Category: Autumn

Yankee Candle Glistening Leaves Signature Large Jar Candle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Winter, Women

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

Now that the evenings are drawing in and there’s a distinct nip in the air, I love to curl up in front of the fire with a good book and a few candles flickering around the room to create a cosy, relaxing atmosphere. At weekends I like to have one burning in the hallway so when friends or family arrive, they’re greeted with a beautiful scent as they step through the door.

Looking out of my window right now, the garden’s covered in a carpet of golden leaves so it’s only right that my candle of choice at the moment is the Yankee Candle Glistening Leaves. Available in four different sizes, Signature Large Jar, Signature Medium Jar, Signature Small Tumbler and the Yankee Candle Mini, there’s one to suit every space and style. The fragrance smells nice and autumnal with fresh top notes of grapefruit, eucalyptus, and Meyer lemon, middle notes of rose, jasmine, and oakmoss followed by the warm, comforting base of amber, patchouli, and vanilla. The scent is fresh and earthy and reminds me of crisp autumn days.

As the candle burns, the beautiful scent fills my living room, lingering long after the candle has been blown out. The jar comes with a lid, making it easy to extinguish, simply place it back on top to gently snuff out the flame and keep the fragrance contained. The two wicks ensure an even burn and with an impressive burn time of 65–80 hours I can see it lasting right through to December, just in time to switch to one a little more festive!

I also love that once the wax has melted away, the labels peel off easily (no sticky residue in sight), leaving a beautiful glass jar that’s ideal for storing makeup brushes, cotton pads, or even a string of fairy lights to get you in a festive mood.

The Yankee Candle Glistening Leaves Signature Large Jar retails at £29.99, and it’s well worth it for the quality and burn time. You can check out more of their gorgeous seasonal fragrances over on the Yankee Candle website.

Helly Hansen Running Accessories

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Fitness, Gifts for Her, hiking, National Walking Month, secret santa, Spring, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Winter

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.

Great for stocking fillers, Secret Santa or anyone who is serious about running and outdoor sports, Helly Hansen have a huge range of items for both men and women which you’ll love this year. We were sent a selection of running items to review, and none of them disappointed!

Winter skiers will appreciate the Alphelia Gloves, seen here in white.  With waterproof material to prevent hands getting wet (and therefore cold) on the slopes, they have elasticated cuffs and Velcro cuff clasps to keep water out. The fastening clips keep the gloves together when not in use or to fasten to a ski outfit when après ski. These fit snugly to give particularly good grip when manoeuvring the slopes, but there’s no reason why you can’t wear these in a British winter, outside, driving or even in snow (if we ever get it!) the waterproof membrane makes them particularly versatile and if you’ve ever worn ski gloves you’ll know they’re ten times as warm as High Street gloves. A definite winner in the gift ideas department too.

Carrying on the theme of winter wear, the Helly Hansen Pile headband can be worn on the slopes or even just every day in exceptionally cold weather. Designed for women, it has a fleecy texture and can be used for keeping your hair out of your eyes or for keeping ears warm at the same time. It’s made of HH pile material, which is also recycled, so you’re helping the environment too. This is a great gift for a stocking, or to take skiing in winter when you’re limited on luggage.

The Helly Hanson Rib Beanie, seen here in lavender is great for home or away. This beanie has the classic HH branding and is designed for women and comes in 7 different colours. It’s designed to be for women but the standard size and range of colours would suit anyone. It’s made of polyester and acrylic to make it both stretchy and adorable and again makes a great Christmas gift.

Finally, for when the summer comes around again, there’s the HH Trail Cap. So called because it’s for trail running when you don’t know whether you’re going to be blinded by the sun at the brow of a hill or rained on at the other end of the course, this Purple Clay colour is for camping, running or hiking and can be easily packed thanks to the light material which is polyester and elastane.  There’s vents at the side of the hat, which for anyone who has ever run in the hot weather, you’ll know that this design is essential.  Not much chance of using it in this country any time soon, but I’m looking forward to a spring day run with this gem.

Helly Hansen Alphelia Gloves £120: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/alphelia-glove-67637?color=623494&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22662295361&utm_content=186507109571&utm_term=&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=22662295361&cq_con=186507109571&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22662295361&gbraid=0AAAAADpHlLyIcNHa82VL2ooPjLEoH9ovi&gclid=Cj0KCQjw35bIBhDqARIsAGjd-cYkSdyx302OPoo6bAlUwIoK_8aGfhHmIUu9l6eYVmgBQk16QM5VoPQaAoF1EALw_wcB

Helly Hansen Pile Headband £20: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/hh-pile-headband-67563?color=623494&utm_source=kelkoouk&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=kelkooclick&utm_source_platform=KelkooGroup&utm_term=Helly+Hansen+Pile+Headband+Beige+STD+-+S&utm_campaign=kelkooclick&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=kelkoouk&utm_source_platform=KelkooGroup&kgclid=Cj0KCQjw35bIBhDqARIsAGjd-cZcTUCMYz2WIIM-1zxeMDiLYsR7DPPsHSAErnqW92Xhv2Yt_FzHu1saAm2SEALw_wcB&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22911025392&gbraid=0AAAAADGtTT9ufx0OfcAbLtMOW-DTlscwD&gclid=Cj0KCQjw35bIBhDqARIsAGjd-cZcTUCMYz2WIIM-1zxeMDiLYsR7DPPsHSAErnqW92Xhv2Yt_FzHu1saAm2SEALw_wcB

Helly Hansen Rib Beanie £25: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/hh-rib-beanie-54020?color=634122

HH Trail Cap: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/hh-trail-cap-67546?color=634011

BOSH! Plant Based Foods

Autumn, Food & Drink, Vegan, Vegetarian, Winter

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

While my family isn’t vegetarian, we do try to have a meat free day each week. I’m a keen cook and love nothing more than making meals from scratch and experimenting with flavours but during the week, I’m afraid it’s a different story. By the time I get home from work, I’m shattered and the last thing I want to do is start cooking so all I want is something quick and easy that I can pop in the oven or microwave. So I was so delighted when BOSH! got in touch to see if we wanted to try a selection of their new plant based meals.

If you haven’t heard of them before the brand was founded back in 2016 by Henry Firth and Ian Theasby and are now one of the UK’s most influential plant-based food brands. With over a million cookbooks sold, 3.5 million social followers, and 4 billion video views they’ve inspired countless people to eat more plants, and even Gordon Ramsay has credited them with “putting vegan food on the map.”

Now, they’ve brought that same passion and creativity to supermarket shelves with a new range of eight ready meals and pizzas, launched in Tesco stores nationwide at the beginning of October. It’s one of the biggest plant-based food launches the UK has seen in years, with each dish inspired by BOSH!’s most popular recipes. The meals are packed with flavour, nutrition, and plenty of plant-based protein and start at just £3.95, which makes them great value for busy families who still want a proper meal at the end of the day.

The line-up includes:

  • N’duja Sourdough Pizza
  • Margherita Sourdough Pizza
  • Creamy No-Duja Pasta
  • Goan Chickpea Curry
  • Creamy Mac & Greens
  • Teriyaki Mushroom Noodles
  • Hearty Vegetable Lasagne
  • Ultimate Bean Chilli

So on to the important part – how do they taste?

The Hearty Vegetable Lasagne  was delicious, packed full of vegetables, and layered with a beautifully smooth béchamel sauce – proper comfort food and perfect for chilly autumn nights. My personal favourite was the Goan Chickpea Curry, rich and warmly spiced, every bit as good my homemade version. The addition of onion bhajis on the side took it up a level and was the sort of thing you’d expect from a takeaway, not a ready meal.

The Creamy No-Duja Pasta was another favourite. The sauce was rich and had plenty of flavour and the broccoli still had a bit of bite – no soggy vegetables here! My husband, a devoted meat-eater, tried the Ultimate Bean Chilli and was pleasantly surprised. He said the texture was lovely, and the seasoning spot on and he didn’t miss the meat at all.

I’m quite fussy when it comes to ready-made pizzas, all too often, the bases are tough and there’s very little toppings on them so these were a nice surprise. The Spicy No-Duja Pizza came with a sachet of hot maple drizzle that gave it a wonderful balance of sweetness and heat, while the Margherita Sourdough Pizza was lifted beautifully by a drizzle of vibrant green basil pesto. The crusts were crisp and fluffy and tasted more like a restaurant pizza than a ready made one. I really do hope they consider making these in a larger size!

We’re really impressed with the BOSH! meals we tried, they’re convenient, but more importantly taste absolutely delicious. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just want to  cut down on meat, these meals are proof that quick food doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavour or quality.

Vamoosh Washing Machine Cleaner

Autumn, Home, kitchen appliances, Pets

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 autumn arrives, we end up using the washing machine for more clothes, more layers and bulkier keep-warm items.  If you have pets, then you’ll find that their long hair is coming in and so there’s more chance of your washing machine clogging up!

Vamoosh Cleans have a special Christmas edition of their washing machine cleaner in Spiced Apple fragrance.  The Vamoosh cleaning crystals are easy to us. Add a packet to the washing machine dispenser drawer and with the drum completely empty, put the washing machine on the hottest cycle you have. For most machines, this is around 90 Celcius. A normal length cycle should do the trick.

Vamoosh is different to other washing machine cleaners on the market because it dissolves hair. This is essential in a washing machine that gets clogged up because hair can stay hidden in the pipes for a long time and cause not just smells, but parts to break that will need replacing.  It also eliminates residues and limescale with powerful cleaning, and eradicates 99.9% of bacteria too, which often causes a lot of the smells.

After a cycle of Vamoosh Spiced Apple, my washing machine was cleaner and fresher with a glow about the window of the drum that was like having your windows cleaned! I’ll be cleaning my washing machine more often now, in the knowledge that I’ll be eliminating bacteria too.

Available from £9.99 for two sachets at: https://vamooshcleans.com/products/washing-machine-cleaner-pink-grapefruit-for-deep-cleaning-washing-machines

Swizzel Sweets for Halloween

Autumn, Children, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Halloween, snacks, Stocking Fillers, Women

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

There aren’t many times in the year when you can legitimately purchase a huge box of sweets like the Swizzel Sweet Shop Favourites, but Halloween is one of them!  Swizzels have all you need for Halloween Trick Or Treating, and they sent us a huge selection of what’s on offer. Did we sample them? Yes we did. Did we get fed up of so many tubs, pouches and boxes of sweets? No, not yet!

The tub is the largest of the packets in the range at 650 grams. This also doubles up nicely as the bowl that you dish out the sweets from, so we’re going to use this to start with and then fill it up with the rest of the packets! The box is probably the next easiest to use on Halloween and is 324 grams. The pouch is great for filling up your bowl and is 375 grams net.

The Swizzels Sweet Shop Favourites contain Love Hearts, Drumstick, Refreshers, Double Lollies, Fruity Pops, Parma Violets, Fizzers and Drumstick Squashies. Each one of them reminds you of your childhood (my favourites are Refreshers and Love Hearts) and they’re the perfect size for little hands to help themselves on Halloween Night. 

From £12.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Favourites-Delicious-Twisty-Birthday-Christmas/dp/B0DK1NN3F4/ref=asc_df_B0DK1NN3F4?mcid=3862be2c2578395b84946a83b61d7e3a&hvocijid=13748858106778312890-B0DK1NN3F4-&hvexpln=74&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13748858106778312890&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006886&hvtargid=pla-2281435176618&psc=1&gad_source=1

Whaoo! Spooky Chocolate filled crepes

Autumn, Children, Family Life, Food & Drink, Halloween, snacks

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

With Halloween just around the corner, the shops are packed with spooky-themed goodies. As well as the traditional pumpkins, there’s a super selection of Halloween-inspired food and drinks that are perfect for parties for all ages.

Our mini witches and ghosts have been busy trying some spooktacular Halloween  snacks, and the limited edition Whaoo! chocolate-filled crêpes have been a big hit.  They spotted the fun, spooky packaging straight away (it’s covered in cheeky little ghosts and monsters!) and couldn’t wait to tuck in.

The multi packs each contain 6 crêpes which are individually wrapped, making them ideal for lunchboxes, party bags or as a treat when the trick-or-treaters come knocking.

Made with quality ingredients and free from artificial colours, flavours, preservatives and palm oil, they’ve also won a Loved By Parents Best Child’s Snack Platinum Award which speaks for itself.

You’ll find Whaoo! Halloween crêpes in ASDA, Co-op, Morrisons, Tesco and Ocado, with prices starting from £1.88. But be quick -they’re only here for Halloween, so grab a pack (or two) before they vanish in a puff of smoke! 🎃

Elemay Starry Nights Luxury Refillable Ceramic Candle

Autumn, Christmas, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, REUSABLE, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Winter, Women

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

When it comes to candles, I’ve found it’s worth paying a little more for a better quality candle. While cheaper ones will flicker away quite happily, many are made with paraffin wax, which can release soot and toxins into the air. Spend a bit more, however, and you get something altogether different. Natural wax candles burn more cleanly, with a steadier flame and the scent actually smells like what it says on the box.

Which brings me to Elemay candles – they’re made from 100% natural soy wax with lead-free cotton wicks, making them just as as kind to the air as they are beautiful to look at. The brand was dreamed up by Ellie while she was on maternity leave. And you can tell – this isn’t some faceless corporation churning out identical jars of wax. Every scent has been chosen with care to bring a sense of calm, joy and a little bit of luxury into your day. And I think we can all agree, we need more of that.

With notes of jasmine, zesty citrus, sweet musk and vanilla, the Starry Nights fragrance is inspired by Steephill Cove on the Isle of Wight with Ellie wanting the candle to capture the magic of a clear summer night under a starry sky.

In my opinion candles should look as good as they smell and Elemay certainly delivers on that front. The luxury refillable ceramic candles are in handcrafted ceramic pots, made exclusively for the brand by Sussex-based artist Beth. Each pot is uniquely glazed and the Starry Nights pot has midnight blues and dusky purples to reflect the starry sky above the coast. Mine even arrived with a photograph of the cove taken by Ellie’s dad, and it’s incredible how Beth has echoed the image in her design.

I was surprised to discover that in most areas of the UK, candle jars can’t be recycled, so Elemay’s refill option is such a great idea. It’s not only a more sustainable choice but also a more cost-effective way to enjoy their candles. Refills are priced at £15, while the Starry Nights candle itself is £35.

The 220g candle has a burn time of around 40 hours comes with a care card and refill guide, and is packaged in a reusable linen gift bag, making it a perfect treat for yourself or a lovely Christmas gift.

Bare Hands Rescue Kit

Autumn, beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Women

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

With autumn here and the cold of the winter around the corner, hand creams and lotions make excellent Christmas gifts.  Bare Feet & Hands have a lovely array of products this year, including this Hand Rescue Kit which includes a Buff & Shine tool, Glass Nail File, Conditioning Nail & Cuticle Serum and Conditioning Cream. You can purchase them individually but this set is for Christmas and comes in cheaper than if you were to buy them piece by piece.

Starting with the Conditioning Nail & Cuticle Cream, this smells divine because it contains sweet almond oil, ginger extract and manuka honey.  The honey is for hydrating as well as antibacterial and the ginger helps with fungus and bacteria too. The combination of the fragrances is lovely though! The serum helps condition nails and skin before you apply the cream. It can be applied alone, but I like to apply it before I’m sitting down at my desk to work, so that it works in all the goodness as I type.

The Conditioning Cream is the ‘top coat’ which is a rich, sweet almond and aloe vera combination, with added cucumber. You can really smell the aroma of the cucumber when you apply it, and as it absorbs in, it leaves a softness to your skin. In combination with the serum, the two work together so that you have long lasting nourishment to help your hands last winter.

Lastly, there’s the glass file and the Buff & Shine tool. The glass file lasts forever (literally, they never smooth) so this is a really good gift or life-long apparatus to keep by your side. The Buff & Shine tool is used on naked nails to take away any ridges or unevenness on your nails, and gives them a shine before you take the paint to them.

Bare Hands Rescue Kit isn’t just for a gift, although it is a nice gesture for Christmas and works brilliantly as a stocking filler. It’s a fab gift to yourself to have available when your hands are dry or if like me, you just like to have them ‘on hand’ whist you’re working!

Available for £25.00 at 

Hand Rescue Kit

Opies Christmas Fruits in Syrup

Autumn, Christmas, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him

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.

Opies have once again started their Christmas selection with their Fruits in Syrup. The range is extensive, but we were sent a delicious selection to start with. Succulent & Lavish Peaches, Indulgent & Luxurious Black Cherries and Luscious & Indulgent Baby Pears. Each of the jarred fruits are marinated in alcohol too, so this is not one for the children!

Starting with the Opies Baby Pears with Luxardo Amaretto, these are whole pears, peeled and in syrup. They don’t have much of the Amaretto taste to them but they are very textured, like very, very ripe pears. These would be great on their own, to accompany a main dessert or even better, as part of a main dessert display with lots of different fruits. I think these Baby Pears would also work well with a cheese board, as the central character and lots of different cheeses around it.

The Opies Peaches with 12 year old Brandy again don’t have an overpowering brandy flavour, but they do have the soft silkiness from the syrup which makes them my favourite. I really like these on their own just with cream and would be a great antidote to Christmas’s rich food.  Perhaps in ‘Twixmas’; the time between Christmas and New Year? The jars make it easy to eat any of the fruits, I just keep them in the fridge and the syrup and the alcohol keeps them fresh.

Lastly, it’s the very Christmassy Opies Black Cherries in Luxardo Kirsch.  These have more of an alcoholic tang to them, and you feel like you can eat more because they’re smaller!  These are perfectly delicious to add straight to a trifle or a Black Forest Gateaux, or on top of a flan.  The black cherries are very juicy, and have the flavour of the Kirsch, but the cherry flavour comes through as well.  You can add these to just about any pudding or cake at Christmas time, and they certainly make desserts more festive!

Available online at: https://www.bennettopie.com/collections/all and available at www.waitrose.com and www.nisa.com from October.

Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Throw Blanket

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Home & Garden, Winter, Women

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

A cosy blanket is one of those gifts that you don’t realise you need until you receive one and then wonder how you ever managed without it! There’s nothing better than snuggling up on the sofa, watching a festive film, whilst snuggled up in a cuddly blanket. And they’re not just for the sofa – pop one on the bed and it’s perfect for keeping the chill away on those frosty winter nights.

Bedsure recently sent me one of their Sherpa Fleece Blankets which are available in four sizes – Throw/Single, Twin/Double, Queen and King. With an impressive 22 colours to choose from ranging from soft pastels like pink, cream and lilac to bolder shades like navy, black and dark grey there’s a colour to suit all tastes whether it’s for a Scandi-style living room or to add a pop of colour to a bedroom.

The Throw/Single size measures 130 x 150cm and is the perfect size for sharing on the sofa or layering over the bed. It’s also reversible, one side is silky-soft 220 GSM flannel, while the other is a wonderfully plush Sherpa fleece. It’s incredibly warm but surprisingly lightweight and if you’re of those people who feels the cold easily then you definitely need one of these blankets on your Christmas list this year! Although summer might not seem the perfect time to test a blanket, I took mine on a caravan trip and was very glad I did. It was perfect for wrapping myself in when we were sat outside chatting with friends and it kept me lovely and snug when the temperature dropped.

The blanket is machine washable between 30°C and 60f°C, although 40°C is recommended to keep it in top condition. You can also tumble dry it on a low heat, which helps maintain its softness after washing.

Some people are more difficult to buy for than others, but this year I’ll have them covered – quite literally – with a Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket. It’s the kind of present that’s practical and indulgent and I can already picture them curled up in it on Boxing Day, cup of tea in hand, feeling toasty and very pleased with their gift.

RRP £25.99 available from Amazon

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

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

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

Carmen Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle & Heated Wearable Blanket

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Winter, Women

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

Let’s be honest, spring can be a bit all over the place, can’t it? One minute, the sun’s shining, the birds are singing, and you’re convinced summer’s arrived early. The next, you’re huddled under a blanket, nursing a cuppa and wondering if you should cave in and pop the heating on. That’s why the Carmen Heated Wearable Blanket and Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle have been absolute lifesavers for me this week when the temperature plummeted.

The Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle ( RRP £14.99) is fantastic invention, no more filling a rubber bottle with hot water from the kettle – simply attach the bottle to its charging rack, place it on a level surface, and let it heat up for 10 to 15 minutes. The indicator light switches on while charging and turns off automatically once it reaches 50°C. A full charge gives between two to five hours of warmth, making it perfect for a cosy night in.

Safety is a huge plus with this hot water bottle. Since it’s completely sealed, there’s no risk of leaks should it fall off your lap or onto the floor. Plus, you never have to deal with scalding water, making it ideal for older relatives or anyone who tends to be a bit accident-prone. The bottle is covered in a soft fleecy fabric and is available in three different colours – pink, grey, or purple, and it even has a built-in pouch to keep your hands warm. There’s no need to worry about it overheating as there’s a thermostat that cuts off when it reaches optimal temperature, which is between 70-75°C.

Beyond just warming you up, it doubles as a heat pad to soothe joint or muscle aches. And the best part? It costs as little as 12p to fully charge (based on 24p per kWh).

The Heated Wearable Blanket (RRP £49.99) is made from the softest 260gsm flannel fleece, and it’s really warm and cosy. It’s got long sleeves, so your arms stay warm whilst your hands are free and it covers you right from your neck down to your toes. I’m 6’ tall, and it even trails on the floor when I stand up! What surprised me, though, is that the whole blanket isn’t heated, it’s only the front pocket so when your hands are in there, they are lovely and toasty, but it doesn’t warm the rest of your body in quite the same way which was a little disappointing.

To turn the heat on there’s a simple controller with an on/off button and three heat settings – green for low, yellow for medium, and red for high. It’s got a 90-minute automatic timer, so you can nod off in front of the telly without worrying about it overheating. You do need to plug the blanket in and the lead isn’t overly long so you’ll have to sit fairly close to a socket if you want to use the heat.

The controller is detachable, which means you can machine wash the blanket – but Carmen recommends limiting this to just three times over its lifetime. They recommend spot cleaning with a damp cloth which isn’t the best way to clean a blanket, but considering it only heats your hands and middle, I’d be willing to chance a wash if it got really dirty. Worst case scenario, if it stops working, you’re still left with a super cosy blanket – just without the heated bit.

If you’re looking for ways to stay warm without cranking up the heating, these two are definitely worth considering and with Mother’s Day just around the corner, they’d make ideal gifts for your Mum. Whether it’s for relaxing evenings or just staying toasty on those unpredictable spring nights, these cosy essentials are sure to be a hit.

Jartoo Heated Blanket

Autumn, Baby, Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Gifts for Her, health, Home, Winter

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 Mother’s Day, give a gift which is both thoughtful and useful with the Jartoo Heated Blanked. 

Not just a blanket that heats up, the Jartoo Heated Blanked uses Carbon Nanotube Technology to convey heat via the blanked which is more efficient and doesn’t involve lots of wires.  It also promotes blood circulation and muscle relaxation with far infrared heating, and uses 60% less energy than other heated blankets.

With the cost of heating being extortionately expensive now, the mantra in most households is ‘heat the person, not the room’ to save both money and energy. The Jartoo Heated Blanked buys into this ethos with the heated blanked that has 6 different heat settings from 35 degrees centigrade up to 55 degrees (95F to 131F) at the touch of a button.

The blanket measures 50” by 60” and has a clever mesh inside that you can’t feel through the soft fabric.  To heat it, there’s a connector concealed in a corner which connects to a corded plug which goes into the wall socket.  On the blanket is a Jartoo button in one corner which starts the heating process when you press it. You know which temperature you’re at because the button changes colour from blue (lowest temperature) to red (highest). Amazingly, there’s also a remote control also included which is already paired through wifi to you your blanket allowing you to turn up the heat from a distance!

The Jartoo Heated Blanket also has a timer, which can be adjusted with the remote control. Cleverly, the blanket will also turn itself off if there is no movement detected, so that it doesn’t become a hazard if you fall asleep. However, it only has an output of 24V so it is well below the safety threshold of 36V.  Despite the wires, the cord can be detached and you can put the blanket in the washing machine and it’s safe for animals to use, even if they try and destroy it!

I found it very easy to set up, and the size of the blanket is well beyond what I would expect as it went from my neck right down to my feet. The material is incredibly soft and the colour, although boring, fits in with existing décor (it’s a dark grey colour) and you don’t see marks on it easily.  When I fitted the plug, it started working straight away and I could feel it heating up.  I timed it as taking 6 minutes before I was toasty, so I’m presuming that was including the time for it to get to its maximum temperature and warm me enough that I could feel a marked difference.  Pressing the Jartoo temperature button was fun too as I cycled through the different temperatures to get to where I was comfortable.

I’m really impressed with the blanket so far and can’t find anything to improve! It’s really efficient, easy to use and safe too. You can warm yourself up with it and feel safe on a timer or simply leave it on knowing that it won’t overhead. Great for older people and children, I also thought that this would be good for pets who like to snuggle especially when it’s freezing out there!

It may be pricy (currently listed on US Amazon at $259.99 which is approximately £200) but the quality of the materials should last you a few years especially with the included warranty. Think about the amount of money you’ll be saving though when you don’t need the heating on so much!

I’m going back to snuggle down in the warm again now…

Jartoo Official Website: https://jartoo.com/

Jartoo Heated Blanket Product Page: https://jartoo.com/products/best-heating-blanket-wash-safe-portable-size-wearable-innovation-use-24v-low-voltage-heat-hot

Amazon Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Jartoo-Blanket-Electric-Portable-Washable/dp/B0DPYLK2XB

Woodwick Candles

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, secret santa, Spring, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Winter, Women

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

I love candles, my house is filled with them, and I can’t resist the candle section in shops, spending ages sniffing every single one before convincing myself that I absolutely need another one (or three!) Over the years I have discovered that it is worth spending money on decent candles, if you don’t, you may be disappointed as candles do tend to vary from brand to brand. Some barely give off any scent, while others burn unevenly and leave you feeling totally disappointed. That’s why, once you find a good brand, you stick with it – and for me, that brand is Woodwick.

Now, I’m a firm believer that a candle isn’t just about the scent – it’s about the whole experience. It needs to look stylish in your home, set the mood, and actually make an impact. And trust me, Woodwick candles tick all those boxes. Not only do they look fabulous, but the fragrances are divine and last. Plus, they have that signature Pluswick® Innovation wooden wick that crackles like a real fire making the room feel nice and cosy when they’re lit.

I like to change scents depending on the time of year and my current favourites are from Woodwick’s Haze range – Terra Haze and Solar Haze.

Terra Haze is a gorgeous grey candle with a deep, earthy fragrance that reminds me of that fresh smell after rain – you know the one? It’s got hints of cedarwood and moss, and it just makes everything feel warm and inviting. Perfect for those chilled-out evenings with a cup of tea (or a glass of something stronger!).

Then there’s Solar Haze, which is completely different but equally gorgeous. This one is all about fresh, uplifting citrus – think grapefruit, lychee, and a burst of morning sunshine in candle form. It’s fresh, zingy, and ideal for brightening up your mood and your home.

The best bit? These candles are designed to burn evenly, so you don’t get that annoying wax tunnel, and the scent actually lingers – I can still smell it in my living room the following morning! Plus, the jars are so pretty that once the candle’s finished, you can upcycle them into a vase.

And here’s a little hint hint for anyone struggling for a Mother’s Day gift – because let’s be honest, what mum wouldn’t love a luxurious candle? Whether she’s into relaxing, refreshing, or just making her home smell amazing, a Woodwick candle is a guaranteed winner. It’s like gifting an entire vibe – and at £32.99, it’s a little touch of indulgence that she’ll love.

So, if you want to create a cosy, welcoming feel in your home (or treat someone special), these candles are an absolute must-have. Light it, sit back, and let the gorgeous scent do the rest!

Tower Good Food Slow Cooker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RRP £59.99

Kettler Tenderflame Café 18 (3 wick) MGO Candle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, Winter, Women

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

Christmas is my favourite time of year, but if I’m being totally honest it can be a bit full on too. Between the shopping, cooking, wrapping and making sure everyone’s happy I usually end up running myself ragged. That’s why I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the Kettler Tenderflame Café 18 Candle. After a mad day of ticking off the Christmas to-do list, I light the candle, make a brew, and just sit there for a bit, letting myself relax. There’s something so soothing about the way the flame flickers and because it burns for hours without needing constant attention, it’s perfect for just switching off. No interruptions, no faffing about, just proper chill-out time.

The Tenderflame Café Candle has a modern, Scandinavian minimalist design featuring a sturdy concrete MgO base paired with a tempered glass top which not only looks elegant but goes with any décor. When lit, the flickering flame casts a cosy, warm glow that instantly transforms any room into a haven of relaxation. Powered by eco-friendly Tenderfuel, this candle gives a clean-burning flame without any soot or smoke. That means no messy wax spills to clean up and no fumes lingering in the air. Plus, the innovative patented wick ensures that the fuel only ignites only upon contact, making it a much safer alternative to traditional candles.  

The Tenderflame Café Candle isn’t just a treat for yourself though, it makes a thoughtful and elegant Christmas gift too. Perfect for anyone who loves creating a cozy atmosphere at home, it’s a wonderful way to give the gift of relaxation during the busy festive season. Its stylish design and clean-burning technology make it a great present, offering your loved ones a little slice of calm to enjoy long after the holidays are over.

RRP £99.99

Carmen Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, REUSABLE, secret santa, Winter

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

One present that’s good for Christmas this year is a Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle, ready to stave off the cold as well as relax your loved ones over the winter months.  Carmen have a Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle, which doesn’t use water at all and keeps warm for up to 5 hours!

With cost of energy being high and the mantra we all have to, “heat the person not the room,” then it’s advantageous to heat up this hot water bottle and keep toasty.  The appliance comes with a charging cable which heats up the water inside, which is completely sealed and therefore can’t leak if you drop it. It doesn’t need refilling either so you won’t scold yourself on the hot water tap.

There’s a plug on the hot water bottle that you use the provided cable to plug in and charge. It takes around 15 minutes for a full charge but if you charge it for less time, there’s still heat from it.  The bottle is covered in a fleecy grey cover with a pocket for your hands, so you can sit with it on your lap, or safely use it in bed.  It keeps the heat for about 5 hours, or through the night if you’re keeping it under the duvet! It can’t over heat because there’s a thermostat which cuts off as soon as it’s hot enough. 

This is a great gift, especially as it’s so safe for anyone to use so children, the elderly or anyone who’s not I the best health can get warm quickly. I also like that it can be charged whilst you’re at work and might be cold, or to charge at work and take in the car on the journey home.  Lots of work offices don’t have boiling water any longer so it would be impossible to fill a conventional hot water bottle, but this is a great idea!

Available at £14.99: https://carmen-products.co.uk/hot-water-bottles/spa-rechargeable-hot-water-bottle

Buff Polar Prints Hat and Neck Warmer

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, hiking, National Walking Month, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Winter, Women

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

For a cosy and practical Christmas gift, check out the Polar Prints hat and neck warmer sets from Buff. Crafted from ultra-soft polar fleece, they offer warmth and comfort without being bulky. The hat fits nice and snugly without feeling tight on my head and the double layered bottom of the hat keeps my ears lovely and warm on colder days.

The neck warmer has enough fabric to bunch comfortably around my neck and can be pulled up over my face for extra protection against the elements. The fleece material is lovely and cozy but if you get too warm it will easily fit into a pocket.  

Available in shades of grey, pink, and green, these accessories add a stylish touch to winter gear and look fantastic with my purple jacket and navy fleece. Each set has unique patterns, so if you’re buying for the whole family, no two will be exactly alike.

The Buff hat and neck warmer are perfect for any outdoor activities like hiking or skiing  but are also a great choice for walking the dog or going shopping. Made of 72% Polyester and 28% Viscose the quick-drying fleece is ideal for those unpredictable winter days.

RRP £25.95 available here

Capri Sun Limited Edition Halloween Packs

Autumn, Children, Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Food & Drink, Halloween, Lunchbox Fillers, Vegan

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

With Halloween just around the corner, the shops are packed with an amazing assortment of spooky-themed goodies. In addition to the classic pumpkins, there’s a fantastic range of Halloween-inspired food and drinks which are perfect for Halloween parties. Our little witches and ghouls have been sampling some of these frightfully delicious treats, and the limited edition Halloween packs from Capri Sun have been a big hit this week. Each 200ml pouch showcases a fun, spooky character, and if you’re lucky enough to find a box that contains the golden ghost, you could win £1000!

RRP: £5 for 15, £3.25 for 8 available from all major UK grocery retailers including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Tesco, Asda and Morrisons

Doodlebone Dog Leads

Autumn, Christmas, Family Life, Home, Pets, Winter

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

Why did no one think of this before? A dog lead with lights on it! 

These dog leads are not only functional but they’re super stylish with their practical lights on them and different colours. They charge up with a USB lead which is included (it’s only about 20 centimetres long though) which you plug into your computer and then charge the lead with it. The button is near the collar and once you press it, the led lights keep flashing. There are several settings though, from fast flash, slow flash and then on continuously. Depending on which lead you purchase, the lights are either white or coloured lights – so you can tell which dog is which in the dark just by the leads!

The leads are rechargeable in less than a hour and the lights continue on for around 8 hours. You have to switch them off yourself though with the button on the control. They look really stylish in low light and are essential when it’s really dark, which is quite often in winter when you’re in a park or woodland that isn’t lit at all. 

With lights!

The leads come in 2 colours (black and red) and there are various sizes. You have to measure the girth and breast of your dog and the website calculates which size you need. The leads are all 25 millimetres but the lengths are different. We were sent a length of 130 centimetres which was ample for a medium sized dog.  The lead is made of a wipe-clean material and even though it has lights included, it’s water resistant (although not waterproof so not good if your dog likes a swim!) and the USB charging point has a close on it to stop mud or water getting into the socket.

Make your mind up if this is a gift for you or for your dog but either way, it’s a brilliantly fun plus safety conscious idea!

Available online from £25 at: https://doodlebone.co.uk/led-lead

Mixtons Forbidden Zest Cocktail

alcoholic drinks, Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gluten Free, Halloween, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Women

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

Halloween is all about fun – from eerie costumes to spooky décor and tasty treats, but when it comes to hosting the ultimate Halloween party, the last thing you want is to be stuck behind the bar, shaking up cocktails all night. This is where canned cocktails come in, the perfect party hack for anyone looking to serve up a wide variety of drinks without the hassle. These pre-mixed gems are perfect for parties as there is no need for complicated recipes or endless bottles of spirits and mixers – simply chill the cans, open, and enjoy!

I’ve recently discovered Mixtons cocktails and have become quite partial to their Forbidden Zest cocktail, a delicious blend of gin, blood orange, grapefruit, and yuzu that screams Halloween in every way. With its vibrant, blood-red hue, this cocktail adds a dramatic touch to any Halloween party, perfectly complementing the eerie atmosphere of the night.

As for the taste? It’s a refreshing, citrus-based cocktail with the natural sweetness of blood orange beautifully balanced by the tangy kick of grapefruit and yuzu, creating a cocktail that’s both fruity and zingy. The gin adds a smooth and sophisticated undertone, balancing the bold citrus notes with a crisp finish. It’s the kind of drink that’s light and invigorating, perfect for sipping throughout a lively Halloween evening.

So this Halloween, skip the bar setup and stock up on Mixtons Forbidden Zest. With its fruity, zingy flavour, eye catching red hue and handy 200ml cans, it’s the perfect way to keep your party spirits high – no tricks, just treats!

Box of 6 £22.50