Sanctuary Spa Lily & Rose Perfect Pamper Parcel

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.

For the woman in your life, at Christmas, there’s nothing easier than getting her a paper set, especially one from Sanctuary Spa. This year the Perfect Pamper Parcel contains all she needs for pampering in 2026 and we were sent this selection to be able to test out its contents before the holidays. Lucky us!

The Sanctuary Spa Lily & Rose Perfect Pamper Parcel contains Bath Float, Body Wash, Body Scrub and a body sponge for the pampering, plus Body Lotion and Hand Cream for the finishing touches.  With the floral Lily & Rose scent in each of the bath and body products, the light fragrance carries through from bath to bed and all day long.  I like how you can mix and match too by having just the bath set, or the body wash or hand cream available and it makes for a multi-use hamper of treats that can be used any time of day.

At just £20 it’s a steal too, saving money but in a lovely gift set that can be given to teenagers right up to Gran!

Available from £20 at: https://www.next.co.uk/style/su872044/v12927?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17309306546&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UW07HjWIjczR8vWt23t5AiGD&gclid=CjwKCAiAzrbIBhA3EiwAUBaUdSqTUJ1WzyY3LWZcqrY4n5LBcFAOORjiQuBCyBcZu5s2G7pG3Ko74hoCJGEQAvD_BwE

Helly Hansen Running Accessories

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

Fatso Chocolate

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

I’m a real chocoholic and it doesn’t take much of an excuse for me to reach for a bar of chocolate, so with Christmas around the corner, I’m really enjoying “researching” the festive chocolate selection.

This year, my taste buds have been utterly spoiled by FATSO, a brand that never fails to surprise with its inventive and indulgent flavours. Their chocolate is rich, bold, and just a little bit cheeky – just what you want when the nights draw in and you fancy something comforting (and possibly a little naughty). FATSO chocolate is sourced exclusively from Luker, a family-owned, Colombian co-operative that champions ethical, sustainable cocoa farming. Their beans have earned the prestigious Fino de Aroma classification – a mark of exceptional quality and their work supports local communities, biodiversity, and better farming practices. So, every bite not only tastes good but it does good too!

Top of my Christmas list this year is FATSO’s Drunk’n Monkey (RRP £7.25), a gloriously grown-up combination of spiced rum, banana chips, and salted crackers, all covered in FATSO’s signature dark Colombian chocolate. It’s a real tipsy treat and just as delicious as it sounds.

If you haven’t tasted FATSO chocolate before then the FATSO Foursome (RRP £15) is the perfect introduction. The giftset contains four individually boxed 40g bars –

Sweet Tart – a wonderful combination of cherry, almond and shortbread that balances sweetness and crunch beautifully.

King’s Ransom – for mint chocolate lovers. It contains mint, pistachio and cocoa nib and is minty without being overpowering. The pistachio and cocoa nibs add a nice crunch.

Home Run – 60% cacao chocolate with generous chunks of salted pretzels, whole almonds and honeycomb. The saltiness of the pretzel takes away some of the bitterness of the dark chocolate and sweetness comes from the honeycomb. Nuts add a satisfying crunch to this bar making it impossible to stop at just one bite.

Nan’s Stash – this contains peanut, toffee and digestive biscuit and is incredibly moreish – I challenge anyone to stop after only one piece!!

FATSO has set the Christmas chocolate bar (quite literally) high this year, and I can honestly say it’s the best chocolate I’ve tasted in quite a while. If you’re a fellow chocoholic – or shopping for one – FATSO should definitely be making an appearance this Christmas!

Yoto Stories for Halloween  

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

As the nights start to draw in and pumpkins begin to appear on windowsills and doorsteps, there’s nothing nicer than curling up in front of a roaring fire with a good book – or better still, listening to one. As we’re almost at Halloween it’s the perfect time to listen to some spooky tales and Yoto have a fantastic selection for all ages. From famous witches to laugh-out-loud tales of mischievous goblins, these audio stories capture the enchantment of the season without ever tipping into nightmare territory. Whether they’re played on a long car journey, during a pumpkin-carving session, or at bedtime with the curtains drawn against the October chill, Yoto’s Halloween lineup has something for everyone – with just the right amount of shiver.

This week we’ve been listening to a spine-tingling selection: Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, Tales of Tricks and Treats by Enid Blyton, The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy, and Roald Dahl’s The Witches – each one favourites of my childhood and I’m really enjoying a trip down memory lane whilst sharing these tales with our mini reviewers.

Julia Donaldson’s Room on the Broom (£7.99) is a favourite in our house – a fantastic rhyming tale of friendship, kindness, and teamwork with a few twists and turns along the way. The witch, far from being wicked, is generous and brave and the lovely story is perfect for little listeners.

I loved Enid Blyton’s books as a child so I’m not sure who enjoyed Tales of Tricks and Treats (£9.99) more – me or the children! There’s thirty short stories of wizards, fairies, and the occasional naughty goblin on this card with mischief afoot in every one – from games that go delightfully wrong to wishes that refuse to end.

Then there’s The Worst Witch (£9.99), Jill Murphy’s superbly silly, spellbinding classic. Lovable but accident-prone Mildred Hubble stumbles, crashes, and charms her way through Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches – a boarding school where broomsticks, black cats, and chaos reign supreme. It’s impossible not to root for her.

Finally, The Witches (£9.99), Roald Dahl’s deliciously dark masterpiece, read here by the brilliant Lolly Adefope. Enhanced with fizzing sound effects and original music, it’s a fantastically immersive experience. These witches are real  – terrifyingly so – but in true Dahl fashion, the children (and the listeners) have the last laugh.

Four wickedly wonderful listens – perfect for a Halloween that’s full of giggles, gasps, and just a touch of goosebumps.

Colour Spin Bracelet Maker

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 Colour Spin Bracelet Maker from Fab Lab might just save your 6 year old’s sanity on these cold nights! A brilliant indoor craft, the Colour Spin Bracelet Maker includes instructions on how to create bracelets using the spinner machine and included tubes, pens and clasps to create fun bracelets which your child can wear.

The kit includes the spinner machine and full instructions and designs. For ages 6 and upwards they can use this on their own, otherwise with the supervision of an adult if they’re younger. Choose a template for the machine and add one of the included bracelet tubes. Press the button to spin and add the colour to the bracelet using the pens provided. You can make a bracelet without a template, part of the fun is making up your own design!  Once the bracelet tube is coloured in, you can add the clasps and wear straight away.

Fashion interested children as well as those interested in crafts will love this kit, which counts as quiet and creative play around the Christmas holidays.

Available online from £16.99: https://www.johnlewis.com/vivid-colour-spin-bracelet-maker/p113997640?s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20151162654&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1z-28A_cfDh0iaEzNMNRgJww&gclid=CjwKCAjwx-zHBhBhEiwA7Kjq6wc8Adaoj1Dnta3oqiJFUPoAPC-9y_pm7wSZfPFRMIAnu_KriNoSKBoCg8MQAvD_BwE

Jelly Blox Shepherd Set & Farmer Set

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.

Carrying on from our Jelly Blox review, these character sets from Jelly Blox make excellent additions to the starter sets, or just as small toys on their own.  Each of the sets (Farmer and Shepherd) contains a character, a dog and a squishy cow or sheep! The sheep has white pom-poms inside whilst the cow has black and white pom-poms.

If you’re not familiar with Jelly Blox, they are building blocks that are twisty, stretch and smooshy and can be played with on their own (think: imagination play) or you can create big sets of them which allows children to create their own play whether it be a make-believe town, re-creating a family holiday or just building a structure that they can knock down!

The parts are large enough that small children can’t swallow them, and these sets are aimed at age 2+. Older children will probably find them fun to play with in a different way though; making up stories or testing gravity. The textures of the blox make them appealing even to adults!

Jelly Blox Shepherd £4.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jelly-Blox-Character-Ouch-Free-Imaginative/dp/B0F6YX24MD

Jelly Blox Farmer £4.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jelly-Blox-Character-Ouch-Free-Imaginative/dp/B0F6Z8W36W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=AY0XXYVYMVM3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.U-TSSJq4oECjin-vof1hxjNesNXOzbPUvuM9TNM0Tt-nOOMxL31EDP-MRLutr4RUfHpa-cpY3q6t6mKeclhyzrsNuFD1JZ4IvCnx3xxzl5OMpnRW45_yFKRl8HLzDQbaX0XW4UbYvoVhb6GDQ6ykFA.GTda7o0xYLugSWZS8ZgepQRWQCqCXKK3IpqDMJzbIVs&dib_tag=se&keywords=jelly+blox+farmer&qid=1761315460&s=kids&sprefix=jelly+blox+farmer%2Ctoys%2C92&sr=1-1

The Last Seed Keeper Trilogy – books

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 Last Seed Keeper and New Sanctuary by Paul Russell are the first two books in the trilogy of The Last Seed Keeper. Aimed at young adults in the cross between sci-fi, environmentalism and fiction, the books explore the future of mankind through the eyes of teenagers.

Set in the future, The Last Seed Keeper scopes the lives of two girls, Ivy and Skylar. Ivy lives on Earth still (a Groundling) whereas Skylar lives in the sky as part of a new technical world deemed, ‘a haven of technology’.  There isn’t much nature in Skylar’s life, or either lives as nature has been pushed out thanks to the World’s reliance on technology but then Ivy discovers something that changes not only her life, but the life of millions. The change is not well received though and the lives of both girls unravels.

The second book, New Sanctuary, continues the story and delves into the friendship Ivy and Skylar have forged. They are both looking for their fathers. They have discovered secrets, and through that they are finding more opposition and more enemies than they thought possible. Their friendship remains strong though and along the way they pick up new friends and allies.  

This is a different type of Young Adult book that looks at friendships in the future and what happens when we rely too much on technology. The premise of there being no nature around is also heavy in the books and thought provoking. It makes a real change to the relationship books young adults are normally given! The books are beautifully written and well thought out. Look out for the third book in the trilogy when it’s published!

Available for £9.19:

The Original Mastermind Game

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

Take Christmas retro this year with the original Mastermind game from Goliath.  I remember this from my childhood, but since then it’s been updated for the 21st Century  and includes more pegs this time (which over time you’ll realise is a must!) The rules are the same though; the codemaker creates a 4-peg code using the colours white, red, blue, green and yellow and hides them behind the shield. The second player, the codebreaker, has to guess what the sequence of colours is.  With each correct colour, a red peg denotes that it’s in the correct place. If the colour is correct but in the wrong place a white peg is used. If there are no correct colours, no pegs! There are 10 tries to get the code correct.

Endless fun, this game doesn’t need much explanation nor much skill. It works across all the age ranges and even across languages and can be used as a quiet game to help wind down after Christmas Day or Boxing Day. The colours and pegs are tiny though, so they’re best not left around small children, and the warning is that under 3 year olds shouldn’t play with it. It also recommends over 8 years old to play. However, the ease of the game means that younger children can play as long as they’re responsible with the small pieces.  I especially think children who are good at logical thinking or prefer strategic games would love this. It only needs 2 players too, making it even more accessible.  Great fun at Christmas, but the rest of the year too.

Available from £19.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/GOLIATH-GAMES-Mastermind-Original-Strategy/dp/B0DYNWM1J1/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=116794205515&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qe8rEG44iDPNwiNHBWKTakWJJaZMD4Ywu7OfQYLCfqh3do25gywe8cqJnNeudTffzTwc6853M4ZhqvAClMdI3brS6XDw-3RVIkHC85BBSF5OOpuwfQ_I3MLmDpwqcQ3PXuHvMhWF5os6cFw89EVOU2eLwQPpDqKCcv3MRW5kdqVWouszB2yIrvXI0ZmjuFHN30_QgTYQgkn68tjGMLa0hnycB6iNI9GR7cMrW6GiMqnN-zfc6Tu3KkQxypFDePyRsbgQa92b52NJz68b7pJ4-BmERZexVV-adsXeWiHwAqY.obdTuQuKhYg39kK0LpL4ZUqfulLvAtpmyMxBT1p3r0g&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=606015528652&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9045873&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=806721731880523576–&hvqmt=e&hvrand=806721731880523576&hvtargid=kwd-358441249379&hydadcr=24405_2302427&keywords=mastermind%2Bthe%2Bgame&mcid=64481edc745b3c8892d1870abc1131eb&qid=1760871099&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Marshall Emberton 3 Portable Speaker

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.

Marshall are the premiere name in amps and speakers and their ranges of portable speakers are legendary – much like their rock and roll history. The Marshall Emberton 3 is their newest portable speaker, with some clever future-proofing and unexpected features. 

The Marshall Emberton 3 is only 16cms long and less than 7cms tall, weighing only 670grams.  It still packs a punch as a portable speaker. The gold dial on the top is for volume and skipping tracks, plus there’s a battery level, the Bluetooth pairing button and on/off switch. Beyond that, there’s only the cable output for charging but the biggest feature is the 360 degree sound from the speakers – front and back.  

Connecting to Bluetooth from any device is easy. Just press the Bluetooth button until the light pulses red then connect on your device. You won’t be able to tell, but the Bluetooth is LE-Audio ready, meaning it will keep up with the Bluetooth capabilities planned in the future.  I would recommend downloading and connecting the Emberton 3 with the Marshall app though, as it checks for firmware updates regularly and allows you to make changes to the sound balances.  It’s much easier to use the app as a remote control as well, especially if you’re seated further away!

The quality of the sound is amazing, as you would imagine.  If there is something wrong with your speaker though, there is an authorised repair service and spare parts through the website. The balance of the sound as well as the clarity are exceptional, even without changing it on the app. The volume is also really generous, with a normal household level being about half way. The full volume would have woken the neighbours so I didn’t dare try and go to top volume The battery on the Emberton 3 lasts 32 hours but even when it is completely flat, a full charge only takes 2 hours. That’s amazing!

One of the added treats in the Emberton 3 is that it can be submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes. That really means it can be sitting at the bottom of a swimming pool, dropped in a bath or submerged in a puddle and it will be OK.  It’s a great gimmick if you have children, or if your teenagers are going camping or to a festival and you don’t know what conditions they’re going to end up in.  Bonus points to Marshall too for 79% of the plastic in Emberton 3 being recycled. It’s PVC-free too, which is better for the environment and human health.  

Whether the Marshall Emberton 3 is for you or as a gift, it has longevity, durability and above all it sounds astonishing and will last the whole weekend, no matter what you get up to with it!

Available from £149 at: https://www.marshall.com/gb/en/product/emberton-iii?pid=1006884&utm_campaign=UK+%7C+Brand+%7C+Models+%7C+Speakers+%26+Headphones+%7C+Search&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21339682274&gbraid=0AAAAADxIffWHZXnWYasbPYQvX-a8shHom&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9czHBhCyARIsAFZlN8QZ4aj8ogfFrwW-mIYXkF2dk2_TO-VTYp-rGANJqI3Ehjyrshyf81kaAj74EALw_wcB

Christmas Beauty Gifts -Curlsmith Hair Products, Rubis Tweezers and Wonderbalm Lips

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

I know it’s only October, but it’s the perfect time to get started on your Christmas shopping. The shops are beginning to fill with festive gifts, and by picking up a few now, you won’t be rushing around at the last minute. We’ve been trying out some brilliant beauty treats this week that are perfect as stocking fillers or Secret Santa gifts – little luxuries that are bound to be well received on Christmas morning.

First up, the Rubis Tweezers – in my opinion these are the holy grail of tweezers and perfect for anyone who likes to keep their brows neat and tidy in between salon visits. Lightweight but surprisingly sturdy, they’re well made with an ergonomic design that makes them very comfortable to hold. Each pair is hand-finished in Switzerland from surgical stainless steel and they pluck even the finest hairs easily, with no pinching or snapping. They come in a neat zip-lock pouch (no more rummaging through your make-up bag) and even have a protective cap to keep the tips in perfect condition. At £27.98, they’re an investment, yes – but one that will last for years. Available from Amazon.

If you’re shopping for someone with curls then you really need to look at Curlsmith products.  The Shake & Shine Curls Refreshing Mist (£24) is my go to product for refreshing my curls – a few spritzes of the lightweight mist and a quick scrunch and tired curls spring back to life looking bouncy and defined again. It locks in moisture (up to 41% more, according to Curlsmith’s tests) without weighing hair down.

The In-Shower Style Fixer (£24) is an anti-frizz styling gel designed to be used on soaking wet hair. Like the name suggests the best place to apply it is in the shower and I just smooth it down my hair using the “praying hands” method before scrunching it and drying with my diffuser.

Curlsmith products are vegan, cruelty-free, and packed with natural ingredients. I’m really impressed with these products – my curls are shinier, smoother, and, on most days, even cooperative. Every so often they do their own thing, but that’s curls for you!  

Both products are available from Boots along with other products in the range and there’s currently 20% off – so another reason to start shopping early!!

And finally, for those who can’t be without a lip balm (and let’s face it that’s probably most of us in winter?), Wonderbalm Lip Balm is a handbag essential. Made with shea butter and infused with a blend of botanical oils, butters, and waxes, it glides on smoothly and doesn’t leave your lips feeling sticky or greasy. Whether you’re out walking, sat in an office or battling a cold December wind your lips will be lovely and soft and hydrated all day long. At £8 it’s a lovely treat for lips and the perfect size to fit in a Christmas stocking.

So, while the Christmas countdown may feel far away, now’s the time to start gathering those small and special gifts. Pop a few of these in your basket now, and by December, you’ll be feeling calm, smug, and ever so slightly festive.

Mr White’s Gin

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.

Even the bottle, with it’s white and read marketing and the name ‘Mr White’s Gin’ will scream Christmas at you.  The Mr White which is referred to is Marco Pierre White, Michelin-starred chef and London restaurant entrepreneur who has produced this new 70cl and 40% gin and is bringing it to Christmas via some festive cocktails.

Mr White’s Gin is a dry London gin, with a tangy juniper taste to it. It’s perfect for Christmas with its slight aromatic scents and enhanced floral tones. You can tell that it’s a good quality gin because it’s so smooth to taste, but this Christmas, it works wonderfully in some festive cocktails.

We particularly like the Rosemary & Red  Yuletide Blush(below) which uses Mr White’s Gin as well as cranberry juice and orange liqueur. Enjoy!

Rosemary & Red – Yuletide Blush

A merry twist on a modern classic. This festive Cosmo blends the crisp botanicals of MR. WHITE’S GIN with tart cranberry juice, fresh lime, and a splash of orange liqueur—evoking the brightness of winter berries and citrus under twinkling lights.

Ingredients

40ml MR. WHITE’S GIN

20ml Cointreau or triple sec

10ml fresh lime juice

30ml cranberry juice drink

Fresh rosemary and glacé cherry to garnish

Method

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a tall-stemmed glass, and garnish with a glacé cherry pierced with a sprig of rosemary.

Available from £30 at: https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/mr-whites-london-dry-gin-70cl

Boldilocks – book by Deborah Frenkel & Carla Hoffenberg

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.

Bellamy is a boy with A LOT of hair. BIG hair. It swooshes and shimmers all day, people stare and people point because his hair is spectacular!

Bellamy is the star of the book Boldilocks, aimed at 4-8 year olds who are learning to read or are being read a bedtime story. The book goes on to explain how being different can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you value differences.  Bellamy’s family, and whole community, value his long hair, so much so that people he loves and the people around him all want to be like him and have his hair!  Not everyone is as fortunate, but we can all be open minded, no matter what our differences are.

This hardback book has easy sentences for reading, and rich illustrations for each of the sentences on the pages.  There’s a lot of detail in each drawing too, such as the labels on the door of the florist and hairdresser shops, and the accessories worn by people in the street scenes. There’s plenty to point out and look at here, and a cross-section of life for asking questions, (What are all the different type of hair products for? Did you notice the boy with the hearing aid? Why do some people have tattoos?)

This is a great stocking filler, or gift to give at a birthday party as it’s not Christmas based and one that a child can read along to from an early age.

Available for £10.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Boldilocks-Deborah-Frenkel/dp/1921966378/ref=sr_1_1?crid=X3VGBR016EQ3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._jfxJ30byvXQLbNwX_4xgA.vwy80wPo0K5u1IjvNtrj1T8dSKumBW1Zjsa39CcOLoY&dib_tag=se&keywords=boldilocks&qid=1759080442&sprefix=bollocks%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-1

Bare Hands Rescue Kit

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 

Teoxane Discovery Set

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 Teoxane Discovery Set is a travel sized version of Teoxane’s signature products. It. contains 5 items; Micellar Solution, RHA Serum, R(II) Eyes, Advances Filler (normal to combination skin) and UVA Shield SPF 50+. The Discovery Set is also a travel bag, which in clear plastic means it could go on a plane as well but works nicely as a make-up case for holidays.  

TEOXANE RHA is a patented hyaluronic acid, for skin hydration and anti-aging. Teoxane RHA forms a mesh on the surface of the skin to maintain moisture in the epidermis and strengthens the skin by preventing moisture loss. This leaves the skin looking not just hydrated, but plump and smooth too.  

The Discovery Set includes 5 products that are used in combination to create optimal skin conditions. The Micellar Solution cleanses the skin in preparation for the treatments. R (II) Eyes is for the delicate areas around the eyes whilst RHA Serum is for the rest of the face and neck. Advanced Filler Normal to Combination create the deep hydration for skin whilst the UVA Shield protects morning and night, and whenever skin is exposed to sun.

The Teoxane Discovery Set is pricy at £45 but it’s for older skin and with an emphasis on repairing and anti-aging.  It makes a great kit for someone who is going away on holiday during the summer so that they have everything they need to protect from the sun and repair, all in a small travel size.  It’s very luxurious too, with a slight fragrance but it screams luxury!

Available for £45.00 at: https://www.teoxane.co.uk/product/700177-00?srsltid=AfmBOoq4Y9OACGzshLCCdrV9iR0x_w-YotJoVwJQ0XGpxalNVYofsTIK

Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

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’ve never used oil to remove dirt, make-up and clean pores before, then let me enlighten you… most make-up removers used to be 100% oil. This was a long time ago, when they weren’t fragranced though, and if you held onto them for too long, they would go rancid and smell. Think Petroleum Jelly but a bit softer! Oil does indeed remove dirt, but nowadays we have a more sophisticated approach and a much nicer selection to use.

Anua Heartleaf Pore Control is a cleansing oil which removed make-up, but also dirt, build up and generally anything that gets into the pores on your face. It’s lighter than most oils, and has a slight, fresh fragrance about it but nothing heavy. To use Anua Cleansing Oil, it takes just a small amount distributed over the dry skin of your face and massaged in for a minute or two. You can feel the softness of the oil as it works over your skin.  To remove the cleanser, use warm water and I like to use the reusable make-up remover pads that you can put in the wash. They seem more robust than most cleansing pads, and yes, they help remove both the oil and the dirt that the oil removes!

After a light brush of warm water, my skin is cleaner and Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil manages to remove traces of make-up and dirt, including stubborn mascara.  The cleansing oil also kept my skin hydrated, which is what you’d expect from an oil but in these autumn and winter months, air conditioning and heating really don’t help your skin.  If you are in need of some de-puffing during the Christmas season, then I can highly recommend Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil for some facial massage too. Oil is essential for facial massages and this lighter, more nutritious oil worked a treat!

Available online for £16.00 at:

STYLPRO Red & Infrared Thermal Brush

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 had seen reviews for Infrared and Thermal brushes, which promise to make your hair straighter, more manageable and give a better finish than just tongs or straighteners, so I was eager to have a go at these and see if they make a decent Christmas present! Could it replace my usual basket of hair styling products?

The infrared brush plugs in like a hairdryer or straighteners but is used like a normal every day brush.  It does heat up quickly too. You can air dry or hair dry your hair, but it is the 142 LED lights which work on your hair to give it a smooth, sleek look with the heat generated allowing you to style into curls like you would a curling tong.

The brush can be used daily, but I would not recommend using the brush to dry your hair as such – it works much better if your hair is already dry. The extra long cable means you can stand up to use it at the bathroom mirror or keep it out of the way of little hands as it does get very hot.

The ceramic barrel heats up very quickly to 200 degrees centigrade but the temperature button means you can adapt the heat from 160-200 degrees centigrade to depend on how you want to use it.  The heat allows your hair to style as if it were a hairdryer but when your scalp is exposed to red light, it stimulates the hair follicles to grow. Using the brush daily might help replace lost hair and make your hair more healthy. An added bonus of the STYLPRO Red & Infrared Thermal Brush heating up and styling quickly is that it doesn’t have the noise of a hairdryer, so if you’re getting ready in the morning and don’t want to wake the whole house, this is the perfect way to style! The brush also makes it easier to style curls, which I absolutely cannot do with straighteners, so this is an easier option.

It might take you a little while to get used to a corded hairbrush, but I started by working on dry hair and in very small sections to get the curls right. You learn how long you need to hold the curls to get the right shape, and the brush does get very hot so be careful. You soon find out why there’s a thermal glove included!

The STYLPRO Red & Infrared Thermal Brush is not just a gift at Christmas, but it can replace the tongs and straighteners at the same time.  The bouncy curls give more volume to your hair too, and minimal products are needed to keep the lovely curl shape.

Available for £54.99 at: https://stylpro.co.uk/products/stylpro-red-infrared-thermal-brush

Tor’s Story Rainbow Balls, Puppets & Sorting Cups

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 was a real treat for a toy gift to review! Tor’s Story is an online shop that sells wooden toys specifically for toddlers and babies, with an eye for imagination play and Montessori. The labour of love for Sam, Mum to Tor, she loved wooden toys growing up but found that there weren’t so many around when she was a Mum, especially affordable wooden toys.  With her son Tor to test them, Sam went about creating toys that use imagination and develop skills of babies and toddlers who used them. Sam sent us the Rainbow Balls and Puppets Sorting Cups to try out.

The kit comes with 7 puppets (people) and their colour co-ordinated cups plus 7 balls with corresponding colours. There’s also a sorting bowl, wooden spoon, wooden tongs and they all live in a wooden tray box. The versatility of the pieces means that children can play with them for months on end, using the pieces in different ways as their development increases. All of the paints used are non-toxic and the shapes are designed for little hands, with no sharp edges or small parts.

There is the sorting aspect of putting the balls and the puppets into the same coloured cups, or exploring the different shapes with their mouths. The ability to throw or roll the balls comes first, then being able to pick them up with the spoon or tongs and eventually place them in the bowl with the tongs.  Building towers with the cups or hiding the balls within the cups or under the bowl also increases their imagination play, and older children can use the puppets to make up stories.

As an adult, there is something very exciting about unpacking a toy that has so much imagination potential. The very basic shapes and colours but multiple combinations that can be used with the set means that children can play endlessly with them and be safe, but also expand what they learn from them.  This is an amazing toy around children because they find ways of using the toy that you wouldn’t imagine, even making the wooden box into a house where the ‘family’ of puppets can live with the cups serving as beds, or the tongs and spoon to be used as cooking utensils where the puppets and balls are food and placed into the wooden tray.

An excellent adventure in toys with lots of imagination play and the ability for several children to play at the same time, including across different ages. Even adults will find it fun!

Available from £27.50 at: https://torsstory.com/products/rainbow-balls-puppets-sorting-cups

Bedsure Wearable Blanket Hoodie

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.

Cosy up this Christmas in Bedsure’s wearable blanket hoodie – a perfectly snug cross between a hoodie and an oversized dressing gown, it makes a brilliant Christmas present for anyone.  

We were sent this lovely light blue blanket hoodie to test out, which turned out just in time for the weather to turn! The oversized jumper fits over your head easily and has two giant pockets and a fluffy hood.  If you’re looking to save a bit on the heating this winter, this is a great alternative. The shorter hoodie-style means you can wear it around the house without it getting in the way, and especially good for driving in. The sleeves have elasticated cuffs for typing or cooking and I like how the hood comes up round your ears even when it’s not up, so it acts as a scarf. 

The Bedsure Wearable Blanket Hoodie is easily transportable because it’s vacuum packed and boxed for arrival. I not only loved this garment for the fluffiness of the material and how warm it keeps you, but for anyone who struggles with being cold all the time, or for the elderly who need to keep a constant temperature, it’s really wearable and an adorable colour. It’s available in other colours including pink, grey, red and black, but because it’s shorter, it’s easier to move around in and doesn’t weigh too much for every day wear.

It’s a great gift at Christmas, even as a stocking filler or Secret Santa!

Available from 26.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C1NQ7GT4?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=masca0d-21&linkId=677774e6d39e553b3cc200292e969239&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_t

Squashies Flavoured Cheesecake Slices

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 English Cheesecake Company have once again come up with a brilliant idea for a flavour of cheesecake. The Squashies Flavoured Cheesecake slices are based on the Swizzels brand of sweets. The popular English Cheesecake Company crumbly cheesecake base is topped with two layers, like the original Swizzels sweet, with a zesty top layer much like the sweet. There’s a drizzle of white chocolate on top too, which adds to the fruity layer of cheesecake underneath. 

I was pleasantly surprised when I tucked into the Squashies Flavoured Cheesecake slice this afternoon. There’s the explosive sweetness of the Swizzels Drumstick but also the creaminess of the cheesecake underneath. It is unmistakably the work of The English Cheesecake Company, and if you’ve tried their other flavours, including the Biscoff Cheesecake, then you’ll love this flavour too. I ate it as a mid-afternoon snack with clotted cream, but it makes a great dessert. You could have it as an alternative to the traditional Christmas offerings?

Squashies Flavoured Cheesecake Slices are exclusive to Sainsburys and available now for £3.75: https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/english-cheesecake-company-swizzels-original-raspberry-milk-flavour-squashies-drumstick-180g

Manifest Your Everything – book by Nicci Roscoe

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

You either know about manifesting or you don’t.  Manifesting is the art of being able to attract into your life whatever you want, and I realise that I have probably lost half the audience there. You might not believe that you can ‘manifest’ anything you want, or maybe you’ve tried and it hasn’t worked for you, but for the other half of the population, manifesting is an essential way of life. And yes, it does work.

Author Nicci Roscoe has written Manifest Your Everything as a step-by-step guide to using the manifesting principles to be able to guide you to your dreams. Starting with a chapter on Letting Go, it assumes you know what manifesting is and that you are immersed into the theory already. The Letting Go chapter is akin to the advanced level of a qualification, after you’ve learned all the boring stuff about how it works. The chapter gives you exercise as case studies, meditations and pages of explanation, all within beautiful illustrations.

The book, which has 5 chapters in all, then goes onto chapter 2 about giving yourself love.  This is mainly the investment work into being grateful for who you are and where you are already before chapter 3, which is Let’s Start Manifesting. Chapter 4 is Your Messages to the Universe, which is still part of the manifesting climb before chapter 5 is Remembering What You Can Do Now. I always think that self-help books are only good to a point, because they are missing the final chapter on how you live with your new found talent or knowledge, and where to go next. Roscoe has created the final chapter, in quite some detail, to give you some confidence in using the skills, and to finding out if the manifesting has actually worked.

This is a great book for anyone who understands what manifesting is, or has only just heard about it but doesn’t know where to start. It’s great for youngers too, who might be starting out in life, or going to university and need a bit of light reading that will open their minds. Fabulous stocking filler too!

Available online for £10.51 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manifest-Your-Everything-yourself-create/dp/1800651929/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GRW96CXNFRMQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FT2Q-xPhDF3EyK-Wcbq7WQuKgfZ11B1e1C3KgXZd8c0yMmbsCxpG-1tOSk60bzuga3KGGFMhdZuc2gANk8axyNh_4n_bNVpvjUf_0SJbCO8jcmW9dOjui3PrmCapMSRTjuGSHl4cbml8l5BRSUnEDxSWjtil9BM_yLRvRtr55z1_xV71TevTEMli9TljeS9uEFzFNvr2LcpYj8hCkiuGmeUMy3kP8PNctE-zpuNdqyM.T4rPVpgT0GgM9Ezi67epeprOVRAPrFpOwYMeifzEcLo&dib_tag=se&keywords=manifest+your+everything&qid=1757760429&sprefix=manifest+your+everything%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1

iWalk Sparkly Portable Charger

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 far as Christmas gifts go, anything that is useful is good with me.  The iWalk Sparkly Portable Charger is a USB-C charger with the added appeal of being sparkly, and in the case of the model sent to me to review, it’s purple too!

Suitable for newer iPhones as well as lots of other models and gadgets, the iWalk is easy to charge and easy to use. Inside the box, the charger has a cable which hooks up to your PC via a USB-C so that you can charge it whilst you’re working. It holds 500mAh of charge, which is about 2.5 battery life charges for my iPhone 16 if you start with the iWalk fully charged. It’s also able to be used with the iPhone 15 and SAMSUNG S24/23+, Google Pixel 3, AirPods, iPads and some other phone and tablet models too.

With its sparkly purple colouring, it looks like a piece of make-up rather than a boring techie object and can fit in even the smallest of handbags. I particularly like having it because you can put it in your bag and forget about it, plus you can plug it into your phone and still be using your phone (or tablet!) at the same time. Not many charging banks are easy to use like that, but the iWalk is designed to be used on the go. It even comes with its own pouch for keeping in your luggage or handbag!

This is a great gift for a teenager or a stocking filler for your loved one. It’s a bit more expensive than some chargers, but it makes up for it by being quicker on charging (42% in 30 minutes for an iPhone 16) and the super handy size that can fit anywhere!

Available for £29.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/iWALK-Upgraded-Portable-Connector-Compatible/dp/B0F38C9888?th=1

Edifier ES850NB Headphones

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

Headphones have become an everyday essential for me – whether I’m commuting, working from home or just listening to music you’ll usually see me wearing a pair. Over the years I’ve come to expect great sound quality from Edifier and their ES850NB headphones have certainly lived up to my expectations.  

Listening to music is a pleasure, with Hi-Res Audio certification and 40mm titanium-coated drivers, these headphones deliver crisp, studio-grade sound and are backed by LDAC, AAC, and SBC codec support for lossless wireless performance. The sound quality, even at the highest level, is fantastic with no distortion.

The upgraded noise cancelling (up to -45dB) is brilliant too. It takes the edge off busy trains, noisy cafés, or even just background chatter at home, which makes such a big difference when I’m trying to concentrate. I’ve also noticed that calls sound sharper, the built-in AI-powered microphones filter out background noise so my voice comes across clearly, even when the world around me isn’t so quiet.

They can connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time, so I can switch seamlessly between my laptop and phone without fiddling with settings — really handy if I’m listening to music and a call comes through.

The headphones are really well built and comfortable to wear, the ear cups are softly padded with memory foam and the multi angle rotation and adjustable headband make it easy to get the perfect fit. I’ve worn them for hours at a time and they never feel heavy or uncomfortable, which makes them ideal for long workdays or travelling.

The battery life is excellent, an impressive 92 hours of continuous playback in normal mode and even with noise cancelling on you’ll still get 53 hours of playtime. A quick 15 minutes charge will give an additional 11.5 hours of playtime, perfect when I’m about to leave the house and realise the battery is low!

With fantastic sound quality, excellent battery life and a comfortable fit the Edifier ES850NB headphones are an impressive all rounder and will make a great Christmas gift this year.

Available in Black, Brown, Ivory and Pink from Amazon

RRP  £149.99

Read some of our other Edifier reviews

Edifier ES20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Edifier Comfo C Wireless Earbuds

Edifier W800BT Pro Cancelling Headphones

Casdon Dyson Cordless Vacuum & Dyson Styling Set

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.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved the idea of making a ‘grown up’ object miniature and still be able to use it.  The Dyson hairstyling set and Dyson Cordless Vacuum do just that – shrink down the real-life size to something manageable to a toddler.  Both sets actually work too, with the hairdryer from the styling set blowing air and the cordless vacuum really does have working suction!

The Dyson Styling Set contains a hairdryer, diffuser attachment, straightening nozzle, brush and comb. It’s based on the (very expensive) version of the Dyson supersonic that’s a favourite of Millennials. Each of the attachments actually work, so the brush can be used to brush a child’s hair, the diffuser and nozzle attach to the hair dryer and both can be used to ‘dry’ hair, although the air current is very weak. They are absolute miniatures of the real thing, just half the size for little hands to be able to use them! There’s even sound effects and panel lights to make it more realistic.

The Dyson Cordless Vacuum is again a miniature replica of the real thing. It comes with the main vacuum body, long nozzle attachment, and an interchangeable carpet vacuum head.  Just like the real-life thing! The whole vacuum measures 68cms in height, but it’s very lightweight for a toddler to be able to pick it up and use it. The body of the vacuum, where the dust would usually be collected, is filled with tiny coloured particles which children can take out and vacuum up again. 

With both kits, there is a great deal of learning for small children, which not only includes role play and imagination play, but the dexterity of using the brush and diffuser tools, adding and removing the vacuum heads and pressing all the buttons. There’s the science behind the air currents too, and cause and effect. They’re brilliant for keeping children amused, and we won’t mention how it encourages them to help out around the house too!

Dyson Styling set available from £40.00 at: https://www.casdon.com/product/dyson-supersonic-corrale-styling-set/

Dyson Codless Vacuum available from £25.00 at: https://www.casdon.com/product/dyson-cordless-vacuum/

Curlsmith Hair Products

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


Like many people with curly hair, I’ve spent years straightening and blow drying it and it’s only in the last couple of years that I’ve ditched the straighteners and started to embrace my curls. They are currently quite dry and unruly and it’s taken a lot of trial and error (and more money than I care to admit) to find a routine that really works. I’m always on the look out for new products to try and Curlsmith has been on my radar for a while, so I was delighted when a parcel of their products arrived for me to try.

The Full Body Weightless Cleanser (RRP £22) lathers beautifully and smells gorgeous – a lovely light, flowery fragrance that makes me want to keep smelling my hair all day long! The Full Body Milk Conditioner (RRP £22), with its handy pump dispenser, is easy to work through my hair and I found I didn’t need much to hydrate my curls. I leave it on for the suggested couple of minutes before scrunching and rinsing. My curls love the hydration and it leave sthem soft, bouncy, and far less frizzy. Even after a couple of days, they still look smooth and defined, which never normally happens with my hair!

Ordinarily, unless I spend ages carefully drying my hair, I end up with a halo of frizz. But since I started using these products I’ve found my curls spring back to life with no frizz in sight and once dry are defined, bouncy and look amazing.

The Frizz Rescue Finishing Serum (RRP £25) is enriched with sweet almond oil and argan oil has really helped banish the frizz. I’ve been using a blob about the size of a 5p which I warm in my hands before smoothing over my curls, concentrating on the top where the frizz is usually the worst. It instantly tames flyaways and is also great for defining individual curls. It does take a bit of trial and error to judge the right amount so start with a small amount and build up, otherwise you may end up with greasy looking curls.

Refreshing curls has always been the hardest part of my curly journey so I was curious to see how the Shake & Shine would perform. The lightweight mist sprays easily, locking moisture into the hair – in fact in Curlsmith tests it provided up to a 41% increase in moisture. It’s been a real game changer for my curls – a few sprays, a quick scrunch, and suddenly my curls bounce back, looking defined and revived with almost no effort.

Curlsmith products are vegan, cruelty-free, and packed with natural ingredients. I’m really impressed with these four products and the results speak for themselves. My curls are shinier, smoother, and, on most days, even cooperative. Every so often they do their own thing, but that’s curls for you!  

The Moon Tarot Cross Stitch Kit

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 are looking for a cracking gift for the creative person in your life or a relaxing new hobby for yourself, a cross stitch kit from Innocent Bones is a great place to start.  Modern, stylish designs combine craft with art for both beginners and more experienced sewers, offering a mindful and rewarding experience that creates an artwork you can display in your home.  There are several collections available including Folklore, Mystical and Gothic, and each collection includes a rich choice of design options enabling you to tailor the choice of kit to the personality of the recipient or even to build up a whole collection over time.

I have been enjoying creating The Moon from the Tarot collection in my free time over the past few weeks.  It’s a really simple and effective design with a modern feel to it, and I absolutely love the colour choices.  The thing about cross stitch that particularly appeals to me is that you don’t need to come to it with any particular skills or even a lot of free time.  It’s something you can just pick up and put down but it’s also a very rewarding process.  I always find that taking some time out of my busy day to sew a few lines centres me and brings a wonderful sense of calm.

Each kit contains a guide to basic cross stitching, a printed design chart to follow, cross stitch and backing fabric cut to size, and a generous amount of high-quality embroidery floss that is more than enough to complete the design.  The kit also includes all the necessary equipment for the complete beginner, including a 5 inch wooden embroidery hoop, a pair of embroidery scissors, a packet of needle threaders and the perfect size needle.  It all comes packaged in an attractive eco-friendly box that is tailor-made for gifting to someone you love.

I would give Innocent Bones’ cross stitch kits a solid five stars and would recommend them to anyone.  These high quality kits are an inspired gift idea – creative but not complicated, great value for money and you get to create something beautiful!

Available for £18.00 at: https://innocentbones.com/products/tarot-moon-cross-stitch