Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Bee & tea.
Bee & tea are a delightful company comprised of two very talented sisters from England who have started their own business designing and producing beautiful articles for the home.
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Their love of flowers, home-grown produce and cooking is evident throughout the range and so is their talent. This is the website for you if you are looking for ‘that special gift’, you really will be spoilt for choice.
The range supports English manufacturers throughout, thus environmentally friendly – a big plus for me. The mugs are made in Stoke-on-Trent, and the fabric products come from Lincolnshire.
I have the set of beautiful tea towels (£10 each).
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They are a perfect size – 48×76 cms and 100% cotton. The designs are printed with sustainable water based inks and they have a tag for hanging – Bee & tea seem to have thought of everything!
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To compliment the tea towels, you can treat yourself to the co-ordinating apron (£18). Another original Bridget Chetwynd design, 100% cotton and oh so pretty. With its comfortable cotton light web adjustable neck loop, this would also make a great gift for mum’s and grandma’s too.
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I adore the shopping bag (£17) and it is taken everywhere with me. Strong enough to hold a small amount of groceries, and very pretty compared to the supermarket brand ones. I have just been using it instead of my usual handbag – then I am never caught out when shopping and have to buy a plastic bag! Several of my friends have admired it as it’s so unique. 100% cotton canvas 36x40cms.
Bee & tea have other items on their website – do have a look. The site itself is very well designed and easily navigated. They have a stunning range of mugs and paintings – they are on my wish list!
![Mugs_pyramid_website[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Mugs_pyramid_website1.jpg)
Available from http://www.beeandtea.co.uk/
Homeware Reviews
Karcher Multi purpose vac WD3.500P
This has got to be the best vacuum I have ever used. I wouldn’t use it very often – having fun is far more important than housework! But when I absolutely have to vacuum, this is the tool for the job.
The main difference in this and your average vacuum is that this one can be used outside as well. The WD3.500 multi-purpose vacuum from Karcher is definitely multi-purpose!
It will lift liquids – yes, I found this amazing. With 3 kids, 3 hens, and now a dog, this function has made a huge difference to our household. Well used to major spills, in the past I would have grabbed a towel, which left me with a huge pile of washing in no time, now I use the vacuum – all the liquid disappears just like dust!
Hubby will even try to smuggle it past me outside as it really will lift rubble as well – screws, saw-dust, remains of botched DIY jobs ( there are lots of those), he will use the multi-purpose vacuum to clean up his mess in an instant, up to 17 litres to be exact.
I love that there is no bag, thank you for that!! Brilliant thinking Karcher, saves me time and money. It also saves me space as the accessories, like the crevice tool, are stored on board, so all in one piece.
With its unique blower function – (I use this to inflate the swimming pool!), a heavy debris function and power tool triggered auto start, this really is the crème de la crème of all vacuums. It even comes with an attachment to unblock sinks – ingenious. In fact, really and truly, who needs a man when you have the multi-purpose vacuum from Karcher??
Available from www.karcher.co.uk for £149.99
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel
Wow, 2012 Shape beauty award!! Now that is impressive, well done. This super mask has made a huge impact on the market, appearing in magazines and winning awards.
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The Intensive – C radiance peel is intended to act as an environmental shield. It also dramatically reverses ageing on the skin – always a good thing! It gently exfoliates and accelerates the turnover of damaged cells, leaving a radiant glow. It will reduce pigmentation, restoring clarity to your complexion and simply revealing younger looking skin.
It can be applied to the face, neck and chest and left on for up to ten minutes. My skin felt softer immediately, really soft and smooth! The mask can be used once or twice weekly, and I have been doing that with great results.
I love that it is paraben, sulphate and synthetic fragrance free, so no nasty chemicals on your skin. Another major plus – murad test on people, not animals!
This Intensive – C Radiance Peel is available from www.murad.co.uk and £49.50 for 50mls.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Method – Natural cleaning products.
These products are certainly eye-catching! The packaging is brightly coloured and with the ‘Clean, Safe and Green’ motto, I can’t see why every household shouldn’t use these products.
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Method was started by 2 ‘roommates’ – how cool is that? They have experience with cleaning products and in the computer industry so, along with the ‘Clean, Safe and Green motto’ who better to put together a great range of household and environmentally friendly products?
The range is people and pet friendly – no more cleaning with the windows wide open to let out the fumes! Brilliant, isn’t it? The plastic used is 100% recycled and method do not test on animals.
I have tried method and I am sticking with it, totally love it. As well as being highly innovative, they are highly effective – and smell delicious too.
The range includes cleaning products for everywhere in the home.
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Daily shower spray (£3), washing-up liquid (£3), liquid hand wash (£2.49), laundry liquid (£5.99), etc – so you really can throw out all your cleaning equipment and completely switch to method. They are well within every-ones budget.
My favourite product has got to be the hand wash – the variety in this range alone is superb – from pink grapefruit, green tea and aloe to French lavender, the list goes on.
![Method1[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Method11.jpg)
My hand-wash is in constant use with 3 messy outdoor children, 3 hens and a dog! The bottle lasts and lasts, foams just like any other hand-wash but very very different. No harmful chemicals, no nasty smell, just clean and green. This company will be one to watch – I will be recommending it to all my friends, well done Method!
Available from www.methodproducts.co.uk
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Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Aquaint.
Aquaint is a new, innovative cleansing water suitable for all the family, from the youngest to the oldest. It is 100% natural, containing no alcohol, chemicals or preservatives, yet it a super effective cleanser which kills 99.9% of bacteria.
![8f9a[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/8f9a1.jpg)
Aquaint is totally non-toxic and is even safe if ingested. It is a marvellous way to clean childrens faces and hands and can be used on baby toys and equipment also, without the need to rinse after cleaning. I have also used Aquaint as a facial cleanser for myself as I have extremely sensitive skin which is easily irritated by many beauty counter cleansers.
The main ingredient in this wonderful stuff is simply water with a natural antibacterial agent added.
Aquaint is available in a family sixed 500ml spray bottle(£6.99) and a handy 50ml travel size (£2.99), perfect when out on the go for popping into your baby bag or handbag.
Personally, I find this a perfect alternative to baby and adult cleansing wipes which always worry me as the residue is left on your or your child’s skin. As Aquaint is 100% natural, I don’t have to worry about this anymore. It does not sting at all as many antibacterial cleansers do, which I find great as my children and I sometimes have small cuts, which can sting quite badly when exposed to an antibacterial cleanser. This left my children wary of using them but thankfully, with Aquaint, this is no longer an issue.
So if hygiene and cleanliness is important to you and your family, yet you are aware of the effects of harsh chemical cleansers, this is the perfect product for you. Available from www.aquaint-uk.com.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Scott Inness Daisy bag.
Being a self-confessed bag fanatic, I am always on the lookout for unusual alternatives to supermarket jute bags, as I seem to use these bags for absolutely everything.
Therefore, I was delighted to obtain this beautiful bag from Scott Inness, an innovative company that specializes in producing everyday items using quirky, eye-catching designs, with a distinct Scottish theme.
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The Damson Daisy Bag is made from a durable textile fabric, which is beautifully printed with big blue daisies. I love the fact that the bag has long handles, making it possible for me to carry it on my shoulder comfortably. The handles are very strong, making the bag suitable for heavier items too. There is a useful inside pocket, in which I can keep my keys and phone, thus avoiding frantic rummaging when my phone rings or when I get back to my car. I especially like the way the bag stays in shape when I set it down and does not flop into itself. This is due to the stiff removable base and the quality of the bag material. I was also happy to see that this bag is produced in the UK, promoting jobs in our country.
The bag is 30cm long, by 36cm wide and 10cm deep and is available from Scott Inness website, www.scottiness.com. It is reasonably priced at £20.99 and would make a fabulous gift for someone special, as it is extremely versatile yet just that little bit different.
Scott Inness also produce super mugs, aprons, tea-towels and much more, all with distinctive patterns and beautiful bright colours.
![0798[1]](http://pamperedpresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/07981.jpg)
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
White Hot.
I just have to say these are the most fabulous smelling hair products I have came across. Even the packaging smells beautiful!
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White Hot is a British company who have had the good sense to acknowledge white and grey hair needs special attention. The market was definitely lacking a hair care range for grey hair – so much focus on blond, brunette and red! White Hot have filled the gap very well.
My mum tested a range of White Hot products and she loved them – she liked the smell too! She used the shampoo and conditioner, the Intense lustre mask and the lifeshine oil. The difference in her hair was obvious – mum had red hair which is almost completely grey. Her hair has a beautiful shine now and looks so glossy.
I am a brunette and have used the Intense lustre mask also – my hair has always been dry and I couldn’t resist! It worked very well, and I will definitely continue using it.
The appeal of the White Hot products is the way they advertise – the glamorous packaging looks very well – and the models on the website really would convience you to adore your grey hairs instead of trying to cover them up! Thank you White Hot – just what the market needed!
Available from http://www.whitehothair.co.uk/shopnow.aspx
Prices start from £12 with free UK delivery when £30 is spent.
For The Garden, Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
PG Tips ‘Royal tea-cup’ cocktail.
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To celebrate the birth of the latest heir apparent to the British throne, PG tips has developed a new take on the traditional cuppa to wet the baby’s head – a ‘royal-tea cup’ cocktail.
Working with Rebecca Seal, drinks expert from Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, the Fruit Cup style cocktail takes inspiration straight from the royal wedding day to combine details from the pair’s nuptials with quintessentially English ingredients, resulting in a rich and refreshing PG tipple packed full of Britishness and served in dainty tea cups.
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Ingredients in a PG tips ‘royal-tea cup’ include:
– Strawberries – as a major crop in Cambridgeshire, these summery English berries are perfect to include as part of a royal celebration
– Rose petals – two new rose bushes were named after the happy couple and planted in the grounds of Windsor Castle and sugar roses were used to decorate their eight-tier wedding cake
– Sparkling wine – English sparkling wine was served to guests at the bride and groom’s wedding breakfast
– PG tips The Rich One – like red wine, all tea contains tannins, which gives drinks a wonderfully rich flavour. We’ve used PG tips The Rich One for its full-bodied taste
– Gin – a quintessentially British ingredient and, according to Rebecca Seal, the botanicals used to make gin (like juniper) perfectly complement the flavours in tea
– Cucumber – from a dainty finger sandwich at traditional afternoon tea
– Apple juice – from the fruit trees of the great British orchards
– Elderflower – from the hedgerows that line England’s green and pleasant land
– Mint – from English country gardens
Monkey, Brand Ambassador for PG tips said of the birth: “I’m so excited about the new baby, I’m having to calm my nerves each day with a relaxing brew. I hope the Queen will be chuffed with this celebration cocktail; I’ll definitely be enjoying a ‘royal-tea cup’ or two now the Baby Windsor is born.”
A ‘royal-tea cup’ cocktail can be made either with or without alcohol and is perfect for a sunny garden party, to have with afternoon tea or as an aperitif before a barbecue.
Purchase yours now from http://www.pgtips.co.uk/
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Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Ora naturals.
Ora naturals launched itself onto the world in 2012 and is now a top selling natural skin care product. The ‘roots’ of this ingenious brand stem from the developer actually witnessing the wonders of argan oil used by a tribe in Morocco for generations as a nutritional aid and for skin care also. It is extremely high in essential fatty acids and naturally occurring vitamin E. Impressed?? I certainly was!
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I am a mother of three and, prior to ‘kids’, would never have looked at the ingredients in anything! My, how that has changed. I have a tiny medical background – I trained as a nurse many years ago- and the one thing that stuck in my mind was at least 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. This never really bothered me until I became responsible for three beautiful children. Ora naturals – thank you! This range has made my life so easy – no more scouring the shelves of health shops reading labels – I have my trust in this brand now!
The range is produced in Kent – a big plus for me, I love supporting the UK economy. They use many other ingredients along with Argan oil, all with their own benefits.
I will use the ‘Daily Face Cream’ as an example. The box made me smile – ‘Certified 91% organic ingredients’ – Brilliant.
The cream itself was light – great as my make-up sat well on top. My skin definitely felt soft after the first application and the smell – wow – try it and see for yourself! The triple action result moisturises, encourages repair (a good thing in your late 30’s!) and protects the skin from free radicals.
Manuka oil, calendula oil and totarol work together to reduce scar tissue and blemishes. Hard to believe that all this can be found in one cream and its’ natural! Now – the price? I would have estimated somewhat in the range of £85 judging from 10 years experience using natural products. Well – 50 mls of this super cream can be bought for £32!! What a gift (for yourself!).
Check out the website www.oranaturals.co.uk to see this and other products.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews
Funky Giraffe bibs and clothes.
Every trendy baby just has to have a selection of funky giraffe bibs! So many celeb babies too have been spotted wearing these fabulous creations. There are so many to choose from, you are sure to find one to suit every outfit in babies’ wardrobe!
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The range includes dribble bibs, with high quality cotton fronts and fleece lining to maximise dryness. I mean it – nothing soaks through to babies clothes or skin. My sisters have both 2 little baby girls and every time I see them, they are proudly wearing Funky giraffe bibs – matching their outfits perfectly!
Check out the website, the vast selection of colours are astounding – apparently they undertook a survey and got lots of ideas from the public as to what patterns and colours were popular – what a great idea!
However, the range does not end at funky bibs! There is funky fashion too! Baby can dress from top to toe with cool co-ordinating accessories.
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The clothes are as colourful as the bibs and just as high quality. From playsuits, body suits, dresses and socks, you will have difficulty picking from the selection. The dresses start from £8, and they do super little socks, also co-ordinating with the bibs. So, you can see why celebs just love Funky giraffe!
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The little moccasins are gorgeous, super colours and designs and so cosy looking! The first pair is £7 and the price drops with further purchases – another cool idea from Funky giraffe.
All the above items (and many more) are available from www.funkygiraffe.co.uk