For The Garden, Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Teenage Gifts
Jam Plus Wireless Speaker in Pink for Mother’s Day.
I was so excited with this product and have concluded it is a brilliant buy. The Jam Plus Wireless Speaker is the speaker for you if you enjoy listening to music and are looking for excellent sound quality. This speaker is super handy, very portable and has the appearance similar to that of a jam-jar with its cool matching ‘pot’ cover.
A wireless connection can be made from up to 10m away, so this is perfect for taking outside or even just upstairs in your home. The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 4 hours of wireless playback so it’s also a great little speaker for taking travelling, camping and on holiday.
The sound quality is brilliant, and it was hard to believe such sound could be ejected from a small speaker. I love my music and have used this with my smart-phone, I can now listen to my tunes in every room in the house and in the garden. All Bluetooth devices are compatible with this speaker and it can also be used with a 3.5 mm aux-in cable. When using the cable, the speaker delivers up to 12 hours of playback.
Also perfect for younger children and teenagers, the Jam Classic comes in super trendy colours – blue, red, purple, green and grey. However, for Mother’s Day, the colour HAS to be pink!
Available for only £59.99, these are excellent value for money too and a really useful yet ‘trendy’ gift.
Available from HMV and Tesco.
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Pampered Foods, Teenage Gifts
Revive Active.
January began with a boost for me as I was introduced to a new anti-aging health supplement called Revive Active. I have been taking one sachet daily and I feel fabulous, this is definitely a keeper!
With over 26 ingredients all carefully thought out and researched, Revive Active works to boost everyone’s immunity and energy levels and, very importantly, helps fight off aging.
‘Key ingredients include Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10), L-Arginine, L-Citrulline, L-Carnitine, Magnesium as well as Vitamin K2’ (Revive Active)
I take my Revive Active every morning. The sachet contains powered ingredients which can be mixed into a glass of water or juice. I prefer mixing with water and this tastes perfectly OK, it makes a very refreshing orange and mango flavoured drink.
If you feel your system is in need of a ‘boost’, try Revive Active for one month and you will be an impressed as I am.
Revive Active ‘is endorsed by leading medical professionals, nutritionists and naturopaths, including leading celebrity Nutritionist Vicky Edgson. With over 15 years’ experience running private nutritional therapy clinics in London and the author of several well-respected books on best-practice nutrition, Vicki Edgson has been working with Revive Active almost since its inception and is a self-professed supporter of the product, often recommending it to her patients’ (Revive Active)
Revive Active is caffeine and sugar free. Available from www.reviveactive.co.uk with free delivery to Uk and Ireland.
RRP £59.85 for one month supply, discounts available on website with multiple purchases.
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews, Teenage Gifts
Wilko for Valentine’s Day gifts.
I have recently discovered a great value online company – Wilko, who have a whooping 374 stores nationally as well. I discovered Wilko by accident – like all great discoveries! They have a great selection of almost everything! Yes, whatever you are on the lookout for, have a look at www.wilko.com and you will be sure to find it.
I have a few of their products now and keep returning for more. They offer free UK delivery with £80 purchase. Shipping is quick and I have never been disappointed with Wilko.
For Valentine’s day they have a lovely selection of gifts I would be delighted to receive. I have a couple of the photo frames on my wish-list.
I love multi aperture frames. They hold so many photos yet I only have to lift one frame to dust! Wilko have a beautiful silver rococo photo frame with 5 different aperture’s for only £10. This would look grand on my mantle piece with our 5 family members in each frame.
As a special gift for your other half, I would recommend the Butterfly Photo Frame 6inx4in for £8. This looks much more than £8 with intricate butterflies and diamante detail around a beautiful glass frame.
I have my eye on a few other home-ware items that would add to the shabby chic look I love. A hanging ‘Willow Love Heart’ RRP £5 and the ‘Heart Lantern Candle Holder Glass’ for only £2.
Why look elsewhere when Wilko has fab items at a fraction of the price?
For further information visit www.wilko.com
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews, Teenage Gifts
Post-It notes and dispensers for Valentine’s Day.
I’m fairly sure just about everyone has heard of those indispensable sticky notes called Post-Its by the brand 3M. My office walls are decorated with them, I seem to be constantly reaching for one for some reason or another. I love the brightly coloured sets and I have several different shaped Post-it notes, brilliant for prioritising my notes along the edge of my desk!
My children have a selection for their school work. They are perfect for highlighting pages as they come in small little individual arrows, and as a ruler with little tabs which peel off and attach neatly to mark pages.
Ingeniously, they are now available in a cute pop up dispenser in a variety of shapes, such as handbags, karate men and pink hearts.The dispensers are easy refillable with 76x76mm Post-It notes so it’s not just a single use throw away item. They’re novel, fun and useful.
The pink heart dispenser would also make an ideal Valentine’s Day pressie for that special someone in your life. Heart shaped notes are also available.
These are available on Amazon priced at £8.99.
Visit the link below to reach the facebook site, they are worth a ‘like’ !
Gift Reviews, Teenage Gifts, Toy Reviews
What do the Grown-ups do?
What Do the Grown-ups Do?
“What a refreshing and innovative way of introducing children to career possibilities in later life. A delightful series of books, which gently guides younger children through the adult world of work. The accompanying photographs of the main characters bring the lives of Joe the Fisherman, Fiona the Doctor and Papa the Stock Farmer, to life.”
Louise White, Broadcaster.
After reading 3 of these books I wholeheartedly agree with the above description. What brilliant books to help create a mindset for children – if you work hard it is much easier to get a job you enjoy doing!
These books could not have arrived at a better time for me. My daughter is in her last 2 years at primary school so she has a lot of work ahead of her.
‘What Do the Grown-ups Do?’ follow 3 children as they meet characters from various jobs and explore the work they do in detail.
The books reiterate the importance of working hard at school to achieve qualifications which will enable children to find a worthwhile job.
The books are targeted at readers aged 5-10 yrs and this is ‘spot on’. My 4 year old is a little too young to enjoy these books, but my 8 and 10year old children love them.
The photographs are interesting and descriptive to suit the reading material. The information is given in a way which is easy for a child to understand and the ethos of the relationship between working at school and who we become in later years ‘rings true’ throughout.
‘JOE THE FISHERMAN
Joe the fisherman lives next door. A great strong man with a cheeky grin, Joe has fished for prawns all his life, just like his father before him. Joe the Fisherman tells of Joe’s life aboard and the pros and cons of being at sea. Like many of the local creel fishermen, they fish using sustainable techniques. Joe tells the girls how to prepare bait, maintain the creels and how to stop catching crabs in their lobster pots!’
PUBLISHED 28th February 2014
£10 _paperback_ £3.99 _ebook_
‘PAPA THE STOCKFARMER
Papa the stock farmer calls the children one morning to ask for help moving the cattle and the girls embark on an adventure where things don’t exactly go as planned! During their work on the farm, they learn about the difference between high and low ground farming, how to make silage so that the animals have food in the winter, how the cattle poo can improve the ground, and how to save a baby calf!
PUBLISHED 28th February 2014
£10 _paperback_ £3.99 _ebook_’
Sean the Actor.
The eagerly awaited 3rd book in the Series ‘What do the grown-ups do?’ ‘Sean the Actor’ will be published on the 28 April 2014
‘This time the children move away from farming and fishing and meet a real actor. The young children ask question including:-
“How do you become an actor?”
“How does the film get made?”
“How do you know which camera to look at?”
“How do you make money in your work?”
Once again the Author Mairi McLellan brings the story to live with beautiful photographs and interesting facts that the grown-ups can learn from as well’
My 10yr old daughter takes this book to bed with her every night. Sean is a great character and I have also enjoyed reading this book to my other children. Sean the actor meets the children while shooting a film in their town. He is very friendly and the children learn a lot about the ‘real’ life of an actor from him. My children were amazed the amount of work put into the making of a movie and that acting is actually a job and not all fun and parties.
Although the main characters of these books are men, my girls really enjoyed reading them. We live in a town but I was brought up on a farm. My girls would never have seen a calf being born nor have they ever ‘baited a line’. They found these books very interesting and informative and I enjoyed reading with them. I would highly recommend them for every boy and girl from the age of 5 and up.
Available at Amazon & all good book stores
More information can be found on the website www.kidseducationalbooks.com
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Green People for Valentine’s Day
Green People are a company that specialise in organic skin and body care products. Their products are made as naturally as possible with no harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. I have been using their products for some time now and always find them to be very effective.
I have recently had the pleasure of trying out some of the new gift sets for Valentine’s Day – Valentine’s Red For Her – ‘Organic Lifestyle’, which contains a 50ml tube of Vitamin Fix and a 10ml tube of Rejuvenating Eye Cream.
Vitamin Fix is a rich moisturising face cream for all skin types. It contains a mix of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants including Avocado Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and Green Tea extract. It is a light non-greasy moisturiser which applies smoothly and is quickly absorbed into the skin. I have extremely sensitive skin and find it difficult to get a moisturiser which does not give me an attack of pimples. I am pleased to say that this fabulous cream not only leaves my skin pimple free but my face feels wonderfully soft and moisturised.
Rejuvenating Eye Cream is simply exactly what it says on the tube! This rich cream expertly softens lines around the eyes and soaks completely into the skin. It is perfect for under your make-up with its non-greasy formulae. The moisturising benefits last all day, and make-up will not sink into lines making them even more evident – I know this as a fact! Maybe it is the added benefit of essential fatty acids that make this cream so effective. I adore this eye cream, I have been using it for years and will continue to do so.
This is a great gift set, containing what I can say are 2 of the best skin care products I have ever tried. It would make a lovely gift for your other half this Valentine’s Day. RRP £15.00
The Age Defy Gift Set would also make for a brilliant Valentine’s Day gift. I have this on my wish list!
‘A collection of youth boosting skincare essentials
Hydrate & Renew Serum (5ml) – uniquely blended to deliver amazing rejuvenating, balancing and regenerating properties directly to the skin.
Cell Enrich Facial Oil (5ml) – a powerful blend of active ingredients work in synergy to deliver skin clarity and brilliance for a more youthful complexion.
24 Hour Brightening (5ml) – an active-packed, high-potency natural moisturiser offering superior skin nourishment. This revolutionary organic product also actively reduces skin pigmentation and age spots when used daily.’ (Green People)
Green People products are not tested on animals and never contain:Sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate, parabens, lanolin, phthalates, propylene glycol, alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol), harsh foaming agents, synthetic fragrances, irritating emulsifiers, PABA-sunscreen, petrochemicals, colourants, urea, DEA, TEA or PEGs.
In my opinion, Green People are one of the most trusted skincare suppliers on the market. You can relax and not stress about ingredients, just place your trust in Green People.
For more information visit www.greenpeople.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Homeware Reviews, Teenage Gifts
Envelope style Tablet case by Proporta for Valentine’s Day.
I love this envelope style iPad case from Proporta. The colours and pattern look really well and with the ‘stamp’ detail, it would pass for a large envelope sitting on the front seat of your car!
I always seem to be rushing from place to place and with 3 kids and various iPads and other tablets we try and hide them somewhere discretely in the car when we are out and about. With this case you have your precious iPad perfectly disguised!
The envelope tablet case by Proporta will fit all 10 inch tablets and is quite spongy to touch. It will protect your tablet while expertly ‘dressing’ it at the same time. Despite the high level of protection offered, this case is fairly flat, therefore easily slipped into your hand-bag or brief case.
‘Ten inch tablet case with unique envelope design
Compatible with numerous ten inch tablets
Faux-leather tablet case is slimline and lightweight
Tablet sleeve protects against scratches, drops and knocks
Perfect for travelling or commuting
Lifetime Exchange Warranty’ (Proporta)
If you are buying a gift for your other half this Valentine’s Day, have a look at the Proporta range of tablet accessories online. Gifts such as these have style, taste and functionality and last much longer than flowers or chocolates!
http://www.proporta.co.uk/tablet-case-for-10-inch-tablets-envelope
Available now for £29.95 RRP £34.95
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara
Mascara, a tricky subject! I have tried loads of brands at both ends of my budget. I have concluded that the cheap brands are no different than the more expensive brands and they all sting my eyes! I would have sensitive skin and favour natural skincare products. I have used a natural moisturiser and make-up for years but have only just discovered a natural mascara.
Eye of Horus is a naturally derived beauty brand founded in Australia. Their following includes many celebs and I am delighted to say these products are now available in the UK.
Eye of Horus mascara is a natural product containing natural waxes and essential oils. I have ‘Goddess Mascara’ and was so impressed when my postie delivered this to me. The packaging was so exquisite – a beautiful thick gift bag with the logo and inside I un-wrapped the mascara from folds of co-ordinating tissue paper sealed with matching stickers. Don’t you just love it when products arrive like this? I do!
The mascara itself was nicely boxed and looked a lot more than £17.
‘‘Goddess Mascara’: This is Eye of Horus’ hero product and the brainchild of Australian girls Holly, Heather, Nicole Spierings and Amy Lennane, Founders of the brand. Their sensitivity to eye make-up inspired the research to come up with a gentler and natural mascara formula. The star ingredient is Moringa Oil, which is rich in vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants to strengthen the lash structure. It delivers beautiful long and full lashes with its anti-clogging formula that has long lasting results. The ‘Goddess Mascara’ is ideal for sensitive eyes and safe for brittle lashes and can be used on eyelash extensions. Its water resistant formula also nourishes and assists the lashes’ growth.’(Eye of Horus)
Needless to say, with ingredients like this, Goddess Mascara is perfect for those who have previously reacted badly to the added ingredients other mascaras contain.
This did not sting my eyes, neither did my eye-lashes break or come off with the mascara at the end of the day. I love the rubber brush – try this and see for yourself – this is the only type of brush which I have found to give lashes like the girls in Cosmo, Yea!! The mascara lasted all day with no smudges yet was easily removed.
Eye of Horus – you are now a staple in my make-up bag!
For further information visit: http://www.eyeofhoruscosmetics.co.uk/
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Teenage Gifts
Cat Rugged Cover for iPhone 5
If you are shopping for the man in your life this Valentine’s day this Cat rugged cover for the iPhone 5 would be the perfect gift.
My husband has just moved on from his first phone which was over 10 years old and the face was in bits! He now has an iPhone 5. I have chosen this phone cover for him as it looks and is pretty tough!
‘The new Cat protective phone case is ideal for anyone who loves sport, as it protects your phone from dropping, knocking & scrapes:
Made tough: Made exclusively from SAIF, an active material with unique shock and impact absorption properties.
Drop proof: The case protects your phone from drops of up to 1.8m, preventing the dreaded cracked screen.
Rugged yet stylish: Despite the tough reputation the accessories are surprisingly light weight with a slender, stylish design.’
(Cat press release)
There are times I have given my 4 year old son my iPhone 5 to play a game because I have been very busy, under pressure, or even trying to talk on the landline. I have cringed inside – is it really worth the risk – 10 minutes peace in exchange for a cracked or broken phone? However, we still do it – millions of mums with iPhones have apps and games specifically for toddlers and young children, and millions of mums have a lovely phone with a not so lovely cracked face.
This Cat phone cover seems to be the answer to lot of these common problems, offering protection against the everyday strains a working man’s phone can suffer from and also from his kids!
Available from Kondor in the UK; UK online retailers including: amazon.co.uk; mobilefun.co.uk; O2.co.uk; phones.4.co.uk and totallygadgets.co.uk.
RRP £24.99
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Pampered Foods, Teenage Gifts
FTN : Wholefood Stem Cell Recovery Drink.
Blue-green algae, green tea and blueberries are just a few of the highly nutritious super-foods you will find in a 60ml bottle of FTN. This new nutraceutical wholefood drink is taking the world by storm. One fitness enthusiast after another are recommending this drink which has its backing in very convincing research. Fans can be found world-wide, and I simply have to mention a few of the more famous fans – Cardiff Blues Rugby, Adrian grant, Michel Salgado and Nicola Hobbs! Not only is FTN an exceptional drink for athletics, but it is also perfect for people on the go.
FTN will reduce fatigue and speed up recovery following exercise.
‘Free from artificial chemicals, stimulants and fully NSF and WADA approved, FTN is a patented blend of five wholefood ingredients designed to provide your body the protection and nutrients it needs to support its natural repair and renewal process.
Developed by a team of top researchers over six years, and backed by a wealth of published independent research data, a single 60ml shot of FTN is jam packed with all the essential vitamins, amino acids and nutrients that your body needs to support it’s natural repair and renewal process. Rich vitamin D and super nutrient rich blue-green algae, the proprietary blend only found in FTN has been shown, in five independent research papers, to help support the body’s natural renewal process of stem cells, aiding in promoting quicker recovery throughout the body, slowing down ageing and increasing overall vitality and health’ (FTN)
There are many supplement drinks on the market which claim to boost energy and contain the vitamins our bodies need. However, not many can also claim to be totally free from artificial chemicals and stimulants. FTN contains natural ingredients which work in harmony with our body nurturing, repairing and supporting stem cells.
‘The wholesome and natural ingredients in FTN work together to support the life and growth of the body’s adult stem cells, providing the nutrition which stem cells need to flourish:
Green Tea extract helps support the health of the digestive and respiratory systems and enhances the proliferation of cells within the skin
Wild blueberry extract further promotes maintenance of healthy brain, cardiovascular, vision, joint and urinary tract function
Vitamin D supports adult stem cell renewal and helps these cells become immune cells for naturally fighting infection
Organic blue-green micro-algae contains protein, essential fatty acids, chlorophyll, beta-carotene and a vast array of micro-nutrients that supercharge the body’s ability to maintain superior overall well-being
Organic fruit juice to help deliver the healthy daily dose in a refreshingly cleansing taste’ (FTN)
But how does this taste? Very good actually! I enjoy my FTN in the morning and find from I have been taking this daily, I no-longer crave sweet treats between meals. I have tried both citrus and raspberry flavours and could not pick a favourite, they both taste fresh and super fruity.
Pampered Presents readers have the opportunity to win a month’s supply of this natural wonder drink. Visit the link on Facebook to enter.