Pampered Foods
PG Tips Rich One Teabags.
Busy is an understatement for my life at present! A working mum with 3 kids, I never seem to stop, let alone brew a pot of tea. My quick cuppa is a teabag dipped in a cup and I never get to drink it hot!
![Pg_Tips_80_Rich_One[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Pg_Tips_80_Rich_One1.jpg)
Pg Tips Rich One Teabags have arrived to my house and will never leave! They are perfect for those in a hurry – and deliver a perfect cuppa in minutes. The full rich flavour tastes like the tea was brewed in a pot!! I will never be without them – I even took them on holiday recently for fear of not being able to purchase them abroad. They are the very latest tea from PG Tips so treat yourself to the perfect cuppa!
Have you ever cooked with tea?? I had not until recently! Visit www.pgtips.co.uk for the full tea range, recipes and more.
I know it sounds a bit strange cooking with tea, but this recipe is amazing. Why not give it a try?
Tea Tabouleh with Spiced Lamb Cutlets
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 PG tips Rich One teabag
100 g quinoa
2 tomatoes, diced
½ cucumber, diced
Large bunch flatleaf parsley, chopped
Large bunch mint, chopped
Small bunch chives, chopped
1 small red onion, peeled and finely diced
Juice of ½ lemon
Seasoning
8 lamb cutlets
2 tsp cumin seeds
Seeds of ½ pomegranate
Method:
- Bring 250 ml water to the boil in a pan and stir in the teabag. Turn off the heat and leave to steep for 3-4 minutes then remove the teabag.
- Pour the quinoa into the pan, bring back to the boil and then simmer for 8-9 minutes (according to the pack instructions, until the quinoa is cooked and the tea absorbed). Drain and leave to cool.
- Place the quinoa in a large bowl and mix with the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, herbs, onion, lemon juice and season to taste.
- Place the lamb chops on a grill pan and sprinkle with the cumin seeds. Cook under a hot grill or on a barbecue for 2-3 minutes each side, depending on how pink you like your lamb.
- Serve the lamb cutlets on a bed of tabbouleh, sprinkled with pomegrante seeds.
Pampered Foods
Knorr Stock Pots.
Fish, fish, fish. We should be eating more fish than any other meat, it’s healthy and has all those goodies like omega 3 and 6 which are being continually recommended by health experts.
I am always trying to find ways to make it interesting for my kids to eat fish, without serving up fish-fingers and fishcakes every Friday!
Knorr stock pots have made this easy for us.
![NEW_KNORR_FISH_STOCK_PART[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/NEW_KNORR_FISH_STOCK_PART1.jpg)
The Fish Stock pot is just what my fish pie was lacking! It gives the perfect flavour in one simple little pot, adding ‘taste’ to quick and easy pies and casseroles.
Knorr stock pots come in a variety of flavours including a Rich Beef stock pot, all without added MSG – a very popular additive with links to adverse effects in children. The website has a variety of recipes for you to try and great cooking tips, so have a look – www.knorr.co.uk
The stock pots are available from most supermarkets.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Jin Designs.
If you are always on the lookout for everyday items with that special touch, then look no further than Jin Designs.
![82803-261-261-1-jin-designs-sleeping-cat-bag[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/82803-261-261-1-jin-designs-sleeping-cat-bag1.jpg)
This super canvas tote bag is perfect for running to the shops or the library. It is made out of high quality canvas, with strong canvas handles. It features a cute sleeping cat design printed on the front of the bag. This bag would make a lovely gift for just about anyone as it is so versatile. It measures 30cms wide by 42cms high approximately. It costs a very reasonable £15.00
I am also pleased to say that it is designed and manufactured in the UK.
Jin Designs also manufacture mugs, tea towels and greeting cards, in a variety of themes, all featuring clean, simple designs which are very distinctive in their simplicity.
![826532_m[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/826532_m1.jpg)
A favourite of mine would have to be the Beach hut mug. I simply love the beach, and it does not have to be summer for me to bundle the kids into the car for a picnic on the beach! This mug reminds me of my favourite place, so I can have a soothing cup of tea in a beautiful ‘beach’ mug – how relaxing!
The mugs are fine bone china, and the Beach hut mug is one of the most popular of the Jin Design mugs. It is inspired by the Brighton and Hove seafront. RRP £12.
Jin designs are super cool, different and definately have my recommendation for that special gift!
![827062_m[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/827062_m1.jpg)
The entire collection can be viewed at www.jindesigns.com.
Pampered Foods
Organix baby foods.
Organic baby food is certainly becoming popular, with more and more mums becoming aware of what is in the food their children eat – especially young children and babies. Recent ‘scares’ in the news and various publications highlighting the ingredients that have been found in food that should not be there would definately make us all think about what we eat.
Organix is a company that impressed me from the initial website introduction. They have a ‘Plan O’, an Organix sustainability plan which aims to share with us exactly what they do.
‘We are committed to making our food with minimal environmental impact and ensuring natural resources are safeguarded for future generations. We will monitor and improve what we do and this pledge will be the basis of how we do things at Organix.’
The website explains how they work to achieve this, do have a look – www.organix.com Aside from the background information, you will also find helpful feeding advice, meal plans and recipes for your little ones.
I have used the Organix range with all of my children from the weaning stage onwards. The variety is fantastic and I love the fact that the meals have ‘grown up’ names – Spaghetti bolognaise, mild green and red Thai curry and Tikka and Korma paste pots! My children loved these flavours, none being too spicy. The benefits of introducing a good variety of flavours from weaning is that as your child grows, they will have experienced spices, herbs and other flavours which are used in cooking adult meals. I believe this is why I have no ‘picky eaters’ in my house!
![boots-kids-clothes-organix-apple-raspberry-with-pieces-4-x-95g[1] (2)](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/boots-kids-clothes-organix-apple-raspberry-with-pieces-4-x-95g1-2.jpg)
Organix have a wide variety of foods to suit all stages of your childs development. Finger foods, fruit bars and cereals to name but a few. My nieces love the organic gingerbread men biscuits and the carrot stix, definately a firm favourite.
![FF-Carrot-Sticks-SNACKS[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/FF-Carrot-Sticks-SNACKS1.png)
All this along with the assurance of knowing your child is having organic food with no artificial ingredients added. With Organix you don’t have to read the ingredients list on the packaging – you simply will not find any artificial flavourings, colours or preservatives. Perfect, thank you Organix, you make shopping for childrens’ food so easy!
![organixporridge[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/organixporridge1.jpg)
The range can be bought online or at most grocery stores.
Toy Reviews
Playmobil Cargo Ship with Loading Crane.
Am I the only grown up who kept their favourite toys? Most of my friends kept nothing, but I have my Playmobil playground! It is now enjoyed by my 3 children and is as good as new – honestly, apart from the pieces I have lost over the years, nothing was ever broken and everything works.
Playmobil has one of the best reputations of any toy company I know. Their toys are colourful, entertaining, educational and durable. Hours and hours can be spent with just one Playmobil set – I have proved that.
My sister has the Playmobil Noah’s ark and every time we visit, it is in the middle of the ‘playroom’ floor, played with my children from the age of 4 yrs right up to 10 yrs and thoroughly enjoyed.
Playmobil never dates – never. New toys are released frequently and they are up to date and modern each time. One of these new sets is presently my son’s ‘greatest bestest toy ever’!!
![$(KGrHqR,!mIFH(6J7wRiBR8Wyk3+HQ~~60_35[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/KGrHqRmIFH6J7wRiBR8Wyk3+HQ60_351.jpg)
The cargo ship is simply fantastic, like nothing I have ever seen throughout different toy ranges. It floats on water – which is great although we have never done that. It even has a working anchor. We may eventually ‘launch on water’, as dad is infatuated that you can upgrade this boat to one with an underwater motor. So, this ship will float at a later date to dad’s delight! For now, it is the centre of attention on our playroom floor. Two containers come with the set and can be hoisted on and off the ship with the loading crane. This is brilliant, and containers are constantly being loaded on and off in our house! The cabin’s roof comes off too, so there is really a lot of opportunities for imagination and role play.
3 Playmobil figures come with the set, and various accessories so lots of fun to be had right from the start.
Other co-ordinating sets can be added to this one – the loading terminal and the cargo truck with container. Check out the site www.playmobil.co.uk
The Cargo ship RRP £49.99 and my advice is to buy this now as every little boy will have it on their Christmas list.
![I_4008789052551_50_20130131[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/I_4008789052551_50_201301311.jpg)
![4008789052544[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/40087890525441.jpg)
Homeware Reviews
Heaven Fresh Ionic Air Purifier 200.
Airborne pollutants – they are everywhere! How do we keep our family healthy in a world of pollution, dust, pollens, allergens, bacteria, smoke – need I go on any further?
I like to think that I do my utmost (within reason) to ensure my family is happy and healthy and have always thought of investing in an Ionic Air Purifier. However, with 3 kids and a busy home, I am only getting round to it now. My daughter has asthma and we both suffer from hay fever recently too, which is why I thought this would be a good time!
![dw_badge_template2_new[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dw_badge_template2_new1.jpg){kind=icon}
I was surprised at the price RRP £54.99 – not bad for something that does so much – and on this note, I must add, its not a large machine! No-one has enough space these days, so this HF 200 Ionic Air Purifier is 12×7.2×3.8 inches, so neat.
The benefits an air purifier provides is likened to those felt when standing next to a waterfall – wow, imaging having the same fresh air feeling in your own home? Sure, open the windows – I don’t know where you live, but every 2 seconds a car drives past our house, so no benefits to be had there! Countryside air has at least 10 times the negative ions than indoor air – so that is why we feel so much better after a walk in the country or a trip to the seaside.
The Heaven Fresh HF 200 Air Purifier fills an entire room with the health benefits of negative ions binding with airborne pollutants, removing them from the air. I think this concept is amazing and can imagine in the future, every house will have one of these.
The health benefits from having that fresh clean air when inside your home are profound, and I am absolutely delighted with my air purifier.
I can relax knowing my daughter is sleeping in a room with a minimal amount of dust, allergens and pollens so her asthma is very much less likely to flare up. These are only the benefits we know of – ‘fresh air’ is the most promoted ‘medicine’ over the years, and who knows what other health benefits we are having from the air purifier?
The Heaven Fresh HF 200 Air Purifier Ionizer is affordable and definitely value for money with a 3 year warranty. The power consumption is very low and it makes minimal noise, so can be easily used in a bedroom.
Other models are available to suit different needs and budgets also. Have a look at the website for the full range.
![GLM_heaven-fresh_logo[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/GLM_heaven-fresh_logo1.jpg){kind=logo}
Toy Reviews
Lalaloopsy Littles Specs Reads A Lot.
The younger siblings of the original larger Lalaloopsy dolls, Specs Reads A Lot very much so has her own personality. She is super smart and is ‘sewn’ from pieces of a girls school uniform!
![Specs-Reads-A-Lot[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Specs-Reads-A-Lot1.jpg)
I love that she wears glasses (removable) as it helps demonstrate that we are all not the same and perfect. She comes with her pet worm and is the little sister of Bea Spells-A-Lot, next on my daughters wish list! (Glad they are not highly priced).
Her head, arms and legs are fully articulated, which is great for playing with. My daughter even straps Specs in a car seat next to her when travelling!
The Laloopsy Littles are a great size for out and about. My daughter has loads of the Mini Lalaloopsy dolls, but on her travels, its Specs Reads A Lot who always comes along. She does attract a lot of attention, with her adorable clothes and cute little glasses.
I would definitely recommend this doll form a durability point of view as well – lets be honest, we are all skint, but my daughter has never tired of this doll, and even though I tuck them both into bed at night, most mornings the doll is on the floor (wooden floor) and has no signs of wear and tear at all.
I also have to mention that one of Specs reads A Lot’s biggest fans is my mum – she is simply in love with her as Lalaloopsys are a fairly new concept and such a change from dolls we as mums would have grown up with.
Do have a look at the website, it is absolutely beautiful and easy to navigate. Visit the fun workshop, see the full collection or just play games! Lots of fun to be had.
Available from www.lalaloopsy.com and other good toy shops RRP £14.99
Toy Reviews
Mini Lalaloopsy Sew Sweet Playhouse.
My 8 year old daughter simply adores Lalaloopsy dolls. She has quite a few and they are spread across a ‘no go’ area on her bedroom floor. She would set up the little furniture sets and the little dolls would have tea and ‘visit’ each other. She also has the Silly Fun House Playset too, but had no ‘house’ as such – until now. This is a great addition to the world of Lalaloopsy!
![3b92[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/3b921.jpg)
The Sew Sweet Playhouse is just what she needed. It has 3 floors, bright and spacious and plenty of room to hold all her little sets of furniture – so now I can vacuum her room – thank you Lalaloopsy! The shutters open and close, and there are lots of other movable parts too. The house comes with fabulous little sets as well – a lemonade set, drinking cups and picnic table with umbrella. The porch swing is adorable, as is the pet door – her pets get just as much attention as the little dolls, so the little pet attic is just brilliant thinking. The pets go up and down in the pet elevator – Mum’s, you will play with this yourself! An exclusive Lalaloopsy doll is included, Mini Blossom Flowerpot with her very own pet.
The house is just super and it really does have it all – after playing with toys during my younger years and watching both my girls play, I could not have designed a better playhouse. Strong, lots of moveable parts and simply adorable to look at – the perfect gift for your little girl.
Suitable for children from 4 years and over.
Do have a look at the website, it is absolutely beautiful and easy to navigate. Visit the fun workshop, see the full collection or just play games! Lots of fun to be had.
Available from www.lalaloopsy.com and other good toy shops RRP £29.99
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Make-up Works Bronzer and Interchangeable palette.
Heralded as the ‘Holy Grail’ of bronzers, this bronzer claims to be universal and will suit anyone. I definitely could not wait to try this! I have been using the same bronzer for over 10 years and it’s not cheap! So I was very keen to try another one with an excellent reputation and a claim to suit all skin types.
![4be7[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/4be71.jpg)
August wasn’t brilliant here in Northern Ireland, but it sure was humid. I used the bronzer just over my make-up, no other powder. I never really passed any remarks on it – with 3 kids I am lucky to get the time to apply make-up, let alone check it out in the mirror.
First compliment was from my sister ‘Have you changed your make-up?’ She said I looked well and then I decided to check myself out! It was several hours from the time I had quickly applied my make-up, and I was delighted as I looked like it was just applied. No shine and no ‘caked’ areas around my eyes. Very impressive as the sweat ran off us with the humidity, but the make-up stayed on!
I am very pleased as it retails at £17, which is £8 less than the other bronzer I had been using – good bye to that one! Hello Make-up works, it really does!
My other new product was the Interchangeable Palette with blusher, bronzer and 2 eye shadows, retailing at £26.
![0dca[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/0dca1.jpg)
The packaging was impressive, neat and tidy and WOW – interchangeable! So, depending on where I was going I could slot in the suitable make-up. The blusher and bronzer were brilliant, and a good size; big enough that the brush did not rub into both when I was trying to apply one.
The eye shadow was a challenge as I don’t usually wear eye make-up. It sat for a few days, untouched. However, the colours supplied were Sea and Azures, both pretty tame, nothing wild that would scare the kids and hubby would wonder where his wife had gone to! I did try it and loved it. Greens are the colours to wear ladies – read your Hello, etc – so I am ‘in the know’ now. Just a touch of the Sea on the outer corners and the Azure on my eye lids – looked well and not over the top.
Could this be the start of things to come? Well, I have made a big change with the bronzer after 10 years, so I might just start dabbling with eye shadow!
On-line, the selection of colours you can add to the palette is vast – do check it out at www.make-upworks.co.uk
It’s a brilliant idea, instead of a drawer full of eye shadow palettes just have one, and a few interchangeable sets to go with it.
Great idea, I would recommend, especially for holidays where you are short on space. I will be purchasing again soon and adding Make-up Works to my Santa list for sure!
![bcf8[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/bcf81.jpg)
Toy Reviews
Power Rangers from Bandai.
Want to defeat evil in style – these are the tools you need! The futuristic Power Rangers cycles!
![b3cd[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/b3cd1.jpg)
Each cycle has a disc just like on TV. This spins when played with – like ‘magic’. My son is infatuated.
He has the Blue vehicle, with the co-ordinating blue power ranger (Kevin) and evil is blasted away regularly in our household. Even the girls join in!
Kevin is a disciplined master swordsman and a professional swimmer. His cycle with spinning disc gets him to the forefront of all the action.
Kevin is 10 cms tall. This toy is great fun alone, but can be combined with others from the Power Ranger collection.
![f67f[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/f67f1.jpg)
The red Power Ranger has a cool Megaforce style, making him stand out from the crowd. Jayden can morph into super mega mode and summon the power of fire to defeat evil. He comes with multiple battle accessories to help fight villains.
The green ranger, Mike, assists in battles and fights the toughest bad guys. He also morphs into super mega mode and blasts into action with his Samurai weapon.
![7a29[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/7a291.jpg)
Perfect for roll play, and crafted with great detail, these figures provide hours of entertainment. They are perfect for long trips in the car or for taking on holiday. At 10cms tall, fully poseable, they are very transportable. My son re-created scenes everywhere – at home, in the car, in the shopping trolley and more. Great little figures with oodles of entertainment to be had.
From Bandai. Available from all good toy stores and online. RRP £8.49
Harness the power of the Power Ranger Megaforce with the Deluxe Gosei Morpher!
![40f7[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/40f71.jpg)
Suitable for children from 4 years and up, the Morpher comes with 10 Power Cards. These can be used to activate over 180 unique phrases from the show! There is lots of ‘Morphing’ going on in our house from the Morpher arrived! The Ranger Zords never get a break, from morning to night, if my 4 year old son isn’t playing with this, my daughters are! Its light up action looks great too, especially at night (I know where the kids are in the dark!)
Definatly great value for money as some of the individual Power Ranger figures have cards which also can be used with this too. RRP £29.99