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Grease The Musical at The Grand Theatre Blackpool

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

Luxeclarity Radiant Neck & Décolletage Elixir and Nightcalm Soothing Restore Night Cream

beauty, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

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

Along with the delicious Mangoscience and Hydroboost, I have also been testing Harley Street Skin’s Luxeclarity and Nightcalm. Perfect for bedtime and therefore easily tied with Nightcream, Luxeclarity is a neck and décolletage elixir. It’s incredibly rich cream help restores youthfulness when massaged in, and although I used it at night, it can be used by day as well, especially under make-up. You only need a small amount though as it’s very rich!

I liked using this as part of a wind-down skin cleanse and moisturiser before bed, and I don’t normally moisturise my neck and décolletage so this is a real treat. It’s lightly fragranced but not overpowering and leaves skin with more hydration that it had before.

I also slathered my face in Nightcalm every night to restore my skin whilst I slept. I enjoyed letting Nightcalm work its magic thanks to the enzymes, Niacinamide, Bakuchiol and Albatrellus Confluens among other ingredients that leads to a less flushed appearance. It also cleans skin and the massaging effect is really soothing too. I felt my skin relax down into the night routine before I slept with hydration and no tightness. In the morning, my face was still moisturised and plump, which was great with the Hydroboost too. Every morning it feels like I’ve had a facial before bedtime!

Luxeclarity Radiant Neck & Décolletage Elixir available for £95: https://www.harleystreetskinclinic.com/shop/brand/harley-street-skin-care/luxeclarity-radiant-neck-decolletage-elixir-100ml/

Nightcalm Soothing Restore Night Cream available for £55: https://www.harleystreetskinclinic.com/shop/brand/harley-street-skin-care/nightcalm-soothing-restore-night-cream-30ml/

Harley Street Skin Mangoscience and Hydraboost Replenishing Serum

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

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

The lovely team at Harley Street Skin have sent us this box of gorgeous skincare products to try this summer so we’ve set about looking our best as the weather gets warmer!

I’ve started by looking at the Hydraboost – Ultrahydrate Replenishing Serum and Mangoscience – Mango & Papaya Mousse Exfoliant. If they leave your mouth watering then I don’t blame you! I’m sitting next to them here loving every second of testing them out and have been for the past week now!

Starting with the Mangoscience, you know you’re going to enjoy it when you open the jar to a fabulous aroma of mango and fruit fragrances. The Mangoscience is a light mousse exfoliator which can be used up to 3 times a week to wick away dead skin cells and brighten your skin. Containing 6 different natural exfoliating agents including both mango and papaya fruit extracts and pumpkin enzyme. Silica an bamboo stem powder give the mousse its gentle exfoliant and blackcurrant extract nourishes the skin with vitamins and antioxidants. It sounds delicious – but it is not for eating!

I used Mangoscience after a run and when I was in the bath, letting the mousse work for a few minutes before washing off gently. It exfoliates gently with no tightness when cleaned away and left my skin soft and clear.

In conjunction with Mangoscience, I used the Hydraboost Replenishing Serum. This pipette and very light serum is rich enough that you don’t need much of it to cover your skin, so I added some to my neck and decolletage as well. It provides lasting hydration from the immediate time you use it and over time has a more permanent effect. It absorbs beautifully too, and is great to use after Mangoscience so that the exfoliation and hydration work together to give a lovely skin base before make up. I can certainly recommend using both of them, one after the other.

I have also used Hydraboost at night, once I’ve taken my make up off and cleansed my face. It’s great for working at night whilst you sleep and your skin repairs and in the morning I can still feel that my skin is supple. I do add moisturiser too though, and the Hydraboost works very well under it, keeping my skin hydrated literally all day!

Hydraboost Serum £69: https://www.harleystreetskinclinic.com/shop/brand/harley-street-skin-care/hydraboost-ultrahydrate-replenishing-serum-50ml/

Helly Hansen Women’s Verglas Light Hoodie

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, 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.

Another win for this interchangeable spring weather – the Helly Hanson Verglas Light Hoodie. Unlike other hoodies, this is ultra soft and ultra light with elastane to also stretch where it’s needed. It’s really soft to the touch too, so you don’t need to wear anything underneath and it could be a perfect spring camping pyjama top that you can snuggle into with the drawstring hood too!

There’s plenty of room in this hoodie as it’s really long on the body but the only thing missing is some pockets. The tailored side sections give a svelte shape when wearing it so maybe the pockets would detract from the shape and you need a pair of leggings or trousers with the pockets instead. The Verglas Light Hoodie would also be a great fashion piece to dress up or layer for festivals. It also has wicking properties to accommodate those unpredictable summers. I can see myself reaching for this top in the cooler evenings when outside with friends or taking a walk at sunset across the countryside while on holiday.

Online at Hellyhansen.com in XS-XL sizes and in various colours including grey, green blue and pink shades.

Available from £75: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-verglas-light-hoodie-62964?color=627364

Helly Hansen Women’s LIFA Active Solen Long Sleeve Top

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

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

This multi-purpose women’s long sleeve top is perfect for all weathers and all sports!

Interestingly, it’s make through a process called S.Cafe which infuses the fabric with coffee grounds to give the wearer UFP 50 (Ultraviolet Protective Factor 50) without using chemicals. The LIFA technology also wicks away moisture when you’re outside, no matter the weather, to keep you drier.

I particularly like that this top is long sleeved so you can wear it in the spring and autumn as well as the winter and the long sleeves and high neck give you more protection from the sun. You can see that the material has pores which are the LIFA technology working to help you keep dry, and as I tested this out on a run, I can attest to it actually keeping you dry! In fact, this top isn’t just for sailing or hiking but can be used in all disciplines thanks to the technologies used. I wore it on a trail run through woodlands, open land and near a lake and it stood the test of British weather. The material is very stretchy too, so you can wear it in different sizes depending on your sport. This was me in a size XL.

If you’re looking for an all-rounder top though, this is great as it can be used in winter as well as for when the sun is out. It’s rare to find a long-sleeved women’s top that is so versatile and the more I think of how I will use it, the more I realise it could be a staple piece of my gym wardrobe.

This top comes in sizes XS to XL. If you’re not keen on the colour, there are others available on the Helly Hansen website including white, navy and ultra blue!

Available from £55: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-hh-lifa-active-solen-ls-49352?srsltid=AfmBOoogCE06HlND4e0EhAgahwamlLOT74jgh9iZv7ORUkymh_ln2pqw

Women’s Helly Hansen Nordvik 2.0 Boots

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Home, National Walking Month, Sport, 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.

I’m thrilled with these all-purpose “wellies” that turned up this week from Helly Hansen! Even though the weather has been glorious and there’s not been a drop of rain around for weeks, I thought I’d take these out for a spin to do some heavy gardening. They didn’t disappoint.

The Helly Hansen Nordvik 2.0 Boots for women are these half-sized Wellington boots which have extra grippy soles and a HH Custom Insole. With the outer uppers made of rubber, they’re perfect for outdoors but especially for marina and sea life because of their EVA Comfort Insole for maximum cosiness and the HH Max Grip soles. In a nutshell, they’re comfortable as well as practical in all weather. To make you salivate even more, they’re temperature resistant meaning they can be worn in the summer and the rubber won’t perish, or in the freezing cold of winter and won’t get damage by the weather.

Practically, the half size is easier to wear. Very rarely do we trudge in mud that comes past our ankles (at least I don’t anyway!) so the extra calf length isn’t needed. They come in other colours too. These are black but there are also bright yellow and navy on offer.

You can see the that soles are really sturdy, made of thick vulcanised rubber which also gives them some twist as you move. They’re comfy too, thanks to the EVA lining and survived being bent whist gardening and worn whilst hauling out roots. They stuck firm with their extra grip soles, with no slippage even in water. I’m looking forward to wearing them in the autumn for the rainy park walk but for the time being, they’re my best friend in the garden.

Available online for £65 at: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-nordvik-2-11661?color=290002&qu=Nordvik&ct=autosuggest_top_product

Chilli No 5 Hot Sauce Gift Set

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, 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.

Well this was a real treat when it turned up! Chilli No 5 sent us a gift set of 12 gorgeous chilli samples as part of a gift box for Father’s Day.

The beautifully presented box has glass vials of 12 different chillies and sauces ranging from the mild Devilish Dijon to the 3/3 hot Forever Phall. The labels have indicators on them of how hot the sauces are on a 1-3 scale to give you a clue. There’s not just the conventional chillies though, the gift set also includes Chinese Hot & Sour, Jamaican Jerk, Wicked Wasabi and Ever So English. If you’re wondering what Ever So English tastes like, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the beetroot base sauce which is flavoured with horseradish so goes equally well with beef or any stronger meats.

The gift set isn’t called Passport Piccanté for nothing – the 25ml sauces from all over the world make up this beautiful set but are all freshly made in the UK and South of France. The range of sauces are created by the team at Chilli No 5 are inspired by the public’s searches on Google, ensuring that with the right superfoods, antioxidants and health supplements, the sauces are appealing to everyone.

The Passport Piccanté is a real treat for both food lovers and those who love hot spices. The smaller vials mean that if you don’t like one flavour, you don’t have to worry about the rest of the jar, and the one vial, one flavour gift box means there’s still enough there to make a dinner with that flavour. Each of them are delicious and you can taste the fresh food used in it. I still think my favourite is the Ever So English sauce. Nothing better than improving an already perfect roast with something that brings out the flavour even more, and makes Father’s Day Roast even more memorable for Dad.

Available online for £35 at:

https://chilli-no5.com/buy/hot-sauce-gift-sets/passport-piccante/

The Alphabet of Happiness – book by Klaudia Mitura

Books, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mental Health Awareness, 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.

We promised you a review of Klaudia Mitura’s book The Alphabet of Happiness and now that it’s reaching publication date, here it is!

We struggle as a society to be happy. Many of us don’t have time to be happy, convince ourselves that we’re happy because we ‘have it all’, or more to the point, declare ourselves unhappy because we’ve not got it all. Klaudia Mitura’s book, The Alphabet of Happiness explores how to become happy in a gentle, non-judgemental way.

The book looks at simple ways to change your life bit-by-bit. There’s no overwhelming science (although Klaudia does cite some in her explanations) and there’s no reasoning about how much happiness we should experience in life, or trying to dictate that there will be times that we’re not happy and we should just live with the feeling. I know some ‘happiness’ gurus have written books which I had to put down and stop reading because of how unhappy their reasoning made me. Ironic?

Klaudia’s chapters are short but not boring. Yes, they are based on the A-Z format but that doesn’t matter as each of the chapters stands on its own merit. The book is easy to read. She starts by looking at what happiness is, and what it isn’t. The first chapter is on Acceptance. One sentence in particular stood out to me which made me reflect and actually, it sets the tone of the book too. It said, “Reflect: What emotions or experiences are you not accepting at the moment? How could shifting your judgement help you?” Starting out the book with this thought made me think that there were things I need to undo, rather than do, that would make me happier.

I’m by no means an unhappy person, but the chapters have some really interesting exercises and Food for Thought sections. Each chapter has a Take Action at the end too, to make you think, journal or help you resolve what the topic of the chapter is. One particular chapter that made me think was, “Chapter 8: Habits: Implementing Daily Routines that Stick.” In this chapter, Klaudia dissects what a habit is, then explains how you can create happiness-building habits for daily use, called Keystone Habits.

I defy you to find something you don’t find useful or informative about improving your life in this book, but even if you aren’t looking for happiness, it’s a charming book that gets you thinking and in itself, makes you feel happier.

Follow Klaudia on Instagram @thehappinesschallenge-klaudia

Follow @literallypr on both X and Instagram for more inspiration too!

Available at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1803417560/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_bb_amazon-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1803417560&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Oro Bailen Arbequina Olive Oil Gift Box

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, health, 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.

Here’s a novelty Father’s Day Gift you Dad will love, without being the predictive socks, chocolate or whiskey! The Oro Bailen Arbequina Olive Oil Gift Bod is surprisingly more straightforward than its name. It’s a beautiful award winning 500ml bottle of olive oil, complete in a box that’s easy to gift.

I was taught that the best olive oils come in dark glass, to preserve it from the sunlight which destroys good olive oil. The Oro Bailen Arbequina Olive Oil is just that – high quality olive oil in the deepest of dark glass and presentation box! If you’re in any doubt about the quality or taste, just take a look at the side of the gift box where it’s earned 25 different awards from around the world. Top of the awards is the 2024 Great Taste Award (2 stars) which sits proudly on the bottle.

The Andalucian Spanish olive oil is cold pressed within 2 hours to give a 99 point score in the Flos Olei International Olive Oil Guide. The 2024/25 harvest from a single Spanish estate is a mild flavour, extra virgin green olive oil that has a multitude of uses. The slight aftertaste is not acidic at all, just a mild olive taste which is rich and smooth. I don’t like using extra virgin olive oils of this calibre to cook, but instead to use as a dressing or ingredient. I think this harvest, along with the 99 point scoring, makes the Oro Bailen an excellent gift for Dad, or anyone who enjoys really good food, especially high quality ingredients. The taste speaks for itself, and makes a unique, and usable gift.

Available for £22.90 at: https://www.artisanoliveoilcompany.co.uk/collections/food-gifts/products/oro-bailen-arbequina-olive-oil-gift-box-500ml

Swan 900W Travel Iron With Pouch

camping, Family Life, Fashion, Home, kitchen appliances

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.

It’s holiday season! Sometimes that fills me with dread when I think about how much there is to organise and pack before going away, but the Swan Travel Iron just make it a little bit easier.

The 900W mini-iron is about half the size of a conventional iron and a fraction of the weight, and comes with a measuring jug for the water and a pouch to help pack and store it. It has a generous tank of 100ml for the water and a temperature control for when you have different materials to iron. There’s a steam function too, and a warm up light for when it’s at temperature. The ironing plate is made of stainless steel, and honestly, it’s so cute you could iron almost anything with it, including tiny pleats!

The essential element of the Swan 900W Travel Iron is that it has a variable voltage of 115V to 230V, so you can use it almost anywhere in the world. It weighs just 500 grams too but the weight isn’t important as you glide along with the ‘real’ stainless steel ironing plate. I particularly like the purple colour to it too. The electric cord is over a metre too.

Compared to full-sized irons this takes about the same time to heat up, but obviously needs refilling with water every so often. It gets just as hot, but without the weight behind it I found it was easy to burn myself and had to re-judge how to iron on a smaller plate. Saying that, you don’t usually have to iron the heavier items on holiday such as jeans or jackets, so it works really well on t-shirts, jersey fabric and cottons which is all you’re likely to need on holiday or if you’re camping! The fact that it’s so small and so light means you can’t go wrong for the power you get from it, so it’s totally worth taking on holiday with you, just in case you have a need for that all-important emergency iron…

Available from £19.99: https://shop.swan-brand.co.uk/products/900w-travel-iron-with-pouch

Tolpa Dermo Face Creams – Lipidrio Range

beauty, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Women

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

Since hitting the menopause, my skin has become noticeably drier, tighter, and let’s not even start on the fine lines creeping in. I’ve had to rethink my skincare entirely, moving away from my old lightweight moisturisers to something far richer and more nourishing. That’s when I came across Tolpa, a Polish skincare brand that’s just arrived in the UK and is now available at Boots. Tolpa sold over six million products in Poland last year, and now they’re starting to get glowing reviews here in the UK too. So naturally, I was curious to see if their Lipidro range, specially designed for dry skin, could give my menopausal skin the extra care it’s been crying out for.

The Nourishing Regenerating Cream is a real multitasking day cream that claims to nourish, regenerate, smooth, and generally rescue tired, parched skin. It works to repair the skin’s protective barrier and helps heal all those tiny bits of damage we might not see, but certainly feel. It also promises to soothe irritation and keep those pesky wrinkles at bay. Big claims, but my skin was certainly ready for it.

The Nourishing Regenerating Cream-Oil is Tolpa’s night treatment. Now, this one’s clever, it starts as a cream but melts into an oil as you apply it, giving your skin an overnight boost while you sleep. It’s designed to deeply hydrate, ease tightness, and leave skin feeling plump and refreshed by morning.

One thing I really like is that both creams come in aluminium tubes, not only are they better for the environment, but they also keep the product fresher and more hygienic.

Despite being rich and nourishing, the texture of both creams is surprisingly light once applied. They absorb beautifully without leaving that heavy, greasy feeling. Straight after using them, my skin feels soft, comfortable, and crucially, hydrated.

The ingredients list reads like a skincare wish list: peat (a Tolpa signature), avocado, jojoba oil, squalane, shea butter, honey extract, plus hydrating favourites like panthenol and hyaluronic acid.

After six weeks, my fine lines are definitely looking softer, but more importantly, my skin feels plumper, calmer, and back to feeling like me again. A little TLC in a tube which is just what I needed!

Tolpa’s skincare range is exclusive to Boots, so you can pick it up in store or pop it in your online basket. They’ve got a selection of ten products, with products to suit a variety of skin concerns, whether you’re dealing with acne, rosacea, or, like me, battling the dryness that comes with menopause.

RRP £8.57 available at Boots

James Gin

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him

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

If you’re stuck for ideas on what to get Dad this Father’s Day, I’ve got a cracking suggestion for you – how about a bottle of gin made by none other than James May? Yes, really! The much-loved star of Top Gear and The Grand Tour has swapped fast cars for slow distilling, teaming up with gin expert Hugh Anderson from Downton Distillery to create something truly unique: a gin made with parsnips. I know what you’re thinking – parsnips and gin? But stay with me!

Originally, James just wanted to make a small batch of gin to serve in his pub, The Royal Oak in Wiltshire. But thanks to Hugh’s encouragement, they decided to produce 1,400 bottles for the public. Well, they sold out faster than you can say “reasonably priced car”! Now, you can pick up a bottle of James Gin Asian Parsnip in Waitrose, which is perfect timing for Father’s Day.

So how did this unusual idea come about? James wanted to create a gin that was unmistakably British, something that reminded him of good old Blighty. Parsnips, with their earthy, slightly sweet flavour, felt just right. But to add a bit of excitement, he decided to bring in the warm, aromatic spices you’d find in Indian cuisine. And just like that, the idea of Asian Parsnip gin was born, celebrating the comforting flavours of home with a little exotic twist.

The gin itself is packed with 12 botanicals, including parsnip, ginger, caraway seed, cubeb pepper, fenugreek, cardamom, grains of paradise, liquorice root, sweet orange, juniper, angelica root, and coriander seed. The base spirit is a smooth grain, giving it a lovely, clean finish.

Now, onto the important part, the taste. I always like to keep it simple when trying a new gin, so I had it with a splash of plain tonic. And do you know what? It’s absolutely lovely. Slightly sweet, with a gentle warmth from the spices, and yes, there’s a hint of parsnip, but it all comes together beautifully. It’s just a little bit different, in the best possible way.

So if Dad’s a gin lover and you’re after a gift that’s out of the ordinary this Father’s Day, James Gin Asian Parsnip might just be the perfect pick.

RRP £36, available at Waitrose.

Astral Intensive Moisturiser

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

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

Evoking old-fashioned, get-the-job-done memories, Astral Original Intensive Moisturiser is reminiscent of the make up you remember from your youth. The fresh scent hits you as you open the blue pot, and the perfectly peaked cream entices you to stick your finger in and try out the richness.

I have a pot of Astral Original sitting on my desk. Made in the UK, it has no fancy gimmicks, just a smooth, comforting texture. Containing lanolin to lock in moisturiser and create a barrier and Glycerine to smooth and hydrate your skin, this can be used on the face or the body, and I use it on my hands as I read my emails. It absorbs super quickly and can also be used to remove make up. What’s most appealing is the fresh fragrance though – there are no harsh chemical scents and the light aroma lingers on your skin once you apply it.

Great for handbags, on the dressing table or to use at work, Astral Original Intensive Moisturiser does exactly what it says it will, and being dermatologically tested, it can be used by anyone. I love it!

Available from £3.52:

Kalme Daily Defence SPF40

beauty, camping, Children, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Home & Garden, 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.

Calm your skin in this sunny weather with the Kalme Daily Defence, with the added bonus of SPF40.

Most daily moisturisers are only SPF10 of SPF15 but the Kalme Daily Defence has the benefit of SPF40, which is higher than most sun creams. Giving 24 hours of moisturisation, Kalme lasts longer than most moisturisers and keeps moisturising through the night. When you apply it, you can see how nutrient dense it is from the way it sits on your skin before it’s absorbed.

Kalme’s non-comedogenic formula doesn’t clog pores nor does it make your eyes sting if you accidentally touch them, although you should always rinse your eyes with water if it does occur. Tint-free, it’s also suitable for all skin tones. Kalme also works as an anti-redness aid, helping sooth skin whether sun burnt, affected by allergies or redness from an irritation. I used Kalme as a night moisturiser as it’s so effective in the long term. It’s been dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, and the addition of antioxidants also helps repair skin at night.

Although a heavy cream at first, it absorbs quickly and keeps the moisture in. Use it at night or in the morning, it keeps on working a treat!

Available from £26.65: https://www.amazon.co.uk/KALME-Day-Defence-Anti-Redness-Moisturiser/dp/B0F18K52Q6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DZIBYXPJIDIS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OKTzMlO9eg7ApKV607S46qV314x-GbzDqKFX3MTObUbQLvQrRrfsD2DG0t_QBJqbWeHSS5Y0Urt0TvTznsaPvnT1PU70AXiAqfia-7HW6EPIuHZD8fNtKpcuVDRtSPxYSrKr2BbXcetRWCuTVayW2vtpjQRWOxq2Gk7pGwRUmodlGHAoEQtEmp9Cgl5CrOL4.hf0aOyNhdS_9l1BQ_kSZbjc9OGrvb5u6-D8lbDqexF0&dib_tag=se&keywords=KALME&qid=1746175192&s=drugstore&sprefix=kale%2Cdrugstore%2C96&sr=1-1-catcorr&th=1

LipQ Liquorice Lip Balm

beauty, camping, Children, cruelty-free, Family Life, health, hiking, 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.

Summer brings dry lips, and not just because of the weather but hay fever is a big cause too – I know because I have it! LipQ’s Liquorice Lip Balm is not like other balms though, thanks to the liquorice which helps prevent cold sores too. Liquorice extract weakens the virus before it can take hold, effectively lessening the impact that the cold sore can have on your lips.

LipQ Liquorice Balm also protects against UV. The 30 grams tub, which is small enough to take with you anywhere or pack into a handbag, is made with almond and beeswax with added avocado and sunflower oil to create a hydrating seal. It’s free from parabens and perfumes and in trials, 83% of users reported faster recovery.

Each pot lasts for ages, even if you use it every day. It seals in moisture and prevents sunburn but also helps with hay fever. If you rub a small amount on the tip of your nose, pollen sticks to it instead of being inhaled which helps prevent pollen allergies in the first place!

Available for £9.95 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skin-Shop-LIPBALM-Liquorice-Balm/dp/B00T7WIDGA/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.b0o8QJfdwLtdd7ZMpTBfJtfpUFTSs0GQ1OjWoqIrUJmzpLxj8jSdNnZ6KjAiWVmAKNQ4tkuuTBqyk4J0h1FawiVWZqZ7sClbOm9RvkqrixW20k-l7q7Hi-RjkVX1u9fZF4TFojDYOBYnBaTQ2uN7Kg.oGds6nR2yQIKH3QAqtSsrxCeouphsK6ny1dYIp4bKpk&dib_tag=se&m=A23HX2O7TOOQ69&marketplaceID=A1F83G8C2ARO7P&qid=1746175243&s=merchant-items&sr=1-3

Sea-Band Natural Sickness Relief

Children, Days Out, eco friendly, Family Life, health, REUSABLE, 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 summer approaches, trips on boats, cars and planes often get dogged by travel sickness. Medication aside, there is a natural way of preventing it that doesn’t include drugs and is safe even for morning sickness. Sea-Bands use pressure points on the inside of the wrists to alleviate the symptoms and in some cases, the sickness goes altogether. We were sent a pair to try out and we discovered they’re not just for cruises!

There are two bands in the pack, and they come in their own plastic box to keep them clean, or to have on hand in a handbag or travel luggage as and when needed. To use, just place them over your wrists (you need to use both bands for them to be effective) and have the button in the inside of your wrist, over the Nei-Kuan point. This acupressure point can be found by placing your middle three fingers on the inside of your wrist, with the third finger just below the first wrist crease. The Nei-Kuan point is found under our first (index) finger. If you’re placing the Sea-Bands on children, use their fingers to find the same point.

You can place the bands on before a journey or as you start to feel sick, although it can take 2-5 minutes to start taking effect so it’s best to place them on before travelling. Extra pressure on the buttons gives more relief so sleeping with them on and your palms faced down has a greater effect. If you’re wearing them for morning sickness, you can put them on the night before and wear them all day too.

Sea-Bands have no side-effects and can be used all day to prevent relief, just be sure to adjust them if they come out of place. They’re re-usable too, so you can take them off and store them for another day and wash them gently under water. They’re also used for the symptoms of nausea resulting from anaesthesia and chemotherapy.

We go on cruises frequently, and if you’ve ever travelled through the Bay of Biscay or the North Atlantic, then you’ll know that anti-nausea relief is a MUST! The Sea-Bands really help with the nausea feeling. They don’t always prevent all of the sickness but they do relieve it, and depending on the cause and severity, can give complete instant relief.

Available for £7.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nausearelief-Sea-Band-Wristband-for-Nausea/dp/B0BK1ZR172?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

Canyon 2-In-1 Qi2 Fast Charging Magnetic Stand

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Summer, Tech

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

Coming into holiday season, you’re thinking about where to go, where to eat and what to do but probably not thinking too much about packing yet. I know I hate forgetting something and it’s probably the charger I’ll leave behind!

Canyon has a solution with this magnetic charging stand. Plugged in via a USB-C cable (included) the Qi2 can charge both your iPhone and Air Pods at the same time. The phone attaches to the magnetic disk whilst the base of the stand charges your Air Pods when you place them on the tray. It works on all Air Pods and iPhones from version 12 and newer (these are the versions which have magnetic casings where you can charge them).

Setting up is easy and straight out of the box. The cable is USB-C each end so you can add it straight into your Mac or you can use a USB adaptor if you’re using a wall socket. The other end of the cable goes in the back of the Canyon Qi2 stand and it’s ready to use. I had to take my iPhone out of its casing though as I use a rubber case and it wouldn’t magnetically stick otherwise! It starts charging straight away. For Air Pods, you take them out of the case and place them on the base of the stand and they start charging too. If you have more than one set of Air Pods, or you’re using this for the family, you can place them all on the base and they’ll charge.

The Canyon 2-In-1 Qi2 Charging Stand doesn’t have an on/off button and no light to tell you that it’s got power, so you have to test it with your iPhone to see if it’s working. The iPhone will display ‘charging’ in the top right corner. I don’t have any other wireless ear buds or any other make of mobile phone in the house to see if it works on other makes, so for the time being I’m sticking with the Canyon 2-In-1 only charging Apple products but if you look on the website, there are other appliances which are compatible. It does charge quickly. I’d say it charges about as quickly as the Apple charger does, and I was cabled through my laptop to charge the iPhone.

Priced at £44.99, it costs about as much as other charges but with the advantage of being able to charge your phone and earbuds at the same time. The stand is also really handy because it’s at the right angle to watch videos, or to reply to messages and if you are on video calls a lot, it’s the perfect angle for the front camera to see you!

Available from £44.99 at: https://www.ryman.co.uk/canyon-wireless-charger-wcs-205-15w-qi2-2in1-white-without-adapter-1