Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Sheaffer Ball Point Pen – Sagaris.
I have always been a fan of Sheaffer pens, even when I was in college I carried my old favourite with me through every exam.
Sheaffer have been manufacturing top quality pens for many years and they keep getting better with new designs and styles being released and advertised for various occasions.
I was delighted to get my hands on the model pictured above, the Sagaris. I have the ball point version but it is also available in a fountain style and roller ball variety. I have been using the Sagaris every day since it has arrived and I am really delighted with it.
The pen arrived presented in an elegant gift box, which is a lovely touch if you are purchasing this as a present for someone special. These pens would be an ideal teacher’s gift as people who tend to write a lot will really appreciate using such a high quality and classy pen. The model I have is chrome coloured. This was an excellent colour choice as it looks very well and will not date like so many brightly coloured pens. The pen is a perfect weight, light and easy to hold, adding to the impression of quality and value for money.
Features
- Smooth twist action mechanism
- Chrome cap & barrel
- Chrome appointments
- Fitted with blue refill
- Limited 3 year warranty
I have to mention I have a ‘thing’ about ‘slippy’ pens! Some pens, after a time, slip through your grip and despite being ‘on a roll’ and writing a mass of notes I have to stop, re-position the pen and begin writing again. Your grip will not slip with this pen, it is simply the most comfortable pen to hold and work with ever! I can honestly highly recommend this pen and I will definitely buy some others in the range as I would like a few different colours and styles.
So, if you are looking for a gift or just for something impressive to whip from your bag next time you have to make a note, choose Sheaffer. You won’t be disappointed.
This pen retails at £30.00 and details of stockists can be found online.
For further information visit www.sheaffer.com
Gift Reviews, Leisure Gifts
Skechers for Style and Comfort.
‘Since 1986 we have been supplying Clothing & Home Textiles products to the public from Plain Summer T-Shirts to Children’s Character Bedding. We have thousands of products in multiple variations listed on our website (Universal Textiles).
I first discovered Universal Textiles about 1 year ago and keep returning to the site for the majority of my childrens’ clothing and footwear needs. They are very hard to beat on value and the choice is vast. There are also lots of offers on site at any given time which are really worth checking out as well. It seems I plan to log on to buy something specific and always end up discovering other ‘bargains’ I simply must have!
I am very enthusiastic about my recent order – a fab pair of Skechers for my 8yr old daughter. These are not shoes nor trainers but a bit of both. They look great but are very comfortable as well. My daughter would be quite hard to fit as her feet are a ‘H’ width and I can relay on Skechers to be wide enough and very comfortable. In particular, the shoes pictured topmost above suit as they close with Velcro, not laces. My children are always on the go, inside and outside changing from shoes to skates, etc frequently. These Skechers can be worn quickly without any fuss with laces. The ‘lights’ are an ingenious touch as children of all ages love the effect when they walk.
I am a very proud mummy, my girls ran the local 10K earlier this month and you can see the skechers in action! No blisters, I might add, no stopping to tie laces, just one very happy little girl who was able to keep up with her big sister round the race track – all down to her new Skechers no doubt!
This pair in particular are £27.70 reduced from £36.45 ! Excellent value
For further information visit www.universaltextiles.com
Gift Reviews, Teenage Gifts, Toy Reviews
Wasjig Only Fools and Horses.
My hubby loves the TV show ‘Only Fools and Horses’ and I have the perfect Father’s Day gift for him – the all new Only Fools and Horses Wasgij jigsaw. If you have yet to discover Wasgij, I urge you to try this out. These puzzles are addictive and perfect for grown-ups.
‘For Dad’s who fancy themselves as a bit of a wheeler dealer, the new Only Fools and Horses Wasgij jigsaw is an ideal gift. Wasgij Mystery: This Time Next Year… includes two 1000-piece puzzles, the box image and the solution image in which you have to use your imagination to piece together what happens next in the scene’ (Wasjig)
It takes skill and imagination to complete these puzzles. We have an entire cupboard dedicated to puzzles in our house and I have to say the Wasjig puzzles are taken out and played with over and over again. What the kids cannot finish, hubby and I usually complete when they go to bed!
So if you have yet to have yet to buy your Father’s Day gift, pop down to your local Argos store for one of these great puzzles – Dad will not be disappointed.
Wasgij Mystery Only Fools and Horses: This Time Next Year…
RRP £19.99
Available from June from all good retailers including Amazon and Argos
Visit www.wasgij.com for more information.
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Sainsbury’s for Father’s Day 2014
Where can you buy Dad a great Father’s Day gift at this late stage? Most of the shops are closed, online shopping is out of the question, Father’s Day is TOMORROW!!
Never worry, I have just the solution and it has worked for me on numerous occasions – Sainsburys!
Sainsburys is more than a brilliant supermarket. The clothes are absolutely fab and the gift range extensive. As with all occasions, Sainsburys has topped the lot again. Their Father’s Day range of gifts are really great. They range from adorable teddies none other than the famous ‘Boofle’ to socks. Socks – who wants socks? Well, my Dad will be getting socks this year from the ‘Dads Army’ range at Sainsburys RRP £3.
Dad loves this show and I remember him watching it when I was a small child. I know he will be thrilled with the socks and with my thoughtful little piece of nostalgia! Dad will also be receiving a matching flash RRP £10. He is a shooting man and has went through so many flasks. If he doesn’t break it, he leaves it behind in a field where he has had his lunch! I love this flash in particular as it has a neat cover which gives added protection and it looks fab too of course!
I also the chocolate in particular and would hope Dad shares this with his daughter!
For further information on these gifts and more visit: www.sainsburys.co.uk
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Tobar for Father’s Day 2014.
‘Founded in 1973, TOBAR celebrates over 40 years dedicated solely to finding innovative toys, gifts and gadgets. TOBAR is continuously searching worldwide to bring exciting; desirable and fun products which will have mass market appeal’ (TOBAR)
I have had a look at some of the gifts Tobar are marketing for Father’s day this year. The gifts surely are original and rather iconic so you are sure to find something for your dad or partner. I have selected a few of the gifts that would appeal to me.
Volkawagen Van.
I have been dreaming of owning one of these for years and I am still living in hope. This iconic van has spanned decades and has been a hit with every generation. The Samba diecast model is pretty much a smaller version of the real thing. The familiar two tone colouring, opening hatch style boot, volkswagen logo etc all add to the appeal. I would love this to take pride of place in a windowsill for all to see and admire but I know it would end up in my toyroom! This is an excellent gift for the volkawagen loving dad and very reasonable at £15.
Haynes Construction Books.
For the construction loving dad Tobar have some brilliant Haynes construction books from only £10. I would select the Thunderbird 2 Aircraft book for my dad as he loves their programmes and would be delighted with this book. The book is different from any usual construction book in that the actual model to build is included in the book, so very exciting for the receiver. The books have over 30 pages with relevant trivia regarding the subject and easy to follow instructions to follow. Father and son would both get pleasure out of this book with both the information and the model building.
Planet Kinetic Mobile.
For dads who are into their science and physics, Tobar have 2 different moving models, planets and atoms. Both move in a kinetic motion and either of them would look great for a desk top or workbench. I was fascinated with these types of models when I was a child and still am. The gravity defying motion always amazes me. These are only priced at £15 which is absolutely brilliant value.
Have a look at the website. I have found several items to put on my wish list including the Sweet Art Cupcakes – wow, these are gorgeous. Tobar – definitely worth a visit.
For further information visit www.tobar.co.uk
Gift Reviews
Gumigem for Father’s Day.
Gumigem is a UK family business who design and market ‘baby proof’ jewellery. I think this is an amazing idea as I know when my children were babies they loved to grab whatever I was wearing around my neck and chew on it. I used to hastily remove my jewellery before giving up and not wearing any at all for fear of what the kids would be chewing on.
Gumigem jewellery is designed specifically with children in mind. The jewellery is silicone so perfect for little gums to chew on and it is also BPA, PVC, Lead, Latex and Phthalate free. It is completely safe for baby to use Gumigem jewellery to chew on.
With mum in mind as well as baby, the jewellery is very trendy with lots of colours and different styles to suit different tastes and looks.
For Father’s Day Gumigem are recommending the Dog Tags – these are really fab! Dad can wear them (and mum too) and they look quite ‘cool’.
The colours range from bright to commando patterned so perfect for ‘tough’ daddies who wouldn’t want to wear yellow and other light colours. This one is my favourite by far.
My sister has been testing out some of the Gumigem jewellary and she loves it. She enjoys her style and would have the latest fashions and she has found some Gumigem jewellary to suit her clothes both casual and workwear. This company impressed me from the word go and I wish it had been around when my children were small.
‘GUMIGEM ® can withstand high temperatures, be easily washed in hot water or placed in the dishwasher. The necklaces come on a long cord, so there is plenty of reach for baby, and for extra comfort and safety, each necklace has a breakaway clasp. A thoughtful gift for new mummies, adorable aunties and gorgeous grannies!’ (Gumigem)
For further information visit www.gumigem.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Blue Nun Gold for Father’s Day 2014.
I was delighted to recently get my hands on a bottle of ‘special’ sparkling white wine from Blue Nun. Special? Yes, very special. If you want to treat Dad to something a little bit different this father’s day this is the gift you should buy! Blue Nun Gold will dazzle and definitely impress any receiver.
The wine itself is delicious, with a full-bodied rounded flavour, making it a perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of meals. Of course, it would also be perfect for any special celebration or indeed just a girl’s night in!
BLUE NUN is one of the world’s oldest German wine brands, and was created in 1921 by H. Sichel Söhne. From there it has grown in popularity and is now recognised and loved worldwide.
Blue Nun Gold Edition 75cl bottles are available on-line only via www.drinksdirect.com priced under £10 or the mini bottles are available in ASDA stores nationwide priced at £2.25 each.
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
James Bronnley Skincare range for Father’s Day.
If your Dad would like some new toiletries this year for Father’s Day have a look at the James Bronnley range. Bronnley use the finest natural ingredients and essential oils resulting in a beautiful luxury skincare range. I have been enjoying Bronnley for years and always have their products in my guest bedroom. All the soaps are triple milled and last for ages – much longer than other soaps.
For dads this Father’s Day they have several lovely products and I have been lucky enough to try a few of these. I have the James Bronnley Original Body Wash RRP £8.50, Soap Bar RRP £6 and Moisturising Balm RRP £8.50.
The Body Wash, and all the other products, are nicely presented in a blue and silver coloured box with a little bit of the history of Bronnley on the side. I particularly appreciate the writing on the back ‘ Free from Parabens and SLS’ Yippee – in an ideal world all toiletries would have this on the packaging but sadly this is not the case at present.
The wash has some added goodies to naturally cleanse and moisturise the skin like Samphire, Sea Kelp and Provitamin B5.
The Soap Bar also has these ingredients and they both smell gorgeous – citrus and woody, just as men should smell!
My hubby does not moisturise but I am sure he will start when he is given this Moisturising Balm on Father’s Day. It has a light texture so leaves the skin soft but not greasy. I have fairly sensitive skin but I had no problems testing the Bronnley moisturiser as I know it is made with natural ingredients and these never cause me any irritation.
This set of three items would make a lovely gift for father’s day or indeed any occasion – teachers present, birthday, etc.
The Bronnley products can be purchased from www.bronnley.co.uk and also from Amazon and other selected retailers.
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 and Power Select Razors.
If you are looking for a useful but inexpensive Father’s Day gift this year have a look at the new razors from Wilkinson Sword. These will definitely impress and they won’t ‘break the bank’. Priced from £8.99 for the Hydro 5 and £12.99 for the Hydro 5 Power Select you have 2 great razors to choose from.
The main difference is that the Power Select has 3 vibration settings which aim for an even smoother shave while not compromising on comfort. The shave itself feels lovely. Wilkinson have a new revolutionary Hydro technology, a hydrating gel reservoir which assists the razor to glide over the skin giving an incredibly close smooth shave.
I would prefer the vibrating razor to the non-vibrating although this is just my opinion. I had never used a vibrating razor and found it gave an exceptionally good shave. This is the only razor of its kind on the market. The battery indicator was a useful touch and the trimmer makes this quite the gadget for only £12.99!
The Wilkinson Sword range is available from Boots and leading retailers nationwide.
*Price is at the sole discretion of the retailers
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Murad Man Skincare for Father’s Day 2014.
I use Murad skincare products as I am happy the ingredients are environmentally friendly, non-toxic and I achieve brilliant results. If you are at all curious, just try their Skin Perfecting Primer – amazing!
On the market from 1989, Murad can be purchased online and in store from selected Marks&Spencer, John Lewis and House of Fraser stores to name but a few. The products are based on scientific evidence and they use pharmaceutical grade ingredients, meaning they are research based and really work.
Murad have a brilliant skincare regime for dads this Father’s Day.
Murad Man Regime:
Developed by dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad, this three-step regime ensures you get the very best shave possible whilst protecting and repairing skin. The regime includes:
Cleansing Shave (£25) – a two-in-one cleanser which can be used to shave or simply cleanse you skin. It contains our unique Beard Softening Complex which exfoliates to uncover stubborn facial hairs for a superior shave.
Razor Burn Rescue (£35) – this triple-action formula reduces ingrown hairs, redness and irritation in one step!
Face Defense SPF 15 (£31) – infuses skin with essential hydration whilst providing broad spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays. It also contains powerful antioxidants to fight free radicals. (Murad)
Lets start with the Cleansing Shave. The lotion produces a lovely creamy lather which exfoliates as well as cleansing. Despite this, the texture is not gritty. Murad have some very impressive Mushroom Enzymes tucked away inside this potion which is the secret exfoliator and this is brillaint. My hubby has sensitive skin and he loved trying various shaving creams. He has said this one is one of the best he has used with no irritation or ‘stinging’ when shaving. An antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect is given with added vitamin E and panthenol. Tea-tree is also present with its antibacterial and healing properties helping to prevent irritation.
Sounds good doesn’t it? I have tried this on my legs as well and it works a treat. Apparently 60% of whatever we rub on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. Think about it, when we shave we strip the top layers of skin away leaving our ‘barrier’ even more prone to absorbing whatever we use. You can relax with Murad, there are no ‘nasty’ ingredients or toxins, just honest to goodness ingredients that really work!
The Razor Burn Rescue follows the Cleansing Shave. This is yet another product that does exactly as it claims. Skin is left smelling gorgeous,smooth and irritation free. A concoction of glorious ingredients – Neem Leaf Extract, Vitamin E, Glycolic Acid and Tea-Tree work together to leave skin soothed and hydrated. Your skin will feel super smooth and soft all day!
The Face Defense cream is the perfect finishing touch. With SPF 15, moisture is pumped into the skin yet this is quite a light lotion. Skin is protected from damage and signs of aging are reduced with Murad’s Patentea Skin Repair System. Your man will smell good and look great making these products the perfect gift this Father’s Day.
The Murad Man Regime is £80 from www.murad.co.uk saving you £11 when the complete regime is purchased.