For The Garden, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Indoor Allotment.
I adore my garden and hate to see the winter approaching. My gorgeous geraniums are hauled inside, along with a few other tender plants. I then struggle to accommodate them and the little cuttings I make from my favourite coloured plants.
My kitchen window would have been their home till spring but it was a lot of work moving the pots around to clean the window and to ensure they had adequate light.
![indoor_allotment_pack[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/indoor_allotment_pack1.jpg)
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Lego Friends Book-light and LED Brick Light Key-chain.
Lego – how long has this been on the go? A long time! The beginnings of Lego actually began in 1932 and the ‘brick’ came into play in 1949.
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Lego has a great ethos and we always love to review the sets and accessories on Pampered Presents. Many many sets are to be found ranging from Space Ships, to the Wild West – however one major theme is missing and that the ‘military style’ toys. Lego have stated they will NEVER sell toys that resemble war and present war to children in game form – Why can’t all toy manufactures learn from this?? Maybe some-day, in a more perfect world.
Lego now have over 10,000 employees and the toys are sold in over 130 countries, amazing! Well done Lego, we love you.
I still have the Lego I had as a child and it is compatible with the modern sets my children play with so it is an excellent toy to buy. Accessories from Lego are very popular and my children have the Lego Friends Book-light and Key-ring light.
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The Book-light is great as it clips onto books to enable my children read at night and saves them reading with the full light on which might hinder them from falling asleep – God forbid!
We have been through quite a few book-lights in our household, between the children and their father, they all enjoying reading in bed. However, the Lego Friends Book-light is by far the strongest – it is simply made, with no exposed wires and fiddly parts like some of the others. I would be happy letting my 4 year old use this. Priced from £9.99 this is very good value as it will stand the test of time.
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My 10 year old has a great key-chain collection and her latest addition was the Lego friends Brick Key-chain. This too is strong and built to last. Well priced from £6.99.
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The key light is actually quite strong and I have called on her to use it to help me find the house key on my key chain in the dark. Although this is a toy, it is a handy little item to have on a key-ring. The colours are from the Lego friends series to co-ordinate with the sets.
As ever, all Lego toys and accessories have a special place here at Pampered Presents, and they all come highly recommended.
Available at John Lewis and Sainsbury’s.
![Lego-Logo-617x469[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Lego-Logo-617x4691.jpg){kind=logo}
Gift Reviews, Pampered Experiences
Mania Mia Autumn Winter Fashion Release 2013
In September I was lucky enough to attend an exclusive preview of the autumn/winter ’13 fashion brands at Mania Mia.
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Mania Mia is known as ‘ Fulham’s best kept secret for the stylish shopper to discover affordable chic women’s contemporary fashion and accessories.’
I found this to be true, and fell in love with the shop immediately. I had no pre-conceptions and attended this ‘invite only’ preview with an open mind. My fashion taste would be quirky and unusual, I like to wear what others would shy away from! I was delighted to discover the range of designers at the preview and came away with great fashion ideas and with lots of ‘essentials’ on my wish list.
Mania Mia has a great concept on fashion and design and tends to support designers from outside the UK along with some closer to home. The styles are therefore perfect for me – unusual, varied and with an element of quirky thrown in for good measure. I simply loved the shop and enjoyed my tour of the fashions while sipping champagne and nibbling hors d’oeuvres.
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The ranges I was shown included Essential, Charlotte Taylor, Furansu, Filippa K, and many more. My favourite would have to be Charlotte Taylor. Her prints were stunning and very unusual. The prints tend to be her signature and she favours bold shapes which I adore. Her designs range from:
‘Penguins, Grannies and eccentrics to Vintage Robots, Sail-making
and decayed metal; Charlotte delves into her collections and creates worlds and stories to complement and drive them’. (Mania Mia)
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This preview gave me a great insight into the autumn and winter fashion and I would urge those who are in the area to visit this boutique and experience the fabulous fashions they have to offer.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Braun Series 3 Shaver 380s-4
Let me introduce you to the Braun Series 3 Wet & Dry Shaver. This handy shaver is now a worldwide seller and cannot last on the shelves till 25th of December, buy it now! Every man will want one. Why?? Read on..
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Firstly, the biggie with this shaver is that it can be used in water. This serves more than one purpose. Firstly, its quicker as men can shave while in the shower. Second, it is much easier to clean as it can be rinsed under the tap.
![g_11310575_003[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/g_11310575_0031.jpg)
The reputation of this shaver is excellent, with men claiming it has been the best shaver yet. My hubby was the guinea pig, and he is quite critical so I couldn’t wait to hear what his conclusions were.
Hubby always wet shaved, well, in the 15 years I have known him. He says he used to own an electric razor many years ago, but found the wet shave gave a better cut with less irritation.
He was honestly impressed, so well done Braun, he is a tough cookie to please (typical man)! He particularly liked that the series 3 380s-4 could be used in the shower and this saved him time in the mornings. To clean, he rinsed it under the tap and it was ready to shave again.
With regards to skin comfort and irritation, he experienced none. The shaver was comfortable, gave an excellent close shave and left no skin irritation.
![Triple-Action[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Triple-Action1.jpg)
This is specific to Braun series 3 shavers, they are designed to give a clean and gentle shave as the 3 cutting elements move independently to give a smooth finish. Long and short hairs are cut together and this is the major factor in reducing irritation. Only one stroke is needed whereas with other shavers, continual strokes are needed for a clean finish. To add to a really great razor, Braun have had the innovative idea of SensoFoil.
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This was very impressive, as it enables hair to be cut closer to the skin than ever before, without irritation.
The pop-up trimmer is a great little extra, perfect for sideburns and moustache. Braun really have thought of everything and have give men what they need with the series 3 380s-4.
The battery delivers 45 minutes of cordless shaving after one hour of charge.
My hubby will never return to his ‘old fashioned’ method of shaving, as he loves the Braun series 3 380s-4. What a fab gift! The shaver is very well priced and available from several online stores and on the high street.
![bg-header-series-3[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/bg-header-series-31.jpg)
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Lir Chocolates: Glittering Signature Selection, Baileys Gift Box, Guinness Luxury Dark Chocolate Bar.
My ‘tricky’ Christmas gift dilemma is now sorted with Lir! Do you have someone in your life who seems to have everything, which makes buying gifts for this person a chore? Have a look at Lir chocolates for some great gift ideas.
Lir is an award winning chocolatier based in Southern Ireland. Ingredients are sourced from across the world and used to create the most luxurious chocolates I have ever tasted. The choice is difficult, as they all look temptingly delicious.
My favourite, as always, are the Baileys chocolates. Holding the position as the Uk’s no. 1 liqueur, this is a great gift which everyone would be delighted to receive.
The chocolates are presented in a luxurious gift box with a gold ribbon which looks very well. The ultimate foodie present in my opinion. This gorgeous box contains an array of milk, white and dark chocolates flavoured with the fabulous Baileys liqueurs. The flavours include Baileys Original, Mint, caramel, Fudge and Coffee. Baileys have a reputation of luxury and these chocolates fit the profile. They are little mini works of art, finely decorated with strips and flakes of co-ordinating chocolate. Yummy! This gift box retails for £9.99 and is available from Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
Lir’s own Glittering Signature Selection did not last long in my house, and I have to admit, I saved these for myself. They are heavenly chocolates, and every one of them looked and tasted gorgeous. This box contains Lir’s most popular varieties so a good choice as a gift when you may not be aware of the recipients preferred taste.
RRP £6.99 Available from Co-op nationwide and high street retailers.
In keeping with the Irish theme, Lir have created a Luxury Dark Chocolate Bar, infused with the delicious taste of Guinness. Wow, what a man gift! This would be great for dad, hubby and any other man in your life. Men love chocolates too and sometimes delicious chocolates are presented in a box which appeals to women. This is perfect for the men in your life who enjoys great tasting chocolate. The bar is red and black and with the Guinness logo and the chocolate has the roasted creamy notes of the world famous stout.
52% cocoa solids gives this chocolate the intensely dark taste which lingers leaving the ultimate smooth taste of Guinness. Absolutely gorgeous and one to be enjoyed all by yourself!
RRP £1.49 Available from Selfridges, Debenhams, Amazon and high street retailers.
Lir chocolates have in recent years won 13 gold star awards in the Great Taste Awards [the ‘Oscars’ of the food world] from the British Guild of Fine Food, as well as, in 2011, Gold in the Best Filled Chocolate category from the Academy of Chocolate . (Lir)
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
My Blue Nose Friends, Pout, Abbey, Glide and Crest.
I adore the Blue Nose Collection and I am delighted that my girls share my enthusiasm. Tatty Teddy has been a firm favourite in our household, featuring on pyjamas, books, key-rings as well as the actual teddy himself.
He has some of the cutest little friends joining him from September 2013 and they are every bit as gorgeous as Teddy is.
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There are 4 new friends to collect, each different, but all snugly soft and adorable.
It’s difficult to choose a favourite, but being a fan of the Dinosaurs, I have to go for Crest.
![crest[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/crest1.jpg)
This little Pterosaur is pink and grey with a few little blue specs on its nose. The signature ‘patch’ is in two places, and he is stuffed with those lovely little beads that give him the lovely squeezy feel which gives just as much satisfaction as a stress ball!
![glide_1[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/glide_11.jpg)
Glide was ‘stolen’ by my niece within an hour of arriving to the house. She is horse mad and fell for the cute little pink wings and expression glide possesses. Glide is a Pegasus who is always up for an adventure, and with the fluffy tail and mane, is just as soft and cuddly as the others.
![british-cat[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/british-cat1.jpg)
For cat lovers, we have Abbey. This little blue cat will steal your heart as soon as you set eyes on her. She is perfectly bread and British through and through.
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Last but not least, comes Pout the puffer-fish. This little fish is a round pink ball of adorable fluff. My other niece who is three years old had her pick of these friends and she chose Pout. He is just the right size to hold and squeeze! Soft and fluffy with the little blue nose, he makes the collection of four friends complete.
All the friends are available now online from www.carteblanchegreetings.com
RRP £5.
![Spet-website-pic-580x375[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Spet-website-pic-580x3751.jpg)
![isabella[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/isabella1-782x1024.jpg)
Gift Reviews, Toy Reviews
Penwizard, Peppa Pig and Me.
Penwizard is a great company which provides a personalised book service. The range of books vary greatly, but when I came to the Peppa Pig books, my decision was made. What child wouldn’t love to star in their very own Peppa Pig book alongside Peppa, George and all the other characters? Exactly!
My son is 4 yrs and he is Peppa Pig mad. He has numerous Peppa Pig toys and books and now he has his Penwizard personalised book too.
![isabella[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/isabella1.jpg)
The book is titled ‘Peppa and Mark’s Christmas’ and you can choose the paper style and size. I chose A4 size and paperback, so the book has a lovely glossy cover. There are 24 pages, and the cover has a picture of Peppa Pig and my son! Yes, this was such fun to create. I was able to choose the hair style and colour, eye colour, skin tone and if the child wore glasses! So, when this is all put together, you really have a good likeness.
Throughout the book, my son is featured and named while he is having his adventure with Peppa Pig. They write to Santa, post the letters and have an eventful Christmas Eve!
He loves this book, as does his older siblings. My daughter is 10 yrs old and she loves to read this book to her brother.
Personalised books are a brilliant was of encouraging reading. They help children create a link with the book and so with reading. The personalisation lets the child really enjoy and be proud of the book, my son keeps showing his book to everyone who comes to visit and he even brought it into school to show his teacher!
Penwizard books are available from www.penwizard.co.uk and Peppa Pig and Me Christmas book retails at £14.99.
Gift Reviews, Pampered Foods
Demijohn Sloe Sherry Liqueur.
Demijohn is the most amazing liquid Deli ever. Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you, they make yummy drinks! Every aspect of Demijohn is impressive, so I am going to start at the beginning.
Demijohn is a family business founded in 2004 in Edinburgh. The family now have several shops, wholesale distributers and an online service. The products are locally sourced and some of the ingredients are even handpicked by the Demijohn staff. The company is incredibly environmentally friendly in that they recycle their bottles, use local ingredients, use recycled packaging, etc.
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I would absolutely love to visit a Demijohn shop and enjoy sampling the drinks, until I have chosen what I would like to buy. The next step is picking the bottle, how amazing is that? The customers can choose from different bottles to which their drink can be added. These glass Demijohns are really cool looking bottles from Italy, each individual in their design.
When your bottle is filled, the label is hand written and this can even be personalised which would be great if your drink is a gift. This personalisation is provided free of charge.
All the Demijohn bottles can be re-used. You just return to the shop and choose your next amazing cocktail from Demijohn and you can have your bottle back – refilled. In this case, you would only pay for the contents. This has got to be the best system ever, and has serious benefits for the environment.
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My choice was the ‘Sloe Sherry’ and wow, did it taste good! We sipped it prior to Sunday lunch and enjoyed every sip. I wouldn’t be a liqueur lover as I find most of them quite strong, but this was perfect.
My mission now is to personally return my Demijohn bottle and have it refilled. I am looking at flights already!
Have a look at some of the images below. Demijohn offer a range of delicious cocktails, liqueurs and more. Why not choose an original Demijohn liqueur and have the bottle personalised for that special someone in your life this Christmas.
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Available from www.demijohn.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Scott Iness Bramble Thistle Mug.
If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting Scott Inness’ website, you don’t know what you’re missing. From bags to tea towels, from mugs to cushions, it specialises in unique, high quality home and giftware all with a distinctive, quirky Scottish theme.
![Tartan_20Mug_20Purple_200[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Tartan_20Mug_20Purple_2001.jpg)
My latest treat is one of their beautiful fine bone china mugs, decorated with a vibrant Scottish thistle. It is of the highest quality, when you hold it up to the light, you can see the shadow of your fingers through the china, a test that I always apply to a piece of china to assess the fineness. What makes this cup perfect for a cappuccino or hot chocolate is its size. It is not small as many china mugs are and has a robust handle which is very comfortable to hold.
A pair of these mugs would make a lovely engagement or anniversary present, and you’re sure to find a design you like. Choose between a scottie dog, a highland cow, bagpipes, and many other iconic Scottish designs. Priced at just £11.99 per individual mug, and available from Scott Inness’ website. Go on, treat yourself!
Look out for new Christmas themed products, perfect for adding the finishing touches to your Christmas dinner table, or as a last minute stocking filler for someone special.
I adore these cushions, with their striking designs and Scottish themes, they are a perfect reminder of the beauty of Scotland.
Available from www.scottinness.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Mum’s Notes from Mum’s Office.
Mum’s Office is a little gem of a website specialising in all kinds of stationery designed for busy mums everywhere who are trying to juggle work, family life and a host of things in between.
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The range consists of a selection of diaries, planners, to do lists, notebooks and address books. All are beautifully designed and available in a range of colours and finishes.
I have a beautiful notebook which is finished in hardback silver croc print. The pages are edged in silver gilt (how cool is that?) and the notebook has 2 handy ribbon markers. It is approx. 8×6 inches, a perfect size for your handbag, office desk or indeed for on your knee in the car when waiting to collect children from school or a music lesson!
![mum-103-fan_2[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mum-103-fan_21.jpg)
I really love my notebook along with the other books from Mum’s Office. They have taken perfectly ordinary items and made them extra special by using heavy silky paper, lovely finishes and colours. A feature I especially like is the fact that the page on the left is blank and the opposite page is lined in pink. Perfect for doodling and note making!
This would be a perfect notebook to record milestones in family life and would make a lovely gift for any busy mum.
Priced at £12.95 and available from www.mumsoffice.co.uk
Also available from John Lewis and Amazon.