Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Arbonne Aromassentials
Packed with natural essential oils, suitable for sensitive skin and nicely presented, the Arbonne Aromassentials range is new to the world of fabulous goodies. It scored highly with my-self and favourites were hard to single out. I adore the sea salt scrub. All too aware of the benefits of exfoliation due to spot prone skin, I found this scrub both gentle and effective. The smell was gorgeous, and my sensitive skin loved it too! Very keenly priced at £23.
Another favourite was the body lotion. This retails at £17 and worth every penny. The calendula, sage, and rose scents all combined for a relaxing and hydrating experience.
Other products in the range include a rejuvenating body mist (£14) and bath and shower gel (£15). In my opinion, this range is very keenly prices as the products are loaded with natural ingredients and contain no toxins or chemicals.
Buy from www.arbonneinternational.co.uk
![Aroma_Unwind_wb[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Aroma_Unwind_wb1.jpg)
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
La Cafetiere Coco Pot
I was delighted when I had the chance to try the Coco stove top chocolate pot from Le Cafetierre.
This absolutely gorgeous pot comes in 3 colours – I have the red one and it looks really well. All you need is some chocolate and milk and this little pot creates a super cup of hot chocolate with its integrated frother. It can be used on the stove top, therefore heating the milk and presenting to the table using one item, and less washing up!
The Coco pot holds about 600 mls, more than enough for 4 mugs, and is made from aluminium. It has a non-stick coating , a lovely feel soft touch handle and comes with a protective silicone mat.
I have used this almost every day for the last 2 weeks. Now, for the fun bit – although the kids love simple hot chocolate, I prefer mine with a hint of cinnamon or vanilla. I have also tried adding orange, mint and of course marshmallows! There are so many ways to use and enjoy this Coco pot. It works just as well with milkshakes and smoothes. Try it, and you’ll be hooked like me!
Available from www.lacafetiere.com and well priced at £41.95
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Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Agraria tasselaire
Agraria is one of the longest selling companies of luxury fragrances in America. They sell various items all beautifully scented but the most impressive is the Tassel Aire RRP £40. The scent I tried was Bitter Orange, with tones of orange, cypress and clove – absolutely gorgeous. Never have I seen anything like this and my mother simply loved it.
The tassel was stunning itself, with orange and green threads and the silver plated Agraria crest medallion added to the luxurious look. The scent actually comes from an enclosed satin pouch containing fragrance beads which emit the scent over a period of time.
To top it all, it is presented in a classy green cylinder box with silver engraving and an orange satin ribbon loop on the lid.
This would make a super gift for any occasion – my mum was delighted with hers!
Other items include various diffusers, room fragrance sprays and candles. Available from www.agrariahome.com
![Agraria-Tassel-Aire-Golden-Pomegranate[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Agraria-Tassel-Aire-Golden-Pomegranate1.jpg)
Gift Reviews
Jane Iredale Gift Set
Will all the talk of chemicals and toxins recently I have somewhat changed the way I look at creams and lotions. We so lovingly rub them on our skin, blisfully unaware of the actually ingredients. Imagine my delight when I discovered Jane Iredale!
These fantastic products are made from natural sources and contain none of the harmful chemicals and toxins found in so many other creams and make ups.
The glimmer gift box contains Pure Gloss for lips – and yes – natural colours. However – in my experience natural colours usually mean a compromise as they tend to be lighter and don’t last as long as artificial colours – not this one! The colour is perfect – Iced Mocha, doesn’t that sound gorgeous!
The 24-karat Gold Dust Champagne Shimmer Powder is every bit as luxurious as it implies and gives a smooth glistening finish to the skin. The fan brush included in the gift box is perfect to apply this.
Just kissed (I wish!) Forever Pink Lip and Cheek Stain was the topping to the cake for me. This is the nicest smelling substance I have ever purchased, and absolutely gorgeous on the lips.
So – more of these products please! I will be adding the rest of the Glimmer range to my wish list – thank you Jane Iredale for your make up that cares for my skin too.
Available to buy from www.janeiredale.com for £25.45
![1510[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/15101.jpg)
Homeware Reviews
Karcher Window vac
The Karcher VW 50 was definately the purchase of the year for me!
This battery operated rechargeable window vacuum cleans windows, mirrors and glass panels, etc collecting the dirty water as it cleans and is 100% non drip. I can clean the outside of my windows in 15 minutes and never break a sweat!
![Karcher-window-vac[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Karcher-window-vac1.jpg)
However – the crème de la crème is what this machine does inside the house. We live in a fairly old house and during the winter the condensation inside the windows is unreal. We arduously ‘dry’ the windows every morning and it usually takes 3 towels!! This would have taken at least 30 minutes. The Karcher window vac has reduced this task to a 10 minute activity. Yippee! It also makes short work of the shower door and tiles, another previously much hated chore. Try it – it really works, guaranteed to take hours off your daily house hold tasks. Best invention ever!
Purchase from www.karcher.com for only £59.99
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Parker Pen.
Parker Pen- Fifth Generation. Dark Gunmetal Grey
Having been an avid fan of Parker pens since my early teens (all my school exams were completed with my ‘lucky’ Parker pen), I was delighted to get my hands on this, their latest offering. Parker have been manufacturing quality pens for what seems like forever but this new Fifth Generation range take Parker quality to new heights.
The pen comes nestled in an elegant gift box, which is a lovely touch if you are purchasing this as a present for someone special. The pen I have is a sleek dark gunmetal grey, an excellent universal colour choice. It is of a substantial weight, which only adds to the impression of superior quality workmanship.
The real treat with this pen comes (as it should) when you put it to paper, and as I signed my name with a flourish for the first time, I couldn’t suppress an involuntary smile. I only wish it had been around when I was completing my 18 page Geography A Level essay…. What you don’t expect is that the tip of this pen is flexible, which allows it to gauge and adjust to your own individual writing style. This means that whether you are a heavy writer or just glide across the page, this pen will suit your style.
It is extremely comfortable to hold, and unlike other pens, I find my grip does not slip at all as I write, even after quite long periods. I was also impressed with the fact that I have had absolutely no leaks at all with this pen. Testament to the superior quality of the ink, I am also delighted to report no smudging whatsoever.
Refills are available in four colours, blue, burgundy, green and purple, so there’s always something to suit, no matter what the occasion.
All in all, I am very impressed with this pen. Whether you just want something impressive to pull out of your handbag or jacket when the need arises or you are a frequent writer, this is the perfect choice.
This pen retails at £58.00 and details of stockists can be found at www.parkerpen.com.
![slide_parker_im_5th[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/slide_parker_im_5th1.jpg)
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Gift Reviews, Uncategorized
Murad skin firming mask.
Murad.
On the market from 1989, I am sure everyone has heard of Murad skin care. This company bases its products on the science of cellular water – the world’s most comprehensive approach to understanding health and aging.
Murad use pharmaceutical grade ingredients, meaning they are research based and really work.
I have used Murad skin primers and was very impressed with the results. The age-diffusing firming mask was the first Murad mask I have tried. The mask itself is to be applied, left on for up to 10 minutes and rinsed off with warm water. It can be used up to 3 times weekly. I found this was the most luxurious cream ever, my skin felt instantly firmer and moisturised. But how does it work? It contains ‘Firm Q’ and golden seaweed which has been shown to lift and restore skins resilience, promote collagen production which we all know plumps up the skin, and reduces wrinkles.
After using this mask I would estimate the price at £80 to £100 and was very surprised to find it can be purchased for £59.50 for 50 mls from www.murad.co.uk
Toy Reviews
Gruffalo Game
The Gruffalo Hide and Seek Mini Game.
Is there anyone who has not taken a stroll through the deep dark woods with the Gruffalo? I don’t think so! Every parent I know enjoys this series of books from the talented Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
The Gruffalo is one of my children’s favourite story time characters, and this mini game provides hours of entertainment. Can you find Fox and Snake? Follow the path and the first who finds three characters and the Gruffalo wins! A perfect game for travel and for storage as compact with the added bonus of NOT having a dice (we always lose this anyway!) Children use a spinner instead to take turns.
The game itself is beautifully illustrated and well made. It is geared for children from 3 yrs up but both my boys, although older, enjoy this game and the race to find familiar characters from the award winning Gruffalo books. RRP £8.99.
![gruffalo-500x500[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/gruffalo-500x5001.jpg)
Toy Reviews
hexbugs
That addictive song, ‘What’s that coming over the hill?…. It’s a …HEXBUG!’ once again sounds out on our screens 24/7. WHY? They are simply addictive! The new range includes trendy colourful micro-robot’s behaving like real bugs – the Warrior range.
Warriors, suitable for 6+ yrs, (but dads have been known to enjoy them too!), have real running motors, snap-on weapons and armour and a shock sensor inside! These battling robots have 2 modes of play to keep the kids entertained for hours. Battle and play mode – health decreases with every strong hit until robot deactivates. They can even be customised for battle!
An absolutely fantastic addition to the already superb range of robotic toys.
If you haven’t heard, one in 40 of us already have a Hexbug! Favourites we already know include the Larva, a bright blue bug suitable for children 8yrs + and a favourite with my daughter. The likeness to real larva and the slithering movement keeps her intrigued for hours!
The Nano, liked by parents probably because of its low price and vast educational benefits, has been the most popular recently.
This compact but entertaining habitat system consists of modular parts to build with special construct pieces and detachable walls! My kids love it, along with my husband! The family spend hours designing their own mazes and re constructing the different habitats. Each set has its own rare mutation inside – all the more reason to buy one for all the kids! And to top it all – they have the added allure of having a unique code to register and play online – what every child loves these days!
So, prepare for a ‘robotic battling 2013’ with the ever expanding Hexbug range, a great toy with educational benefits enjoyed by adults and kids alike.
For The Garden, Toy Reviews
Hoverpetz
![images[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/images1.jpg)
Who doesn’t want a Hoverpetz? These crazy flying monsters are all my kids talk about these days and I must admit – they are an ingenious invention. New from Terox, the Hoverpetz come in 4 designs, or personalities I should say!
Gonk – orange, Moosh – purple, Jelo- pink and Kook – green. They all whizz around above our heads expertly controlled by a r/c infra red controller or individual flight plans may be followed using your smart phone (the app for this can be downloaded free). What will they think of next! Not sure who plays with this the most, the kids or their dad!
Each pet lights up so they can be seen in dim light, and are built to withstand multiple crash landings – in case its ever my turn to have a go! Made from durable light plastic with flexible feet, these petz are stable on the ground and amazing in the air.
The easy to fly technology and full 6 way directional controls makes for a super cool flying experience – see for your-self and view the video www.hoverpetz.co.uk priced from £39.99. Now for the hard part – which cute flying character will you choose?