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Shepherd Neame and Kent Crisps

camping, Family Life, Food & Drink, snacks, Summer

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Brewers Shepherd Neame have come together with Kent Crisps to create a tasty flavour for summer; the Shepherd Neame Beef Brisket & Stout flavour crisps. Shepherd Neame’s Iron Wharf Stout was launched last year, taking its name from Faverham’s famous wharf. You can see the historical significance of the stout from Kent with HMS Cavalier on the packet, docked at Chatham Dockyard.

The new Beef Brisket & Stout flavour is the eighth flavour in the hand-cooked range of Kent Crisps. Other flavours include Sea Salt, Ham & Mustard, Smoked Chipotle Chili, Oyster & Vinegar and Ashmore Cheese & Onion. The range of flavours is testament to the quality that Kent Crisps aspires to and the extra flavour this year is no exception. We were sent samples of each of the flavours, and yes I’m sitting here eating the Smoked Chipotle Chilli flavour as I write!

Kent Crisps’ Beef Brisket & Stout flavour really tastes like beef. Not just beef, but beef brisket and the after taste of the crisps is that of the stout. I’ve not enjoyed a glass of Shepherd Neame’s Iron Wharf Stout yet, but this crisp flavour definitely has the stout flavouring as a chaser. My other favourite flavours were Ham & Mustard and the Smoked Chipotle Chilli. If you’re not familiar with chipotle, it’s a Mexican sauce which has become very popular in the last decade, and the chilli flavour is again an after taste on these crisps which leave a slightly ‘hot’ flavour as if you were eating a Mexican burrito.

As for the crisps, Kent Crisps are known for their quality and being hand cooked in Kent, they have a very short distance to go until they get to your favourite pub! All of the crisps are fresh, covered in flavour and easy to eat with the potatoes grown in Kent.

Kent Crisps and the Beef Brisket and Stout flavour from Shepherd Neame are available now in crisps or online at Kent Crisps.

Available from £19.50 for a box of 20 at: https://kentcrisps.com/shop/

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Him, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift isn’t always easy, especially with the cost of living still squeezing budgets. Aftershave is always a good present to buy and with so many different fragrances available it’s easy to find one that suits both your dad’s personality and your budget. Superdrug have some brilliant offers on at the moment, so whether your Dad likes something classic, fresh and clean or a little more sophisticated there’s plenty to choose from without spending a fortune. These two are a couple of my favourites and both are currently reduced – which is even better!

The Artiscent Male Gift Set (usually £10 and currently £5) contains three 20ml fragrances Cedar Blanc, Musk Dore and Vettiver Arome, all created in Paris, the home of prestige perfumery. They come in smart dark blue glass bottles and are surprisingly good dupes for Paco Rabanne Invictus, Paco Rabanne 1 Million and Bleu de Chanel. The fragrances are fresh, wearable and ideal for everyday use and while they don’t quite have the staying power of the designer versions, they’re a fraction of the price. The smaller bottles are also perfect for chucking into a washbag or gym bag, making them ideal for travelling too. Whether your dad prefers crisp and sporty scents or something slightly warmer and muskier, this set gives him a few different options to try without the designer price tag attached.

If you’d rather go for a recognisable designer fragrance, then Versace The Dreamer is a really good buy. Ordinarily the 100ml bottle retails at £78, but it is currently on offer at Superdrug for only £21.84, which is an absolute bargain. With fresh notes of juniper, tarragon and artemisia, balanced with softer floral hints of iris and lily and a warm amber and tobacco base, Versace The Dreamer is one of those really easy fragrances to wear because it feels fresh and masculine without being too heavy or overpowering. Whether Dad wears it for work, weekends or going out for dinner, it’s the kind of classic scent that never really goes out of style,

CUKTECH 15 Power Bank Air

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Tech, travel

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

I love a gadget, and this power bank is perfect for a Father’s Day gift!

The CUKTECH 15 Power Bank Air holds enough power to recharge your iPhone 17 by 1.6 times or a Samsung S25 Ultra about 2.2 times over. That’s only for phones, it can power laptops too with 65W Fast Charging, which is enough to power a Mac Book Air from zero to 48%.

The slim design is deceptively heavy though! It’s enough to carry all that power but is about the size of a phone just fatter. It does mean that it fits into a pocket or hand luggage, and it would comfortably fit into a handbag too but it comes with a cosy bag to keep it in, along with the USB-C cable. The front of the power bank has a display which tells you the percentage charge already on the power bank, plus how long it will take to charge fully or how much charge it has left through each of the ports. Speaking of which, you can charge to and from the CUKTECH 15 with a Type-C2, Type-C2 and USB-A1 ports. The screen goes dark when not in use but the button at the side lights it up again so you can see the stats as it charges. The three different ports mean you can power up to three appliances all at once too.

You can charge up the CUKTECH with the provided cable. To change the direction of charge, click the side button twice and the display changes. Keep clicking and it allows you to change the display and setting so that the screen stays on and it shows you which port is being used to charge in or out of the power bank, and how long it takes to charge and the percentage. You can even change the display to be upside down so that you use it on the go or if it’s in a pocket!

At around £50, it’s not a bad price for a power bank on the market, as there are a lot out there which aren’t as compact or as useful, and having the ability to charge 3 appliances at once is definitely a benefit. The cable is a bit short though, especially if you have the charger in your pocket and you’re trying to walk and text at the same time, and you would have to source other cables for the other ports if your appliance didn’t already come with one, but they can all be poppled in the supplied bag so that you can carry them with you. Although it’s heavy too, it’s not any heavier than other power banks, and that’s because of the nature of the battery it contains.

The CUKTECH 15 Power Bank is a really useful gift and a great surprise for Father’s Day as something that is actually helpful to everyday life.

Available from £49.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FNQK3VHZ?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_P8ESV8CN44BP0FR26YKP&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_P8ESV8CN44BP0FR26YKP&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_P8ESV8CN44BP0FR26YKP

Tessan PD20W Universal Power Adaptor

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Stocking Fillers, Tech

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

For the Dads who travel for work, or just those Dads who are always prepared, the Tessan PD20W is a travel adapter for almost everywhere in the world, allowing him to plug in to a socket and use any appliance he’s taken with him.

The small, palm sized adaptor has 3 plugs to fix into a wall socket throughout the world; the sockets included are for the USA or Japan, Australia and the UK, meaning you can use it in Britain too if you have sockets or cables from elsewhere in the world. The front of the adaptor has 4 sockets in total. The first one is the AC socket which is commonly used in the US. Underneath, you have the USB-A, USB-C2 and USB-C1 sockets for cables. This is usually for charging phones and small appliances such as cameras and tablets. The three different sizes means it works on most modern appliances so there’s no need to bring anything else when you’re abroad.

The small, lightweight design has retractable plugs which pack away nicely, and can be turned out when ready to use. They are designed so that when one plug is being used, no others can be utilised so as not to interfere with the supply. They’re a bit clunky and all open in different ways but once you work out that one them slides, one of them flips and other one has to be prised out, you get the gist of it!

Charging is fairly quick on the Tessan PD20W Power adapter, given that it’s not a charger just an adapter. I could plug in my phone and it gives about 10% charge in 30 minutes, but that isn’t what the adapter is for. It’s mainly for being about use foreign sockets and plug in USB plugs but if you do need to charge a phone or appliance, you can charge overnight.

The Tessan PD20W is small enough that it can be packed away in your luggage or hand luggage and used anywhere abroad. For going on holiday or for the Dads in your life, it’s a nifty gadget that will be used again and again but will benefit everyone.

Currently available for £17.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0C1NRTR81/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=b0b68efcc7ecaa3dbd3e6bcea53d4618&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1770721697&sr=1-2-e0fa1fdd-d857-4087-adda-5bd576b25987&aref=pJEjmdvY48&ref_=sbx_s_sparkle_sbtcd_asin_1_title&pd_rd_w=E5nIF&content-id=amzn1.sym.7d8787df-7d4c-460d-ab31-21b0ba272b2f%3Aamzn1.sym.7d8787df-7d4c-460d-ab31-21b0ba272b2f&pf_rd_p=7d8787df-7d4c-460d-ab31-21b0ba272b2f&pf_rd_r=MTEFXKDHG0PHPCRVZ25S&pd_rd_wg=TbzsW&pd_rd_r=9ab1dc17-2e36-4d8a-b08f-50f8737b3f5c&th=1

Cups Full Coffee Bags

camping, coffee, Food & Drink, hiking, National Walking Month, Sport, Summer, travel, Winter

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

It’s National Hiking Month and the perfect opportunity to share some great hiking gear with you. Now this one might surprise you, because it’s not the first thing people shout about when they’re planning a hike… but it’s something lots of us take anyway, usually sloshing around in a flask……….Coffee.

If you’re someone who actually enjoys a decent cup rather than just a caffeine fix, then carrying a pre-made flask can be a bit of a gamble. A few hours in and it starts to become a little tired and can taste bitter and isn’t really what you want when you stop for a well earned drink. Lately I’ve switched to taking a small stove so that I can make a fresh brew when I’m out on the fells, it only takes a few minutes and tastes a lot better and while I’m waiting for it to brew I can sit and enjoy the view. I’d usually pack tea bags, mainly because I’ve never been a fan of instant coffee, but discovering Cups Full coffee bags has definitly changed that. They’re very similar to a tea bag, but filled with ground coffee instead.

Once my water has boiled I can pop the coffee bag into my cup and just like tea, leave it to brew for three to four minutes, or a little longer if I want it stronger. I then give it a quick squeeze before taking it out and I’ve got a freshly brewed cup of coffee which can be enjoyed with very little effort. At home I’d always add milk, but when I’m out walking I just drink it black and once I’m finished, the used bag goes into a small plastic bag to take home, ready for the compost heap later.

I hadn’t heard of Cups Full before but they are a small startup company based in Hackney who offer three different types of coffee in individual 9 gram bags. They are proud that they know the journey from bean to cup and support communities all along their supply chain meaning each time you enjoy a cup of coffee from Cups Full you are supporting early education and local economies.

Their coffee bags are sold in bags of 10 and I found a zip seal pouch with three bags fits perfectly into my stove bag and means I can have a couple of drinks whilst walking and save one for when I get back to the car.

Obviously the taste is what really matters and these coffees are quite smooth, not bitter and very easy to drink. At home I tend to use a filter machine or stove-top espresso maker but at work we’re limited to instant(!) so these are a much better option and I’ve been enjoying having a decent cup of coffee at work as well as when I’ve been out walking.

Cups Full make three different blends Pace is a blend of 100% arabica coffee and packs a generous 113mg+ of caffeine per bag, enough to get you moving without fuss or delay. This South American blend with origins in Peru and Honduras is ideal first thing in the morning when you need a caffeine boost to start the day.

Peace has a much lower caffeine level with under 44mgs per 9g bag. Sourced from Brazil and Vietnam it is a coffee for people who enjoy coffee and don’t need the caffeine boost.

Power is the coffee you need when you’re on a long walk to give you a boost. The clue is in the name and with 144mg+ of caffeine per bag this is the one to reach for on night hikes or at work if you’ve not had much sleep the night before.

I have to say that I enjoyed these three coffee blends more than any coffee I have had for a long time and they now have a permanent place in my rucksack (and desk)!

Cups Full coffee bags come in a resealable pouch with 10 bags for £11.95 or you can buy all three as a bundle saving 20%.

Stabilo Pens

Birthday Gifts, Children, eco friendly, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Stationery, Sustainable

Disclaimer: we received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

We are heading into revision season and for many students (and parents) it can feel a bit overwhelming, so anything that brings a little spark of motivation is worth its weight in gold. When it comes to choosing stationery STABILIO is a name I trust and gravitate towards as they have such a fantastic selection of stationery in a rainbow of colours, which are perfect for making students feel in control of their revision.

A set of highlighters is essential when revising and the STABILO Boss Original highlighters, which are available in bright, vibrant colours, make key points easy to spot. Their special anti-drying technology gives you up to four hours cap-off time, which is ideal for those slightly chaotic study sessions. The wedge tip gives you flexibility for both neat underlining and broader highlighting, and the fact they’re refillable is a great bonus for reducing waste. With 30 shades available, from neon to pastel to nature tones, there’s plenty of scope to colour-code your notes in a way that works for you.

Writing in different colours can help highlight information and help students remember information and the STABILO Point 88 pens with a 4mm tip are great for note taking, report writing, and even a spot of doodling! With a metal-enclosed tip and excellent dry-out protection these pens are a particular favourite of mine. They can be purchased in a variety of different sized packs from individual pens right up to a fantastic set of 65! The pens are the distinctive orange hexagonal design and have caps the colour of the ink for easy identification. The colours are bright and vibrant the ink flows very smoothly, they also dry really quickly so you don’t get any smudges on your work.

When you’ve a lot of writing to do then the STABILO 4 Pointball pen is the one to choose. With a rubberised grip they’re designed to be used for longer periods of time without your hand complaining! The pens are smooth to write with and are also eco friendly with the pen body made from 87 % ISCC PLUS-certified bio-based plastic (mass balance), reducing CO₂ consumption compared with fossil-based plastic. Once the ink has run out it can be replaced with a STABILO Ballpoint Refill. There’s six different colours to choose from so you can make your notes stand out.

Whilst new stationery won’t do the revision for you, it will make the process feel more organised, more enjoyable, and a little less daunting. And with the right tools in hand, there’s every chance that all the hard work will have paid off when results day arrives!

JLab JBuds Open Sport Earbuds

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, National Walking Month, Tech

Disclaimer: we received this product free of charge for the purpose of the review and all thoughs and opinions are our own.

May is National Walking Month so I’m taking every opportunity I can to get outdoors and walk as much as I can. When I’m walking alone, I quite often catch up on podcasts or listen to music and wear a pair of open-ear headphones rather than standard ones so that I am still aware of my surroundings. I do prefer earbuds to earphones so was really pleased when I received the JLab JBuds Open Sport Earbuds which fit over the ear with a flexible earhook and I have to say I’m really impressed with them. They are very comfortable to wear and are surprisingly light and as they are sweat and dustproof they’re ideal for sporty people. As a glasses wearer, I wasn’t sure if the hook would interfere with my glasses but there was no problem, even when I wore them for a full day.

Setting up the earbuds was simple, my Android phone automatically offered to pair with them and the Bluetooth Multipoint feature allowed me to pair with my Laptop at the same time. The JLab app has all the usual options, I can setup different equaliser configurations or change the touch controls (or turn them off) and check for updates for the firmware. Once setup though there is little need for the app and they could be used without ever opening it.

Because they don’t block outside sounds, they are also perfect to wear at work. Ordinarily I wear a headset for Teams meetings and phone calls, but it can get uncomfortable after a few hours so wearing these is a lot better. I can hear what the callers are saying and still pick up the chat from the rest of the office. My only criticism is that the clarity of my voice isn’t quite as clear as with my normal headphones and a couple of colleagues have mentioned that my voice sounds a little tinny, but they are more comfortable to wear and hopefully this is something that can be addressed in a future firmware update.

The battery life on them is good, I’ve been wearing them all morning, putting them into the charging case over my lunch break and then wearing them all afternoon but they do have an impressive 26 hour battery life so if I’m out on a long walk I don’t need to worry about the battery running out.

The JLab JBuds Open Sport wireless earbuds are perfect for those with active lifestyles, offering a whole new way to tune into your favourite music whilst exercising.

RRP £79.99

Lee Stafford Hyaluronic Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner

beauty, Gifts for Her, haircare, Women

Disclaimer – We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

I have curly hair which is currently very dry and frizzy and in desperate need of some TLC, so I was really pleased when a parcel containing the new Lee Stafford Hyaluronic Hydration shampoo and conditioner arrived on my doorstep.

In celebration of 25 years in the hair game, Lee Stafford London has recently launched this new ultra-hydrating range and they are just what my curls have been crying out for. There are four products in the range – shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and scalp water and they are all designed to be used on dry, hydrated hair, promising to boost hydration by a whopping 92%.

Like a lot of curly haired people, I use a lot of styling products on my hair so need a good, deep cleansing shampoo to bring my curls back to life. This shampoo is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Pro-Vitamin B5 & Aloe Vera and lathers very easily, lifting away all the dirt, oil and product build up and and after only one use I could see an improvement in my curls. It also has a lovely fragrance which lingers nicely on my hair.

Conditioner is where things get serious for curly hair, and this one is fantastic. Like the shampoo it is enriched with is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Pro-Vitamin B5 & Aloe Vera and the rich, creamy conditioner is very easy to smooth through my hair and I found detangling was much less of a battle than normal.

After using these products for a couple of weeks I am hooked, my curls are shinier, feel nourished and look more defined. I’ve also found that when I blow-dry my hair my curls last longer and look far better on day 2 and 3 than usual.

I’m really impressed with these products which have taken my curls from dry and unruly to glossy and defined in only a couple of washes. If your hair is crying out for hydration but you still want something affordable and beautifully scented, this range is definitely worth trying.

RRP £12.99 but the range is currently on offer at half price at Boots

Vamoosh Laundry Cleaning for Pets

Family Life, Home, Home & Garden, kitchen appliances, Spring

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Spring time, and now’s the perfect time to do a proper deep clean, as well as start new habits. Vamoosh sent us some products from their range which help owners of pets as well as cleaning the appliances. I received the Vamoosh Washing Machine Cleaner in Pink Grapefruit fragrance, Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver and Vamoosh Hair Shield Fabric Conditioner.

I started with the Vamoosh Washing Machine Cleaner, not just so that I had a clean washing machine to compare the products with, but because my washer dryer wasn’t drying properly, I needed to clean it properly. To do a deep clean, you use a whole packet of the Washing Machine Cleaner on the hottest, longest wash and let Vamoosh do its magic. It dissolves hair (both human and pet!) but also anything else caught in the mechanics which is organic. This could be fluff, dirt and trapped fibres. After the washing machine clean, I took out the filter and it was almost 100% clean of fibres and hair, and my washing machine was back to doing what it does best!

The Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver works especially well on pet beds and clothing. Where fur hair gets entwined in the knit of fabrics, it can be difficult to remove and a build up over time compromises the quality of the material. Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver works by breaking down the pet hairs and releasing them from the fibres, and also helps with clothes that are covered in human hair, and as a human with long hair, I need this! The Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver worked on my jumpers that had pilling too, reducing the matting that happens naturally with wear over time.

Lastly, the Vamoosh Hair Shield Fabric Conditioner was the most surprising. I used it in conjunction with the Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver as a normal fabric conditioner. It did the job of conditioning clothes, by my jumper came out of the washing machine with visibly less pilling and no knots of hairs on the surface. I could see that the fluffy fabrics had been ‘tamed’ and looked neater than usual. I’ve only used the conditioner once on this jumper, but I’m looking forward to using it in the future to see if it can bring some life back to some of my old clothes!

Vamoosh products available in supermarkets and online at:

www.vamooshcleans.com

Vamoosh Hair Shield Fabric Conditioner £6.99: https://vamooshcleans.com/products/vamoosh-hair-shield-fabric-conditioner

Vamoosh Washing Machine Cleaner £9.99: https://vamooshcleans.com/products/washing-machine-cleaner-pink-grapefruit-for-deep-cleaning-washing-machines

Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver £14.99: https://vamooshcleans.com/products/vamoosh-6-sachets

Moderato Alcohol-Free French Wine

Christmas, Days Out, Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, health, Summer

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

The French (wine) Revolution is here! Moderato wines are all alcohol-free but are still French beauties with Cuvee, Colombard white wine and the Gros Manseng Merlot. We were sent a bottle of each to try this summer and to sample how good alcohol free wine can be.

We started with the La Cuvée, a light sparkling wine with a slightly acidic taste from the Merlot grapes. It has less than 0.5% of alcohol (they have to give it a slight alcohol rating due to the way it’s fermented) but it doesn’t have the alcohol taste to it. Instead, it’s an effervescent glass which is excellent for summer. I would drink this with a main meal or on its own. It also has fewer calories than wine, so if you’re not drinking it for the low alcohol, it’s perfect for a low calorie diet!

The Colombard is a traditional-tasting white, with citrus flavours and the sharpness that can only be found with white wines. This is also <0.5% alcohol and 7x fewer calories than other white wines and has the white wine fragrance to it too. I would drink this on its own, after work or in the garden in the summer.

The Gros Manseng Merlot is rosé with a softer fruity flavour compared to its Merlot cousin. It’s definitely a summer drink with lots of energy and a beautiful red fruit uplift. This is great with food or on its own but lives in summer thanks to the fruity nature of the wine. It doesn’t taste alcohol free either which is a brilliant achievement, even if it is made by the French experts!

All three of the wines are part of a larger range by Moderato to have alcohol free (or sans alcool in French, as the bottles proclaim) that add to your summer without needing alcohol. Delicious!

Gros Manseng £14: https://le-moderato.com/en/products/alcohol-free-rose-revolutionary-cuvee-merlot-gros-manseng-1

Colombard £14: https://le-moderato.com/en/products/alcohol-free-white-wine-colombard-revolutionary-cuvee

La Cuvée £14.50: https://le-moderato.com/en/products/the-sparkling-revolutionary-cuvee-blanc-de-noir-without-alcohol

Cuvée Révolutionnaire

Father’s Day Gifts at Popcorn Shed

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Him, Lunchbox Fillers, secret santa, snacks, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Yes, Father’s Day is notoriously difficult to buy gifts for Dad! He has everything, but suddenly there are more items available in the shops but they are all either whiskey flavoured, or have some element remodelled in leather. Don’t get me started on the amount of beers on the shelves at this time too. Popcorn Shed has a massive range of popcorn all year round, so we were sent a selection of popcorn flavours which are available on the website and can be sent as a bundle. We had the Popcorn Shed flavours Pop ‘n’ Choc, Salted Caramel and Say Cheese! Sent to us to try. Before you ask, they didn’t last long…

Each ‘shed’ (ie packet of popcorn) is 80 grams of popcorn. The Salted Caramel and Say Cheese flavours are both bestsellers and winners of the Great Taste award. 80 grams doesn’t sound like a lot but if you remember that popcorn is very light, it makes sense to say that each shed is about big enough for 2 people to share for a movie night, or the equivalent of a small mixing bowl size.

My favourite of the flavours was Pop ‘n’ Choc, and not just because I love chocolate! You can taste the chocolate easily but it isn’t too sweet and the popcorn, although a bit sticky, isn’t too difficult to eat because it’s stuck together or gets stuck in your teeth. The Salted Caramel flavour was probably the easiest to eat out of all three because it had a strong flavour without being overpowering and was still sweet, as you would expect popcorn to be. Finally, the Say Cheese flavour was the last one I tried. I’m not used to savoury popcorn but this is the most popular of savoury flavours after the plain salted variety and I was surprised. It’s not a very strong flavour, thankfully, as although I love cheese I couldn’t imagine it on popcorn. However, as it’s a savoury taste, it goes better with wine or spirits rather than sugary cocktails. It’s a light, delicate cheese flavour rather than the processed type. I also noticed that all of the popcorn is ‘popped’ so there are no un-popped kernels in the bottom of the bag.

Popcorn Shed is a lovely gift for Dad, or Grandad, that they don’t have to pretend to like! With all the flavours available online you will surely be able to find something that’s delicious!

Popcorn Sheds available from £4.75 at: https://www.popcornshed.com/collections/gourmet-popcorn-sheds

Sponge Cake Cards & The Legends Brownie Box from Sponge

beauty, camping, eco friendly, Fashion, Fitness, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Gluten Free, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Cakes for all occasions! Sponge send cakes that are, “Brilliant cake. Bold flavour. A little bit cheeky” and we couldn’t agree more. Why send just a card when a piece of cake and a card will make them feel more special? If you’re anything like me, Father’s Day is an especially difficult day to buy for so Sponge make it easier!

Sponge.co.uk have a selection of cake pieces, whole cakes, brownies and cupcakes that can be delivered to your recipient’s door. All cakes come with a card which in some cases, are a little bit cheeky! You can customize each card to suit the receiver. We were sent The Legends Brownies box and a Sponge Cake Card which are both brilliant for Father’s Day. If you order before 2pm, it can be delivered the next day.

The Sponge Cake Cards are literally cards with pockets that house 2 slices of cake which you can choose from a range including chocolate, carrot, white chocolate & raspberry, Red Velvet and several of the same cakes but in vegan or gluten free versions. You also get to choose the design of the card and if you want to, you can upload a video too which can be viewed online. The card can be personalised with any greeting and then you can choose up to 2 extras, including items like tea bags, face mask, balloons or even a candle.

Once you’ve made your choices, you can choose to have the Sponge Cake Card delivered or you can even pick up from their warehouse in Holt, Norfolk. The same process works whether you’re sending a Cake Card or any of the other cakes and items which the company stocks.

As for the cakes…. The Sponge Cake Card came with a chocolate and a Victoria slice, both of which were obviously freshly made and not processed or frozen. They were light and fluffy with ample amounts of buttercream filling and a light topping, but not enough to make a sticky mess in the cellophane! The brownies were obviously very densely made, with 8 pieces in total and all of them delicious. I haven’t worked my way through all of them yet, but there are 4 flavours in all and again, they were freshly made.

An interesting idea of having cake delivered as well as a card, Sponge.co.uk execute it very well and make it easy to send any type of celebration to a loved one.

Sponge Cake Cards from £9.99: https://www.sponge.co.uk/cake-card

The Legends Brownie Box from £18.99: https://www.sponge.co.uk/cakes/brownies/the-legends-brownie-box

Turtle Wax Renew & Restore Wipes and 1 & Done Detailer

Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

You could take your car to the car wash every weekend. Expensive? Yes, especially if you have to wait in queue for ages like you do at my car wash! Instead, keep a bottle of 1 & Done Detailer in your car, or even the Renew & Restore Wipes for both inside the car and outside. Turtle Wax have both new products available and sent them to us to try out.

Turtle Wax Renew & Restore Wipes (8 pack) are individual wipes with a slight abrasion to them which can be uses for stubborn stains inside the car (such as upholstery and the dashboard) or for cleaning the body of the car on the outside. With a little light work, the wipes can remove bird poo, mud, tree sap and every day dirt. They’re great for when you have to clean the rest of the windscreen that the wipers don’t reach, or headlights that are foggy after a long drive. For inside the car, they are also brilliant for hand marks (I had a dirty hand mark on the inside pillar which the wipes got rid of) and on seats that have spills and stains, even dried in stains. In combination with a cleaner, they can even help lift more inground stains on the carpet and seats.

The 1 & Done Detailer is a 500ml spray for the outside bodywork of the car. It instantly cleans and shines bodywork and glass such as where green is starting to grow on this roof. The spray lifted the lichen quickly and the Turtle Wax Clean & Shine cloths remove all traces of dirt, leaving the paintwork sparkling. I also used 1 & Done Detailer on these light scratches on the door handle. It’s not removed them, but along with cleaning up the dirt, it does lessen the scratches altogether.

This is a great combination of cleaning and detailing products from Turtle Wax, and I’ve already left them in my car so that I can bring them out whenever I have the urgent need!

Renew & Restore Wipes (8 pack) available for £10 at: https://www.turtlewax.co.uk/products/renew-restore-wipes-8-pack

1 & Done Detailer (500ml) available for £8.00: https://www.turtlewax.co.uk/products/1-done-detailer-500ml

Joe & Seph’s Shortbread Biscuits and Neapolitan Chocolate

Children, chocolate, Christmas, snacks

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Joe & Seph, the famous gourmet popcorn makers, are branching out into new gift treats this year, bringing out more goodies for Christmas and beyond. Not just popcorn, but gifts including these shortbread biscuits and Neapolitan chocolates, suitable for a whole range of events, not just when Santa arrives!

Both the biscuits and chocolates arrive in large packets, set for the mass market of party bags, wedding favours and even offices where guests are greeted by the Joe & Seph favourites. Popcorn has been popular as a snack whilst watching TV for years, but it has now found itself in mainstream snacking with weddings using popcorn as favours at the end of the day. Well, the Joe & Seph chocolates work just as well with the gifting opportunities. I was sent some to try, and they reminded me of the chocolates you get in pillows of posh hotels! The shortbreads biscuits are reminiscent of afternoon meetings with clients where you bring out the cups and saucers at work and have a proper cup of tea!

The Neapolitan chocolates come in packets of 100 and are individually wrapped. They’re great for sharing at home or at parties and the milk chocolate is made with cocoa and premium ingredients to give a smooth, silky texture and chocolatey taste! The shortbread biscuits are very light – lighter than some of the biscuits on the market. They’re not gritty either, which some shortbread biscuits are and they break rather than crumble, making them easy to eat.

I’m looking forward to seeing whatever treats Joe & Seph come up with next in time for Christmas!

Shortbread Biscuits (40 packs of 2) £20 at: https://www.joeandsephs.co.uk/gifts/butter-biscuits-pack-20

Neapolitan chocolate (100 pieces) for £28 at: https://www.joeandsephs.co.uk/gifts/neapolitan-gift-pack

Lee Stafford Hyaluronic Hydration Hair Mask

beauty, haircare, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

The Hyaluronic Hydration Hair Mask from Lee Stafford is part of a larger range of Lee Stafford products for moisturizing hair. The hair mask uses hyaluronic acid to enrich your hair and prevent it from breaking, plus giving a sleeker look, and in turn, making it more manageable.

The instructions recommend that you cover your hair from root to tip and work in the formular using a comb to ensure overall coverage, leaving it for 5-10 minutes. I prefer to leave in for a bit longer and massage the mask into the ends, especially if it’s been a while since your last haircut (like mine is now!) and in need of TLC. You add the mask after shampoo (Lee Stafford also have Hydrating shampoo and conditioners at Boots) and then rinse off, using the Lee Stafford conditioner too.

It smells wonderful – like a summer fruit fragrance that reminds me of the 1990s Body Shop products! It left my hair softer and with the fruity scent too. Over time, the repair should build up so that hair is stronger and longer. I found that on hair with dry ends, it made all of the length of hair softer after just one treatment, then when I got my hair cut, it was great at hydrating my hair enough to get the soft curls back in. It’s perfect for summer too, with the light fragrance giving your hair an additional impact!

Available from £7.49 at: https://www.boots.com/lee-stafford-hyaluronic-hydration-treatment-mask-250ml-10377507

Devonia Plant Fertilizer Sticks

Birthday Gifts, Children, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Spring, Summer

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

This is a gardening hack for all gardeners, whether you’ve been gardening for years or if you’re a beginner! Devonia’s fertilizer spikes and sticks are nutrient dense sticks which feed plants at the roots over time, releasing food and providing magnesium and iron too. Easy to use, the sticks are just popped into the ground or pot next to the plant.

The nutrients are pre-measured so using the directions on the back of the packs, work out how many sticks are needed for the size of pot. There are a variety of sticks to choose from too, including the tomatoes & vegetables, Boarders & bedding plants and even for individual plants like olive trees, lavender and orchids. You have to push them below soil level and on the opposite side of the pot to the plant but after that, just water them and see the plant thrive. They last all season long from spring to autumn but I would recommend changing them out for the next spring to get the full benefit of them.

These are great gifts for gardeners too, or anyone who is growing plants indoors. I’ve used them for my indoor plants and a few seedlings which are just starting to grow now.

Available online from £6.49: https://devonialondon.co.uk/product/flower-bed-border-bedding-plant-food-sticks/

Berkeley Health Self-Testing Kits

health, Women

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Given how difficult it is to see a doctor or even book a blood test nowadays, many people are turning to internet searches and other way to get a head-start on their medical appointments. Berkeley Health Self-Testing kits are available in Waitrose and can test for Vitamin D, FSH levels (menopause), Thyroid TSH and other common deficiencies. We were sent some self-testing packs to try out.

Starting with the Berkeley Health Menopause FSH test, there are 2 tests in the packet. The urine test detects FSH through gold-conjugated monoclonal antibodies. It looks similar to a pregnancy test and is used in the same way. It takes 5 minutes for the results to show on the test device and gives a positive/negative/non valid result. A positive test shows that FSH in the urine is equal to or higher than 25mIU/mL, indicating that menopause, or perimenopause, has already started. At this point, the instructions suggest you see your doctor. In a negative result, the results are below 25 mIU/mL but it is strongly suggested to carry out another test a few days later using the second test device in the kit, as FSH can alter during the course of a few weeks.

The Berkeley Health Thyroid TSH Rapid Test Cassette is a blood test which provides 2 lancets as well as a testing cartridge. With washed hands, follow the instruction to draw a drop of blood and using the capillary dropper, migrate blood into the dropper. Put the blood from the dropper onto the cassette and it will give a positive/negative result within 10 minutes. A positive result means the TSH level is higher than normal (5 µIU mL) and you need to see a doctor. Why is the level of TSH important? A high level might indicate that that your body isn’t metabolising properly and you could be putting on or losing weight or have a problem with your thyroid. The TSH test is one that is not done in isolation by a doctor, but they can look at a range of test results and make a diagnosis.

Finally, the Berkeley Health Vitamin D test ins one single test in the packet and has the most amount of apparatus out of all of the kits we were sent! Vitamin D is important in the body for the absorption in the gut of calcium, iron, magnesium phosphate and zinc. All of these elements are needed in the body for a huge range of functions and growth so it’s important to make sure Vitamin D levels are as good as possible. This test includes the lancet again for self-drawing blood, a pipette for collecting the blood, a vial with a dropper tip containing the vitamin D test and the Vitamin D test cassette. As with the TSH test, use the lancet to draw blood, use the pipette to migrate a sufficient amount of blood and then deposit a drop on the cassette. The results after 10 minutes are deficient/insufficient/sufficient/excess or invalid.

All of the tests are easy to use and the results being positive/negative make it easy to read the outcomes without confusing data and having to find someone to interpret them for you. They’re also a really good way of cheaply eliminating a health problem or finding a pathway. Trying lots of different Berkeley Health tests when you don’t know what’s going on could give you a direction to start exploring with your doctor too.

Available from Waitrose from £8-£10.

Casdon Dyson Cordless Vacuum and Ooni Pizza Oven

Children, Family Life, Gifts for children, Learning, Toys

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

We’re half way through the Easter holidays and the weather has been, well…..unpredicatable. Grey skies and rain have meant we’ve been spending more time indoors than I would like, so the arrival of a couple of new Casdon toys was a very welcome treat.

Casdon are a family run business and the number one manufacturer of role play toys in the UK and Dyson, Ooni, Morphy Richards, Kenwood and Joseph Joseph are just some of the many brands that they make miniature versions of. They kindly sent us two of their popular toys, the Dyson Cordless Vacuum and the Ooni Pizza Oven to try out with our mini reviewers and we’ve all been enjoying playing with them (me included!!)

The Dyson Cordless Vacuum (RRP £25) was extremely easy to set up, it was simply a matter of putting in 3 x AA batteries (not included) and then clicking the pieces together. It comes with a long orange extension tube and two cleaning heads that attach and detach with the push of a button and once clicked in stay firmly in place.

The toy vacuum cleaner is extremely lifelike with all the features that that a real Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner has. It even has working suction that picks up small bits from the floor. There’s an easy to empty dust box, quick release attachments and a fantastic “whizzing cyclone effect with colourful bits of plastic spinning around to replicate dust and dirt.

Our mini reviewers have had so much fun zooming around the house with it, it’s the perfect height for little ones (68cm) and light enough for them to carry about the house. The really enjoy using it when I am vacuuming and they have started to follow me about ‘helping’ with their toy Dyson.

Next it was time to cook up some fun with the Ooni Pizza Oven (RRP £20), this was just as easy to assemble by slotting the legs into the base. The legs are also easy to remove for storage which is good. The oven takes 3 x AAA batteries (not included) which power the flames in the oven that look very realistic and add to the authenticity of the toy.

The set includes six pizza slices that slot together to form a full pizza. We found that they don’t stay fixed together very well, so it was much easier to assemble them on the pizza paddle before sliding them into the oven. The pizza toppings clip easily onto the base, with a tomato base to start, followed by pepperoni slices, mozzarella and basil leaves.

Once prepared, the pizza goes into the oven to “cook.” When it’s ready, the little chefs can slice it up with the pizza cutter and serve their tasty creation. We did find that making the same pizzas can become a little predictable so the Pizza Topping Station available on the Casdon website would be a good addition to extend the interest of the toy.

These toys have been a very welcome addition to our playroom and whilst whizzing around with the vacuum and baking pretend pizzas, our mini reviewers have been busy learning, playing and having fun.

Plant With Willow Starter Pack

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Home & Garden, Spring, Summer, Tech

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Put some technology into your plant care with the Plant With Willow Starter Pack. Using the Plant With Willow probe, hub and an app on your phone, you can be alerted whenever your plant is in need of care. We tested out the technology, which was totally new to me and I’m a gardener, to see if it worked!

The instructions are relatively easy and once the app is set up it looks after itself. There is a QR code on the front of the box which you scan with your phone and the app downloads. The app walks you through all the steps for setup, including identifying the plant which the probe is going to monitor. If you don’t know what the plant is, there’s provision to take photos of the leaves and flowers and the app will look it up for you. I have a peach tree that needs a lot of water so I was keen to use Plant With Willow to help look after it.

The app can also help with sick plants, teach you how to look after each identified plant, set up schedules including watering and fertilizing and monitor milestones. The setup screen go on to help you pair the probe with the hub and to use the wifi in your house, then sends you notifications on your phone to tell you when the plant needs watering, more light or moisture.

For when you are on holiday or not at home like being back in the office every day, this is really useful. It has a huge depth of information to draw on as well to tell you how to care for your plants. I think this is especially good for new plant owners or if you have a new plant which you don’t know how to identify or don’t know how to care for and could do with the prompts. I think it would be especially good for children so that they learn how to care for something that rewards them, such as a fruit tree or plants such as strawberries, and has a very low risk factor too. It’s also great fun watching your plants thrive!

Available from £34.99 at: https://plantwithwillow.co.uk

Faith In Nature

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, haircare, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

If you’re looking for affordable, natural and eco-friendly skin and haircare products , then Faith In Nature is a brand that deserves a place in your bathroom. Founded in 1974 by Rivka Rose, long before natural, cruelty free and vegan products were a thing! Today, Faith In Nature products are stocked in over 40 countries and all their product are still made with as few ingredients as possible and free from silicones, parabens and SLS.

I’ve been recycling long before the council started the colour coded bins, and I’ve always tried to use eco-conscious beauty products where I can. Faith In Nature makes this commitment even easier with their refillable 5-litre and 20-litre bottles which mean less waste, fewer trips to the shop, and the feeling that you’re doing your bit for the environment.

I’ve used Faith In Nature shower gels for many years, but until recently, hadn’t ventured into their haircare range. With my curly hair feeling particularly dry and resembling a ball of frizz most days the arrival of their Shea & Argan Shampoo, Conditioner, and Nourishing Hair Mask was most welcome.Blended with organic shea butter and nourishing argan oil, the range is designed to hydrate, boost shine, and reduce breakage. And does it works – absolutely! The shampoo lathers nicely and cleans my hair without stripping moisture from it, while the conditioner glides through my hair leaving every strand silky and tangle free. The hair mask, meanwhile, is a weekly treat for my hair, restoring softness and definition to unruly curls with impressive efficiency.

Each formula also contains a blend of organic rosemary, nettle, and chamomile which soothe the scalp, enhance shine, and nourish the hair. Since using them, my curls have become softer, bouncier, and significantly less frizzy. Whether I leave them to air dry or dry with a diffuser, they hold their shape much better than before.

Not a morning person? You will be if you start using the Grapefruit & Orange Body Wash, it is not just a shower gel- it’s a citrus-fuelled wake-up call! Powered by 99.5% natural-origin ingredients and a 100% natural aroma, it leaves my skin feeling soft, refreshed, and delicately scented long after the steam has cleared. This shower gel is proof that you don’t have to spend loads of money to get a quality body wash.

if you’re looking to upgrade your hair and skincare routine and indulge in some expertly crafted natural products, Faith In Nature is the brand to try. With shower gels from £6.49 and haircare from just £7.99, these brilliantly formulated essentials are as kind to your bank balance as they are to the planet.

Helly Hansen Solen Women’s Sports Tops

Birthday Gifts, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, hiking, National Walking Month, Sport, Spring, Summer, Women

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

As we ride into spring and take more time for outdoor pursuits (and it can’t come quick enough around here) a whole new wardrobe of outdoor clothes is needed. Helly Hansen’s Solen collection are base layers which can be worn on their own or as layers. We were sent 3 tops to try out from the new range.

The Women’s Solen collection all have UPF (Ultra violet factor) 50 protection for the sun’s rays, plus it has moisture wicking. The fabric is stretchy too, so you can run, twist and bend without being constrained. The range is designed for trail running, hiking and outdoor pursuits in particular. I run at the weekends in all weathers, so some new, and very colourful tops were very welcome! The short-sleeved crew neck top (here in white) is great for summer as the fabric is really light. It isn’t particularly see through though, so you can still wear your sports bar underneath!

The long-sleeved crew necks are also light but because of the light fabric, these are better in spring or early mornings in summer. The long sleeves help protect against the sun. They’re just as durable as the short-sleeved shirt though, and there’s a great range of colours including the Barely Blue and Sunset Pink. All of the tops in this range have the Helly Hansen HH design on the front and the raglan style sleeves that come right down to the wrists.

When out running in them, I hardly noticed them which is a good sign! There was no tightness across my chest or arms and the sizing was try – these are a size XL which roughly translates to a UK size 16. When it came to washing, I was surprised at how well the white top was fresh still afterwards, and there was no staining. The pink and blue shirts were both washed on a 60 degree wash and neither of the colours ran with them either, which helps when you know you’ll be throwing these into the washing machine regularly.

There are lots of other accessories in the Solen collection at Helly Hansen as well as the usual staple outdoor kit they do all year round: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/women/base-layer/solen

Long sleeved women’s top £60: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-shine-solen-ls-crew-48189?color=634529

Short sleeve women’s top £50: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-shine-solen-tshirt-49577?color=291445

MYKI Bio-Cellulose Sheet Face Masks

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, health, Stocking Fillers, Women

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Korean skincare is all the rage now and MYKI Beauty have brought their Bio-Cellulose face masks to the UK along with some other beauty products such as LED light masks. We were sent a few masks to test this month, and I can tell you, testing beauty and skincare is one of the better perks of the job!

Each mask is folded with mesh each side to keep them hydrated in the packaging. The masks are designed to completely hydrate the skin when they’re worn for a period of time, which is recommended to be around 30 minutes but some people recommend that you keep them on your face longer, or until they dry out. The masks work by hydrating the skin and allowing the LED light masks to work better, reducing fine lines and cooling your skin.

I put this on whilst I was in the bath to take advantage of the steam as well as to be able to relax. The only downside was that the mask was huge and it doesn’t seem to come in different sizes. I had to cut the top of the lip and around the eyes a bit because it didn’t lie flat on my face for long enough without having to keep pressure on it to be able to stick. Once I knew where to cut the mask to make it lie flat, that was all I needed.

I left the mask on for about 35 minutes. It didn’t dry out completely and that was with getting out of the bath too. When I took off the mask, my skin was hydrated and I could feel that the products had had a chance to work because my face felt more hydrated. I could see in the mirror that the mask had left my skin hydrated and shiny, but not looking like plastic. Going to bed, the hydrating lasted until the next morning but the shininess wore off within about 12 hours. The mask is great for relaxing and giving you your hydration back, and if you’re going out one night and want to do the full pamper and glam, MYKI’s Bio-Cellulose Sheet Face Masks have you covered.

Available from £16.95: https://mykibeauty.com/product/bio-cellulose-sheet-mask/

Sentia Spirits Alcohol Free – GABA Red

Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Gluten Free, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

There are more and more non-alcoholic ‘spirits’ on the market these days and a new one that I’ve come across is the Sentia Spirits GABA Red. GABA Red works on the body’s gaba receptors, mimicking how alcohol affects us but without the side effects. It has zero alcohol content, so it can be used in mocktails or as a mixer without the trigger of having even a trace of alcohol. It’s also vegan friendly, thanks to the organically sourced products.

You can use it just as you would a botanical spirit – straight, in a glass of ice, or as a mixer. It works well with lemonade or a sparkling drink or to make a new cocktail. Neat, it has an herbal taste to it. I personally found it a bit strong on its own, not because it had the ‘alcohol’ taste to it but because the essences of herbal flavours such as magnolia bark and hawthorn berry are not every day tastes to us.

As an alternative to alcohol, it’s just as versatile and you can mix it and drink as much of it as you like. I wouldn’t suggest children try it though, it’s more of an acquired, grown-up taste, but it still gives you that ‘hit’ as if it’s a refreshing alcoholic drink. It’s more expensive than other drinks though and probably more like an alcoholic spirit in price, which is the only downside.

Available from £32 at: https://sentiaspirits.com/products/sentia-red

SMUG

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Easter, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, travel, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review, but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

The Easter holidays are in full swing, and whether you’re hopping on a plane, train or jumping into the car one thing’s for sure… we all want to look and feel our best when we’re away.

I always hate sleeping in a strange bed, different pillows, unfamiliar noises, a lumpy mattress they all affect my sleep. So when a parcel from SMUG landed on my doorstep, I thought these could be a game changer for my Easter travels. And honestly? They really are.

Cloud Padded Satin Sleep Mask (RRP £20)

This sleep mask blocks out every bit of light, feels unbelievably soft, and crucially… stays put all night. It’s nicely padded and being made of satin is great for your skin. The gently curved shape sits nicely on my face and it really seems to help prevent sleep creases. There’s lots of different designs to choose from, so you can pick one that matches your pyjamas. It also comes in a little pouch, making it perfect to pop in your hand luggage. An essential for your Easter getaway? Definitely

Satin Sleep Turban (RRP £15)

If you have curls, this is the sleep aid you didn’t know you needed! Say goodbye to the pineapple bun that never quite survives the night. This satin turban keeps your hair smooth, protected, and hydrated while you sleep. When I wake up, I no longer look like I’ve had my fingers in a socket and my normal mop of frizz is history. The turban is comfortable and stays on all night, whether you’re in a hotel, on a plane, or in a friend’s spare room. It can be washed, ideally by hand but it can be put in the washing machine on a delicate 30 °C cycle and I’d advise popping it in a mesh bag to protect it.

Soft Satin Pillowcases (RRP £15)

Now, we’ve all heard about the benefits of silk pillowcases, but they can be eye-wateringly expensive. These give you that same luxe feel without the splurge, which is great. They’re brilliant for both skin and hair and I’ve found since I started using them that my skin stays hydrated, and my hair is less likely to turn into a mop of frizz overnight.

The pillowcases were a good fit on my pillow, well-fitting but loose enough to easily take on and off. They wash well on a delicate 30 °C wash and I’ve been drying them outdoors which helps reduce creasing.

With a good choice of colours and designs you should easily find one to match your bedding. I’m going to be taking one away with me this Easter as they’re easy to pack, and will instantly make any bed feel a bit more like home.

Bamboo Scalp Massager (RRP £12)

Small and easy to hold, this scalp massager fits nicely in my hand and gives a gentle, soothing massage that helps boost circulation to help keep my scalp in good condition. I have been using it in the shower to work conditioner through my hair and I’ve noticed an immediate improvement in how well my hair is conditioned over the comb I normally use and it moisturises my hair without pulling the curls. The rubber nubs give a really good massage and exfoliate my scalp, removing dry flakes and reducing itchiness.

Crafted from high quality bamboo it comes with its own bag, so it’s perfect for popping into your suitcase when you’re travelling.

Pillow Mist & Shower Mist Set (RRP £24)

Mornings now start with the shower mist, which wake me up gently with gorgeous essential oil vibes, perfect when you’re dragging yourself out of bed on holiday. Then in the evening, a quick spritz of the pillow mist transforms even the most basic hotel room into a calm, cosy sleep haven.

All these SMUG products are ideal for Easter getaways when your routine is all over the place and will help you reset, relax, and actually switch off.

Helly Hansen Women’s Aden Insulated Coat

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Days Out, Family Life, Fitness, Gifts for Her, hiking, National Walking Month, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

As the days grow longer and we step into Spring there is still quite a nip in the air so it’s not quite time to hang up the coat just yet. The Helly Hansen Aden Insulated Coat is the perfect choice for this in-between season as it is warm without being bulky, and and it’s waterproof, which is always a very good thing, particularly if you live in the North West where rain is less of an occasional inconvenience and more of a recurring theme!

As I’m 6ft tall with long arms, finding a coat that fits properly is often a challenge, and I frequently end up buying men’s coats just to get the sleeve and body length I need. Buying online can be risky but I found Helly Hansen’s online size guide really helpful. By entering your measurements it recommends the best size and suggested Large for me, which fits well, although next time I would probably size up to allow for a thicker jumper underneath, as it does feel a bit snug with one on. The cost is a good length, covering my bottom nicely, so on someone shorter it would likely sit around mid-thigh. The adjustable hood is a good size and stayed firmly on my head even on a blustery coastal walk.

The coat features HELLY TECH® Protection, meaning it’s waterproof, windproof and breathable, along with PrimaLoft® insulation which makes a real difference on those colder spring days. Despite not being overly padded, it feels surprisingly warm and cosy. There are two zipped hand pockets and a generous inside zipped pocket that easily fits my phone, which is always useful for keeping it dry in wet weather.

The coat can be washed at 30° and it is recommended that it is tumble dried on a low heat to reactive the water repellent treatment.

Overall, I really like the Helly Hansen Aden Insulated Coat. It’s comfortable, practical, and has been doing a brilliant job of keeping out the wind and rain in the unpredictable Spring weather that we’ve been exposed to over the last few weeks. With its tailored fit and waterproof protection, it’s a great choice for walking or everyday wear.

Available in a choice of four different colours, (Black Grape, White, Black and Navy) it is priced at £150.