Category: Christmas

Frankzart Horse Artwork Mug

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, secret santa, Stocking Fillers

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

Talented artist Frank Porthouse is more than just an artist. A 55 year career in architecture has spawned a love of drawing which includes not just architectural design and drawing on a commercial basis, but watercolours and ink sketches on topics ranging from buildings to portraits and even movement in sport. This array of subjects has led to Franzart’s website.  Gifts galore are based on Frank’s artwork including greetings cards and postcards, tote bags and ceramic mugs.  The horse-themed ‘Freedom’ mug is one of a range of 20 different varying designs of mugs on Frank’s website which includes other animals such as dogs of different breeds, more horses, a cow and a particularly cute rabbit!

The ceramic Freedom Mug is sturdy for coffee or hot beverages, with the Freedom horse design on both sides so you can’t miss it. The blue ink line drawing of the face of a horse on a particularly windy day is striking in its detail and sure to be a favourite of any horse lover.  Each mug is dishwasher safe and each design is made especially for you the buyer, so it can take a bit longer for delivery.

Freedom is available as a design of tote bag, also on the Frankzart website, as are a host of other designs with no doubt more to come!

Freedom Mug retails for £10.00 at: https://frankzart.co.uk/product/freedom-mug-2/

The Sweet Bouquet Emporium and Chocolate Bouquet Shop

Birthday Gifts, Children, chocolate, Christmas, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

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

Buying Christmas gifts for teenagers can be a real challenge, but I’ve found something that’s guaranteed to go down a treat, these incredible sweet and chocolate bouquets from The Sweet Bouquet Emporium. They’re the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth and make a fantastic Christmas gift for all those hard to buy for people that we all know and love.

Now whilst I love a bouquet of flowers, a chocolate bouquet is a real game-changer! Perfect for any occasion, but especially magical at Christmas, these beauties tick all the boxes. They’re not just delicious (and who doesn’t love a bit of chocolate?), but they’re also put together so beautifully, you almost don’t want to eat them… almost!

What’s brilliant about these gifts is the range of options you can choose from. Whether you’re a fan of Haribo, Ferrero Rocher, Dairy Milk, Galaxy, or retro sweets like Rainbow Drops and Love Hearts, there’s a bouquet for everyone. Each one is carefully arranged in a colour-coordinated box with matching tissue paper and ribbon, giving it a sophisticated yet fun look. The chocolates and sweets are displayed like a floral arrangement, which adds that all-important wow factor.

The Galaxy Chocolate Bouquet costs £28.95 and is a chocolate lovers dream It includes:

  • 2 large 114g bars of Galaxy Cookie Crumble,
  • 6 smaller 42g bars (3 each of Smooth Milk and Smooth Caramel),
  • 3 Ripple bars, and
  • 3 bags of Galaxy Minstrels.

For those who love a nostalgic treat, the Classic British Sweet Bouquet is packed with retro sweets like Refreshers, Haribo, Double Dips, Giant Fizzers, and Love Hearts. It’s a delightful trip down memory lane and a perfect gift for sweet lovers of any age, priced at £32.95.

Just like with a traditional bouquet of flowers, you can add a personalised message to your chocolate or sweet bouquet, making it an extra special gift. Plus, with delivery available across the UK, it’s so easy to send a thoughtful surprise to friends and family, no matter how far away they are. It’s a fabulous alternative to flowers, who wouldn’t love a bundle of sweet treats arriving at their doorstep?!

Whether you’re shopping for teenagers, friends, or that one person who’s impossible to buy for, a chocolate or sweet bouquet isn’t just a gift—it’s a centre piece, a conversation starter, and a guaranteed way to brighten someone’s day.

So if you want to bring some sparkle to someone’s Christmas, these bouquets are a no-brainer. Trust me, you’ll want to order one for yourself too!

Fatso Chocolate

Birthday Gifts, chocolate, Christmas, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

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

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate indulgence this festive season, look no further than a bar of FATSO Chocolate. Made from the finest single-origin cacao, every bite is a journey into rich dark chocolate heaven. This isn’t the kind of chocolate that you’d scoff down in one go, unless of course you’re made of money or don’t have the slightest respect for good chocolate! It’s rich, smooth and incredibly tasty!

FATSO sources their chocolate exclusively from a Columbian family owned business and co-operative called Luker. The company are 100% ethically driven and they grow delicious, sustainable cocoa that has been awarded the highest chocolate classification, FINO DE AROMA. They also work closely with a network of farmers, alliances and communities to improve social welfare, biodiversity and farming practices. This means that the chocolate doesn’t just taste good – it does good, too.

The 150g bars are packaged in recyclable cardboard boxes, making them the ideal size to slip into a Christmas stocking. Just imagine it, Christmas morning, the stockings are opened, and there it is – a bar of FATSO chocolate waiting to be unwrapped. Fast forward to later in the day, and you’re curled up in front of the fire, blanket wrapped around you, savouring each bite. It’s the ultimate festive indulgence.

And how does it taste? In a word sensational! My favourite is the Sweet Tart bar, inspired by the classic Bakewell Tart (my favourite pudding) it’s a 60% cacao masterpiece loaded with cherries, almonds, and shortbread. The shortbread brings a delicate sweetness that balances the richness of the dark chocolate whilst the cherries bring a lovely tang, and the almonds give it a satisfying crunch.

The quality of FATSO chocolate is exceptional, easily the best I’ve tasted in a quite a while. One bite and you will see that their chocolate is a world apart from your average supermarket chocolate bar. At £6.95 for a 150g bar it is quite indulgent but you are paying for quality chocolate –  just keep it out of the way of the children and enjoy every piece!

Rock Rose Premium Scottish Gin

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

Gin – everybody loves it, young, old, and everyone in between. And why wouldn’t they? It’s versatile, sophisticated, and downright delicious. Whether you’re indulging yourself or trying to please that hard to buy for friend or relative, you simply can’t go wrong with a bottle of gin.

As Christmas draws near, there’s no better time to embrace the magic of a fine Scottish gin and Rock Rose Premium Scottish Gin from Dunnet Bay Distillers is a great choice for both drinking and gifting this festive season. This isn’t some run-of-the-mill, slap-a-fancy-label-on-it gin – far from it. This gin has been lovingly crafted with incredible precision. Founders Martin and Claire put their hearts (and a whopping 55 attempts!) into perfecting the recipe before landing on the final version in 2014. What they’ve bottled is a true taste of Caithness, the rugged, windswept corner of Scotland where the air is wild, the sea roars, and the local botanicals seem destined to be turned into something extraordinary.

And speaking of the bottle, what a stunner. A beautiful stoneware masterpiece that screams, “I’m worth every penny.” It’s the sort of thing you’d happily display on a shelf for all your guests to admire even when empty!

Now let’s get onto the important stuff – the taste. When I taste a gin for the first time, I always go back to basics, no fancy mixers, just a light, unflavoured tonic to let the gin do the talking. And let me tell you, Rock Rose does not disappoint. The juniper hits you first, bold and unapologetic, but it’s quickly followed by this floral-fruity warmth that’s just what you need on these cold winter evenings.  And once I’d finished my classic G&T it was time for cocktails! Whether you’re whipping up a posh martini or something festive with berries, Rock Rose adds that perfect touch of warmth and flavour to keep you glowing all night long.

At 41.5% ABV and around £36 a bottle, it’s a luxury worth every penny. So, if you want to be the queen (or king) of Christmas gifting this year give a bottle Rock Rose Gin. I’d be thrilled to find one under the tree and so will your lucky recipient. Cheers!

Caffe Nero’s Festive Menu 2024

Christmas, coffee, Family Life, Food & Drink, Home, Restaurant, snacks

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

Whether you’re at work and wanting to grab something different for the time of year, or out shopping at the weekend and need a break, Caffe Nero have a new menu for Christmas 2024 that includes sandwiches, cakes and drinks that we can all enjoy.  We were sent off (happily) for a working lunch to find a few of Caffe Nero’s yummy delights!  

All of the items we tested are on Caffe Nero’s Festive Menu. We started with the Pigs Under Blankets Panini and the New Italian Festive Porchetta Focaccia.  Both sandwiches are best when heated up, which the Caffe Nero staff are happy to do as they make your hot drink.  We liked the Pigs Under Blankets for the festive sausages, bacon and added onion relish and when it’s hot, it’s especially nice!  The Italian Porchetta Focaccia has not just the porchetta ham but mozzarella and pesto.  This sandwich is sweeter than the Pigs Under Blankets and you can taste the pesto and mozzarella most with the ham and the sweetness of the focaccia bread being second.

We then tried one of the delicious Caffe Nero Classic Mince Pie. Made with shortbread pastry and filled with raisins, currents, sultanas and mixed peel with spices, this was a very sweet mince pie which can be eaten hot or cold. I chose to have it cold with my hot panini sandwich but you could add cream or ice cream to this easily.  The mince pie is really sweet, and has a lot of filling and really light pastry to it too. We would have tried a few drinks that day but the coffee machine was broken, but seeing as we still had a lot to try, we went back another day!

Next day we tried the Festive Feast Panini with bacon, chicken, cranberry & apricot stuffing and cranberry sauce in a sourdough panini.  This panini was also heated up and tasted of sweet cranberry and chicken with a herb-tasting panini. The New Brie, Bacon & Cranberry Panini was also warmed which allowed the Brie to melt all over again and give the counter-taste to the bacon and cranberry. We also got a cake today, a delicious New Black Forest Chouxnut. If you’re not familiar with a chouxnut, it’s a ring doughnut made with choux pastry which is filled with a Black Forest cream and topped with cherry ganache. The filling is incredibly sweet and the topping makes it very decadent – great for work or a treat and even better if you can share it with someone!

We also tried the New Tiramisu Latte.  This latte has a tiramisu syrup flavouring and dusting of chocolate powder, and even has a sponge finger added on top to give it more of the tiramisu dessert flavour! We liked this for the heartiness of the latte and the added tiramisu coffee and chocolate flavouring which made it feel extra Christmassy.

We loved the variety of the sandwiches, cakes and drinks, and there were so many to choose from that we couldn’t try them all. They’re full of flavour and have lots of Christmas spirit to them. All of the Caffe Nero Festive Menu is available to view online (we made our choices before we even left the office!) and are all in store from now on. Vegan and Vegetarian options also available.

https://www.caffenero.com/uk/menu/festive

Danilo Calendars

Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home & Garden, secret santa, Stocking Fillers

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

In an age dominated by smartphones and digital reminders, you might think that calendars have lost their charm. However, paper calendars still have their place, especially in our house – I still like a paper calendar in the kitchen where it’s easy for the whole family to glance at upcoming birthdays, appointments, holidays, or even reminders for car insurance and MOTs.

With such a wide variety of calendars available it’s easy to choose one to perfectly match the recipients’ interests. Whether they’re passionate about cookery, enchanted by nature or devoted to a football team there’s a Danilo calendar to suit every personality.

The Planet Earth II Official 2025 Calendar showcases stunning photographs of the natural world, capturing the beauty and wonder of the iconic BBC series. Each month offers a breathtaking new image, with ample space to jot down important dates making it the perfect Christmas gift.  

RRP £10.99

Perfect for the home or the office the RHS Flowers desk easel calendar makes a great stocking filler or even a Secret Santa gift. Celebrating Women in Horticulture, it features exquisite illustrations by renowned artists like Lilian Snelling, Lydia Penrose, and Caroline Maria Applebee. The spiral bound month-to-view design is not only functional but creative – the beautiful image for each month is also a postcard that can be removed and kept or posted to a friend.

RRP £7.99

The Star Wars Desk Pad Weekly Planner is a must for any Star Wars fan. This weekly desk pad makes planning the week ahead a breeze with plenty of space for notes, deadlines and reminders. It’s a practical yet fun choice for fans of the galaxy far, far away!

RRP  £6.99

Vibrating Massage Seat Cushion with Heat

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Tech

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

This is the gift you didn’t know you wanted! Carmen’s Vibrating Massage Seat Cushion (with heat) is a classic gift that will charm your loved ones at first, but then you don’t know what you did without it.

The Carmen Vibrating Massage Seat Cushion can be used on any seat, although I found it easier to put on my armchair. It just needs an electrical socket nearby to power it.  There’s an attachment that comes with it to be able to use it in the car. More about that later though!

All you have to do is fix up the power socket to the connector and then find the control which is kept in a Velcro pocket.  Turn on the Power (PWR button at the top; blue in colour) and the cushion is set to Auto.  If you look at the control, you can see that the Intensity light (INT) is lit already and it will probably start on the first function which is Pulsate.  This is where I started to play with all the buttons! There are 5 modes in all; pulsate, tapping, rolling auto and kneading.  To change modes, you just press the Mode button and go through the list until you find the one you like, or need!  The diagram shows the areas of the body which are being worked on, and the buttons to the right allow you to switch on or off each area. You can have all areas working together (upper back, lower back, hips and thighs) or isolate one area on its own.  Finding the combinations and which mode is right for you is part of the fun!

The Carmen Vibrating Massage Seat Cushion has other functions too. The INT button (for intensity) gives four different levels of vibration so that you can adjust it if you are particularly sensitive or have high inflammation. There’s also a HEAT button which as it suggests, adds heat with the vibration. This is great if you need the cushion for certain types of pan management.  At the bottom of the controls, there’s also a timer. You can set the cushion to 15 minutes, 30 minutes or 1 hour and it will switch itself off after each time, allowing you to go to sleep, or to relax and not have to worry about how long you’ve been there!

The attachment for the car is genius if you get backache in the car, have to travel a long way or have a relative who isn’t great with sitting for long amounts of time especially in the cold. The cushion can be amended to a very low level of vibration in just one area and you just turn the heat on, or you can have any of the vibrating functions and include heat as well. Perfect if you have an injury and find it difficult to drive long distances, or if you just need to have your circulation improved as you drive, especially in winter.  It attaches to the cigarette lighter in the car, or if you don’t have a cigarette lighter, you’d have to find an adapter.

I tried it at home and was pleasantly surprised with how powerful it can be, and the versatility of it. It can be used for injuries, inflammation or relaxing and in winter, as an added way to keep warm too!

With a 1 year guarantee and an option for another 2 years.

Available from £29.99 at: 

https://carmen-products.co.uk/massagers/massage-vibration-seat-cushion

Vinca’s Wine Tasting Cracker

alcoholic drinks, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, 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 talk about Christmas crackers, they’re such a big part of the festive season – the bang when you pull them, the silly paper hat, the classic dad joke… but now, there’s a fabulous grown-up twist on the traditional cracker – the Vinca Wine Tasting Cracker!

Inside each cracker, you’ll find not one, not two, but three mini cans of Sicilian wine: a pale rosé, a crisp white, and a smooth red. Talk about elevating your cracker game! These crackers are made from sturdy card with beautifully folded ends to give that iconic cracker shape. They’re finished with two hand-tied black ribbons and they’ll look very impressive on the table on Christmas day.

Christmas is all about eating, drinking, and being merry and these crackers have it all covered. Let’s be honest, a can of wine beats a fortune-telling fish or a mini screwdriver any day. Plus, you’re doing your bit for the planet too, with no plastic tat inside so it’s a win-win all round.

Not only do they look great on your Christmas table, but they also take care of the first round of drinks. Less stress for the host and more fun for everyone—what’s not to love?

The crackers cost £15 and are available from Vinca or John Lewis

Soundcore – Liberty 4 Pro Earbuds

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Tech

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

I recently had the chance to try Soundcore’s new Liberty 4 Pro noise-cancelling earbuds, and I must say, I’m very impressed.  Combining cutting-edge design with a host of innovative features, these are Soundcore’s most advanced and elegantly designed earbuds to date and as soon as I took them out of the box it was clear that these were no ordinary earbuds.  

First impressions matter and the Liberty 4 Pro make quite an entrance with an almost futuristic charging case with a sleek glossy light blue finish. The earbuds themselves are a striking metallic blue steel design, instantly setting them apart from the usual generic white or black plastic that dominate the market.

The case itself is quite innovative. Instead of the usual hinged design, it slides open to reveal the earbuds and a tiny OLED display. This display not only shows the charge level for each earbud but also allows you to access certain functions without needing the app which is a very handy feature.

Connecting the Liberty 4 Pro earbuds was simple, thanks to Google Fast Pair technology. During setup, the earbuds automatically prompt your device to connect and install the Soundcore app, where a host of customisations await.

The sound quality is obviously the most important feature and the Liberty 4 Pro really shine when it comes to sound. Powered by Soundcore’s ACAA 4.0 coaxial driver architecture, each earbud features a 10.5mm woofer and a 4.6mm titanium tweeter for exceptional clarity across all frequencies. In plain terms this means your music will sound like it’s being played live, so whether you’re enjoying booming basslines or a spot of Beethoven the earbuds deliver a rich, clear sound experience.

There are plenty of ways to tune the earbuds to suit your preferences. As well as standard equaliser settings, both custom options and presets; there is a sound preference test which works through a number of tests and tunes the earbuds to match your ears. This feature worked brilliantly, and I found the earbuds performed well across a wide variety of music and other audio.

The noise-cancelling technology is exceptional, equipped with seven sensors to detect ambient noise and an air pressure sensor designed to excel during flights. While I haven’t had the chance to test it on a plane, it’s proven invaluable for tackling noisy environments, like working in the garden. The addition of a wind reduction mode has been particularly helpful during recent blustery weekends outdoors.

Noise cancellation can be activated with a touch, but I prefer using the case controls which allow you to adjust the level of cancellation with a simple swipe, giving you precise control.

No two ears are the same and Soundcore knows it so there are six different eat tip sizes to ensure a perfect fit. There’s even an app based fit test to ensure they fit snugly and I found once they’re in, they stay put, even if I’m out in the garden when it’s windy.

With up to 10 hours of battery life (or 7.5 hours with noise cancellation), plus 30 more hours in the case, they’ll keep up with even the busiest of schedules. And if you’re in a rush, a quick five-minute charge gives you four hours of playtime -perfect for those “oh no, I forgot to charge it” moments.

At £129.99, the Liberty 4 Pro earbuds are a steal for what they offer. Whether it’s the smart case, the high-tech noise cancellation, or the sustainable materials (yes, they’re made from 28% recycled plastics), these earbuds combine high-quality sound, innovative design, and all-day comfort, making them an excellent choice for any music enthusiast. From their stylish appearance to their customisable audio options and impressive battery life, these earbuds tick all the boxes – and they make a great Christmas gift too!

Tolpa Dermo Face Skincare

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Stocking Fillers, Women

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

Rosacal Strengthening Regenerating Cream

Rosacal Strengthening Soothing Cream

Lipidrio Nourishing Regenerating Cream

Boots are now stocking a new skincare range called Topla, aimed at improving the condition of skin with conditions such as acne, rosacea and dehydration.  Hailed from Poland, the new range combines minimalist skin treatments in a new collection termed ‘Skinimalism’ which has been recognised by dermatologists as a new approach to tackle skin conditions by reducing the number of products used.

In order to treat acne, rosacea and dehydration, all of which can affect anyone and are conditions that are very noticeable, Tolpa have created just 10 products. There’s no need for lengthy skin routines, just these 10 are all you need for cleansing, day cream, night cream and eye cream.  We were sent two products from the Rosacal range (for rosacea) and the Lipidrio Nourishing Regenerating Cream.

The Rosacal Strengthening Soothing Cream works best on sensitive skin, and helps strengthen the capillaries over time, where the red capillaries at the surface is the noticeable sign of rosacea.  It also helps to moisturise the skin and calm down any allergies or redness. This is a very light cream, worn in the day and also has a SFP 10.

Rosacal Strengthening Regenerating Cream is a night cream, which also reduces redness of rosacea and strengthens the skin, helping to even out the colour which might be affected by the rosacea capillaries.  This cream is heavier, which is what you’d expect at night and also has a freshness to it that makes it soothing to put on.

The Lipidrio Nourishing Regenerating Cream massively increases the hydration of skin and can moisturise for up to 24 hours. It’s a day cream but it’s incredibly rich, and takes a while to rub in but does leave skin feeling soft and hydrated. It works particularly well when you apply it straight out of the shower and skin is still damp. I like this as a day cream because it’s so nourishing and rich, and it improves the texture of my skin before I put on make-up, which always helps!

I have been using these Skinimalism creams now for a few days so the long term effects won’t be seen and I’m not a sufferer of rosacea although I do have acne.  I’m loving how rich the creams are and how easily they are absorbed and the fact that they are not complicated or over engineered but instead are a pleasure to wear!

Rosacal Strengthening Regenerating Cream available at Boots for £12.99: https://www.boots.com/tolpa-dermo-face-rosacal-strengthening-regenerating-cream-night-40ml-10342619

Rosacal Strengthening Soothing Cream available at Boots for £12.99: https://www.boots.com/tolpa-dermo-face-rosacal-strengthening-soothing-spf-10-cream-day-40ml-10342618

Lipidrio Nourishing Regenerating Cream available at Boots for £12.99: https://www.boots.com/tolpa-dermo-face-lipidrio-nourishing-regenerating-cream-day-40ml-10342620

Carmen 2-In-1 Vanity Case with LED Mirror

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, secret santa, Women

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

The Carmen 2-In-1 Vanity Case is an easy gift for anyone who loves their make-up, skincare or perhaps a traveller who needs a robust make-up bag!  

The Carmen Vanity Case is unique as the lid can be detached and turned into an illuminated mirror. That’s right, the lid becomes a stand up mirror for doing hair or make-up, and at the touch of a button it illuminates to make it easier to apply products anywhere. The rigid case is tough enough to withstand hold luggage and protect your make-up from being ruined, and I’d bet that it prevents make-up melting in extreme heat as well, especially as the case is a cool colour and would not absorb sunlight if left on a window ledge. There’s a classy leather strap for a handle too, making it easy to transport around.

The lid has a stand which is 360 degree swivel so you can position the mirror exactly where you want it. It even sits in the case with an attachment inside and actually works really well to illuminate the room even if you’re not using it. Perfect for camping and having no other light at night!  To recharge, use the included C-USB lead. The light is designed to be a white light, so as not to distort your colour when trying to apply make-up. The light runs for 3 hours before it needs charging again.

I really like this design for anyone who wants to transport any precious make-up or skin products as I find it easier to have everything in one case, but most cases are too soft to put into hold luggage and as we know, there’s a limit on hand luggage.  The mirror and light are the icing on the cake and will make it much easier for travelling especially if you are on long journeys and know that your bag will get thrown all over the place. Although not waterproof, the Carmen Vanity Case is great for when the bathroom gets too humid or things are thrown around on a cruise ship and water goes everywhere!

I think this might be my favourite gift to send to friends for Christmas too. Who wouldn’t find a use for it?

https://carmen-products.co.uk/mirrors/vanity-case-with-illuminating-led-mirror-blue-c81167bcst

Twilight Hair Dryer Straightener Set

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Women

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

There are some products that we all use all year round, and yet we never think of buying them for ourselves. A hairdryer and a set of straighteners are among them! I don’t think I’ve ever bought myself a hairdryer but instead wait for Christmas to either ask for it on my Christmas list (thanks Mum!) or be surprised by it!

The Carmen Twilight Hair Dryer and Straightener Set includes a hair dryer with three heat and two speed settings to give a professional look and making it ideal for all hair types and all types of finish. There’s also a handy mirror in the back of the hair dryer so that you can see what you’re doing.  Anyone who has curly or frizzy hair knows that you have to blow dry your hair first, with a straight nozzle, before you can straighten it.  Which makes it very handy having both the hair dryer and straighteners in a set!  

The Twilight hair straighteners are keratin infused to give a smoother finish and prevent burning, even if your hair is still slightly damp. It heats up to 215 degrees which is comparable to other straighteners on the market.  Both the hair dryer and straighteners are part of a set of other Twilight products including tongs, a cosmetic bag and a high grade hair dryer all in the Twilight blue colour.

The Twilight Hair Dryer works brilliantly and is not as noisy as some of the older model hair dyers I’m used to. It’s light weight too and the mirror is really handy! Other models would have some diffuser and interchangeable nozzles to go with this product but if you’re drying straight hair or hair that’s a bit frizzy and needs straightening, this is the nozzle you’d use anyway.  The straighteners work really well too and it’s nice to have brand new straighteners with keratin coating that glides through your hair.  It left my curly hair nicely straightened and with blunt edges in just a few attempts, leaving my long hair straight all over in a matter of about 15 minutes.

Available for £29.99 at: https://carmen-products.co.uk/gift-sets/twilight-hair-dryer-straightener-set

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

Hoover Robot Vacuum Cleaner HG4

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

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

Sometimes you don’t realise how much you need something until you have it. For me, vacuuming was a daily chore, thanks to my two sons who constantly trail dirt into the house and whilst I knew robot vacuums existed, I just didn’t think that they would be up to the challenge, but I’m very pleased to say I have been proved wrong!

As a fan of smart home technology I already had a few smart appliances around the home, so setting up the Hoover HG4 robot was pretty simple. The instructions were easy to follow and within minutes it was connected to our WiFi and the app was up and running. Before we could start though we needed to make sure that the floors were clear so a bit of a tidy up was necessary to get the loose cables and abandoned shoes out of the way and once done the robot was ready to tackle the floors. On it’s first trip it carefully mapped out the layout of our home, tracking the walls and identifying where the furniture is. The app shows the robot’s progress and I was fascinated to see how the laser was able to “see” the walls and features of our home, even down to individual chair and table legs.

The following day I scheduled the hoover to clean the entire downstairs floor whilst I was at work. I couldn’t resist checking it’s progress on the app but I was astonished when I came home and saw just how noticeably clean the floors were! Every room had been thoroughly vacuumed and the robot had returned to the charging point ready for the next cleaning session.

Once the mapping is complete the app allows you to name individual rooms and to create cleaning schedules. Now the robot cleans the hallway and porch every morning while the rest of the house is tackled througout the week. Although most rooms are carpeted, a few rooms have hard floors and different options can be chosen for these rooms, for example I’ve chosen a lower power vacuum for the tiled kitchen floor.

While we’ve made an effort to keep floors clear, there were some early hiccups, shoelaces in the hall caused a tangle and the robot has been stuck under a table. Fortunately, these issues were easily resolved by using the app’s virtual wall and no-go zone features to restrict access to trouble spots.

The robot’s cleaning performance has genuinely impressed me. Even the edges of the carpet are cleaned thanks to the side brush that sweeps dust toward the centre. It’s easy to maintain with a spare brush, extra filter, and a handy cleaning tool included to keep everything running smoothly. Emptying the dustbin is quick and easy too, there’s a small bin at the back of the robot that lifts out and can easily be carried to the bin.

After seeing how clean my house is I can confidently say I won’t be going back to a manual vacuum cleaner ever again – the Hoover HG4 robot has certainly earned it’s place in our home!

RRP £249

Fold+Rºll Packing Organiser

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, REUSABLE, Stocking Fillers, Sustainable

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

Travellers, holiday makers and even those who enjoy an extreme daytrip, this is one for you! the Fold+Rºll Packing Organiser is designed to pack up an outfit that can be carried on hand luggage safely or even put into hold luggage so that items don’t spill out and get lost. The website even boasts, “Because no one wants to see your pants.” Which is true!

It struck me that the Fold+Rºll is designed for packing to GO on holiday, but it’s actually more practical for when you are coming back. Stopover and need a change of clothes? Fold+Rºll in your hand luggage. Need a pillow on the plane but can’t take any more hand luggage on board? Use Fold+Rºll to create a pill AND keep your change of clothes safe. What about if you need to take pyjamas on a flight for the kids? They’re nice and safe in your handbag in a Fold+Rºll.

The premise of the invention is that the easily foldable contraption keeps your clothes enclosed but with minimum fuss and all you have to do is lay your clothes on the instruction side and fold and roll. The clothes are kept safe and also away from other objects in your bag.  The instructions are all printed on one side of the garment bag, and the whole piece can encapsulate an outfit.  The photos below show how you place a t-shirt (in this case) in the middle of the sheet, fold over the edges then roll into a Swiss-roll shape, folding over the last edge to keep it tight.

This would work brilliantly if you have slightly damp clothes and want to keep them away from your packed clothes, or if you have dirty clothes that you don’t want to get mixed up with the rest of your luggage. It’s primarily for taking an outfit on as hand luggage if you don’t want to check anything into the hold but the more I use this (and plan my next holiday abroad!) the more uses I can find for it. Hiding jewellery? A rolled-up blanket for a baby on board a flight? Keeping soft toys safe on a flight until it’s time to be unwrapped? The possibilities are endless!

The Fold+Rºll is a great gift for travellers but also families on car journeys. It’s something that you’ll find use for for years to come.

Available from £30: https://www.foldnroll.com

Seep Sleigh The Dishes Christmas Cleaning Bundle

Christmas, eco friendly, Family Life, Home, Plastic free, REUSABLE, Sustainable

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

You may have seen us rave about Seep before, but if not, you’re about to have your head turned by not just cleaning products, but eco cleaning products!

Seep pride themselves on making cleaning items that are plastic free, sustainable, natural and effective.  Their Christmas bundle includes Eco Sponge Cloths (zero plastic), Eco Sponge Scourer and Eco Rubber Gloves. Most of the items are sold separately albeit in packs of 3 or more but there are also lots of Cleaning Bundles available on their website.

The Eco Sponge Scourer is brilliantly ecological and made of loofah. That’s right, the same plant that grows to create the back scrubber you have in the bath is also great for your pots and pans! It’s got no plastic as it’s entirely a plant and it’s gentle too so this can be used on coated cookware.  It also works great for plates with residue or with washing up. It may not last as long as the Eco Copper Scourer but it does last longer than you think. I use these in conjunction to get the best of both products and to not damage my cookware.

The Eco Rubber Gloves are made of real rubber, which is 100% biodegradable. Available in 3 sizes (small, medium and large) they actually extend over your wrist to make them extra durable. The fingers have textured grip and they’re flock lined for comfort but I feel like the lining also helps with durability and makes them more stable. They fit very well, but I suspect that’s because I have small women’s hands – men may struggle even with the bigger size!

Lastly there’s the Christmas Eco Sponge Cloths which are in the Sleigh The Dishes design.  These sponge clothes are plastic free and can be placed in the washing machine or dishwasher (yes, really!) up to 300 times which makes them very long lasting! If you think that you put them through the wash once a week, that means they could last over 5 years. I would recommend treating yourself to some new Seep Eco Sponge Cloths more regularly than that though! These can air dry very quickly so as long as you rinse them out overnight you can use them the next day. They’re great for wiping down surfaces, clearing away drip marks on plates or a quick rinse of cups and plates.

There’s more to see on the theseepcompany.co.uk website and new products are coming in regularly. The Christmas bundles are great for ringing in Christmas, or just as a bundle for a new house, a student or to help out over Christmas.

Mariage Frères Noel Royal Tea

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Stocking Fillers

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

If you’re looking for a gift for the tea lover this Christmas, the Mariage Frères Noel Royal Tea is a safe bet.  This loose tea comes in its own gorgeous, air tight tin which can be used again but the Christmassy red packaging is perfect for the Christmas Lunch table, in a stocking or even just on its own.

Mariage Frères Noel Royal Tea is a black tea with fruit pieces added to give a more fragrant, fruity flavour.  Consumed without milk but left to brew for 5 minutes (I use a loose tea strainer) it takes approximately 2.5 grams of tea to make a cup. As the tin contains 80 grams in all, that’s 32 cups of tea that can be made from just one tin! One for every day of advent or suitable for the whole family throughout the Christmas period.

The aroma of the tea when you open the packet is overwhelmingly fruity, with its sweet tones and fresh black tea fragrance underneath. It takes all of the 5 minutes to brew the tea as it’s slightly weak with only a minute or two, and I found that even after 5 minutes it didn’t become too strong so I could recommend making a pot of tea with Noel Royal.  

At £28 a tin it’s for the tea connoisseurs and lovers of fragrant teas but makes a great gift for Gran or as part of a hamper at Christmas time.  Noel Royal is part of the Royal Fairy range by Mariage Frères this Christmas which can be found on their website: https://www.mariagefreres.com/en/tea/tea-collections/royal-fairy-teas.html

Available from £28 at:

https://www.mariagefreres.com/en/noel-royal-te9226-other-tea-jars.html

Annabelle Minerals

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

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

The festive season is the perfect excuse to indulge in some new beauty goodies, with endless fantastic products and irresistible offers to choose from. We’ve been trying out some fabulous makeup and skincare products from Annabelle Minerals and these vegan-friendly products, made with natural ingredients have been a big hit with the Review Studio team.

Let’s start with the Sheer Shine Lipstick – available in five stunning shades, Apricot, Brown Fig, Coconut, Dragon Fruit, and Strawberry, these lipsticks are creamy, moisturizing, and packed with natural oils, butters, and vitamin E. They’re like a lipstick and lip balm rolled into one giving you a gorgeous pop of colour and soft, hydrated lips. Plus, they come in a super chic golden magnetic case, so they look as posh as they feel. Oh, and if you’re into sustainable beauty, you’ll love the refill option – what’s not to like? RRP £12.90, with refills at £9.90.

If you prefer a lip pencil then check out the Jumbo Lip Pencils, available in five fab shades – Cranberry, Clover, Marigold, Dahlia, and Maroon, they glide on like a dream. Whether you’re going for a subtle daytime vibe or full-on glam, these pencils can do it all. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a multitasking product?

Now, if you fancy adding a bit of glow (and who doesn’t this time of year?), the Pressed Powder Bronzer is a must-have. Available in five coffee-inspired shades – Café Au Lait, Cold Brew, Ginger Coffee, Latte, and Mocha, it blends beautifully for a natural, satin-matte finish.

Whether you want a soft sun-kissed look or a sharper contour, the bronzer is buildable and will last all day. Plus, with a refill option it’s as sustainable as it is gorgeous.

RRP £19.90, refills at £15.90

Skincare fans, this one’s for you! The Soft Cream Moisturiser is a game changer, especially if you’re a fan of mineral make up. This ultra light cream is the perfect base for your foundation, keeping your skin hydrated and fresh.

Made with 95% natural and 100% vegan ingredients, it’s packed with skin-loving goodies like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. It absorbs instantly, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and perfectly prepped for makeup.

From their sustainable ethos to their high-quality, skin-friendly formulas, Annabelle Minerals is giving us serious Christmas gifting inspiration. Lipsticks, bronzers, skincare—you name it, they’ve got something for everyone.

So, whether you’re pampering yourself or spoiling someone special, these beauties are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face this Christmas.

Unwritten Nala The Frenchie Puppy Candle

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, eco friendly, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Pets

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

French Bulldog owners will love the Unwritten Puppy Candle with Nala the Frenchie being the star of the show! This is a beautiful candle in the shape of a Frenchie (called Nala, naturally) that makes the perfect gift this Christmas.

With intricate design, this candle stands around 16 centimetres (about 5 inches) high and portrays a sitting Frenchie puppy in a white/cream natural wax. The design is exclusive to Unwritten so you won’t find it anywhere else around the world and the wax is blended with a delicious vanilla-like scent that fills your home even if the candle isn’t lit, known as cold scent throw. There are lots of scents to choose from including Lavender & Chamomile, Rose, Jasmine and we were sent Sandalwood & Vanilla. You really get a hit of the scent when you open the box and even though the candle is wrapped up, I can see why they call it cold scent throw! Unwrapping it, the tiny details around Nala’s eyes and nose are visible, just as if it was a fine art painting.

The candle is quite heavy, and it’s not recommended to put it straight onto a polished surface so I used a candle plate in the fireplace. It’s easy to light and burn down, and with lighting, more scent is thrown out to fill the room. You don’t need other scented candles lit at the same time as the fragrance would probably be overpowering but the vanilla essence filled my room like a diffuser. The scent lingers a little too, and the candle itself still throws out scent even when it’s been lit and then extinguished.

Unwritten use a unique blend of their own wax that doesn’t include any genetically modified ingredients, palm oil or paraffin so you won’t get any unnecessary smells and it’s better for the environment too. 

The Unwritten website has lots more on offer including tens of other candle puppies, making it an amazing online shop for any dog lovers. You’ll also be surprised by the array of other candles on offer too which would be fabulous on the table at Christmas, or to gift to friends, especially dog lovers! 

£48.99: https://www.un-written.co.uk/products/nala-the-frenchie

Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto and Savoia Vino

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

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

If you’re looking to bring a touch of Italian elegance to your Christmas celebrations this year, then the charming tradition of Italian aperitivo is just the thing. This pre-dinner ritual not only awakens the palate and sets the stage for a delicious meal but also encourages guests to relax and socialise. At Christmas, aperitivo comes into its own, picture your friends and family gathered before dinner, sipping on sparkling cocktails whilst chatting and snacking. It’s easy, elegant and brimming with the festive buzz we all love.

But Aperitivo is more than just a drink, it’s a great gift too as it generally comes in bottles so stunning you’ll barely need to wrap them. A simple gift tag and a contrasting bow are all it takes to create a show stopping present. They’re the perfect choice for anyone who loves a bit of sophistication and let’s be honest, the brightly coloured bottles look great in a drinks cabinet or on a kitchen shelf. Pair one with some cocktail glasses, a cocktail shaker or some gourmet nibbles and you’ve got a great Christmas gift.

ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto has been created by Giuseppe Gallo and is inspired by the amazing flavours of his Amalfi Coast childhood. This aromatic liqueur delivers a perfectly balanced taste of Italy, with refreshingly bright citrus flavours from bergamot, a fruit best described as a cross between a sour orange and a lemon.

Grown, harvested, and distilled in Turin, ITALICUS features notes of ripe bergamot orange, light bitterness, and subtle floral spices. The bottle itself is a work of art with the design inspired by Italy’s architectural heritage and resembling the columns of ancient Rome. The marbled black and white stopper taking inspiration from Northern Italy’s gothic cathedrals. The aquamarine hue? It’s a clever trick of yellow liquid in blue glass, evoking the sparkling tones of the Amalfi Coast.

Drink it with Prosecco or Champagne for a ITALICUS Spritz and garnish with green olives for a touch of saltiness. Or shake things up with the ITALICUS Cup, blending tonic and grapefruit soda for a zesty twist on a classic Margarita.

RRP £31.75 available from The Whisky Exchange

Savoia is a certified vegan vino aperitivo that boasts a complex blend of 24 botanicals, including bitter orange, gentian root, pink grapefruit, and warming winter spices like cardamom and ginger. It is available in two flavours, Rosso and Orancio.  

Savoia Rosso, includes a touch of Marsala wine while Savoia Orancio channels the exotic flavours of saffron and pomegranate, drawing from Marco Polo’s Silk Road adventures. Both are ideal for classic cocktails like a Negroni, Spritz, or Garibaldi, or why not try inventing a few of your own? You can find a selection of recipes on their website, casa-savoia.com.

Like the Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto the design of the Savoia bottles pays homage to Italy’s royal heritage, with nods to Turin, the first capital of unified Italy. The wooden stopper evokes the Mole Antonelliana building, and the horizontal infinity symbol represents the countless ways Savoia can be enjoyed. With an ABV of 18.6%, the Rosso’s design even marks 1861, the year of Italian unification.

RRP £20 Available from Italspirits

These bottles make great Christmas gifts, whether it’s for the cocktail enthusiast ready to shake things up on Christmas Day or for Granny looking to try something a bit different. Either way, they are sure to be a festive hit!

Christmas Beauty Round Up

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

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

The winter months can be harsh on your skin so it’s worth investing in some good skincare products to ensure you’re glowing and party-ready for the festive season. Begin with a high-quality cleanser to remove impurities and prep your skin for the rest of your skincare routine. The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is an excellent choice thanks to it’s gentle, yet effective formula that improves skin texture, clarifies and removes impurities whilst maintaining a balanced pH. Applied to wet skin and massaged in before rinsing it’s tea tree oil infused formula provides a refreshing, medicinal scent that helps wake you up in the morning! It lathers nicely and cleanses e without leaving skin feeling dry.

RRP £15.99 150ml

Next, apply a rich, hydrating moisturizer to combat the drying effects of colder weather, keeping your skin plump and radiant. The Embroyolisse Lait Crème Concentrate moisturiser is a lovely rich moisturiser which is suitable for all skin types. This multipurpose product doubles as a body moisturiser, face mask, primer makeup remover and even a post shave soother. Enriched with essential fatty acids and vitamins it nourishes, hydrates and protects your skin. It’s creamy non-runny consistency is easy to apply and is an excellent base for make up while keeping skin hydrated all day.

RRP £24.99 100ml

For your night time routine add a retinol cream to boost cell renewal and smooth fine lines for a youthful, refreshed complexion. COSRX The Retinol 0.3 is designed to target visible signs of ageing so will help those wrinkles and fine lines, loss elasticity, uneven skin tone and visible pores, making it a must have addition to your winter skincare line up.

RRP £32 20ml

Having looked after your skin throughout November, you’ll be ready to dazzle at every festive party. To take your look to the next level, a pair of false eyelashes are just what you need to add an extra touch of glamour. The Ardell Wispies Lashes (RRP £5) are a fantastic choice, they’re lightweight, easy to apply, and beautifully enhance your eyes with their fluttery, natural design. If you prefer a glue-free option, the Ardell Naked Press-On Lashes (RRP £14.50) are ideal. They’re quick and hassle-free, providing the same eye-enhancing effect with minimal effort. Whether you go for a dramatic or subtle look, these lashes will perfectly complement your radiant, party-ready skin.

Swan 1.5 Litre Digital Kettle

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

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

Imagine waking up on a chilly morning and without leaving the comfort of your cosy bed, being able to turn your kettle for the all important first brew of the day. That’s now a reality with the Swan Digital Kettle which boasts the title of the world’s first Alexa-compatible kettle. As someone who appreciates home automation, I was intrigued yet sceptical – did I really need to turn my kettle on with a voice command?

Design-wise, the kettle has a sleek, modern look, finished in glossy black with a LED touch panel. At first glance, it resembles a standard cordless kettle, but the illuminated display reveals advanced features like a temperature indicator and a “set” button, allowing you to choose the temperature of the water. With five temperature options ranging from 40°C to 100°C it’s perfect for everything from green tea to coffee. It even keeps the water warm for a couple of hours too which is ideal when you need a top up.

Now, let’s talk Alexa integration. Connecting it to WiFi via the app was very straightforward and within minutes it was under Alexa’s control. I’ve also linked it to custom Alexa routines which turn the kettle on when I say, “Alexa, I’m home,” or when I turn my alarm off in the morning. While you can’t check if there’s water in the kettle remotely, it does have a boil-dry protection feature, which turns the kettle off if there isn’t enough water in it, which is lucky as getting the family into the habit of refilling it is proving to be a challenge!

Overall, the Swan Digital Kettle is a stylish, functional addition to any kitchen, blending tech-savvy innovation with everyday practicality. A smart kettle might not be essential, but it’s undeniably a luxury that’s nice to have.

RRP £79.99 but currently on offer at £59.99

Bananagrams

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Toys

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

My family has a competitive streak and absolutely love playing board games. Bananagrams is a firm favourite, as this fast-paced word game is not only highly addictive but it’s a game that can easily be played in teams, making it ideal at Christmas as players of all ages can join in. The game’s competitive edge keeps everyone on their toes and as well as being fun it sneaks in a bit of learning, helping the children improve their spelling without even realising!

The concept is simple yet brilliant. Players race to build crossword grids out of letter tiles, much like Scrabble without the complexity of a board or the hassle of keeping score. This freedom to create words makes it much easier for players of all ages to join in. Once you’ve played all your tiles you shout “PEEL” and everyone grabs a new tile from the pile. If you feel stuck then all you need to do is shout “DUMP” to swap one tricky letter for three new ones. When there are fewer tiles than players the first player to use all their tiles shouts “BANANAS” to claim victory. The words must then be checked by the other players – any misspelled words, abbreviations or proper nouns means the rest of the players gleefully shout “ROTTEN BANANA” forcing them to return all the tiles to the bunch and the game continues.

The game is aptly packaged in a bright yellow, zipped fabric banana which can easily be popped into a bag, making it the perfect traveling companion whether you’re off to Granny’s for the holidays or packing for a winter getaway.

Bananagrams is a fantastic gift for children promising hours of fun, whether gathered by the fireside or around the kitchen table this Christmas.

RRP £15.99

Age group 7+

Christmas at The Ivy Market Grill

Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant, Winter

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

There’s nowhere better than The Ivy this Christmas to meet up with friends, celebrate with family or finish off a joyous evening at the theatre. With The Ivy’s new festive menu, you can take the work out of Christmas and dine on their sumptuous, all-Christmas menu. We visited The Ivy Market Grill at Covent Garden this week to see the Christmas lights turned on and start the celebrations with a gorgeous meal!

All venues of The Ivy throughout the country are decorated from now until New Year with an Alpine theme of snowmen, skiing and winter chalets. Here in Covent Garden, we couldn’t move for the amount of people stopping to admire the snowmen, skis and the festive trees at the front door and have their photo taken. As you enter, the restaurant is dotted with fully lit Christmas trees throughout the floor, providing a backdrop to each of your yuletide photos.

We were also privy to the luxurious private dining rooms which were set up and ready for guests that evening. There are two private dining rooms at The Ivy Market Grill in Covent Garden, one which can sit 18 on a long table or more on 3 round tables, and the other room comfortably seats 10-12. Each room had a Christmas tree and lots of candles to create the Christmas mood, with each table laid with candelabras and floral centre pieces.  A perfect setting for your department outing, or to meet up with family without the hustle and bustle of the bar and other patrons.

Upstairs, the Covent Garden level tables are split between outside dining (with appropriate heating and throws to keep warm!) or indoors with booths, tables or at the bar. The atmosphere on this Tuesday night was much like a Friday with lots of people dropping in for after work dinner and drinks.  We tried out some of the staples on the menu including this Stilton salad and then the smoked salmon and rye bread. For mains we had seabass and duck curry then ice cream with shortbread and I tried the Birthday Dessert Box – a luxurious dessert of a golden orb, vanilla ice cream, honeycomb pieces, chocolate strands and a hot caramel sauce poured over, with a taste of birthday cake and a huge amount of calories! It’s presented in a ‘box’ which reveals the dessert underneath.

This Christmas, The Ivy have a special festive menu which includes some of your favourites like The Ivy 1917 Cured Smoked Salmon like we tried above, plus some takes on the usual dishes.  There’s the Goose, Turkey and Duck Shepherd’s Pie which is a step-up from the Shepherd’s Pie you find on the menu all year round, and of course being Christmas, there’s the obligatory Turkey Ballotine with all of the Christmas trimmings.  There’s also some new cheeky extras – like the Pigs In Blankets side dish! Two courses (served until 6:30pm) are available for £55 or 3 courses (available 11:30am until close) is £60.

It’s not just the A La Carte menu that’s been updated but this year, you will be able to sample the Boxing Day Brunch with The Ivy, complete with a Bloody Mary and brunch served all day. 

The Ivy is open on Christmas Eve all day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day as well where there’s a great 3-course menu for £87.50 per person. For dinner on the 2nd quarter of the 21st century, you can sample all of the delights of The Ivy without any of the leftovers!

Finish off your meal at any of The Ivy’s bars. We were treated to the Nyetimber Classic Cuvee and there are some delicious Christmas-inspired cocktails to try including the Christmas Mojito, Fig Leaf & Pear Negroni and Ginger & Honey Margarita.

 I cannot wait to go back to The Ivy later this month when I meet up with friends for our annual Christmas dinner.  We love the food, and the service is always so special plus the atmosphere at this time of year is exactly as you dream it should be – Alpine Christmas all the way.

A La Carte Festive menu is available now until New Year: https://ivycollection.com/christmas/

Gift Cards are available for The Ivy here: https://gifts.ivycollection.com

Elemental Herbology

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

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

Skincare gifts that combine effectiveness with a touch of indulgence are a great idea for Christmas gifts and Elemental Herbology have a fantastic selection to choose from. Inspired by the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine they blend top quality, natural ingredients with cutting end technology to give your skin exactly what it needs. These are exactly the kind of gifts I’d love to find under the tree on Christmas morning so I can indulge in a spot of pampering after the festive madness is over!!

As you know winter can be incredibly harsh on our skin, the cold air outside combined with the drying effects of central heating often leaves it feeling dry and dull. That’s why it’s so important to give your skin extra TLC in the winter months. Elemental Herbology’s face creams are beautifully rich and luxurious yet absorb quickly, so you don’t get that heavy or greasy feeling on your face. The creams are formulated with even the most sensitive skin in mind, using an ultra-hydrating complex that deeply nourishes dry, dehydrated skin to leave it looking plump and healthy.

The Cell Plumping Moisturiser has a smooth silky texture that absorbs effortlessly into the skin, providing excellent hydration without the greasiness. It feels lightweight and I’m loving the softness and slight mattifying effect that it gives. After a couple of weeks my skin feels softer, smoother and has a radiance about it that I certainly didn’t have before.

RRP £55 (50ml)

Now for the Facial Souffle Ultra Rich Cream, this is an intensely hydrating multi purpose cream that works perfectly as a day or night moisturiser and doubles as an overnight face mask. The rich, creamy texture absorbs beautifully, enveloping my skin in a cocoon of hydration. By morning, my skin feels incredibly nourished, soft and refreshed – as if I’ve had a good eight hours sleep – even when I haven’t!  

RRP £55 (50ml)

The Detox Neroli & Rose Damask hand and body wash is another favourite, made with a blend of natural oils and botanicals it lathers nicely and has an incredible fragrance that lingers softly on the skin, transforming a shower into a truly sensual experience.  I love how it leaves my skin feeling refreshed yet pampered, adding a touch of luxury to my daily routine. Slip this into a stocking, and it’s bound to add a touch of elegance to anyone’s bathroom!

RRP £14

And finally, the Detox Bath and Body Oil. Now, this is the one you’ll want to treat yourself to as well as gifting to others. Add a few drops to a hot bath once the Christmas festivities are over and the stress will simply melt away. It’s rich, nourishing, and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. Plus, it’s got that spa-like aroma, so even if you’re only in the bath for a quick 10 minutes, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported somewhere fabulous. Not only is it a fantastic bath oil it also doubles as a body oil so you can enjoy the beautiful fragrance all day long. The blend is designed to detoxify and rejuvenate both body and mind and the ingredients are carefully selected for their unique benefits.

  • Rosemary: Boosts mental clarity and encourages digestive flow.
  • Grapefruit: Detoxifies the skin and supports healthy digestion.
  • Juniper Berry: Cleansing and purifying, it enhances circulation and refreshes the skin.

It’s the perfect addition to any self-care routine, giving your body a revitalizing boost during the winter months!

RRP £33

So if you’re looking for gifts that bring a bit of that “aaah” feeling, these are a great choice, perfect for mums, sisters, friends or anyone who loves a bit of pampering.