Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Homeware Reviews, Toy Reviews
‘Back to School’ Sept 2014
It is hard to believe the summer is half over! We have had a great time over the holidays although it has been very busy as well. The kids are almost set for going back to school and I am proud to say I do feel I am very well organised this year!
BioCare ‘NutriFruits’
My kids will be ‘fighting fit’ this September. I am determined to give them the best possible start and hope to avoid as many colds, flu and various ‘bugs’ as possible. Vitamin supplements are a must with so much recent research claiming we should have children on supplements and that it is increasingly difficult to obtain all the necessary nutrients from foods. I have tried several of these concoctions and have rested with one from BioCare.
BioCare’s super new product, NutriFruits, was voted highly commended in the Best New Product category by Health Food Business Magazine. I love that the technology uses freeze dried fruits and vegetables to deliver the nutrients – this ‘reads’ very well and my kids have no problem taking this solution.
Vitamins C, E Beta Carotene and Bilberry are important for a healthy immune system and these will help fight off the various bugs children so often pick up at school, especially coming into the winter.
NutriFruits are suitable for children over one year of age. RRP £23.65
For further information visit www.revital.co.uk
Post-It study aids from 3M
My eldest daughter has a tough few months ahead of her this September, she is taking the ‘Transfer Test’ and has been working very hard over the summer.
She is like her mum in that she believes organisation is the key to success and her favourite school bag essentials are her Post-It notes. The new range of study aids for ‘Back to School’ this year are excellent. Jenny has quite a selection of the various notes and she loves the new additions.
Post-It Index Study Flags are a ‘must’ when you have a load of paperwork you need to frequently refer to. They make it super quite to find a particular page and they stay put. The bright colours leave it easy to organise your work. These are great value for £2.99
The new lined notes are perfect for making longer and more detailed notes. The pages are neon so making it super quick to locate various pages and notes made. These notes stick to just about anything – I have seen Jenny stick these to water bottles and they stay on all day! Very keenly priced at £3.26
My favourite ‘must-have’ has got to be the Index Flags and Arrows very neatly combined in a ruler type format. This clips into a file or organiser and your Post-it sticky pointers are on hand any time you need them. I have been using this for the last few weeks and my daughter has insisted I buy her another one for her school work. A really fab product that will keep even the very un-organised students notes well referenced, neat and tidy. RRP £7.20
iLearn from Jumbo.
With the older kids back at school I have the perfect puzzle for younger pre-school children – the iLearn from Jumbo! This will keep your little ones entertained and its both fun and educational.
Aside from the fun factor, the iLearn will expertly prepare your children for school. Learning through play is by far the best way to learn as the skill is learned without any real effort or realization of any ‘work’ been done at all!
Essential skills including reading, counting and writing are all encompassed within this super game. Children learn not only about animals and their young but also where they live. The cards themselves are sturdy – my children have been playing this for a few weeks now and it has stood the test of time well. This is no surprise as Jumbo have proved time and time again that their games are high quality and made to last. An excellent game suitable for children from the ages of 2-4 yrs.
Available from Amazon and very reasonable at £8.99
But what about mum? What would I recommend for all the mums who have given their all to the kids over the summer? September is sometimes long awaited by mums as it is their time to reclaim some much needed ‘me time’.
I have a suggestion I rate as the best possible ‘me time’ you will ever have – New You Boot Camp! Wow, the reports I have heard from this camp are so amazing. My good friend had a week at one of these camps last year and she has reported it was a positive life-changing experience and the most fun she has ever had.
Read her review here and do honestly consider this as your ‘reward’ for surviving the summer!! I have the New You Boot Camp on my wish list and maybe before the end of 2014 I will have a report on this camp myself!
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
Homeware Reviews
LumiPotti
LumiPotti is a rather ingenious invention by some very clever mums right here in the United Kingdom and it is produced in this country as well.
It is the only day to night potty incorporating a night light that self activated when it detects movement. The bonus I found with this potty was the nightlight. When your child wakens in the night to use the potty, the sensor detects movement and the night light will activate. The light is not ‘too’ bright but bright enough to give light as a guidance as to where the potty is in a dimly lit room.
The thinking behind LumiPotti obviously comes from a mum with experience in the trials and tribulations of toilet training during the day and at night! I can’t think of an easier way to help your child use the pot during the night. My sister tried this pot as my children are past this stage – thankfully! She would be pretty fussy and not easily impressed but she was really delighted with the LumiPotti. She has 3 children and is using the LumiPotti with her 3rd child. She also agrees that the nightlight is simply a stroke of genius. Children are guided directly to the potty and the light turns off itself after 60 seconds of no movement being detected. The light can also be removed as your child naturally progresses through the stages of potty training.
The pot itself is made from anti-microbial plastic and it is BPA free. This is so important as there are too many children’s products containing nasty chemicals on the market. I am delighted at the recent awareness of the harmful effects of BPA and well done LumiPotti for excluding this from your product.
Lots of information can be found on the website with links to specific questions you may have. I have had a good look around and found any query I had was easily answered. I have no negative aspects to report, and am 100% impressed with the LumiPotti. It is very good value for only £19.99 and £2.50 P & P.
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, 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
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews, Teenage Gifts
Lifeproof Phone Cover and Accessories for Father’s Day.
There is no accessory worn as often as our phones! Think about it – we may have a favorite necklace, even a favored ring but we don’t carry this with us every minute of every day. My phone is never far away. I do not leave the house without it, at work it stays close by in my pocket and when in the car it connects to my hands free. At night I even take it to bed (Lucky phone)!
I choose Lifeproof as my phone protection and that’s simply what it is! Protection from the trials of being carried everywhere with me.
Lifeproof is kid proof (I have this theory well and truly tested!) water proof and ‘me’ proof. My cover is almost on my iPhone one year and it has stood the test of time well.
My son threw it out of the car window (I was parked at the time), it has been splashed with apple juice and submerged in water! It has been outside to my children’s outdoor ‘restaurant’ – basically a mud pile with lots of old kitchen equipment and plates on an old table. It came in and had a wash – as good as new.
So, you are guaranteed this cover was tested well. I think it would be a fantastic gift for Father’s Day. I am convinced there is no phone cover on the market anywhere near as good or reliable as a Lifeproof cover.
The LifeProof case is available for iPhone 5, iPhone 4, iPad and iPad mini. There are a range of accessories, including a LifeJacket which makes it completely buoyant. A perfect gift for men who spend a lot of time beside or on the water.
This is so fab! I enjoy boating in the summer months and have a real fear of my car keys or phone falling overboard. With Lifeproof I cannot guarantee the safety of my keys but my phone will not only be safe from the water, it will float! The Lifeproof Lifejacket is pure genius and the invention of the year to me! I can relax and enjoy my days out on the water, my precious iPhone 4 tucked snug in its very own little jacket.
A Lifeproof cover for an iPhone 4 retails at £ 56.25 from Amazon and the Lifejacket for £29.95.
For further information visit www.lifeproof.com
For The Garden, Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Yale Stand Alone Alarm.
We live on the outskirts of a large town and every now and then I hear of a ‘run’ of burglaries in the neighborhood. I am fairly confident our alarm system is up to scratch but what about the toys and gardening equipment outside? For Father’s Day this year I am 100% sure dad will be delighted with his gift – a Stand Alone Alarm from Yale!
For The Garden, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews, Leisure Gifts
Plantabox for Father’s Day.
For The Garden, Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews, Leisure Gifts
Camping Specialbuys from Aldi.
Camping, you either love it or hate it. I love it, I think… In fact, ask me again after the summer holidays! We have yet to venture further than the back garden but this summer we have big plans. Kitted out with the necessary accessories I plan to haul the kids from the furthermost Northern point of Ireland to the glorious South. We live on the most beautiful island and it is such a pity the majority of people pay thousands to visit Spain every year. I appreciate the many local attractions and scenery and would love the kids to grow up with a sense of pride from their upbringing on the Emerald Isle.
Working part-time has its benefits as I feel I am ‘there’ for the kids when they need me but financial impact is huge. We are topping up our camping accessories this year from Aldi. Why pay more? Aldi has top quality goods at a fab price. I have proved this over the years and have always been delighted with my purchases.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Wilko Faux Leather Beanbag in Black.
Once again I have returned to Wilko, the store which offers more choice and value for money than any other. I have several items from Wilko ‘in house’ now, and the latest addition is by far the kids favourite.
In my opinion, the best seating to choose for children is a beanbag. My sisters and I loved our beanbags when we were young. We had pink patterned ones and they were the perfect place to snuggle with a good book. I have chosen a black faux leather beanbag for our toyroom.
This room is the only room I close off when we have visitors. There are toys from one end of the room to the other, dolls, cars, train tracks and numerous other packs of lego and blocks. Needless to say, the seating arrangements are minimal. They have a large sofa against a wall and the rest of the room is for play. The beanbag is the seat of choice time and time again for watching TV, playing tablets and reading a book.
My 5 year old son can wriggle completely into the beanbag and the girls love stretching across the top with a good book.
When they go to bed the beanbag transforms into my own personal footstool! I sit with my mug of coffee, feet elevated on the beanbag and chill out watching TV. Pure relaxation!
I couldn’t recommend this beanbag more. Do consider choosing Wilko if you are on the look out for one. The faux leather are so easy to keep with spills and stains wiping away easily and Wilko are the only company selling faux leather beanbags for £35 without compromising on quality. The range of colours and style is really great and they even have beanbags for using outdoors.
To view the entire range visit www.wilko.com or visit your nearest store.