Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Noble Isle Rhubarb Rhubarb gift set.
The Noble Isle collection is undoubtedly the most luxurious collection of gift sets I have had the pleasure of using. The company screams luxury and the products are exquisitely presented that a Noble Isle gift set would say ‘I think the world of you’ to the receiver this Christmas.
Noble Isle take their inspiration from the British Isles: the English Orchards, misty moors, the highlands and the coast. The result is an unequalled quality of products and the best of British design to create an unforgettable and lasting impression.
![0008395_750_F[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/0008395_750_F1.png)
I have the Rhubarb Rhubarb gift set. Rhubarb is distinctly British in my opinion, and I love it. This was my first experience of rhubarb used for anything other than in my crumbles and tarts, so I was so excited to try it out.
Noble Isle rhubarb comes from Yorkshire and is expertly forced throughout the winter and the extract collected with nothing less than ‘extreme skill’. This extract collected from the rhubarb root was once more precious than opium and during the railway age, it even had its own train to ensure speedy transportation to its destination. Rhubarb has a high level on natural antioxidants and is well known for its cleansing properties on the body so it was rather clever of Noble Isle to encompass these properties and create their gorgeous toiletries.
3 items come in the Rhubarb Rhubarb set: handwash, hand lotion and a scent diffuser. They look stunning together, the presentation being second to none.
On trying the products, the quality and scent give the senses such a treat, so in-keeping with the luxurious presentation. I can imagine Willian presenting Kate with a Noble Isle gift set this Christmas! If you are looking for a special gift than stands out from the crowd, choose Noble Isle.
Rhubarb Rhubarb gift set RRP £65.
![noblegroup[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/noblegroup1.jpg)
Available from www.nobleisle.com
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Oxo No Spill Ice Cube Tray.
The name says it all…. Can it really be possible, I hear you say? I know, I was sceptical too. An ice cube tray that stays filled until the ice has formed? No way!
![oxo-no-spill-ice-cube-tray-xl[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/oxo-no-spill-ice-cube-tray-xl1.jpg)
Well, here it is. I’ve tried it and it works. No more toppling in the freezer, spilling water everywhere, no more walking to the freezer in baby steps trying to keep the water from overflowing. This ice cube tray comes with a nifty little silicone cover which goes over the tray, forming a watertight seal, preventing any leaks – I even held it upside down. The rounded ice cubes it delivers are quite clever also and very easily removed.
Now I can fill my ice cube tray and chuck it into the freezer. I no longer have to create a flat surface for my ice cube tray using a Jenga inspired tower of pizza boxes and apple tarts.
![oxo-no-spill-ice-cube-tray-3[1] (2)](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/oxo-no-spill-ice-cube-tray-31-2.jpg)
This is one of those handy little gadgets that you wish had been invented years ago. I love it, I’m thinking of buying a few as stocking fillers for friends and family this Christmas.
Available from Lakeland, priced at £12.00.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Oxo Good Grips Box Grater.
Well, having searched for a long time for the perfect Box Grater, I think I may have found it at last! My criteria was a soft grip handle, easy to store, generous box size amongst others. This box grater from Oxo fits the bill perfectly!
![1057961_1[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1057961_11.jpg)
It has a coarse, medium and fine grating surface and also the added bonus of a slicer, which I must admit I wasn’t expecting. The handle is lovely and comfy to hold, what I’ve come to expect from OXO (I have lots of their products). They’re thought of everything as it even has a non slip base. How many times have you grated a block of cheese only to land the whole lot on the floor? I love the fact that your cheese is conveniently caught in the box at the bottom, not scattered all over a chopping board… When not in use, the box can be stored inside the grater, how perfect is that?
This little gem of a grater retails at £15.30 and is available from Lakeland. Get one, you won’t be sorry!
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Ashleigh and Burwood Fragrance Lamp.
‘I can smell a dog in this house’ were the words of my dad last week when he popped in for a coffee. Being my usually witty self, I answered ‘There is a dog in this house’.
However, it got me thinking, is there really a smell of my gorgeous little Jack Russel?? He is bathed in coconut doggie shampoo every week but he still manages to give off a doggie odour. I am not one for scents and fragrance and would steer towards natural and environmentally friendly products so I opted for an Ashleigh and Burwood Fragrance lamp instead of one of those sprays which hide odours but have everyone sneezing.
![1337952925-02264300[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1337952925-022643001.jpg)
The fragrance lamp originated in 1898 as a tool to disinfect the air in hospitals and the same method is used today – diffusion by catalytic combustion. Odours are carried by molecules and this is what the lamp destroys thus eliminating the odour. Airborne microorganisms are also destroyed thus the purification result. I was so impressed with the science behind this and that the air was being purified as well and scented.
The statistics are mind boggling! See below:
Bacteria :
E.coli : 100% mortality after 30 minutes of exposure
S.aureus: 100% mortality after 30 minutes of exposure
E. aerogenes: 100% mortality after 30 minutes of exposure
Dust Mites: Human dust mites (Dermatophagoides farinae): 100% mortality after 30 minutes of exposure
Mould Spores: Stachybotrys chartarum: 96% mortality after 30 minutes of exposure.
Unpleasant odours ‐ the catalytic fragrance lamp Ashleigh & Burwood is effective against removing dog, cat, food spoilage odours and cigarette smoke.
Dog: 80% reduction in odor after 30 minutes of exposure
Cat: 80% reduction in odor after 30 minutes of exposure
(Ashleigh and Burwood)
Dad can visit anytime now and I guarantee all scent of my precious pooch is gone. I light my fragrance lamp every morning for 30 mins and my home smells fresh all day.
Ashleigh and Burwood catalytic lamps are the leaders of this technology and they have a fantastic range of lamps and fragrances on their website. Mine is gorgeous, a handcrafted glass lamp. I have gold, frankincense and Myrrh fragrance. The main range of fragrances are natural and none are tested on animals.
![new-lamps[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/new-lamps1.jpg)
An Ashleigh and Burwood Fragrance lamp retails from £26.99 for the lamp. A gift set including the fragrance is approximately £34 depending on the lamp and fragrance you choose. This is the ideal way to fragrance and purify the air in your home. The gift set box would make a gorgeous thoughtful present for someone special this Christmas.
For further information visit www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Goo.ey – Phone and Tablet Accessories.
My iPad is my world. I use it for everything from emails, notes, storing documents and recipes, games for my children and much more.
Sometimes I wish I had more than 2 hands I am so busy which is why the Goo-ey has made a huge difference to my little world!
The Goo.ey is a new phone and iPad accessory and you will love it. The purpose of this is to allow you to ‘stick’ your tablet or smart phone to a surface which frees up your hands and your worktop space. This new ‘hands free’ way of using your devices is very useful at home and at work. With Goo.ey on your tablet or phone, wherever you put it, it stays put. I love it for cooking – I can have my iPad on the front of my kitchen cupboard to read recipes without it being in the way. It stays put and stays clean!
![securedownload[3]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/securedownload3.jpg)
The goo.ey does not feel sticky on your hands or in your pocket – it really is a revolutionary product. The smooth surface will stick to flat surfaces such as mirror, glass, ceramic, vinyl, laminate and metal. It is easily removed and can be reused without leaving a residue on your appliance.
My children love this when using Facetime and taking self images. They stick the iPad to the mirror and spend ages taking shots of funny faces!
A really ingenious Christmas gift and at a super price, the perfect stocking filler.
Available from www.gooeyskins.com from £15 in a variety of cool colours
Goo.ey is compatible with the iPhone 4 & 5, Samsung Galaxy S2, S3 & S4, Samsung Galaxy Note 2, iPad Mini and iPad (all generations).
Priced at £15 for the smartphones, £16 for the iPad Mini and Note 2 and £18 for the iPad.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Fitness FX – Groove FX DVD
Christmas is coming and I Love it, I love EVERYTHING about it!
Most of all I love the hunt for the perfect dress. I go shopping every year with my sister and we hunt the shops for our party pieces. This could take anything from days to weeks. I do know that whenever I feel fit and ‘in shape’ it is so much easier to shop as the clothes I like look well on.
It is for this reason that we usually enrol in some sort of fitness class during October, in a last ditch effort to dump the excess pounds. We have tried swimming, spinning, running and, worst of all, rowing. I hate exercise and could happily live the rest of my lift never breaking a sweat, but I expect the waist band wouldn’t be long expanding and it would not be very healthy.
This year we are dancing our way into our little hot Christmas numbers with Fitness FX new DVD, Groove FX. I must admit, I don’t feel like I am exercising and we have heaps of fun! We both feel fitter and look great – even if I say so myself!
The Groove FX DVD is super and very easy to enjoy. The instructors are ‘proper’ fitness experts, not some celebrity trying to promote their new body and make money while doing so. The Fitness FX team understand what the public want from a fitness DVD. Athletic bodies are ‘in’ and skinny bodies are ‘out’ thanks to the gorgeous and ever so lovely Jessica Ennis who has recently claimed the prize of ‘Best Female Body’. We want to look like her, not a size 6 super model with zero curves.
Buy this DVD and you will be well on your way. Yes, you will sweat, but you will have a great time doing so. Find a friend who will exercise with you, I found this motivated me and we both kept each other going, although not necessary as I have also exercised to this DVD my myself. I love the Latin and hip-hop routines, although there is music to suit all tastes including disco and club.
The Fitness FX DVD’s include :
- jump fx – no-nonsense aerobic and interval training designed to accelerate fat loss and maximise fitness gains.
- fight fx – punch and kick your way into knockout shape with the ultimate martial arts-inspired workout.
- stomp fx – basic, athletic step routines designed for maximum calorie burn and fitness improvements.
- groove fx – dance yourself into shape with hip hop, Latin, disco and club routines.
- pump fx– a complete resistance training workout featuring a bar and weight plates set to the latest chart and club anthems.
- blast fx – bodyweight-only conditioning routines that promise to shred fat and boost fitness…fast. (Fitness FX)
Don’t delay, visit www.fitness-fx.com and get into shape for the party season quickly, easily and while having fun. At the bargain price of £14.99, this would also be a great little stocking filler.
Homeware Reviews
Karcher Steam Cleaner 1.020
My kitchen wall sports a sign stating ‘My house was clean yesterday….sorry you missed it!’ My three children think undoing my work is their sole purpose in life so when it comes to cleaning, I find it hard to be enthusiastic because the result is so short lived.
With cream floor tiles throughout downstairs, cleaning the ground-in mud, grapes, bread, play-dough, etc is a daily chore for me. I have a (strange) friend who has BANNED the use of play-doh and paint in her home for this reason. Usually last thing at night when I’m hanging together by a thread I get my ‘squeezy’ mop out and use the last of my fading energy to scrub the above named items off the floor, all ready for the kids to dirty again in the morning.
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This Steam mop from Karcher was created with me and my house in mind, now my floors are clean in minutes without any elbow grease. The powerful cleaning action provided by the steam means no nasty detergents and with a baby crawling everywhere it’s very reassuring to know that the hands she puts in her mouth are clean.
Firstly, the mop was very easily assembled, 2 minutes and it was done (I did inform my husband that it was VERY complicated though). As I’m quite tall I used the extension pipe which made it perfect for my height. By the time I had given the floor a quick vacuum the mop had heated up and was ready to go (literally in a few minutes as I used warm water). I must admit I got a bit carried away and mopped the entire downstairs floors as I discovered I was actually ENJOYING myself. The picture below is the cloth after I had cleaned (just) the kitchen floor. I used a conventional mop the evening before PLUS detergent and a hearty amount of elbow grease and was gobsmacked at the amount of dirt the Karcher steam mop collected.
The wooden floor in our family room had been impossible to mop without streaking until now, my wonderful steam mop cleaned it up beautifully and it looks the best it has since it was fitted 3 years ago!
I must also add that the detail nozzle was excellent for cleaning behind the taps in my bathroom which are usually smeared with handwash and toothpaste (which turns to cement if not removed for a while…….), no problem for my new mop, the nozzle is small enough to go right around them with ease. I normally use two ‘magic’ cleaning cloths for my shower screens, one to wash and the other to dry and they are amazing but now totally unnecessary as the hand nozzle means I can clean the showers and mirrors by simply switching the floor nozzle to the hand nozzle……be sure to LOCK the steam lever first so you don’t scald yourself! This child protection function is very useful when the above mentioned crawler is on the loose…..Karcher really have thought of everything….THANK YOU…for making life much easier. Cleaning is no longer a dreaded chore and my cleaning cupboard is so much tidier now that I’ve dumped a lot of detergents (along with my knackered old mop!)
They do say that ‘only boring people have clean houses.’ I now know this to be totally untrue – sensible people invest in a Karcher SC1.020 and spend a minimum amount of time and energy cleaning their house and the rest going out for coffee mornings, to mums and tots, a walk in the park or even playing play-doh with their children!! Now in the evening I even have time to hear about my husbands enthralling work day………
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Taylor’s Eye Witness Knives.
Taylor’s EYE Witness have been making knives for 150 years in Sheffield. Their knives have a brilliant reputation and are iconic in their design. Modern and contenporary, they have knives to suit all tastes and brighten up the dullest of kitchens. Prices vary to suit all budgets and knives can come single, in a set or with a block.
I have a set of 3 non stick knives with soft grip handles. These are brightly coloured with a flower pattern on the blade. Everyone who uses them loves them. They are evenly weighted so balance nicely in your hand. Exceptionally sharp, they have stood the test of time in my kitchen, as they would be used at least once daily.
![Taylors-Eye-Witness-5-Piece-Non-Stick-Knife-Set-with-Soft-Grip-Handles--Flower-Power-20297_hires[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Taylors-Eye-Witness-5-Piece-Non-Stick-Knife-Set-with-Soft-Grip-Handles-Flower-Power-20297_hires1.jpg)
I have difficulty keeping my husband from opening screws and using my kitchen knives for other ‘non-household tasks’. Despite this, my knives are as good as new and I have not had to sharpen them as yet.
![Taylors-Eye-Witness-5-Piece-Non-Stick-Knife-Set-with-Soft-Grip-Handles--Wild-20298_hires[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Taylors-Eye-Witness-5-Piece-Non-Stick-Knife-Set-with-Soft-Grip-Handles-Wild-20298_hires1.jpg)
A variety of designs are available from flower to flag patterns.
Have a look on www.taylors-eye-witness.co.uk for great Christmas shopping ideas this year. Knives are available from as little as £10.99.
Homeware Reviews
Chic Feet Footwear.
What is the first thought springs to mind when you receive an invite to a sparkly dinner or a wedding? Yes, me too, ‘What will I wear?’
Well, if you have your dress sorted, Chic Feet Footwear will take care of your shoes and handbag!
![logo[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/logo1.png){kind=logo}
I am so delighted I discovered Chic feet Footwear. There are so many online shops and I usually end up going round in circles, flicking from one site to the next and not buying anything. Have a look at www.chicfeetfootwear.co.uk
I pride myself on being an accurate judge of price, I enjoy looking at a garment or a pair of shoes and guessing the price before looking at the label. However, these shoes and bags had me fooled! I must admit, when I looked at the shoes and bag sets, I found the price hard to believe. £26 for glamorous shoes and a matching bag!!
![__KGrHqN__jEE6fh-hCNNBOv_LqZfQg__60_57_1_.175[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/KGrHqN__jEE6fh-hCNNBOv_LqZfQg__60_57_1_.1751.jpg)
The selection is fabulous, and I guarantee you will find a pair of shoes you will love and ‘need’ on Chic feet Footwear. They are now the no.1 online supplier of wedding shoes and sandals in the UK, and they also specialise in shoes for all party occasions, evening wear and summer flip-flops.
Ballerina pumps can be picked up for £12.99 and gorgeous sandals (my next purchase) for £16.99. These would be perfect for the warmer weather or for evening wear.
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If you need a specific colour to match an evening dress or a bridesmaid dress, beautiful heels in a wide range of colours can be found from £17.99. This site has really amazing value.
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I have a winter wedding on the horizon and selected my footwear from Chic Feet Shoes. I am delighted with my shoes and even recommended the site to the bride!
My shoes are perfect for me, not too high as I have been known to enjoy a glass of champagne or two if the occasion calls for it and want to remain steady on my feet! They are black satin peep toe shoes with a 2.25 inch satin heel.
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They have diamante detailing on the front which gives them a very glamorous look. The sole is cushioned, so someone was clever when designing these shoes. They look comfortable and they are comfortable. This is very important for wedding shoes as they will be worn from early morning till early morning! These shoes are £20.55, a wicked price for such a great pair of shoes.
The website is easily navigated and the photos of the shoes and hand bags are a true likeness.
So, have a look at www.chicfeetshoes.co.uk and check out the brilliant range of shoes and hand bags for a bargain price.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Pretty Polly Tights.
Pretty Polly, they are simply the best tights ever. When I was little I used to watch in amazement while my mum put on her tights. She smoothed her hands down her tights to put them on with-out snagging them, a skill I have yet to master! Isn’t it strange the little things you remember from your childhood?
I have recently been trying tights from Pretty Polly and when they arrived my daughter quickly claimed a pair of sheer tights with black butterflies fluttering on one leg. They are ultra modern and the design would have added that much needed ‘fancy touch’ to my little black dress. However, it was not meant to be as my daughter is not parting with them. Apparently they are ultra cool and much too young for me!
![pretty_polly_flutterby_tattoo_tights_pretty_fly_tights_239_246[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/pretty_polly_flutterby_tattoo_tights_pretty_fly_tights_239_2461.png)
Pretty Polly are to tights what google is to the internet, I adore them. They have been around since 1919 – amazing! They have never dated and are always adding new textures, colours and designs. Celebrities have adorned their legs with Pretty Polly tights from Jessie J, Agyness Deyn and Fearne Cotton.
As beautiful as my daughters Pretty Fly Flutterby Tattoo Tights are, (RRP £10), I believe I have came out better off in the long run. I have kept the best for myself – the Shape It Up Suspender Tummy Shaper Tights! Wow, the name says it all and they really do deliver what they claim to.
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The tummy is no more, and I am looking down at long smooth legs, wondering if they really are mine. I love these tights, they are from the new Shape It Up range and with added Lycra, they give excellent support where it is needed. The suspender style are perfect for a night out – or in!! and will make you look and feel gorgeous. RRP £12.
Check out the website, its very lush, with a modern black and pink design. There are competitions, and lots of products and information answering any question conceivable regarding tights. Their instagram pictures are wicked, with a variety of styles on display.
Pretty Polly, your legs will be ‘better than bare’ as they claim. Don’t leave the house without them!
https://www.facebook.com/prettypolly