Christmas Gift Guide for Mum 2014

This guide will hopefully help out with the task of Christmas shopping for mum. I have selected the products I found to be good value for money, excellent quality and easy to get hold of. I have also tried to select a varied range giving you several choices and also some new gift ideas you may otherwise have not considered. Happy shopping and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need further clarification.

Aroma Holiday Candles.

I am beginning with a traditional present that you can be sure someone will give you this Christmas. However, you will be more likely to be given a ‘scented’ candle not a naturally scented candle. I have a ‘bee in my bonnet’ about unnatural scents and artificially produced candles. I have always highlighted natural eco friendly products on Pampered Presents therefore I am delighted to have found Aroma Holiday.

If people understood what was in the cheap scented candles they would not use them. A waste product of the petroleum industry, paraffin is bleached with a known carcinogenic which releases benzene and toluene not to mention the soot which lingers in the air.

Many cheap paraffin candles have lead in the wicks – this is common with cheap imported candles that fill our supermarket shelves and frequent the internet. Burning these candles for even 3 hrs increases your room level to up to 11 times the acceptable level of lead. Hopefully these statistics will urge you to make the switch to natural candles, the healthier option by far.

These candles are the brain child of Mark Jordan. This genius – in my honest opinion- has created something beautiful, functional and eco friendly. Aroma Holiday candles are made from natural soy which burns slowly without releasing toxins that paraffin candles emit into the air. They make a stunning addition to any room.

The candles come boxed and themed, the scents matching the name of the candle, specific to a place or country. I have ‘London’ and this candle sits on my bathroom windowsill.

My family celebrated my 40th birthday in April with a trip to London so this candle is sentimental as well as decorative. The smell reminds us of  the London parks, I can close my eyes when soaking in the tub and relive our precious time together in this vibrant cultural city.

I am a self confessed addict now and have ‘Hawaii’ on my Christmas wish list.

Aroma candles are prices from £22.50 and are available in many variations and scents. What a fab Christmas gift and also an excellent way to remissness about a special holiday or time away with friends.

For further information visit www.aromaholiday.com

Briers’ Historic Royal Palaces collection.

If you are looking for an extra special, yet useful, gift for mum I would point you in the direction of Briers’ Historic Royal Palaces collection. They have really gorgeous gardening accessories which will add glamour to your spring bulb planting this winter.

The wellington boots are something else and you will have to try these to see for yourself how soft and flexible they are.

Available in 3 colours, these delightful patterned wellies offer comfort – something not a lot of wellies do! I love gardening and was so keen to try these out for myself. I could literally wear these all day, they were just as comfortable as my boots.

What I love most about these wellies is that I can run from the garden to the school without having to change my footwear – these wellies really look fab! I have the Tudor Rose style. RRP £29.99.

There are matching bags, gloves and other accessories so you will have plenty of choice. The bags are really useful, not too big and perfect for nipping out to the shops – you will be saving on your 5p plastic bag levy in style!

Have a look on their Facebook page and be sure to ‘like’ so you won’t miss any gossip. The page is lots of fun – I love the Royal updates!

https://www.facebook.com/Briersltd

Briers also have the most amazing Gruffalo boots for children and this review can also be seen on Pampered Presents.

Briers donate money from their sales to the Historic Royal Palaces charity so this company is really something special and well worth supporting.

To purchase please visit www.briersltd.co.uk

 

 

 

Lloyds Pharmacy Big Hair Babyliss TRESemme Smooth & Shine Collection Gift Set. RRP £19.99

 

Lloyds Pharmacy have went out of their way to bring us some very interesting and top quality gift suggestions this year. I was very interested in the results from a survey they have released as well –

‘the average woman spends over fourteen hours trawling the shops for presents’     Wow – this is where gift guides and recommendations come into their own – why trawl the shops when you can reap the benefits and ideas from someone who has done all the ‘legwork’ ?

I have had a look at the gifts they have recommended for mum’s and was impressed with this TRESemme Smooth & Shine Collection Gift Set.

 

 

This is a great set which has all you need for salon perfect hair. The hair dryer itself is fabulous, with its powerful ionic frizz fighting technology – just perfect for myself with my ultra fine and frizzy hair!

I fast fell in love with the Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray. This gem of a product was made for me, it left my hair silky soft and smooth that even my hubby commented on it. I love it!

This gift set comes complete with a lovely black make-up bag, styling brush and sectioning clips. It is very well presented in a box which would delight anyone’s mum this Christmas.  All this for only £19.99

For further information visit your local Lloyds pharmacy or have a look online for this and other fab products.

www.lloydspharmacy.com

 

 

Diva Chromatix, professional hair tools.

Up until this month I have been using the same hairdryer from I was 17yrs! I know this as I remember collecting petrol tokens for almost a year and proudly going to the shop with my sister to cash in for my hairdryer. I am not sure that it was even safe to use, it was discoloured and didn’t smell too good when it was in use for longer than a couple of minutes!!

Never fear, it is now in the bin -( the recycling bin of course!)

My new hair care products are fab! Red to co-ordinate with the festive season, I have the hairdryer and straighteners from Diva Chromatix.

This new range of hair care tools will knock your socks off, they look absolutely fab! You can choose from lime green, sky blue, purple haze, raspberry crush, cherry red, citrus orange, bright yellow, purest white and rubberised black. I went for the red and I am delighted with my choice.

As far as hair care goes, the dryer lets me choose from 4 heat settings and 2 speeds. This is a welcome addition as my fussy hair needs the heat but not the speed. Ionic conditioning leaves my hair smooth and frizz free. Chromatix Dynamica 3400 Pro retails at £49.99.

 The Chromatix Intelligent Digital Styler is a tool worth having. I can curl my hair or use this to have it poker straight – and all without any dryness or damage. Argan oil infused plates allow even the fussiest hair to glide smoothly through the styler leaving you with a salon perfect finish every time. RRP £69.99.

I can’t recommend these enough. Any mum would be delighted to receive this set for Christmas. The presentation is superb and the results delivered as claimed – these would top my wish list this year!

For further information www.sallyexpress.com

Michael Van Clarke’s 3’’’ More Inches range.

To follow on after these iconic hair styling tools I have just the thing for mum’s hair this Christmas. Michael Van Clarke’s 3’’’ More Inches range is new and very definitely the ‘in’ hair care products this year. The range has gifts to suit all and I am loving the travel pack – its on my wish list!

‘The 3’’’ More Inches Travel Pack is the perfect pressie for stylish jet setters, as it includes the legendary Pre-wash Treatment, Shampoo and Conditioner all in handy travel sizes. Even better, these goodies come complete with a clear bag ideal for hassle free travelling’  (3″‘ More Inches)

Could you ask for more this Christmas? This is one of the best travel sets I have seen. Extremely well presented, this set looks fab and has all you need for your weekend away. The shampoo smells divine and the conditioner left my hair so easy to comb and style, silky soft and tangle free. RRP £24.50

 

Using oils on your hair is so on trend this year with various different brands and preparations on the market. The 3′” More Inches Magic Oil is well worth buying and I guarantee you will become addicted fast to this super luxurious oil.

 

 

The Magic Oil can be used after washing and also between washes to add some silkiness and luxury to your hair. This is the best oil I have ever used. I use it after washing my hair, between washes and before going out in the evening.  My hair would be fuzzy and very dry and this oil leaves my hair silky smooth and gorgeous – just like a salon finish – I love it!!  RRP £24.50

For further information and to purchase please visit www.vanclarke.com

Braun Face 810 – Facial epilator & cleansing brush 

As this is a new concept I had a good read before I tried the Braun face, I thought I had seen it all so I was delighted with this new innovative technology.

The Braun Face does 2 jobs and they are both as important as each other in my book. Firstly, the Braun face cleanses the skin. This is what Braun are saying:

Facial cleansing – 6x better than manual cleansing

• Removes make-up and impurities pore deep – The cleansing brush gently oscillates to loosen make up, oil and impurities like pollution and dust, for 6x better cleansing than if done manually.

• Refines and exfoliates via micro-oscillations – With hundreds of micro-oscillations per minute, the brush gently but effectively cleanses even sensitive skin.

• For use in your shower routine – Take your new cleansing brush under the shower, it can be used with water and your favourite cleansing gel.

• Brush refills – To maintain top performance and hygiene, renew the brush every 3 months with a new refill. Happy cleansing!

I have tried many cleansers and find the majority either sting my eyes or leave my skin feeling tight. This will not happen with the Braun Face as no cleansing agent is needed, I use this with just water (although Braun say to use any cleanser). Aside from the ultimate clean feel, I love the ‘feel’ of this on my face. I use it morning and night and it is now a part of my routine. The bristles are soft yet they leave my skin smooth, radiant and with a fab glow.

An AA battery is needed and the head is recommended to be changed every 3 months. Aside from this there is no maintenance with the Braun face,  just excellent results.

The other job the Braun Face does very well is epilation.  Braun are saying:

• Slim head for ultimate precision – The slim epilator head was designed for absolute precision on the face.

• 10 micro-openings capture the finest hairs – The micro-openings of the 10 tweezers will catch the finest hairs down to 0.02mm of width, and only 0.5mm of height, so you don’t have to wait for hairs to grow back visibly!

• High frequency plucking – At 200 plucking movement per second, the Braun facial epilator can give you a thoroughly smooth skin for up to 4 weeks in seconds.

• For chin, upper lip, forehead and to maintain eyebrows – From left to right, the two direction switch allows to epilate with ease on both sides of the face.

I have a ‘thing’ about my eyebrows. They are the only part of your face you can change without having serious intervention so it is imperative they are in tip top shape! I used to stare into a mirror scrutinizing my eyebrows when I was younger, comparing them to Cindy Crawfords!!

The Braun Face is a dream come true for me as the epilation has let me throw away my tweezers. Tweezers only remove the hairs you manage to spot and then grasp to pull out. With the Braun Face you need not spot every stray hair, just roll the epilator over the area you want smooth and ta da – all hairs will be removed.  The head is small enough so I can be really precise and I can quickly and easily shape my eyebrows with no tweezers in sight!

With regards to the Braun Face as a gift, I think it would be perfect. There is not a woman on the planet who doesn’t have facial hair in places she wishes it wasn’t and everyone needs to cleanse so why not treat your mum to this excellent package?

The Braun Face is available from Boots stores and online for £49.99, reduced from £69.99

Braun Bonus Edition – Silk-epil 7

If you are willing to spend a little more this Christmas, this is one gift set you should not overlook.

Braun have really ‘pulled out all the stops’ with their bonus edition gift set.

Suitable for use wet and dry, this shaver removes every single hair and leaves skin silky smooth and soft. I love the presentation of the set and that it really does include all you need for exfoliation, cleansing and hair removal.

Braun say the Silk-epil 7 will remove hairs as small as a grain of sand and after trying this theory for myself, I agree! The set included Olay cooling wipes intended for the skin prior to shaving and these are really a treat. They smell gorgeous and make shaving so much easier on the skin.

Different heads are included to suit the underarm, the face and sensitive areas so Braun really have thought of everything!

Despite the many functions and excellent presentation, this set retails at £159.99 and it is now reduced to £99.99 at Boots online and instore.

Simplehuman have got to be the most iconic makers of top quality household equipment from the beginning of time. I have a few of their products from a pet food bin, a household bin and my latest addition is the new and fabulous magnifying sensor mirror!

In my honest opinion there is no better bin on the market than the one I am using – thank you for that simplehuman!

Simplehuman works by simply ‘keeping it simple’ – excuse the pun! The products are not airy fairy and just do exactly as their purpose intends – but do they do this well? Yes, exceptionally well!

The classic, might I add, finger-proof resistant, stainless steel household bin has been a much needed addition to my kitchen. Not only does this bin look fab, it is fab.

Their are 2 compartments, one for general non-recyclable waste and the other for tins, cardboard etc. The depth is perfect – just the right height to hold enough rubbish yet not needing emptied every day. The size of both compartments is also well thought out. This will easily admit a cereal box folded in half, a 2l milk carton and most household recyclable waste.

Now on to the lid! This was definitely the most impressive factor for me. The lid has a trim – a little rim that ruins the length of the lid. Just touch this gently or, as, I do – nudge it with your hip and you have an automatic lid  that opens with the slightest touch. This is mega important when I am rushing to the bin with both my hands full and I give it a bump with my hip and ta da !! Open sesame with the unique touch-bar technology – I love it!

I am sure you can tell how much I love this bin – how can I get so excited by a bin? Well let me tell you. The no. 1 product I use in the kitchen would definitely be the bin so why can’t I have the best on the market? I do all the cooking and cleaning –  (my husband is a lucky man in that department and I do remind him of this!).

The fingerproof resistant stainless steel function is just fab! I had great fun trying this out as this was the first product I would have had in the kitchen with this ‘technology’. My kettle and toaster are also steel but they are definitely not finger-proof resistant – I am constantly wiping finger prints from them. No matter how much touching the bin gets – the fingerprints vanish under my very eyes.

Now on to the price. How much would you pay for a bin of this quality? Well with the ten year guarantee I would be more than happy to recommend this bin as an ‘absolute must’ addition to any kitchen. Simplehuman price it at £149.99 and I totally agree with this. If you have not got the cash at the minute but are so intrigued by my review – write the bin from simplehuman on your Christmas wish list – I guarantee you will not be disappointed!

For further information visit www.simplehuman.com/uk and have a look at the wide selection of bins to suit all styles and decors.

Simplehuman Magnifying Sensor Mirror.

Something a little different now from a bin – I want to tell you about another revolutionary product from simplehuman.

The magnifying sensor mirror is fairly new on the market but boy, is it growing in popularity! My friend has recently started a make-up course and hopes to go into business. This was the make-up mirror she was raving about! I was delighted to have the chance to try this for myself and put forward my own views. I already had a similar mirror which also magnified – a TK Maxx purchase for the grand old price of £39.99 and I was keen to discover if the light up function was a worthwhile addition.

Needless to say my old mirror was moved swiftly into my daughters room – I was definitely hanging onto the sensor simplehuman mirror!

Firstly, the mirror has a very secure base. My previous mirror would have been easily tipped over with all the clutter I have accumulated on my dressing table but the clutter can gather and gather, the simplehuman mirror stays put.

The height is perfect and the size allows for my entire face to be seen. Now on to the revolutionary technology – this mirror is called a sensor mirror for a reason – it actually detects your face moving close and automatically lights up the ‘tru-lex’ LED ring.

The light is as close to natural light as you can possibly get so when applying my make-up I found I was able to achieve a really natural look and when I moved around the house and looked in other mirrors I thought to myself – not a bad job Joan! So many times I have applied my make up and when checking in another mirror the look was completely unnatural.  My make up was far too heavy and I had classic ‘white neck syndrome!’

The simplehuman magnifying sensor mirror can also be adjusted to the correct position to suit the best view – this is also a welcome addition and one that my previous mirror did not have – (although I am sure my daughter will get on fine with that one!)

My new sensor mirror is definitely here to stay – I absolutely love it and it adds instant glam to my dressing table. I feel like a movie star, of sorts, when I am sitting in front of it –  my little bit of posh in the bedroom, along with my husband of course!

Batteries I hear you ask? Well never, not in this day and age. This mirror can easily be charged with its very own USB port just like all the other gadgets you cannot live without.

Need I say more? I don’t think so. If you are at all curious, I urge you to try this and see for yourself how useful it is! Available from several outlets and online stores. RRP £149.99

For further information visit www.simplehuman.com/uk

Just Mustard.

I have added several products from www.justmustard.com to the gift guide for children and I would like to add a very special product from the range to this guide as well.

The Splash Spoon Rest is one of the best ideas I have came across. This is designed to be used next to your cooker although mine is no-where near the kitchen! I have mine in the bathroom!

My bathroom is red and grey and this stunning ‘spoon rest’ is situated on the side of the bath. It looks fab and we use it to hold hairclips and bobbles! Mustard have coordinating products which would also look fab dotted around the house. I am fast becoming addicted to Mustard and I would recommend you discover this site today if you have not as yet. The gifts and homewares are original, iconic and very unusual so you will be sure to find something you like.

For further information visit www.justmustard.com

Bella housewares High Power Whole Fruit Juicer.

I have never owned a juicer until this year – why didn’t someone tell me what I was missing??

With the Whole Fruit Juicer from Bella I can make my own fruit juice in super fast time, and I know exactly whats in it – a major benefit over shop-bought juice.

 

With 2 settings, one for soft fruit and the other for hard fruits, this really is a great ‘all round’ juicer. Highly powered, this juicer will not let you down. Everything I have tried has worked out so I am super impressed. My kitchen is cream and black with a chrome kettle and toaster so my new juicer fits in perfectly with my look.

 

 

 

If someone you are shopping for this Christmas does not have a juicer, this one from Bella is now half price in Argos! I love a bargain and this is certainly excellent value for what it does – did I mention the magnificent cocktails I am now a dab hand at? I can have a mojito made in 3 minutes. Mu juicer blends fruit and ice and anything else you wish to add.

For further information visit www.bellahousewares.co.uk and to purchase for half price – if you are quick – visit www.argos.co.uk

RRP £149.99 down to £74.99 !

 

HoMedics have a great range of gifts this year and some of these would be fantastic for anyone’s mum. I have a few I want to highlight as I was so impressed with the quality and results.

Rokit Gel Polish Professional Kit RRP £99

Nails – how they stress me out! I have to admit I don’t bite my nails but they are so thin and ‘flexable’ I keep them very short as its simply easier. However, coming up to Christmas and the party season, I crave ‘nice’ nails and sometimes I have a gel polish at the local beauticians. The cost limits this as it is certainly not cheap.

The Rokit Gel Polish Professional Kit has all you need to give you stunning at a fraction of the cost – and you don’t have to leave the house!

Kit includes:

• Rokit Professional LED Curing lamp
• 5ml Rokit 1 Step Gel Polish (Shock Pink)
• 50ml Rokit Ready
• 50ml Rokit Remove
• 20 x Lint Free Cleansing Pads, nail file & buffer and cuticle stick

My daughter and I really enjoyed trying the Rokit. The instructions were simple and the results stunning. The kit will allow for up to 10 complete manicures so at £99 this is excellent value. Nails do not need primed and no top coat needed either so all in all this is a very quick fix for your nails.

As for the results compared to a that of a gel polish from a beauty salon, I can honestly say their was no difference apart from the Rokit polish lasting longer! My nails were stronger and they were perfect for 2 weeks – the gel polishes I have had from a beautician would not have stood the test of time as well.

I would not hesitate in recommending this as a Christmas gift as I was impressed with the quality, the results and the value for money. Well worth the mere £99.

 

HoMedics NEWA  RRP £199.99

There is no such a thing as natural beauty and I am doubly sure ‘aging gracefully’ is an illusion! I am all for doing all in my power to age as little as I can and only in the places I prefer!

Realistically, there is no beauty product on the market, nor will there ever be, that will prevent aging and its signs however, there is a way we can slow down the process.

NEWA from HoMedics Newa  ‘is a clinically proven skin rejuvenation system that removes up to 1/3 of wrinkles and lifts and tightens skin better than any cream’ (HoMedics)

I like the NEWA as it is non invasive. Unlike botox, or worse, surgery, the NEWA is painfree and even pleasant on the face, similar to the feeling of a warm massage.

Collagen is responsible for our skins elasticity and this decreases with age. The NEWA can reactivate the skins ability to product collagen which results in firm plump skin and fewer lines. With its revolutionary 3DEEP technology, the NEWA can go where no cream can penetrate, the deep layers on the skin.

Leading dermatological clinics around the world support this technology and if you have a look at the figures here, the statistics are pretty impressive as well. Despite its ability, the NEWA is only £199.99 making this an extremely good investment in yourself and your skin.

For further information visit www.hoMedics.co.uk

ShiatsuMax Back and Shoulder Massager CBS-1000-GB

I adore this chair, trust me, this chair will do for you what no therapist ever could!

I have had physio in the past and because of increasing costs and the fact that the sessions only lasted 15 minutes, I reasoned with myself – why not try a massage chair?

When you compare this chair to the cost of a few sessions with a physio, it is in no way expensive.

The ShiatsuMax 2 in 1 back and shoulder massager is, without a doubt, the most wonderful invention on the planet. I adore this chair and have declared it as ‘mine’ within our household.

I ‘slipped a disc’ earlier this year and this chair works very well. Muscles are massaged in almost the same way as a hands-on therapist would. I feel  soothed and relaxed, both back and shoulders. Tension is released with the deep kneading shiatsu massage and this is absolutely brilliant. Part of my backache was related to muscle spasm and this chair has put an end to that! The massage also has a rolling mechanism to give the ultimate relaxation feeling with width adjustment stretches.

This model has several new features which add to the appeal. Vibrations massage the upper legs and thighs and the sides provide extra comfort giving feeling of support. With 14 massage programs varying in intensity this is one of the top massage chairs I have had the pleasure of using.

Anyone even thinking about investing in a ShiatsuMax Back and Shoulder Massager I can highly recommend this and it is definitely one of the best and most useful Christmas gifts mum will receive this year.

Available from Amazon and other online retailers  RRP £249.99

Vaseline gifts for Christmas 2014.

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.

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!

Vaseline Pink Crest Lip Tin Gift Pack RRP £6.50

I also like this little gift bag with a handcream and lip tint included. This is a super stocking filler or even as a teachers gift as it only costs £6. The hand and nail lotion is excellent, I have been using this for over a year now and love the non-greasy formula and simple scent.

Vaseline Make-up Bag Collection RRP £6

Check out the range available online and from Boots, superdrug and several other supermarkets.

Radox Relaxing Bath Set.

Another excellent gift for anyone, but mum’s in particular, is the Radox Relaxing Bath Set – although I am sure my kids are a pleasure to teach, this set will help teacher unwind and relax after looking after all the other kids who may present themselves as a challenge (not mine!)

This set can be picked up in a number of places and is really good value at only £7.50. It contains a full size lavender scented Radox Relax bath soak and rose scented Radox Moisture bath soak along with a gorgeous scented co-ordinating candle.  £7.50 is great value for money for a really beautiful and useful set.

Ginvera Gift Box.

If you are looking for a gift set which is a ‘extra special’  have a look at Ginvera.

Ginvera Green Tea Skincare have been the leading skincare brand in Singapore for years and now Janiro Ltd are bring these fab products to the UK.

The gift sets are amazing and I have selected one in particular which contains Ginvera’s ‘hero’ products – Exfoliating Marvel Gel and Award winning BB Nude Cover Cream.

Contents:

Ginvera Green Tea Exfoliating Marvel Gel
Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream 25ml SPF30
Beautiful Handmade Lemon Grass Scented candle
Ginvera cotton bag

RRP £35.95

The Green Tea Exfoliating Marvel Gel is simply ‘marvelous’ – containing no abrasive ingredients yet your skin will feel completely cleansed and smooth. This paves the way for other products to absorb into the skin as they are intended to. I also noticed a reduction in spots and blackheads which is a result of the gentle exfoliation and the healing properties of green tea. RRP £19.95

The BB cream is just super if you have a fast paced lifestyle like myself. No need for make-up or moisturiser, just a quick application of the BB cream and you are set to go. The nude, yet adequate, coverage stays put all day and does not dry out skin. There is also the added benefit of spf30 which also reduces skin aging by blocking out the harmful and aging effects from the sun. RRP £17.95

The set is presented beautifully and is definitely one of the most beautiful sets I have see. I love it and urge you to try it and see for yourself the power of the active ingredients and the lasting results.

For further information visit www.janiro.co.uk

Benecos Natual Care Gift Set.

I cannot mention excellent gift sets and not include Benecos. Natural skincare has always a huge place on Pampered Presents and once again, I have the pleasure of featuring something I am passionate about.

As far as natural skincare goes Benecos is by far one of the most inexpensive yet the most impressive. They have a fab gift set for Christmas containing 3 products. The set is well presented and the packaging of the individual products looks very impressive indeed.

‘The gorgeous Benecos Gift Set includes the body moisturising benecos Body Cream, the skin protecting benecos Shower Gel and the popular benecos Hand Cream all this for only £10.95’ (Benecos)

I love the smell of the body cream. With organic ingredients of calendula, wild rose, linden flower and burdock this cream applies smoothly and absorbs leaving soft non-greasy skin. 

The shower gel also contains an organic mix of ingredients which includes Elderberry, calendula and burdock. This super smelling cream gently foams to cleanse and leave skin moisturised.

As for the hand cream – there is no wonder this is such a popular product! I adore this cream. My hands wouldn’t be the best and I would continually have trouble especially in the winter. Its difficult to find a really good hand cream which won’t leave your hands greasy.

The Benecos Natural Hand Cream for happy hands will leave your hands silky smooth and non greasy, both protecting and moisturising in one! Now where can you pick up a brilliant natural hand cream for £2.95?? Amazing value!

For further information visit www.benecos.co.uk

Sealy Posturepedic Pocket Springback Pillow.

A pillow? I hear you ask – how is that a good present? Well let me tell you – I was over the moon to receive this pillow and my mum will be finding one in her Christmas package from the family. Having suffered with back and neck pain for years I consider myself somewhat of a pillow expert. There is no pillow I have not tried (almost) and I find myself very miffed if I go to bed and discover hubby has hogged MY pillow.

Sealy are well known as experts on nighttime comforts with their super range of both pillows and mattresses. It was no surprise to me that I immediately fell in love with this posturepedic pillow from Sealy.

Pocket springback basically means this pillow will give gentle support while supporting the natural curve of the spine. Shape is maintained after use and memory foam, as always, gives the ultimate in comfort.

My pillow is classed as ‘soft support’ although there is a surprising amount of support despite this.  As well as retaining shape my pillow has remained plump, unlike other pillows I’ve had over the years which all seemed to go flat and stay flat despite my best efforts to “re-plump”. The Selay posturedic pillow provides excellent neck support, something that I find quite important.

This pillow and many others can be found at www.thebeddingcompany.co.uk  and also in various department stores.

RRP £41.99

Betterlife from Lloyds Pharmacy.

In keeping with the ‘snuggly’ theme I have a couple of ideas from Betterlife by Lloyds pharmacy that will be sure to keep mum cosy this Christmas.

Betterlife offer items which help the elderly to maintain independent living safely and they have a fab range of gifts for this Christmas.

For mums, in particular, I love the ‘Heated Snuggle Cape’ and ‘Heated Foot Warmer’. Both these items would make for a perfect gift this winter. I have tried both of them and they are excellent. The heated cape is soft, cosy and just what all mums need now the temperature has dropped. There are 6 settings and it will turn off after 3 hours – a welcome benefit as I can see how snuggling under this cape would put anyone to sleep!

The ‘Heated Foot Warmer’ is just as soft and I have used it while working on the computer at night. There is a draft from my front door and my feet are usually freezing – workstation is also in the hall. I have used this for the last few weeks and now my husband wants one as well!

These can be purchased separately but you save £30 when they are bought together. RRP £69.98

For further information visit www.betterlife.co.uk or visit your local Lloyds Pharmacy.

QVS Make-up Brushes, Tools and Accessories.

 I simply have to include these fab brushes from QVS. They can be picked up while you are doing your weekly shop whether that be Asda, Tesco or even Amazon – how handy is that? Simply pop one of these into your shopping trolley each week for a few weeks and by December you will have a lovely collection of brushes to present on Christmas Day.

Bonus feature! – these brushes will fill a stocking perfectly!

My favorite brush and the most used from my make-up bag has got to be my bronzer brush. It is no easy task shopping for one of these brushes as I have had several in the past which looked super but they left most of the hair from the brush on my face – there is nothing as irritating!

Natural bristles work best so definitely check out these brushes. They feel fabulously soft, the bristles stay on the brush and the head of the brushes keep their shape – this goes for the foundation brush as well which leave your make-up very easy to apply.

I love the brush kits but its also great the brushes can be bought separately to allow you to build up your own tailored collection.

QVS also have grooming kits as shown below which would compliment the brush kits and ‘bulk’ up your gift if necessary.

Bronzer Brush RRP £6.98

Professional Brush Set RRP £13.98

For further information visit www.qvsbeauty.co.uk

Aqua Sphere Kaiman Exo swimming goggles.

My daughter has these swimming goggles and no Christmas Gift Guide would be complete without them. I feel I have to justify their inclusion as goggles are not your typical Christmas gift, however, isn’t a gift more appreciated if it is desired and useful?

If your mum swims or you have a swimmer in the family you have got to check out the range of goggles from Aqua Sphere. The Kaiman Exo were released for men in February and now they female version is available. They really have to be tried to be believed. My daughter is 11yrs so wears adult sizes – Aqua Sphere also cater for children.

Jenny was delighted with these goggles. They fit well, are easily adjusted and keep the water out with a super efficient and comfortable seal. They also look great!

We have went through so many pairs of goggles and my kids have broken dozens of pairs in attempts to adjust the fit. These goggles are here to stay and I have purchased 2 additional pairs for my other children. These are definitely one of the BEST items I have ever tested.

For further information visit www.aquasphereswim.com  RRP £22.99

Aldi Special Buys this November.

I am going to finish off this gift guide with a few ideas for ‘budget’ gifts for mums.

I have been addicted to Aldi for years and they never cease to impress with their quality, value for money and range of products – I go to Aldi for milk and come home with a snowboard and a Christmas tree!

Aldi have some great items in the November special buys which would be fab for Christmas gifts.

Recently I have been sent some samples to try and I was delighted with them, especially with parka coat.

‘Both fashionable and practical, wrap up in this Parka Jacket (£29.99) to keep warm on your walk. With a fleece-lined collar and detachable hood with removable fur trim, you can customise this jacket to suit the weather and ensure that you’re always at the correct temperature’ (Aldi)

When the coat arrived and I couldn’t wait to try it. The temperature had recently dropped and I was dreading the school runs where I stand in the playground waiting on my children – why are my kids always the last to come out of the school and why do they always have to be sent back in for their lunchbox and PE kits? I seem to spend at least 20 mins standing in the playground freezing with my hands shoved as far as possible into my pockets.

The parka coat from Aldi is warm as toast. The zip goes right up to my chin – I love it when I can bury my neck in a coat and keep snug! I also like the fur trim hood giving this coat a fashionable touch and added warmth against freezing Irish weather.

I was also sent a fleece – a PINK fleece!  This is class for indoor use and outdoor use, even under the coat. The fleece is bright and modern with zipped pockets. Warm and cosy yet stylish, I don’t think I have taken this off from it arrived!

To co-ordinate, I have equally as warm and cosy socks. These are colourful but thats not why I like them!

The ankle and arch support is hard to beat. This added padding is slight so as not to feel like a raised bulge, but soft and supportive enough to give a whole lot of extra comfort to your feet. They are made with added  wool so perfect for those who are prone to ‘cold feet’.

A list of the products available can be found below but don’t delay, these sell out fast.

Product	Price
Memory Foam Insoles	£1.79
Coolmax Liner Sock 2pk	£3.49
Wool Midweight Walking Socks	£3.99
Torch & Headlight Set	£4.99
Gaiters	£4.99
Automatic Umbrella	£4.99
Men’s/Ladies’ Bamboo Base Layer	£4.99
Walking Pole	£4.99
Outdoor Backpack	£5.99
Men’s/Ladies’ Outdoor Thermal Base Layer	£9.99
Men’s/Ladies’ Structured Fleece	£9.99
Ladies’ Thermal Outdoor Trousers	£11.99
Men’s Thermal Outdoor Trousers	£11.99
Walking Shoes	£14.99
Men’s/Ladies’ Softshell Stretch Trousers	£14.99
Ladies’ Walking Boots	£19.99
Men’s Walking Boots	£19.99
Men’s/Ladies’ Parka Jacket	£29.99

For further information visit www.aldi.co.uk

 

Karrimor D30 Excel Dual woman’s running shoes.

When we are on the subject of the outdoors and outdoor gifts I have to give these Karrimor running shoes a mention. I have recently given these to my daughter and am including them in the gift guide for mums as they are fantastic – and I would personally love them myself!

 

 

These are first and foremost running shoes. Not intended for prancing around the gym, (although they do look fab), these trainers are the real deal.

They are super lightweight so you really do feel like you are running barefoot. The soles are incredibly soft and cushioned they will propel you for miles without ever feeling like you have your feet in shoes at all. Socks do not rub against your heels or toes in these shoes. My daughter is so fussy with her footwear and is continually putting shoes on and then off until they feel comfortable – not the case with these. They were comfortable from the first fitting.

Despite the light weight and the cushioned sole, these shoes also offer brilliant support – I noticed that from my fitting. My previous trainers would have been comfortable initially but after 3 miles or so I would be conscious of my foot arch becoming painful and cramping. If any of this sounds familiar, the D30 Excel Duo running shoes are what you are looking for – perfect for anyone’s Christmas wish list!

Product details:

> Flat/normal arch
> Lace up
> Padded heel and ankle
> Breathable mesh upper
> D3O impact protection technology
> Breathable insole
> Textile/Synthetic upper, Textile inner, Synthetic sole

There is more good news – they are presently reduced from £139.99 to £69.99!  For further information visit www.karrimor.com