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PLAYin CHOC

Children, chocolate, Easter, Gifts for children, Gifts for teachers, Gluten Free, Plastic free, Toys, 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.

Easter is big business now, or for the children expecting chocolate it is at least! PLAYin CHOC accommodate all children with their Great Taste Award Winning (2019) chocolate toy boxes which are all dairy, nut, gluten and plastic free.

There’s a whole range of PLAYin CHOC toys. Most of them are boxes of self-assembly, cardboard toys that are part of a range of animals, dinosaurs or a seasonal range which children can collect and put together themselves. With no small moving parts (unlike other toys) they are great for travelling or sitting quietly to play with. There’s the whole box of PLAYin CHOC Organic Chocolate and Surprise Toys which comprises of 6 box toys, in this case, rabbits for Easter! Perfect as part of an Easter Egg Hunt or to give as gifts at an Easter party or birthday favours around Easter.

We also had one each of the Dinosaur and Endangered Animals toy boxes. Inside there’s the toys, set in parts in a cardboard pop-out, an information card and two PLAYin CHOC chocolate nuggets, individual wrapped. The boxes themselves make great building boxes to collect and play with!

Grown-ups aren’t left out with the dairy, nut and gluten free chocolates. We were also sent some boxes of organic dark and ‘milk’ chocolate, all which are made with the same high quality ingredients as the toys. The chocolates are individually wrapped inside the boxes so can be eaten as one big snack or as tiny mid-afternoon treats as a pick-me-up. Can you tell I’m enjoying both types of chocolate on a rainy afternoon?

The dark chocolate is made with Peruvian Cacao and has that dark, intense taste but unusually, isn’t bitter like other chocolates. It doesn’t have any added refined sugar, just the 70% cocoa solids, coconut sugar, creamed coconut and vanilla pods. I think it’s the vanilla pods that make it feel like it’s sweeter and the creamed coconut which gives it the creamy texture. The ‘milk’ chocolates (and the word milk is highlighted here because it doesn’t contain any milk as it’s dairy-free) is a softer chocolate flavour but sweeter than the dark chocolate. The coconut sugar really comes through in this flavour, with both the sweetness and the coconut taste. It’s also nut free and gluten free plus soy free too but has the added vanilla pods and creamed coconut to add the familiar texture and taste of chocolate.

The PLAYin CHOC range is not only great for every day treats, but the more adult selections are fabulous for those of us who like a treat as a grown-up, and even better for those with allergies.

https://playinchoc.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooBy0YYsXixbws8NH18r-zCPpSGBENxccxbeVrVbghov1STUgjC

Sherpa Mayalu Roll-On Bracelet

Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Jewellery, Mother's Day, 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.

Sometimes it’s not the cost that’s important but the gift, and this hand made bracelet from Sherpa is just the charm.

Handcrafted in Nepal, the enterprise gives work to women who would ordinarily not be able to work outside the home. It features an Endless Knot, known in the Nepalese culture to symbolise Buddha’s infinite wisdom and compassion. The bracelet itself is a roll-over meaning there are no fastenings to undo, snag on clothing or for small children to play with as it just glides over the wrist to wear.

The tiny two-coloured beads create a pattern using eco-friendly materials and come in three other colours (brown, black and yellow) too. They’re only one size though, which is big enough for an adult wrist with a bit of wriggling but a teenager will love this just as much especially with the chunky texture and inability for it to fall off the wrist with loose fastenings!

An added bonus for Mother’s Day; for every bracelet bought, Sherpa Adventure Gear donates a school day in Nepal, so you’re investing in the future generations too.

Available online now for £6.00: https://www.sherpaadventuregear.com/en-gb/products/unisex-mayalu-two-color-roll-on-bracelet-tongba

SMUG

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, REUSABLE, secret santa, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

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

Let’s talk about SMUG – the brand that’s making self-care simple and luxurious at the same time. Founded by Kelli, SMUG is all about helping us get a better night’s sleep and feel pampered every day. They recently sent us some goodies to try and we’re all now well and truly obsessed with their products!

Luxury Aromatherapy Shower Steamers (RRP £12)

If you love a spa experience but don’t have time for a soak in the bath, these shower steamers are the answer. Simply pop one in the shower, let the warm water work its magic, and breathe in the gorgeous scents. The Energising Set is ideal for kickstarting your day with vibrant scents of tropical coconut, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, rose, lavender, mango, and jasmine to choose from. The cool freshness of peppermint and eucalyptus clears the senses, while the tropical sweetness of mango and coconut instantly transport you to a sun-kissed paradise. The Relaxing Set is my go-to for winding down in the evening, with calming chamomile, lavender, and rosemary to help melt away stress whilst the the citrusy brightness of grapefruit is nice and refreshing. Whether you need an energizing morning boost or a peaceful evening retreat, with eight scents in every box there is a steamer for every mood!

Satin & Contoured Sleep Masks (RRP from £10)

A good sleep mask is an absolute beauty essential and SMUG have plenty to choose from. I tried both the Satin Sleep Mask and the Contoured 3D Blackout Sleep Mask, and while both are dreamy, the contoured one is my favourite because it sits so comfortably and stays put. Plus, there are loads of cute designs so there’s bound to be one that matches your pyjamas! They also come in resealable pouches, making them ideal for travel.

The masks are beautifully soft and smooth and have an elasticated strap which was very comfortable to wear. They cover my eyes really well and don’t let any light in around the edges. I found them both very comfortable to wear in bed and slept really well with them on.

Quick Dry Satin Hair Turban (RRP £16)

If you’ve got curly hair, this will be your new best friend! It’s double-sided, with a microfibre layer for drying hair and a satin side to protect your curls overnight. My usual ‘pineapple’ bedtime hairstyle has been replaced by this turban, and the difference is incredible, no more waking up to a frizz explosion and it’s much easier to refresh my hair in the morning as the curls are less crushed. Being double sided is a real bonus and is great for travelling, keeping hair sleek and smooth on the go.

Makeup & Beauty Accessories Bag (RRP £10) & Wash Bag (£16)

We love a good makeup bag at the Review Studio and the team absolutely adore the SMUG bags. Not only are they stylish, but they’re also incredibly practical, making them a must-have for beauty lovers and frequent travellers alike. The zipped beauty bag is the perfect size for keeping all your essentials in one place, from toiletries and makeup to those easy-to-lose items like lip balm and hair bobbles. It’s also a great addition to any handbag, keeping charging cables, headphones, and other small gadgets neatly stored, instead of tangled at the bottom of your bag. The waterproof wash bag is even roomier and perfect for travel, the gym, or just keeping your bathroom tidy. It comes in a range of fun and eye-catching prints, we’re obsessed with the avocado design, but there’s also a super cute duck print and a stylish green camo option that we love too. The material is durable and easy to wipe clean, making it a practical choice for everyday use. Whether you need a compact beauty pouch for daily touch-ups or a spacious bag for travel, these SMUG bags have got you covered.

Reusable Cotton Cleanse Pads with Mesh Wash Bag (RRP £12)

Switching to reusable cleansing pads is a no-brainer, they’re eco-friendly, cost-effective, and feel lovely on the skin. This set includes seven ultra-soft bamboo pads that remove makeup effortlessly and wash beautifully at 30C. They come with a handy mesh bag for easy laundering and a waterproof pouch for storing used pads when you’re away from home.

Each pad is palm-size and lovely and soft and fluffy. They are made from cotton and bamboo fibres and remove makeup from your skin effortlessly. Each pad is double-sided, so there’s plenty of room to remove a full face of make-up or freshen your skin.

Lava Bead Aromatherapy Bracelet with Essential Oil (RRP £10)

Who doesn’t love a little aromatherapy on the go? The ‘Balance’ bracelet is designed to ease stress and anxiety, with a gorgeous blend of lavender, citrus, menthol, and ylang-ylang. The beads slowly diffuse the scent throughout the day – just apply a few drops of the essential oil provided to the black lava stones, and you’re good to go! Plus, it looks just like a stylish beaded bracelet, so it’s a win-win.

Overall, SMUG has well and truly won us over. Whether you’re looking for better sleep, gorgeous hair, or a little spa moment at home, their range has something for everyone. We’ll definitely be keeping these self-care essentials in our routine!

Organic Shop Dreamy Nights Collection

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan

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

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, have you found the perfect gift yet? If not, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Instead of the usual chocolates and flowers, why not treat your loved one, or even yourself, to something nice and relaxing? These Lavender & Blueberry Melatonin products from Organic Shop make a lovely gift, they’re all about self-care and relaxation, which, let’s be honest, we could all use a bit more of. Life can be so hectic at times, and if you’re anything like me, with never-ending to-do lists and constantly on the go, getting a proper night’s sleep can sometimes feel like an impossible dream.

And that’s where this gorgeous range comes in! There are six products to help you unwind: pillow mist, bath foam, body wash, body scrub, whipped body butter, and shower oil, all packed with Lavender, Blueberry & Melatonin, the ultimate ingredients for relaxation. Melatonin is a natural antioxidant that helps your skin repair itself overnight while also helping you drift off into a deep and restful sleep.

We ‘ve been trying out a couple of the products, the bath foam and pillow spray, which have really helped me drop off to sleep more easily.

For Dreamy Nights Deep Sleep Pillow and Body Mist – £5.99

A proper game-changer if you struggle to nod off. Just a couple of spritzes on your pillow and the calming mix of lavender, blueberry, and chamomile gets to work, telling your brain it’s time to chill out. It’s self-care that takes literally seconds but makes a big difference.

Unwind Your Mind Miraculous Bath Foam – £5.99

Fancy swapping a night out for a night in? Run yourself a bath, pour some of the bath in and sink into a tub full of soothing lavender bubbles. It’s designed to help your body and mind slow down, so you’ll be ready for a proper kip after. Oh, and it’s Vegan Society certified, so it’s good for the planet too.

At just £5.99 a bottle, these make brilliant gifts and they won’t break the bank either. So, if you want to give the gift of relaxation this Valentine’s, this range is a winner!

WheyBetter Protein Milk Chocolate Bars

camping, Family Life, snacks, 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.

Thanks to WheyBetter, you can now enjoy a chocolate bar that’s also a high protein bar as part of your high protein or fitness diet! We were sent both the Protein Milk Chocolate and Protein White Chocolate bars to test out.

Both bars com with 17 grams of protein and no added sugar, nut free palm free and with added immune vitamin blend. The 75 gram bars are bigger than usual chocolate bars, and take in vitamins C, D and B12 to add to your nutrition after a workout or a race. As they’re individually wrapped, they’re great for lunch boxes, school trips or after school too and make a difference to the world with their Rainforest Alliance certification.

Each of the bars taste like chocolate is supposed to, which isn’t surprising with the milk Chocolate bar containing 40% cocoa. There’s no sugar in these bars though so they’re not super sweet and without palm oil there’s a slightly more earthy texture to them, but there’s no mistaking that they’re chocolate bars. They’re available at some private gyms across the country and a few store such as Budgens but there are more retails coming on board from January 2025 onwards. To purchase at the moment, see the wholesale prices online or search for a retailer near you:

Protein Milk Chocolate 12x75g Bar Box – Immune Blend

The Ivy Restaurant, West Street, WC2 London

Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant

NOT SPONSORED

The outside appearance of The Ivy is deceptive when you consider that the restaurant is wedge shaped and on both Litchfield Street and West Street, where the entrance is, in London’s Theatre Land. The distinctive Ivy Windows which have become their branding, can be seen clearly from both streets as you approach and are directly opposite St Martin’s Theatre where The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie has been playing for more than 70 years.

Inside, the bar dominates the centre of the restaurant which isn’t as expansive as you might have thought. The tables arrange around the bar and towards the back of the room but there are more private rooms out of view – a necessity for the celebrities who frequently choose The Ivy for entertaining. If you walk off the street and ask for a table you’re unlikely to find one, but there’s a slim chance that you’ll get a seat at the bar to eat, which is the same menu as everyone else.

Opening in 1917 for the first time, when Europe was at war and there were very few people in London, The Ivy has in the past decade branched out and opened several Ivy Brasseries around the country. All of them have the stained glass window branding and this original West Street site is ne exception, even after renovation. What’s striking is the attention to detail such as the ivy cut outs on the bar’s drip tray, the artwork which reflects the bold colours of the (obscured) windows and the managers who wear an Ivy brooch to show their responsibility.

The menu is classic and the portions plentiful. From Veal cheeks bourgouignon to the Ivy Classics of The Ivy Burger and Deep-fried haddock and chips, there is something for everyone. The menu at West Street is similar to what you find in the brasseries but with added temptations and some specials you won’t find anywhere else such as Beef Wellington for 2. We also liked the dessert menu, which has staples such as Tiramisu and a selection of cheeses, but with The Ivy’s famous Chocolate Bombe which is a theatre experience in itself when the staff pour hot caramel over the chocolate bombe to reveal ice cream underneath. Not for the fainthearted, it’s worth saving room on the mains for this delicious, decadent treat that The Ivy does so well.

The bar creates a wealth of cocktails, some of which are house specialties going back decades, as well as the usual long selection of spirits. The Ivy is famous for their Martinis though, and the bar staff will happily advise along which Martini route you wish to indulge. Another suggestion would be their Peach Bellini, the Prosecco based tipple which is often enjoyed at breakfast but goes exceptionally well with lunch as well.

The atmosphere is bustling and warm within The Ivy with nearly every seat at every table able to see who walks in the door. From the outside, it’s impossible to see who is seated inside so you have to venture in through the wood and glass Art Deco doors, past the huge vases of fresh flowers and to the hosts on the main desk to see if they have a table, or a bar stool for you. The food is the star of the restaurant though, with sumptuous presentations of classic dishes and something different for anyone looking for a change.

https://ivycollection.com/restaurants/the-ivy-west-street/

The Ivy West Street

Scented Aromas

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

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

When mother and daughter duo Amanda and Lizzie struggled with psoriasis and other skin concerns, they took matters into their own hands and Scented Aromas was born. The Manchester based brand has gone from strength to strength creating luxurious, handmade bath and home products that are gentle on the skin – without the luxury price tag.

I’ve suffered from eczema for many years so I have to be very careful with what I use on my skin, so when a lovely package of Scented Aromas goodies arrived, I was really excited and after trying them I’m now hooked!!

Flowerbomb Bath Bomb (£3.95)

There’s something wonderfully indulgent about a long soak in the bath, and the Flowerbomb bath bomb makes bath time feel even more special. A pristine white bath bomb with silver detailing and a hint of shimmer, it looked almost too lovely to use – but I’m so glad I did! As soon as it hit the water, it fizzed away, releasing the most gorgeous scent – a warm, comforting blend of jasmine sambac, cashmere, and white amber. The fragrance quickly filled the bathroom, while the water turned soft and silky. It made for such a relaxing bath, and unlike other bath bombs I’ve used, there was no residue or staining left behind – just a lingering sense of calm.

If you love a bit of self-care, the Flowerbomb bath bomb is an absolute treat and the perfect way to bring a little spa-like luxury to your routine.

Exfoliating Soap Sponge (£6.50)

If you haven’t tried an exfoliating soap sponge yet, you’re in for a treat. This clever product combines a body scrub and soap making exfoliating effortless. Whether you’re tackling dry patches, prepping for fake tan, or just want ultra-smooth skin, this does the job effortlessly. The texture is just right, not too rough and not too soft, so you get a satisfying scrub without any irritation, leaving your skin beautifully smooth.

Scented Aromas offers an impressive range of scents, from fresh citrus to floral, and even a fun “Monkey Fart” scent ( a fruity mix of pear, plum, peach, and apple) With its dual-sided design, it cleanses and exfoliates beautifully, and used daily will last up to four weeks.

After just one use, my skin felt noticeably softer and it’s the perfect addition to any shower routine, giving that extra boost of radiance without any extra effort. Trust me – once you’ve tried one, you won’t go back.

Soy Wax Melts (£3.29)

For those who love a beautifully scented home, wax melts are the way to go. These little melts pack a real punch, melting into long-lasting fragrances that fill every corner of your space.

The Cherry Blossom & Nordic Cotton blend is fresh yet soothing, bringing an instant cosy feel to your home. Whether you’re in the mood for a fruity, floral or even something a bit different like Scented Aroma’s Alien Encounter, there’s a scent for every occasion.Plus, with each segment lasting up to 18 hours, they’re great value for money too.

Whipped Soap 200g (£7.99)

This whipped soap is pure luxury in a jar. Light, fluffy, and silky smooth, it lathers easily and leaves skin feeling soft and nourished. It’s also multi-purpose and can be used as a body wash or shaving cream.

A little goes a long way, and it’s gentle enough for all skin types. Whether you prefer fruity, floral, or sweet, there’s something for everyone. We received a sample pot to try but the full sized version is 200g

These Scented Aromas products bring spa-like indulgence into your everyday routine, proving that luxury and affordability can go hand in hand. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, smooth skin, or a beautifully fragranced home, they’ve got you covered.

Purple Coffee Bags

Birthday Gifts, camping, coffee, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, 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.

The invention of the coffee bag has been a lifesaver for a lot of people, especially those who don’t enjoy instant coffee but need the convenience. Purple Coffee produce coffee in all shapes and sizes from whole bean, ground, pods and some rather lovely (and colourful!) coffee bags. We were sent some in a very fetching Purple Coffee tin to try out as part of their new Brew Monday launch for Mental Health Awareness Day on Monday 20^th January.

The 16 bags of coffee (probably enough for a whole month in the office or a weeks’ worth at home!) can be found on their website Purple Coffee Co which aims to promote ‘real’ coffee instead of instant. Additionally, Purple Coffee want to help keep down the costs of coffee by providing bags that are less than 50% of the cost of a coffee in a coffee shop and promotes initiatives for young talent and a sustainable agroforestry project in Costa Rica, which obviously is where a lot of coffee is grown.

The coffee bags come in 4 flavours; KO (fully roasted bean, great for mornings), XO (a ‘zingy finisher’), BI (50/50 caffeinated/decaffeinated fuller flavour) and ZZ (chill decaf, for relaxation). Each 20 gram bag produces at least one cup and all of the flavours go great with milk. I think my favourite is the KO as I like the full on, coffee and caffeinated morning cup of java but just as nice is the fact that each tin has a variety of flavours so that you can mix and match throughout the day.

The Purple Coffee Co tin also makes a great gift for someone, especially someone who appreciates coffee!

Purple Coffee Co Tasting Tin £15.99 available here: https://purplecoffeeco.com/collections/shop/products/purple-coffee-bag-tin

Plastic Free FreshWipes

beauty, camping, Children, eco friendly, Family Life, health, Home, Plastic free

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 company FreshWipes have a range of products available all of which are made of plastic free, biodegradable materials. We were sent a selection of them to try, and were surprised at their versatility. We received Body Wipes (one scented, one unscented), Mini Pet Wipes and Intimate Wipes, all part of the FreshWipes range.

FreshWipes Body Wipes are where the company started in 2020 with their creation of a wipe which was the adult version of baby wipes. Their antibacterial properties make them easy to use for most personal uses, and these are especially good for people who are bed bound or can’t shower easily. Although this is a massive part of their market, these wipes are great for travelling, camping and even having at work if you need to. Mostly though, they’re a good all-round wipe which anyone can use and the fact that they are biodegradable as well means you can dispose of them anywhere and without guilt! There are 12 wipes in each of these packs, and each measure 20 centimetres by 30 centimetres. I think I prefer the Ocean Fresh scented packs, but both are just as pleasant.

The FreshWipes Intimate Wipes are pH balanced and unscented. They’re antibacterial too, and smaller at 20 centimetres by 15 centimetres. These are in a much smaller pack that would fit in a handbag or hospital bag. They’re designed to not only clean with antibacterial agent but to eliminate odour too.

Lastly, the very ingenious FreshWipes Mini Pet Wipes are for all animals. Antibacterial, biodegradable and approved pet safe, these are also mini wipes because they measure 18 centimetres by 20 centimetres in size. These wipes are for all over use, not just for muddy paws! They’re approved for human use too so you can take these out with you on walks or if you’re visiting someone, but I should imagine these are great in a pet emergency. They’re made from plant-based viscose fibres but can’t be flushed, just put them in the bin or a compost.

All of the wipes in the FreshWipes range are available online and in boxes as well as packs at: https://www.freshwipes.co.uk/collections/body-wipes They’re such a handy idea, and work really well that I can’t believe someone hasn’t come up with this idea before!

Hyatt Hotels, Manchester

Days Out, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Hotel

Disclaimer: We received a free stay and meal for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Manchester has always held a special place in my heart. My husband spent his university years there, and I visited often, falling in love with the city’s energy and charm. Returning after so many years and exploring our old haunts, we couldn’t help but marvel at how much Manchester has evolved whilst the warmth and friendliness that define the North remain beautifully intact.

This time, our base wasn’t the humble student digs of our youth but the splendid 4 star Hyatt Hotel Manchester, tucked just behind the home to Manchester’s universities – Oxford Road. The hotel offers two hotels under one roof, the Hyatt Regency with 212 rooms, and Hyatt House, a 116-room aparthotel making it the ideal base for a city break. One challenge we often encounter when visiting cities is finding convenient car parking but thankfully, this wasn’t an issue during our stay, as the hotel is perfectly located next to the secure university car park, providing 24-hour parking for £16.50. For those arriving by train, it’s also conveniently located, a 10-minute walk from Manchester Oxford Road Station or a 20-minute stroll from Manchester Piccadilly.

Opening the door to our room, we were greeted by a spacious room that struck the perfect balance between modern design and comfort. A king-sized bed occupied pride of place and there was also a comfortable chair and sleek, modern desk, perfectly suited for guests visiting the city on business.The pièce de résistance, however, was undoubtedly the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a stunning view of Manchester at night, with the city’s twinkling lights creating a striking contrast against the dark sky.

The room was spotlessly clean and furnished with everything you might need for a restful retreat. It was tastefully decorated in neutral tones and contemporary textures that whispered rather than shouted sophistication. The spacious bathroom was a pleasant surprise, featuring both a generous shower and a bath, along with luxury toiletries. It was the perfect retreat for unwinding after a day of exploring the city.

The central location is perfect for exploring Manchester, with Oxford Road’s Dutch-style cycle lanes making it a cyclist’s dream and with city bike’s to hire nearby there’s no need to bring your own. For those seeking adventure, the Fallowfield Loop, Britain’s longest urban cycleway, provides a largely traffic-free track for walking or cycling, following the path of a former railway line. Though we plan to return and explore this scenic route on two wheels, our short visit called for a gentler approach and we opted for a leisurely stroll. As we wandered, the streets conjured memories of nightclub queues, post-pub kebabs, and the carefree energy of youth. While Manchester has transformed in many ways, its vibrancy and unmistakable spirit remain as captivating as ever – a city that embraces its evolution while honouring its past.

Back at the hotel, we ate at The Laureate Restaurant with the à la carte menu offering an array of choices at reasonable prices. We began with Calamari Ringsand ChickenWings, the calamari was tender, encased in a light, crispy coating, while the chicken wings had just the right level of spice and succulence to keep us reaching for more. For our main courses, we indulged in two favourites: a richly spiced Chicken Tikka Masala and a beautifully golden Fish and Chips, coated in crispy batter and served with chunky chips and mushy peas. Each dish was perfect and was satisfying without being overwhelming. Despite feeling pleasantly full, we couldn’t resist a dessert. My Lemon Tart was a zesty delight with the raspberry sorbet perfectly complementing the tart. The cheeseboard offered a selection of fine cheeses and rounded off the meal beautifully.

For guests who prefer the comfort of dining in their room, the In-Room Dining Menu offers a variety of options, available from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM. The menu includes starters, mains, pizzas, and side dishes, alongside a couple of indulgent treats – a cheeseboard and ice cream. There is a charge of £5 for delivery.

Whilst not for me, fitness enthusiasts will find the onsite gym a dream, equipped with Peloton® bikes, treadmills, weights, and more. A perfect way to offset the fine dining and no excuse to miss a gym session whilst away from home!

The following morning, breakfast was nothing short of a feast catering for all tastes and appetites. For those who prefer a lighter start to their day there were cheeses and cold meats, cereals and a wide selection of fruits plus juices and yoghurt. When I’m on holiday I like to indulge in a cooked breakfast so the help-yourself buffet was just what I needed with eggs cooked to perfection, sizzling sausages and delcious bacon as well as other traditional favourites, all washed down with freshly brewed coffee. Had I wanted something that was not on offer, the chef was on hand to create dishes on request.

We really enjoyed our night at the Hyatt Regency Manchester, from the warm welcome we received to the wonderful food and the location which was the perfect base to rediscover Manchester, and we’ve promised ourselves we won’t let so much time pass before our next visit.

Naturtint Hair Food Hair Masks

beauty, cruelty-free, Family Life, Home, 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.

After the chaos of Christmas, and into the new year with best intentions but enough central heating to heat Battersea Power Station, Naturtint have some lovely Hair Food hair masks to replenish your locks. We were sent the Quinoa and Chia Hair Food hair masks to try (there are also Goja and Purple Rice in the range) so we set about trying the repair the winter damage.

Starting with the Quinoa Colour Shine Mask, it not only helps protect and shine coloured hair, but it can be used on hair that hasn’t been coloured and boosts shine. With 99% naturally derived ingredients, the added milk thistle gives a smooth, glossy shine to hair and shea butter helps prevent damages by making it more flexible. Naturtint Quinoa Colour & Shine Mask is free from parabens, artificial fragrances and is cruelty free plus vegan friendly.

The Naturtint Chia Protective Hair Mask is also for both coloured and untreated hair. The chia’s proteins and amino acids promote healthy hair growth and baobab proteins give strength and vitality. The Chia Protective Hair Mask not only leaves hair silky smooth but it leaves a lasting protection on the hair, which is great if you wash your hair daily, or need to protect from the environment.

Both hair masks leave an impression, especially as they are on the hair for a minimum of 4 minutes so they give a deeper nutrient bath to your hair. Both protected my coloured hair, and both left it softer and with subtle, fruity fragrances. Over time, I think they will repair more of my curly hair but I found the Quinoa Colour Shine Mask kept my colour shinier and the Chia gave a more overall, defined look to my curls because it was more moisturising.

These are only 2 masks in the whole set, there’s more to explore! They’re a lovely addition to your haircare routine to give a deeper, more moisturised shine.

Priced at £7.49: https://naturtint.co.uk/product/naturtint-hair-food-quinoa-colour-shine-mask-150ml/

Naturtint Hair Food – Chia Protective Mask (150ml)

The Thames Path Sketch Journal

Birthday Gifts, Books, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers

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.

Any Londoner is familiar with The Thames on a daily basis, but probably only a small portion of the 2,000 year old river as they travel over or under it. The Thames Path Sketch Journal starts with The Thames at Richmond, London and follows it to the Thames Barrier, giving illustrations, maps and sketches along the way. The ‘Liquid History’ is also brought to life with walks along The Thames and gives extensive history.

The book is broken up into chapters covering specific areas working from west to east. Starting with an illustrated map of the segments of The Thames, watercolours of buildings and structures are annotated with history and background per page, giving details on construction and original uses as well as they have changed over the centuries. The walks are detailed on each of the illustrated maps, and although the hardback book is heavy and probably not practical to carry with you on the walk, it is easy to take a photo of the map and use it to walk along the route.

The book goes on to illustrate a range of artwork including line sketches, plans of historic houses and some areas such as Kew Gardens have extra artwork exemplifying the buildings and the beauty of the area. There are some historical photos included too, giving the background of the Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race. As the book goes on to the City area of The Thames, there are more and more illustrations, bringing The Thames to life.

This is a brilliant coffee table book and gift for anyone interested in London, or with a personal history of The Thames. It’s absolutely beautiful with the sketches on every page and complete detailed history of each area as well as walks which can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Have a look at author Charles Leon’s website with extra artwork available: https://www.charlesleon.uk/thames-path-sketch-journal

Or purchase online at: www.amazon.co.uk/Thames-Path-Sketch-Journal/dp/1399991345/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ABXN3RYC3YND&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1IrIeY3b1NfYUALdKy36tg.y_nijFrnMDRFjGRan2day50QkgGLXLPcyWhDNosgdVw&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+thames+path+sketch+journal+charles+leon&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1736417509&sprefix=the+thames+path+sketch+journal+charles+leon%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-1

Hard Rock Cafe, Manchester

Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Restaurant

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

Nestled right in the heart of Manchester, within the newly refurbished Printworks entertainment complex, stands the Hard Rock Café, a veritable shrine to rock ‘n’ roll and, as it turns out, mighty fine food.

Upon entering we were warmly welcomed and shown to our booth which, given our location, was the ideal spot – situated beneath a display of memorabilia from Oasis – one of Manchester’s most iconic bands. The Hard Rock Café is more than just a restaurant, it’s a celebration of music, culture, and legendary artistry. When you look around the restaurant there is an amazing collection of memorabilia, from guitars autographed by iconic musicians, drum kits on the walls and outfits worn by some of the world’s most famous musicians, every piece tells a story and a meal at the Hard Rock Café is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.

January, of course, is a month for frugality, as many of us recover from the excesses of Christmas. And so, the two mains for £25 deal (available Monday to Thursday, 12–3 pm) was music to our wallets. While the menu for this offer isn’t as vast as the standard menu, the selection remains delightfully tempting. Choices range from a Caesar Salad with Chicken or Salmon to a classic burger with fries, a grilled chicken sandwich, or a South-Western Chicken Bowl, each each dish tempting enough to make you reconsider those New Year resolutions.

Guided by the expert advice of our ever-attentive server, Andy, we began with the starters: the “One Night in Bangkok Spicy Shrimp” and a mammoth tray of nachos. While the nachos were generous enough to satisfy two, it was the shrimp that truly stole the spotlight, perfectly crispy, tantalisingly spicy, and served on a bed of crunchy coleslaw – it was absolutely delicious and I could easily have eaten a second portion!!

For our main courses, my husband opted for the Caesar Salad with Salmon, while I indulged in the Classic Burger with Fries. The salad was delightfully fresh and crisp and refreshing with large croutons providing a pleasing crunch, while the salmon was cooked to perfection. The burger, was everything a good burger should be – a towering stack of tender beef, melted cheese, and all the classic accompaniments, expertly assembled for maximum satisfaction.

After devouring two courses, we were feeling quite full, but I can never say no to dessert, especially when there’s a hot chocolate fudge brownie on the menu. This show-stopping treat arrived in a towering glass, featuring a warm, gooey brownie as its base, crowned with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream, a fluffy swirl of whipped cream, and a bright red cherry on top. Rich, indulgent, and utterly divine, it was the perfect way to end the meal on a sweet high note.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was relaxed yet lively, with classic rock hits playing at just the right volume to enhance the vibe without overwhelming the conversation. The staff were friendly and efficient, and the diverse crowd, families, couples, and groups of friends—added to the welcoming, inclusive feel of the place.

If you’re in Manchester and looking for a meal that delivers on flavor and fun, the Hard Rock Café is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back—and probably sooner rather than later!

Walk-ins are welcome, but booking is recommended. For more information or to reserve a table, visit: Hard Rock Café Manchester.

Glasshouse at the NYX Hotel, Southampton Row, London

Uncategorized

Disclaimer – We were sponsored for this visit but all thoughts and views are our own.

In the heart of Holborn, amongst the offices, sandwich shops and on the edge of the West End, the NYX Hotel sits on the edge of Southampton Row and Theobalds Road. The hotel, which is part of the Leonardo Hotels group, has converted the top floor to the Glasshouse Bar. With views across London looking north to south, the rooftop bar has some wicked cocktails to match. We went to visit over the weekend (the Glasshouse is currently only open at weekends for the winter) and tried out the cocktails, and the views!

The entrance to the hotel is actually on Old Gloucester Street, then the bar is on the 9^th floor. The ‘L’ shaped bar is on the corner of the building, with floor to ceiling windows all around. The views are breath taking with the Oxo Tower, London Eye and Big Ben visible in a glance. In summer, the windows open so that you not only get to bask in the summer heat, but see the view clearly. Whilst we were there, the windows were opened for us, and immediately the rest of the clients in the bar came over to both see the views and take lots of photos. There’s so much to see from this vantage point, it must be even better in the summer. There are also glass ceilings which open up to show the stars at night and provide another backdrop for photos.

The bar has an array of well known cocktails and then a list of their own. My colleague and I had a Cosmopolitan, then Mint Hint (Sapphire Gin) followed by a Caramel Pop and then I had a Sweet Escape – one of the mocktails on the menu. You can also order wine and flatbreads, all of which are in the extensive menu. We sat on comfy chairs around intimate low level tables but there are high bar stools at the windows to look out over the view, a corner sofa at the far end of the room and small tables dotted around. The cocktails were delicious! It’s difficult to make a good Cosmopolitan but the bar staff nailed it.

The Glasshouse is a fantastic way of viewing London from the rooftop, with some brilliant cocktails and a setting that makes it ideal for after work, after dinner or even apres theatre!

Pros

Breath taking views

Lovely cocktails

Cons

You have to enter the hotel via Old Gloucester Street, not Southampton Row

https://www.nyx-hotels.co.uk/london-holborn/glasshouse

Galen Leather Lunar Make up Bag

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

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

If you’re stuck on what to buy for Valentine’s Day, then look no further – a leather makeup bag is the answer! It’s a gift that’s stylish, practical, and luxurious and is guaranteed to make the recipient feel extra special.

Galen Leather Co are a Turkish family business based in Istanbul with a real passion for handcrafted leather, wood, and stationery. All their products are handcrafted making every piece unique.

They recently sent me one of their make up bags and believe me this is isn’t your average makeup bag. Made from premium leather, it has a lovely texture and a timeless, classy finish that oozes sophistication. And the magic of leather? It only gets better with age! Over time, it will develop a stunning patina, becoming more gorgeous the more it’s used. Unlike synthetic alternatives that crack and fade, this is a bag built to last, a true keepsake that will be cherished for years to come.

But it’s not just about looks; this makeup bag is as practical as it is pretty. Inside, you’ll find a zipped pocket, two slim fabric pouches, and a larger compartment – ideal for keeping everything neat and organised. The slim pockets are perfect for smaller items like mascara, eyeliner, or lipstick, while the larger section is spacious enough for eyeshadows or blushers. The main compartment is also roomy enough to stand bottles of foundation or perfume upright so no more spills or leaks!

One thing I love about this make up bag is how wide it opens. It’s wide enough to see everything at a glance, so there’s no need to tip all your products out onto the bed or dressing table to find your favourite lipstick. Everything’s right there, ready to grab, making it a dream to use.

And as for gifting? Pair this beautiful bag with a couple of makeup treats – maybe a new lipstick or their favourite skincare item and you’ve got a personalised, thoughtful Valentine’s present. With a range of gorgeous colours to choose from, including classic black and eye catching purple, it’s easy to find the perfect match for their style.

Trust me, this is a gift that will leave them smiling long after Valentine’s Day has passed!

Maison Francois, 34 Duke Street SW1Y

Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant

NOT SPONSORED
Tucked behind The Ritz and Fortnum & Mason, Maison Francois is a piece of France nuzzled into the London West End scene. The food, like the extensive menu, is quintessentially French and uses the best ingredients in one of the best London locations to keep Londoners happy. Very few people know of its existence either, making this a new find for most casual city diners.

The restaurant opens into an Art Deco floor with woodwork booths and sectioning to give privacy to diners. There’s a huge pewter clock above the passe to the kitchen and the high ceilings makes it easy to talk at any of the tables. The menu is written all in French but the staff are happy to help with any of the items especially the specials and the bar is well stocked, again with specials available to everyone.

Maison Francois is famous for their patisseries but before we get to that stage, the menu is worth talking about. There is a huge choice and everything that you can imagine is French is on there, including some things that aren’t such as types of pasta and breakfast items. The steaks and duck pasta (reginette, ragoût de canard, olives vertes) are particularly good. We also sampled some of the wines which are on show in a huge cabinet behind the waiter’s station. The desserts are also on show, but in the old-fashioned tradition of a dessert trolley. The glass dome shows off the hand crafted cakes and drawers underneath hold even more delights such as macarons and bark.

Downstairs there’s a breakfast bar which turns into a wine bar after 3pm. Again, the theme of open plan works well here as you descend downstairs and see the deli items on show. No reservations are needed here but as it’s downstairs, you can easily hide away or take time out before returning to shopping.

The atmosphere is professional yet low-key with a high level of service but a familiarity of the restaurant and friendly staff. The attentive nature of a French restaurant means you are well catered for, service is quick and the food is top level.

Pros

Huge choice of French cuisine

Excellent desserts and a range of cakes

Service was friendly and efficient

Cons

The menu is entirely in French so you might need a translation from staff

Can be pricy, reflecting on the quality of the food

https://www.maisonfrancois.london

The Delaunay, 55 Aldwych London WC2B

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant

With London’s rich history comes a plethora historical restaurants which are less for tourists and aimed more at those aching for a London gone by. The Delaunay, on the edge of Covent Garden and with The Strand at one end and London’s financial district at the other, has been part of Holborn for decades albeit as The Wolseley on Piccadilly. As part of the Wolseley Group, The Delaunay caters from breakfast to dinner, serving theatre goers as well as locals and fans of European cuisine but with an understated, high end elegance only this part of London can show off.

The Delaunay boasts a classical, wood panelled French-style bar when you walk in. Here you can have a drink pre-dinner or walk through to the hive-like restaurant with its grand ceilings, low lighting and a huge antique clock at one end, it looks like it’s been there for decades yet only opened as The Delaunay in 2011. It’s menu reflects the surroundings; Tranche of Halibut, Fillet of Beef Stroganoff and Grilled Spatchcock Chicken with Jersey Rock Oysters for starters, or Borscht with horseradish cream to reflect the European feel of the restaurant. There’s a specials menu too, which produced this delicious Beef Wellington with a doorstep sized wedge of beef that was medium rare, but not by any means a medium meal. There was no need for side orders with this meal as there was ample on offer. Still, the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant allowed for some time between mains and dessert, allowing an opportunity to soak in the ambience.

The dessert menu gets the full European treatment with gems such as Classic Apple Strudel, Salzburger Soufflé and The Franz-Joseph Kaiserschmarrn (a fluffy, German inspired pancake dessert with plum compote). We went for the Berry & Vanilla Baked Alaska which arrived with the very dramatic blow torch and alcohol pan, served flaming in front of us with the meringue lightly scorched enough just as the flames burnt out. The fresh blackberries, red currants and kirsch bring out the sweetness of the ice cream and meringue in this hearty dish, leaving everyone satisfied after just two courses. You can of course, have a selection of British Cheeses either as well or instead of a dessert, and the extensive wine and cocktail list from The Delaunay Bar adds to the grandeur of the occasion.

Unlike other establishments, the hassle-free expertise of the waiting staff at The Delaunay contribute to the pleasure of dining in contrast to the more formal settings. Diners are afforded the speed of a City restaurant but the laid-back service of a French café or a German bar, making the entire experience the best of European dining.

Pros

Different cuisine with an emphasis on European, especially with the desserts

Very relaxed, easy to take your time over food or just a snack

Spacious seating so you can converse without interruption

Cons

Very dim light, so use the torch on your phone!

Hoover HF4 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Family Life, Home, kitchen appliances, 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.

Love it or hate it, cleaning is a part of life. As we start the New Year and begin Spring Cleaning, I dragged out my old cleaning appliances including my 10+ year old vacuum cleaner and had to remind myself that this is old technology now. The new Hoover HF4 Vacuum Cleaner came to my aid though as it arrived this week for me to test. It is not only on discount at the moment, but it has the added benefit of being able to power mop floors too, all with the same handheld device and the attachments it comes with.

The box arrives with all the attachments neatly wrapped. There’s picture instructions to put it together but it’s self-explanatory if you’ve ever used a handheld vacuum before! I started by fully charging the Hoover but you can use it straight away as the battery has enough charge.

The Hoover HF4 is remarkably quiet for a vacuum cleaner. I didn’t have to worry about disturbing the neighbours over the Christmas holidays and you can easily talk over the sound of the motor. It still picks up really well though. I used it on short carpet, loop wool carpet and a rug in the kitchen and thanks to the LED light, you can see what it’s picking up. It didn’t take too much effort either and glided through the house. The battery charge lasted for the whole house and was only 1 section down on the display so it will last much longer.

The Hoover HF4 is really lightweight too. It’s so easy to carry up and downstairs with 1 hand and even after vacuuming the whole house, the dust tank wasn’t full. Checking the brush head, there isn’t one single hair wrapped around the blades, making it less likely you need to detangle in order for the blades to still turn and pick up, which is a problem I have with my old vacuum cleaner. There’s different modes to the speed as well; standard, turbo and eco. I left the vacuum on standard mode for the whole house clean but turbo, although it does run the battery down quicker, is great for really high ware areas like halls and stairs. The interchangeable attachments include 2 nozzles of different length, an upholstery tool and a 2-in-1 tool. There’s also attachments for the wall so that you can mount it to save space in a cupboard and set it up for charging.

In addition to being a vacuum cleaner, the Hoover HF4 is also a powerful mop. The box comes with the turbo mop head and spare mop pads so that you can wash one set whilst using the other. The large mop head covers a large area and the triangular shape means you can get into crevices easily. The pack comes with floor cleaning solution as well, but there’s no reason why you can’t use your own. The rotating circular pads increase the work on your floors 10x so it’s worth taking the time to learn how to use it. The solution goes straight into the mop head tank along with tap water and the vacuum cleaner does all the work in calculating the concentration of cleaner and water needed to mop the floor. There are 3 adjustable settings on the mop head too, to give different flow rates of water.

I can’t find any cons for the Hoover HF4 yet, although the mop pads take a while to dry properly and the instructions suggest they only go on a temperature of 60 degrees in the washing machine, which doesn’t seem to get the completely clean. I’m worried that any hotter and the pads will shrink and be rendered useless! The filter will need cleaning but not for a while yet. The Hoover comes with all the attachments you’d expect and they all work really well and overall; the Hoover has enough power to do the everyday clean as well as the full on turbo clean if needed. It’s really sturdy but lightweight and has loads of battery life as well.

Available at a discount now for £299 at: https://www.hooverdirect.co.uk/products/hoover-cordless-vacuum-cleaner-with-anti-hair-wrap-magenta-hf4-copy

Rules Restaurant, Maiden Lane London WC2E 7LB

Uncategorized

This visit was not paid for by a third party and was conducted without the knowledge of the restaurant.

It’s no mean feat being the oldest restaurant in London but Rules on Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, has survived over 200 years and even stayed open during World War Two, although only for a couple of hours and rationed portions. The dwellers of West London could still consume unlimited amounts of rabbit, pheasant and grouse though as these were not rationed.

Rules caters for quintessential British cuisine with the aforementioned pheasant and grouse available still (and occasionally rabbit) depending on the season. The theatre of the restaurant lies in the atmosphere and formidable history of the premises which has never moved since gaining foothold in 1798.

The lavish premises lies on a side road close to the main Covent Garden Market but has become pedestrian only since Lockdown. Entering the door, the original roaring fireplace greets you second after the maître’d has locked eyes with you. It’s not often that you have fireplaces in restaurants anymore but then there aren’t many places to eat like Rules. The seating area is arranged in tables and booths with the walls covered in London and Thames memorabilia, a history of the establishment lives above the diners in the form of plaques, photos, cartoons and artwork. Upstairs there is a more secluded bar and just before Lockdown, The Winter Garden Cocktail Bar opened.

Along with cocktails and vast cellar of wines, the food is the most notable aspect. Presented on an oversized menu, there are everyday items such as their famous Rock Oysters and Dorset Crab, as well as London favourites such as Steak and Kidney Pie. The menu changes with the season though, so don’t be surprised to find pigeon, grouse, pheasant and duck on the menu along with an array of different fishes. You won’t find chicken on the menu very often though, unless it’s the integral part of Rules’ famous Chicken, Leek and Mushroom Pie.

It’s impossible not to enjoy the authenticity of Rules, in both the food and the décor. The food is very well cooked and served without garnish or drama but all of the original flavour is retained, enhanced by British-grown produce and often reminiscent of Granny’s handed-down recipe. It wouldn’t surprise me if every single one of the dishes came about after past patrons passed on the family secrets to each of Rules’ head chefs and the finished product is today’s modern day menu.

If you’re not familiar with game, then I can recommend the pheasant. On our visit, it was a special of the day with roast potatoes, onion, carrot and Yorkshire Pudding. Guests can also enjoy Roast Mallard, Daube of Venison and even sharing dishes such as Roast Rib of Beef for two. Of course, the traditional Salt-Aged Sirloin Steak is also there to tempt you when nothing else will do.

Desserts at Rules are just as exemplary as their game with British favourites such as Rules Sticky Toffee Pudding, Rules Golden Syrup Sponge and Bread & Butter Pudding. The dessert portions are ample and come with custard or ice cream but for the more adventurous, there are delights such as Chocolate Moelleux with Caramel Ice Cream and Honeycomb or Welsh Rarebit on Sourdough Toast. There’s Cropwell Blue Stilton or Cheese Plate to sample as well, with their famous silver biscuit box filled with Digestive Biscuits.

Pros

Beautiful surroundings and exemplary service
Excellent, traditional food
The Winter Garden Cocktail Bar is an added bonus for before or after eating

Cons

Seasonal menu, a lot of British game on the menu so some dishes won’t suit everyone

Home

Clean G No-Alcohol Rhubarb

Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

To you and me, this is just like rhubarb gin but without the alcohol! For anyone taking part in Veganuary, Ginuary or who has a New Years Resolution to go alcohol-free, this is a life saver and something to look forward to for 2025.

The Clean G Rhubarb Alcohol Free Spirit is also sugar free, but crafted from high quality ingredients to give the flavour of gin, and specifically rhubarb gin, but without the hangover or guilt. It has the fruity rhubarb flavour and can be used just as a gin would be with a tonic or as part of a cocktail but as it’s zero alcohol, you can drink it neat as well. We would suggest trying it out first though to see if you like the flavour and then making up your favourite drink from it! As it’s alcohol free, you can probably find many uses for it, including in ice cubes or an ingredient in jelly if you can get it to set. The possibilities are endless though.

Does it really taste like gin though? The answer is yes, and it has the dryness of gin as well with that yumminess that makes you want to pour another one or share with your friends. The citrus taste along with the sharpness of the rhubarb make it excellent for after dinner at New Years or with friends during January when some people won’t be drinking but still don’t want to have a fizzy soft drink with dinner. It’s sugar and sweetener free and won loads of awards over the past few years so you’re in good company with it too.

Have a look at the Clean G other products including their version of rum, whiskey and straight gin without the flavourings. Maybe 2025’s New Year Resolution to give up alcohol has been to find a new tipple instead?

Available from £16 at: https://clean.co/products/clean-g-rhubarb-alcohol-free-spirit

Nourished Collagen Gummies for Hair, Skin & Nails

beauty, cruelty-free, Family Life, Fitness, health, Plastic free, Subscription Boxes, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

As we go into 2025 with New Years’ Resolutions (that we’ll never keep!) there are some changes we can make which give long term benefits. Collagen is a relatively new idea which has become more popular in the last few years, making it more accessible too. Nourished have a range of collagen gummies which contain collagen and benefit different areas of health. We were. Sent the Nourished Collagen + Hair, Skin and Nails to try out for a few weeks.

Nourished’s Gummie Stacks are individually wrapped gummies (much like jelly sweets) which contain both collagen and nutrients to support different areas of health. Collagen is needed in our bodies to support muscle building and which is more well known, that collagen is needed for hair, skin and nails. As someone whose hair is getting frailer as I get older, I was interested to find out how the collagen would affect my hair mostly. The apple flavoured gummy stacks also contain Glucosamine (for joints), Elastin (for tissue and organ elasticity), Hyaluronic Acid (to retain moisture in hair, eyes and skin) and vitamins such as Vitamin C and Zinc. The layers of different supplements are evident in the individual gummies.

The overall taste is that of sweet apple and it’s not offensive at all. Think of a Haribo, but without the sharpness of sugar and less chewy, as these gummies are sugar free. You only take one gummy a day then continue, which may take a few weeks or months to show a difference. I’ve been taking them for 3+ weeks now, mainly to improve my hair over time but I can see that my skin is less dry already and has more suppleness to it, and is less affected by the harsh cold weather and central heating. Over time, I hope that the effects are more prominent and ongoing!

I really like how easy it is to take these Nourished Gummies because they are in their own little packaging which means you can take them to work with you, in your handbag or even on holiday and not have to worry about finding a drink or if you find taking tablets and capsules a problem. They taste great too, which is always a bonus!

28 servings are £39.99 at: https://get-nourished.com/products/collagen-hair-skin-nails

Tower Good Food Slow Cooker

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home & Garden, kitchen appliances, Mother's Day, Winter

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

Christmas is such a special time, a chance to gather with friends and family and, of course, indulge in delicious food and drink. As much as I enjoy cooking, preparing the festive feast can sometimes feel like I’m running a culinary marathon so when Tower sent me their latest kitchen gadget, a digital 3.5-litre slow cooker from their Good Food range, I was absolutely delighted.

I must admit, I’d never used a slow cooker before, and now I’m wondering how I’ve managed without one all these years. Gone are the days of worrying about oven timings or dashing about like a contestant on Bake Off. Instead, I simply pop the ingredients into the pot in the morning, set the timer, and by teatime, I have a gorgeous meal waiting for me. Meanwhile, I’ve been free to relax with friends, sip a glass of mulled wine, and actually enjoy the festivities.

Whether it’s a cosy supper for two or a feast to feed the entire extended family, the slow cooker handles it all with ease. A bit of prep in the morning is all it takes to create dishes that taste like I’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. And let’s be honest, no one needs to know otherwise!!

This Christmas, I’m especially looking forward to using it for all those turkey leftovers. Turkey curry, turkey casserole even turkey chilli – it’s going to be so easy. The removable aluminium pot can be placed directly on the hob (excluding induction hobs), allowing you to brown your ingredients before transferring the pot back to the slow cooker. This process not only locks in deep, rich flavours but saves on washing up too!

The slow cooker has three different settings, low, high, and a keep-warm function, ensuring the food is ready whenever I need it to be. There’s also a brilliant delay-start function, which means I can schedule the cooking to begin at a time that suits me best. Whether I’m juggling holiday errands or planning around my family’s busy day, this feature is great and means I can have meals ready when I need them.

Cleaning up is a breeze too, thanks to the removable ceramic pot and tempered glass lid, both of which are dishwasher-safe.

In short, it’s a kitchen essential I never knew I needed but now can’t imagine living without and this year I’m going to be spending less time sweating over the stove and more time enjoying the magic of Christmas with my loved ones and leaving the hard work to the slow cooker!

RRP £59.99

James Gin by James May

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Winter

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

James May, legendary of Top Gear and The Grand Tour, has launched a new brand of gin. It’s not really surprising that it’s called James Gin is it? We have been sent a cute gift set of James Gin samples (Asian Parsnip, London Drizzle and California Dreamgin’) to try out. Yes, you read that correctly, one of them is made with Asian Parsnip! We also received James’ new book on gin cocktails called James Gin Big Book of Cocktails, which somewhat less surprisingly, is actually a diminutive book but does contain a lot of gin cocktail recipes!

James makes the gin himself in what he describes as an ‘alarmingly cold’ shed in Wiltshire. He doesn’t make it all on his own, but has the help of expert gin maker Hugh Anderson of Downton Distillery. The idea of Asian Parsnip was all down to James though. He wanted to make a parsnip gin that reminded him of Blighty (damp, root vegetable) but presumably it was so damp and root vegetable-like that he needed to spice it up with some Asian spices. The Asian Parsnip gin has a slightly unusual taste with the spices coming through later to offset the root vegetable tone. It’s perfectly drinkable though, and works well with tonic water which is how I consumed it.

James Gin London Drizzle is a lighter taste, and I’m told it’s made from beetroot, orange, bay and ginger to make a slightly more fruity gin. It’s slight drier than I like though, but again works well with tonic water and gives you an idea of the flavour in order to buy a bigger bottle. The James Gin California Dreamgin’ (yes the ‘g’ is in the wrong place to give it the unusual name) is made of mushrooms. James says that it’s made of girolle mushrooms for those who recognise that meat is murder but if you’re just in it for the gin, then this umami gin is for you. The mushroom gin is flavoured with oregano, coriander and lemon peel with some added spices to give a unique flavour. This gin on its own, in small doses, is actually quite refreshing but you obviously can’t drink a lot of it at 40% alcohol so adding a flavoured tonic would be advisable.

My favourite? The California Dreamgin’ because of the unusual taste, and the fact that I can tell people that they’re drinking a gin made of mushroom! All in all, a useful and very enjoyable gift set.

The James Gin Gift Set: £18.99 https://www.jamesgin.com/products/new-gift-set

Edifier W800BT Pro Cancelling Headphones

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Tech

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

In our continued series of reviewing the Edifier range of headphones, the W800BT Pro Cancelling Headphones make use of the most up-to-date Bluetooth 5.4 technology and hi-res audio.

The over ear headphones have 26 hours of active noise cancelling playtime when fully charged or 45 hours if no noise cancelling is used. 15 minutes of charge gives up to 8 hours of playtime, which is enough for a commute, plane journey or even a day at work if that’s what you need for concentration! Full charge takes from an hour upwards, but the headphone arrive with a fair bit of battery charge to them so you can use them as soon as you get them out of the box.

We were sent this ivory pair, but they also come in black and grey. The forth colour is Gift Set which is essentially ivory again. Charged by the USB-C cable which comes as part of the kit, they can be plugged into a laptop or a charging point, again making them suitable for airports and travelling or if you’re on the laptop and at work. The ear pieces are made of soft leather and swivel so that you can store them or transport them easily.

The controls are on the right headpiece. Pressing down on the Bluetooth button makes them easy to connect to any device and my laptop and phone both picked up on the headphones quickly. Then it was just press the button on screen and the Edifier W800BT Pro headphones were in my preferred list for the next time they are switched on. The on/off button is also on the headset and doubles as a pause button, with the volume control up/down each skipping a track when you hold them down.

As well as being easy to connect and easy to use the headphones are excellent quality and I have to remind myself that for a set of ears, they are very good quality. The leather ear pieces also make them feel classy! The sound is just as sharp as sharp can be and the noise cancelling blocks out almost anything in the room. The ambient sound mode is really helpful though as it blocks out all sound except human voices, so you can wear the headphones at work and still hear people talking to you, or around the home and still be tuned into the family.

Available for £49.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-W800BT-Pro-Cancelling-Headphones-Black/dp/B0D41JQTF8

Lifestyle Gift Card

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Easter, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Valentine's Day Gifts

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

When it comes to last-minute gifting, a gift card always saves the day, especially when you’re short on time. Whether your recipient is halfway across the country or just up the road, this is the no-fuss, no-panic option that everyone loves.

The beauty of a gift card lies in its utter simplicity. Once upon a time, a last-minute gift meant frantically rushing from shop to shop grabbing whatever looked remotely presentable. Those days are over, now with just a few clicks, you can hop online and buy a Lifestyle e-gift card add a personal message and send it directly to your recipient’s inbox. No queues, no hassle and best of all – it’s delivered instantly so no need to feel guilty for leaving it so late!

For those that are thinking that a gift card is just a lazy cop-out. Oh no, a Lifestyle Gift card is anything but. It’s a golden ticket to over 300 top brands – think high-street shops, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, and even supermarkets and charity donations. The hardest bit is choosing what to spend it on! Fancy a spa day? Done. Dinner at a fancy restaurant? Easy. A new gadget, some groceries, or a night at the movies? All covered. This isn’t just a gift; it’s an entire world of possibilities.

Now, for those who still want something physical to hand over – don’t panic. Lifestyle Gift Cards can be printed at home or you can receive a gift card by post. Just be sure to order before 1 pm on December 20^th to make sure it arrives in time for Christmas. But if you’ve missed that deadline, don’t worry. The e-gift card rides to the rescue once again, bypassing postal delays and landing in the recipient’s inbox in mere moments.

And let’s not overlook the brilliance of giving people what they actually want. A gift card removes all the guesswork. There’s no chance of buying the wrong size, colour, or model, no duplicates and no awkward returns. Instead your recipient gets the freedom to choose something they really want – whether it’s something indulgent, practical or fun.

So, if you find yourself in a gifting pickle, don’t despair. Reach for a Lifestyle Gift card. It’s quick, versatile, and utterly foolproof. A few clicks, and you’ve turned your last-minute scramble into a thoughtful gesture. Trust me, the recipient won’t just be pleased, they’ll be impressed.