Author: thereviewstudiouk

Honest and Impartial Reviews.

Tile Bluetooth Trackers for Back to School

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Home, Home & Garden, Tech

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

As September approaches and many children will be starting a new school and indeed, many teenagers will be going off to university for the first time, there is a lot to remember. There is also responsibilities to take care of that weren’t there before. Tile have a range of fancy trackers that can help aid that responsibility and we were sent the Tile Pro and Tile Mate to try out – before school start again!

The Tile products work as trackers linked to an app on your phone (or website or device) whereby you can locate the Tile tracker and hence anything that it’s attached to. This could be a set of keys, car keys, purse or wallet, rucksack, sports equipment or even a car or wandering pet!  Once you have the app and sign up one Tile tracker then the possibilities become endless especially for someone who is always losing something…

The Tile Mate (£19.99) has a range of 250 ft (or 76 metres) which makes it ideal for finding anything in the house, but also for finding something left in the car whilst you’re still in the house, or if you’re at the office and wondering if your house keys are in the car outside.  The battery lasts up to 3 years although it isn’t replaceable but the use of the app is free. You can activate the ring on it from the app so that you can find it in a hurry and it’s water resistant too (which means it can be on the outside of a school bag and still endure the rain). This is great for kids going to school when they can’t find their PE kit or are always losing their house keys before they get home!

The next product up in the Tile range is the Tile Pro (£29.99). This tracker has a range of up to 400 ft or 120 metres, so much further and has more uses. All of the trackers can be used multiple ways thanks to the keyring design where they can be clipped to keys or kept in a pocket. The Tile Pro is especially good for car keys but as it has a larger range, I would use this at the airport to keep tabs on the luggage when it’s in the airport.  The Tile Pro is also great for keeping on toddlers and small children in busy places so that you can track them on your app if you need to. Think about a summer festival or busy park and 120 metres is a large area to be scouring to find a missing small person!  There’s a really loud ring on this Tile Pro too so you can hear it from much further away and it has a reciprocal button on it so if you, or your child press the button, it alerts the app on the phone it’s attached to. If you have a Year 6 child at primary school this year, the Tile Pro is often enough range to track your child to and from school if you live close enough, and ensures you know where they are at all times.

Tile Mate and Tile Pro available from the Tile online shop at: https://www.tile.com/en-gb

Swan Nordic Collection Kettle & Toaster

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Home & Garden, kitchen appliances, Mother's Day, 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.

The kettle and toaster are the two most used appliances in my kitchen, they are the ones everyone reaches for first thing in the morning, last thing at night and many times in between for a hot drink or a tasty snack.

Given how often they are used, investing in high quality appliances like those made by Swan, is a smart choice. They recently sent us a matching kettle and toaster from their popular Nordic collection and the appliances, which are designed to be both functional and visually appealing, offer a touch of elegance and charm to any kitchen.

The tall jug style kettle with a snug fitting lid can make up to 8 cups from a single boil, making it perfect for larger families or when you’re entertaining. The cotton white coloured Scandinavian style kettle looks very stylish with it’s wood effect handle and the illuminated on/off switch makes it is easy to tell when it is on. The kettle sits on a 360 degree rotating base making it ideal for households with both left and right handed users.

The kettle boils nice and quickly, the 3KW of power can boil a single cup of water in under 45 seconds and a litre of water in just under 2.5 minutes so you don’t have to wait long for that all important first cup of tea or coffee in the morning. It also pours nicely with the water going directly into the teapot or cup without any mess, this may seem like a minor detail, but a smooth pouring action is very important and gets my day off to a good start!!

The matching toaster is equally impressive, with 7 browning settings to suit all preferences. The four slice toaster also features a defrost setting, reheat and a cancel function and the two halves of the toaster can be controlled independently, so if you are making toast for two different people, one of whom likes well done toast and the other prefers lightly toasted then that’s not a problem. The white front and rubberised wood effect controls look nice and stylish, and the simple Scandinavian design will look good in all kitchens.

My pet hate is toasters with thin slots that can’t take a fruit teacake or even worse ruins them when they get stuck to the side, so I was very pleased to discover that this toaster has nice wide slots to accommodate everything from chunky slices of bread, bagels, and of course my favourite snack – the fruit teacake.

When using the toaster, it is obvious that this is a well-built appliance, the controls feel solid and robust and it toasts nice and evenly. There’s two crumb trays at the bottom of the toaster to catch all the crumbs which slide out easily for cleaning.

When you’re using an appliance daily it needs to be built to last and Swan’s Nordic kettle and toaster are constructed with durability in mind. The kettles stainless steel interior is resistant to limescale buildup, ensuring it remains clean and efficient over time and the toaster feels nice and and robust, especially the levers to lower the bread for toasting.

Safety is also a priority with these appliances, the kettle has an automatic shut off and boil dry features while the toaster has an automatic shut off to prevent overheating.

Kettles and toasters are the unsung heroes of the kitchen, used more frequently than other appliances so if you’re looking to upgrade your appliances this summer then the Nordic range is a great choice, combing practicality with a touch of elegance.

Kettle RRP £54.99

Toaster RRP £79.99

Method Body Wash

beauty, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Home, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

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

Method, which is usually known as a cleaning brand, have entered the body care arena this summer with some very cool body wash in flavours, Pure Peace, Energy Boost and Simply Nourish.  Not only are these new to the market and available in Sainsbury’s, but they’re loved by the Kardashians too!

We were sent these three different scents, all at a generous size of 18 fl oz (532ml) to try out during the summer.  Never ones to shy away from a good beauty product, we got to work trying them and weren’t disappointed.  

Starting with Pure Peace, this body wash contains peony, rose water and pink sea salt all of which give it this blush colour; cheerful in itself.  The Method bottles are particularly useful as the ingredients are part of the wording on the packaging. All of the Method body products are plant based too, so there’s more natural ingredients than most other beauty washes. The fragrance is delicate, rose-like and very fresh so you can use it as a body wash or even in the bath to make bubbles!

The second scent is called Energy Boost which contains citrus, ginger and sea buckthorn.  This fragrance is great when you’ve had a big night out and need to get awake in the morning, like a shot of pure energy to wake you up. The citrus really comes through in this wash, and livens up a shower to get you ready to go.  The final variety is Simply Nourish. Containing coconut, rice milk and shea butter you can guess that this body wash is for feeding your skin and making you feel silky soft. Again, it can be used in the bath or to lathe up in the shower with the coconut aroma giving relaxing vibes as well as nurturing. This fragrance reminds me of tropical holidays with the rich rice milk scent and coconut and the shea butter leaves your skin soft like a hotel spa.

In combination, all three look fabulous on the bath side and you can pick and choose which one you prefer depending on your mood, or how hard your day’s been.

Available from Sainsbury’s for £6.50 at: https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/SearchResults/method%20body%20wash

Afternoon Tea Week at Brown’s Covent Garden

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gluten Free, Restaurant, Summer, Vegetarian, Women

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

As if we need an excuse for an Afternoon Tea, 12-18 August is Afternoon Tea Week across the UK and Browns Brasserie & Bar invited us to their Champagne Afternoon Tea at their luxurious Covent Garden restaurant to sample their new Moet & Chandon menu. Available now in all Browns Brasserie & Bars, the classic meal is enhanced by a glass of classic or pink Champagne courtesy of Moet & Chandon and set in the fabulous ex-courthouse building in Leicester Square.

Upon arriving, the Judge’s Court room is upstairs (staircase or lift, in case you’re wondering) which is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downstairs and one of the busiest parts of London. There’s no noise and no passing trade to disturb you or your photos, but the decadent décor, the parquet flooring and almost complete inside of the court from when it was a working court is still there. There’s even the judge’s chair left at the front of the room and ‘TO THE CELLS’ sign on the door! It’s beautifully decorated with plenty of room and no rush to contend with.

The Afternoon Tea Menu is both traditional and delicious. Starting with the Moet & Chandon Champagne, we had a classic glass each, which was slightly dry but totally appropriate with an Afternoon Tea. The sandwiches include an open sandwich of rye bread and salmon pate, lobster brioche, salt beef and horse radish and a lovely mix of cheese, pickle and crunchy apple – a combination which I will be trying at home! Each of the sandwiches was so fresh and so delicious we wanted to have more, but Browns had other ideas, judging by the amount of cake that was also on the stand.

Each of us had a plain and a fruit scone for the second course, with cream and both strawberry and blackcurrant jam to accompany. The crumbly scones were obviously baked that morning and fresh on the plate, as were the four different cakes which we enjoyed. Starting with the Blackcurrant Victoria Sandwich which was light and fluffy and featured the fruity blackcurrant jam which featured with the scones, it was definitely the first one to try before the stronger flavours kicked in.  The Carrot Cake was also fresh and baked with cinnamon to give the tangy yet rich flavour which is so often found in Afternoon Teas.  The Brown’s Black Forest Chocolate Pot also requires a Highly Commended mention because this was the richest of all the rich desserts with a Black Forest centre, chocolate moat and a cream filling on top. This one was definitely one to be eaten slowly!  The final cake was a delicate lemon meringue tart with edible violet flower on top, to remind you that it’s still summer.

All of this was accompanied by a tea of your choice including loose leaf English Breakfast or Earl Grey and teabags of Green Tea, Elderflower & Pear or Ginger, Turmeric & Lemon.  The tea is endless with more pots being brought out whenever you ask for them and the jams and cream are bottomless too.

Browns Brasserie & Bar have put on a super Afternoon Tea this year and not only is it available throughout the summer but there are vegetarian and Gluten Free versions too.  Classic Afternoon tea starts at £30 with Moet & Chandon Champagne costing £40 and Pink champagne at £45. We certainly enjoyed our 2 hours stress free and were more than full from their Afternoon Tea! https://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/afternoonteamenu#/

Hair Gain Peptide Puff Dry Shampoo, Scalp Foam and Hair Mask Review

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

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

AD I’d been on the lookout for some travel sized hair products to take on holiday with me so was really pleased when Hair Gain offered to send me a selection of their hair care products. The handy sized products fit easily in my wash bag, making them the ideal companions on my recent walking and cycling holiday.

The Hair Gain Peptide Puff Dry Shampoo is a festival goer’s dream come true, with it’s ability to refresh your hair instantly it’s the perfect choice when showering isn’t an option. With its unique powder puff applicator rather than the typical aerosol, it offers a refreshing and eco-friendly way to freshen up greasy locks when you’re away from home. This method is not only better for the environment but offers a more precise application, absorbing excess oil and adding volume, leaving my hair feeling fresh and clean without the need for water. The other advantage to the powder is it doesn’t leave a chalky finish on my hair and feels less chemical-like than other dry shampoos I have used before. There’s no excuse for dull locks now, one application and my hair feels clean and full of life again.

RRP £15

The Scalp Foam is lightweight and easy to apply, providing a soothing and revitilising treatment for the scalp. It’s especially beneficial for maintaining scalp health whilst on the go, ensuring your scalp feels comfortable and balanced. The leave-in hair foam contains naturally derived ingredients which work together to nourish your scalp. It is applied to dry or towel dried hair and you simply massage it into your scalp. It doesn’t need rinsing out and by using it daily I have noticed that I am shedding less hair and my hair is starting to feels stronger. It also smells lovely too.

RRP £32

Finally the Hair Mask is a nourishing treat that deeply conditions and revitilizes hair. You apply it to towel dried hair, massage it in, leave for 5-10 minutes and then rinse out. There was enough in the 50ml tube for 5 applications on my shoulder length hair so is the perfect size for a summer holiday. I used it on a week long walking and cycling holiday where my hair was assaulted by sun and sweat every day and it really made a big difference to my dry curly hair. Using the mask a couple of times over the week meant my hair was more hydrated and manageable than it is normally. Since returning home I’ve been using it on a weekly basis and am very pleased with the condition of my hair – the mask gives a powerful dose of hydration, leaving my dry curls soft, shiny and bouncy again.

RRP £14.50 50ml

The wide toothed Hair Gain comb is the perfect tool to help distribute the Scalp Foam and Hair Mask. It can be used on wet or dry hair and it’s great for detangling my curly hair without excessive pulling or tugging. The sturdy teeth with rounded tips effortlessly glide through wet hair with less pulling which speeds up the detangling process whilst reducing breakage

RRP £11.95 

I’m really impressed with these products, they are fantastic for both travel and everyday use and the handy sized products combined with their effective formulas makes them a must have for anyone looking to maintain their haircare routines whilst away from home this summer.

Clean G Pink Non Alcoholic Crisp Fruity Botanical Spirit

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan

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

The sun has finally made an appearance and the forecast for the next few days is good so I’m looking forward to some lazy afternoons in the garden once I’ve finished work for the day. Whilst I would love to unwind with a cool gin and tonic, I’ve a busy week so can’t afford to wake up with a hangover,so a sophisticated non alcoholic drink like Clean G Pink from Clean Co is the perfect choice. Founded in 2019 by Spencer Matthews Clean Co has quickly made a name for itself with its stylish art deco style bottles and high quality alcohol free spirits. Clean G Pink is not only refreshing but captures the essence of a classic pink gin, offering a vibrant blend of botanicals and a hint of sweetness just minus the alcohol.

The Clean G Pink spirit has a delicate pink hue and the bouquet of aromatic botanicals, berries and pink peppercorns creates an inviting aroma that promises an enjoyable drinking experience. The taste is fruity and zesty with the juniper leading the way. The clean and crisp taste makes it incredibly refreshing and whether you pair it with a standard or flavoured tonic, lemonade or make a mocktail it is the ideal companion for unwinding and relaxing.

With less than 0.5% ABV, no sugar or additional sweeteners and only 14 calories per 50ml serving it’s the perfect choice when you want something special that isn’t alcoholic.

A 70cl bottle costs £16 and is available from Clean Co and supermarkets.

Be @ One Cosmetics Review

beauty, Birthday Gifts, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Women

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

Like most middle aged women I have fallen into a rut with my make up, always using the same brands and colours so I was delighted when I was given the opportunity to try some new cosmetics from Be @ One

If you haven’t heard of Be @ One before, they are a brand new make up brand who offer an impressive array of cosmetics including BB cream, Mascara, Lip Gloss, Concealer, Lipstick, Eyeliner, Powder, Eye Pencils and Eye Shadow. The company are on a mission to change the way people think about make-up and beauty and their vegan and ethical cosmetics are the perfect choice for those who want to move away from the big brands and make a conscious choice to use cruelty free and environmentally friendly beauty products.

The Be Bold Eyeshadow Palette (RRP £19) contains five highly pigmented shades in shades of brown – Frosting, Sweet Biscuit, Butterscotch, Coffee Bean and Liquorice. Whether you are looking for a neutral every day look or full-on glamour you can easily create it with the colours in this palette. Normally with eye shadow palettes there is a colour that I never use however I know I will wear all these shades as they all look great with my dark brown eyes. The eyeshadows are easy to apply and it was easy to build up colour to get the desired effect. The eyeshadow was also easy to remove at the end of the day, one swipe of a bamboo pad with eye make up remover on and the eyeshadow simply melted away. Despite their affordable price these eye shadows certainly rival the high end brands I usually use, providing long lasting wear without creasing.

The Be Cheeky Compact Powder (RRP £19) is available in four different shades, catering to a variety of skin tones. The powder offers a smooth matte finish that helps control shine through the day. The powder feels lightweight and the vegan formula is gentle, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Additionally it includes a SPF15 rating giving your skin extra protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

The Be Radiant BB Cream (RRP £19.50) is the product I love the most, available in four shades it offers a natural, radiant finish with just the right amount of coverage. I have fair skin so opted for the Light Touch shade and it evened out my skin tone and hydrated my skin without feeling heavy, even on really hot days. The BB cream is enriched with the natural goodness of argan oil and has a SPF30 rating providing essential sun protection.  As a vegan product it contains skin loving ingredients that nourish and protect making it an excellent choice for everyday wear.

The Be Bright Concealer (RRP £16) is available in four shades and the creamy formula which contains argan oil, aloe vera and avocado oil is easy to blend, effectively covering blemishes and dark circles. The formula is kind to my sensitive skin and offers buildable coverage for a natural finish.  

Be Fabulous Lip Gloss (RRP £13) is moisturising and isn’t sticky and gives a beautiful shine to lips.  The applicator scoops up just the right amount of gloss meaning you only need one application for gorgeous shiny lips and it glides onto my lips effortlessly. There are four different shades currently available – Punk Pink, Bold Red, Pink Crush and Morello so there is a shade to suit all occasions. Naturally enriched with argan oil, aloe vera and avocado oil, it is effortless to apply and leaves lips lovely and soft.

I’m really impressed with these products, Be @ One offer the perfect blend of affordability, quality and ethics and the high quality formulations are gentle on the skin and as good for your complexion as they are for the environment. As a new small brand Be @ One are making a significant impact and I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring out next.

Cetraben Day and Night Facial Cream

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

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

The misery of eczema prone skin is known to many, and is often a lifelong battle.  Cetraben have launched a new Day Cream and Night Cream which are dermatologically tested to replenish moisture in the skin, and help prevent skin from drying out.  We were sent some of both to try, which is not just for eczema prone skin but for anyone who has dry, itchy skin and looking for that extra relief.

The Cetraben Moisturising Facial Day Cream is a lightweight cream which can be used on the skin to cool the face daily. It can be applied as a preventative measure to keep skin hydrated during the day, or onto flaky, itchy skin which needs a hydrating boost.  Containing coconut oil and oat oil, Cetraben Moisturising Facial Day Cream also contains squalane and glycerine. Working together, these ingredients soften skin and sooth dry skin.

Working in conjunction with Cetraben’s Facial Day Cream, their Nourishing Facial Night Cream also boosts hydration but includes jojoba seed oil, castor oil and shea butter as well as squalene and glycerine. This power pack of ingredients boosts hydration whilst you sleep and your skin regenerates, and locks in the moisture to help alleviate dry skin and allowing your skin to heal overnight. Continued use will help eczema skin with its rich but lightweight formula.

Each of the Cetraben Face and Night Creams absorb easily into the skin, but you can tell that the Night Cream is heavier with the inclusion of jojoba seed oil, castor oil and shea butter to give a richer, deeper effect at night.  Both are lovely to the touch though and provide a great deal of hydration to the skin. I didn’t find I had to reapply the Cetraban Facial Day Cream a second time during the day either, I only needed one application during the morning and the Cetraben Facial Night Cream at night.

These Cetraben Day and Night Creams make great gifts or lovely treats for yourself, especially if your skin is dry and needs that extra moisture replenish.

Pampeano Leather Belt

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Fashion, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Women

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

Add glamour to your summer with this timeless leather belt from Pampeano. Not heard of them before? Let me explain…

Pampeano means ‘from La Pampa’ – a region in Argentina famed for their stunning views and handmade leather goods. Argentina is famous for both horsemanship and their polo fields, which has inspired Pampeano to create an extensive range of leather good for sale all over the world, including these stylish belts. We were sent the Alba belt to review this week, which was quite a treat!

The Alba belt, like all the Pampeano belts comes in sizes from 80 centimetres to 15 centimetres (28-42 inches). The leather belts are adorned with different patterns and the Alba is embroidered with 6 colours of a typical Argentinian design, with a slight feminine twist. The variety of colours means it can be matched with a range of outfits or just with a plain white shirt and jeans. Don’t just stop at jeans for these hand-made Pampeano belts though, because they can just as easily be paired with a dress or a long shirt to create a waist that isn’t already there and the quality of the leather and the metal buckle means it can be used in a casual outfit or for very dressy. Think maxi dress, boots and a low-slung belt.

The belts are made to a high quality, with a beautiful design and durable stitching to ensure the buckle stays in place.  It also arrives in a gorgeous presentation box to not only protect it but to keep it in great shape if you want to give it as a gift. The range of sizes online also make it a great present so that you can tailor each piece to different friends, not having to worry about whether it will fit or not.  High quality leather belts like Pampeano will always be in fashion and last a long time and are well worth the investment.

I tried out the Alba Pampeano belt with a pair of jeans. It fit snugly in the belt loops of most pairs of jeans but the unique, understated design of the pattern stands out compared to other leather belts.  Whilst using it, you can feel the quality and the weight of the buckle. The leather is of high quality and is treated so that it doesn’t crack or split easily and you can see the workmanship in the way the belt is constructed especially around the buckle which is where most of the wear is on a belt, and the part which is seen most often.

We often forget how important a belt is to an outfit and for some trousers (and skirts for that matter) a belt is essential. Pampeano have a beautiful range of not just belts but bags, purses and wallets which are also made to the same high quality and have distinctive, Argentinian designs you’ll love.

Priced at £79.00 the Alba belt: https://www.pampeano.com/collections/shop-all-pampeano-belts/products/pampeano-belt-alba

Darn Tough Women’s Running Socks

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, National Walking Month, Sport, Women

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

Yes, it helps to be Darn Tough when running, and these merino wool ¼ socks from Darn Tough stood up to my Park Run test today.

Socks are a nightmare to get right when you’re running. You can’t change them half way through a run and stopping to adjust them is a no-no when you’re on the clock and surrounded by people who would need to edge around you.  So Darn Tough have brought out their running socks (and new versions come out every year) which are comfortable as well as functional.

Darn Tough Socks

From Vermont, Darn Tough manufacture walking, hiking, sports and running socks for men, women and children based on quality. Their socks are made from merino wool and a high quality Lycra for the best fit, no blisters and best of all, they have a lifetime warranty. Their socks may be expensive (these ¼ socks for running are priced at £20) but if you ever get a hole, or any kind of defect, they will replace them for you with a whole new pair. 

If you look at their whole range online, you’ll see the socks aren’t boring either. There’s a whole range of colours, and each design comes in multiple colours too. Great for distinguishing in a household who the socks belong to if you have multiple runners or walkers!  They’re pretty enough to not feel stagnant either with the range of colours that fit the running and workout outfits that are available today. I liked these blue socks which have a quirky yet not overstated design. It makes them easier to distinguish when you peer into the drawer and decide which pair to put on.

These socks are called Women’s Run No Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks. It means that they are designed for running because of the extra Lycra across the bridge of the foot (where the laces would be) and are lightweight for running. The Lycra is also a high quality to allow for more give and cushion and to compensate for the fact that these socks have less merino wool as they were making the socks and therefore the running shoes too bulky and uncomfortable. 

Park Run this morning was hot and uncomfortable by the Darn Tough socks were no problem. There’s plenty of stretch in them, they’re durable and don’t pinch with the extra Lycra and there’s absolutely no slippage when running and no blisters.  The lifetime warranty means I can wear these every week without having to worry about them every wearing out. I can’t guarantee that won’t happen to me though…

Available online at £20:

Women's Run No Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight Running Sock

Immature Garden – Home Grown Microgreens

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, eco friendly, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, health, Home, Subscription Boxes, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

What a great gift! The team at Immature Garden sent us one of their Large Microgreen Growing Kits to show us how indoor planting of microgreens is not only easy, but a great present for anyone.  We had no idea what was in the kit when it arrived, so what you’re seeing is a succession of photos as we unpacked what was inside. Read on to see how it works…

The Colour is in the Box
Immature Garden
What the kit looks like…
setting up the coconut bowls

Anita and Arnold founded Immature Garden in 2019 when they couldn’t find a sustainable, easy way to grow microgreens at home.  Fast forward to today and they do indeed have a lovely business growing microgreens, selling the kit and everything that goes with it. What are microgreens though?  Vegetables which you would normally go and buy in the shops at maturity are just as nutritious, if not more, when they are seedlings and before the vegetables or fruits start to grow.  You see microgreens on lots of restaurant dishes and if you are serious about increasing your ‘5 a day’ to increase your nutrition intake, microgreens are the way to go. They’re also excellent for growing indoors and during the colder months where you can just cut them down and use them as you need them.

We were sent the Large Microgreen Grow Kit which has more than enough of everything for you to be able to grow microgreens for yourself.  Within the box, there are 3 coconut shell and 6 packets of coco soil. Hidden within the box (and this is great for kids as you have to pull the box apart to find what’s hidden at the bottom!) contains three different types of microgreen seeds; radish, kale and clover. The box comes with instructions or there is a video online but if you’re a gardener or have grown microgreens before, you’ll know how easy it is to put together.

The soil provided is just the right amount for each of the coconut bowls. Empty one packet into a bowl, keeping the plastic bag to one side.  Fish out one of the packets of seeds – a whole packet covers the soil of one bowl as long as you spread the seeds out evenly and this is important to stop them from becoming mouldy. Water them sparingly just so that the soil and seeds are wet. Using the plastic bag the soil came in, enclose the bowls and seal up the bag so that there is enough heat generated for the seeds to germinate. Once they have started to sprout, you can take them out of the bag and keep them indoors until they grow to a reasonable height. The seeds will keep growing unless you cut them and use them, but with the multiple packs you can keep the Immature Garden going for several months – and order more seeds from the website too.

This is a fabulous gift for anyone who is interested in either cooking or gardening, and families with children will love it too as they learn about growing seeds as well as being hands-on. I recommend starting the kit outdoors so that the soil doesn’t go everywhere, which is what I did, then you can move the bowls in the bags indoors.  The kit can be started any time of year not just in summer so as a gift it would be great for Christmas, and in the winter is when we need more nutritious food that can’t be found in shops as easily. It’s also great fun watching them grow and make beautiful centre pieces for dining tables and decoration on shelves!

Check back to see my photos as the kale, clover and radishes sprout and grow – I can’t wait!

Large kit £33.80: https://www.immaturegarden.co.uk/product-page/Large-Microgreen-Grow-Kit

Starter kit: £17.75: https://www.immaturegarden.co.uk/product-page/Starter-Microgreen-Grow-Kit

UPDATE: We have some germinated seeds already! Don’t they look fab!

New Edifier W830NB headphones Over-ear Headphones

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Tech

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

Edifier are increasingly a big name in speaker and headphones and the new Edifier W830NB .are no exception. This over-ear, over-head headphones are an improvement to the already fantastic value for money Edifier models headphones out there.  We were sent a pair to try out this week, and of course report back to you!

These Edifier W830NB come in three colours; gray, sandwhite and these black ones.  The headphones are noise-cancelling which means you can’t hear much outside of what you are listening to, but you can turn on ambient sound. There’s also a nifty ability to turn on High Noise Cancellation too using the buttons on the earpiece. This feature is great for children as the button is annotated with a voice so they know which setting they’re on without having to take the headphones off and look for a light. Makes life much easier if you’re snuggled up with the headphones set just right and you don’t want to move!

There are lots of technical terms with these Edifier W830NB headphones so I’ll try and keep them easy to understand.  The ear pieces are high quality speakers for better sound, there’s an 18% increase in the noise cancellation on these headphones compared to previous models and the focus of the sound is different to give a more all-round cinema like quality to the audio.  In addition, there’s also technology on the ambient sound which allows human voices to be heard where other outside noises are filtered out. The headphones are also easily foldable for travel or even carrying in a handbag or on the commute thanks to the swivel ear pieces.

It’s super easy to connect the headphones through Bluetooth. I connected to my laptop by just pressing the Bluetooth button on the headset until the blue light came on, then opening my laptop Bluetooth settings and the headphones were immediately found. This added the Edifier W830NB to my library of Bluetooth products so that whenever I turn the headphones on again, the laptop finds them and connects. Not all laptops or devices work the same way though, and if they can’t connect to your headphones, check that your device is Bluetooth V5.4 compatible, which is the latest technology and what these Edifier W830NB are built with.

The Edifier W830NB headphones use a USB-C port on the earpiece to charge.  There’s a staggering 94 hours play time on a full charge but we haven’t had a chance to test them for that long yet! 94 hours is the play time with ambient noise cancellation off; with ANC on it’s still a massive 54 hours. Charging time isn’t long either, with a part charge of 15 minutes giving you 10 hours listening time.  The USB-C cable acts as a wired cable so that if you do run out of charge, you can switch to wired if necessary.

The usual high-quality, easy functioning of Edifier makes these Edifier W830NB headphones suitable for the whole family without being over priced and over complicated. Excellent sound quality and lightweight enough to carry anywhere too! 

Usually £79.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-W830NB-Headphones-Cancelling-Multipoint-Black/dp/B0D2VH915C?th=1

Higgidy Snacks for Summer

camping, Children, Days Out, Family Life, health, Home, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

Snacking is not just for picnics anymore, the working from home culture means that more of us are not only eating from home but treating ourselves when we grab a bite between meetings or for the school run. Higgidy have an increasing range of snacking foods which appeal to all tastes and ages thanks to their variety of vegetarian baked goods, as well as sausage rolls, quiches and muffins.  We were gifted a lovely range (available in all big stores) to sample whilst watching the tennis, football and of course, sheltering from the rain this summer.

Starting with the Higgidy Beechwood Smoked Bacon & Mature Cheddar Quiche, this is a great lunch, snack or even dinner for the family thanks to the protein from the bacon and cheese!  The combination of the thick-cut bacon with the rich, mature cheddar lends it perfectly to a more substantial snack or as part of a bigger meal. It’s great for picnics, or for taking as a gift to a summer gathering where you can choose your portion size.   The quiche is yummy too with béchamel sauce in the mixture. 

If a large quiche is too much to handle then the Higgidy Smoked Salmon & Spinach Quiche (also with béchamel sauce) might hit the spot.  At 155 grams it’s more of a single serving for either lunch or a snack and can be warmed up or eaten cold.  I had this for lunch one day with some deli favourites, which work beautifully with the poppy seeds in the pastry of the quiche crust.  There are other quiches in the Higgidy range but I think the Smoked Salmon & Spinach Quiche is probably my favourite.

Onto the sharing snacks, and Higgidy do a lovely range of mini muffins, like these Mature Cheddar & Spinach with a pinch of cayenne.  These muffins are slightly lighter than quiches but have the same dough-like consistency of muffins, just more protein heavy. The Mature Cheddar & Spinach Mini Muffins are bite-sized and can be heated or eaten straight from the sharing box but with the spinach included, and the cayenne for extra taste, these are healthier than their flour-made sweeter counterparts.  They’re great to add to lunchboxes or to have as a sharing snack when watching a movie too!

The Higgidy range of rolls includes these Great British Pork Sausage Rolls and vegetarian Porcini Mushroom & Spinach Rolls. These packs of 6 mini rolls each have tasty fillings fit for any picnic and add something different that you can’t normally buy in the shops. The Great British Pork Rolls have the meaty centres where the Porcini Mushroom & Spinach have the mixture of mushroom and greens to give a slightly different edge to a British classic and which everyone can enjoy as they’re plant based.

Speaking of plant based, Higgidy also have a range of other vegan snacks which are widely available.  These are the Higgidy Cheddar Cheese & Caramelized Onion Rolls and Higgidy Sweet Potato Katsu Curry Little Lattices. If you haven’t tried the Little Lattice sharing range, these are filled pastry treats especially for sharing and have a pretty lattice pastry design on top so your picnics will look great too. I like these as after school savoury treats or to add to a salad or soup at lunchtime. The katsu curry taste is very different to other snacks on the market and the sweet potato makes a change as it’s not as dry as other fillings and has that sweeter taste too.  The Cheddar Cheese & Caramelized Onion Rolls are similar to their counterparts but the cheese is on top too, giving a crunch coating to add a little texture.  The sweet onion filling makes a great accompaniment to any meal or picnic.

There are more items in the extensive range at Higgidy but I think you get the idea of what yummy things they have out there for you to try.  It doesn’t matter that the weather isn’t great, you can still enjoy good company and snack on the go with Higgidy’s fabulous range!

Available in most big supermarkets, smaller supermarkets may have a limited range. See online for details of ingredients: https://www.higgidy.co.uk/our-food/

Altruist Sunscreen

beauty, camping, Children, cruelty-free, Days Out, eco friendly, Family Life, health, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

It is finally time to start summer and to do it right, Altruist have a range of sunscreens for the whole family. We were sent some to sample and in true British Summer spirit, it was a few weeks before we could go out and try it!

Altruist sunscreen were developed by Dermatologist Dr Andrew Birnie to be a high quality sunscreen but at an affordable price. The reduction of marketing costs and a slim profit margin were the key to Altruist being not just effective but safe and affordable to everyone.

The range includes sunscreens at SPF 30 and SPF 50 in different bottles (with an increasing amount of bottles being produced with recycled materials) and SPF 30 and SPF 50 Face Fluids, all of which we were sent to try.  We were also gifted the Altruist 50 SPF Face Primer to accompany the Face Fluids.

Starting with the Altruist Sunscreens, we tried the SPF 30 and SPF 50 varieties, each graded as 5-star UVA protection. That’s not all, as all of the varieties are vegan, coral friendly and cruelty free. That means the chemicals used in the Altruist Sunscreens won’t affect sea coral if they get into the ocean and they’re not tested on animals either.  It’s telling that the Altruist Sunscreens start at SPF 30 and nothing less, as SPF 30 is a good starting point for sun protection no matter which climate you’re wearing it in.  SPF 50 is what is sold in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere to give the maximum protection against the sun. The Altruist SPF 30 and SPF 50 are easy to absorb and go a long way. I can’t say we’ve been able to test their sun blocking ability in this British Summer so far though!

The Altruist Face Fluids at SPF 30 and SPF 50 work in a similar way to the sunscreens but are lighter for the face.  They are also 5-star UVA and UVB blockers which exceed EU standards, but are moisturising antioxidants too, which are beneficial for the face. Both Face Fluids also contain Vitamin E to prevent cellular damage and are designed for sensitive skin.  Additionally, they are all fragrance free, paraben free, hypoallergenic and water resistant!  

Finally, the Altruist Primer SPF 50 is worn under make up (foundation, moisture tint etc) to give extra SPF protection.  Just as light as the Face Fluids, it can also be worn under the sunscreens if you need extra heavy sun protection or your skin needs moisturising.  If you’re not just sunbathing but going out socially in the sun, Altruist Primer SPF 50 is much lighter than sunscreen and allows you to wear whatever make up you prefer, with no residue or stickiness. It’s also water resistant so you can be around the pool or at the beach and not have to re-apply too often.  It’s lovely and light too, so if you’re in the garden it can also be used for short periods of time.

Lots of lovely options for everyone this summer at the Altruist website, and even better, they start at £5.25!

Altruist Sunscreen and Sun Products are available online at: https://altruistsun.com/shop/

Cocoba Chocolates 

Birthday Gifts, Children, chocolate, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Stocking Fillers

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

Chocolate aficionados will know that supermarket chocolate is not what it used to be. Thankfully, there are lots of new chocolate companies out there who are killing it in the market with those who appreciate good chocolate.  Cocoba Chocolate is one of those companies, starting as a pop-up hot chocolate drinking shop in Brent Cross, London.  Founder Darren comes from Australia and arrived in Blighty to find that he couldn’t find the same quality hot chocolate he was used to growing up. So he made his own. From hot chocolate, the business grew and now includes bars, boxes of chocolates, truffles and a whole range of gifts. We were sent some bars of Cocoba Intense 70% Dark Chocolate, Cocoba Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Buttons and Cocoba Cocoa Dusted Salted Toffee Truffles.

 I started with the Salted Caramel Chocolate Buttons (you’ve got to start somewhere, right?) as they’re so easy to open and pop into your mouth.  It only takes one button to give you that chocolate hit and they’re relatively small so I had these as mini-snacks after lunch or with a cup of coffee. They’re very smooth milk chocolate but with a hint of the salted caramel to them which makes them extra sweet and a bit crunchy.  To add a different dimension, keep them in the fridge and then let them melt in your mouth after a hot drink to feel the texture as well as savour the flavour.

Cocoba chocolate

The mini bars of chocolate (33 grams) are 70% dark chocolate, hence they’re called Intense 70% Dark, and they are certainly intense! There’s no flavour to them other than the dark chocolate and very few ingredients either, just cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter and natural vanilla flavouring. I love dark chocolate anyway and these are perfect because the size means they’re a light snack, fit into a lunch box or are beautiful after dinner, but 70% dark chocolate isn’t so rich that it’s difficult to eat.

Finally, the Cocoba Cocoa Dusted Salted Toffee Truffles were my favourite! Truffles are a big hit with me anyway but I didn’t know that these were going to be such dark, smooth chocolate and have the extra texture of the salted toffee. You can taste both the salt in them and the small pieces of toffee that get into your teeth – but don’t worry, they’re not toffee enough to take out your fillings!  You can really taste the soft cream in these and the cocoa coating is left on your hands when you pick them up. They’re great for after dinner or for sharing and make magical gifts as well.

I’m never one to refuse chocolate but when it’s good quality chocolate like this? What is there not to like?

Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Bag £4.95: https://www.cocobachocolate.com/products/salted-caramel-milk-chocolate-buttons?_pos=3&_sid=954c85107&_ss=r

Cocoa Dusted Salted Toffee Truffles £7.95: https://www.cocobachocolate.com/products/cocoba-cocoa-dusted-salted-toffee-truffles?_pos=1&_sid=94397d296&_ss=r

Intense Dark Chocolate Mini Bar 70% £2.50: https://www.cocobachocolate.com/products/intense-71-dark-chocolate-mini-bar?_pos=1&_psq=intense-dark&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Kitchen Therapy- book by Charlotte Hastings

Birthday Gifts, Books, Family Life, Food & Drink, health, Home

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

There are self help books, cookery books and creativity ideas but Kitchen Therapy combines all of them to bring to you a new way of cooking – the way of conscious cooking.

Charlotte Hastings has a background in anthropology, has been head of Drama at a school for children with autism, ADHD and dyslexia and is a psychodynamic therapist.  Until recently, these would all have looked like completely unrelated careers with no link to mental health and well-being but the premise of the book is that good health and good mental health come from looking after yourself from the food you eat and the way you prepare it.

The book starts with Kitchen Therapy. This is the practice of using good food, preparing it and even growing it in a way in which is more nutritious and works on your health from the inside out.  Science have long believed that it’s not good enough to just eat your greens and have 3 meals a day, but the practice of growing food is good for your mental health, the process of gathering ingredients and preparing a meal is good for your soul. The creativity it brings to your life is just as nourishing as the food, which if you look at the spectrum of the foods available to us today, is the broadest and healthiest it has ever been, if you just look for it.

The book is not for the casual reader but more someone who is engrossed in either food or self-help or both. There are ‘Time to Reflect’ sessions which Hastings asks thoughtful questions about lifestyle and food.  The book continues with a section of recipes called The Cards which again goes into depth about foods such as chocolate and tea and then different foodstuffs and meals.

The book is quite long and takes some time to get through with the amount of new information and references it makes. There is a ton of new material in there which if you are not familiar with a more holistic lifestyle will take a long while to get used to.  It’s best read in total and then used as a reference book as the concepts make the recipes cards and some of the food choices more understandable.  It’s totally different to a cookbook though, and it’s not self-help but it is hugely explanatory and life changing for anyone who isn’t used to the connection of food and their quality of life, as well as health.

Available from £14.99 online: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kitchen-Therapy-Charlotte-Hastings/dp/1911383906/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11YY8DZA5VN0N&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZUdca1dSTAyIE7g_2G3abtb5_qCi1N6A-6RBalhfgho.ZjdloNmqTB0WsRV-n3rFmBjr_L7Q0TqpzqlKe1xtfsE&dib_tag=se&keywords=kitchen+therapy+charlotte+hastings&qid=1720190646&sprefix=kitchen+thereapy%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1

Organii SPF Sun Cream

Baby, beauty, camping, Children, cruelty-free, health, Summer, Vegan

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

Whilst we haven’t seen much sunshine in the UK in recent weeks, it is still important to use sunscreen. Even on a cloudy day you are still exposed to damaging UVA & UVB rays, so it is very important to use SPF all year round.

My family spend a lot of time outdoors, usually walking and cycling, so I always make sure they apply suncream before they leave the house, to protect their skin from the powerful rays of the sun. As my son has eczema, I always look for suncream products that are suitable for sensitive skin, so I was really pleased to receive a selection of Organii sun care products which are organic, natural, vegan and cruelty free and suitable for the whole family

Given the atrocious weather we’ve all been having this year I feared that testing this sunscreen may prove a little difficult. However, I popped them in my bag on a recent trip to Dorset and I’m really glad I did as the weather was much better than forecasted and we enjoyed a couple of glorious days of sunshine which gave us the opportunity to really put them to the test.

The SPF15 Face Everyday Anti-Ageing Face Cream is an anti-ageing moisturiser designed for year round daily use. It is suitable for all skin types and ideal for sensitive skin. When I squeezed it out of the tube, it was quite thick and white and I was expecting my face to resemble a ghost after the first application! I was therefore amazed when I realised just how easily it absorbs, the trick is to not use too much though! The sun cream has a gentle fragrance which is quite pleasant and it leaves my skin feeling lovely and soft as well as protecting it from the sun.

RRP £16.95

The SPF30 Medium Protection Sun Lotion is enriched with organic aloe vera, green tea leaf extract and coconut oil and offers broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection to help prevent sunburn. I did find the cream a little heavy – more like a SPF50 cream and even when I had rubbed it in it left my skin looking white, but this does mean that you know where you have applied it! I applied it in the morning before a full day hiking, reapplied it on my neck and shoulders (which are prone to burning) mid-way through the day and  despite the heat my skin didn’t burn or turn red at all.

RRP £19.95

The organic SPF50, fragrance free, mineral Sun Milk protects against UVA and UVB rays, and is uniquely formulated to protect and care for your skin. The lotion is slightly sticky when you first put it on and like the SPF30 lotion it does make your skin look white. My husband tried this cream as his skin is quite fair and prone to burning and he spent a whole day in the sun without going red so he was really pleased with the protection it gives.  With this SPF50 cream you can feel confident that skin is well protected and it is perfect for keeping little ones safe in the sun.

RRP £27.95

With its UVA, UVB, and water resistant properties, Organii sun creams offer great all-round protection, whether you are playing on the beach, walking, sailing or just out and about in the sun.

Weleda Arnica Shower Gel, Cooling Gel, Massage Oil and Muscle Soak

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Sport, Summer

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

My journey in running started about 7 months ago where I had never previously even thought about running before.  With the help of a coach I was running the 5 km local Park Run, albeit mostly walking, and the learning began.

Weleda’s Arnica products were created for sports enthusiasts, especially runners who need that quick recovery before another jaunt outdoors or on the treadmill. Arnica is well known as a natural anti-inflammatory and is great for bruised, helping tissue recover quickly thanks to over 150 pharmaceutically active compounds. We were sent the Arnica Muscle Soak, Sport Energising Shower Gel, Arnica Cooling Gen and Arnica Massage Oil. I was on a mission after my Saturday Park Run to try them all!

The Arnica Soothing Gel can be applied both before and after exercise.  I usually use as spray before a run to help my calves which are the problem area that get the most sore so by using Weleda’s Arnica Cooling Gel before the run, my muscles were well prepped. The gel has a lovely herbal smell, and you don’t need a lot as it absorbs into the skin easily.  Unlike other gels, it doesn’t tingle or make any sensations, it just absorbs over time and helps refresh muscles.

Post run, the Weleda Energising Sports Gel certainly lives up to its name with a zesty, invigorating fragrance that can’t be missed! Although it’s a gentle cleanser, it’s the scent that will bring you round and the rousing injection of energy it gives you as you shower. You could even use this in the bath if you wanted to, but post workout or post run it certainly wakes you up and leaves a bright fragrance on the skin too.

If showers aren’t for you, or if you’re in need of some extra care post-run, the Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak is a bath milk with added refreshment.  With a similar fruity fragrance to the Soothing Gel (but not zesty like the Sports Gel), the Arnica Muscle Soak is aimed at recovery and relaxation. The mind is also calmed with the fragrance and provides an overall mind and body wind-down.  This is a lovely scent, and comes in a stylish glass bottle which is better for the environment but could also be a great gift.

Finally, the Weleda Massage Oil is for serious recovery or the hardcore athlete.  The massage oil is incredibly rich and yes, it’s a real oil! The herbaceous smell has more of an arnica twist to it than any of the other products and requires thorough massage, not just a light touch. The aroma is lovely though and very relaxing, and the result of the massage oil being worked into tired muscles really is relaxing. Just sitting here as I type with the oil rubbed into my tired arms is making me drift off to sleep with the fragrance as well as the arnica working into my body.  Of all the products, I think this one has had the biggest effect, but working together all of the Weleda products create a sense of calm. 

Each of them, in different ways help with the recovery from sports and workouts and are only a fraction of the much wider Weleda product range and even more in the Weleda Arnica range.

If you’re looking for a gift for someone who is running or starting their exercise journey, the Weleda Arnica range is perfect and such a luxury after a long session.  We were sent the products in a beautiful orange vanity bag which fits the Weleda Arnica range nicely. Pure luxury as well as a very useful essential for runners.

The Arnica range can be bought online here: https://www.weleda.co.uk/natural-ingredients/lead-plants/arnica

GlassesShop Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses

beauty, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Sport, Summer

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

We finally have some sun!  If you’re scrabbling to find your sunglasses though and don’t want to pay the earth and then find them (they’re in the glove compartment of your car by the way!) then GlassesShop have a one-stop shop for all your looking needs.

GlassesShop have cheap prescription glasses and sunglasses to order online and have delivered to your door, even in the UK.  Choose from a range of frames which can cost as little as $19.95 (currently less than £16) on their website and the process is easy – you go through and choose the frame, then the use of glasses and finally enter your prescription. In the UK you have to provide a prescription by a UK registered optician so you also need to upload the prescription to the website.

We chose two sets of glasses,  the multicoloured Vogt ($29.95) for everyday prescription glasses, and Road ($29.95) for sunglasses, but without prescription lenses. There is an additional cost for the lenses you require, but the process online takes you through everything and gives you a total at the end. If you’re paying by credit card, then the card will automatically convert the price to British Sterling, or you can Google the amount to find that day’s accurate rate. It literally took just a few days for them to be delivered by courier and each pair arrived in their own glasses case. 

The frames are very sturdy, with the multicoloured Vogt frames we ordered as prescription reading glasses being a nice fit and not too heavy.  The frames are just as described on the website.  The Road sunglasses weren’t prescription but again are well made with the lenses being a slight blue tint. The arms are pliable so that you can fit them under a hat or sportswear and super lightweight for running, which is what I use them for!  You can get prescription sunglasses too, which the website explains and there’s even an option of the colour of tint you want in sunglasses – orange, grey, blue or pink.

It’s super easy to order online, and if like me you get a free eye prescription for working on screens all day, you can just take your prescription from the optician and send it to GlassesShop. They may seem cheap for glasses, but in a world where frames and extortionate and the lenses require a second mortgage, GlassesShop have a solution for everyday glasses wearers that won’t break the bank! You can also get your first pair free using the code FIRSTFREE (frame & 1.50 index lenses)

Visit GlassesShop to see the range and even try some frames at home.

Helly Hansen Walking Gear

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, National Walking Month, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Winter, Women

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

Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your health and fitness, it’s an excellent form of exercise that anyone can do and walking regularly offers a lot of health benefits – both physical and mental. Walking briskly is a great cardio workout, helping to lower blood pressure and regular brisk walking can also burn around 300-400 calories an hour which is a great way to help you lose those unwanted pounds. Walking also helps strengthen bones and muscles and being outdoors will top up your vitamin D levels – a vitamin a lot of people in the UK are deficient in. On top of all this walking also releases endorphins in your body, creating a general feeling of wellbeing which also helps boost your mood. If I’m feeling stressed I go for a brisk walk on the fells and it never fails to make me feel better!  

You don’t have to walk for hours either – a brisk 10 minute walk contributes to the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise. Try going for a walk at lunchtime, either alone or with colleagues, it’s a great way to clear your head and get some fresh air and you’ll soon feel the benefits.  

Obviously going for a walk is free but once you start walking regularly it is worth investing in some walking gear to keep you warm and dry. We’ve been trying out some Helly Hansen gear over the last couple of weeks and with the mix of weather we have been having recently we’ve been able to really put them to the test!  

A good pair of boots are a must if you are going to do a lot of walking and if you intend to walk regularly on rocky and uneven ground then a full height boot offers more ankle protection than a shoe. Another advantage is the higher fronts keep your feet drier when walking through wet grass or boggy ground!  I walk hundreds of miles a year so need a pair that not only support my feet but keep them warm and dry no matter what the terrain. The Helly Hansen Roamfree HELLY TECH® Hiking Boots have the HH Max-Comfort insole, an outsole built with maximum grip and traction and are waterproof and breathable too so tick all the boxes on my ideal boot list!  

On my first walk I quickly decided that they are a great pair of boots – the sole feels very strong and has the right balance of flex and rigidity, helping me feel equally confident on both rough ground and wet grass. The boots have plenty of padding around the ankle and comfortable on long walks. The HELLY TECH® Waterproof technology, combined with HH Quick Dry and HH Max-Vent makes them waterproof while ensuring maximum breathability, keeping my feet happy no matter what the weather and ground conditions are.

These are boots that are made to last and I’m looking forward to covering thousands of miles in them over the coming years.

RRP £150 available in sizes 6.5 to 12.5

If you’re planning on going for longer walks, then a rucksack is a must to carry essentials which in my case is usually food and a waterproof coat! The Generator Backpack is a 20 litre rucksack which is available in a choice of two colours – deep canyon (a dark orange colour) and black and it is the perfect size for a day hike. The rucksack has one main compartment, handily split into 2 sections, the thinner pocket is intended for a water bladder but it’s also the perfect size for a couple of sit mats. The bladder hanger loop is a great place to fasten my keys to so I don’t need to hunt for them in the bottom of the bag when I get back to the car! I especially like the small front pocket which has a soft fabric lining which is ideal for protecting cameras and phones. The main section is plenty large enough for waterproofs, maps and a lunchbox and if you need more space there is an expandable stuff pocket on the front which is great for stuffing a jumper in when you get too warm. All the zips have large zip pulls making them easy to open, even when wearing gloves.

The back panel, shoulder straps and waist belt are covered with 3D air mesh for comfort and ventilation when walking. The belt helps to stop any sideways movement and transfers some of the weight from my shoulders which makes a big difference on longer walks. The belt also has two small zipped pockets which are perfect for keeping money for an ice cream as well as some sweets and tissues. 

The addition of some clever features like the reflective webbing attachment for a bike light and a sternum whistle means this rucksack is ideal for both walking and cycling.

RRP £100

I always carry a lightweight down jacket when I’m hiking as whilst it might be lovely and sunny when you set off it’s surprising just how cold it gets when you reach the top of a mountain. The Verglas Hooded Down Hybrid is an ideal coat for hiking as it can be worn as an outer layer but it’s also thin enough to wear under a waterproof jacket. It’s great when you’re hiking as it squashes up nice and small inside it’s own pocket meaning it doesn’t take up much space in your rucksack.  

The coat is made of down, PrimaLoft® insulation and a 20D Nano ripstop fabric and has large panels of breathable softshell throughout. The combination of these materials gives a super cosy and breathable insulated jacket that keeps you nice and warm when you’re walking. The jacket is water-resistant and made with certified bluesign® materials.

The cut and fit are good, it is a nice length and the adjustable elastic cords in the hem help give a perfect fit. It has a decent sized hood and once it is fully zipped up stays in place, even in windy weather. The jacket isn’t too bulky and you’ll be nice and snug whether you’re walking the dog, climbing a mountain or sitting by a campfire on a chilly night.

Available in a choice of four colours this jacket will keep you warm and cosy on all your adventures.

RRP £200 but currently on sale at £140

Now the sun has finally made an appearance I like to walk in shorts, in addition to being more breathable and quicker to dry than trousers, shorts don’t restrict movement quite the same as trousers do so you can confidently scramble up boulders, climb over stiles and walk for miles in them.

The Women’s Tech Trail Shorts are available in four different colours in sizes XS to XL and are made with a 4 way stretch fabric which makes them really comfortable to wear. The wide elastic waistband is easy to pull over my hips and they have an interior drawcord so you can tighten the waistband. There is a zipped back pocket which, whilst not large enough for a phone is useful for keeping your keys or a tissue in.  The shorts are very light and loose fitting and the fabric is breathable, moisture wicking and has UPF30+ sun protection meaning they are great for walking in hot weather. If you’re going abroad this summer then you need to make sure you pack a couple of pairs in your suitcase as they’re really lightweight and dry really quickly.

RRP £50

Whilst we’ve not seen a lot of sun yet this summer it is important to wear a hat when walking as it will help shade you from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. The Roam hat is a broad brim hat that can be worn in two different ways, with a wide brim, or you can fasten the sides up using the two poppers on either side of the hat. The hat has a handy removeable cord which is useful for keeping the hat on your head in windy weather or it can be used to attach it to your rucksack so it doesn’t get lost when you’re not wearing it.

The hat is made of a quick dry polyester fabric and it’s as it’s been wet quite a few times over the last few weeks I can confirm it does dry quickly!  The hat provides great protection from the sun, keeps the rain off your glasses when it’s raining and is lightweight, comfortable to wear and holds up extremely well to being folded and crushed inside a rucksack.

Available in Navy and Aluminium the hat has a RRP of £40

A decent pair of socks are essential to keep your feet comfortable and free from blisters when you’re out walking. It’s definitely worth investing in some proper hiking socks rather than just wearing any old pair of socks as hiking socks are designed to increase ventilation, wick moisture and offer support to your feet in all the right places. The Unisex Hiking Quarter Socks are made of 44% polyamide 37% polypropylene 17% merino Wool and 2% elastane and are incredibly comfortable to wear, providing a snug fit and feeling very supportive on my feet. The cushioning underfoot gives excellent shock absorption, especially on rocky ground and even when walking in warm weather my feet didn’t feel hot or sweaty.

I’ve worn these quite a few times now and on longer walks these are my “go to” socks as they are so comfortable to wear and I haven’t had a single blister when wearing them – even on 15 mile walks!

RRP £20

With these basics you’ll have everything you need for a summer of adventuring so lace up those boots, grab your rucksack and make the most of the light evenings – happy hiking!!

Marty’s Virgin Bloody Marys

Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

Who needs lessons in cocktail making when you can buy the cocktail mixers ready-made nowadays, and enjoy your cocktail without any of the mess!

Marty’s Virgin Bloody Mary is a pre-mixed Bloody Mary cocktail but without the alcohol. If you’re a fan of just the tomato juice, apple juice and apple cider vinegar summer drink then pop this in the fridge and drink away. Hugely hydrating, Marty’s Virgin Bloody Mary has no additives, is vegan and only contains natural sugars. You can of course, add your favourite alcohol to it to make up your own cocktail (conventional Bloody Marys have vodka but you can add anything you like to this!) or you can use it to create a completely new cocktail by adding other ingredients.  The high tomato content in this 750ml bottle can also be added to cooking – Bolognese sauces will never be the same!

Marty’s Mild Virgin Bloody Mary comes in a 750ml bottle but we were also sent the spicy version in 250ml. This had more of a kick to it and I would recommend the spicy version for cocktails where the alcohol balances out the spices. Both drinks are sold alcohol free though, so you can really taste the rich tomato flavours coming through in them, the spices that add the summer flavour and best of all, there’s no pulp from the tomato that you have to wade through in order to get to the flavour!  It is best to shake up the bottle first though as the natural juice does settle.

Best of all, Marty’s has won the Great Taste award in 2023 and A in the Aurora International Taste Challenge. Whenever a food wins such prestigious awards, I always like to find new ways of using it, so my lasagne is going to taste amazing this week, and I have ideas for a new salad dressing too!

MILD Virgin Bloody Mary currently on Sale for £20.99 for 3 at: https://drinkmartys.com/shop-uk/p/martys-virgin-bloody-mary-mild-3-pack

SPICY Virgin Bloody Mary currently on sale for £16.99 for 6 at: https://drinkmartys.com/shop-uk/p/martys-virgin-bloody-mary-6pack

Who the Hell Are You? Book by Ant Austen

Birthday Gifts, Books, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Mental Health Awareness, Summer

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

Self development books rarely teach you something new nowadays nor are they well written but I couldn’t put down the new book from Ant Austen – Who The Hell Are You?

The premise of the book is to find out who you are, which let’s face it, most self-help books are about anyway. The way Austen approaches the subject is more engaging than most books though and that’s what’s kept me hooked. At this point in my life, I have read an awful lot of books and am looking for a new direction so the idea of finding out “Who The Hell Are You?” is both exhausting and poignant.  Austen talks from personal experience where he ran a removal business in the UK, was working weekend and every hour he could in order to fulfil the Hard work = success mantra but having no idea what success looked like to him, or what he was sacrificing. It’s a familiar story to many of us nowadays.

The book looks at several aspects of human psychology to both explain how we work, and to go through some exercises to find out what we want. To me, one of the lightbulb moments was when he was explaining about the Law of Attraction in a different way to how it’s been presented to me before and it suddenly made sense. The idea that when you feel good, you’re starting to work with The Law of Attraction. This cemented in me the need to be positive all the time (gratitude) and create good emotions all the time in order to be in the right place. The second principle that hit home was that the Law of Attraction works on like attracting like. So, if you’re in a good place, feeling good, then you are going to attract good people and good things, which translates into things you like.  It sounds simple but if you’re not understanding one aspect of the laws, the rest won’t work in the same way so you won’t get what you’re craving.  

The rest of the book works on your frame of mind, your habits, and then onto your structure of how you are going to improve life. It’s a book which you need to read several times (it even says that in the beginning) so that you pick up different aspects as you learn each new theory. There wasn’t much of the book that was new to me, but it was written and presented in a way in which I suddenly grasped the meaning and was able to tie together the different laws and how they work so that it builds up a better picture for me and where I want to go. I’ll be reading the book several times over the summer to keep solidifying the ideas. I hope there’s a second book soon!

Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/ant.austen

https://www.instagram.com/ant.austen

@antausten

http://linkedin.com/in/ant-austen-03640142

Free Workbook:

https://offers.bethelimitlessyou.com/free-chapter

Available from £11.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Who-Hell-Are-You-Understand/dp/B0CWRXQHJH

Swan ProSteam Foldable Garment Steamer

Family Life, Fashion, Home, Home & Garden, Hotel, Summer

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

As summer approaches, most of us are thinking of going on holiday and with the weather we’ve had until recently, I think we’d all like some sun now! The Swan ProSteam Foldable Garment Steamer is something I’ve been looking to try for a long time, but not had the motivation of a holiday to try it!

Rather than ironing everything whilst you’re staying in a hotel or rental villa, steaming clothes has become the new life hack. Shops use steamers to keep clothes fresh in shops and take out creases so it’s no wonder that steaming clothes has become a good alternative.  The Swan ProSteam is a foldable steamer, specifically for travelling and being able to de-crease clothes whilst on the go. We were sent one to try this week.

The ProSteam is actually very lightweight and not very big. It stands about 30 centimetres tall and the ‘face’ folds in to make it more compact. It comes with its own measuring jug as the water tank can only take 150ml of water.  It’s very easy to set up. It has a delicates brush affixed already so you just need to unfold it, add the water up to the Max mark on the tank and plug in. The light on the top shows when it’s ready which is only about 30 seconds.

I tried a test on this pillow case that I was going to iron.  Holding the brush close to the fabric and always keeping the ProSteam vertical, I just led the appliance down the length of the pillow case and let the steam do its work. After going over the same area twice, I stated to see a difference so a third and forth time proved that some of the creases were falling out with the more steam that was applied.  You can see in the photo where I had been using the ProSteam and where I still needed to work. Looks like it decreases beautifully!

The Swan Prosteam did run out of water pretty quickly so you will need to keep topping it up and if you’re in a hard water area like I am, it’s better to use filtered water. However, if you are using it in a hotel, then hotels nearly always have drinking, filtered or desalinated water in their bathroom taps so it’s less likely that you will get limescale on the ProSteam.  You don’t need to take the measuring jug with you either as you can fill up the tank from the tap as long as you’re careful not to get water on the electrics.  

The Swan ProSteam Garmant Steamer works a treat on the creases and saves having to take an iron with you or trying to set up an iron in a small hotel room. All you need is some hanging space and the steamer takes the same amount of time to steam an item as it does to iron it, but using less space and the ProSteam actually heats up quicker. 

This is a must for going on holiday especially if you’re not sure what amenities you’ll have or are travelling. Don’t forget to take an adapter plug though!

Available for £29.99 at: https://shop.swan-brand.co.uk/products/swan-foldable-garment-steamer?_pos=1&_sid=a176b9bf1&_ss=r

Home Fragrance

Birthday Gifts, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Valentine's Day Gifts, Winter, Women

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

Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere in your home and having them dotted around your home means you can quickly mask unwanted odours or create a cosy ambience. A strategically placed candle in the kitchen will quickly remove the lingering scent of a homemade curry whilst one in the hall creates a welcoming feel when you walk into the house.

Lavender is well known for helping you relax so the Woodwick Lavender Spa candle is perfect in a bedroom or bathroom and lighting it before bed can really help you sleep better. The Ellipse candle not only looks very stylish but the large surface area of the candle allows for a fully melted wax pool, which helps produce a more consistent fragrance for you to enjoy. The exclusive, patented handcrafted wooden wick, Pluswick®Innovation, is easy to light and once lit creates the sound of a crackling fire, which helps create a cosy feel wherever you place it. I found it only took a few minutes for the fragrance to fill the room, creating a relaxing feel in my bedroom which really helps me switch off before bed. The lavender scent is delightful and not too overpowering and after a couple of days I found I was sleeping much better.  

The candle weighs 453g and whilst there isn’t a burn time given it’s such a big candle, I know it will last me a good while.

RRP £34.99

The Yankee Candle Pink Cherry & Vanilla Signature Large Jar Candle strikes the perfect balance between floral and fruity notes, creating an inviting ambiance that’s never overpowering. Housed in a large glass jar with a glass lid, as the candle flickers it quickly fills my living room with the fresh fruity scent. I was very impressed with the level of fragrance produced by this candle and I found it lingered long after the candle was blown out With two wicks this candle has a burn time of 60-90 hours which should easily last me through to autumn.

Once you’ve melted all of the wax, you can easily peel off the label (which doesn’t leave an annoying sticky residue) and reuse the large glass jar.  

RRP £29.99

So whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve sleep or simply unwind candles can play a role in enhancing your overall wellbeing – so go ahead and light those scented candles – you’ll be benefitting both your space and your wellbeing!

To view more of their range or to find out more about Woodwick and Yankee candles head over to their websites.

Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Great Taste Trio

Birthday Gifts, Children, chocolate, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Stocking Fillers, Summer

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

As if you need a reason to celebrate chocolate, there is an important day in the calendar – 7 July, which is World Chocolate Day! To mark the occasion, Wickedly Welsh, the British chocolate makers, have sent us the Great Taste Trio of three different flavoured chocolates to try.  We’ve never said no to chocolate in this office and today wasn’t the day we were going to start!

The trio are three flavours; Orange Marmalade, Dark Chocolate & Welsh Sea Salt and Mint Crunch.  Two of the flavours has won the Great Taste awards (Mint Crunch in 2017 and Welsh Sea Salt in 2021) with Orange Marmalade being inspired by an award winning recipe.  Each bar is handmade in Wales, and handmade is not something we associate with chocolate in this country so this is a rare treat. 

The Orange Marmalade flavour is set in dark chocolate with a half and half mixture of tangy and sweet, much like the jar of marmalade you remember growing up. It also has a little Cointreau but you can hardly taste it, it’s just the aftertaste on your tongue that you might notice the slightly orange flavour.  The dark chocolate is smooth and rich and brings out the orange flavour.  With the Dark Chocolate &Welsh Chocolate Sea Salt, the minerals of the sea salt are apparent as soon as the dark chocolate starts melting and you can feel the crystals dissolve. The juxtaposition of the salt and dark chocolate work really well together, reminding me of the sea at night when you can hear and smell it but you can’t see it. If you like dark chocolate, then this flavour is a great addition to your taste buds!

Finally, my favourite is the Wickedly Welsh Mint Crunch. Again, this is dark chocolate, swirled with peppermint and meant as an after-dinner chocolate or to cleanse the palate. It reminds me of an Aero bar but with more peppermint and a richer flavour because the chocolate has a higher cocoa content and less sugar. It’s particularly good when added to cooking. Have you tried making your own croissants at home from the ready-made packets and adding some chocolate before you roll them?  Instant chocolate croissant, and the Mint Crunch chocolate bar adds not just the novel flavour to the chocolate filled pastry, but extra texture too.  I think Mint Crunch is my favourite!

Wickedly Welsh have a whole host of different flavours of chocolate on their website and are adding new products all the time, but the Great Taste Trio is a fabulous place to start.

Available online for £14.97 at: https://www.wickedlywelsh.co.uk/collections/best-selling-products/products/your-great-taste-trio