Christmas – Page 6 – The Review Studio

Scented Aromas

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

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

When mother and daughter duo Amanda and Lizzie struggled with psoriasis and other skin concerns, they took matters into their own hands and Scented Aromas was born. The Manchester based brand has gone from strength to strength creating luxurious, handmade bath and home products that are gentle on the skin – without the luxury price tag.

I’ve suffered from eczema for many years so I have to be very careful with what I use on my skin, so when a lovely package of Scented Aromas goodies arrived, I was really excited and after trying them I’m now hooked!!

Flowerbomb Bath Bomb (£3.95)

There’s something wonderfully indulgent about a long soak in the bath, and the Flowerbomb bath bomb makes bath time feel even more special. A pristine white bath bomb with silver detailing and a hint of shimmer, it looked almost too lovely to use – but I’m so glad I did! As soon as it hit the water, it fizzed away, releasing the most gorgeous scent – a warm, comforting blend of jasmine sambac, cashmere, and white amber. The fragrance quickly filled the bathroom, while the water turned soft and silky. It made for such a relaxing bath, and unlike other bath bombs I’ve used, there was no residue or staining left behind – just a lingering sense of calm.

If you love a bit of self-care, the Flowerbomb bath bomb is an absolute treat and the perfect way to bring a little spa-like luxury to your routine.

Exfoliating Soap Sponge (£6.50)

If you haven’t tried an exfoliating soap sponge yet, you’re in for a treat. This clever product combines a body scrub and soap making exfoliating effortless. Whether you’re tackling dry patches, prepping for fake tan, or just want ultra-smooth skin, this does the job effortlessly. The texture is just right, not too rough and not too soft, so you get a satisfying scrub without any irritation, leaving your skin beautifully smooth.

Scented Aromas offers an impressive range of scents, from fresh citrus to floral, and even a fun “Monkey Fart” scent ( a fruity mix of pear, plum, peach, and apple) With its dual-sided design, it cleanses and exfoliates beautifully, and used daily will last up to four weeks.

After just one use, my skin felt noticeably softer and it’s the perfect addition to any shower routine, giving that extra boost of radiance without any extra effort. Trust me – once you’ve tried one, you won’t go back.

Soy Wax Melts (£3.29)

For those who love a beautifully scented home, wax melts are the way to go. These little melts pack a real punch, melting into long-lasting fragrances that fill every corner of your space.

The Cherry Blossom & Nordic Cotton blend is fresh yet soothing, bringing an instant cosy feel to your home. Whether you’re in the mood for a fruity, floral or even something a bit different like Scented Aroma’s Alien Encounter, there’s a scent for every occasion.Plus, with each segment lasting up to 18 hours, they’re great value for money too.

Whipped Soap 200g (£7.99)

This whipped soap is pure luxury in a jar. Light, fluffy, and silky smooth, it lathers easily and leaves skin feeling soft and nourished. It’s also multi-purpose and can be used as a body wash or shaving cream.

A little goes a long way, and it’s gentle enough for all skin types. Whether you prefer fruity, floral, or sweet, there’s something for everyone. We received a sample pot to try but the full sized version is 200g

These Scented Aromas products bring spa-like indulgence into your everyday routine, proving that luxury and affordability can go hand in hand. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, smooth skin, or a beautifully fragranced home, they’ve got you covered.

Galen Leather Lunar Make up Bag

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, 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 stuck on what to buy for Valentine’s Day, then look no further – a leather makeup bag is the answer! It’s a gift that’s stylish, practical, and luxurious and is guaranteed to make the recipient feel extra special.

Galen Leather Co are a Turkish family business based in Istanbul with a real passion for handcrafted leather, wood, and stationery. All their products are handcrafted making every piece unique.

They recently sent me one of their make up bags and believe me this is isn’t your average makeup bag. Made from premium leather, it has a lovely texture and a timeless, classy finish that oozes sophistication. And the magic of leather? It only gets better with age! Over time, it will develop a stunning patina, becoming more gorgeous the more it’s used. Unlike synthetic alternatives that crack and fade, this is a bag built to last, a true keepsake that will be cherished for years to come.

But it’s not just about looks; this makeup bag is as practical as it is pretty. Inside, you’ll find a zipped pocket, two slim fabric pouches, and a larger compartment – ideal for keeping everything neat and organised. The slim pockets are perfect for smaller items like mascara, eyeliner, or lipstick, while the larger section is spacious enough for eyeshadows or blushers. The main compartment is also roomy enough to stand bottles of foundation or perfume upright so no more spills or leaks!

One thing I love about this make up bag is how wide it opens. It’s wide enough to see everything at a glance, so there’s no need to tip all your products out onto the bed or dressing table to find your favourite lipstick. Everything’s right there, ready to grab, making it a dream to use.

And as for gifting? Pair this beautiful bag with a couple of makeup treats – maybe a new lipstick or their favourite skincare item and you’ve got a personalised, thoughtful Valentine’s present. With a range of gorgeous colours to choose from, including classic black and eye catching purple, it’s easy to find the perfect match for their style.

Trust me, this is a gift that will leave them smiling long after Valentine’s Day has passed!

The Delaunay, 55 Aldwych London WC2B

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant

With London’s rich history comes a plethora historical restaurants which are less for tourists and aimed more at those aching for a London gone by. The Delaunay, on the edge of Covent Garden and with The Strand at one end and London’s financial district at the other, has been part of Holborn for decades albeit as The Wolseley on Piccadilly. As part of the Wolseley Group, The Delaunay caters from breakfast to dinner, serving theatre goers as well as locals and fans of European cuisine but with an understated, high end elegance only this part of London can show off.

The Delaunay boasts a classical, wood panelled French-style bar when you walk in. Here you can have a drink pre-dinner or walk through to the hive-like restaurant with its grand ceilings, low lighting and a huge antique clock at one end, it looks like it’s been there for decades yet only opened as The Delaunay in 2011. It’s menu reflects the surroundings; Tranche of Halibut, Fillet of Beef Stroganoff and Grilled Spatchcock Chicken with Jersey Rock Oysters for starters, or Borscht with horseradish cream to reflect the European feel of the restaurant. There’s a specials menu too, which produced this delicious Beef Wellington with a doorstep sized wedge of beef that was medium rare, but not by any means a medium meal. There was no need for side orders with this meal as there was ample on offer. Still, the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant allowed for some time between mains and dessert, allowing an opportunity to soak in the ambience.

The dessert menu gets the full European treatment with gems such as Classic Apple Strudel, Salzburger Soufflé and The Franz-Joseph Kaiserschmarrn (a fluffy, German inspired pancake dessert with plum compote). We went for the Berry & Vanilla Baked Alaska which arrived with the very dramatic blow torch and alcohol pan, served flaming in front of us with the meringue lightly scorched enough just as the flames burnt out. The fresh blackberries, red currants and kirsch bring out the sweetness of the ice cream and meringue in this hearty dish, leaving everyone satisfied after just two courses. You can of course, have a selection of British Cheeses either as well or instead of a dessert, and the extensive wine and cocktail list from The Delaunay Bar adds to the grandeur of the occasion.

Unlike other establishments, the hassle-free expertise of the waiting staff at The Delaunay contribute to the pleasure of dining in contrast to the more formal settings. Diners are afforded the speed of a City restaurant but the laid-back service of a French café or a German bar, making the entire experience the best of European dining.

Pros

Different cuisine with an emphasis on European, especially with the desserts

Very relaxed, easy to take your time over food or just a snack

Spacious seating so you can converse without interruption

Cons

Very dim light, so use the torch on your phone!

Tower Good Food Slow Cooker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RRP £59.99

James Gin by James May

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Winter

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

James May, legendary of Top Gear and The Grand Tour, has launched a new brand of gin. It’s not really surprising that it’s called James Gin is it? We have been sent a cute gift set of James Gin samples (Asian Parsnip, London Drizzle and California Dreamgin’) to try out. Yes, you read that correctly, one of them is made with Asian Parsnip! We also received James’ new book on gin cocktails called James Gin Big Book of Cocktails, which somewhat less surprisingly, is actually a diminutive book but does contain a lot of gin cocktail recipes!

James makes the gin himself in what he describes as an ‘alarmingly cold’ shed in Wiltshire. He doesn’t make it all on his own, but has the help of expert gin maker Hugh Anderson of Downton Distillery. The idea of Asian Parsnip was all down to James though. He wanted to make a parsnip gin that reminded him of Blighty (damp, root vegetable) but presumably it was so damp and root vegetable-like that he needed to spice it up with some Asian spices. The Asian Parsnip gin has a slightly unusual taste with the spices coming through later to offset the root vegetable tone. It’s perfectly drinkable though, and works well with tonic water which is how I consumed it.

James Gin London Drizzle is a lighter taste, and I’m told it’s made from beetroot, orange, bay and ginger to make a slightly more fruity gin. It’s slight drier than I like though, but again works well with tonic water and gives you an idea of the flavour in order to buy a bigger bottle. The James Gin California Dreamgin’ (yes the ‘g’ is in the wrong place to give it the unusual name) is made of mushrooms. James says that it’s made of girolle mushrooms for those who recognise that meat is murder but if you’re just in it for the gin, then this umami gin is for you. The mushroom gin is flavoured with oregano, coriander and lemon peel with some added spices to give a unique flavour. This gin on its own, in small doses, is actually quite refreshing but you obviously can’t drink a lot of it at 40% alcohol so adding a flavoured tonic would be advisable.

My favourite? The California Dreamgin’ because of the unusual taste, and the fact that I can tell people that they’re drinking a gin made of mushroom! All in all, a useful and very enjoyable gift set.

The James Gin Gift Set: £18.99 https://www.jamesgin.com/products/new-gift-set

Edifier W800BT Pro Cancelling Headphones

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Tech

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

In our continued series of reviewing the Edifier range of headphones, the W800BT Pro Cancelling Headphones make use of the most up-to-date Bluetooth 5.4 technology and hi-res audio.

The over ear headphones have 26 hours of active noise cancelling playtime when fully charged or 45 hours if no noise cancelling is used. 15 minutes of charge gives up to 8 hours of playtime, which is enough for a commute, plane journey or even a day at work if that’s what you need for concentration! Full charge takes from an hour upwards, but the headphone arrive with a fair bit of battery charge to them so you can use them as soon as you get them out of the box.

We were sent this ivory pair, but they also come in black and grey. The forth colour is Gift Set which is essentially ivory again. Charged by the USB-C cable which comes as part of the kit, they can be plugged into a laptop or a charging point, again making them suitable for airports and travelling or if you’re on the laptop and at work. The ear pieces are made of soft leather and swivel so that you can store them or transport them easily.

The controls are on the right headpiece. Pressing down on the Bluetooth button makes them easy to connect to any device and my laptop and phone both picked up on the headphones quickly. Then it was just press the button on screen and the Edifier W800BT Pro headphones were in my preferred list for the next time they are switched on. The on/off button is also on the headset and doubles as a pause button, with the volume control up/down each skipping a track when you hold them down.

As well as being easy to connect and easy to use the headphones are excellent quality and I have to remind myself that for a set of ears, they are very good quality. The leather ear pieces also make them feel classy! The sound is just as sharp as sharp can be and the noise cancelling blocks out almost anything in the room. The ambient sound mode is really helpful though as it blocks out all sound except human voices, so you can wear the headphones at work and still hear people talking to you, or around the home and still be tuned into the family.

Available for £49.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-W800BT-Pro-Cancelling-Headphones-Black/dp/B0D41JQTF8

Lifestyle Gift Card

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Easter, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Valentine's Day Gifts

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

When it comes to last-minute gifting, a gift card always saves the day, especially when you’re short on time. Whether your recipient is halfway across the country or just up the road, this is the no-fuss, no-panic option that everyone loves.

The beauty of a gift card lies in its utter simplicity. Once upon a time, a last-minute gift meant frantically rushing from shop to shop grabbing whatever looked remotely presentable. Those days are over, now with just a few clicks, you can hop online and buy a Lifestyle e-gift card add a personal message and send it directly to your recipient’s inbox. No queues, no hassle and best of all – it’s delivered instantly so no need to feel guilty for leaving it so late!

For those that are thinking that a gift card is just a lazy cop-out. Oh no, a Lifestyle Gift card is anything but. It’s a golden ticket to over 300 top brands – think high-street shops, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, and even supermarkets and charity donations. The hardest bit is choosing what to spend it on! Fancy a spa day? Done. Dinner at a fancy restaurant? Easy. A new gadget, some groceries, or a night at the movies? All covered. This isn’t just a gift; it’s an entire world of possibilities.

Now, for those who still want something physical to hand over – don’t panic. Lifestyle Gift Cards can be printed at home or you can receive a gift card by post. Just be sure to order before 1 pm on December 20^th to make sure it arrives in time for Christmas. But if you’ve missed that deadline, don’t worry. The e-gift card rides to the rescue once again, bypassing postal delays and landing in the recipient’s inbox in mere moments.

And let’s not overlook the brilliance of giving people what they actually want. A gift card removes all the guesswork. There’s no chance of buying the wrong size, colour, or model, no duplicates and no awkward returns. Instead your recipient gets the freedom to choose something they really want – whether it’s something indulgent, practical or fun.

So, if you find yourself in a gifting pickle, don’t despair. Reach for a Lifestyle Gift card. It’s quick, versatile, and utterly foolproof. A few clicks, and you’ve turned your last-minute scramble into a thoughtful gesture. Trust me, the recipient won’t just be pleased, they’ll be impressed.

Cinderella at The Grand Theatre Blackpool

Children, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for children, Winter

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

December is here, and panto season is in full swing! Last night, we made our way to The Grand Theatre in Blackpool to see Cinderella, and what a brilliant evening it turned out to be. The theatre was buzzing with festive cheer, and the excitement in the air was electric as we took our seats, eagerly waiting for the curtain to go up.

The Fairy Godmother, played by local lass Hayley Tamaddon, kicked things off by introducing us to the classic tale with a lovely sprinkle of rhyme, magic and sparkle. She kept the story flowing as the narrator but didn’t stop there, she also wowed us with her cracking dance moves and stunning singing voice.

No Blackpool panto would be complete without Steve Royle, who shone as the lovable Buttons. From the moment he bounded onto the stage, he had the audience in stitches, connecting seamlessly with both children and adults. His slapstick antics and razor-sharp wit are absolutely brilliant and a real highlight of the show.

The Ugly Sisters, played by Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph, were nothing short of spectacular, delivering laugh-out-loud comedy, jam packed with double entendres. Their hilarious double act had me in tears of laughter at one point, as they effortlessly stole every scene with their outrageous antics. True to tradition, their costumes were flamboyantly over-the-top, utterly sensational, and a dazzling spectacle in their own right!

There’s so many great scenes in this pantomime and one of the highlights came just before the interval when Cinderella’s rags were magically transformed into a stunning ball gown, and her enchanted pumpkin coach appeared, pulled by two adorable Shetland ponies. The quick change was flawlessly executed, adding to the magic, while the (incredibly well-behaved) ponies were an absolute treat, earning audible gasps of delight from the children nearby. Kitty Harris shone as Cinderella, looking every inch the princess in her dazzling gown.

Choreographed by Katie Hill, the show featured lively dance routines performed by a talented troupe of young dancers from Barbara Jackson’s Theatre Arts Centre. We especially enjoyed the little ones being foxes, wowing the audience with their cartwheeling antics.

This fabulous pantomime is a treat for all ages, packed with laugh-out-loud moments and clever jokes that work on many levels – from cheeky innuendos for the grown-ups to playful humour for the kids. Don’t wait until the clock strikes midnight to book your tickets – grab your tickets to the ball now! Cinderella is a magical Christmas treat for the entire family and it’s not to be missed this panto season.

Cinderella is at Blackpool Grand Theatre until Sunday 5 January 2025 with matinee and evening performances. Tickets are available by calling the box office on 01253 290190 or visit the Blackpool Grand website. Tickets cost from £15

Photos: Martin Bostock Photography

Kettler Tenderflame Café 18 (3 wick) MGO Candle

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

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

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

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

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

RRP £99.99

Connetix Roads

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, Learning, Toys

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

When our mini reviewers were handed a box of toy cars and the new Connetix Roads set, their little faces lit up with excitement and they wasted no time diving in. Within minutes they were off, designing their own unique roads punctuated by plenty of engine noises, dramatic crashes, and imaginative storytelling. Whether it was a thrilling race, a spectacular pile-up, or a high-speed police chase, their imaginations knew no bounds. With just a sprinkle of creativity, this set has kept them (and Dad!) engrossed for hours.

The 48-piece Connetix Roads set is a dream come true for budding civil engineers. It comes with straight tracks, gentle curves, and pieces to create roundabouts and bridges, offering endless possibilities for creative road-building. One day it’s a race track, the next a twisty turny country lane leading to a farm. With so many configurations to explore, they never get bored and provides hours of entertainment. Once they’ve got to grips with the set you can add on the Roads, Ramps & Intersections Pack which has 16 pieces, including ramps of different lengths, intersections, arches and quarter circles to create even bigger and better roads.

What’s so wonderful about toys like this is how they blend fun with learning. While the kids are building roads or zooming their cars around, they’re also flexing their imaginations and working on problem-solving skills without even realising it!

Now let’s talk about quality because at £119 this isn’t a cheap toy. Each tile in the Connetix Roads set is made from food-grade, non-toxic materials so it’s safe for children. The tiles have strong magnets along every edge, so they join together easily and the riveted corners and beveled design make them sturdy and it’s clear these tiles are built to withstand years of imaginative play, making them a worthwhile investment. This is definitely one of those toys that once outgrown will end up in the loft for future generations to enjoy.

As well as being fun to play with Connetix tiles are a brilliant way to support STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). These tiles help develop spatial awareness, hand-eye co-ordination as well as both fine and gross motor skills. As children (and even adults!) experiment with building and designing, they naturally engage in problem-solving and gain a deeper understanding of geometric principles.

This is the perfect toy to bring out on Christmas Day, it’s guaranteed to have everyone, from little ones to Granny, getting involved and having a go! Suitable for ages 3 and up, the Connetix Roads set comes with plenty of pieces to keep the whole family entertained. Whether it’s a solo project for quiet concentration or a group effort to create the ultimate track, this set provides endless opportunities for creativity, learning, and quality bonding time. It’s sure to be a festive hit for all!

RRP £119

Grow Your Own Food Lady Muck Style – Book

Birthday Gifts, Books, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Gifts for Her, Home & Garden, 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.

A book which is dedicated to gardeners and growers alike, with no prejudice regarding why you grow herbs and vegetables (cocktail anyone?) by writer Lady Muck. You’ll pick up gardening tips, morsels of information about Lady Muck’s life, past and present, and have a few laughs at the shenanigans she gets up to, too.

Having previously worked in The City, Lady Muck began writing articles for magazines when she started her own herb garden. Admittedly, she only started growing to be able to garnish her homemade cocktails with her home grown plants, but that grew to growing lots of other herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers. The short chapters detail her journey along the way and tell the story of how a cocktail herbalist got to a top tier gardener, notwithstanding ‘help’ from her husband along the way.

The book is organised into article-length chapters with bold, colourful illustrations along the way. Each chapter tells the story of Lady Muck gardening, and her life with His Lordship, her husband. It’s very funny, and a narrative on modern day marriages especially past a certain age. Think Bridget Jones but older, and with even more cocktails but a few wellies and soggy lettuces along the way. Very entertaining, fans of Lady Muck will love it, and anyone looking for a stocking filler, light reading for commuting or a holiday read will relish it.

Paperback £10.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grow-Your-Food-Lady-Style/dp/1738538311

Prsnt Gift Card

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Tech

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

As Christmas gets closer, time is running out for purchasing that last minute gift. Prsnt have the perfect solution though – a gift card that’s an instant gift.

Unlike store bought gift cards, Prsnt is a personalised gift. It’s not just a monetary amount but you can literally gift a gift through the app to someone and they use the app to purchase that gift. There’s a catalogue on the app which allows you to choose what it is that you want to send and the receiver, once they download the app, can receive the gift whenever they want. We were given access to a Prsnt account which allows you to both send and receive gifts.

First, you need to sign up to the account using your phone number or your Facebook, Apple or Google accounts. Once your account is confirmed, the app brings you to a home screen where you can pick up a gift that’s been sent to you, or you can send a gift to someone in your contacts. They don’t need to already have a Prsnt account to receive it but the do need to download the app once they do.

We were excited to see that the lovely team at Prsnt had already sent us a gift to try out the app! Under the Received menu, there was a gift waiting to be unwrapped. You don’t see what it is at first, you just need to click on ‘Unwrap Prsnt’. The app goes into a lovely display of what the gift is by allowing you to reveal it slowly on your phone by swiping away the ‘wrapping’ to reveal what the gift is. We had a lovely surprise of tea and cake from Costa Coffee waiting for us!

There are over 200 High Street brands to gift from with presents already picked out. Some of our favourites include a book at Waterstones, Jo Malone Candle, aftershave from John Lewis, cinema tickets from Odeon and hampers from Marks & Spencer. There’s conventional gift cards as well in case you don’t see anything you like. You can even add a video message or a written message as you send it, using just their mobile number.

It doesn’t take long to send a gift and it means you can securely send something without having to know their home address or personal details. There’s a range of gifts available with more being added all the time. It’s economically more responsible too with there being no physical aspect to the gift card that can be lost, thrown away easily or forgotten about in a drawer.

Prsnt is a brilliant alternative to gift cards or spending time on sending individual presents and in today’s international market, you can send them to anyone, anywhere in the world!

More details can be found at: www.prsnt.co.uk

Orchard Toys Games

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Games, Gifts for children, Stocking Fillers, Toys

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

Orchard Toys games are everything you want in a child’s gift, fun to play, built to last, and sneakily educational. The bright, colourful pieces are perfectly sized for little hands to grip, and they’re tough enough to handle everything from toddler tantrums to the occasional teething nibble! The thing I love most about Orchard Toys games is that they’re all really good fun to play (even for adults) and the games subtly build key skills without the children realising. Counting, memory skills, problem-solving, they’re all there, along with plenty of laughter and excitement too.

Jigsaws are a fantastic way to help little ones develop hand-eye coordination and the Peter Rabbit themed game, Don’t Wake Mr McGregor, gets started with a fun twist – you build the board using 6 chunky jigsaw pieces. Once the board is ready the excitement begins!

Players choose their favourite Beatrix Potter bunny, Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Flopsy or Cotton Tail and then roll the dice to move along the garden path. The fun starts when someone lands on a watering can, sending their bunny tumbling in and sneezing a loud “Atishoo!” This makes Mr. McGregor either growl or snore as he turns around. If you reach the end of the path when Mr McGregor is asleep you get to spin the spinner and collect fruit and vegetables for your basket. But if he’s awake your bunny gets frightened away and it’s back to the start of the path. Once all the fruit and vegetables have been collected, turn them over to see how many of them are good and discount the bad ones. The winner is the player with the most good fruit and vegetables.

There’s plenty of new skills to learn with this game and I guarantee there will be lots of giggles once the sneezing starts.

RRP £12

Doggy Doggy Woof Woof is as wild and hilarious as it sounds – a brilliant matching and memory game that is bursting with energy. With double sided kennel pieces you get two games for the price of one which is always a bonus. In game one players race to match three doggy heads to bodies and every time they make a match they shout “Waggy Waggy Woof Woof. ”If that wasn’t chaotic enough there’s a special waggy tail card and the player that finds it needs to stand up, wag their imaginary tail and shout Waggy Waggy Woof Woof much to the delight of everyone. It’s silly, it’s loud and it’s guaranteed to have everyone in stitches while quietly improving their memory and observation skills. Once you’re fed up of tail wagging they can calm down with the second game where players need to collect as many matching dogs as possible. With 13 different dogs to collect observation and memory skills are put to the test. Whether it’s riotous laughter or a quieter challenge, this game is all about learning through play, and it’s endlessly entertaining for both kids and the grown-ups roped into the fun.

RRP £9.75

Now, imagine this for tonight’s elf antic: your cheeky little elves have set themselves up for a game of Elf Lotto, cards scattered and boards half-filled, like they’ve been at it all night. Children will love waking up to see their mischievous mates mid-game, and here’s the best part – no mess for you to clean up after!

This festive take on lotto is beautifully illustrated with Christmas themed items, there’s candy canes, Christmas trees and snowmen. The aim of the game is to be the first to fill your board and like all Orchard Toys games the children are learning while they’re playing – memory skills, taking turns, the lot – but they’re so wrapped up in the fun of it, they don’t even notice.

The bright, chunky pieces mean even the littlest hands can join in, and it’s cheerful enough to keep them busy while you enjoy a quiet mince pie. It’s perfect for family time during the holidays, or in this case, an effortless, mess-free elf setup that makes you look like a festive genius.

RRP £6

Bathtub Gin Limited Edition

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him

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

Yes, you can give gin for Christmas this year that’s both pretty and top notch! Bathtub Gin have a limited edition bottle in collaboration with fellow Kent companion, Harlie Brown who has created a beautiful punch bowl to match. We were sent the Bathtub Gin to try, which doesn’t have to be bought with the punch bowl but together they make a fantastic gift for any gin lover!

Bathtub Gin is made the old-fashioned way in a copper pot still with infusions of juniper, orange skin, coriander, cassia, cloves and cardamom. Sampled periodically, the still process is adjusted according to taste. The resulting gin is high quality and delicious, and not like the mass produced gin you find in High Street supermarkets. The Tonbridge, Kent based distillery hand wrap each of the bottles with a brown paper design by Harlie Brown then strung and dipped with wax for sealing. Bathtub Gin has won over 40 awards including gold at the World Gin Awards in 2019, 2020 and 2022.

The neat Bathtub Gin is potent at 40.3% with the aroma of the juniper hitting first. This is a gin for those who love the scent of gin and then savour the flavour. Drunk neat, the juniper flavour wanes to the cloves and cardamom taste. We paired Bathtub Gin with a fruit tonic and a slice of lemon to bring out the flavour. There’s a reason Bathtub Gin has paired up with Harlie Brown to create a punch bowl – it makes wonderful punch! The bowl can be bought as part of the gin and punch bowl set here: Bathtub Gin and Harlie Brown Punch Bowl Set.

It’s a great gift with the theatre of the string and waxed cork to unwind in front of guests or to enjoy as part of a celebration.

Available from £34.95 at: https://www.masterofmalt.com/gin/bathtub-gin/harlie-brown-x-bathtub-gin-limited-edition-gin/#product-details

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