Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Vaseline’s new range.
Vaseline – how old it that company?? At a guess and think it must be over 30 yrs old as I remember my mum smothering it on my little sisters behinds. At the age of 13 yrs (not that long ago!) I had vaseline in my salopettes on a ski-ing holiday for my wind-burned lips, and at 30yrs going to college, I had it in my pencil case, yes, I got a degree when I was 30 yrs.
So, we have surely now determined that, if nothing else, Vaseline has never killed anyone! Vaseline is an old favourite of everyone’s. Anything that is sore or aches in our house, we reach for the Vaseline – it even helps ease the pain when waxing the eye-brows.
To be serious, Vaseline is actually even older than me! First named in 1872 by Robert Cheseborough! Read on..
In 1872 “I, Robert Chesebrough, have invented a new and useful product from petroleum which I have named Vaseline…” (Wikipedia).
![VaselineWagon[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/VaselineWagon1.jpg)
Even the meaning of the word Vaseline comes from natural sources, meaning oil and water.
The lesson to be learned here is that we can trust vaseline not to cause reactions or do us any harm or we would probably all be dead as it is the one product you will find in EVERYONES house!
New to me, however, was the range of deodorants. I spotted them in Asda and popped them into my trolley as they were only £1 – I can’t resist anything at £1.
Derma Beauty and Double Invisible, nice names and not bad value – if they work! I am a really good tester as at around 5pm when the homeworks are still on the table, along with the beginnings of tea dishes, the dog has got into the field of cows again and the roosters are attacking the hens, (my average evening) I surely do sweat! Then hubby comes home and wonders why there is a glass of wine on the worktop!
These do work. In my opinion, they were both pretty invisible and lasted all day. They both smelled lovely and fresh and are still on the go, so long lasting also.
Derma Beauty contains ProDerma which helps protect the underarm skin and is lightly fragranced, so would suit those who don’t like it when they can’t smell their perfume over the whiff of deodorant. It is alcohol free and non-sting – my goodness, don’t you just hate it when you forget that you shaved under your arms in the shower and you spray on deodorant! I scared the life out of my kids once, running to the sink screaming (I’m on fire) ! You will not get this ‘experience’ with this mild and kind deodorant, so shave away in the mornings! Dermatologically tested and suitable for even the most sensitive of skins, a bargain at £1.
Double invisible also has ProDerma, and this one is aimed at not leaving white marks on your clothes. I hate this and have tried all stain removers on the market and may even have tried a few natural remedies – nothing works, those stains are there forever. So, this deodorant will not do that to your clothes – A huge well done to Vaseline! Why aren’t all deodorants like this? Derma Beauty is also a non-sting formula and dermatologically tested.
Vaseline have really cute and cheap gift sets out for Christmas 2013. I love the large tin, just like the small ones, with 3 lip therapy tins inside, including the new one – Rosy lips and who doesn’t want these!
Check out the range available online and from Boots, superdrug and several supermarkets. I have included a few images below for stocking filler ideas and teachers presents.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Radox Home Spa Gift Set.
We all love the idea of a getaway spa weekend break, but let’s face it, it’s not possible very often, especially for busy mums like me…
So… if the closest you’re going to get to a relaxing spa break is a short time to yourself in the bathroom some evening the kids went to bed early(ish), why not try this fab new Home Spa set from an old favourite – Radox?
![images[6]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/images61.jpg)
The set is made up of a bottle of Radiant shower scrub, a heavenly creamy concoction with little scrub particles, perfect for giving your skin that radiant natural glow of the freshly polished. If you’ve a bit more time than that, why not relax in the tub with a generous dollop of Soothing bath soak, guaranteed to relax your tired muscles and leave you refreshed and renewed.
To top off your spa experience, light the pretty neroli oil candles that are included in the set.
This is a really lovely set, and was almost as good as a session in a real spa. The products are luxurious and of the high quality you would expect from Radox, who have being making skincare products for as long as I can remember.
Go on, treat yourself. At a very reasonable £7.50 RRP per set, they would also suit as last minute stocking fillers this Christmas. The range of gift sets vary with different accessories and scents so there will be one to suit everyone.
Available from Boots, Superdrug and some supermarkets.
![71XZen9PajL._SX522_[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/71XZen9PajL._SX522_1.jpg)
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Sea Island Coffee – Jamaica Blue Mountain.
Calling all coffee lovers!
Most coffee connoisseurs would agree that Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is one of the world’s finest coffees. Clifton Mount is Jamaica’s most prolific coffee estate, producing Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee for many generations, which is enjoyed nowadays by coffee lovers worldwide.
![EVydty9Q_s[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/EVydty9Q_s1.jpg)
For any of you who haven’t had the pleasure of tasting this exquisite coffee, Jamaica Blue Mountain is a smooth creamy coffee with hints of chocolate and floral undertones. The aroma on opening the tin is heavenly, even before you sample your first sip of this delicious brew. I was pleasantly surprised by the lovely sweet aftertaste from this coffee, as I personally don’t like strong acidic coffee.
It has won many Great Taste awards and is roasted in the UK and packaged to order, guaranteeing ultimate freshness. GQ magazine has called it ‘the best coffee in the world’, high praise indeed.
It comes in an elegant 125g Tin Gift Set and would make a perfect gift for a coffee lover in the family. The Gift Tin is available in Ground or Whole Bean, so you can purchase whatever suits your coffee-making routine. With Christmas just around the corner, I will be getting my hands on a few more of these, as they will solve a lot of my Christmas Gift dilemmas. Priced at £16.00 it’s a perfect stocking filler!
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
OLPro ‘Glow Tops’ Tent Pegs and Melamine set.
I have always wanted to take my family camping as my earliest memories are of our weekends away with mum and dad on camping trips. I would love my children to have the same experience, even if it is just at the local camp site 10 miles down the road!
![cache_2431060237[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/cache_24310602371.jpg)
Hubby has yet to be talked into buying a tent, but I have a plan. I have a lovely, very intelligent set of tent pegs from OLPro that glow in the dark.
![OL173[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/OL1731.jpg)
They do this to ensure that no matter how long you have been at the campfire having a beer, when its time to turn in, you will know which tent is yours! Smart aren’t they? Hubby was impressed too and I could hear the cogs turning – ‘Now, all we need is a tent!’ I have a feeling this is the year! These tent pegs are strong – very strong. Made from steel and 8.5 inches long, and of course, the glow in the dark tops. A very good idea OLPro. The tops collect light during the day and so light up at night. Buy these now as they are reduced from £3.99 down to £2.99 for a pack of 6.
If you are thinking of buying a tent, don’t purchase until you have checked www.olproshop.com They have a joyous range of colourful tents to suit all needs.
![18233-additional_image-OL142-1[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/18233-additional_image-OL142-11.jpg)
I have picked out a super cool red and tan one, 6-8 birth, to go with my tent pegs! Colour is important and I love red. Men however tend to ignore colour and are fixated on functionality and statistics. So, for the men – OLPro tents are 5000mm Hydrostatic Head, no, I don’t know what that means either! But on further investigation (google) it means they can suffer 5 metres of water before they are even tempted to leak. Very good to know as it never rains but it pours in Ireland, the price we have to pay for green grass apparently!
OLPro’s good ideas doesn’t stop there, they have a great range of camping accessories. Their melamine table ware is very trendy and contemporary. My favourite would have to be the Berrow Hill set with tiny printed camping accessories and trees. It does look the part and perfect as you will have no breakages. The sets are made from 100% melamine and safe for eating outdoors, conforming to all EU standards. These sets are also on sale, the 8 piece reduced from £24.99 to £18.99. 16 piece sets are also available.
![Berrow_Hill-melamine-crockery-set1[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Berrow_Hill-melamine-crockery-set11.jpg)
So, whether you are looking for a tent for the back yard or planning to trek over a mountain, look no further than OLPro for tents and camping accessories. I think it is great (and reassuring) when a website encourages you to compare prices. OLPro are confident they provide the best value for money and purchases are shipped free with orders over £75 (Uk and NI).
Homeware Reviews
BAM Bamboo Clothing, Leggings and Vest top.
Bamboo clothing is indeed rather impressive, the more I learned about it, the more I grew to like it.
![bam-bamboo-clothing[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/bam-bamboo-clothing1.jpg)
The ethos behind the company is ‘perfect’ and I wish other manufactures would follow suit. BAM strive to ensure everyone gets a fair deal from the factory workers to the customers, and they are more than open to feedback. This is good to hear as so many companies want our purchase’s and then its ‘Thanks and goodbye!’
BAM also have made the amazing pledge, planting a tree in the name of the purchaser for every order made! That is so cool! To date, they have donated over £10,000 to Rainforest Foundation and Rainforest Concern. Are you impressed yet? Read on..
Why Bamboo, surely cotton is better?? Well, no actually!
![27-650x250[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/27-650x2501.jpg)
- Bamboo thrives naturally without using any pesticides or fertilizers.
- Bamboo fibre is 100% biodegradable.
- Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world. It spreads rapidly across large areas.
- As a grass, bamboo is cut, not uprooted, helping soil stability.
- Bamboo grows on hill slopes where nothing else is viable.
- The yield (i.e. the amount of product) you get from an acre of bamboo is 10 times greater than the yeld you get from cotton. In an age where land use is under enormous pressure this is huge.
- The water requirement for bamboo is minute, mainly just from what falls. As opposed to cotton, whose water requirement per shirt’s-worth is monstrous.
In contrast, ‘Synthetic performance fabrics are made from petrochemicals, a non-renewable fossil fuel. They go to make clothes which get smelly really quickly.’ (Bambooclothing.co.uk)
Bamboo is the most sustainable resource in the world and will one day lead the clothing market away totally from cotton! That will lead to a better world for us all.
Have a look online www.Bambooclothing.co.uk and choose the clothes to suit your needs from:
‘Bamboo Dry’ – absorbs and evaporates sweat in a split second: Moisture wicking.
‘Bamboo Thermo-control’ – bamboo fabric is highly breathable in hot weather and also keeps you significantly warmer in the cold than traditional fabrics. Performance baselayers for all conditions.
‘Bamboo Antibacterial’ – bacteria don’t live well in this fabric. So it doesn’t get smelly even after many days 
‘Bamboo Anti-static’ – so it sits very well next to your skin, not clinging to it.
‘Bamboo UV protection’ – it cuts out 98% of harmful UV rays, so perfect for holiday/travelling cover-ups.
‘Bamboo Sensitive’ – For sensitive or allergy prone skin, bamboo is perfect; it’s also anti-fungal. many people say it’s the only solution they’ve found for problem skin. (Bamboo)
I am one of those sad people who initially said they would never wear leggings and now I never take them off! Good leggings are so hard to find, some are too thin, too tight, too sweaty and too short for a tall person like me!
![imgsize[6]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/imgsize6.jpg)
I have the BAM Technical Wear leggings, and wow! They are so comfortable and soft to touch, like silk. A great length, with climate control so no sweaty patches. Why did someone not tell me about these years ago? I love them, and my matching vest top.
![imgsize[8]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/imgsize8.jpg)
During exercise this top is just brilliant, I want all of the colours now! The moisture does not soak into or stain the top, with no dampness. BAM call this attribute ‘Moisture Wicking’, where the material absorbs and evaporates sweat in seconds. I also love the way the top fits perfectly, neat but not clingy. It’s definitely 10/10 for BAM !
Leggings RRP £28 Single Vest Top RRP £20
Homeware Reviews
Heaven Fresh Cell Radiation Guard.
Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted by electrical devices such as mobile phones, bluetooth headsets, computers and even hairdryers are a scary subject. These devices came to exist during our lifetime and no-one has full knowledge of the possible harmful effects as yet. There have been studies and ‘scares’ brought to light by the media, and EMR have been strongly linked to various stress-induced disorders.
We subject ourselves to these devices daily, as does our children. My daughter was the last child in her class to have a mobile phone – she was 9 years old!
Studies suggest links between EMR and high blood pressure, increased stress levels, headaches and dizziness and even brain cancer.
This in indeed scary, considering we all need to be within 2 inches of our mobile phone at all times!
Heaven fresh are a well established company selling all things good for us. I have a heaven fresh air purifier in my daughter’s bedroom (she has asthma). I know and trust their products. There interest is our health and how to improve it by helping our body to use and boost its own natural immunity against disease and infection.
![91759[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/917591.jpg)
The Cell Radiation Guard does just that! It is a super small device which sticks to your mobile, computer or to whatever device you would like it to adhere to. It uses GiaPlex technology to counteract the negative effects of EMR in our homes and workplaces.
The body is assisted in utilising its own natural protection system. I have one on my mobile phone and computer.
Every home should have at least one of these. The cell radiation guard costs only £19.99, a small price to pay for a healthier home.
Available from www.stressnomore.co.uk
Homeware Reviews
Festi Wrap from Wrag Wrap.
I love Christmas and all the presents. I can honestly say I enjoy giving as much as receiving. However, I don’t like waste and hate to see a huge bag of used wrapping paper collected and threw in the bin. I always say to the kids –‘Careful, don’t rip it!’ but the delight of having a present to ‘rip open’ ensures my plea falls on deaf ears. Statistically, it is estimated that we dump over 8,000 tonnes of waste paper, thats the equivalent to 50,000 trees! This is something that should be advertised at Christmas, along with all the toys and other gifts.
This staggering statistic had an impact on Louise Oldridge and Nicky Rajska and after collecting almost 20 bin bags of old wrapping paper one Christmas, they got to work on a solution.
![securedownload[2]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/securedownload2.png)
This solution is called Wrag Wrap and it is joyful to my ears! A studio was opened in Devon and the first collection of Wrag Wrap was created from ‘tracable certified recycled content and virgin polyester’.
These can be purchased online and have sold very well. Following this, we now have a festive product – Festi-Wrap! This was launched for Christmas 2013 and I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.
![securedownload[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/securedownload1.png)
Why ‘Festi’? Approximately over 3,000 tents were discarded this summer after festivals. Wrag Wrap collected these and sent the ‘good’ ones to those in need and recycled the other tents into Festi-Wrap. I love it, it’s gorgeous with Christmas themed prints and it makes that crinkly noise associated with traditional wrapping paper. This comes from the layer of ground plastic sewn between the fabric layers!
Festi Wrap is available in 3 sizes and comes with an anchor cord to tie around the gift and secures with a colour co-ordinating button plus a re-useable gift tag. It is so much more beautiful than any traditional paper I have seen, and re-useable. I plan to use mine on my sisters gift this year and I know she will be returning it in 2014 and so on. It really will last forever!
Why not make the switch today and help reduce waste and save trees.
Wrag Wrap products are available from £5.99 at www.wragwrap.com
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Oxfam Christmas gifts 2013.
Oxfam launched the UK’s first online charity shop in 2007, along with having nearly 700 high street shops. There are over one million supporters in the UK and they work in 94 countries to tackle poverty.
Oxfam have beautiful items for sale both in the shops and online and many of these support small scale farmers and social enterprises. Everyone should buy at least one Christmas gift from Oxfam this Christmas and support this brilliant organisation that does so much to help others in need.
From Christmas decorations to wash sets, Oxfam have a vast range of products. I will mention a few of my favourites but do have a look online for the full selection www.oxfam.org.uk
I adore their Christmas decorations, each one hand embroidered by fair trade producers in South India. From penguins to peacocks, these are simply beautiful and would add that special touch to any Christmas tree. When you buy these for a gift, you are giving a gift as well. Profits go to a number of community projects including two schools and a health clinic. They are priced at £4.99 each.
It wouldn’t feel like Christmas if I didn’t receive a wash set, every year I get at least 3 and love them all. My favourite would be from Faith in Nature, an award winning natural beauty brand which uses natural ingredients with no perfume or parabens added to their products.
![998215_10151730473486772_283511445_n[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/998215_10151730473486772_283511445_n1.jpg)
Faith in nature can be found at Oxfam also, with a variety of sets to choose from, prices starting as low as £5.99. The Wash set selection contains 5 small bottles of foaming bath/shower wash. They are scented naturally with grapefruit, orange, raspberry, cranberry, lavender and other gorgeous ingredients. This set is £9.99 and a perfect gift for anyone.
Visit www.oxfam.org.uk for your Christmas shopping needs this year and support a wonderful charity which helps so many people around the globe.
![oxfam[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/oxfam1.gif)
Homeware Reviews
Heaven fresh Mini-dehumidifier.
If you are one of those people who dread the winter and the associated mould and mildew issues that come with the cooler weather, this is what you need.
![164802_c[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/164802_c1.jpg)
The Heaven fresh Mini-dehumidifier HF 625. This de-humidifier is light and easily carried around. It works silently, so a big bonus if using it indoors. This would be perfect for an attic, caravan, boat or room up to 14 sq metres in size. The water tank holds up to 500mls and a light will indicate when this is almost full, although the water tank is transparent so you can keep an eye on the level easily. If the water tank does fill, the machine will switch off automatically.
This machine, although small is indeed mighty. It has made a huge difference in our home already, and it’s only September! Ireland is so wet and cold, homes need massive amounts of insulation to combat mould and mildew. This Heaven Fresh Dehumidifier works very well to reduce and eliminate this problem. I used to have difficulty keeping the windows and wardrobes mildew free, but now all the moisture is collected from the air and everything is so much cleaner and dry. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has the same problems we had. It will save so much time and money both with less cleaning required and reducing the damage mould and mildew can cause in your home over the wet winter.
A very worthwhile purchase and well priced at £49.99.
Available from www.heavenfresh.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Catherine Green lavender bags.
If you are looking for a special gift under £10 look no further than a Lavender bag by Catherine Green.
![catherine_green_lavender52_s[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/catherine_green_lavender52_s1.jpg)
Catherine is a textile artist who works from her studio in Yorkshire. Her work can be found at gallery exhibits around the UK. She has a brilliant way with paint, and each brush stroke is captured by the unique way she prints her work onto fabric. The lavender bags are printed with her original designs and filled with lavender from Yorkshire. The new range for Christmas has lavender, camomile, cloves, star anise and a cinnamon stick added and they smell beautiful. These can be hung around the home or even in a wardrobe to have your clothes smelling gorgeous. Beautiful to look at and filling your home with the sweet smell of lavender, one of these is simply not enough!
Catherines artwork is rather unique, with bright bold designs and colours. She sells direct from her studio and online so do have a look. You will find other artwork and accessories along with her beautiful lavender bags. RRP £10.
www.catherinegreen.co.uk