Monday night and one on Tuesday night for both of my daughters.
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Poundland also took care of the food and I opted for disposable plates and cups to save on the washing up. These are fab, with their ghostly theme they really look the part.
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So, get yourself to a Poundland and have fun with the brilliant range of Halloween tableware, sweets, treats and decorations.
Wishing you all a ‘spooktactular’ Halloween!
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Noble Isle Rhubarb Rhubarb gift set.
The Noble Isle collection is undoubtedly the most luxurious collection of gift sets I have had the pleasure of using. The company screams luxury and the products are exquisitely presented that a Noble Isle gift set would say ‘I think the world of you’ to the receiver this Christmas.
Noble Isle take their inspiration from the British Isles: the English Orchards, misty moors, the highlands and the coast. The result is an unequalled quality of products and the best of British design to create an unforgettable and lasting impression.
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I have the Rhubarb Rhubarb gift set. Rhubarb is distinctly British in my opinion, and I love it. This was my first experience of rhubarb used for anything other than in my crumbles and tarts, so I was so excited to try it out.
Noble Isle rhubarb comes from Yorkshire and is expertly forced throughout the winter and the extract collected with nothing less than ‘extreme skill’. This extract collected from the rhubarb root was once more precious than opium and during the railway age, it even had its own train to ensure speedy transportation to its destination. Rhubarb has a high level on natural antioxidants and is well known for its cleansing properties on the body so it was rather clever of Noble Isle to encompass these properties and create their gorgeous toiletries.
3 items come in the Rhubarb Rhubarb set: handwash, hand lotion and a scent diffuser. They look stunning together, the presentation being second to none.
On trying the products, the quality and scent give the senses such a treat, so in-keeping with the luxurious presentation. I can imagine Willian presenting Kate with a Noble Isle gift set this Christmas! If you are looking for a special gift than stands out from the crowd, choose Noble Isle.
Rhubarb Rhubarb gift set RRP £65.
![noblegroup[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/noblegroup1.jpg)
Available from www.nobleisle.com
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Pampered Foods
Tate and Lyle Treacle.
Treacle is one of my store cupboard essentials. As soon as the end of the tin is nearing, I add another to the shopping list. I have found so many scrummy recipes with treacle that I make time and time again because of raving reviews from the tasters! Tate and Lyle treacle (and syrup for that matter…) is the ‘real McCoy,’ I refuse to use any other brand.
![HALOW_110712_MG_2[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/HALOW_110712_MG_21.jpg)
My treacle-coated Gammon is loved by all and the sticky coating makes the crackling extra tasty, my kids have physically fought over who gets the most!
I also use treacle for Sticky Ginger Pudding. I tried it without the treacle and it’s just not as rich and sticky. My kids love making treacle cookies every Halloween and they decorate these as monster faces and spiders, a really original treat to take to parties!
This Halloween Tate and Lyle have really ‘treated’ us with the spooky decorated treacle tins. Along with treacle, they now have fiendish snacks. Why not try the Spooky Popcorn Balls and Witch’s Fingers?
Available from several stores across the UK from 88p per tin.
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Moroccanoil Hair treatments.
Having promised my poor neglected hair a bit of pampering I decided to try the hair care range from Moroccanoil. The description on the packaging stating it would ‘add elasticity and shine’ and ‘make hair more managable’ was quite reassuring. This range is aimed at people like myself with dry, course, fragile hair that tends to be very disobedient as well as suiting people with perfect hair who want to keep it looking good.
On a good day I look like a womble (frizzy haired mice cartoon from the 80’s), and windy days are the dread of my life.
The initial product recommended to use is the actual signature product, the Moroccanoil Treatment Oil. This is smoothed through damp or dry hair as the base for other treatments or can be used alone. I have used this after every shampooing and will use it forever. The change in my hair is so marked that even my husband noticed. Silky soft, thicker and, to be honest, my hair looks like ‘normal’ hair for the first time in my life!
This Intense Hydrating Mask was definitely aptly named, I followed the directions and applied to my locks after shampooing and left it on for 5minutes. On washing this mask out, my hair felt lovely! So smooth and soft and I was pleased to notice I hadn’t lost nearly as much hair as I usually do when washing it.
I then moved on to the Hydrating Styling Cream. I applied this to my damp hair and let it dry naturally as per usual. For years I have tried hair products that promise to tame frizz that just don’t deliver what is promised to the user, however, this cream made styling my hair much easier, and I only used a tiny amount ( about 1p size). This made me feel great as I know the bottle will last me ages which makes 300ml for £23.75 great value.
With such pleasing results, I plan to try out some of the other products from Moroccanoil. The Extra Volume Shampoo and Conditioner look very tempting and the Miniature Essentials Kit will be brilliant for sun holidays.
For more information visit www.moroccanoil.co.uk
Health and Beauty
Grahams Skincare.
Grahams Natural Skincare is a fabulous range of products designed especially for those with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. I was delighted to be able to try these products as my son, who is 4 years old has suffered with eczema for quite some time. I tried out 3 of their products – body wash, shampoo and bath oil.
![grahams[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/grahams1.jpg)
Firstly, the body wash…This comes in a generous 250ml bottle, it is quite runny but gives a very good lather. It contains manuka honey and leaves a lovely silky feel to your skin. I was delighted that it did not sting or itch, as many other body washes irritate my son’s skin. No more crying at bath time now! Most surprising of all was the fact that my son’s skin felt moisturised afterwards, so much so that I didn’t feel the need to add additional moisturiser, which gets bath time over much quicker, always a good thing when you’re 4 years old!
![images[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/images1.jpg)
I myself suffer dreadfully with an itchy scalp so I was delighted to be able to try Grahams Natural shampoo. This has a lovely coconut scent and is very thick and creamy. I was able to create a generous lather with quite a small dollop of shampoo, and it felt very soothing on my scalp. Having used it a few times now, my scalp condition is improving and the itch is getting less, thankfully. I also noted that my hair stayed ‘washed’ looking for longer. Other special care products I have used usually meant I had to wash my hair more frequently as they were very mild. The shampoo also comes in a generous 250ml bottle. I will definitely be buying this product again as it is great value for money.
Lastly, I had the pleasure of trying Grahams Natural Bath Oil, supplied in a 120ml bottle. A few drops of this in your bath…heaven. It has a lovely aroma and left my skin feeling silky soft. Great when you haven’t time to moisturise after an extended soak in the tub!
Grahams Skincare natural products are paraben and petrochemical free and the range is suitable for those with sensitive skin and for those with severe eczema.
I will definitely continue to use these products, and am delighted that they are readily available in the UK despite being produced in Australia. The Body Wash retails at £16.50, the shampoo at £14.99 and the Bath Oil at £17.50.
For super soft skin, use the Calendulis Cream with the Bath Oil or Body Wash also available from www.grahamsskincare.co.uk
Visit www.vital-life.org.uk to find your nearest stockist.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Oxo No Spill Ice Cube Tray.
The name says it all…. Can it really be possible, I hear you say? I know, I was sceptical too. An ice cube tray that stays filled until the ice has formed? No way!
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Well, here it is. I’ve tried it and it works. No more toppling in the freezer, spilling water everywhere, no more walking to the freezer in baby steps trying to keep the water from overflowing. This ice cube tray comes with a nifty little silicone cover which goes over the tray, forming a watertight seal, preventing any leaks – I even held it upside down. The rounded ice cubes it delivers are quite clever also and very easily removed.
Now I can fill my ice cube tray and chuck it into the freezer. I no longer have to create a flat surface for my ice cube tray using a Jenga inspired tower of pizza boxes and apple tarts.
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This is one of those handy little gadgets that you wish had been invented years ago. I love it, I’m thinking of buying a few as stocking fillers for friends and family this Christmas.
Available from Lakeland, priced at £12.00.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Oxo Good Grips Box Grater.
Well, having searched for a long time for the perfect Box Grater, I think I may have found it at last! My criteria was a soft grip handle, easy to store, generous box size amongst others. This box grater from Oxo fits the bill perfectly!
![1057961_1[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1057961_11.jpg)
It has a coarse, medium and fine grating surface and also the added bonus of a slicer, which I must admit I wasn’t expecting. The handle is lovely and comfy to hold, what I’ve come to expect from OXO (I have lots of their products). They’re thought of everything as it even has a non slip base. How many times have you grated a block of cheese only to land the whole lot on the floor? I love the fact that your cheese is conveniently caught in the box at the bottom, not scattered all over a chopping board… When not in use, the box can be stored inside the grater, how perfect is that?
This little gem of a grater retails at £15.30 and is available from Lakeland. Get one, you won’t be sorry!
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Ashleigh and Burwood Fragrance Lamp.
‘I can smell a dog in this house’ were the words of my dad last week when he popped in for a coffee. Being my usually witty self, I answered ‘There is a dog in this house’.
However, it got me thinking, is there really a smell of my gorgeous little Jack Russel?? He is bathed in coconut doggie shampoo every week but he still manages to give off a doggie odour. I am not one for scents and fragrance and would steer towards natural and environmentally friendly products so I opted for an Ashleigh and Burwood Fragrance lamp instead of one of those sprays which hide odours but have everyone sneezing.
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The fragrance lamp originated in 1898 as a tool to disinfect the air in hospitals and the same method is used today – diffusion by catalytic combustion. Odours are carried by molecules and this is what the lamp destroys thus eliminating the odour. Airborne microorganisms are also destroyed thus the purification result. I was so impressed with the science behind this and that the air was being purified as well and scented.
The statistics are mind boggling! See below:
Bacteria :
E.coli : 100% mortality after 30 minutes of exposure
S.aureus: 100% mortality after 30 minutes of exposure
E. aerogenes: 100% mortality after 30 minutes of exposure
Dust Mites: Human dust mites (Dermatophagoides farinae): 100% mortality after 30 minutes of exposure
Mould Spores: Stachybotrys chartarum: 96% mortality after 30 minutes of exposure.
Unpleasant odours ‐ the catalytic fragrance lamp Ashleigh & Burwood is effective against removing dog, cat, food spoilage odours and cigarette smoke.
Dog: 80% reduction in odor after 30 minutes of exposure
Cat: 80% reduction in odor after 30 minutes of exposure
(Ashleigh and Burwood)
Dad can visit anytime now and I guarantee all scent of my precious pooch is gone. I light my fragrance lamp every morning for 30 mins and my home smells fresh all day.
Ashleigh and Burwood catalytic lamps are the leaders of this technology and they have a fantastic range of lamps and fragrances on their website. Mine is gorgeous, a handcrafted glass lamp. I have gold, frankincense and Myrrh fragrance. The main range of fragrances are natural and none are tested on animals.
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An Ashleigh and Burwood Fragrance lamp retails from £26.99 for the lamp. A gift set including the fragrance is approximately £34 depending on the lamp and fragrance you choose. This is the ideal way to fragrance and purify the air in your home. The gift set box would make a gorgeous thoughtful present for someone special this Christmas.
For further information visit www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Goo.ey – Phone and Tablet Accessories.
My iPad is my world. I use it for everything from emails, notes, storing documents and recipes, games for my children and much more.
Sometimes I wish I had more than 2 hands I am so busy which is why the Goo-ey has made a huge difference to my little world!
The Goo.ey is a new phone and iPad accessory and you will love it. The purpose of this is to allow you to ‘stick’ your tablet or smart phone to a surface which frees up your hands and your worktop space. This new ‘hands free’ way of using your devices is very useful at home and at work. With Goo.ey on your tablet or phone, wherever you put it, it stays put. I love it for cooking – I can have my iPad on the front of my kitchen cupboard to read recipes without it being in the way. It stays put and stays clean!
![securedownload[3]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/securedownload3.jpg)
The goo.ey does not feel sticky on your hands or in your pocket – it really is a revolutionary product. The smooth surface will stick to flat surfaces such as mirror, glass, ceramic, vinyl, laminate and metal. It is easily removed and can be reused without leaving a residue on your appliance.
My children love this when using Facetime and taking self images. They stick the iPad to the mirror and spend ages taking shots of funny faces!
A really ingenious Christmas gift and at a super price, the perfect stocking filler.
Available from www.gooeyskins.com from £15 in a variety of cool colours
Goo.ey is compatible with the iPhone 4 & 5, Samsung Galaxy S2, S3 & S4, Samsung Galaxy Note 2, iPad Mini and iPad (all generations).
Priced at £15 for the smartphones, £16 for the iPad Mini and Note 2 and £18 for the iPad.