Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Braun Silk epil 7 Skin Spa
This has got to be one of the best Valentine’s Day gifts a girl could receive, wouldn’t you agree?
The Braun Silk Epil 7 Skin Spa has it all – the ultimate hair removal tool and exfoliation! With regards to giving this as a gift, the presentation is excellent. the set really does look well so it will be sure to impress at first impressions.
Getting down to the nitty gritty, the Braun Silk Epil 7 Skin Spa really knows its stuff and does exactly what it is supposed to do. There are 5 interchangeable heads including a shaver head, a trimmer cap, an efficiency cap, a sensitive area cap and a facial cap. You really will have all you need for super smooth and soft skin with the Braun Skin Spa.
Suitable for use wet and dry, this shaver works just as well in the shower as it does on dry skin.
Braun say the Silk-epil 7 will remove hairs as small as a grain of sand and after trying this theory for myself, I agree! The speed personalisation is a touch of genius – I can adjust the speed to give a comfortable smooth shaving experience individual to my needs.
Exfoliating the skin is super easy with the sonic exfoliation brush. This brush claims to refine the skin 4 times better than a manual scrub – I was so excited trying this out as I would have exfoliated weekly to keep my skin soft and have used so many different types of facial scrubs. The 3,000 plus micro-vibrations really give the ultimate exfoliation leaving skin soft and super clean, and without the use of scrubs with gritty particles that are so difficult to rinse off your face!
Despite the many functions and excellent presentation, this set retails at £169.99.
For further information visit www.boots.com
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Patchwork Pate Boozy Box – Chase Extra Dry Gin.
As far as websites go I like to think I have seen it all, or so I thought. If you do nothing else today, have a look at Patchwork Pate! This is one well designed and illustrated site. I simply love it. The images are fab and it is definitely one of the easiest navigated sites ever. The information is clearly given and they also give just the right amount of details about the products. I love the illustration below for a scrumptious Bloody Mark Pate, yum!
I was checking out Patchwork Pate with regards to writing a feature for Valentine’s day and highlighting a few gift suggestions. That was easy – there are many fab gift ideas and hampers to choose from and products to suit all budgets.
In particular I adore the Boozy Box – Chase Extra Dry Gin.
I am including a few of my own photos as I was so impressed with the packing of this box. I had such fun opening it!
This gift box arrived in perfect condition, which is more than I can usually say for my usual post! This has to be because of the expert care Patchwork Pate took to pack my Boozy Box.
‘A fab combination of a bottle Chase Extra Dry Gin accompanied by our Chase Chicken Liver pâté with Chase Extra Dry Gin and some yummy Spelt Fingers to spread it on. Beautifully presented in a wooden gift box’ (Patchwork Pate) RRP £47.70.
I am a little bias as chicken liver pate has always been my favourite, however, this was the best pate I have ever tasted. I am so hooked now and have been scouring the site wondering which one to order next! There are so many to choose from, and some very interesting combinations. As a Valentine’s Day gift, this would be perfect for your other half – I know mine would love it. What better drink to include than gin and such a good gin as well.
If you are shopping for an unusual Valentine’s day gift, do have a look at some of the products on offer. There are Pate’s to suit all budgets and some of the taste combinations sound so delicious.
For further information visit www.patchwork-pate.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Stoneglow Candles
I adore candles, my husband does not! He prefers a reed diffuser as, in his own words, ‘They will not burn the house down’. To be fair, I am quite forgetful and have left candle burning once or twice so he has a point.
One of the nicest diffusers I have ever seen has to be the Red Rose Reed Diffuser from Stoneglow Candles. Presentation is fit for a queen, and the beautiful box opens to reveal a gorgeous round flat glass vase with a rose inside. The smell was heavenly even before I opened the box!
So, why not say it with flowers in an unusal way this valentine’s Day with this stunning Red Rose Reed Diffuser from Stoneglow Candles? This can be yours for a mere £30 and it will be sure to impress your loved one. Excellent value as the scented oil will last for up to 16 weeks.
Another gift idea worth a mention is the Rose Petal & May Chang fragranced candle. Containing May Chang and Geranium essential oils this smell reminds me of The Four Seasons Hotel we visited in Cyprus and I can close my eyes and get lost in the scent! This candle will burn for at least 40 hrs and is hand poured in the UK.
Another excellently presented gift, this beautiful boxed candle will steel anyone’s heart for only £15.
For further information and fabulous gift ideas visit
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Nelson’s Arnica Bath & Massage oil and Rescue lip balm.
Valentine’s day is almost upon is and I have a romantic suggestion way better than flowers! If you are on the hunt for some lovely beauty products to woo your Valentine look no further than Nelson’s – www.nelsonsnaturalworld.com
I have revisited Nelson’s site many times for natural and toxin free beauty products and have never been disappointed.
I always favour natural products and you cannot get more ‘natural’ than this -Nelson’s Arnicare Arnica Bath & Massage balm. I first tried this to help with aches and pains, including severe backache. I fast became addicted to my nightly ritual – a hot bath with Nelson’s Arnica bath oil! The oil is absolutely beautiful massaged into your skin and just as lovely added to a hot bath.
Naturally fragranced, this balm leaves skin soft, smooth and deliciously scented making this a great Valentine’s Day pampering gift.
‘The invaluable natural properties of Arnica Montana will help to soothe and relax you after a tiring day, while Calendula, Evening Primrose and Sweet Almond Oils naturally hydrate and nourish the skin. Slow down and unwind with the sweet Lavender and Grapefruit scents which will help to melt away tension and clarify the mind.’ Nelsons.
Nelsons Arnicare Arnica bath & massage balm costs £8.15 and is available from Boots.
To compliment the Arnica Bath & Massage oil, what about this gorgeous lip balm from Rescue Remedy? Lips are soothed and smoothed while smelling devine. Containing flower essences, it is brilliant for chapped and dry lips as well as lips that just need a little pampering. RRP £6.30.
All the Rescue Remedy products are available from www.nelsons.co.uk along with other great natural products.
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Big Hero 6 – The New Disney Sensation!
What is it about boys and their hero’s? My son is going wild at the minute, he is so excited about the new Disney movie, Big Hero 6. Adam has always loved hero type figures and this movie will be ‘right up his street’. Synopses below:
‘Big Hero 6, which releases in UK cinemas on the 30th January 2015, is an epic and heartfelt action adventure from Walt Disney Animation Studios that follows robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who learns to harness his genius thanks to his brilliant brother Tadashi and their like-minded friends: adrenaline junkie Go Go Tamago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to his closest companion – a robot named Baymax – and transforms the group into a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve the mystery’ – (Disney)
Wow, this sure does sound exciting. I think it is mummies turn to take the kids to the cinema, not dad’s!
To coincide with the release of this movie Disney have a great range of toys and stationary including some rather cool looking action figures, and a genius of a pencil case.
I have a couple of these toys saved for my son’s up-coming birthday and I know he will be absolutely thrilled, despite the low cost. These are available from the Disney store and selected toy shops and are excellent value for money!
Big Hero 6 Gadget Pencil Case. RRP £10
This will be a huge hit with my son, my 11yr old daughter had great fun with it when it arrived. We spent ages trying out the different buttons and openings. This is definitely a pencil case with a difference.
Concealed within this case you will find all sorts of nifty gadgets and, of course, pencils! Press a button and a tape dispenser pops out, another button will eject a rubber, scissors and a sharpener. I love that despite all the hidden compartments, the lid simply lifts to show adequate space for other items along with the Big Hero 6 pencils.
Really good value at £10. Available from the Disney Store.
Big Hero 6 Feature Figures from Bandai.
Nothing entertains my kids more then action figures. I have found them in all nooks and crannies around the house where they have been having their adventures.
Bandai have a selection of Big Hero 6 figures with their own unique action features and these are only £12.99 per figure. At 15cms they are a good size and each one is poseable. In keeping with the other Bandai toys we have, they are good quality and withstand the normal stresses little boys inflict on them!
Have a look at www.disney.co.uk/big-hero-6 for further information.
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Argania Desert Defense Shampoo and Conditioner and Cashmere Hair leave-in Conditioner.
Anyone who regularly reads the posts on Pampered Presents or who follows our Facebook will know they will frequently find natural and environmentally friendly products. I believe these products are better for bodies and our planet and, thankfully, more and more people are following this ethos. I am delighted to feature yet another fabulous product range that ‘ticks all the boxes’ for me. Argania Desert Defense, the new range from Argania Haircare.
Ethically sourced from Morocco, you won’t find any nasties like sodium lauryl sulphate, artificial colours, mineral oils or parabens in these products! However, you will find organic cold pressed argon oil and essential oils, all which add lustre, moisture, shine and silky softness.
I have been using the Argania Defense Moisture Defense Shampoo and Conditioner followed by the Cashmere Hair leave-in Conditioning Spray. I don’t know where to start.. maybe with the smell! Oh my goodness, these products smell gorgeous. I have had people commenting, asking which perfume I am wearing!
The smell is a combination of the essential oils and I just love it. Aside from the smell, my hair feels silky and is more easily combed out after washing. My fingers simply glide through my hair, yet there is no greasy feel. Having naturally curly hair can be difficult. I have to ‘deal’ with fuzz every morning. I have found my hair to have more curl with less fuzz and there is definitely more shine.
This is not the first time I have used hair products that are natural and contain oil, but it is the first time I have had these exceptional results. All this for a mere £7.99 for the shampoo and conditioner! An absolute bargain!
The Argania Desert Defense Cashmere Hair Leave-in Conditioning Spray is £9.99 and this Will become your most favourite product ever – trust me.
For further information on the full range of Argania Desert Defense products visit www.lovelula.com or purchase from Boots or Superdrug.
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Chipolo, a very useful Valentine’s day gift.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I am sure there will be lots of ‘panic buys’ in the next couple of weeks! Get yourself organised this year and order your other half a Chipolo. No, this is not another fancy type of sausage! Every one of us could benefit from having a couple of these tags, especially myself.
Ask my husband and he will agree, I am forever losing my phone and my car keys. Almost every day I have to search for one or the other. However, no more! I have a Chipolo tag attached to my keys and am planning on getting one for my phone as well.
With Chipolo your phone, keys or anything else will be easily found when they manage to hide themselves in a coat pocket, under a pile of post or anywhere else elusive. Simply attach the Chipolo tag and download the app. You can have notifications sent to you if the item leaves a certain range – I am thinking this would be extremely useful if you were with young children in a crowded place as well as for your phone and keys!
You can also keep your Chipolo on your key-ring and simply shake it to find whatever item you have this set up for – mine would have to be my iPhone and iPad as I am truly lost without them.
The Chipolo is small so it would easily clip onto your key-ring or attach to your phone or any other small item you use and need regularly. The colour choices are fab so there is no compromising on your style either.
I have had my Chipolo for a couple of weeks now and have to say I love it. It has made a huge difference to me, I am no longer getting frustrated while wasting time looking for my phone. I can’t wait to build up my collection and get one for my husband’s keys and my daughters phone as well. My son is always asking ‘Mum, where is my tablet?’ – maybe the creators of Chipolo should think of selling multipacks!!
For further information on how this useful little tag can help in your busy life visit www.chipolo.net . There is loads of info on the site as well as a great little video clip.
I would have estimated something like this would cost around £35 and I consider myself a bit of a ‘whizz’ at estimating prices. However, I was wrong! The Chipolo retails at only £19.
Features:
- Search for the tag by sound using the app
- Notification when the object leaves and comes back into range
- Size of a 10p piece, 5mm thick
- 12 months battery life
- Comes in nine different colours
- Also works in reverse – shake the Chipolo tag to find your phone
- Price – £19
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Aldi Specialbuys – Fishing Season.
Fishing season is here again and once more Aldi Specialbuys have produced an extensive range of functional and stylish fishing clothing at very reasonable prices.
My other half is a keen fisherman so I know where to go to stock up on some warm, practical and cosy gear to see him through the season, as summer is yet a long way off.
The range includes a warm padded jacket and matching trousers in a nice appropriate olive green. Both are made from breathable, waterproof fabric which is, most importantly, stain repellent. The jacket I have fallen in love with myself, (even though I have never fished in my life and have no desire to!)
It has a high padded collar and a detachable hood which has a little lip on the front to stop rain from dripping down onto your face. I adore the tight neoprene inner cuffs and the fact that it dips lower in the back for extra warmth. I can see me borrowing this myself if this snowy weather continues! Trousers are priced at £16.99 and the jacket a very reasonable £24.99.
A must is the thermal base layer all in one suit which not only adds a layer of warmth but also regulates your body temperature to prevent overheating and sweating. It is made from stretchy fabric with Lycra for a perfect fit and has a useful 2 way front zip and seat zip. Perfect for those freezing mornings whether you are going fishing or not. Available for just £15.99.
I was also impressed with the beautiful wool fishing jumper which is so nice I can see it being upgraded to ‘good’ wear. It comes in the same olive green with faux suede shoulder and elbow patches. You could really wear this jumper anywhere. It is priced at just £16.99.
All of these Aldi Specialbuys are machine washable and come in sizes M-XL. Get into your local Aldi quick as they are sure to sell out fast. Items are only available while stocks last. On sale from Sunday 18th January. See aldi.co.uk for more details.
Kindly written by my sister Leann whose husband tested the fishing Specialbuys and who is shown below.
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Teenage Gifts
Albumcards for Valentine’s Day.
I have recently discovered Albumcards and have recommended them to loads of people since. In my opinion, they are a fab idea – ingenious actually. How many of us like shopping, trawling through the shops and web stores looking for the perfect gift?
For Valentine’s day this year why not have a look at www.albumcards.com. I am sure you are aware of your partners taste in music and with the vast range of titles to choose from you will be sure to find what you are looking for.
The bonus with Albumcards is that you don’t have to shop for a gift and a card. The Albumcard is both in one. Simply visit Albumcards, select your album then add your personal greeting. Your Albumcard will be dispatched the same day or next day depending on the time of your order. The cards will contain a code to download the album, how simply!
The cards themselves are excellent, mirroring the actual album cover. They are printed on thick card and presented in a high quality envelope to maximum the gifting experience – presentation is everything! All this for only £9.99 per album.
Albumcards are perfect for any occasion, as well as Valentine’s day. My niece recently celebrated her sixteenth birthday and for her birthday celebration the entire family went ice skating. This was one of the best days out ever and was only ‘topped’ by the expression on Hannah’s face when she opened her albumcards. My daughters had selected Sam Smith and Ed Sheran and they obviously made the correct choice!
So whether its a Valentine gift or a birthday gift have a look at Albumcards and take the stress out of gifting.
For further information on Albumcards visit www.albumcards.com
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
MyWeddinglog
MyWeddinglog comes to us from the founders of the well known and fabulous MyBabylog, an established brand that knows no limits to its success. It would be the most treasured and most useful gift I have yet to feature on Pampered Presents and it is with pleasure I take you through what you are actually getting when you purchase MyWeddinglog.
MyWeddinglog has got to be the ultimate keepsake box! I was absolutely thrilled to bits when mine arrived. My husband and I married in Cyprus and I have a number of sentimental items from our stay, I would be one of those secret hoarders you see on TV – almost!
I have all my little sentimental items all safely stored in MyWeddinglog. But what is this Weddinglog I hear you ask? Well, trust me, it is much more than a keepsake box.
MyWeddinglog is the most beautiful treasure chest you will find in any shop or on the web. I only have to open the lid to discover compartments full of treasures from my special day and photos to bring back the most exciting memories. I have my favourite photo framed inside the lid, one of my hubby and myself under a palm tree taken just after our ceremony.
The chest is large enough to hold my hairpiece, a small dried flower bouquet, cuff links, plane tickets, hotel receipts and place cards from our reception dinner and a few other sentimental items. Despite the size, it is compact and easily stored. If you choose not to store your Weddinglog, it would sit perfectly on display either, it really does look very well. The colour scheme allows it to suit all interior styles.
The top section is perfect for storing small items and this lifts out of the box so larger items can be placed underneath. I adore the wedding verse included in all Weddinglogs and this brings tears to my eyes when I read it.
MyWeddinglog has been featured in various magazines and online blogs and I have no doubt it will be as successful, if not more successful, as MyBabylog. For £44.99 I consider this excellent value for money and well affordable for the hours of pleasure it will bring yourself and your future generations.
For further information and to purchase MyWeddinglog please visit www.babymoments.ie or www.mybabylog.co.uk