Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Paper Tree.
Papertree was established in 1998 by Ann-Marie Edmondson. The company supply the most beautiful paper flowers, petals, decorations and stationary for specific occasions. They have catered for individuals, events, weddings and huge promotions.
I found it amazing when I looked on the website and found they had made little miniature pear trees for a ‘Gucci’ promotion as I remember the advertisement. They were gorgeous. What an accomplishment to have! It gets better, they produced 300,000 paper rose petals for the film ‘Alexander’ and have had petals featured in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’.
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Wow, If I had my wedding to plan all over again, I would be choosing Paper Tree for my Stationary, flowers and centrepieces. They are simply beautiful and very cheap – I have a small selection and they are seriously underpriced!
I have to admit, I would also make sure my guests were aware that they came from Paper Tree, the company who made petals for a Harry Potter movie! Such an amazing achievement.
A bag of 200 paper rose petals costs £6.95, and if you were to use these to scatter on tables, one bag would be enough for 3-4 tables. Not expensive at all, and you will have the best quality petals made from eco-friendly saa paper which is a sustainable resource.
The colours of the paper tree flowers can co-ordinate with the petals. The flowers come in various sizes and colours. The small paper rose is 75p (stem length 18cms) and the medium, £2.75 (stem length 35 cms).
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They are stunning and look exactly like a perfectly dried rose, beautiful on their own in a stem vase as a centrepiece.
For the up-coming Christmas season Paper Tree have a variety of bespoke decorations that will be sure to add a touch of ‘festive beauty’ to your home. The decorations can be personalised for just £1 extra, so very good value and excellent as a special gift.
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I love the mini paper hearts. They are not very ‘mini’, as they measure 12x11cms. A beautiful heart with small red rosebuds and straw adding to the detail. Mine has a little note attached saying ‘Noel’ and a red heart, but names could be added. I will be buying these as teachers’ presents, and will have thank you personalised on each one. They would make a unique gift and good value for £7.50.
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The mini paper mistletoe sprig is just as unique, beautifully decorated with ribbon and straw. Again, the tag can be personalised to make a perfect bespoke gift. Priced at £6.50, this would be beautiful above your door this Christmas.
Have a look at the website www.papertree.co.uk
The range of products is very impressive and with their eco-ethical policy, Paper Tree is a company I will be recommending to my friends.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Oxo Travel Mug.
For all those of you who are still searching for the perfect travel mug for your early morning cuppa, look no further than OXO’s 360 LiquiSeal Travel Mug.
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This amazing mug has a unique all round opening which allows you to sip from any angle, without any spillages. This is true, I’ve put it to the test on my early morning school run and it has also been given the seal of approval by my busy farmer husband. It opens and closes with one handy click, great for when you’re in the car.
It is double wall insulated which helps keep your drink warmer for longer and boasts an easy to grip non slip handle, perfect when on the go. The mug is tapered in such a way that it will fit into a variety of cup holders, it slots perfectly into my car’s drink holder and also into the one in our tractor, so it is truly universal.
Being very conscious of chemicals present in most plastic everyday items, I was delighted to learn that the inner cup and lid are constructed from BPA free plastic.
This perfect travel mug holds 340mls of liquid, which is a large cup of coffee or tea. For more information, please visit www.oxouk.com and priced reasonably at just £15.00. It would make a great present for anyone as who doesn’t love a nice hot cuppa even though we don’t always have time to relax and enjoy it…
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Oxo Potato Ricer and French Press with Groundskeeper.
Oxo have some great gifts for Christmas, for both men and women. When I spied this potato ricer I was thrilled to bits. I have had riced potatoes, but never actually came across a potato ricer in the shops.
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Most of my kitchen accessories are from oxo and I have never been disappointed. The ricer has comfortable handles which is really important when you have to use force. It works by placing the potatoes into the ricer, place the lid on top and squeeze the handles together. Your mashed potatoes will be perfect – no lumps! The non-slip knob ensures it stays in place whilst in use and it will deliver the potato directly into a bowl or saucepan without slipping.
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This is a great idea if you have fussy children like mine. A lump in a potato would be ‘just awful mummy’! It’s goodbye to lumpy potatoes with the potato ricer. I also use it to mash my carrots and turnip, they taste delicious mashed in the ricer with butter.
My sister also has the oxo potato ricer and uses it to puree her toddlers’ foods – it really is strong enough to puree fruit and vegetables and more cost effective than using an electric blender. Not to mention, less mess!
This oxo potato ricer would make a great Christmas gift for the man in your life whether this is your husband, dad or granddad. Men love to mash potatoes, at least my husband does. I make the dinner and he mashes the potatoes, then he acts like he has made a major contribution to putting a meal on the table! He loves using the ricer, and so does my dad. Maybe because it’s a ‘tool’ of sorts and we all know men love tools! So if you are finding it difficult choosing a gift for your dad or husband, choose the oxo potato ricer and not slippers this Christmas. RRP £25
After Christmas dinner with lovely riced potatoes, I love to sit down with a cup of ‘real’ coffee. I am now on my third coffee press in 5 years. The first two got broken when I was trying to wash them. The ground coffee always stuck to the side of the glass and it was not tough enough to withstand a good scrubbing. Never fear, my gorgeous oxo ‘French press with Groundskeeper’ makes brewing coffee and cleaning easy.
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The carafe is made of strong glass which fits neatly inside the stainless steel housing. Before adding the coffee, a silicone ladle is inserted which ensures the coffee is easily scooped out when you are washing up. No tapping or scrubbing needed, just rinse and dry.
The French press will hold 8 cups of coffee, perfect when family and friends are gathered together. This is another great Christmas gift idea for both men and women, and at £35, very good value for money.
For further information, pleae visit www.oxouk.com
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Riverdale Days Collection Diffuser.
If you’re interested in all things nice and sweet smelling for your home, look no further than Riverdale’s Days Collection of Diffusers.
Diffusers are a great alternative to candles as they don’t have the safety issues and you don’t have that common problem of an unsightly half burned candle on your mantelpiece.
The one I tried is called Rockin’ Rose and has a beautiful fresh scent reminiscent of freshly cut roses.
The Riverdale Days diffusers come gift boxed and contain 150mls of fragrance and 10 sticks. The oil is contained in an elegantly shaped glass bottle. These make a wonderful present for just about anyone as who can resist something that gives your living space and indeed your entire house such a beautiful scent.
The diffusers retail at £19.95 and are available from www.riverdale.ni
The collection also boasts scents such as Lovely Lily and Poppy Pleasure, so there’s sure to be one that suits.
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Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Chawtons Aromatherapy Joints Cream and Regular Mustard bath.
The aromatherapy and skincare range from Chawtons has been on the market since 1993. They have recently relaunched the brand, with some exciting new products, along with a contemporary new look to go with them. The new products include de-stressing Aromatherapy Rollerballs, Mustard Baths and Foot Balms to name but a few.
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They are a really great range. Whenever I shop for skin and bodycare I usually spend ages reading the labels studying the ingredients. However, not with Chawtons. All the products contain natural plant oils and no synthetic perfumes are used. The products work to alleviate aches and pains, which makes me the perfect tester as I tend to suffer from backache.
The Regular Mustard Bath is a must if your muscles ache at the end of the day.
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It contains Wintergreen and Eucalyptus pure essential oils which are a treat to the senses. I was almost tempted to taste it, the smell was so yummy! My mustard bath was a lovely experience. Perfect timing as my youngest child had just started school and it was probably the first time in 10 years I actually had a bath in absolute peace and quiet. The mustard and oils smelled lovely and I felt so relaxed afterwards. I definitely slept better that night. Chawtons Mustard bath is now part of my daily routine. RRP £19.99 and well worth it.
The joints cream, RRP £14.99, is an effective cream for painful overworked joints.
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The cream is to be massaged into the affected joints and the effects are felt within minutes. The unique blend of Rosemary, Marjoram and Eucalyptus work well together to deliver relief in a natural form. Unlike preparations from a chemist, this cream can be used as frequently as required. I use it on my ankles having sprained both of them in the past, they would ache when I stand for long periods. The effects of the cream can be felt after the first application, and I wouldn’t be without it. I would recommend it for people who suffer from arthritis also.
View the full range of Chawtons products at www.chawtons.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Gone Crabbing Towel and Soaps.
Sorry hubby, but I am in love with someone else! His name is Colin, a little orange crab!
Readers – do not let the sun set this day without checking out www.gonecrabbing.co.uk I LOVE it.
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The company was launched in 2008 by Susie Mason, who has created beautiful items relating to all thing ‘seaside’. I love the seaside and sadly live 50 miles from it.
Susie’s range includes soaps, towels, clothing for children and adults and much more. I am truly addicted! It is a family run business, so well done Susie, it takes a strong woman to look at her husband all day and then go home with him in the evening! The company has continued to grow, with the support of stockists and local companies. You will find ‘Gone Crabbing’ in seaside shops as well as on-line.
Now, back to ‘Colin’. Colin is the Gone Crabbing LOGO, and he appears on several of their items as well as on the labels. He is absolutely adorable, you will love him too! Sometimes he features as the main design, and on some items he will appear in the corner but always on the labels. A brilliant feature, and I am sure this company will continue to grow and grow.
I have a ‘Gone Crabbing’ towel – it does not reflect on my character and no mum, I have never skinny dipped!
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The towels are 100% cotton and good luck in choosing which one to buy, take a soft seat! The selection is superb, the designs iconic and unique. Have you a man in your life that’s hard to shop for? You will find a towel here that will bring a smile to his face, trust me. RRP £19.99.
I also have a couple of the soaps as well and I wondered what the beautiful smell was from the moment the postman walked up to the door. The gorgeous waft of sweet smelling flowers oozed through the letter box! Seriously, I will use these first as an air freshener, just sitting around the house. They smell heavenly, (I think – I’ll never know as the pearly gates will be shut to me because of the skinny dipping!).
100% vegetable and not tested on animals, there is a soap for everyone. The packaging cannot possibly be described – just go online and have a look. From ‘Mussel Man Soap’ to ‘Really lovely smelly soap’, again, you will want them all. RRP£3.99.
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New products are appearing all the time, so I plan to visit ‘Colin’ weekly in case I miss out on anything. The plan is that in a few years, my house will have ‘Gone Crabby’ from the front door to the back. This is one of those companies you will see, love, buy and revisit many times – and not forgetting, recommending to friends. Thanks Susie, the website is fantastic, the products are brilliant and I am so glad I have discovered ‘Gone Crabbing’.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Bluetrek 2-in1 Bluetooth Kit.
This is a great little car kit and very well priced at £22.75.
The Bluetrek car kit allows you to chat and drive, with the additional feature of switching between the headset and the car kit with no breaks in your conversation, so you can have your hands and ears free when driving.
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I have mine mounted in the corner of the dashboard and it does look very well (It can also be used at home). I am very pleased with the sound quality, this is the second Bluetooth kit I have had and Bluetrek definitely wins the medal for excellent sound! The ear piece is great for when I have the car full of kids and can’t hear a thing with the noise in the back! I just switch to the earpiece and chat away.
The kit is rechargeable and features up to 22 hrs talk time, which is excellent. The USB cable charges and USB car charger comes with the kit, as does the headset, so great value for money. This would make a great ‘man gift’, and I have recently purchased one for my brother-in law who was delighted, so highly recommended.
Available from www.qvcuk.com
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Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Nelsons Rescue Remedy and Calendula cream.
Where would I be without Rescue Remedy? I have used this since I was afflicted with ‘children’. For those of you who have never suffered from ‘children’, be assured, this affliction can seriously increase stress levels.
You will find it difficult to relax as your once lovely house is transformed into a messy home. You will always be tired as you will never sleep the night through ever again and your body will ache from continually cooking, grocery shopping, cleaning and doing countless other chores.
Rescue remedy was recommended to me by a busy mum, and since that, I have recommended it to other busy mums. I love the slogan ‘Pause for a moment of clarity’, this actually works!
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Rescue remedy can be taken in many ways to suit different people anytime and anywhere to help manage daily stressful situations. It contains a combination of five of the Bach Original Flower Remedies made from natural flower. These flower remedies work by helping restore inner calm when under pressure.
The difference in choosing a natural remedy rather than prescription and non-prescription drugs is huge. Rescue remedy has no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and they are not addictive. So many, if not all, of drugs prescribed to help relieve stress are addictive, which means your body can become immune thus requiring more and more of the drug to achieve the same effect. This is surely the wrong road to be travelling along.
Try Rescue remedy, I urge you, whether you have little darlings, or if you are just feeling the pressures of life in another form. It is available in a Dropper bottle 10mls £5.00, Chewing gum £4.25, Rescue Pastilles £5.95 and more.
I would tend to favour the liquid melts £8.45 and the chewing gum as they can be carried easily in my handbag.
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I find they work just as well as the dropper bottle. The pastilles are scrumy, I have the blackcurrant flavour in a convenient little tin.
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It is also available as a soothing cream – Rescue Cream. 30g RRP £5.70.
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This cream has 6 Flower Essences and gives 24 hour care for dry, rough, sensitive skin. Paraben and perfume free it is a really good moisturiser. Perfect for elbows and knees.
Lips are also cared for by the Rescue Balm. This smells devine, also containing flower essences, it is brilliant for chapped and dry lips RRP £6.30.
![bach-balm[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/bach-balm1.jpg)
As with the cream, this is paraben and lanolin free, very important as 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstreams (Parabens are nasty chemicals which are better avoided).
All the Rescue Remedy products are available from www.nelsons.co.uk along with other great natural products. I would like to mention just one further product from this company. Nelsons Calendula cream 50mls RRP £6.60 .
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This multi-purpose cream for rough, dry, flaky or chapped skin is a really great buy. I use it on my sons’ skin, he would be prone to rough, dry skin. After the bath, this is applied and a little goes a long way. I can rest assured I am not using any cream with harmful chemicals and has not been tested on animals.
So, visit www.nelsons.co.uk to view the entire selection, there are some excellent Christmas gift ideas.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Lantronix xPrint Server Home Edition.
Modern technology…I just can’t keep up. Although I am proud to say I have an iPhone and iPad! However, printing has never been my forte and with 3 children, 11 hens and a cute little dog, we are forever taking photos!
Printers are so expensive, not to mention the ink, you really need to know what you are doing before you buy or upgrade yours. My advice is to investigate the Lantronix xPrint Server (home edition).
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This handy little device – yes, little – (it is about the size of 2 iPhones’ on top of one another) is just the job. I can print directly from my iPad and iPhone instantly. The server just needs to be plugged into your Wi-Fi router and it recognized my printer straight away. My sister has one and her printer is ancient, yet it was recognized as well, so very impressed with this!
To print, it was a two-tap process. I choose ‘Print’ from the app’s drop-down menu and Ta Da…photos in seconds!
I would recommend this for all mum’s – Remember those weekends where your child lands home on Friday with ‘Barney Bear’ and you have to take photos while out and about, stick them into a book and the weekend’s activities are read out for the class on Monday ? My heart would sink – why me!! Why this weekend, I have so much on!! The good mother that I am!
This little server allows the job to be done quickly and easily, just the way I like it. I snap a few shots of the kids out and about with my i-Phone, and in a few minutes at home I have the photos printed.
![xprintoffice[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/xprintoffice1.jpg)
The Lantronix xPrint Server is the first print server of its kind, a great gadget that makes my day flow that little bit smoother! It is also useful for work, compatible with safari, Notes, Keynote, Pages, Mail and iBooks.
The box contains a quick start guide which I found easy to read, thankfully and the xPrint Server, power adapter with regional adapters and an ethernet cable.
Available from www.lantronix.com RRP £125.80
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Universal Textiles Regatta Pace ll Lightweight Waterproof jacket.
Well, autumn is here again and with it, those unpredictable rain showers and downpours. Once again, the question arises, what type of coat is suitable… A summer jacket isn’t waterproof and yet it’s not cold enough for your winter coat.
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This Regatta jacket just fits the bill perfectly. It is made from waterproof Hydrafort polyester, with a luxurious peached finish, just perfect for warding off the chill and keeping you dry, whatever the weather.
The inside is lined with breathable mesh, while the outer fabric is windproof. There is an adjustable hood which can be tucked away when not needed. As well as having two exterior pockets, this coat has a handy interior pocket also, perfect for your wallet or mobile phone. The hems and cuffs are adjustable, so you can have a perfect fit.
This coat is available in black, red or navy and is very competitively priced at £26.74, a saving of 24% off the recommended retail price. A bargain if ever there was one and not to be missed.
Get yours at www.universal-textiles.com