thereviewstudiouk

Altamura Vodka for Father’s Day

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Summer

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

You probably don’t associate vodka being Italian, bu I bet you didn’t know that Altamura Vodka was made from ancient grain, making it 2,000 years old? The ancient durum wheat is grown in Altamura or neighbouring Puglia to produce vodka which can confidently say that it’s been around longer than most other spirits!

At 43% proof, this is one for cocktails, which Altamura is perfectly suited for thanks to its raw wheat taste which blends to a soft finish. There’s tones of lemon and grapefruit there too, not unlike the hills of the Altamura region in Italy.

For vodka lovers, Altamura is a great choice as something different yet classic. There are fewer ingredients which gives it a clearer taste and makes it excellent for making cocktails with. Versatile vodka is great for Father’s Day or as a birthday present, especially if Dad likes Italian spirits!

Available for £36.25 at: https://www.masterofmalt.com/vodka/altamura/altamura-vodka/?utm_content=altamura/altamura-vodka&currencyCode=GBP&utm_source=database&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=mom_base_1&gad_source=4&gad_campaignid=17147192555&gbraid=0AAAAADr4rM2JLNRmgLeQLC1RQMhK-LIxU&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu7TCBhCYARIsAM_S3NhTrnTaW3PNe9xSs8Y00q0eoblHeZO8FBotZaRj0H6Soxl1kChHBK0aAiEQEALw_wcB

Sake Ono Bottle for Father’s Day

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Father's Day, Food & Drink, 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.

Take Father’s Day to a new level and give Dad some Sake Ono instead of a boring bar of chocolate! Sake Ono, made in Niigata, Japan, is 15% ABV so it’s a bit stronger than wine but not as strong as whisky or vodka. It can be drunk either in a glass or as a part of a cocktail, but I prefer to drink it on its own, along after a meal.

Sake Ono sits like a wine with a soft, crisp texture. Although made with water, rice, koji (to ferment the rice) and yeast, you can’t taste either the rice or the yeast. It’s less like beer and more like wine. It’s brewed then pressed, filtered and pasteurised in the Japanese Alps using the finest quality water.

Sake Ono is a great alternative to spirits with a lower ABV and works especially well with cheeses and charcuterie, or in a New School Negroni. It has a light, slightly citrus and a pinch of floral taste and a sweet after taste. Why not try it yourself before you gift a bottle to Dad?

Available for £54.95 at:

Sake Ono Junmai Daiginjo 72cl

Yankee Candle Bayside Cedar Large Jar Candle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Winter

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

When it comes to Father’s Day, most of us tend to fall back on the usual gifts – chocolate, gadgets and beer. They’re safe bets, sure… but maybe just a little predictable. So, here’s a thought – have you ever considered buying him a candle?

It might not be the first thing that springs to mind, after all, candles have traditionally been seen as something aimed at women. But times have changed, these days, candles aren’t just for bubble baths and spa days (though let’s be honest, those are lovely too). They’re about setting a mood, creating a space that feels calm, warm, and a touch luxurious. And yes – men enjoy that too.

In fact, plenty of candle brands now cater specifically to more masculine scent preferences. Think earthy sandalwood, rich leather, smoky cedar, or even tobacco and oak. These fragrances are deep, grounding, and a far cry from anything overly sweet or floral.

One of my go-to candle brands is Yankee Candle, and their Bayside Cedar Large Jar Candle is perfect for the men in your life. It’s described as “a walk along the forest path right after the rain,” with refreshing notes of grapefruit, mandarin blossoms, and warm amber filling the air. It features top notes of bergamot, green pear and grapefruit, mid notes of mandarin blossom and water lily, and finishes with base notes of amber, cedarwood and musk. With two wicks and a premium soy-wax blend, it creates a beautiful ambiance and at 567g, it offers 65 to 80 hours of burn time.

Candles also hit the spot when it comes to dads who are hard to buy for. He might already have all the tools, ties, and tech he needs, but chances are, he hasn’t splurged on a really good candle. That’s what makes it such a thoughtful gift, it’s very unexpected, totally personal, and shows you’ve made an effort.

So this Father’s Day, maybe skip the beer multipack and pick up a candle instead. For your dad, stepdad, grandad or father figure, it could be just the gift he never knew he wanted.

Because let’s be honest — who doesn’t love a home that smells amazing? Even dads.

RRP £29.99 available here

Catherine Lansfield Zero Twist Six Towel Bale

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Home & Garden

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

There’s something quietly satisfying about a fresh set of towels, so I was really pleased to get my hands on the Catherine Lansfield Zero Twist Towel Bale. New towels are one of those little luxuries you don’t always think to buy for yourself – but once you have them, you wonder why you ever put up with those thin, tired old ones in the first place!

The towel bale is available in ten different colours and I opted for classic navy blue as it’s a great all-rounder- stylish, practical, and ideal for a house full of boys. Navy goes with almost anything, and it’s brilliant at hiding the odd splash of mud or DIY-related grime making them perfect for dads who spend their weekends in the garden, tinkering with tools, or elbow-deep in the shed.

Now, let’s talk texture, I like my towels soft and absorbant, there’s nothing worse than a towel that looks great on display but does nothing when it comes to drying. These ones though are just right, they’re soft and cosy without being too plush, reasonably thick, and best of all, properly absorbent. They feel lovely to use and do the job well.

I’ve washed them a couple of times now on a standard 40°C cycle and they’ve come out brilliantly – no roughness, no colour fade, and no shrinkage. Just the same soft, reliable towels, ready to use again.

The bale includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two face cloths and are ideal for giving your bathroom an instant refresh without costing the earth. The towels actually feels much more expensive than the price tag suggests.

So if you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift that’s practical with just ahint of indulgence, this set is a brilliant choice. It won’t make any noise or need charging, but it will make Dad’s mornings that little bit nicer – and really, isn’t that what it’s all about?

RRP £56 but they are currently on offer at £26.92 which is an absolute bargain.

Ed’s Stuff Cheeky Father’s Day Gifts

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for Him, REUSABLE, Stocking Fillers

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

If you don’t know what to get Dad for Father’s Day, have a look at https://edsstuff.co.uk for some fun ideas. There’s everything there from artwork and sculptures, aprons and tea towels to greetings cards and wrapping paper. We were sent one of their jolly tote bags and some wrapping paper to show what there is available.

The Sea Dog Tote bag (£15) is an original design on cotton fabric, measuring 40cm by 32cm with a gusset and both long and short handles. It’s remarkable how much you can carry with just one bag, and the gusset of 12cm makes it easier to load it with shopping, or even books as it has the strength to carry a lot more. If you buy more than one tote bag, there’s a £5 discount too!

The wacky wrapping paper comes in 9 different designs including these; Helmets and Fiat 500. They measure 500mm by 700mm and are sold on a per sheet basis but if you buy 3 sheets or more you get one sheet free!

Each of Ed’s items on the Ed’s Stuff online store is a unique design, and there’s often an explanation behind how each of the designs came about. The website also evolves with more stock coming on and special collections available, so if you like Ed’s slightly quirky style, keep watching!

Wrapping Paper starts at £2 a sheet: https://edsstuff.co.uk/collections/wrapping-paper

Sea Dog Tote Bag £15: https://edsstuff.co.uk/collections/tote-bags/products/sea-dog-tote-bag

Stabilo Pen Gifts For Dad on Father’s Day

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Stocking Fillers

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

Stabilo have some smashing gifts for Dad this Father’s Day, including this set of Stabilo Pointball Pens in 6 colours, and the Stabilo Flow Fountain Pen. Dad doesn’t have to be a teacher to be able to use them either!

The Stabilo Flow Fountain Pen reminds Dad of days gone by when everyone (including me!) had to have a fountain pen for school. This often meant that you’d see people using fountain pens at home or in the office, especially when it came to signing documents. The Flow Fountain Pen has an ink cartridge with the easily found and this blue ink is erasable with the right ink eraser. The nib is stainless steel and handle is ergonomically designed for an easier grip.

The Set of Pointball pens which contains the colours dark blue, black, red, green, purple and teal are retractable ball point pens. These are great for teachers as it contains the stable blue and black which are needed for teaching and even the red ballpoint pen for marking and green for adjudicating. They’re 0.5mm in diameter too and although they come in this handy pocket pack, I would be inclined to keep them on my home desk so that I have a colour to hand at any time.

Not just Dads and not just teachers can find a fun use for almost anything in the Stabilo range this summer.

Stabilo Flow Fountain Pen available for £9.58: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fountain-Pen-STABILO-Blister-cartridge/dp/B08D68CJ4T/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2U62V2T58MJCS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LAKn_KRMauU9IY3BvU5suXOb0vKiVRxUKkMaGL7dgStAG3wnLtEOVVjwNDHDXvGIijD6kF8a5lFEFh4qInkDMN76kYBUzudPnWzxU4GFBJZv2DzQDGA356T4kSjOqAnt-sy6Jy64DKaUiEnGmJ1WI7X0YTp4yTAW_tbK3ZX-i99TXaYkaa5bsSUabspiLTlQEnhAWVw4i_IHwOAWqdNHDkeFELqJcior-7WnbetQ6u9TAc7jqSwwxeE3lXG9oxe3V3NL0Lxwqdq0EFN-jvETVjEQJgLMtp5QatWLkXwNhOg.Rrd2zQeJVbzjNxxFaA5Dl5IMLBVZ19RiIEW6q9RwQtU&dib_tag=se&keywords=stabilo%2Bflow&qid=1749493233&s=officeproduct&sprefix=stabilo%2Bflow%2Coffice-products%2C95&sr=1-5&th=1

Stabilo Pointball pens available online for £10 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ballpoint-STABILO-pointball-Assorted-Colours/dp/B00AVQ8IAC/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3LUWSEA2I6LL6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3jlAj6SY39ReqoThMpc2trF5r59_TWGqvg3ygDdgSPLlSl3-TSlIwRcPUkL5r2PSe5TVXU4jZmOLAU6PzgDq7Tkqzu0yE-DqYD9JtywxGfex461_MWfECTwqJ5zSCceNpzXInsKlruqvsPKti5KUw0nDZd4AQjQU7NboYfg0r7wJofNOURcXYxoCI1BGpDLPdKBNPuSbUUAVG0nm1IuHqJuwSlCpFcgsak4pO7JnLU6jxLE2og4pPPt9CrtF0YrMTVxtPY7Xgp9wEzPhYsgZa-hH9UiPUt0-BDug-hw-QsY.4XoweD4Mh4JZPcYsZKxUFbu9VjF33brNGX2NeuRgmgI&dib_tag=se&keywords=stabilo%2Bpointball&qid=1749493153&s=officeproduct&sprefix=stabilo%2Bpointball%2Coffice-products%2C63&sr=1-4&th=1

Sonic Pro Super Sonic Electric Toothbrush

Uncategorized

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

You could get Dad another pair of socks for Father’s Day, but why not buy him a new electric toothbrush that he’s actually going to use?

Spotlight Oral Care have brought out a state-of-the-art toothbrush that is also a tongue cleaner and has 4 modes for cleaning teeth; Gentle, Clean, White and Polish. Setting up the toothbrush is easy too because the pack contains 3 brush heads and the whole kit fits into a neat travel case. There’s also a cable and magnetic click charger included so that you can charge the toothbrush on the go, and then plug in the charger to use as a battery.

The power button acts as a mode selector, so you can just press and go, with the lights below the brush head showing you 2 minutes on the automatic timer. I particularly like changing the settings; when you press the Power button it remembers the last setting you used and times 2 minutes from there. If you press the Power button again, it changes to the next mode setting, but also give off a different tone. This is so that when you’re brushing and needing to change setting (or accidentally change setting as I do!) you can hear the difference rather than having to take the toothbrush away from your mouth to see!

The modes differ in terms of how many reps per minute they generate. The Gentle mode is probably good for children and those who have sensitive gums and teeth (30,000 reps) then Clean Mode has 40,000 which White Mode is more at 45,000. Polish Mode has 50,000 reps per minute to give a pearly white smile!

The brush is very lightweight despite having a power pack included, and it’s incredibly quiet. The brush heads are soft bristle and the back of the brush head has the tongue cleaner so you can just flip the toothbrush over and use it whilst in a cleaning mode, or without there being a setting on if you want to be more gentle. The pressure sensor helps protect gums from being brushed too harshly and possibly receding.

Electric toothbrushes have come a long way in the last decade, and the Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Pro toothbrush is no exception. The ability to take it with you on holiday and charge anywhere is a big bonus too. The toothbrush cleans, polishes and whitens brilliantly and it’s easy to use. What’s Dad got to complain about?

Currently on sale for £149.99 at: https://uk.spotlightoralcare.com/products/sonic-pro-pure-white

Mr White’s Gin

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Summer

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

Marco Pierre White is known as being Britain’s premier Michelin Star winning chef from the 80s to today with number other awards under his belt, and well as making more hot dinners, well than you’ve had hot dinners! Did you know that he’s ventured into making gin though? Mr White’s London Dry Gin was created by Marco with Master Distillers to use to top of the range ingredients and the best distillery process to make this top tier, 40% gin.

The London Dry gin has been described as ‘redefining a London Dry’ due to the gin being juniper-forward. This is not a gin for a first-time taster, but more the pinnacle gin for those who have tried every gin out there and got bored. Wanting to try a more sophisticated flavour, connoisseurs will love the simplicity of this taste that incorporates the smooth texture of London Dry as well as the gin/juniper flavour.

The taste is not ostentatious. You can tell that it’s been cultivated in copper pot still because of the clean taste but it’s also powerful and hits like a gin from first sip to aftertaste. The 40% proof is evident, and I would suggest only drinking neat the first time then mixing afterwards, or creating a fabulous cocktail with it that exemplifies its pureness.

The bottle is gorgeous (white of course!) and signed by Mr White himself. The bottle is also huge, but only the average spirit size of 70cl. You’ll notice Marco Pierre White’s name at the top and ‘Established 1961; which refer to the chef himself, not the age of the spirit!

This is a brilliant Father’s Day gift for gin lovers, or anyone who appreciated a really good bottle being added to the collection. If you’re serving cocktails to that special man this Father’s Day, you might like to try this…

The MR. WHITE’S Classic Negroni Bianco

* 30ml MR. WHITE’S GIN

* 30ml White vermouth

* 30ml Suze.

Method

Add all ingredients into mixing glass and stir with ice. Strain into a clear, heavy tumbler, with a single large ice cube or ice ball and garnish with grapefruit peel.

Available at: https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/groceries

The Traitors Board Game

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Games, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Stocking Fillers

If you have watched the Traitors on TV then you know this game. Play as a Faithful or Traitor over 4 rounds to gain gold for your personal fund, survive the game and have the most gold by the end to then compete with another player to split the money or betray them and take it all!

Faithful and Traitors will play through 4 rounds of tasks that are set out in 1 of about 4 or 5 scenarios. The faithful are trying to help the task be done to gain gold (points) and stay alive. Traitors have secret objectives they must complete to gain extra points and the ability to remove a faithful at night.

This game is rather complicated for an adaptation of the tv show to play at home. For a family or casual group of players it will take a while to understand the rules and set up and longer to play. But if you like the Traitors it can be worth it as it is reasonably faithful to the tv shows feeling.

The problem with this game is it is needlessly complicated for a social deduction game. As a huge fan of Social deduction games, they are meant to have a low bar for entry, simple rules, and straight forward win conditions…so why is the Traitors so complicated? The Traitors Board Game adds extra steps, mechanics, and criteria which muddies the water and dilutes the real point of social deduction.

The thrill of not knowing who is good or bad, who you should trust and who is working against you is all part of much better games like Coup, Werewolf, and even the grandfather of these games Mafia! These games are simple, you have a number of good players, a handful of bad players and after a death in the night, you start to talk and, wait for it, socially deduce who might be bad and who is good. The best part is when the evil player gets the good players on side to destroy their own and comes out on top through true deception.

The Traitors board game is a fine introduction to these games and if you like the show, it would be a fun time. But if you like the show and like the idea of social deduction, find one of the games I mentioned above as these will give you much more than this game.

5 Second Rule: The fast and Chaotic Trivia Game

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Games, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Stocking Fillers, Toys

Do you think you know a lot of footballers? Musicians? Countries with coastlines? Do you want to put that knowledge to the test? Then pick up this game.

5 Second Rule is as simple as the name suggests, you have 5 seconds… to do what you ask? Well to say the name of 6 rappers, or name 7 kitchen appliances. What makes this game chaotic is the timing tower, a tall spiral tower with a ball bearing that will noisily whirl down in, you guessed it, 5 seconds!

As it stands that sounds easy but the difficulty comes from the group dynamic. A players turn starts with someone drawing them a card and reading the prompt and then flipping the tower to start the noisy timer. But, pay attention as if the first player can’t do it they flip the tower and the person to their left must try and meet the prompt. The difficulty, fun, and chaos ensues… Because you cannot use any of the previous players’ guesses.

Play continues around the group until someone gets it or it reaches the starting play in that case the tower has won! When we played we tracked the tower’s points as well as our own for fun – it did annoyingly well!

This is a fast paced party game that is suitable for most ages and is a fun exploration of what random trivia you can pull from the deep parts of your memory. Your mum might surprise you with her knowledge of Spanish kings, or your grandma might weirdly know the films list in the top grossing films list.

If you are a fan of party games at family gatherings or with friends I highly recommend grabbing this game as it is quick and a wild time – it can really get everyone up on their feet screaming and shouting or saying something random that gets the whole group laughing.

Murdle: A Quirky Mystery Solving Game

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

Murdle is an interesting blend of Mastermind and Cluedo, you and your fellow players compete to figure out which of the 4 suspects is the guilty party. The twist, you all learn certain starting information and then must carefully reveal information to learn more but try to not give too much away to the other detectives!

You take turns to do one of two things, tell every something that is not true or something that is. Each has their own rules but they all lead to taking one of the suspect files and looking at a new piece of information. While you do this, your opponents can try to deduce what this information means to them.

All your information is collected on the central grid for the game that all players can see, this grid shows the suspects, potential weapons, and locations. Using large crosses and ticks in columns and rows the game highlights for the crime what, where, and by who. As the game progresses all players will start to see more information and be able to make a final deduction but be careful, get it wrong and you are out for the rest of the game!

We found this game to be a fun quick game with experienced players and would probably take longer for more casual players. The instructions are simple and clear. The only problem we found was if one player gets lucky early on and learns who the guilty person is, they can quickly win before anyone else has a chance to make a deduction. We felt as a group it should be harder to learn who the guilty party is or have more suspects – this would extend the game but could make for a fun series of Sherlock Holmes moments for the players.

Overall we enjoyed the game but for experienced board gamers who play a lot of social deduction games this is a nice and quick game to play between bigger and more complex games. It left, for us at least, a little bit of a lackluster feeling at the end.

For a family or casual group, this game is a great introduction to social dedication and information gathering games and I would recommend trying this out.

The Photo Creator Mini Digital Keyring Camera

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Games, Gifts for children, Home, Learning, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Tech, Toys

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.

Although this is meant to be a toy for children aged 8+ years, I found myself enjoying playing with this myself! Photo Creator’s Mini Digital Keyring Camera is only a few inches square, the perfect size for a keyring but is also a fully functioning digital camera. It comes with a keychain, USB cable and 1G memory card which is actually more than enough for a child to play around with it until it’s time to download the photos, and it’s amazing that it all fits into one little camera!

Surprisingly, it also takes video as well as photos. If you want to add a memory card with more than 1G then it’s possible, especially if your child wants to take movies. The viewing screen is 1 inch from corner to corner, but it does contain a flash as well as a microphone. I would have loved this as a child! Think of all the adventures you could have and the memories stored when you’re too young for a phone but old enough to know how work a camera?

There’s only a few buttons on it – Camera/film, on/off, and a scroll button on the side to be able to go through the photos before they’re uploaded. The SD card and the cable outlet are on the bottom. The photos upload really quickly too and they’re good enough quality!

The MiniCams come in different colours and styles. Our one is a Vintage style, which is purple and in the style of an old camera. There’s also Original (green), Retro (blue), Pro (light green), Compact (pink) and Instant (orange) which means children can collect them or they can have a set of them to share on adventures or school holidays.

This is brilliant as a gift for taking children on a plane or on holiday to keep them amused, plus it adds to their creativity as they look at the world through a photographic lens but without having to have a smart phone. It also introduces young children to how digital cameras and uploading photos works. At the price of less than £15, it’s a stocking filler too, or a gift in the post from Godparents. I love it!

Available from £14.99 at: https://www.very.co.uk/studio-creator-photo-creator-mini-digital-camera/1601152164.prd?sku=sku29130795&cm_mmc=google-_-PLA+-+Generic-_–_-__[*AdID*]&utm_campaign=Generic_TGB+%26+Seasonal+-+PMAX+-+Toys+%26+Games&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=&campaigntype=shopping&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22329058728&gbraid=0AAAAAD2k1i3Ch60Tzk1BTNFV356uct_Ih&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxo_CBhDbARIsADWpDH4DcrxPwlqfkp6_2NVe2NnYPq_AvIJTHLXW96AudHkx4oW2Bwa7YWkaAjXzEALw_wcB

JLAB Epic Sport ANC 3 Earbuds

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, hiking, National Walking Month, Sport, 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.

Once upon a time, we just had one pair of headphones, and they were for the Walkman we took with us to work, or if we were inclined, on a run! Those headphones were most definitely wired to our Walkman, and over time, that wire would start to fray and we’d have to replace them.

Nowadays, we have Bluetooth headphones, and so many different ones for commuting, chilling out and working out. The JLAB Epic Sport ANC 3 Earbuds are designed for running or cardio work as they fit over the ear so that there isn’t much movement. As Bluetooth headphones, they connect to any Bluetooth appliance but usually your phone, so that you can run or workout freely and not be hindered by the dreaded wire!

One thing I must stress about the JLAB Epic Sport earbuds is that the packaging is impossible to open! It took me a few minutes and lots of tearing in order to get the packaging open and even then, I had to tear further to get out the instructions. The instructions are remarkably easy though – all you have to do is take the earphones out of the carry case and when the lights on them blink blue, they are discoverable on your device. On my iPhone, I just have to open the Bluetooth settings and I could see the JLAB earbuds and could simply connect. From connection, I could play anything on Apple Music or a podcast and it was instantly audible.

You can download the JLAB App to work the finer features and have them upgraded, but the earbuds have their own touch controls so you don’t have to use your phone all the time. Tap once to play or pause, twice to track forwards and 3 times to track back. The same applies to answer, and hang up a call, or there’s a noise control if you press and hold.

The JLAB Epic Sport ANC 3 earbuds come in a carry case that doubles up as a charger. The case has its own USB-C cable to connect to an adaptor or a computer. When the earbuds are in the case and it’s connected, you know they’re charging if the light on the front is blue. If the light is flashing white then it means the case is between 25%-99% charged and less than 25% the light turns red. 100% charged and the light is solid red. You can also wirelessly charge the headphones by placing the case (with the headphones inside) on a wireless charging pad. Don’t forget to take the stickers off of the charging points before you put the earbuds back in the case though.

As for using the headphones, it’s very easy! They already have the rubber ear pieces on or the packaging contains two more pairs of different sizes. You just take the arms over your ears and use your device to start playing music. It takes a while to get used to the touch settings, but if you use the app you can not only control what you hear, but you can change the settings if you need to. There app also has various equalizer settings so you can change the audio settings depending on what you’re listening to, which really helped when I was listening to something with a lot of bass!

The JLAB Epic Sport ANC 3 Earbuds aren’t cheap at £99.99 but they do have a lot of features and the durability of not only the case but extra ear pieces so they won’t get mangled in your pocket or bag. The sound quality is excellent and the ability to change the levels on the app makes all the difference to your enjoyment of what you’re listening to. I really enjoyed using them, especially as I can wear them in the gym and whilst I’m running, but at any time at home, on the commute or even on holiday, the JLAB Epic Sport AC 3 Earbuds have all your needs covered.

Available from £99.99 at: https://www.jlab.com/en-gb/products/epic-sport-anc-3-true-wireless-earbuds-black

Elegear Cooling Blanket

Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Summer

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

We’ve been lucky with the warmer weather this spring but what we’re not lucky with is air conditioning! When the weather gets too hot, it’s difficult to cool down in the summer without some help. Luckily, Elegear have this Cooling Blanket that has Arc-Chil technology to literally cool down your body when it’s warm and wick away heat. We were sent a blanket to try out!

The blanket comes in sizes relating to bed size, so our blanket was 150cm by 200cm, which is a double bed size. He instructions say to keep the ‘cool’ or shiny side of the blanket in contact with your body, which might be counterintuitive but this is the side where the Arc-Chil technology works. The blanket absorbs heat from the body and vaporizes sweat away using the layers of nylon and micro materials, keeping the body at an even temperature all over.

The blanket feels huge but it’s actually quite thin in texture. Our blanket was grey but there are other colours available such as pink, blue, beige and green and other sizes. When it comes to ease of use, it’s very easy to just wrap around you, and the more I think about it, the more I realise it could be used at home, camping, BBQs, for children or for the elderly. The blanket really does evaporate away heat! It’s noticeable that it stays cool, much like the cold side of the pillow when you’re trying to get to sleep.

The Elegear Arc-Chil Cooling Blanket can be washed at 30 degrees centigrade but is not to be tumble dried, ironed nor dry cleaned. It is best to hang it outside to dry, and in the shade so that the colour doesn’t fade. It’s a great price as a gift too!

Available online now for £27.19 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0897H7LMN?th=1

Lonely Planet Books – Best Bike Rides Great Britain and Amazing Train Journeys

Birthday Gifts, Books, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him

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

I’ve always enjoyed reading Lonely Planet books, with decades of travel know-how and a genuine passion for discovering the world, their guides are full of expert advice, practical tips, and breathtaking photography. With Father’s Day just around the corner they also make lovely gifts and whether your dad is planning a real adventure or simply enjoys dreaming from the comfort of his armchair, there’s a Lonely Planet book that is bound to spark his imagination!

For the dad who enjoys life on two wheels and loves the open air, Best Bike Rides Great Britain is a fantastic gift. This beautifully put-together guide features 40 routes that crisscross the country, from the wild coastal paths of Cornwall to the rolling roads of the Scottish Highlands. But it’s not just about the maps. Each route comes with local tips, scenic stop-offs, downloadable digital maps, and helpful details like distance, terrain, timing, and difficulty ratings. Whether he’s a seasoned cyclist or just keen to potter along on a Sunday afternoon, this book will help him plan rides that are as rewarding as they are refreshing.

RRP £15.99

And if your dad prefers to travel from the comfort of his armchair, Amazing Train Journeys might be just the ticket. This book captures the romance of rail travel through 60 of the world’s most breathtaking routes. From the iconic Settle to Carlisle line and the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, which are two of my personal favourites, to the dramatic, snow-dusted landscapes seen aboard Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer, the journeys are as varied as they are magnificent. Each journey is handpicked from the recommendations of over 200 travel writers, celebrating everything from breathtaking engineering marvels to lines that hug rugged coastlines or wind through mountain peaks. With practical information like ticket options, distance and journey time as well as inspiring photos and illustrated maps, this book is perfect for dreamers and planners alike. Whether he’s reminiscing about past travels or planning the next great adventure, it’s the perfect guide for train lovers of all ages.

RRP £22.99

So this Father’s Day, why not skip the socks and beer and give your dad the gift of adventure, whether that’s out on a bike, onboard a train, or tucked up with a cup of tea and a good book.

Drinks By The Dram – The Premium Gin 6 Dram Tasting Set 18cl

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts

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

If your dad enjoys a good gin, or is just beginning to discover the joy of it, this Drinks by the Dram Premium Gin Tasting Set is a gift he won’t forget in a hurry. Beautifully presented in a sleek black presentation box there are six wax-sealed 30ml miniatures, each one chosen for its character, craftsmanship, and story. From the award-winning smoothness of Bathtub Gin to the punchy personality of Blackeye Gin, there’s something here for every palate. Japanese Gin brings a refined elegance, while Procera Green Dot adds a herbaceous twist. Then there’s the floral brightness of Silent Pool, and the wild Highland charm of The Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin, a truly memorable finish to the journey.

But this isn’t just about the gin, it’s about the experience. Each dram invites him to slow down and savour, to notice the botanicals, the balance, the subtle complexity in every sip. Whether he prefers his gin neat, over ice, or with a splash of tonic, he can experiment with these minature bottles and maybe even find a new favourite.

Tasting notes are included in the box, offering gentle guidance through each pour and helping him appreciate the craft and care behind every drop.

So this Father’s Day, skip the socks and aftershave and give him something a little bit different which he can sit down and enjoy!

RRP £32.95

Grease The Musical at The Grand Theatre Blackpool

Days Out, Theatre

Disclaimer: We received free tickets to the show for the purpose of this review but all thoughta and opinions are our own.

Blackpool Grand Theatre rolled out the pink carpet last night for its vibrant new production of Grease the Musical, presented in collaboration with Pitlochry Festival Theatre. From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was whisked away into the colourful world of 1950s American high school life, filled with teenage drama, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll energy.

As a lifelong fan of Grease, I arrived with high expectations and the brilliant cast exceeded them at every turn. What made this production really stand out was that the performers didn’t just sing and dance; many also played their own instruments live on stage. Rather than relying on a separate orchestra, the cast doubled as the band, seamlessly integrating guitars, saxophones, drums, and keyboards into the action. This added a raw, electric energy to the performance and gave the musical a fresh, live-concert feel.

Alexander Service delivered the perfect blend of swagger and vulnerability as Danny, effortlessly capturing the essence of the iconic character. His on-stage chemistry with Blythe Jandoo who played Sandy, was unmistakable, especially during their heartfelt duets, my favourite of which was their last song “You’re the One That I Want.”

The choreography by Kally Lloyd Jones was also a highlight, from energetic hand jives to slick twists and turns, the cast nailed every move with infectious enthusiasm.

The staging was dynamic and clever, making full use of the Grand Theatre’s space with smooth transitions between Rydell High, Marty’s bedroom, and the burger bar. While the film’s famous car race scene was understandably omitted, Greased Lightning made a couple of thrilling appearances, including being impressively driven off stage to the audience’s delight.

As the show built to its joyous finale, the themes of change, acceptance, and young love came into sharp focus. Danny’s transformation into a letterman and Sandy’s bold new look sparked cheers, culminating in a high-energy rendition of “You’re the One That I Want.”

It was impossible to single out a favourite performer, each cast member brought something unique, and together they created a night of nostalgic, foot-tapping, feel-good theatre. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the story, this is a must-see show.

Tickets start at £15 with school and group rates available

Grease The Musical is at The Grand Theatre Blackpool Opera House until Saturday 14th June.

For more information or to book tickets visit: www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk or call the box office on 01253 290 190

Photo credit dannywithacamera.com

Rio Mare Insalatissime Tuna Salads

camping, Family Life, Food & Drink, health, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks, Summer

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

Rio Mare have launched t heir Insalatissime Tuna Salad range in the UK, and we can understand why it’s so popular in Italy! Tuna salads got serious with their range of snacks and we were sent a ton of them to try…

From Mexican Style to Sweetcorn with Peas, Carrots & Olives and the very tasty Couscous with Chickpeas, Peas & Cherry Tomatoes, these handy snack pots were a blessing when I was hungry. They’re super easy to store in the fridge and you can just eat them straight from the can, although I added them to toast or salad! Great for picnics or a school lunchbox too, I like the way that there are so many varieties you never get bored of them. I was pleasantly surprised by the taste as well. There’s tuna in each can, but there’s also a mix of vegetables so you get a whole meal in one or an accompaniment to another dish, much like a mini-tapas serving.

We were also sent 3 varieties of tuna in cans too; Tuna with Pepper, Tuna with Lemon & Black Pepper and Tuna with Olive Oil. These cans can also be eaten on their own as a snack or part of a meal, but are more versatile as they can be added to dishes. These little cans of between 65grams and 80grams are great for sandwiches or adding to a pasta dish as they already have the oil and lots of flavour, and the cans keep them super fresh. Most of the cans are MSC too, so they’re helping the ocean wildlife.

I was a fan of tuna anyway, but I usually mix a plain can in with mayonnaise or eat it on toast but now that there are these easy to open smaller cans, and the brilliant 160grams tins that can replace a meal, I’m going to rethink how I ‘tuna’ in the future!

From £3.80 at: https://www.ocado.com/search?entry=Rio%20Mare

https://www.riomare.co.uk/products/insalatissime-en/

Harris Outdoor Painting Brushes

Family Life, Home, Home & Garden, Summer

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

As the glorious weather continues, thoughts go to spending time outdoors and doing those DIY jobs. Harris are one of the leading manufacturers of brushes, so it makes sense to start your job right with the correct tools. We were sent the Harris Ultimate Shed & Fence Swan Neck Paint Brush and the Harris Seriously Good 4 Inch Shed, Fence & Decking Roller Set. Links are below so that you know what they look like!

Starting with the Swan Neck Paint Brush, the swan neck gives an ergonomic angle to be able to paint any surface either at 180 or 90 degrees. Perfect for staining decking too, the brush comes with a cover to keep the bristles from drying out for up to 2 weeks, or if you’re storing it for longer, to protect the bristles over winter. The handle is available in two lengths – 100mm and 120mm. The ergonomic handle allows you to paint up to 40% faster and there’s the No-Loss guarantee of no bristle loss.

The Harris Seriously Good 4 Inch Shed, Fence & Decking Roller Set is a brilliant all-in-one starter set to get your outdoor project going. Comprising of a paint tray, roller and 3 interchangeable roller sleeves and a 2” brush, you have everything you need to get started on the outdoor woodwork. The whole kit is designed to give you maximum coverage with the size of brush and rollers that will allow you to cover most shed panels and fence feathers easily.

All of the products are high quality, and I already knew that if you wanted to have a good finish, use a Harris brush. I didn’t know that Harris also did outdoor brushes too so this was a nice surprise. All of the brushes and rollers are able to be cleaned and used again too, which makes these a brilliant investment.

Harris Seriously Good 4 Inch Shed, Fence & Decking Roller Set

Ultimate Shed & Fence Swan Neck Paint Brush 120mm

Filippo Berio Oils and Condiments for Summer

Family Life, Food & Drink, Home, Summer

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

Until you really look at the aisles, you don’t realise what delicious condiments are out there and ready to use. Filippo Berio have your very handy Extra Virgin Olive Oil but have you ever used Filippo Berio’s Chilli Flavoured Olive Oil? Or their Balsamic Vinegar of Modena? Along with a jar of Filippo Berio’s Classic Pesto and a bottle of Filippo Berio’s Classic Glaze with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, we were sent a set to try, just in time for summer!

Filippo Berio’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil is well known for cooking and dressings, and is my go-to when making salads and especially pan frying. Occasionally I have been brave and tried to make bread with the olive oil, but I must confess I’m not great at bread baking! Still, the quality of Filippo Berio’s olive oil makes it perfect for any kitchen, no matter how adventurous you’re trying to be. This Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a slight bitter taste to it, just like you find in Italy when you buy olive oil from the source.

To add a bit of fiery to your meals, Filippo Berio’s Chilli Flavoured Olive Oil is just that – their famous olive oil but infused with chillis to give a spicier kick. This one is great for pizzas and pasta or I add it to a chicken sandwich to give it more flavour. It’s pretty hot if you use it liberally and probably not one for children as it contains real pieces of dried chilli. Try it with tuna too to make a salad more interesting.

The Filippo Berio Classic Pesto is just that. I don’t buy any other brand because I don’t like how bitter they are but this classic recipe, made with Italian basil and olive oil, it’s incredibly versatile. I use it on salmon to give a tasty topping as it cooks in the oven, but it goes well in chicken and even on toast if you want a snack. I also put it on roast potatoes with the skins still on and add a bit of parmesan to give an extra Italian flavour.

We also loved the Filippo Berio Premium Balsamic Vinegar from Modena. If you’ve not tried this with olive oil and bread then you’ve never tasted Italy! In many restaurants, they bring this out before you order with a bowl of olive oil and several different breads. Pouring the Balsamic Vinegar into the bowl, you dip the breads into both and the flavour of the vinegar and olive oil work together to give a uniquely Italian taste. Balsamic vinegar is created from grape must and this recipe is traditionally made in the Modena region and certified by the IGP European Designation. This is also great for salad dressings or in soups and meat dishes.

Lastly, the Filippo Berio Classic Glaze with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Glazes can be used similarly to vinegars, although they are thicker and give a good coating to meats if needed. This glaze with Balsamic Vinegar is also good for sweeter dishes like ice cream and with fruits but I prefer it on chicken to give a sticky finish that’s also delicious!

Next time you’re in the condiments aisle, skip past the ketchup and have a look at what Filippo Berio has to offer and you might be surprised at what flavours you find.

All items available in most supermarkets or online at: https://www.filippoberio.co.uk/filippo-berio-our-products/

Stabilo Fibre Tip Pens and Coloured Pencils

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Stocking Fillers, Toys

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

We all know how tough it can be to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays. You get a few weeks of lovely sunshine in the run-up, then as soon as school’s out -down comes the rain! And as much as I’d love to pack our days with trips to the cinema, bowling alley or soft play, let’s face it, it soon gets expensive so it’s not an option for most parents.

That’s why I’m such a big fan of keeping it simple. You really can’t beat a good old-fashioned colouring session to keep little hands (and minds!) busy. Felt tips and colouring pencils might not sound like much, but they’re absolute lifesavers in our house – and STABILO have a brilliant range that makes colouring and craft sessions a lot of fun.

The STABILO Cappi felt tip range have clever caps so you can thread them together and fasten the set to a bag or a carabiner which is perfect for keeping them all in one place, especially when you’re out and about. It also means no lost lids too! The triangular shape is comfy for small hands to grip, and they come in packs of 12 or 24 vibrant colours.

If you’ve got younger kids who tend to press a bit too hard, the STABILO Trio Scribbi is a game-changer. These pens are practically indestructible thanks to their spring-loaded tip. Press down too hard and the tip just bounces back – no more ruined pens! Plus, the water-based ink is washable (thank goodness), and they come in 14 bright colours.

Then there’s the STABILO Woody 3-in-1 – a chunky pencil that works as a colouring pencil, wax crayon, and even a watercolour for the more adventurous, simply add a splash of water and with a small paintbrush the little ones will soon be creating masterpieces for your walls. They’re also great for craft projects as they can be used on windows, lunchboxes, mirrors, and blackboards too. The colour wipes off easily with water, and the thick lead lasts for ages – eight times longer than a regular pencil! Available in 24 shades, these have been a big hit with our little ones.

As well as drawing we’ve been making homemade cards for birthdays and using colouring books too. There’s also loads of free printable sheets online too if you want something different.

So next time the kids say those dreaded words – “I’m bored!” – hand them a rainbow of STABILO colours and let their imagination do the rest. They’re affordable, portable and most importantly fun!!

DenTek Eco Friendly Interdental Brushes and Picks

beauty, eco friendly, Family Life, health, 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.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll hate going to the dentist and will do almost anything to prevent any work being done. So, when the hygienist suggests interdental brushes and flossing picks, I will happily spend my whole months’ salary (well, nearly!) on preventative measures. DenTek has everything you could ever need for preventative care of your teeth, including this bundle pack that was sent to us this week.

All of the items are Eco Friendly, which means they’re made of recycled plastic or plant-based materials. Less to go to landfill but what does go is biodegradable. The bundle contained a pack of 32 Slim Brushes, 40 Comfort Picks, 36 Triple Clean Floss Picks and 75 Complete Clean Floss Picks.

The DenTek Slim Brushes are 0.45mm in width with tapered bristles made from renewable castor plant. The handles are made from plant-based bio resin. Each sits comfortably in the hand and is used to brush in between teeth. They can be used for the whole set of teeth but I wouldn’t recommend using them 12 hours later when you next brush your teeth though! They’re really effective in getting the plaque and small bits of food out from between your teeth.

The DenTek Comfort Picks are similar but instead of bristles, these are sized M/L and are ideal for travel, and come with a little carry case too. Perfect for the handbag or the suitcase on holiday. They’re less abrasive than the Slim Brushes so if you’re not used to the bristles, these are a good place to start.

Dental floss is a thing of the past with the DenTek Complete Clean Floss Picks. This massive pack is great for the bathroom cabinet as the horseshoe shaped picks remove food, plaque and can reach right into the gum line, removing food and plaque from between each tooth and the gum. They’re designed to reach both the front and the back teeth and have a fresh mint flavour. These are the brushes I use every night after I brush my teeth and I swear by them!

Lastly, there’s the Triple Clean Floss Picks. They’re extra strong so you can use them more vigorously and really get into the gum line. They’re also mint flavoured and have added fluoride to help fight plaque. They’re antibacterial too so help prevent bacteria building up.

DenTek have a huge range of cleaning technology, as well as protection guards and other dental tools online at: https://dentek-eu.com/clean/

DenTek tools are available at major retailers including Boots, Superdrug, Amazon, Waitrose, Ocado and other major retailers.

Hair Syrup Pre-Wash Conditioner

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Summer, Women

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

The folks at Hair Syrup are serious about hair care. With various ‘flavours’ of syrup, their aim is to treat hair to give you your best look regardless of how brittle, frizzy, oily or thin it is. We were sent the Original Hair Syrup this week to try out for ourselves.

The premise of Hair Syrup is that it’s a ridiculously thick oil which repairs damaged hair. The bottle says to leave on your hair for 1-3 hours, so not one for disobeying orders, I put the Hair Syrup on my own hair, making sure all areas were covered and set about my normal weekend routine for just over 3 hours. I made sure all areas of my hair were covered, right down to the tips, as well as the scalp. My hair had only been washed the day before, but needs a trim so the ends were a bit dry – a good test for this pre-conditioner I thought!

I only had to tie my hair up to let the Hair Syrup magic work, but I could feel over time that it was really heavy. This was partly because after about an hour you can feel the syrup drying, so in the height of summer like this, I might cover my head next time so that it doesn’t dry. It was a nutritious oil which was working on my hair.

When it came to shampooing it out (and they suggest on the bottle that it takes 2 shampoos) I was able to get most of the by now dry, brittle mixture to come out with one shampoo. The second one was to make sure it was completely clean. Conditioning as normal as I did (you can leave out the conditioner if you like) I then rinsed off to see the effect.

After just one treatment (of 3 hours) my hair was much more conditioned. I let it dry naturally, and instead of the frizziness I usually have and then have to straighten, I had my proper, big curls back. They weren’t perfect, but this was after just one treatment and with no product, drying on a hot day. It’s seriously impressive that I didn’t have to do much else, nor spend that much time or money on the result.

I think Hair Syrup is one for the long term. Once I get my hair trimmed this week, a few more Hair Syrup pre-conditionings and I’ll have some seriously slick hair!

Available for around £15.95 online and on the Hair Syrup website:

SYRUPS

Helly Hansen Women’s Verglas 2.5 Layer Fastpack Jacket

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

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

In our final item from the Helly Hansen delivery, we have the Women’s Verglas 2.5 Layer Fastpack Jacket. This extremely lightweight jacket can be folded into one tiny sized pocket to take on hikes, or can be worn whilst running or hiking without getting in the way due to its weight. It’s waterproof too so you can keep the majority of the weather away from you. It’s breathable too so you can wear it in the rain, when it’s windy or hot or a combination of all three!

The added benefits of. The Verglas 2.5 Fastpack Jacket include a hood, zip-up pockets, fleece chin guard, elastic cuffs and hem, and the 2.5 layer material construction which adds the waterproof and breathable functions. It’s pricy at £200 but it’s meant for the serious outdoor types who love the wet weather! This is a quality piece which can be worn or taken out for years. I wear a size XL in this and it’s a bit snug, so if you’re bulked up with layers underneath, it might be worth getting a larger size than normal.

The Veriglas 2.5 Layer Fastpack Jacket is brilliant for putting in a backpack on a long journey, even if you’re just travelling by train across the country or leave it in the car because it’s so light it can’t not be useful.

Available from £200: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-verglas-25l-fastpack-jacket-63313?color=290002

Helly Hansen’s Women’s Escape Anorak

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, hiking, National Walking Month, 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.

Some relief from the recent rains – the Helly Hansen Escape Anorak for women is an all-season lightweight waterproof jacket, perfect for hiking thanks to its design. There’s a huge pocket at the front with a roof to prevent rain getting in, so you can store your phone, map and keys all in one place whilst you walk. The waterproof material (100% polyester) dries quickly and stretches too, especially along the seams. I like this jacket because the arms are particularly long, and it doesn’t have a fastening – you just throw it over your head and the rain can’t get in! The high neck has vertical poppers to both keep you warm and there’s poopers on the cuffs too, which limits the amount of water in your sleeves when it’s REALLY raining! It has an adjustable hem too – a draw string to keep you snug when it’s cold.

This jacket isn’t just for hiking but for any outdoors pursuits, especially because it’s so light that you can put it in the car and forget about it. The jacket comes in other colours (pink and black) and is size XS up to XL which is what I’m wearing here.

Available for £80 at: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-escape-anorak-54328?color=627457