Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Le Creuset Sweet Heart Ramekins.
I adore these little Le Creuset Sweet Heart Ramekins. They would be a perfect Valentine’s day gift or even a thoughtful Mother’s day Gift. Presentation is perfect, the box looks fab and the actual ramekins look ever better!
I love that they come with lids so perfect for microwave and oven cooking. They are also sized perfectly. With so much emphasis on our ever increasing waistlines, these are not too big, yet big enough to hold an adequate portion of starter or pudding.
They come in a few colours but I simply had to choose red for Valentine’s day. Priced at £30 they would make an ideal reasonably priced gift.
For further information on Le Creuset Sweet Heart Ramekins visit:
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Ginvera Green Tea Gift Sets
Ginvera Green Tea Skincare have been the leading skincare brand in Singapore for years and now Janiro Ltd are bringing these fab products to the UK. I have tried a few of these and am ‘hooked’ on the BB cream. The nude, yet adequate, coverage stays put all day and does not dry out skin. There is also the added benefit of spf30 which also reduces skin aging by blocking out the harmful and aging effects from the sun.
For valentine’s Day this year Janiro Ltd have some wonderful Ginvera Green Tea gift sets to choose from:
Bright Eye Perfect Complexion, RRP £44.95
‘Keep your friends guessing and wondering how you can look so fresh and gorgeous. From the smoothest skin to the most natural of all BB Creams and brightest eyes. Beautifully presented in a Ginvera Gift box, tied with green silk ribbon’
Contents:
Ginvera Green Tea Exfoliating Marvel Gel, Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream 25ml SPF30, Ginvera Green Tea Jade Dark Eye Circles Roll Away, Beautiful Handmade Lemon Grass scented candle, Ginvera cotton bag (Janiro)
This set is particularly appealing to me as it contains my favourite BB cream. I have also used the Ginvera Green Tea Jade Dark Eye Circles Roll Away. If shadows and dark circles are your concern try this super little cream. I noticed a result instantly and didn’t need half the primer I would normally used under my eyes to hide the fact that I simply don’t get enough sleep.
Ginvera Perfect Complexion, RRP £35.95
Another fab gift set containing two of the ‘hero’ Ginvera Green tea products – Exfoliation Marvel gel and BB Cream.
The Green Tea Exfoliating Marvel Gel is simply ‘marvelous’ – containing no abrasive ingredients yet your skin will feel completely cleansed and smooth. This paves the way for other products to absorb into the skin as they are intended to. I also noticed a reduction in spots and blackheads which is a result of the gentle exfoliation and the healing properties of green tea.
Travel Kit, RRP £12.90
Perfect for whisking away with you on holiday, this set is small and compact, yet contains all you need for your break:
2 x 10g Ginvera Exfoliating Marvel Gel
1 x 8g Nude Cover BB Cream SPF30
1x Stretch hair band*
1x Ginvera Compact mirror (with magnifying side)
1 x Beautiful travel makeup bag
These sets are presented beautifully and are definitely some of the most beautiful sets I have see. I love these products and urge you to try it and see for yourself the power of the active ingredients and the lasting results.
For further information visit www.janiro.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Maui Jim Nalani sunglasses
I have Maui Jim Nalani sunglasses and all I can say is WOW! They look great, and are so easy to wear. I went for the tortoise colour with white and blue and when I showed them to my daughter her mouth fell open and for once, she was speechless! I absolutely adore these. They are super super cool and so on trend. The blue on the inside of the frame screams, ‘hey, I have taste and these weren’t cheap!’
I can’t say enough about them. I have never spent more than £30 on sunglasses in the past so, I guess, I am fairly easily impressed. However, I never fail to stop at a stand of sunglasses and have tried various designer brands in my local ‘posh outlet shops’. Maui Jim Nalani sunglasses are far superior. They sit as well on the top of my head holding my hair back as they do when worn to protect my eyes from the sun. The non-slip nose pads ensure they stay in place even when running about after the kids and our little dog. These glasses do not move! I wear them every-day and it ‘makes my day’ when I get admiring glances and comments about them.
Aside from looking great, Maui Jim Nalani sunglasses ARE great! They combat glare, block 100% of harmful UV rays and do not compromise on vision quality. All the colours come to life when wearing Maui Jim’s, thanks to their revolutionary ‘PolarizedPlus’ lenses.
The combination of a very light frame combined with super strong scratch resistant lenses have placed these at the top of my ‘favourites list’. Impressed? So am I. Maui Jim Nalani sunglasses can also be made to your own prescription so we can all enjoy the brilliance of these very cool eye glasses.
Have a look online, the choice is vast with shades to suit all tastes and styles.
Visit www.mauijim.com today and invest in the only pair of glasses you will ever need.
Nalani – RRP £215 with free UK shipping.
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Mr and Mrs Family Edition Game
How well do you know your partner? I have 3 kids and they know my husband and I so well – better than we know ourselves! That is why Mr and Mrs Family Edition game is such fun.
Based on the hit TV series hosted by Philip Schofield, this game is perfect for families who are up for some laughter and fun. My daughters absolutely adore it and Mr and Mrs Family Edition has fast replaced the usual favorite – Monopoly. With over 1,000 questions ranging from some very easy ones which have my kids screaming out the answer and giving their dad a knowing look, to harder questions that leave then staring into space with thoughtful questions on their faces. I have to admit, I love Sunday afternoons now as Mr and Mrs is now a ‘staple’ after dinner game.
If you are pondering over Valentine’s gifts this year, Mrs and Mrs Family Edition will be a sure hit with all the family.
Mr and Mrs Family Edition Game is available from WHSmith and Amazon. RRP: £19.99
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews, Teenage Gifts
Ted Baker Tokyo Range and Orla Kiely Valentine’s Day Gifts.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I am so excited. I must admit, I am more excited this year than any other – might be something to do with a certain movie premiere coming to the cinema! Anyway, we will all be feeling romantic this Valentine’s Day after watching Christian Grey with his sultry voice and gorgeous eyes. The Ted Baker Tokyo Range and Orla Kiely Valentine’s Day Gifts from John Lewis and House of Frazer have romance covered this year with their exceptionally romantic gifts and a love story to compliment!
I love a good romance story and historical ones are the best for sure. The new range of candles and diffusers from Ted Baker are fantastic. I have one from the Ted Baker Tokyo range and I love it.
This Ted Baker Tokyo Diffuser is more than just a scented gift, but a love story in a box.
‘This story is about a Princess from ancient Edo falling on love with a servant’s son, but being forbidden from seeing him – so she places a candle on her balcony each evening to let him know of her desire’ (Ted Baker)
The presentation is gorgeous – a beautifully boxed diffuser with imagery suited to the story on the box. The fragrance: Green tea and Bamboo, is inspired by devotion and unrequited love and you couldn’t find a more romantic scented gift for Valentine’s Day. The Tokyo range also includes a beautiful boxed scented candle.
Available from House of Fraser and John Lewis
Candles £28, Diffusers £35
To compliment the scented candles and diffusers, Ted Baker have yet another gorgeous scented addition to the range – the Mia Fragrance. This is another gift that will be well received. The presentation, again, gorgeous.
A beautiful nude pink and rose gold box opening to reveal a delicate bottle of Mia. The scent smells like spring romance to me – perfect for Valentine’s Day. I adore freesias and the delicate scent of this flower is so evident in this perfume, along with rose, lemon, raspberry and patchouli.
Available from www.boots.com and in store for £15.
Another fab gift selection from John Lewis has got to be these gorgeous Orla Kiely bags. Available in 3 sizes, these have the iconic Orla Kiely pattern in navy and pink – perfect for Valentine’s Day.
The cosmetic bag, £20
The medium washbag bag, £26
The large washbag, £32
One of these gorgeous bags simply isn’t enough!
Ted Baker Tokyo Range and Orla Kiely Valentine’s Day Gifts are available online and instore.
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Artistry Intensive Skincare Advanced Skin Refinisher
I am not one who can be ‘conned’ with impressive sounding ingredients. I actually read what they are and how they work. If the cosmetic label doesn’t satisfy me, I ask my friend ‘Google’ and I always get an accurate answer. This is what I have done with Artistry Intensive Skincare Advanced Skin Refinisher. The claims were almost too good to be true so I set myself a mission to determine if this gave as good results as my currant primer and moisturiser.
Artistry Intensive Skincare Advanced Skin Refinisher is a new product from Amway UK and retails at £53.35. The product claims to offer results similar to laser treatment but without the pain and price-tag, this sounded good, but is it reality?
Lets have a look at the ingredients:
Java Tea Extract suppresses serum production. This can only be good and I couldn’t wait to try this on and see if my tea zone remained shine free throughout the day – without my favourite primer in place.
Star Fruit Leaf acts as a skin reinforcer. This lessens the chance of skin becoming loose and less taunt. This will also, in turn, reduce lines forming as a result of slack skin. Tight pores are what makes our skin appear smooth and flawless. Who wouldn’t want this result?
Patented** Oat Extract and NMF (Natural Moisturising Factor) acts as an exfoliator. This is always welcome as dead skin cells building up on the surface also results in dull lifeless skin and fine lines. Exfoliation keeps pores clean and clear reducing spots and allowing new, younger skin to be revealed.
I was impressed with the ingredients and with the results. I have been using Artistry Intensive Skincare Advanced Skin Refinisher for over 2 weeks. Firstly, my skin does appear smoother with less visible pores. Second, that mid-afternoon shine I usually blot away with powder never appears. This is fab, my make-up has that ‘just applied’ look all day.
With regards to lines and wrinkles, to be honest, I would need to be using this for much longer to make a valid judgement. However, I certainly have noticed my skin to feel soft and moisturised, yet not shiny. I have also noted I look less tired, so maybe lines and wrinkles do appear less evident. Anyway, this is certainly worth a try. I am going to continue using Artistry Intensive Skincare Advanced Skin Refinisher and may look in to some of the other products on offer. The claims were genuine and I loved the simple feel of this on my skin – definitely a keeper!
For further information visit www.amway.co.uk
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Bella Linea Kettle and Toaster.
How about some trendy new kitchen essentials for this Valentine’s Day? I certainly wouldn’t say no! I adore the range from Bella. a bright new brand well accomplished in the USA and now making it’s mark in the UK.
Bella have a matching Linea Kettle and Toaster, which comes in either a 2 slice or 4 slice variety. Both look fab and would be a welcome addition to my kitchen. I have them in red although they also come in black.
The Bella Linea Kettle is a mix of a stainless steel metallic and a bright red finish. It looks well, very on trend and classy. More importantly, it is energy efficient and Bella claim this uses a third less energy than other kettles – wow, impressive!
The base swivels around completely so perfect for those of you who have limited space. This kettle fits nicely into a corner and the lead is easily kept to the back. When empty, this kettle has the intelligence to switch off and the filter is removable and washable. Another point I really need to mention is the noise level of the kettle. My phone is in the kitchen and its not cordless so I am forever saying, ‘don’t boil the kettle’, when I am on the phone. The Bella Linea Kettle has a lovely quite boil noise so you can easily carry on chatting on the phone while the kettle is boiling.
The Bella Linea Toaster is just as trendy and efficient as the kettle. I have the 2-slice variety so it sits neatly beside the kettle. Despite the compact size, the toasting slots are wide enough for bagels and muffins – a huge plus over my previous toaster. The settings allow you to adjust the heat and duration so you can make the perfect slice of toast.
These items are available from Argos.co.uk and further information can be found at www.bellahousewares.co.uk
Bella Linea Kettle RRP £55
Bella Linea Toaster RRP £39.99
Gift Reviews, Teenage Gifts
Spanx Slimplicity Lingerie-Strap Slip
Who dares to head out for their Valentine’s Day dinner with their loved one without Spanx hiding elegantly underneath their little black dress? Not me!
Spanx have a reputation for supplying the best slim-wear on the planet. Almost everyone has at least one Spanx item, or wishes they had!
Have a look online at www.spanx.co.uk and you will be impressed as well. I think its great there is a helpline number and the fact that this number is free to call from the UK. All items can be returned within 30 days if you are not happy – another big plus for Spanx!
Now, what do I have in my undies drawer with a Spanx label on it? I have the most amazing, lifesaving, ultra slimming slip in the country. The Spanx Slimplicity Lingerie-Strap Slip RRP £79, looks fab and does an amazing job. Any lump or bump along with ‘muffin tops’ and ‘love handles’ are gone for the evening with this slip under your dress. The fabric is ultra soft, not rough and rubbery like so many other cheaper supermarket brand alternatives.
It is comfortable to wear and does not move up your body as the night progresses – unless you want it to! I have so many dresses and would never dream of heading out for the night in jeans. I go out on so few occasions I like to whip on the glam and enjoy myself. I can do this easily with Spanx Slimplicity Lingerie-Strap Slip and have the confidence I used to have when I had a figure like my eldest daughter!
Slimplicity Lingerie-Strap Slip:
- Single-layer compression firms the tummy and love handles
- Beautiful bustline detailing and sweetheart neckline
- Adjustable straps for a fit that’s uniquely you
- Darts release compression to flatter the figure
- Sheer edging adds a simply elegant touch
- Slimming Level: Super
- For product measurements see Fit Tips!
- Imported
- 76% Nylon, 24% Spandex
Have a look and phone the helpline number if you need any help in selecting your ‘size 10 figure’. There are a wide selection of Spanx to choose from – I have a few more items on my birthday wish list already.
For further information on Spanx Slimplicity Lingerie-Strap Slip visit www.spanx.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
The Green People Lemongrass & Ginger Body Lotion and Body Wash gift set.
Green People are a company who specialise in organic skin and body care products. Their products are made as naturally as possible with no harsh chemicals, SLS, parabens, petrochemicals, alcohol or artificial fragrances added. I have been using their products for some time now and always find them to be very effective. In my opinion, Green People are one of the most trusted skincare suppliers on the market. You can relax and not stress about ingredients, just place your trust in Green People.
I have recently had the pleasure of trying out one of the new limited edition gift sets, Green People Lemongrass & Ginger Body Lotion and Body Wash gift set. I love it when a favourite company of mine brings out a completely new product – so thanks Green People!!
The Green People Lemongrass & Ginger Body Lotion and Body Wash gift set comes boxed nicely in the usual environmentally friendly packaging that Green People always use. This looks very well and it also looks a lot more than £19.95. Its also worth noting that Green People have a reward system for their customers.
This set contains 2 full size products, body lotion and body wash. The body lotion is an organic blend of shea butter and perilla seed which leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. Containing omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids which nourish the skin, the result is supple smooth skin which smells divine!
The body wash contains marshmallow known for its moisturising properties and aloe vera which reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
Both these products are a fab organic combination of pure luxury and I cannot recommend them enough. If you are shopping for the perfect Valentine’s day gift this year, have a look at www.greenpeople.co.uk and pick up one of these limited edition gift sets before they sell out.
The Green People Lemongrass & Ginger Body Lotion and Body Wash gift set RRP £19.95
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Braun Series 7 Shaver 720s
There isn’t a man on the planet who wouldn’t want a Braun Series 7 shaver for Valentine’s Day. As usual, everything I give my husband to test suffers from ‘overkill’ his favourite words are ‘if a job’s worth doing, do it right’. I can guarantee this shaver has been well and truly tested down to the very last detail.
I have tried to sum up the main differences from other Braun shavers – the other being not ‘bad’ but this razor being greatly superior!
Setting this shaver aside from the crowd is its unique 3 shaving modes. The Braun Series 7 shaver can be set at normal mode, sensitive and intensive Modes which can be used at your will depending on which mode suit the parts of your face you are shaving, eg, neck, beard etc. This adjustable shave also goes a long way toward reducing irritation. If you find a particular area of your face is prone to sensitivity, simply switch to the sensitive mode – easy!
I loved the noise of this shaver. It is no more noisy than other shavers but it is certainly easier to listen to. This would be the sonic technology, giving 10,000 micro-vibrations – which is incredible. This feature results in the skin being smoothed just before it is to be shaved. Your skin will have less irritation and my husband certainly proved this to be correct. His skin would have a few lumps and bumps yet no cuts or irritation with the Braun Series 7. He is very pleased!
My husband also said this razor gave a ‘wet shave’ when shaving dry. The closeness of the shave could only have been achieved on other razors while using in water so that’s a big achievement. This makes shaving faster as you can literally shave on the go and have excellent results. He also noticed that while being able to shave without the hassel of using water, the Braun Series 7 also gave a close shave with less strokes as more hairs are caught during each action – another major time saving feature. The technology of this feature is quite mind blowing – Optofoil, exclusive to Braun, captures both short and longer hairs all in the same stroke.
‘The OptiFoil is the most advanced foil from Braun. The unique geometry with ergonomically sized holes captures more hair and cuts them deeper than ever before. The specially designed hexagonal holes are of varying sizes. Small holes give optimal shaving results at a 90° angle while larger holes capture more hair and cut deeper at different angles. The result is Braun’s closest shave ever’ (Braun)
The Braun Series 7 also has a trimmer for longer hair and beards which hubby could find no fault with. This was accurate and easy to use.
The shaver, being wet and dry, can be rinsed under a tap after use which makes cleaning the shaving head quick and easy as well.
Last, but not least, this shaver uses recharagable batteries and charging take only one hour – not like my iPhone! The low battery indicator light will let you know when to charge and you will get at least 50 minutes of cordless shaving from this charge. If you forget to charge or have not the time, a quick charge of about 5 minutes will be enough to completely shave your face.
I hope I have impressed you with the ability of the Braun Series 7. It was one of the most iconic and worthwhile items my husband has tested and he had absolutely no complaints.
For further information and item specifics visit www.braun.com