Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Vintage Playing Cards.
‘Vintage Playing Cards have created a collection of unique Valentine cards and gifts that will make hearts flutter this February’ (Vintage Playing Cards)
This is surly recycling at its best! Vintage Playing Cards re-use playing cards and 1920’s parlour game cards individually sourced to make iconic cards, pictures and stationary. They are individual, original and very pleasing on the eye.
The company began in 2008 and has gone from strength to strength with their retro/vintage range. The company are constantly introducing new items and for Valentine’s Day 2014 they have pulled out all the stops with their show-stopping loveheart frames. This Valentine’s range is a great place to start if you are shopping for a special someone and puts your ‘gift’ way ahead of flowers and chocolates!
As the title would suggest, the frames are modeled on the classic ‘Love heart’ sweets and spell out messages of love and fun such as ‘heart throb’ and ‘sugar lips’.
These frames are sure to bring back memories from young days – in a good way! RRP £75
The ‘Vintage Playing Card Frames’ are my favourite. These are so ‘on trend’ with both vintage and recycling themes rating highly with everyone these days. The cards come framed in black boxed and double mounted frames. They would make an ideal valentine’s gift or even an extra special wedding gift. Choose words like ‘Love’, ‘Kiss’ or even ‘Cherish’ or select an individual card from hundreds of vintage cards and have one individually framed.
Framed words (5 letters) RRP £45
Framed words (10 letters) RRP £55
Framed individual cards £29
Supersize Frame £195
Vintage Playing Cards can be purchased directly from www.vintageplayingcards.co.uk or for your nearest stockist call 01284 728930
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Give Plenty – Hampers, Boxes and Bags.
I have searched high and low for this years Valentines gift for my hubby. After 15 years together I am finding it hard to surprise him with a special gift and after 3 kids, I am finding it even harder to afford a special gift!!
When I first spotted ‘Give Plenty’ I scanned through the site and soon found the Valentines suggestions for men.
This box retails at £20 and looked well. A beautiful red box full of goodies I know hubby will love:
Fairfields Farm Lightly Sea Salted Potato Crisps 40g
Great Uncle Cornelius’ Ginger Beer 25cl
Greek Olives Marinated and Mixed Olives 220g
Linden Lady Rum & Raisin Fudge 200g
Linden Lady Milk Chocolate Buttons 100g
Joe & Seph’s Smooth Goat Cheese & Black Pepper Popcorn 90g
The box arrived a few days later and the presentation was a treat for the eye. The red box looked even better in reality, closed with a red bow at the corner. The items were presented well and supported by crinkle paper, exactly as described. I think I have found a brilliant solution to my problem of buying for hubby. I can’t wait to present him with this on Valentine’s day and believe he will be delighted with all these luxury ‘manly’ foodie items.
The ‘for her’ box looked just as impressive, as does the other boxes and hampers on site.
Give Plenty use the finest locally sourced ingredients many of which are produced by family run businesses. A real pleasure to feature on Pampered presents – thank you!
For further information visit www.giveplenty.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
On a Wick and a Prayer – Ebony Orchid Reed Diffuser.
Love candles and scenting your house? I do, but with 3 small children and a dog I have to take extra care when lighting a candle. I have been described as a ‘sieve head’ in the past and I will admit there is some truth in this – I am a little forgetful! I tend to veer away from candles as I have left the house and raced back many times forgetting to blow out a candle!
It is for these reasons I favour reed diffusers. ‘On a Wick and a Prayer’ have a great selection of both candles and reed diffusers and with UK shipping included in the price, their website is one of my favourites. An added bonus is the reassurance that all the products are made on site by the team in the Peak District.
The Diffusers all come as a wooden corked bottle, diffuser reeds and oil. There are 18 different fragrance diffusers to choose from. This took me some time as there are some really beautiful diffusers on show and I couldn’t make up my mind! The oil can also be bought separately.
My present diffuser is ‘Ebony Orchid’. The scent is quite manly with a black diffuser bottle. Maybe this is originally intended for men, but I really like the scent. Sometimes I feel like a change from the usual feminine scents and prefer something a little more masculine.
Ebony Orchid sits in the windowsill of my little downstairs toilet but the scent travels through the house. This can last for 6-8 weeks and for an extra boost, just flip the reeds the other way around. Simple, and no worries of burning the house down!
The scent is available as a candle also, within a beautiful black gloss container.
Visit www.onawick.co.uk for further information. RRP £14.95
The website has a good selection of scented container candles, reed diffusers, natural wax candles, original wax bars and china garden candles. If you are looking for an extra special gift, this is the website for you!
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Mc laggan Smith Mugs for Valentine’s Day.
If you have yet to discover Mc laggan Smith Mugs, now is the time to do so. They have beautiful china mugs for everyone. From children, mums, dads, teachers, friends, etc. The selection is vast, with several designer choices and quirky comments.
The Valentine collection is out now with some brilliant designs to suit your special someone. The ‘Love’ collection, as I call it, has several themes to choose from. They offer comical mugs and more serious ‘Love’ mugs along with the opportunity to add a personal message.
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I have some very pretty daintily painted Mc laggan Smith Mugs and I get so many comments on them.
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The quality is superb, a beautiful white fine china intricately painted with lovebird and flower designs.
For the younger shopper, they have comical mugs to bring a smile to your face.
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Prices start at £9.00 for a standard 250ml fine bone china mug and, with the option to personalise the handle (up to 30 characters) for an extra £5. This is very good value compared to some other sites which offer personalisation at double the price. Mc Laggan Smith Mugs are a unique and affordable option.
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Mugs can be ordered from www.msmugs.com or ordered online at 01389755655.
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Gigaset’s new ‘smart’ home phone SL930A
Modern technology! Sometimes I feel so old. The kids can’t seem to comprehend the fact that I was 24yrs when I had my first mobile phone! It was rather large with push buttons and only one ringtone. Home phones have also progressed dramatically, have you seen the new home ‘smart’ home phone from Gigaset? Wow, this is pretty great, combining the features of a home phone with a mobile android phone – It is the very first home phone with android technology!
The new Gigaset SL93OA lets you connect with your mobile phone with direct internet access. Connecting to your WiFi, you can access emails, skype and brouse the web. Apps can be downloaded from Google Play and with head-phones, you can listen to your music with exceptional sound quality. The boundaries are limitless with this phone.
I love this phone. When it was connected, my contacts were automatically transferred over from my mobile and were waiting for me at the touch of a button – or should I say ‘touchscreen’!
‘The touch sensative display on the Gigaset SL930A is sublime. It has a 3.2 inch, full colour display that uses a detailed graphical user interface for quick and simple navigation. Despite the large colourful display you still get a talktime of 20 hours and 140 hours of standby time from one full charge of the battery’ (Gigaset)
The phone is extremely easy to operate, even for myself – and I am not very good with technology. I was more or less able to use this phone immediately after it was connected. I have even tailored the settings to suit myself – that’s the fab thing about this phone. There are so many ways you can make it your own. The integrated answering machine can record up to 55 minutes of messages which is a big thing for me as we get a lot of messages when we are at work during the day. My previous phone had limited space for messages and some were missed.
The micro-USB port allows for easy transfer of photos, videos and music. These can be safely stored on the 4GB memory and this can be increased up to 32 GB if needed.
I cannot say enough about this phone. Its appearance and functions are superior to any other phone on the market. Comparing prices is something I am very good at and I am 100% sure this phone gives unbeatable value for money for £179.99. Available from Amazon.
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Perfecter Fusion Styler.
I love to experiment with my daughter’s hair and have been accused of sending them to church looking like they are going to a wedding!! They both have long hair, one being fairly straight and other quite fuzzy like mine! In the past I have used my GHD’s to tame hair and this has resulted in a burn (more than once) as the girls find it impossible to sit still. Unfortunately I have caught ears several times!
I have recently been using the new Perfecter Fusion Styler and so far, all is good.
We are having a lot of fun with this as it can be used to create a variety of different looks. Hair can be straightened, curled and made wavy with extra body in minutes.
The Perfecter is different from other hair styling tools as the bristles do not heat up. I can use my hands to shape the hair along with the Perfecter and there is no risk of anyone getting burnt – no more singed ears in my house!
The Perfecter has 2 temperature setting so I tend to use the cooler setting for the children. It suits all hair types and I have proved this to be true. I have dry hair, my daughters have greasy hair. This styler works expertly on everyone’s hair. The ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos are amazing!
Even in a hurry, I still have time for a quick flick of the styler. It heats in under a minute so you can have salon perfect hair every day.
Important point – I am very busy and always seem to be rushing in and out of the house to and from school and the shops. I would be picking up the groceries in Tesco and suddenly think ‘Did I switch off my straighteners?’ With the Perfecter, the styler switches off after inactivity! This fact, along with the other points made above, make this the one and only styler I will ever use and ever recommend to my friends. I love it, what a buy for £69.99 and with a travel bag, comb and clips.
The Perfecter will do very well coming up to Valentine’s Day I am sure. I would advise you purchase early to avoid disappointment, this is sure to sell out!
For further information visit http://www.perfecter.co.uk
Gift Reviews
Me to You Valentine’s Collection.
Me to You have really outdone themselves this Valentine’s Day with an amazing collection of Blue Nose and Tatty Teddy plush toys and accessories. The range suits all budgets and there are some excellent gifts you can pick up for your Valentine from as little as £4.99.
What about these romantic fridge magnets at only £5? Love-inspired creations are truly your own with these letters and words just waiting to be arranged and making you the perfect partner this year. The pack includes 23 words so you can be as creative as you please.
I adore the Tatty Teddy His and Hers Mug Gift Set £10.
Perfect for couples, they are beautifully decorated with pictures and love inspired slogans. A great gift at a great price.
My favourite has to be the Tatty Teddy Love Bracelet Set.
This is a super gift for £20 as it includes both Tatty Teddy holding a ‘Love’ cushion and a beautiful bracelet. My daughter has fallen in love with this set and it now has pride of place in her bedroom, even though it was given to her by her mum and not a Valentine! Presented in a pretty gift box, this simply has to be one of the most popular gifts this Valentine’s Day.
If you are looking for ways to show you care on 14th February, check out the Me to You collection at www.carteblanchegreetings.com
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Wildabout flowers and Lindt Chocolates for Valentine’s Day.
Flowers or chocolates? Or maybe flowers AND chocolate? I would prefer the latter!
Between Wildabout and Lindt, they have Valentine’s day sorted this year. They are working together to create the ultimate Valentine’s gift and I am so impressed. A variety of combinations are available to suit a selection of budgets and I can’t think of a more pleasing gift. Flowers are so popular on Valentine’s Day and these sets combining beautiful Wildabout bouquets with the superior chocolatier Lindt’s creations, this is surely at the top of my wishlist.
The Ultimate Bliss.
Can you imagine anything more beautiful than Grand Prix Roses, ranunculus, hypericum, berries, bouvardia beautifully presented among foliage and accompanied by a box of Lindor Milk Truffles?
The Style Icon.
This bouquet has a pink feminine theme and is accompanied by the Lindt Master Chocolatier Collection – my favourite collection! Avalanche roses, carnations, double lisianthus and cymbidium orchids heads make this a truly special gift for your valentine and an excellent choice for Mother’s day.
‘The Ultimate Bliss’
Small bouquet + with Lindor Chocolates £60
Medium bouquet + with Lindor Chocolates £80
Large bouquet + with Lindor Chocolates £100
‘The Style Icon’
Small bouquet + Lindt Master Chocolatier Collection £60
Medium bouquet + Lindt Master Chocolatier Collection £80
Large bouquet + Lindt Master Chocolatier Collection £95
These gifts and other combinations are available to purchase (for UK-wide delivery) online and in store now.
For further information visit:
http://www.wildabout.co.uk/exclusive-collaboration-between-lindt-and-wildabout/
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
M&M’s World Chocolate.
If you are looking for a fun and tasty way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, this is it! M&M’s World have a printer – yes, a printer, for M&M’s! The little chocolates can be personalised to suit your needs and all within 2 minutes! I would love to have a go at this and plan for a visit to one of their London stores in a few months – watch this space..
For now, I will have to settle for a sample of the chocolates – yummy!
I love M&M’s and so does my hubby. This Valentine’s Day he will be receiving a bag of personalised M&M’s printed with little slogans to suit the occasion.
The sweets are red and white, printed with ‘14th February’, ‘Be Mine’, ‘Smooches’ and other romantic sayings. They look really well and come nicely presented thus a great gift idea.
Aside from Valentine’s day, M&M’s can also be personalised for birthdays, and other special occasions. A choice of 15 colours is offered along with hundred’s of clip art options to create your unique M&M’s. They are designed from a touch screen in store and I can’t think of anything more fun for my children, they will love this and ‘mummy’ is rather excited as well!!
(A full review of this process with images will be available at the end of April on Pampered Presents).
Personalised M&M’s are available in different cup sizes starting at £15.99
For further information visit www.mmsworld.com, www.facebook.com/mmsworld or www.twitter.com/mmsworldstores
The Personalised Printer can be found on the lower ground floor of M&M’S World store, located at 1 Swiss Court, London, W1D 6AP. The store opens daily from 10am to midnight, and from 12pm to 6pm on Sunday.
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Naturalmente
I look forward to a future which I believe will come to fruition – one where we can shop for beauty and hair-care products without having to cautiously read the label. Parabens, formaldehyde, diethanolamine, SLS, SLES and synthetic perfumes are ingredients I refuse to let into my house, never mind the bathroom. The evidence to support the use of natural products is growing and growing and yes, someday rather soon (hopefully) ingredients like those listed above will not be found in our everyday beauty products.
Over 60% of what we place on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. Imagine the repercussions of using products on a daily basis and sometimes even twice a day, products that have some or even all of the above ingredients contained within the fancy packaging. What scares me most is that some of these creams and lotions even have the words ‘Natural’ written on the packaging. You almost need to be a scientist to interpret the label!
Never fear, on Pampered Presents I promote natural products with no harmful products. This is why I was thrilled to discover yet another super brand, and better still, this one offered natural and safe products for our hair.
Naturalmente is indeed a safe and natural product – trust me, I have scrutinized the label and am in love with this stuff. Rated as Italy’s No 1 organic and bio dynamic haircare product, Naturalmente is now available in the UK.
‘Naturalmente is inspired by the healing powers of aromatherapy with its main ingredients derived from certified organic botanicals. This bio dynamic haircare brand originates from the heart of the Tuscany Hills, renowned for its sensational food, breath-taking landscape and now naturally beautiful hair.
Naturalmente’s ethos is clear and is reflected in every aspect of their range: from the petrochemical-free and plant-based formulations to the 100% biodegradable packaging. Naturalmente also avoids high price-tags which make it a truly affordable luxury; their products deliver healthy hair for less without compromising quality.’ (Naturalmente)
Naturalmente’s packaging is also eco friendly, coming from a non-toxic source.
This brand will do very well in the UK as consumers are becoming more and more aware of what their products contain and how they are made. They have also had the foresight to produce full size and travel size items, making this perfect for those who like to try a smaller size first and also perfect for taking to the gymn and on holidays.
I have been using the anti-oxidant shampoo and conditioner. The fact that this is a natural product only adds to the effect. Wow, I leave the lid off the conditioner just so as the smell fills the room! I will use this forever – sorry if I am being a tad dramatic, but try this and you will know what I mean. I love the texture, the way your hair feels after use, the fabulous scent and, last but not least, it does not make my eyes sting!
Naturalmente is now a permanent fixture in my bathroom, along with a few other ‘super natural’ favourites. I would urge you to try this fab shampoo and conditioner and see for yourself how natural can be so much better.
Naturalmente is now available online from www.gentlebodycare.co.uk
Naturalmente www.naturalmenteuk.co.uk was founded in 2004 by top Italian hairdressers Brigida and Domenico Tomaselli.