Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Nelson’s Calendula Cream and Arnica Bath & Massage oil for Valentine’s Day.
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 this site many times for natural and toxin free beauty products and have never been disappointed. At the moment I am loving the Calendula cream. The cold weather is not kind to hands, especially mine! This cream revitalises and moisturises hands and other areas in need of a little TLC.
I always favour natural products and you cannot get more ‘natural’ than this. Made from 100% calendula, this cream has many other uses, for example, rough skin on knees, elbows etc. Kind to skin, hypoallergenic and naturally scented, this is one cream you will love to have in your handbag.
Excellent value at only £4.85 for 30g tube and £6.35 for 50g. Available from Boots, Holland&Barrett and independent pharmacies and health food stores.
Another favourite product I will recommend for Valentine’s day gifting has got to be 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!
This dual purpose balm works well in the bath and also directly on the skin. 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.
Gift Reviews
Freegle and Give As You Live.
I have simply got to mention this fantastic new and innovative ‘idea’ – Freegle.
As the name suggests, Freegle is a ‘Free’ and ‘Legal’ way to aquire new treasures and pass on your unwanted items. Freegle drastically reduces waste, making this one of my favourite sites on the web ever – it’s free, eco friendly and fun!
‘A Dalek, a WW2 air raid shelter and even a tarantula’s exoskeleton are just some of the weird and wonderful things that over 1.5 million Brits have been re-homing, rather than binning, on Freegle’
Freegle is the UK’s free online re-use scheme, facilitating the keeping of usable items out of the waste stream. With Freegle, you can give stuff away that still has some useful life left in it, or if there’s something you’d like, you can check to see if someone is giving it away (Freegle).
Check out the website or the Freegle Facebook page, you are sure to find something you simply must have! I have been logging onto Freegle on a daily basis now so as not to ‘miss’ anything! Try it, you will become addicted as well. I love the top ten list below –
Freaky Freebies – a bizarre top 10
1) A ‘melodian’ – said to have been made by POWs
2) A tarantula exoskeleton
3) Three coffins
4) A well (decorative only)
5) A full size Dalek
6) Giant African land snails
7) A WW2 air raid shelter
8) 18 former Humberside telephone boxes
9) Captain Pugwash cardboard cut out
10) Noah’s Arc (not to scale)
Freegle has recently formed a partnership with ‘Give As You Live’
‘Give as you Live is the ultimate way to help your favourite good cause, just by shopping online. When consumers shop with Give as you Live, a percentage of what they spend goes to the charity of their choice, without them having to spend a penny more – as it’s the retailer who makes the donation.’ (Give as you live)
Pampered Presents is a huge fan of ‘Give As You Live’, its actually a complete ‘no-brainer’ – you shop as usual and the retailer donates money to charity.
For further information of Freegle and ‘Give As You Live’ see links below:
http://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/Potted_History for background.
http://direct.ilovefreegle.org/weightchartfull.html for data about how much and what gets freegled.
Why not visit the new ‘Give As You Live’ blog:
http://www.giveasyouliveblog.com/
![mockup[6]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mockup6-1024x550.jpg)
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Chelsea Brow Kit.
Eyebrows– the only part of our face we can change without surgery!
I remember the first time I took to the tweezers. My dad came home from work in the evening and looked at me intently. He said nothing as he couldn’t quite figure out what was different but I looked gorgeous!!
Shaping your eyebrows can dramatically change your entire face, just as untidy eyebrows can ruin your look even if you are an expert applying make-up. However, care has to be taken as mistakes cannot be corrected and it may take some time for a ‘gap’ in your eyebrows to fill in. That look was considered cool in the 80’s but a well shaped and ‘complete’ set of eye brows is definitely the look for today.
Now, how do we get the look? Every-one wants eyebrows like the girls on the front of Cosmo, but it’s not easily achieved if you are armed only with a set of tweezers. In the past I have stuck pictures of super shaped brown along the side of my bathroom mirror and this definitely gave good guidance. However, I have yet to be as delighted with any beauty product as I am with the Chelsea Brow Kit.
![mockup[6]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mockup6.jpg)
The Chelsea Brow Kit from Chelsea Beautique WILL deliver salon perfect results. With a range of powders tailored to suit your colouring, this kit provides a selection of stencils to suit different brow preferences, a dual applicator brush and the best set of tweezers I have ever used. To complete, you have a little velvet case in which to carry your kit.
The stencils are a great idea as you literally cannot go wrong. Place the stencil over your eyebrow and select your preferred shape, pluck access hair and fill in the shape.
‘The only brand in the UK to develop it Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Makeup Kit in California, the versatile selection of high-performing powder shades suit almost all hair colours and skin tones. It is also water resistant and smudge- proof to keep your eyebrows exactly how you styled them all day long and come in a beautiful velvet pouch which is perfect to put in your handbag. This product really is a must have!’ (Chelsea Beautique)
The wide range of powder colours are:
Natural: Very fair hair
Stone: Fair Hair
Light Brown: Blondes and Redheads
Dark Brown: Medium to Dark Brunettes
Chestnut: Dark Brunettes
Cappuccino: Fair Hair
Midnight: Very dark hair or for a more dramatic evening look
There isn’t a woman on the planet who wouldn’t want this kit. In my mind, it is the perfect accessory and I wouldn’t be without it.
Shopping for a gift? With Valentine’s Day on the horizon and swiftly followed by mother’s day, buy this hot new product now as I am certain it will sell out. Very well priced at £35.
For more information about Chelsea Beautique and its Chelsea Brows Kit, please visit the website: www.chelseabeautique.com
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Scooby Doo Adventures, The Mystery Map.
I adore Scooby-Doo, I can recall watching him on a tiny ‘black and white’ television about 30 years ago! I also remember cowering under the bedclothes at night as my sister and I would pretend the scary characters were real to frighten each other.
My son is 4 yrs and he has recently been enjoying Scooby-Doo, although a much more child-friendly version – Scooby-Doo Adventures, The Mystery Map.
This is a super movie for young children. It has Scooby and all the characters but the content is delivered in a way as to enthral, not frighten a younger audience. Taking its inspiration from the Muppets, the characters are incredibly life-like puppets. The DVD also includes bonus features and Scooby games.
The original features from Scooby-Doo are still present, the characters have all their usual attributes and really do look almost like they do in the original TV series. Scooby still enjoys his Scooby snacks and there is lots of singing and dancing to have your little one up on the floor jumping around like my son was! The plot itself is pretty great, the gang try to solve the mystery of the Phantom Parrot and follow a treasure map which even kept my older children intrigued. To be honest, I rather enjoyed our family afternoon with everyone snuggled on the sofa watching this together!
This is an entertaining DVD which would be great to keep in your ‘bottom drawer’. Perfect as a gift for almost any age of child and also perfect if you would like a ‘lie-in’ on a Sunday morning, this will keep the children entertained for sure!
Scooby-Doo Adventures, The mystery Map is out now on DVD. Available from Amazon and other good stores.
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Whisky.
If you are looking for a special Valentines day gift this year and don’t want to go down the usual road of socks, chocolates and phone covers, why not try this great tasting traditional whisky from Laphroaig. This classic drink has a most unusual taste – believe it or not, there are notes of seaweed detected! I know it sounds salty, but no. This is a delicious sweet, yet smoky, whisky which will certainly be well received this Valentine’s day.
‘This is the foundation of the iconic Laphroaig range and makes the perfect Christmas gift for fans of the unique peaty character offered in any of Laphroaig’s signature expressions.’ (Laphroaig)
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Ardmore Traditional Cask Whisky.
Tradition, undeniably the secret to a good whisky. There are many brands of whisky on the market today but few which have the prestige of Ardmore whisky. This distillery continues to produce their whisky the traditional way and the awards they have won demonstrate the results.
Ardmore single malt has been produced traditionally, exactly the way it was produced in 1989. The Ardmore Traditional Cask whisky has a distinct creamy peaty taste, one which only adds to the unique experience of sampling this drink. Vanilla undertones accompany the taste experience, making this a very ‘drinkable’ whisky. The packaging and presentation make this the perfect gift for whisky lovers. This is sure to impress your loved one this Valentines Day.
Despite the superior taste, a bottle of Ardmore Traditional Cask whisky retails at only £32. Available from selected stores including Asda and all good whisky shops (RRP £32).
For further information visit www.ardmorewhisky.com
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
CocoonaBaby.
Wow, I am so sorry I did not have this for my babies! My sister introduced me to CocoonaBaby about 3 months ago. I was pretty stunned when I saw it as I thought there was nothing you could buy for a baby that I hadn’t bought for my own – I am a bit of a shopaholic! I must admit, looking at her little baby girl all snug and safe, I was very impressed.
Basically, CocoonaBaby is a type of mattress which is specifically designed for babies. It is used in some maternity wards as well. The idea is to re-create the close snug feeling the baby would have in the mothers womb. The semi-foetal position is easily facilitated and the mattress somewhat ‘cradles’ the baby. I can totally see how this would work and wish they came in adult sizes – I would just love to climb onto one of these at night!
CocoonaBaby claim to help baby sleep better and for longer and that this ‘containment’ reduces the little jumps and twitches babies tend to make adjusting to their new surroundings after birth. It also claims to reduce the flat head some babies can have from sleeping on a traditional mattress.
My sisters baby suffers from reflux and it is amazing how comfortable her baby is on this mattress and how easily she can be raised up to help her settle after feeding. This has got to be one of the best baby products I have reviewed. Very well thought out, a truly ingenious product. A fitted sheet is supplied with a CocoonaBaby and further sheets can be purchased online.
Suitable from birth upwards until the time baby begins to change position independently (approx. 4-5 months)
Weight : 0.87 kg
Dimensions: L 68 x W 40 x H 14 cm
Available on Amazon from £160. See links below for further information.
https://www.facebook.com/beabauk
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Deep Heat Muscle Rescue.
Deep Heat, the smell brings back memories from the ‘cross country’ days of my teens! Ohhh, the aches and pains. Then there was Deep Heat!
As will all classic products that have proved their worth over time, Deep Heat is still on the go and with some new products as well.
The Deep Heat Muscle Rescue range is well worth a try. I am addicted to the Bath Soak and the Neck and Shoulder Cream.
‘Designed to relieve stress and muscle tension with the help of electrolytes, which are a combination of minerals and trace elements such as magnesium and sodium and play a fundamental role in wellbeing. Bathing in electrolyte charged water, such as Muscle Rescue Bath Soak, helps replace lost minerals and can help to ease aches and pains. Muscle Rescue Bath Soak also contains essential oils of vanilla, rosemary and orange which help to de-stress you. Vanilla for example, is used for fighting stress and anxiety. The aroma of orange has also been shown to help reduce anxiety and induce calmness and positivity. Whereas Rosemary oil helps to reduce muscular stress and improve memory and mental clarity.
The aroma of the product also helps as it activates the brain’s limbic system — where we store memories and emotions — which can influence our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.’ (Deep Heat)
I admit this does sound expensive but the Bath soak retails at £5.49 and the Neck and Shoulder Cream at £5.99. If you suffer from aching tired muscles at the end of the day I urge you to give this a try. The collection of essential oils are really well put together to create truly fabulous affordable products which relax the body and uplift the mind.
Available from Boots.
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Book-Tail Reading Companions.
Reading to my children was first stressed to me by my health visitor. She recommended reading with your child from the age of 6 months. At the time I thought this was a bit crazy, but I complied and I am so glad I did. My children now adore reading and it’s a bit of a struggle to have them put the books away when they should be sleeping!
They have several book-lights and bookmarks but I have to say these ‘Book-Tails’ are simply perfect for younger children.
My 4 year old son has one and he simply adores it. The ‘head’ sits at the top of the book and the ‘tail’ at the bottom, thus keeping your place in the book.
![BookTailsWeb02[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/BookTailsWeb021.jpg)
Book-Tails are available in 6 designs, suiting both boys and girls and they really are beautiful. Soft and furry, they make the perfect addition to any book and very reasonably priced at £5.99. A lovely gift to give and receive.
For further information visit www.thatcompanycalledif.com
Gift Reviews
M.A.D. – Make A Difference.
Choose M.A.D. and you will be making a difference, whether you are buying a last minute Christmas gift or shopping in the January sales.
M.A.D. (Make A Difference) is an utterly amazing and new concept. It’s a jewellery store, online, where 100% of the net profit goes directly to a charity of your choice. I find this refreshing as so many retailers are all about making money and expanding business. M.A.D. strive to offer help to those in need through sales of their beautiful jewellery.
Have a look online and you will have over 2,000 items to choose from. I love that M.A.D. largely source from recycled materials and they have a long list of responsible manufactures supporting their sales. A charitable and eco-friendly backbone has ensured the success of this marvelous pioneering company.
So, when and how did I first stumble across M.A.D.? About 3 months ago I was sitting at a school function with a friend and I admired her bracelet. It was made up of grey pearls with a magnetic clasp. She said it was M.A.D. I agreed with her and said yes, that it was very beautiful and unusual, however, she went on that explain that it was from M.A. D.!
I am now wearing a pair of M.A.D. ear-rings. On arrival, the presentation was excellent. I loved the gift box which displayed the ear-rings very well. They are silver and have a drop heart style. I adore them and they will be treasured forever. As with all of the Make A Difference jewellery, 100% of the profit has gone to charity.
So, is there an online jewellery shop as impressive as M.A.D.? No, I don’t think so. Choose M.A.D. and see for yourself. Shop from your seat and not on your feet and pick up some last minute Christmas gifts or some sale bargains in 2014.
For further information visit www.choosemad.com